Image via WikipediaThousands jam streets to celebrate Giants | MLB.com: NewsMore than 100,000 Giants fans, dressed in black and orange, lined the streets of San Francisco on Wednesday for a ticker-tape parade to celebrate the franchise's first World Series title since 1954.
The parade paid homage to the route taken when the Giants were first welcomed to San Francisco in 1958, but this time the parade included the World Series trophy for the first time in the city's history.
Civic leaders, club executives and former greats such as Willie Mays and Willie McCovey traveled along the route in classic convertibles reminiscent of that 1958 parade, which attracted 200,000 fans to welcome the Giants to the Bay Area. Giants manager Bruce Bochy also rode in a classic red convertible with his family with the Commissioner's Trophy in tow.
Ace Tim Lincecum celebrates with Giants fans during Wednesday's ticker-tape parade. (Paul Sakuma/AP)
Giants players, meanwhile, rode in the iconic trolley cars that have become synonymous with the city of San Francisco, and the players took time to thank their loyal fans who supported them throughout the season.
"I know a lot of people have been waiting for this for a long time," said two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who picked up the clinching Game 5 win Monday night. "It's a dream come true. I never thought it would happen."
It was a joyous event for Giants fans, who waited more than 50 years for the organization to win its first title in San Francisco with its victory in this year's Fall Classic over the Rangers in five games.
"It's awesome," said right-hander Matt Cain, who tossed 21 1/3 scoreless innings in the postseason. "You can't even explain it. Thanks so much, San Fran."
The parade began at 11 a.m. PT, starting at the intersection of Montgomery and Washington streets and heading southbound on Montgomery before continuing westbound on Market Street to Civic Center Plaza.
The parade is also scheduled to conclude at City Hall, where San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will give the Giants the key to the city.
"San Francisco could not be prouder of its hometown San Francisco Giants
tonight," Newsom said in a city press release following the victory. "Congratulations to every player on the roster and to the entire San Francisco Giants organization. You have earned this historic world championship through your talent, determination and teamwork, defying the odds and bringing the entire city together throughout this remarkable season."
tonight," Newsom said in a city press release following the victory. "Congratulations to every player on the roster and to the entire San Francisco Giants organization. You have earned this historic world championship through your talent, determination and teamwork, defying the odds and bringing the entire city together throughout this remarkable season."The Giants last held a parade in 2008, when they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the franchise's move from New York to San Francisco. But this year's event brought even more fans and more significance, considering it celebrated the club's sixth World Series title.
"It's unbelievable," second baseman Freddy Sanchez said. "It's great. It's what we wanted to do since Spring Training. I just want to thank all the fans."
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