The 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants outlined some of their plans Thursday for defending that hallowed title and gave a preview of the promotions and special events planned for the upcoming season.
Giants President and Chief Operating Officer Larry Baer spoke about the team’s many on-field accomplishments from last season, including the club’s first World Series victory since 1954, and first in San Francisco, while emphasizing the special camaraderie between players and the groundswell of support among fans.
“We had these amazing performances – the pitching staff in the postseason was incredible, Cody Ross was named Most Valuable Player of the NLCS, Buster Posey became the sixth Giant in history to win the Rookie of The Year Award – but it was a team that didn’t have a lot of superstars; it had a lot of great personalities and very charismatic and unique players,” Baer said.
The Giants, who are currently atop the Cactus League standings in Spring Training, appear to be embracing their image as a colorful cast of characters who have a strong bond with their fans.
Tom McDonald, the team’s senior vice president of marketing, today announced this season’s advertising theme, “Together We’re Giant.”
“It’s really an outgrowth of the spirit and energy that came out of last November’s parade through the streets of San Francisco,” McDonald said. “There was a palpable sense of community and unity that came out of that civic celebration, and the ‘Together We’re Giant’ campaign is designed to capture that energy.”
The Giants start the season on March 31 on the road in Los Angeles, and then come back to San Francisco for their home opener on Friday, April 8, against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Fans attending the game are advised to arrive early, as there are a number of special festivities planned in addition to what will likely be the highlight of the afternoon: the raising of the World Series championship flag.
“Coming off of the 50 years or so we’ve waited to have an opening day after a World Series championship, we’re going to keep some things secret,” said Mario Alioto, the Giants’ senior vice president of revenue.
On Saturday, April 9, the Giants will be presented with their World Series championship rings in a ceremony before the nighttime game, and the first 20,000 fans will receive a World Series ring replica keychain.
Alioto also said that for that game only, the team will be wearing special uniforms bearing gold lettering – something that only World Series champions are allowed to do.
Many more promotions and special events are planned throughout the season, with a host of giveaways including bobbleheads, banners, hats, and more.
Individual tickets for 2011 home games have been selling briskly since they went on sale to the public in February, and the Giants announced today that they have had to launch a wait list for fans interested in buying 2011 season tickets.
More than 50 cities and towns have hosted the Giants’ World Series trophy on its tour around the country in the off-season, and it has traveled close to 20,000 miles, with an estimated 100,000 people having viewed it, according to Baer.
He said things are much different now than they were last year around this time.
“We were excited about the 10th anniversary of the ballpark, and we were looking forward to decade number two,” Baer said. “Little did we know at that time that we’d have the magical season we had, the first World Series victory since 1954. We’re thrilled to have most of the team coming back for 2011.”
Sean McCourt, Bay City News
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