Giants’ Championship Parade: One Last Insight Into the Championship Team
October 31, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (middle) and teammates celebrate by throwing cracker jacks in the air during the World Series victory celebration at City Hall. The Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers in a four-game sweep to win the 2012 World Series. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
The championship parade always has a storyline outside of the general excitement of the event itself. This year did not lack a headline. Two words—Sergio Romo. Sporting a shirt that read “I just look like illegal,” Romo was by far the most interactive Giant in the parade, although Hunter Pence could give him a run for his money with his constant chaos.
But Romo stole the show. He began the parade in a car, swiftly dancing to the same four songs that were played repeatedly. Feel free to take a guess what those four songs were. Hint: what was the Giants’ motto in the playoffs?
As the parade traveled down Market Street and near the Civic Center, Romo pounced out of his car and did his best impression of Brian Wilson in 2010. He was the definition of soaking it all in. While the players were apparently told to remain in their respective cars, Romo bounced around the route, high-fiving fans, picking up reporters (it’s true), and just being himself.
Tim Lincecum was a big topic amongst reporters. Unlike two years ago, however, he was much more poised, dropping no F-Bombs. Despite an uncharacteristic season, Lincecum still garnered huge ovations for his work out of the bullpen during the playoffs.
Pablo Sandoval’s World Series’ MVP trophy was practically attached to him, while Bruce Bochy’s luxurious car ran out of gas during the final stretch. Luckily for the Hall of Fame bound manager, three people pushed him to City Hall where he delivered a provoking speech.
Speaking of speeches, Duane Kuiper won the award for best speech. He brought the fans into his act, eliminating cities (Cincinnati, St.Louis, Detroit), and joking with Jeremy Affeldt in the process.
As the players’ speeches began, the closeness of this team became clear once again. Each speech involved how close the team was, and the ending proved that point, as Hunter Pence led one last huddle where seeds were tossed just like in the playoffs before every game after Game 3 of the NLDS.
This 2012 championship team is truly unique. They weren’t the most talented, but they came together. The city of San Francisco knows how to hold a party, as one-million fans plus turned out to celebrate the Giants’ accomplishment.