What a Giant Day!

On May 4, 1965, San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays, 2 days before his 34th birthday, hits his 512th career home run to break Mel Ott’s National League record for home runs.  

The San Francisco Giants centerfielder had been stuck on 511 for eight games, tied with former New York Giants first baseman Mel Ott. Mays is struck out twice by Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Claude Osteen before belting a solo homer over the right-field fence off Osteen in the fifth inning of the Giants' 6-1 victory over the Dodgers. As Mays circles the bases the crowd of 28,220 in Candlestick Park goes wild. "The homer brought bedlam," the San Francisco Chronicle reports, "and the greatest ovation in the long history of baseball on the shores of San Francisco." Mays would finish his career with 660 home runs, good for third on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.

That must have been a sight to see! There is nothing better than celebrating on home ground. It's an experience that you would never forget. The sights, smells and thundering cheers. Watching the Say-Hey Kid round the bases knowing that you have just witnessed history. It must have been A-Mays-ing! (Forgive the word play; I couldn't resist.)

San Francisco has always had a rich history. Some wonderful and some shady. Take the SF Crooks Tour and you'll see what I mean. It has been a city that has embraced life and is proud of its heritage.

Their sports team are a reflection of their heart and passion. The city supports about 4 sports teams. San Francisco Bulls (new hockey team), Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants. The spirit that runs through this city is electric.

This past season San Francisco has been celebrating victory after victory. First the SF Giants win a World Series Ring (twice within 3 year!) and  SF 49ers make it to the Super Bowl. Even though the Niners didn't win it was a comeback season. The long famine was replenished by the rain. With each playoff game the city was adorned with lights of the team colors. Landmarks shined bright in orange & black or gold and red. Along with many San Franciscans I visited the various landmarks to get my pictures for Instagram. Obsessively addicted to both my city and Instagram.

It seems appropriate that today the Giants will once again face their rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a win last night a 2nd seems appropriate. Maybe the Giants will be inspired by the day and the history left behind by one of their best, Willie Mays.

Here's to you Willie Mays! May this be another Giant day!