Three times a champion

It wasn't easy, the naysayers stretched from coast to coast. and even here in Cancun, Mexico, few locals gave the San Francisco Giants much of a chance to win a third World Series in five years. Luckily, Manager Bruce Bochy, his team, and millions of Giants fans don't listen to the critics. They never have. The Orange and Black were not suppose to win in 2010 but they did. Then in 2012, the team of "misfits" once again proved they were no fluke.  Tonight, the story is one of perseverance, talent and teamwork. Not much different than back in 2010. And again, the visitors are popping the champagne on the road after beating the favored Kansas City Royals, 3-2.

This is what we love about Sports. What makes us stop during our vacations, abandon beaches and dinner parties to   watch the drama unfold before our eyes.  In game 7 it's heightened beyond expectations. The odds have been discussed. It's time to leave it all on the field and there was little doubt that's exactly what happened in Kansas City. The trophy for Most Valuable Player  rightfully belongs to 25 year old pitcher Madison Bumgarner who was more than an ace throughout the series.  He won game one, pitched a complete game shutout for his second win in game 5 and stepped in to "save" the day again in the fifth inning. After the game Bochy simply said, "I love him and what a warrior he is, and truly incredible what he did throughout the postseason. He's such a humble guy, and we rode him pretty good." Of course it wasn't just Bumgarner. Despite his shaky second inning, Tim Hudson did his part, as did every position player. There was great defense from rookie Joe Panik, shortstop Brandon Crawford and left fielder Juan Perez. The Giants got key hits from Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence, Brandon Belt and Michael Morse, and of course Jeremy Affeldt who came in to relieve Hudson and got the win. But Bumgarner's name is once again in the record books. He became the first left-hander to pitch at least four innings in Game 7 of the World Series on two days' rest. His teammates  aren't surprised by anything he does. And neither are the fans. I followed a couple of SF Gamer Babes who made the trip to Kaufmann Stadium. Amy Phillips summarized it perfectly, "SO very proud to be a San Francisco Giants Fan. We can't stop crying and they are tears of joy! SO proud of our SF boys! We cheered for each and every Giants fan that couldn't make it! Thanks Amy, and we cheered on our Anniversary trip, my poor husband forced to watch instead of relaxing on the beach or in the pool. I'd say it was well worth it!