The New York Giants history is one of the most celebrated chapters in Major League Baseball. Known today as the San Francisco Giants, the New York Giants MLB franchise began in the 19th century and became a powerhouse team, winning multiple pennants and titles. Their impact on baseball shaped the sport and inspired generations of fans.
Established
1883
City
New York – San Francisco
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1883 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1958 – Present / San Francisco Giants
1885 – 1957 / New York Giants
1883 – 1885 / New York Gothams
Nickname
Giants – The New York Giants have been one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) since their inception in 1885. While they are now known as simply “the Giants,” this nickname wasn't always the case. In fact, throughout its history from 1885 to 1957, the team has gone through several nicknames that reflect its geographical location and success on the field.
New York Giants Origin
When it first formed, The New York Base Ball Club was initially called "The Gothams" after a popular term for Manhattan at that time; however, this name didn't last long as it quickly changed to “Giants” when manager Jim Mutrie led his squad to four consecutive National League pennants between 1888-1891 and won three World Series titles during those years. This nickname stuck with them until 1957, when they moved westward and became known as San Francisco Giants or just "the SFG."
Throughout these 72 years of being called “the Giants," fans were able to witness some incredible moments, such as Hall of Famers Christy Mathewson's 1905 no-hitter against Philadelphia Phillies, which helped lead them to win another NL Pennant plus two additional World Series championships while playing under this moniker before finally moving away from Gotham City in 1957 - thus ending an era full of excitement for baseball fans all over America who followed along with every twist and turn taken by The New York Base Ball Club (now known officially today merely by its shortened version: NYBB).
Championship
World Series 5
2014, 2012, 2010, 1954, 1933, 1922, 1921, 1905
Stadium
2020 - Present / Oracle Park
2006 - 2019 / AT&T Park
2004 - 2005 / SBC Park
2000 - 2003 / Pacific Bell Park
1960 – 1999 / Candlestick Park
1958 – 1960 / Seals Stadium
*New York*
1883 – 1957 / Polo Grounds
Owner
2012 – Present / San Francisco Baseball Associates LLC
2008 – 2011 / Bill Neukom
1993 – 2008 / Peter Magowan
1976 – 1993 / Bob Lurie
1936 – 1976 / Horace Stoneham
1919 – 1936 / Charles Stoneham
1912 – 1919 / Harry Hempstead
1902 – 1912 / John Brush
1895 – 1902 / Andrew Freedman
1893 – 1895 / C. C. Van Cott
1883 – 1893 / John Day
- 1883
- 1905
- 1921
- 1922
- 1933
- 1954
-
New York Giants (Baseball) Team Formation
The Giants began as the second baseball club founded by millionaire tobacconist John B. Day and veteran amateur baseball player Jim Mutrie. The Gothams, as the Giants were originally known, entered the National League in 1883, while their other club, the Metropolitans (the original Mets) played in the American Association. Nearly half of the original Gotham players were members of ... -
World Series Winner 1905
The 1905 World Series matched the New York Giants against the Philadelphia Athletics, with the Giants winning four games to one. Four of the five games featured duels between future Hall of Fame pitchers. -
World Series Winner 1921
The much-anticipated 1921 World Series featured John McGraw’s New York Giants, dedicated practitioners of the dead-ball era’s “inside game”, and the New York Yankees, who relied on the “power game” exemplified by Babe Ruth, who was coming off of what was arguably his best year ever statistically. The Series was a closely contested matchup that ended on a double play ... -
World Series Winner 1922
In the 1922 World Series, the New York Giants beat the New York Yankees in five games, four games to none with one tie; starting this year the World Series was again best-of-seven. By now, the term “World Series” was being used frequently, as opposed to “World’s Series”. As with the 1921 World Series, every game was played at the ... -
World Series Winner 1933
The 1933 World Series featured the New York Giants and the Washington Senators, with the Giants winning in five games for their first championship since 1922, and they’re fourth overall. -
World Series Winner 1954
The 1954 World Series matched the National League champion New York Giants against the American League champion Cleveland Indians. The Giants swept the Series in four games to win their first championship since 1933, defeating the heavily favored Indians, who had won an AL-record 111 games in the regular season. The Series is perhaps best remembered for “The Catch”, a ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Giants History
The New York Giants history, originally known as the New York Gothams, stands as one of the most iconic stories in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1885, the New York Giants MLB franchise played 72 years in New York before relocating to San Francisco after the 1957 season. During their time in New York, the Giants won three World Series titles (1905, 1921, 1922), six National League pennants (1888–1889; 1904–1905; 1911–1913), and eight NL East Division championships. Hall of Famers such as Mel Ott, Carl Hubbell, Bill Terry, and Willie Mays helped shape the New York Giants history into one of excellence.
The New York Giants MLB franchise built its legacy at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan’s Upper West Side from 1889 until their move west. Their fierce rivalry with the Brooklyn Dodgers fueled passion among fans and elevated the stakes of every matchup. Giants supporters celebrated the winning ways of their team while admiring the leadership of legendary figures like Christy Mathewson, John McGraw, and Leo Durocher.
One of the most unforgettable moments in the New York Giants history was the “Miracle of Coogan’s Bluff” in 1951. Bobby Thomson’s dramatic home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the National League pennant, sending the Giants to the World Series. Though they lost to the Yankees, this moment remains one of the most famous in New York Giants MLB lore.
Giants Achievements
During their decades in New York, the New York Giants MLB team added even more achievements. They produced countless All-Stars, earned recognition for pioneering scouting systems, and built one of the strongest farm systems in baseball. This success cemented the New York Giants history as a blueprint for future franchises.
Even after relocating to San Francisco, the New York Giants history continues to inspire baseball fans. Their New York era shaped modern baseball, leaving behind records, rivalries, and unforgettable legends that keep the legacy of the New York Giants MLB alive across generations.
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Retired Number
3 / Bill Terry
4 / Mel Ott
11 / Carl Hubbell
20 / Monte Irvin
24 / Willie Mays
25 / Barry Bonds
27 / Juan Marichal
30 / Orlando Cepeda
36 / Gaylord Perry
42 / Jackie Robinson
44 / Willie McCovey
*Blue is this team’s history
