The San Francisco Giants History stretches back to 1883 when the team began as the New York Gothams before moving west in 1958. Since then, San Francisco Giants Baseball has built a proud tradition with passionate fans, legendary players, and multiple championships, making the franchise one of the most successful in Major League Baseball.
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 San Francisco Giants are one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball, and their nickname has a long and exciting history. The team began as the New York Gothams in 1883, but after moving to San Francisco in 1958, they adopted a new name: the Giants. But why did they choose this particular moniker?
San Francisco Giants Origin
For starters, it was an homage to New York’s National League franchise that had been known as the “Giants” since 1880 – though at that time, it was spelled “Giantes” with an "e" instead of an "i." Some fans still use this spelling when referring to either team's past or present players. Additionally, many other professional baseball teams throughout America during this era also went by variations on “Giants." It seemed a natural choice for San Francisco's team, given its connection with old and new cities!
Beyond being popular among baseball fans across America at that period, however, there may have been another reason why then-owner Horace Stoneham chose such a mighty name for his beloved club - prestige! By calling themselves simply 'the Giants,' he wanted his organization to be taken seriously from day one - no matter where their home base happened to be geographic. And even now, over sixty years later, we can say mission accomplished!
In conclusion; while we may never know exactly what inspired Horace Stoneham back in 1958 when he decided to name his newly relocated franchise 'the Giants'; what is certain is that it has become synonymous not only with excellence but also a tradition within Major League Baseball circles ever since then – making them truly deserving of such prestigious title!
Championship
World Series 3
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
- 1957
- 1960
- 2000
- 2010
- 2012
- 2014
-
Move to San Francisco
The Giants’ final three years in New York City were unmemorable. They stumbled to third place the year after their World Series win, and attendance fell off precipitously. While seeking a new stadium to replace the crumbling Polo Grounds, the Giants began to contemplate a move from New York, initially considering Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota, which was home to ... -
Candlestick Park Opens
In 1960, the Giants moved to Candlestick Park sometimes known simply as “The ‘Stick”, a stadium built on Candlestick Point in San Francisco’s southeast corner overlooking San Francisco Bay. The new stadium quickly became known for its strong, swirling winds, cold temperatures, and thick evening fog that made for a formidable experience for brave fans and players. Its built-in radiant ... -
AT&T Park
In 2000, after forty years, the Giants bade farewell to Candlestick Park and, has long advocated, moved into a privately financed downtown stadium (AT&T Park, originally Pacific or “Pac” Bell Park and later renamed SBC Park) on that part of the shoreline of China Basin known to Giant fans as McCovey Cove, at the corner of 3rd and King Streets ... -
World Series Winner 2010
The 2010 World Series was the 106th edition of Major League Baseball’s championship series. The best-of-seven playoff played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion San Francisco Giants, began on Wednesday, October 27, and ended on Monday, November 1, with the Giants winning the series 4–1 to secure their first World Series championship since 1954 ... -
World Series Winner 2012
The 2012 World Series was the 108th edition of Major League Baseball’s championship series. The San Francisco Giants, the National League champion, won the best-of-seven playoff in a four-game sweep over the American League champion Detroit Tigers. The 2012 title marked the Giants’ seventh World Series title in franchise history, their second in San Francisco (the New York Giants won ... -
World Series Winner 2014
The 2014 World Series was the 110th edition of Major League Baseball’s championship series, a best-of-seven playoff between the National League champion San Francisco Giants and the American League champion Kansas City Royals. The Royals had a home-field advantage for the series as a result of the American League’s 5–3 victory in the All-Star Game. The Giants defeated the Royals, ...
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.
San Francisco Giants History
The San Francisco Giants History began in 1883 when the team was founded as the New York Gothams before later being renamed the New York Giants. After decades of success in New York, they moved to San Francisco in 1958 and became the San Francisco Giants Baseball team fans know today. This move helped establish one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises in the Bay Area, blending a rich past with a vibrant present.
Since relocating, the San Francisco Giants History has been filled with remarkable players and memorable moments. The Giants have featured Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, Gaylord Perry, Barry Bonds, Orlando Cepeda, and Monte Irvin, each leaving a lasting legacy. Beyond the roster, legendary venues such as Candlestick Park and today’s Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park) have become landmarks in San Francisco Giants Baseball, offering fans unforgettable experiences overlooking the Bay.
Giants Achievements
The San Francisco Giants History also includes some of the greatest achievements in modern baseball. Since moving west, the Giants have captured three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014 under manager Bruce Bochy, becoming a model of consistency and resilience. They also earned numerous National League pennants, multiple playoff appearances, and produced MVPs such as Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner, whose performances cemented their place in San Francisco Giants Baseball lore.
Today, the San Francisco Giants Baseball franchise continues to thrive with a strong farm system, innovative leadership, and a passionate fan base. From its beginnings as the New York Giants to its status as a modern powerhouse, the San Francisco Giants History represents a blend of tradition, success, and community. With future stars rising and a proud legacy behind them, the team remains one of Major League Baseball’s most admired and competitive organizations.
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The San Francisco Giants: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts
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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