27 Things Only San Francisco Giants Fans Understand

27 Things Only San Francisco Giants Fans Understand

Whether it's the work of "even-year magic" or just more proof that they're creating the "strangest dynasty in MLB history," San Francisco's beloved Giants are heading back to the World Series for the third time in five years. The scrappy team's run to the National League pennant in 2014 included more bizarre wins and plenty of that familiar "torture" that fans have come to expect in October.

Whether it's the panda gear or the affinity for solving scooter mysteries, San Francisco's baseball fans have created an identity and tradition all their own. Here are 27 things you'll only understand if you're one of them.

Panda hats are a wardrobe staple for every member of your family, including your pets.
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The panda-monium is all thanks to Barry Zito, who nicknamed Pablo Sandoval "Kung Fu Panda" after noting his uncanny resemblance to the 2008 Disney movie character.
Fist-pumping only counts with "fist-pumping granny."
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Rosalie Alioto has been a fan for more than 50 years but gained Giants stardom just last year after she was spotted for her sweet moves in the stands.
"Bye Bye Baby" is essential listening.
The classic fight song has been a Giants staple ever since famous Giants announcer Russ Hodges began using "Bye bye baby" as his home run call in the '50s.
J.T. Snow pulling 3-year-old Darren Baker to safety is what community and team are all about.
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During the 2002 World Series, Snow famously grabbed Giants manager Dusty Baker's son -- arguably the cutest batboy in all of the MLB -- away from retrieving a bat and what could have been a catastrophic collision with a player running to home plate.
Red's Java House is the best pre-game spot.
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Make sure to wash those fish and chips down with an Anchor Steam.
The Tipsy Pig is the place to be after a big win hoping the team shows up to celebrate.
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After clinching the National League West title in 2010, Giants players Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff, Freddy Sanchez, Nate Schierholtz, Pat Burrell, Cody Ross, Aaron Rowand and Tim Lincecum showed up unannounced at the Marina bar to celebrate with fans.
Your boss already knows you'll be taking the day off to attend the victory parade.
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You know, or the whole week of the World Series.
Wearing orange and black all October-long has nothing to do with Halloween.
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Speaking 'Giants' counts as a second language.
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Phrases like "Humm baby" and "Grab some pine, meat" require no explanation.
Searching for Hunter Pence's stolen scooter was a team effort.
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When the scooter was returned to SFPD, Pence thanked Batkid.
Lou Seal is your spirit animal, especially during a 16-inning game.
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Same, Lou. Same.
Embracing "torture" is OK when it comes to baseball fandom.
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Thanks for summing it up, Duane.
Nothing says victory quite like "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."
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Tony Bennett, ladies and gentlemen.
The opening piano chords of "Don't Stop Believin'" can induce tears.
From his seat at the Oct. 16 game that advanced the team to the World Series, Journey frontman and Giants superfan Steve Perry led a crowd of 43,000 in an epic singalong to his "Don't Stop Believin,'" a Giants anthem.
The wave is unacceptable at AT&T Park.
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Leave that and those beach balls to the Dodgers fans.
A Dodgers' loss is almost as good as a Giants' victory.
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BEAT L.A.
It doesn't get more exciting than a splash hit.
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And you own a kayak just so you can catch them in McCovey Cove.
Calories don't count at AT&T Park.
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Pass the garlic fries, please.
City Hall never looked better.
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Same with Coit Tower.
You love Kruk and Kuip as much as you love the players.
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Giants announcers Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper are arguably some of the best in all of the MLB.
From Woody to The Freak to The Say Hey Kid...
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...you know there's no greater badge of honor than a nickname.
12 years later, pulling pitcher Russ Ortiz from of Game 6 of the World Series still doesn't make sense.
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No one wants to talk about 2002.
Freezing during extra-inning games at Candlestick means having the Croix de Candlestick badge to prove it.
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Regardless, you still miss that place.
You'll never forget where you were and what you were wearing when Barry Bonds broke the home run record.
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And you'll defend him to the death.
Screaming is what happens when you hear "El Mechon."
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Because you know that means Sergio Romo is approaching the mound.
2010 was well-worth the 56-year wait.
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You still can't believe it finally happened -- or that it happened again just two years later.
It took everything in you not to run onto the field and hug Travis Ishikawa after his walk-off home run.
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The move sealed the deal for a third World Series in five years.

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