Major League Sports in San Francisco are as richly diverse as the city of Houston itself. Once a football city, Major League baseball in San Francisco now has a foothold on the city's fans with the Giants win in the World Series in 2010. Pro basketball, football and hockey played in and around the San Francisco area guarantee year round top sports experiences for the region's locals and visitors.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants baseball home field is AT&T Park. The ballpark's great mass transit system, design of the ballpark and amenities provide a memorable day at the baseball stadium. A "Splash Hit" into McCovey Cove is a home run by a Giant that entirely exits the ballpark into the bordering Pacific Ocean. Major League Baseball in San Francisco is a real example of how a new stadium can breathe new life into a declining major league sports franchise. The Giants won the World Series in 2010 with the right mix baseball veterans, courageous rookies, and some up and coming stars. Baseball in San Francisco is a show, a game, and a bid for World Series success.
San Francisco 49ers
Major League Sports in San Francisco used to be pretty much dominated by the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Montana quarterbacked the team to four Super Bowl Championships from 1981 to 1989. The best wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice, joined the club in 1985. Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young led the 49ers to their 5th, and last, Super Bowl victory in 1995. The 49ers hit a rough patch of losing seasons after the exit of Steve Young in 1999. Jim Harbaugh was hired on as the coach prior to the 2011 season and promises to steer this storied franchise back to Super Bowl glory.
San Jose Sharks
While many big towns in California don't to have pro NHL hockey clubs the greater Bay Area is one lucky enough to have a franchise. Hockey fans in California avidly watch this team's games and some even take road trips to San Jose to see the Sharks play hockey. Any pro team needs a place to play their home games, and the Sharks play theirs in the HP Pavilion, which is also popularly nicknamed the Shark Tank. This team's club was founded in 1991 and has had some greatness in the playoffs, but have still yet to have won the elusive Stanley Cup.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association play their home games over the water from San Francisco in Oakland. Once known as the San Francisco Warriors, the basketball team modified their name following the 1970-1971 season, when the Warriors moved to the Oakland Coliseum Arena (now Oracle Arena). The Warriors were really successful in the 80s and 90s with Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway, and Chris Mullin. Run TMC, as the threesome were nicknamed, excelled in the fast paced offense coached by Don Nelson. The Warriors haven't won an NBA championship since 1975, but are led on the court by the accomplished players David Lee and Monta Ellis. Mark Jackson was acquired by the club as their new head coach before the beginning the 2011-2012 season.
Soccer in The Bay Area
San Francisco doesn't have any major league soccer teams, but the nearest professional soccer to San Francisco is played in nearby Santa Clara. The San Jose Earthquakes, major league soccer team, play their home games in Buck Shaw Stadium. Buck Shaw Stadium is found on the campus of Santa Clara University. Pro soccer in San Francisco is a dynamic sport as the Earthquakes average over 12,000 fans per game. Chris Wondolowski leads the team on the field as the team captain.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants baseball home field is AT&T Park. The ballpark's great mass transit system, design of the ballpark and amenities provide a memorable day at the baseball stadium. A "Splash Hit" into McCovey Cove is a home run by a Giant that entirely exits the ballpark into the bordering Pacific Ocean. Major League Baseball in San Francisco is a real example of how a new stadium can breathe new life into a declining major league sports franchise. The Giants won the World Series in 2010 with the right mix baseball veterans, courageous rookies, and some up and coming stars. Baseball in San Francisco is a show, a game, and a bid for World Series success.
San Francisco 49ers
Major League Sports in San Francisco used to be pretty much dominated by the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Montana quarterbacked the team to four Super Bowl Championships from 1981 to 1989. The best wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice, joined the club in 1985. Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young led the 49ers to their 5th, and last, Super Bowl victory in 1995. The 49ers hit a rough patch of losing seasons after the exit of Steve Young in 1999. Jim Harbaugh was hired on as the coach prior to the 2011 season and promises to steer this storied franchise back to Super Bowl glory.
San Jose Sharks
While many big towns in California don't to have pro NHL hockey clubs the greater Bay Area is one lucky enough to have a franchise. Hockey fans in California avidly watch this team's games and some even take road trips to San Jose to see the Sharks play hockey. Any pro team needs a place to play their home games, and the Sharks play theirs in the HP Pavilion, which is also popularly nicknamed the Shark Tank. This team's club was founded in 1991 and has had some greatness in the playoffs, but have still yet to have won the elusive Stanley Cup.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association play their home games over the water from San Francisco in Oakland. Once known as the San Francisco Warriors, the basketball team modified their name following the 1970-1971 season, when the Warriors moved to the Oakland Coliseum Arena (now Oracle Arena). The Warriors were really successful in the 80s and 90s with Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway, and Chris Mullin. Run TMC, as the threesome were nicknamed, excelled in the fast paced offense coached by Don Nelson. The Warriors haven't won an NBA championship since 1975, but are led on the court by the accomplished players David Lee and Monta Ellis. Mark Jackson was acquired by the club as their new head coach before the beginning the 2011-2012 season.
Soccer in The Bay Area
San Francisco doesn't have any major league soccer teams, but the nearest professional soccer to San Francisco is played in nearby Santa Clara. The San Jose Earthquakes, major league soccer team, play their home games in Buck Shaw Stadium. Buck Shaw Stadium is found on the campus of Santa Clara University. Pro soccer in San Francisco is a dynamic sport as the Earthquakes average over 12,000 fans per game. Chris Wondolowski leads the team on the field as the team captain.
About the Author:
Joe Santiago has been interested in sports in San Francisco for several years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about soccer in San Francisco come and visit his site.
No comments:
Post a Comment