What Year Did the Baseball Giants Leave New York?
The National League’s New York Giants baseball team left the city of New York in 1957, after almost 60 years of calling the city home. The Giants were one of the original franchises when the National League was formed in 1876, and they played in the city of New York until 1957.
Early History of the Giants
The Giants were originally known as the New York Gothams, and they were founded in 1883. The team was originally made up of players from the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP), which was a precursor to the National League. The Gothams played their first game on May 6, 1883, and shortly after, the team changed its name to the New York Giants.
The team enjoyed great success in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, winning the National League pennant six times between 1888 and 1909, and the World Series title in 1905 and 1921. The Giants were led by legendary manager John McGraw, who was also the longest-tenured manager in the team’s history.
The Giants Move to San Francisco
The Giants’ long history in New York City came to an end in 1957, when the team moved to San Francisco. The move was sparked by the Dodgers’ relocation to Los Angeles the year before, and the owners of the Giants saw an opportunity to capitalize on the rivalry between the two teams by moving to the West Coast.
The Giants played their last game at the Polo Grounds in New York on September 29, 1957. The team finished the season with a record of 86-68, good for third place in the National League.
The Giants’ Success in San Francisco
Since their move to San Francisco, the Giants have established themselves as one of the most successful teams in the National League. They have won the pennant nine times, and the World Series title three times, in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
The Giants also have a long list of Hall of Fame players, including Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Gaylord Perry, Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, and Barry Bonds. The team has also had a number of successful managers, including Dusty Baker, Felipe Alou, and Bruce Bochy, who led the team to their three World Series titles.
Significant Players and Moments in Giants History
The Giants have had a number of memorable players and moments in their long history. Some of the most significant players include:
- Willie Mays: Mays was one of the greatest players in baseball history, and he was a member of the Giants from 1951 to 1972. He won two MVP awards, and was a 24-time All-Star. Mays also hit 660 home runs, which is still the fourth-highest total in baseball history.
- Barry Bonds: Bonds is the all-time home run leader, with 762 home runs. He was a member of the Giants from 1993 to 2007, and won seven MVP awards during that time. He also helped lead the Giants to their first World Series title in San Francisco in 2010.
- The Catch: In Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, Mays made “The Catch,” which is widely considered to be the greatest defensive play in baseball history. With the bases loaded and the Giants trailing 4-2, Mays tracked down a deep drive from Cleveland Indians batter Vic Wertz, and made an incredible over-the-shoulder catch to keep the game alive. The Giants went on to win the game and the series.
The Giants’ Final Season in New York
The Giants’ final season in New York was a memorable one, as they finished with an 86-68 record and earned a third-place finish in the National League. The team was led by manager Bill Rigney, and the roster included future Hall of Famers Mays, McCovey, Marichal, and Cepeda.
The team’s offensive leader that season was first baseman George Crowe, who hit .293 with 24 home runs and 102 RBIs. On the mound, the Giants were led by Marichal, who finished the season with a record of 21-11 and an ERA of 2.54.
Legacy of the New York Giants
The New York Giants left an indelible mark on the city of New York and the game of baseball. The team won six pennants and two World Series titles, and produced a wealth of Hall of Fame players, including Mays, McCovey, Marichal, and Bonds.
The team also played in some of the most iconic venues in baseball history, including the Polo Grounds, which hosted the team’s final game in 1957. The Giants’ legacy in New York is still felt today, and their presence in the city will not soon be forgotten.
The Giants’ Return to New York
The Giants’ return to New York, in the form of the New York Mets, happened in 1962. The Mets were founded as an expansion team, and they took over the Polo Grounds as their home stadium. The Mets went on to win two World Series titles, in 1969 and 1986, and they have become one of the most beloved teams in all of baseball.
Conclusion
The New York Giants left the city of New York in 1957, after almost 60 years of calling the city home. The team enjoyed great success during their time in New York, and they left behind a legacy that is still felt today. The Giants’ return to New York, in the form of the New York Mets, occurred in 1962, and the Mets have gone on to become one of the most successful teams in baseball.
The Giants’ departure from New York will forever be remembered as one of the most significant moments in baseball history, and it is a reminder of the team’s long and storied history in the city.
References
- Baseball-Reference.com. (n.d.). New York Giants Franchise Encyclopedia. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/teams/NYG/
- BleacherReport.com. (2017). The New York Giants’ 10 Greatest Players of All Time. Retrieved from bleacherreport.com/articles/1240195-the-new-york-giants-10-greatest-players-of-all-time
- Mintz, R. (2007). The San Francisco Giants. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/bullpen/San_Francisco_Giants
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). New York Giants (NL). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Giants_(NL)