Major League Sports in San Francisco are as richly varied as the city 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 football, hockey, and basketball played in and around the San Francisco area ensure year round major league 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 efficient mass transit system, design of the ballpark and amenities provide a enjoyable day at the park. A "Splash Hit" into McCovey Cove is a home run by a Giant that totally exits the ballpark into the bordering Pacific Ocean. MLB Baseball in San Francisco is a great example of how a new stadium can breathe new life into a declining pro sports franchise. The Giants won the World Series in 2010 with the right mix baseball veterans, heroic newbies, and some up and coming stars. Baseball in San Francisco is a show, a game, and a blueprint for World Series success.
San Francisco 49ers
Major League Sports in San Francisco used to be controlled by the San Francisco 49ers football team. Joe Montana quarterbacked the team to four Super Bowl Championships from 1981 to 1989. The most acclaimed 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 departure of Steve Young in 1999. Jim Harbaugh was hired as head coach just prior to the 2011 season and hopes to lead this storied franchise back to Super Bowl glory.
San Jose Sharks
While many big areas in California do not to have professional 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 trips to San Jose to see the Sharks play. Any professional team has to have a place to play their home games, and the Sharks play theirs in the HP Pavilion, which is also popularly nick-named the Shark Tank. This team's club was set up in 1991 and has had some fulfillment in the playoffs, but have still yet to have won the slippery Stanley Cup.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors of the NBA play their home games over the water from San Francisco in Oakland. Once known as the San Francisco Warriors, the club changed their name following the 1970-1971 season, when the Warriors moved to the Oakland Coliseum Arena. The Warriors were very successful in the 1980's and 1990's with Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullen and Mitch Richmond. The trio were nicknamed Run TMC and did very well in the fast moving offense coached by Don Nelson. The Golden State Warriors haven't won an NBA championship since 1975, but are led on the court by the talented Monta Ellis and David Lee. Mark Jackson was hired 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 professional soccer franchises, but the nearest pro soccer to San Francisco is played in the nearby city of Santa Clara. The San Jose Earthquakes, a pro soccer team, play their home games in Buck Shaw Stadium. This stadium is found on the Santa Clara University campus Major League soccer in San Francisco is a dynamic sport as the Earthquakes average over 10,000 fans per game. Chris Wondolowski leads the club on the field as the team captain.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants baseball home field is AT&T Park. The ballpark's efficient mass transit system, design of the ballpark and amenities provide a enjoyable day at the park. A "Splash Hit" into McCovey Cove is a home run by a Giant that totally exits the ballpark into the bordering Pacific Ocean. MLB Baseball in San Francisco is a great example of how a new stadium can breathe new life into a declining pro sports franchise. The Giants won the World Series in 2010 with the right mix baseball veterans, heroic newbies, and some up and coming stars. Baseball in San Francisco is a show, a game, and a blueprint for World Series success.
San Francisco 49ers
Major League Sports in San Francisco used to be controlled by the San Francisco 49ers football team. Joe Montana quarterbacked the team to four Super Bowl Championships from 1981 to 1989. The most acclaimed 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 departure of Steve Young in 1999. Jim Harbaugh was hired as head coach just prior to the 2011 season and hopes to lead this storied franchise back to Super Bowl glory.
San Jose Sharks
While many big areas in California do not to have professional 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 trips to San Jose to see the Sharks play. Any professional team has to have a place to play their home games, and the Sharks play theirs in the HP Pavilion, which is also popularly nick-named the Shark Tank. This team's club was set up in 1991 and has had some fulfillment in the playoffs, but have still yet to have won the slippery Stanley Cup.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors of the NBA play their home games over the water from San Francisco in Oakland. Once known as the San Francisco Warriors, the club changed their name following the 1970-1971 season, when the Warriors moved to the Oakland Coliseum Arena. The Warriors were very successful in the 1980's and 1990's with Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullen and Mitch Richmond. The trio were nicknamed Run TMC and did very well in the fast moving offense coached by Don Nelson. The Golden State Warriors haven't won an NBA championship since 1975, but are led on the court by the talented Monta Ellis and David Lee. Mark Jackson was hired 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 professional soccer franchises, but the nearest pro soccer to San Francisco is played in the nearby city of Santa Clara. The San Jose Earthquakes, a pro soccer team, play their home games in Buck Shaw Stadium. This stadium is found on the Santa Clara University campus Major League soccer in San Francisco is a dynamic sport as the Earthquakes average over 10,000 fans per game. Chris Wondolowski leads the club on the field as the team captain.
About the Author:
Joe Santiago has been fascinated by sports in San Francisco for a few years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more details about soccer in San Francisco please visit his site.
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