Our organization and the Giants organization lost a tremendous friend and resource today when Peter Magowan passed away at the age of 76. We mourn his passing. May he rest in peace. Peter, thanks for everything you did for us!!

SAN FRANCISCO — Peter A. Magowan, who led the drive to keep the Giants in San Francisco, surrounded by his family on Sunday after a long battle with cancer, the team announced. He was 76.

“The Giants family, the entire Bay Area and the game of baseball lost a man whose passion and loyalty to his favorite team and beloved community made it possible for all of us and future generations to experience the magic of Giants baseball in San Francisco forever,” said Larry Baer, the Giants’ president and CEO. “Peter was my mentor and dear friend, and I will forever be grateful for his guidance, support and love. His legacy will be carried on by all those he inspired, including community leaders, our players, the front office, Junior Giants players and, of course, by his devoted family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Debby, and his children and their families.”

The Magowan family issued the following statement: “Our family lost a great man today. We all know how much Peter loved his Giants and San Francisco, and he had that same love and passion for his family. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and we will forever cherish the memories we made together.”

Magowan organized a group of San Francisco-area investors in 1992 to purchase the team from Bob Lurie after a group based in Tampa-St. Petersburg reached an agreement in principle to purchase the franchise and move it there.

Once Magowan’s group successfully bid to forestall a coast-to-coast move, he and Baer launched efforts to build a stadium that would replace Candlestick Park, which fans avoided by the thousands due to its decay and the chilly conditions surrounding the area.

Finding a replacement for Candlestick meant winning a vote to build a stadium. Four previous initiatives failed at the ballot box because taxpayers would have assumed part of the costs. Magowan and Baer engineered enough deals to build the ballpark with mostly private funding, which helped the Giants finally win a stadium vote in 1996. The park opened as Pacific Bell Park in 2000 and was known as SBC Park and AT&T Park before a new business agreement prompted the recent change to Oracle Park.

Under Magowan’s watch, the Giants also signed left fielder Barry Bonds to a then-revolutionary six-year, $43.75 million contract before the 1993 season. Adding Bonds, who became baseball’s all-time home run leader in 2007, instantly transformed the Giants into a winning team.

With the Giants, after leading the Safeway supermarket chain from 1979-93, Magowan hired the executives that would assemble four National League pennant winners and three World Series championship clubs within a span of five years to begin this decade.

“Peter Magowan has been a part of my life for a long, long time, first as a fan watching me play in New York and then, remaining a fan when we moved to San Francisco. Along the way, he became my friend. Peter would call me often to check in. He and Debby cared about me and it was so easy to care about them in return. It’s hard to find the right words just now, but in losing Peter, I’ve lost a great, great friend. He was like my godfather. No one can replace him,” said Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

On Wednesday, the Giants announced that Magowan would become the first non-player to receive a plaque on the club’s Wall of Fame, which adorns Oracle Park near Second and King streets. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, immediately before the team’s annual FanFest.

“Peter’s mark on the Giants and the San Francisco community can be felt throughout the ballpark, in which he was intimately involved in the design and planning and throughout the daily operations of the organization,” Baer said. “He set forth a Giants vision to create a winning culture and to serve our fans and the community. Over the past 25 years, we have followed through on his vision and his impact on our community will be felt for decades to come.”

In addition to Debby, Peter is survived by 5 children and 12 grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peter Magowan Fields for Kids Program of the Giants Community Fund.

Commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement: “Peter Magowan was a vital figure in the history of the San Francisco Giants, the club he rooted for since his childhood in New York. During a tenuous period for the franchise, Peter stepped up and led the group that purchased the Giants and kept them in San Francisco. With groundbreaking vision, he then guided the effort that resulted in a ballpark that became a landmark for the city. In his 16 seasons of leadership, Peter oversaw a winning, civic-minded ballclub that represented the spirit of San Francisco. The foundation created under his direction helped make the Giants the model club they remain today.

“All of us in Baseball will be forever grateful to Peter for his pivotal part in preserving a first-class franchise in one of America’s most vibrant cities. On behalf of Major League Baseball and his many friends in our game, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Debby, their children and their entire family.”

Chris Haft has covered the Major Leagues since 1991 and has worked forMLB.com since 2007. Follow him on Twitter at @sfgiantsbeat. Matt Kelly contributed reporting.

Before a packed “Keg Room” at Finnerty’s, author Lincoln Mitchell discussed his new book “Baseball Goes West” last night before an enthusiastic crowd of baseball fans. Lincoln spoke for about an hour, signed many books, and held a Q&A. Lincoln spoke about the Dodgers and Giants but predominantly the Giants as that’s what the crowd came for. We can’t thank him enough for a terrific evening.

This was the NYGPS first meeting at hopefully our new “home”, Finnerty’s. Owners Dieter and Brian were so delightful to deal with as was their party planner, Annie. This downtown bar oozed Giants baseball and we hope to attract some younger SF Giants fans in the future as they should know that their team had a glorious past, 3,000 miles away, and more than 60 years ago. Dieter and Brian surprised the crowd by pulling out the original NY Giants Pennant from 1951 that flew at the Polo Grounds! Un believable and in great shape for a piece of material that is almost 70 years old.

Thanks to all those who attended and we hope to see many more at our next event.

The New York Giants Preservation Society’s first meeting at Finnerty’s will take place on Tuesday, November 13, at 6PM. Our guest speaker will be author Lincoln Mitchell whose new book entitled Baseball Goes West will be available for purchase. This from Google Books:

-Following the 1957 season, two of baseball’s most famous teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants, left the city they had called home since the 19th century and headed west. The Dodgers went to Los Angeles and the Giants to San Francisco. Those events have entered baseball lore, and indeed the larger culture, as acts of betrayal committed by greedy owners Walter O’Malley of the Dodgers and Horace Stoneham of the Giants. The departure of these two teams, but especially the Dodgers, has not been forgotten by those communities. Even six decades later, it is not hard to find older Brooklynites who are still angry about losing the Dodgers.

This is one side of the story. Baseball Goes West seeks to tell another side. Lincoln A. Mitchell argues that the moves to California, second only to Jackie Robinson’s debut in 1947, forged Major League Baseball (MLB) as we know it today. By moving two famous teams with national reputations and many well-known players, MLB benefited tremendously, increasing its national profile and broadening its fan base. This was particularly important following a decade that, despite often being described as baseball’s golden age, was plagued with moribund franchises, low wages for many players, and a difficult dismantling of the apartheid system that had been part of big-league baseball since its inception.

In the years immediately following the moves, the two most iconic players of the 1960s, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays, had their best years, bringing even greater status and fame to their respective ball clubs. The Giants played an instrumental role in the first phase of baseball’s globalization by leading the effort to bring players from Latin America to the big leagues, while the Dodgers set attendance records and pioneered new ways to market the game.

Sports historians, baseball fans, and historians of American culture on a broader scale will appreciate Mitchell’s reframing of baseball’s move west and his insights into the impacts felt throughout baseball and beyond.

Mitchell’s book will be available for $27. Lincoln will gladly sign his book as well. We look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with Finnerty’s, similar to one we forged with Jay Goldberg and the Bergino Baseball Clubhouse. Finnerty’s is located at 221 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. We will have use of their backroom. For your enjoyment, libations will be available at the Happy Hour rate until 8PM. Drinks specials are:
$5 draft beers
$6 mixed well cocktails
$7 glasses of wine
Please RSVP ASAP to me. If you have intentions of purchasing the book, let me know as well so I can give Lincoln a rough estimate of books he needs to bring. All the best, Gary

www.finnertysnyc.com

NYGPS FINDS A NEW HOME

With the unfortunate news of the Bergino Clubhouse closing shortly, rest assured I will not let the society crumble and be homeless. Our new meeting place will be Finnerty’s Sports Bar located at 221 2nd Avenue, in NYC, a few blocks from Jay’s place. Thanks to owner Dieter Seelig and his party coordinator Annie will will be able to use a private area off the bar in the back. The bar is the home of many transplanted San Franciscans. For those who don’t know it, Finnerty’s regularly schedules bus trips to Giants/Mets game yearly. The bar also has tremendous amount of Giants memorabilia. Our future events will allow you to purchase libations while listening to our guest speakers. I feel that this is the best situation for the group moving forward. I see us adding many new members who will want to learn about the history of the Giants franchise. We had a tremendous relationship with Jay and the Bergino Clubhouse and I hope to have a similar one with Dieter and Finnerty’s.-Gary

This past Wednesday (11/8), the NYGPS conducted its final meeting of the calendar year with the author of 1921:The Yankees, the Giants, and the Battle for Baseball Supremacy in New York Steve Steinberg. Steinberg spoke of the battle between the kings of NY baseball with emphasis on two of the series main combatants and characters, John McGraw and Babe Ruth. A great Q/A then took place. Thanks to Steve and Jay Goldberg, owner of the Bergino Baseball Clubhouse, for a wonderful and informative evening!!!

Our last meeting of the calendar year will take place Wednesday, November 8th at the Bergino Baseball Clubhouse at 6:30PM. Author Steve Steinberg will be our guest speaker. Steve will talk about his 2010 book 1921: The Yankees, the Giants, and the Battle for Baseball Supremacy in New York

His chat will focus mainly on McGraw and the Giants.
Here is a brief synopsis:
The Yankees won their first pennant in 1921, and the World Series against the Giants was a struggle that pitted the slugging Babe Ruth (with his 59 home runs) against the legendary Giants manager John McGraw, who had the allegiance of most NY sports fans until that time. It was also a thrilling Series, with much drama and many surprises.

Please RSVP ASAP

If you would like a book, please let me know as well. All the best, Gary

Before a large audience at the Bergino Baseball Clubhouse in lower Manhattan, the NYGPS held its final meeting of 2016. Paul Kocak discussed his book, Chasing Willie Mays.
https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Willie-Mays-Pa…/…/ref=sr_1_1…
Kocak spoke about the book for about 35 minutes before entertaining questions from the audience. Kocak told us of his admiration and lifelong “seeking out” of his favorite player despite the Giants leaving his state and moving 3000 miles away. We want to thank Paul and Jay Goldberg (Owner of the Bergino Baseball Clubhouse) http://www.bergino.com/ for a wonderful evening!

By John Shea

In 1954, the year Willie Mays made his epic Game 1 catch at the Polo Grounds in New York, the most replayed highlight in World Series history, there was no World Series most valuable player award.
The first World Series MVP was awarded in 1955 to the Dodgers’ Johnny Podres.
Now, the award will be named after the great Mays, starting this season — the Willie Mays World Series most valuable player award.
“I think that’s a great honor,” Mays said in a phone interview. “It’s an ongoing thing. You never know who’s going to win the World Series or the World Series MVP. Every year, it’s somebody different. This is a wonderful honor.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement Friday on the 63rd anniversary of Mays’ over-the-shoulder catch (and magnificent whirling throw to the infield) that robbed Vic Wertz and created momentum for a four-game sweep of the favored Cleveland Indians.
“Major League Baseball is thrilled to honor Willie Mays on our game’s biggest stage and in a manner that befits his many contributions to the sport … This annual recognition will forever celebrate the life and career of a legend of the national pastime,” Manfred said.
Mays issued a statement thanking Manfred and MLB and added, “Baseball has always taken care of me, and for that I am grateful. I think it’s just a wonderful thing to know that at 86 years of age, I can still give something back to the game. I am proud to lend my name to this important award. What a day this has been.”
Also Friday, Mays had a street named after him near the Polo Grounds site in New York. The northeast corner of 155th Street and Harlem River Drive now is Willie Mays Drive.
The Giants have had three World Series MVPs: Edgar Renteria in 2010, Pablo Sandoval in 2012 and Madison Bumgarner in 2014. Last year’s MVP was the Cubs’ Ben Zobrist.
“That’s a really cool honor for him and for all of us to see the MVP named after him,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “It’s going to remind people who Willie is and how great a player he was. I’m sure the player who receives the award, it’s going to mean a lot to him, having an award named after Willie Mays.”
Mays, 86, played in three World Series with the Giants (1951, 1954, 1962) and one with the Mets (1973). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979, voted by fans as one of the four greatest living players in a 2015 promotion and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama.
John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer. Email: jshea@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnSheaHey

https://www.si.com/…/2017/09/28/new-york-giants-polo-grounds
HARRY SWARTOUT
Thursday September 28th, 2017
New York is a two-team town Giants-Jets, Knicks-Nets, Yankees-Mets but it hasn’t always been. In the Golden Age of Baseball, New York had three teams, all championship-caliber, in the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers.
Since 1883, the New York Giants had played ball in Manhattan (and in the Polo Grounds since 1911), but the stadium was getting old, and the city was changing. In 1957, Horace Stoneham decided to move the team west along with the Brooklyn Dodgers, absolutely gutting New York baseball fans.
The Giants moved and prospered, but the fans they left behind have been reckoning their love for a home team 300 miles away.
https://www.si.com/…/2017/09/28/new-york-giants-polo-grounds

By Shannan Ferry
City officials celebrate the life of a baseball legend by pitching up a permanent tribute. NY1’s Shannan Ferry was there and has the story from Harlem.
A lot has changed in Harlem since the 1950’s — it’s been sixty years since the New York Giants called this neighborhood home.
But on Friday, city officials honored the past — and one man in particular, renaming the corner of West 155th Street and The Harlem River Drive after Willie Mays, the baseball great who began his career with the Giants at the nearby Polo Grounds — and lived in the neighborhood, too.
“I mean how many guys brought a World Series, to Harlem?!” asked Jacob Morris, director of the Harlem Historical Society.
The ceremony came on the 63rd anniversary of a magic Mays moment.
His iconic over-the-shoulder catch in Game One of the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at the Polo Grounds.
The ‘Say Hey’ kid spent six years with the Giants here through the 1957 season, then moved with the team to San Francisco, where he played until ending his career back in New York with the Mets in 1973.
His son Michael Mays says he and his dad who is 86 are thrilled by this honor, because Harlem is where it all began.
“You can’t beat the pride,” the younger Mays said. “He’s a person in history, he’s a significant person, he’s in the white house, and a medal of honor, I mean the achievements in his life, it’s incredible.”
Organizers say they hope the street sign also inspires the younger generation. Some young players we spoke with say seeing it right here in Harlem, makes them even more motivated.
“Now just want to be like him, especially I’m an outfielder he was an outfielder, so that inspired me to look at videos and try to be like him,” said Wanter Martin, a high school junior.
This is not the only new honor for Mays. Major League Baseball announced Friday that the World Series MVP award will be named the “Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player.”
And from this ceremony near the old Polo Grounds, it is clear Mays is still an MVP to Harlem.
http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2017/09/29/city-honors-new-york-giant-willie-mays-with-street-renaming-in-harlem.html