Major League Sports in San Francisco are as richly diverse as the city itself. Once a football town, 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 hockey, basketball and football 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 efficient mass transit system, design of the ballpark and amenities provide a delightful day at the baseball stadium. A "Splash Hit" into McCovey Cove is a home run by a Giant that completely exits the ballpark into the neighboring Pacific Ocean. Major League Baseball in San Francisco is a real example of how a new stadium can breathe new life back into a declining major league sports franchise. The Giants won the World Series in 2010 with the right mix 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 most acclaimed wide receiver in football 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 employed as the coach at the beginning the 2011 season and guarantees to lead this storied franchise back to Super Bowl glory.
San Jose Sharks
While many large areas in California aren't lucky enough to have professional hockey franchises, the greater Bay Area is one of the places that does. Hockey fans in California avidly watch this team's games and some even take road trips to San Jose to see the Sharks play. Each major league team requires a place to play their home games, and the Sharks play theirs in the HP Pavilion, which is also commonly referred to as the Shark Tank. This team's club was set up in 1991 and has had some success 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 across the bay from San Francisco in Oakland. Once the San Francisco Warriors, the 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 Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullen and Mitch Richmond. The trio of players were nicknamed Run TMC and excelled in the fast-paced offense coached by Don Nelson. The Golden State Warriors have not won an NBA championship since 1975, but are led on the court by the talented players David Lee and Monta Ellis. Mark Jackson was hired by the club as their new lead coach prior to the 2011-2012 season.
Soccer in The Bay Area
San Francisco is unfortunately without any pro soccer teams, 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 on Buck Shaw Stadium. Buck Shaw Stadium is found on the campus of Santa Clara University. Pro soccer in San Francisco is a up and coming sport as the Earthquakes average over 12000 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 delightful day at the baseball stadium. A "Splash Hit" into McCovey Cove is a home run by a Giant that completely exits the ballpark into the neighboring Pacific Ocean. Major League Baseball in San Francisco is a real example of how a new stadium can breathe new life back into a declining major league sports franchise. The Giants won the World Series in 2010 with the right mix 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 most acclaimed wide receiver in football 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 employed as the coach at the beginning the 2011 season and guarantees to lead this storied franchise back to Super Bowl glory.
San Jose Sharks
While many large areas in California aren't lucky enough to have professional hockey franchises, the greater Bay Area is one of the places that does. Hockey fans in California avidly watch this team's games and some even take road trips to San Jose to see the Sharks play. Each major league team requires a place to play their home games, and the Sharks play theirs in the HP Pavilion, which is also commonly referred to as the Shark Tank. This team's club was set up in 1991 and has had some success 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 across the bay from San Francisco in Oakland. Once the San Francisco Warriors, the 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 Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullen and Mitch Richmond. The trio of players were nicknamed Run TMC and excelled in the fast-paced offense coached by Don Nelson. The Golden State Warriors have not won an NBA championship since 1975, but are led on the court by the talented players David Lee and Monta Ellis. Mark Jackson was hired by the club as their new lead coach prior to the 2011-2012 season.
Soccer in The Bay Area
San Francisco is unfortunately without any pro soccer teams, 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 on Buck Shaw Stadium. Buck Shaw Stadium is found on the campus of Santa Clara University. Pro soccer in San Francisco is a up and coming sport as the Earthquakes average over 12000 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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