Longtime Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow remembered former San Francisco Giants owner Peter Magowan before Friday’s home opener at Oracle Park. Magowan, who passed away earlier this year, is remembered as the man who helped keep the team in San Francisco in the early 90s, and was part of the group that is responsible for bringing a beautiful ballpark to China Basin.
Krukow read a speech written by Magowan for his Wall of Fame induction, but had to compose himself beforehand as the emotions took over.
“No longer will Giants fans have to worry about this team moving, as it almost once did,” Krukow read.
Magowan served as the club’s managing general partner from 1993-2008. The club’s previous owner Bob Lurie reached an agreement with a group planning to move the team to Florida in 1992. The National League rejected the sale, and Magowan and now-Giants CEO Larry Baer put together a group that purchased the team for $100 million. Shortly after the purchase, Magowan changed the course of the franchise by signing Barry Bonds to a six-year, $43.75 million contract.
“He will live in our hearts and our minds forever.”