Last home opener, it was Brandon Belt riding out onto the field in a boat, championing his self-appointed captainship.
This year, the Giants’ pregame festivities were more subdued. The team got announced one-by-one, with the starters walking out of the left field corner on an orange carpet with fireworks blaring.
And then Mike Murphy, the team’s longtime clubhouse manager, threw out the ceremonial first pitch in a touching moment.
Murphy retired after 65 seasons with the organization. He’d been with the team since it moved from New York to San Francisco. Thank-you notes from Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Orlando Cepeda, Will Clark, Buster Posey line the team’s 2023 media guide.
“Murph!,” Mays wrote. “You have taken care of all the guys over the years. I have known you since we both came to the San Francisco Giants at Seals Stadium in 1958. That’s a long time ago, man! We have seen a lot together, done a lot together, and gotten through it all together. You are my friend. You are my brother. Congratulations on your retirement. You deserve it. See you around!”
A new mural on the Giants’ clubhouse wall now honors Murphy.
Murphy delivered his first pitch to Brandon Crawford, who shared a big hug with him afterwards.
Following Murphy’s pitch, former Giant Sergio Romo addressed the crowd with a “Play Ball!” message. Romo retired as a Giant after winning three World Series championships in orange and black.
Right before the special appearances, two men flew over McCovey Cove with aquatic jet packs.
