The Arizona Diamondbacks are in town for a three-game series this weekend and they brought an old friend.
Gregor Blanco returns to AT&T Park, a familiar ground for the speedy outfielder, for the first time since 2016, but this time he’ll have a different uniform on. Prior to Friday’s matchup, Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy reminisced about his favorite Blanco memories and said he hopes to have a chance to say hello to Blanco, even though he isn’t in Arizona’s starting lineup.
“I have so many (memories), I mean this guy did so much for us,” Bochy said. “My most special one is the perfect game Matt Cain threw and that great catch he made. I looked up and I saw Angel way over and I said ‘Oh my goodness, he’s not going to get to that ball,’ and Gregor came out of nowhere and made just a spectacular catch. But I have a lot of great memories with him, whether it’s running bases, getting a big hit for us. He’s such a good guy, great teammate. He’s not playing tonight, I hope I get a chance to say hello.
“He’s upbeat, you know. He never complained about playing time, his role, always laughing around the players. Loved his kid, great father. He loved to bring him out here and spend time. He’s just a good person. As good of a player as he is he’s even a better person.”
Blanco signed with the Diamondbacks in January after five years in San Francisco. He started the season in AAA but was called up to play on May 5. Since then he’s played in 60 games and is batting .259/.342 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.
