2012 World Series, Game One

Pablo Sandoval crosses the plate after one of his record-tying three home runs in a World Series game. (DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP)

I was lucky enough to be at Game One of the 2010 World Series, when the mood outside the ballpark before the game was just amazing. Palpable excitement about a team that had survived its division race on the final day of the season and then rolled through the playoffs. This year was a bit different…this team did the opposite, rolling to a division title over the last couple months of the season but then needing miraculous comebacks to win both playoff rounds. There was less hyperactivity outside the park for Game One this year, at least before the game, but that all changed once everyone was inside and gametime approached.

Thankfully, after the 9th inning monsoon in Game Seven of the NLCS, the weather was perfect…a cool, crisp fall day in the City by the Bay.

There were so many terrific storylines this game, tops among them of course the historic game turned in by Pablo Sandoval. Three home runs in a World Series game in front of a home crowd. WOW. The stadium was thunderous…as loud as any venue I’ve been in, ever. Between that, the stirring pitching performances of Barry Zito and Tim Lincecum, the continued brilliance of Marco Scutaro at the plate and Brandon Crawford and Gregor Blanco in the field, Game One had something for every Giants fan.

The scene on Willie Mays Plaza after the game was like nothing I’ve ever experienced, including two years ago. There was a kinetic energy in the crowd. The crowd collapsed upon a trio of drum players who quickly whipped them into a frenzy, and suddenly hundreds of fans were in a circle around the drummers, chanting and bouncing and yelling. It was pretty amazing to experience. I can only imagine what a Series victory at home in Game Six or Seven would produce…

A few scenes from around the ballpark from Game One of the 2012 World Series, taken with my trusty (but sometimes shakily held) iPhone:

Delancey Street Restaurant along the Embarcadero shows its support for the hometown team

It was so great to see blue skies and sunshine for Game One, especially after the monsoon during the 9th inning of Game Seven of the NLCS two nights earlier.

Pre-game grub: Tacos de pollo asado at Mijita…authentic Mexican cuisine right at the ballpark.

McCovey Cove filled up with everything from canoes to yachts for Game One of the World Series.

It was a sparkling blue sky during batting practice.

I went 43 years before seeing a World Series game in person. My daughter has now been to two Game Ones in San Francisco in three years, and she’s only 17!

Joe Buck during the FOX pregame show. He’s not exactly a fan favorite in San Francisco.

The pomp and circumstance of World Series Game One is tough to match.

American Idol winner Philip Phillips performed the National Anthem as flags and stars unfurled in the outfield.

My first panorama shot using the new iPhone 5 feature. Fittingly, it comes at a ballgame. :)

The crowd was whipped into a frenzy as the game started.

Barry Zito delivers the first pitch of the 2012 World Series.

Pablo Sandoval crosses the plate after one of his record-tying three home runs in a World Series game. (DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP)

Major League Baseball’s Stand Up 2 Cancer promotion was moving – all the players, umpires, and fans held up personalized signs at the end of the 5th inning.

Fans were also given these wristbands promoting SU2C.

I had to laugh when I saw this guy sitting in box seats reading a book during Game One of the World Series.

Players and fans celebrate the Game One win.

The scene on Willie Mays Plaza after the game was electric. Local and national media broadcasting, musicians playing, fans buzzing and chanting…truly electric.

The scene outside the Willie Mays Gate at AT&T Park after Game One was as scenic as it was electric.

Fans inside and outside the park wore a wide variety of costumes. My daughter made her own tutu for the game, paired with Giants tube socks and a Posey for President t-shirt. Outside the park, she found a new wave Native American chief in full orange and black regalia.