After an exciting home stand rivalry play with the Oakland A’s last weekend, the San Francisco Giants won two out of three games, now on the road this week. Monday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers saw left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner had a beautiful game going, pitched 7 innings, 10 strikeouts, leading 3-0, only to be blasted in top of 8th! Brewers tied the game, Giants bullpen up to the task, relief pitchers cleared the bench, 14 innings, finally won with closer Santiago Casilla to win his first game! What a nail bitter!

I was out at AT&T Park last Thursday afternoon when Giants played World Series 2011 Champions, St. Louis Cardinals - MATT CAIN won 7-5. How Sweet it is when Cain gets in the win column which often evades him, despite taking the team deep into the game!

Giants Hitting Coach HENSLEY MEULENS, fondly called BAM BAM, a handle that’s stuck with him since his softball days back in his native home in Curacao. Hired by the Giants in 2010; signed through this year.

Caught up with the handsome gent, prior to batting practice with several players. Anxious to chat with SIR HENSLEY!

On April 27, 2012, Meulens was awarded with the Ridder in de Orde van Orange-Nassau, which is the chivalry order of the Netherlands that is the equivalent of KNIGHTHOOD. He broke out in a warm smile when I addressed him as Sir Hensley. Stated he was proud to be recognized for his lifetime achievements, and will be honored in ceremony on the field later this year!

Back in the dugout, observed left-handed pitcher JEREMY AFFELDT sign autographs for young fans who gathered at the the side of the dugout from lower box section, monitored by usher IKE ELLIOTT (11 seasons with the Giants). Affeldt is involved with the youth. In 2006, he created “Generation Alive,” a youth ministry. He’s a strong advocate for ending child poverty, pledges $100 donation for every strike out to go towards this campaign and has even recruited other professional athletes to join him, including teammate Matt Cain and St. Louis’ Matt Holiday.

Former player, SHAWON DUNSTON, now working in some capacity with the team, rapped in colorful conversation about his career to JIM MOOREHEAD, Giants Senior Director Media Relations.

Prior to the game, stopped in Broadcast booth to chat with Giants Public Address Announcer RENEL BROOKS-MOON. When not at DA PARK, the local CELEBRITY radio announcer is heard early in the morning talking the talk and playing the music on KISQ 98.1. Wondered if the shake-up at radio station KBLX, and the firing of early morning man Kevin Brown, now replaced by syndicated Steve Harvey show, if she noticed an increase in her listeners, to which she stated was too early to tell.

At the end of the game - always take pleasure to pause in the press box watching grounds keepers on the field, people fade out of the stands, listening to Tony Bennett sing, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. Yes, would feel the same if I left the City by the Bay and the Giants!

HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE ... LOOK FOR ME ... I’LL BE THERE ...
E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net