San Francisco Giants and the Pacific Coast League Seals Stadium

Name: San Francisco Giants and the Pacific Coast League Seals Stadium
Start: 1957-09-27
Location: Unspecified

The Giants Move into Seals Stadium

In 1957, the San Francisco Giants transitioned to their new home, the Seals Stadium, located in San Francisco, California. With their move from New York after the 1957 season, the Giants needed a temporary venue while their future home, Candlestick Park, was under construction. Seals Stadium, previously home to the Pacific Coast League's Seals, provided a suitable facility that allowed the Giants to continue playing in front of their new fanbase.

Seals Stadium had a rich history, having served as a ballpark since 1931. The stadium was known for its intimate atmosphere and a capacity of around 22,000 fans, which, although smaller than many major league parks, created a robust and engaging environment for the attendees. This adaptability played a significant role in the Giants maintaining momentum and support during their transitional phase in the MLB.

Seals Stadium: A Brief Overview

The Seals Stadium was constructed in 1931 and was initially home to the San Francisco Seals, a minor league team. It had amenities such as a grassy area in the outfield, which was unique for its time, and became infamous for its high outfield fences, making home runs a rarity. The stadium witnessed many memorable moments in Pacific Coast League history before the Giants took it over for their first seasons in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Giants Take the Field

Once the Giants began their season at Seals Stadium, they quickly developed a loyal following from the local community. Fans embraced the team as their own, creating an electric atmosphere at the games. The Giants featured notable players, leading to an exciting display of baseball that connected the franchise to San Francisco's growing sports culture.

Preparing for Candlestick Park

During their tenure at Seals Stadium, the Giants played a pivotal role in shaping the future of baseball in San Francisco. The franchise, under the leadership of key figures like General Manager Chub Feeney and manager Bill Rigney, focused heavily on preparing for their new park, Candlestick Park, which was set to open in 1960.

The Transition to Candlestick Park

Constructed with modern amenities, Candlestick Park was designed to accommodate a larger audience and host other events. The Giants' experience at Seals Stadium taught them much about community engagement and fan expectations, setting the stage for their arrival in a ballpark that would become iconic in its own right.

The Last Days at Seals Stadium

As the opening of Candlestick Park approached, the Giants enjoyed their final season at Seals Stadium. The stadium's manageable size and vibrant atmosphere created memories that would last a lifetime for fans and players alike, all while preparing for a new chapter in the organization’s illustrious history. After 1959, the Giants moved on, forever leaving a mark on Seals Stadium and the local community.

Fun Fact

A Piece of Giants History at Seals Stadium

Interestingly, while at Seals Stadium, the Giants played host to over 1.5 million fans, showcasing the rapid expansion of baseball's popularity on the West Coast in such a short period of time.