California Here We Come!

The fourth all-California World Series is underway, and this time it contains two teams full of players who are experiencing the Fall Classic for the first time.  The San Francisco Giants, who are making a return trip to the series, and the Anaheim Angels, both of whom made the series in the most unlikely of ways as Wild Card teams, bring with them a whole new excitement not seen since the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins went from last to first in 1991.

The last time California played host to the culminating baseball series of the year was 1989.  The powerhouse Oakland Athletics, led by budding superstars Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Dave Stewart, and Dennis Eckersley battled the San Francisco Giants, a much less probable entry into the series.  The San Francisco earthquake that delayed the games for about a week marred the series.  Literally the earth moved the last time the Golden State hosted the World Series.

  This year provides the opportunity for future Hall of Fame outfielder Barry Bonds, arguably the best player since his godfather Willie Mays, to play in the fall classic.  He is living out an opportunity many have not had the privilege to do, most notably Chicago Cubs legends Ernie Banks and Billy Williams.  If the Giants were to win the title, Bonds would have the final feather in his cap to go along with his four Most Valuable Player Awards, single-season home run record, 600+ career home runs, and many other offensive season and career records.  If the Giants were to win, he could make a strong case for being the greatest offensive player of all time.

  The World Series is an exciting time for all baseball fans, regardless if your favorite team is in the series or not.  It provides magical moments and thrilling excitement by virtue of being the premier baseball series of the season.  This year adds a little more as two unexpected teams filled with World Series novices will participate.  No matter who wins on the field, there will be no losers.  For these two "Cinderella-like" teams just coming this far is victory enough.