OT: The Day I Realized I Had McCovenism

by TheLetter2 on Jul 27, 2009 5:43 PM PDT

Back in April I decided, after eschewing sports for 24 years, that perhaps it was time to give this "baseball" thing a try. Because I hadn't grown up with a team, I had the unusual luxury of selecting from the 30 major league franchises, and I chose the Giants. I can't really explain why, though I can say orange and black just look snazzy against french vanilla.

People gave me all sorts of reasons not to pick the G-men. Lousy record, they said. Pick a winner, they said. But I stuck to my guns, and their criticism actually made the Giants that much more important to me. I've always believed there's something to be said for the underdog. Plus, hey. Orange and black.

Less than a month after Opening Day, I stumbled across McCovey Chronicles. I was delighted to see fans constantly bantering with an equal dose of reverence and sarcasm. This, I thought, was something cool. Before long, I found myself more heavily emphasizing the Z in "dingerz" and growling "FINISH HIM" whenever a 3-2 count came up. I hated Scott Hairston with a fierce passion and couldn't refer to Russell Martin without cordially inviting him to suck it.

But I never really considered contributing to the discussion. I couldn't hold a candle to Grant's wordplay, BaronVonCurrentEvents' biting dry wit or Natto's outstanding Photoshop skillz. I was content to read and not write.

My first-ever major league game was this past Thursday, July 23. It was the final in the Braves/Giants series, and it ended wonderfully. But rivaling the action on the field was something that caught my eye from the stands: a familiar shock of white hair up in the press box.

"Holy crap," I thought. "That's Kruk and Kuip." I started nudging the Braves fans I'd traveled with that day. "Look, they're RIGHT THERE," I said, baffled by my companions' indifference. "I LOVE those guys!"

It was then I realized, yeah, I might have a touch of McCovenism. So I just wanted to stop in for a moment and tell you how you make a native Alabamian who's never been to the Bay Area feel like a part of the team. Gamers.

This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.

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Comments

Thats cool

How in the world did you land on the Giants though? It must have been our recent playoff success and our amazing endeavors on the free agent market.

Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)

by CB30 on Jul 27, 2009 5:50 PM PDT reply actions

Honestly, it had something to do with that clever 2K9 commercial featuring Tim. Since I’d never heard of him, I decided I’d find out more about his record and the team. From there, it seemed like a natural fit. It was odd how quickly it clicked. Never for a moment did I doubt the choice.

by TheLetter2 on Jul 27, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions

I picked the Giants over the A's in 1987

because I liked the look of the Giants players 87 Topps cards more than the A’s. I still remember the Bob Brenly stache! It was a hard choice because my dad was a Giants fan, and I’m not exactly the kind of person who wants to be like his father I guess.

ANYWAYS, picking the Giants as your team — best decision of your life?

"My Milkshake Brings All The Boys To The Yard"

by brollic on Jul 27, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Or BESTEST decision?

Yes on both counts.

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 4:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 27, 2009 5:55 PM PDT reply actions

Still needs more sparkles

Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)

by CB30 on Jul 27, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions

That’s what I’m talking about.

by TheLetter2 on Jul 27, 2009 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion.

Still backing Notgardo, wheresoever he may wander. (Don't forget to wriiiite!)

by tk on Jul 27, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jul 27, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Amazingly creepy.

Rafael Rodriguez: #8 on our list and batting .326 in Scottsdale...which I believe has be renamed Rafaelsdale.

by BrianBokake on Jul 27, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Fitting

Given the newest Giant.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Jul 28, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Welcome, indeed!

thanks for sharing. excellent post.

Bonds stands alone.

Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants

by nostocksjustbonds on Jul 27, 2009 6:17 PM PDT reply actions

Thank you!

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 4:30 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree

Scott Hairston is the devil
and
SUCK IT, RUSSELL MARTIN

Giant Dirtbags: John Bowker, Steve Hammond. MIA List: Todd Jennings, Brian Anderson
Wronghanded Affeldt pitches right

by Giant among Angels on Jul 27, 2009 6:18 PM PDT reply actions

I should acknowledge

my own debt at some point, and this seems like a good place to do it. I grew up a Giants fan, but a pretty casual one. I stopped following the game entirely in college. Even though I’m mostly a lurker, this site has got me back into baseball and the Giants, and it’s not only given me something to do but also helped me relax and get my mind off things when I really needed it.

MLB really ought to be paying Grant some share of my new MLB.TV subscription, for running this place. He should look into that.

by Kalk on Jul 27, 2009 6:23 PM PDT reply actions

and couldn’t refer to Russell Martin without cordially inviting him to suck it.

ONE OF US!! ONE OF US!!

Anagram of "knowing how to win" = WOW, I KNOW NOTHING

by Stuttering John Tamargo on Jul 27, 2009 7:09 PM PDT reply actions

My God. What have we done?

There are some fine Yankees blogs out there, son. Why doom yourself to a life of misery, backbiting, regret, and sarcasm?

by Evan on Jul 27, 2009 7:45 PM PDT reply actions

Great post.

Welcome!

by ryanmiles on Jul 27, 2009 7:49 PM PDT reply actions

This post pretty much sums up the whole site, so good job.

Also, I suggest not limiting yourself to lurking. It’s probably a good idea for newbies to start with, so you don’t get mocked mercilessly in your first post proposing to trade cain to the brewers for fielder. But after you get the feel of the place, it’s much more fun to join in.

VOTE SANDOVAL
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Jul 27, 2009 8:15 PM PDT reply actions

So I guess now would be the wrong time for my “NEED MOAR DINGERZ!” flowchart. :^)

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 4:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Nice! Welcome..

Now have some of our orange kool-aid!

by FriscoJoe on Jul 27, 2009 8:52 PM PDT reply actions

Seriously, TheLetter was already taken??? What the hell?

Excellent post. Glad to have you along with us. Do I take it you live in the Atlanta area?

Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.

by Mayor of 311 on Jul 27, 2009 10:38 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks. It’s good to be here. “The letter 2” is a reference to an old SNL “Celebrity Jeopardy” sketch.

Atlanta? God, no. Couldn’t pay me to live there. I grew up in, and am still a resident of, the great state of Alabama. /homer

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 4:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Welcome! :D

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Jul 27, 2009 10:42 PM PDT reply actions

Hi!

Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.

by Johnny Disaster on Jul 27, 2009 10:48 PM PDT reply actions

You had me at “I hated Scott Hairston with a fierce passion and couldn’t refer to Russell Martin without cordially inviting him to suck it.”

"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jul 27, 2009 10:56 PM PDT reply actions

Welcome. If there’s anything you need, ask Goofus.

GROUGTHINK ALERT

by groug on Jul 27, 2009 11:05 PM PDT reply actions

Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!

by satyricrash on Jul 27, 2009 11:15 PM PDT reply actions

Is EVERYTHING always a "Cabaret" reference with you?

(Alternate joke: Nice reference to Jennifer Grey’s father.)

Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.

by Mayor of 311 on Jul 27, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Works for me!

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 4:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Welcome aboard. Prepare to have your heart broken regularly.

Rafael Rodriguez: #8 on our list and batting .326 in Scottsdale...which I believe has be renamed Rafaelsdale.

by BrianBokake on Jul 27, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions

Done and done.

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 4:18 AM PDT up reply actions

THIS

It’s worked for me for about 45 years…
*WELCOME!*

by Jakespaar on Jul 31, 2009 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Hi my name is TheLetter2 and I’m a McCoveholic.
HI THELETTER2!
I wish you a speedy recovery. That is what were all trying to do right?

ROWAND I LOVE YOU SON!

old signature:
"apparently the adoptive parent of the 2nd best hitter on the team.
/shrug"

by lincypoo i wuv u on Jul 28, 2009 2:09 AM PDT reply actions

WELCOM

I’m flattered that you find my inane blatherings to be sharp and witty. I think you picked a good one, both the team and the blog. Sure the Giants are assholes, but they’re our assholes. We live and die with them. And it’s important to share that with like-minded fans.

Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jul 28, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions

I couldn’t agree more.

by TheLetter2 on Jul 28, 2009 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions

It's true.

We live and die with our assholes.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Jul 28, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

buttpee?

by SFGuy on Jul 29, 2009 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions

and our opinings

Proud father of Barry Bonds.

by Sabertooth on Jul 30, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

This post was brought to you...

…by the letter 2 and the numeral B.

Wait, what?

Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, on the Curacao-SF express (via Arizona).

by EliminateMe on Jul 28, 2009 11:34 AM PDT reply actions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7lv1SDzno

Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 28, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

You picked a decent time to become a fan. The past few years have been pretty rough, but things are finally starting to look up!

BTW, are the Orioles your favorite American League team?

I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.

by Norm Median on Jul 29, 2009 11:52 AM PDT reply actions

Ooh. You got me there. I like the uniforms, but haven’t paid much attention to the team. I don’t think I have a favorite AL team, though the Twins seem like nice folks.

by TheLetter2 on Jul 29, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

The Twins are my AL team, but it’s because my grandfather grew up in Minnesota.

by goGSW24 on Jul 29, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions

“AL team”? What is this business?

I am El Person and I ¢¾ this message.

by El Person on Jul 29, 2009 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Is that like Al’s Toy Barn?

Judgment Day has been indefinitely postponed. :(
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 29, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions

I don’t think so, Tim.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jul 29, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions

That’s because Willie Mays used to play in Minneapolis.

Proud father of Barry Bonds.

by Sabertooth on Jul 30, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd like to take a moment to thank the McCoven as well!

I’ve always been a basketball fan – and for the last few years, a football fan. I wanted to expand my horizons early this year and what I found was something amazing – a fanbase that always made something funny out of bad situations ,even when it was 2-7 and it looked like Fred Lewis catch ball no good.

A huge fan of the humor – keep it up guys! As a new baseball fan, I could have chosen any team, but there really didn’t need to be a choice. Always pick the team that can’t hit even at the cleanup position, it’s more entertaining that way!

Bay Area fan going to UCLA.

by Yoyo on Jul 30, 2009 9:39 PM PDT reply actions