Duane Kuiper shares classic Hunter Pence story from 2014

Since sports are on an indefinite hiatus for the time being, we are getting plenty of throwback posts and stories as we look to the fill the time.

Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper joined KNBR’s “Murph and Mac Show” and reminisced about the 2014 postseason run.

The Giants had just gotten blown by the Kansas City Royals in Game 6 of the World Series and Kuiper was wondering how the team would bounce back.

Of course, it was Pence he ran into, and as we know, he showed why he is revered as a great leader to Giants fans.

“We got off the bus at the hotel, and it just happened that Hunter Pence and I were the only two in the elevator going up.” Kuiper recalled. “And really in Hunter Pence’s style, he looked me in the eye and with deep sincerity said, ‘I’m glad. This is the way it has to be. I can’t wait for tomorrow.’”

Pence was on fire in the 2014 playoffs, going into Game 7 hitting .435. His confidence didn’t wain a bit, despite the team’s ugly 10-0 loss in Game 6.

“Meanwhile, everybody else is ready to puke [after Game 6], right?” Kuiper said. “Because of [the 2002 Game 7 loss to the Anaheim Angels] and we got a Game 7 ... but he was ready to roll, man. I don’t believe he slept. I think he sat in his chair in his room and waited until the bus left the next day.”

Pence delivered in Game 7 as well, going 2-for-4 and scoring a run, helping the Giants to a 3-2 win and the third World Series title in five years. His return to the Bay Area for the upcoming season is a welcome sight for Giants fans.