Ex-Giants Icon Melts Hearts With Emotional Message as Franchise Honors Veteran Heroes

Brandon Crawford fulfilled the aspirations of baseball enthusiasts in the Bay Area over 13 seasons by embodying the dream of every baseball fan in the Bay Area. He played for his childhood team, the San Francisco Giants, as a shortstop more than any player in franchise history. He clinched four Gold Gloves and three All-Star selections through his journey, with consistent strength and remarkable leadership. Crawford also played a pivotal role in helping the team win two World Series championships and gained recognition for his exceptional defensive skills and ability to perform well under pressure. His decision to retire from professional sports signifies the conclusion of not only his career but also a significant chapter in the history of the Giants franchise.

The event at Oracle Park on Saturday to celebrate Brandon Crawford was truly heartwarming. It was a moment as loved ones and ex-teammates came together to pay tribute to his contribution as a pivotal member of the Giants’ infield for more than ten years. The atmosphere was electrifying when Crawford expressed his gratitude in a speech to the fans who have been by his side since 2011.

“Throughout my time, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in events like playoff games and All-Star Games as well as a few World Series matches; however, today as I stand here giving this speech, I must confess that nerves have never struck me so strongly before,” Crawford shared candidly with a touch of humility despite having faced numerous high-stakes situations in his career journey.

During his address to the audience gathered to honor him for his achievements on the field and beyond, Crawford reiterated a sentiment that reflected the essence of his baseball journey: “I may be stepping away from the field, but I’ll always be a Giant.”

From Menlo Park to the leagues, Crawford’s rise is the stuff of legends. Starting out in the East Bay and excelling at UCLA during his college years paved the way for him to be drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2008 amateur draft. He stepped into the league scene in 2011. Wasted no time leaving his mark by slamming a grand slam in his debut game against the Brewers. Crawford’s stats speak for themselves — he ranks among the Giants’ all-time leaders in hits, doubles, and triples, and his leadership extended far beyond the field. Teammate Logan Webb described him as having “baseball smarts through the roof,” noting that every player, including himself, sought to learn from Crawford during their time together.

Even though Crawford has opted for retirement at this point in time, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of making a return to the field at some point down the line. No matter what lies ahead in his journey, the impact he has made on the lore of the Giants remains strong and respected. The crowd’s cheers of gratitude echoed throughout the stadium, highlighting one truth: Giants baseball will never quite be as captivating without Crawford at the helm.

The big question now is this. How will the Giants continue his legacy, and which player will rise to the challenge of filling the gap he’s left behind?

Giants’ number retirement dilemma: What happens to Crawford’s No. 35?

Brandon Crawford’s No. 35 was the star of the show on Saturday, not just because it’s a symbol of his legendary career but because it’s now in the hands of future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. It wasn’t a tough decision for Crawford, who’s always had the Giants’ best interests at heart. Yet, as the crowd cheered and memories of his 13 years with the team flooded back, one big question loomed—what happens to No. 35 when Verlander eventually moves on? The Giants, having retired numbers for only those with a Cooperstown plaque, now face a tough call. It’s clear they’ll have to reevaluate their standards, especially as Crawford’s legacy, like those of Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner, could blur the lines between honor and tradition.

As the Giants look to the future, it’s clear this isn’t just about numbers on a jersey but legacy, respect, and the tough choices that come with honoring franchise icons. Team president Larry Baer acknowledged that while No. 35 isn’t on the retirement list yet, it’s a conversation for another day. With Crawford cementing his place in franchise history, one thing’s for sure: his impact goes far beyond the field. As for his post-playing days, Crawford’s keeping busy with family life, but the door is always open for a return to the Giants in some capacity.

After all, there’s only one Brandon Crawford, and no matter what happens with No. 35, his place in Giants history is secure.