How Many Baseballs Have Taken a Swim in McCovey Cove? A Deep Dive (Not Literally...That Would Be Disastrous)
Ah, McCovey Cove. The shimmering jewel nestled beyond the right field wall of Oracle Park, home to kayaks, seagulls, and the occasional wayward baseball. But for San Francisco Giants fans, it's more than just a pretty view – it's a splash zone! A watery graveyard for baseballs launched into the bay by some of the game's greatest sluggers.
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| How Many Splash Home Runs San Francisco |
So, how many balls have taken the plunge?
The answer, my friend, is a delightful 103 (as of April 20, 2024). That's right, over a hundred baseballs have met their watery demise at the hands – or rather, bats – of Giants players.
Barry Bonds, the legendary home run king, reigns supreme in this watery category as well, with a whopping 35 splash hits. Talk about making a splash (sorry, I couldn't resist).
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
But Bonds isn't the only one who can hit a ball far enough to reach the drink. Giants fans have been treated to aquatic dingers from players like Brandon Belt, Pablo Sandoval, and the inimitable Mike Yastrzemski (who even has a couple of walk-off splash hits – clutch AND wet!).
The Splash Hit Hall of Fame (Not Official, But It Should Be)
Here's a quick shoutout to some of the other notable splash hit contributors:
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
- Most Splash Hits in a Single Game: Barry Bonds (Twice! Because of course he did)
- First Postseason Splash Hit: Chuck Finley (Yes, a pitcher! Though let's be honest, it was probably a lucky swing)
- Most Unexpected Splash Hit: Probably your uncle at a company picnic (Just kidding...maybe)
Fun Facts About Splash Hits (Because Baseball Needs More Fun Facts)
- There's an electronic counter on the right field wall that tallies each splash hit. No more arguments about who remembers seeing the most!
- Recovering a splash hit ball is a coveted prize for fans. But be warned, these soggy souvenirs can fetch a pretty penny on the collector's market.
- Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski is the only player to have two walk-off splash hits. Take that, Barry Bonds! (Just kidding, we still love you, Barry)
Splash Hit FAQs
Feeling inspired to snag your own splash hit baseball? Well, maybe not literally (safety first!), but here are some helpful FAQs:
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How to watch a Splash Hit live? Head down to Oracle Park and snag some right field seats! The view's great, and you might just witness history (or at least a very impressive home run).
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to see all the Splash Hits? The San Francisco Giants have a great compilation video on their website https://www.baseball-almanac.com/legendary/splash_hits.shtml. You're welcome.
How to become a Splash Hit collector? This one's tricky. Patience and a whole lot of luck are key. But hey, if you find one, congrats! You're officially a baseball trivia whiz.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
How to hit a Splash Hit yourself? Well, that involves superhuman strength and impeccable timing. Or you could just become a superfan and cheer on the Giants. They've got this splash hit thing covered.
How many times will I read puns about Splash Hits in this article? Probably too many. But hey, you gotta admit, they're pretty fintastic!
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