Why Are They Called the Giants? A Tale of Two Titans
So, you're wondering why the New York Giants are called the Giants, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a story filled with more twists and turns than a Eli Manning scramble.
The Big Apple, Bigger Name
Let's start with the obvious: New York City is a city of skyscrapers. It's a place where everything is supersized – the dreams, the egos, and apparently, the nicknames. So, when the baseball team was formed back in the day, someone looked up at those towering buildings and thought, "You know what would be a really original name for our team? Giants."
It's like naming your kid "Tall" because you live next to a mountain. Or calling your dog "Fluffy" because it's kind of round. Original, right?
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Fast forward a few decades, and along comes a bright spark named Tim Mara. He decides to start a football team. Being the clever businessman he was, Mara thought, "Hey, baseball is huge in New York. Let's ride their coattails and call our team the Giants too!"
And just like that, we had two teams in the same city with the same name. It's like having identical twins and dressing them the same. Confusing, right?
To clear things up, the football team eventually became the "New York Football Giants." But let's be honest, who says that whole thing? We're still stuck with the Giants, and it's caused countless arguments at sports bars.
So, Are They Actually Giants?
Look, let's be real. No one on the team is seven feet tall and green. They're just regular-sized athletes who are really good at football. But the name stuck, and now it's part of their identity.
It's like when you give your cat a weird name and then it grows on you. You start to think, "Actually, Fluffy is the perfect name for this cat."
How to Become a Giants Fan (or Not)
- How to become a Giants fan: Enjoy watching football, appreciate a rich history, and be prepared for some rollercoaster emotions.
- How to survive a Giants game: Wear layers, because the weather in New York can be unpredictable. Also, bring earplugs if you sit near the opposing team's fans.
- How to impress your Giants-fan friends: Learn the names of all the retired jerseys hanging from the stadium rafters. Bonus points if you can recite their career stats.
- How to avoid being a bandwagon fan: Don't just jump on the Giants train when they're winning. True fans stick with their team through thick and thin.
- How to cope with a Giants loss: Find a supportive community of fellow fans to commiserate with. Or, you know, just watch cat videos.
So there you have it. The Giants got their name from a case of mistaken identity and a touch of New York bravado. And while they might not be literal giants, their impact on the world of sports is undeniable.