Todd Chapman settled in to watch.
He had pizza. He had his family.
And he had a good feeling about the chances of his San Francisco Giants in their Game 7 showdown against St. Louis Monday night at Mountain Mike’s Pizza.
But the real reason he was there was to celebrate the 16th birthday of his brother – Will Davis – who didn’t exactly have the same rooting interest of those who came out to share the experience and the rite of passage with the East Union sophomore.
“Everybody else here is a Giants fan. I’m the only one,” Davis said with a laugh. “The Cardinals are awesome. I like Matt Holiday – even though that slide earlier in the series was a little bit messed up. You shouldn’t take anybody out like that.
“But it’s fun to be down here with my family.”
Ultimately Davis would be disappointed.
The Giants went on to outscore the Cardinals 9-0 to win their second National League pennant in three years – earning a trip to the World Series and the chance to bring a second championship trophy back to San Francisco.
With a massive lead and momentum on his team’s side, Chapman could only hope that he’d get a chance to see the same sort of celebration that he witnessed in 2010 – when his team won their first World Championship since relocating to California 52 years prior.
“I’m excited that they’re winning right now – they really need this and I’m glad that this is one that I get to see,” Chapman said. “I was so happy when they won it all. I went out and bought a hat and a shirt. I’m hoping that they get to do it again.”
Across town at Rookie’s Sports Bar and Grill, the scene was lively as fans packed in to watch both the historic Game 7 matchup and the Monday Night Football showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
The distraction didn’t bother lifelong Giants fan Eddie Hernandez, who opted for the atmosphere rather than sitting at home and watching the game by himself – tucking into a table with fellow fan Marissa San Nicolas and rooting for the Orange and Black and a return to the World Series.
“It’s just better when there are a lot more fans here. When you’re at home you can’t just jump up and celebrate when there’s nobody there – it’s not the same,” Hernandez said. “I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. Of course I’m ready for them to move on.”
San Nicolas had an ace up her sleeve – or jeans.
“I’m got my lucky socks on,” she said laughingly. “I’ve been a fan my whole life, and they’ve worked so far so I’m going to keep doing it.”
The first pitch of the Game 1 of the 2012 World Series is scheduled for 5:07 p.m. Wednesday from AT&T Park in San Francisco.
