Say It Ain’t So, Giants Owners

After the World Series Parade, we decided to make a day of it and went sailing. We left out of the harbor which borders the Giants’ player parking lot. I returned at twilight to find my car blocked in by equipment from the World Series production. It took about 45 minutes for the workers to extricate my car. I passed the time watching the players, coaches and employees exit AT&T Park for the season.

Standing by himself at the exit gate was an exhausted but enthused Bill Neukom. He vigorously shook hands with everyone through the windows of their cars, thanking them and exchanging pleasantries. Several players got out and gave him a hug.

I am sure he thanked them many times after the Series. Being an owner and the CEO, many would say he thanks them enough by signing their checks. Hosting the Playoffs, World Series and the Parade for the first time probably meant little slept for the last month. He is easily the wealthiest person working for the team.

In other words, he did not need to be there. He wanted his thanks to be the last thing the Giants received as they left for the off-season.

Behind every great organization is great management. Bill Neukom will be missed.