Gilroy native receives Giants World Series ring
Eight months have passed since that magical October. The San Francisco Giants grabbed our attention with an exhilarating run through the postseason and to the franchise’s first World Series title since moving to the Bay Area, ending years, and a season, of torture.
Time has flown by, but the thrill hasn’t worn off.
When Gilroy native Bobby Baksa reflects on the epic adventure, it doesn’t matter where the conversation starts, because it usually ends with the same few words.
“What a ride,” Baksa said. “Who would’ve thought that I’d ever have a World Series ring?”
That is an appropriate question. Baksa’s playing days are long behind him. Instead, Baksa earned his bling behind the scenes.
Baksa, who serves as the Giants Player and Community Relations Assistant, which entails a rigorous schedule at times, coordinating player appearances, community outreach, among a lengthy list of responsibilities, had a front-row seat to what unfolded last fall. And at a ceremony earlier this month emceed by Giants play-by-play commentators Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow, Baksa, and the rest of the Giants’ front office staff were rewarded for their hard work, receiving their diamond-laced World Championship rings.
“It’s pretty heavy,” Baksa said. “I’ve worn it a few times. It’s not easy to type.”
Also in attendance, Owner Bill Neukom, General Manager Brian Sabean, manager Bruce Bochy and Baksa’s mother, Vicki, father, Jay, and brother, Tucker.
“It was quick, but the best ceremony that I have been a part of,” Baksa quipped. “Better than any graduation. I actually wanted to pay attention. When the Giants do something, they do it right. Especially the upper management.”
Baksa said it was a thrill to be able to share the moment with his family – his dad and brother attended games in Texas during the World Series.
“It was great to have them there and to be able to share stories with my colleagues,” Baksa said.
Baksa graduated from Gilroy High in 2001, and is still friends with classmate Chris Gimenez, who is currently on the Seattle Mariners roster. Baksa keeps in contact with his buddy and, with his new hardware stowed away, decided to take a quick jab at the pro catcher.
“One of my best friends is in the big leagues and I have a ring before him,” Baksa said through a sarcastic laugh. “Go ahead and put that in the paper. He will like that.”
Baksa graduated from San Diego State, where he served as the women’s basketball team manager for two seasons, with a degree in recreational management. He went on to earn a master’s in sports management from the University of San Francisco and broke in with the Giants in 2006 as an intern. Baksa was let go after that year but was called back to assist with the 2007 All-Star Game at AT&T Park.
After returning to Gilroy following the 2007 season and an unsuccessful attempt to land a job, Baksa received an offer to become a part-time employee during the 2008-09 season and was hired at the conclusion of the year to the position he currently holds.
