1963–84: always a bridesmaid, never the bride History of the San Francisco Giants

giants pitcher ron herbel in 1963 issue of baseball digest.

although giants did not play in world series until 1989, teams of 1960s continued pennant contenders several future hall-of-famers. these included gaylord perry, pitched no-hitter giants in 1968; juan marichal, pitcher memorable high-kicking delivery; mccovey, won national league mvp award in 1969, , mays, hit 600th career home run in 1969. giants highlight came in 1963 when jesús alou joined team, , along felipe , matty, 1 late inning of 1 game, formed first all-brother outfield in major league history. in 1967, pitcher mike mccormick became first giant cy young award winner.

the giants next appearance in postseason came in 1971. after winning division, defeated in league championship series pittsburgh pirates , roberto clemente, went on beat baltimore orioles in world series 4 games three.

in 1972, field @ candlestick park converted grass astroturf.

during decade, giants gave many players became successful elsewhere, including garry maddox, george foster, dave kingman , gaylord perry. 2 giants became rookies of year, outfielder (gary matthews sr. in 1973 , no-hit pitcher john montefusco in 1975).

in 1976 bob lurie bought team, saving being moved toronto. toronto awarded expansion team called blue jays, san francisco baseball fans worries losing beloved giants had not gone away yet. rest of 1970s disappointing time giants, finished no higher third place in season, 1 exception. in 1978, young star slugger jack clark, veteran slugging first baseman willie mccovey, star hitter second baseman bill madlock (acquired chicago cubs), shortstops johnnie lemaster , roger metzger, , slugging third baseman darrell evans. veteran pitchers vida blue, john montefusco, ed halicki , bob knepper rounded out starting rotation vida blue leading way eighteen victories. memorable moment of 1978 season occurred on may 28, 1978, when pinch hitter mike ivie, acquired san diego padres during offseason derrel thomas, hit towering grand slam off of dodgers pitching ace don sutton before candlestick park s highest paid attendance of 58,545. led nl west of season until slugger dusty baker, rookie pitcher bob welch , rest of dodgers got hot late, winning west , (over philadelphia phillies in nlcs) nl pennant.

the field @ candlestick converted natural grass 1979 season.

in 1981, giants became first national league team hire black manager, frank robinson, although lasted less 4 years , unsuccessful. giants finished game on .500 in strike-shortened 1981 season. next season, giants acquired veterans joe morgan , reggie smith. got hot late , ended in three-team pennant race dodgers , braves. day after dodgers eliminated them, morgan hit homer against dodgers on last day of season, giving nl west atlanta.

in 1984, giants hosted all-star game second , last time @ candlestick park, nl won did @ candlestick in 1961 when stu miller blown off mound gust of wind.