An appropriate Giant goodbye to Grégor Blanco

Hey, Giants, how about showing some love to Grégor Blanco?

If you look at the San Francisco Giants’ Instagram page, eight of their last nine posts are all about Hunter Pence. As a Giants fan, I tend to like most, if not all of their Instagram posts, however I’m sitting here wondering why is their Instagram all about Hunter Pence?

He’s not the only one on the team who’s considering retirement. So is Grégor Blanco. Blanco, just like Pence, won two World Series with the Giants in 2012 and 2014.

The headline in the SF Gate sums it up perfectly: Emotional finale for Giants’ Grégor Blanco, not just Hunter Pence.

Blanco was quoted in the SF Gate piece saying, “Oh, man. It’s sad. I was just talking with my wife this morning about today being the last game.”

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve got to take it all in, the clubhouse, the fans, the city, you guys, the streets, AT&T. I don’t know when this is going to happen again. So many great memories in my head right now. It’s a tough moment. But definitely, I’m going to enjoy it.”

Blanco also talks about his future plans of being a coach.

“I love this game. I’ve done so many good things that of course there will be a time I need to do something else. I don’t know if I’m ready for it yet. I want to see what opportunities (as a player) are there. I’ve got to make a decision, but (coaching) definitely is on the table for me. I see myself as an outfield coach, baserunning coach, stuff I’m good at. I feel I can help people.”

After five seasons with the Giants, from 2012-2016, Blanco signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks and played with the team through the 2017 season. On Opening Day 2018, Blanco made his comeback with the Giants.

I interviewed Blanco last season when the Diamondbacks came through to Chicago and told him we missed him in San Francisco and to please come back to the Giants. He did just that. It was an absolute pleasure watching Blanco back in orange and black, playing outfield at AT&T park. He was home and happy he was back.

Baseball is a team sport, where team members should be celebrated, when they come and when they go. Blanco and all the teammates on the Giants who are or even considering retiring should be celebrated and recognized, not just one person – Pence.

Even if Blanco isn’t retiring, give him some credit.

As a lifelong Giants fan, I want to thank Blanco for all he did with the Giants. His comeback was epic in my eyes. If this is the end, I’m glad he was able to play with the team he loves. Best of luck to him.

Featured Image: Scott Cunningham / Getty Images Sport

Inset Images: Jean Fruth / La Vida Baseball