The San Francisco Giants, popularly known as “Los Gigantes”, are members of the National League (NL) in Major League Baseball. Since becoming a member of the league, they have been World Series Champions eight times so far. However, they are also a three time pre-modern World Series Champion. Alongside that, they have won the NL West Division championship nine times and the NL pennant a staggering 23 times. The team shares rivalry with Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics.
The San Francisco Giants is owned by Charles B. Johnson and Greg E. Johnson. Greg E. Johnson is also the Chairman of the team. Larry Baer is the President while Farhan Zaidi serves as the President of baseball operations. Pete Putila is the General Manager for the team and Bob Melvin was chosen as the new manager after the departures of Gape Kepler and Kai Correa in 2023.
Who is the mascot for the San Francisco Giants?
Lou Seal is the official mascot for the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB). Originally called Luigi Francisco Seal, he is a seal wearing orange and black goggles and a San Francisco Giants jersey and cap. His name is a reference to the San Francisco Seals, a baseball team of the Pacific Coast League from 1903-1957. Joel Zimei is credited for portraying the role of the mascot for the fans of the team.
Lou Seal’s History
Lou Seal has an interesting history behind him. In 1950, the San Francisco Seals adopted an actual sea lion, which might have been a seal fornamed “Major” as their mascot. Unfortunately, the team did not know anything about caring for animals. They kept it in a tank which was too small for him. Furthermore, its eating habits required a daily diet of three pounds of filet or sole and it was to be provided in small quantities so that the seal could digest them easily. It ultimately did not work out for the team as the animal injured itself in its tank. Furthermore, since the team could not determine its gender, they gave it away to the aquarium.
Talking about Lou Seal, he earned his name in a contest held by the team in which six fans submitted the name. They were invited to meet the mascot and he was introduced to the world on July 25, 1996. It was also said that he was born on the Farallon Islands west of the Golden Gate Bridge but grew up in San Francisco. He comes from a very large family and since seals mature pretty quickly, he did not meet his relatives until he became the team’s mascot. Then he discovered that he has lots of uncles, aunts cousins and nephews all of whom wants him to get tickets for them. His parents are extremely proud of him because is the first one in his family to receive a paycheck that is not conducted through smaller fish or smelt. His family has been fans of the San Francisco Giants for the last 40 years.
Lou Seal currently resides under the Lefty O’Doul Bridge in the China Basin district of San Francisco because passionate it is a very short swimming distance to the Oracle Park. He is a very fan of the team. He loves cheering with the fans and keeping up the positive spirits of the team. He also loves making public appearances like charity events, communities, events, schools and birthday parties. At his leisure time he usually relaxes at Pier 39, chases mermaids for fishes for mackerels. Notably, Lou Seal is one of the hardest working mascots in MLB and he has made over 1150 straight home appearances.
Lou Seal’s Funny Incidents
Lou Seal is always up to something. On September 11, 2014, there was a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Unfortunately, Lou Seal kept interrupting the Diamondbacks’ commentary booth by throwing Cracker Jacks at them. When one of the commentators challenged him, he strode into the commentary booth, all geared up for a war. One of the Diamondbacks’ commentators even stated that he will drop that mascot like bad habit. However, all of them made up with hugs and handshakes.
On July 9, 2013, the San Francisco Giants vs the New York Mets was extended. During the 15 inning of the game, Lou Seal decided that it was too late for him and changed into his PJ’s. The commentator informed me that it was “night-night” for Lou Seal.
On May 24, 2010, Lou Seal suffered a wardrobe malfunction. Barry Bonds hit a home run of 671 feet. While his team members rushed out to celebrate, Lou Seal did too. Unfortunately, his pants slid off. By the team he realized it and stopped to put it back on, he realized he was on camera and was embarrassed.
In 2015, Lou Seal appeared at Make-A-Wish Foundation to celebrate with Miles “Batkid” Scott who was fighting cancer since he was 1 year old. Since Miles Scott’s wish was to be Batman for a day, Make-A-Wish Foundation made it possible by turning San Francisco into Gotham City. However, Lou Seal was kidnapped by The Penguin at Union Square and taken to the Giants’ Stadium. However, Batman and Batkid pursued the villain in their Batmobile. While The Dark Knight took down The Penguin, the little Caped Crusader managed to rescue Lou Seal, who thanked him with a hug, fist bump and high-5. It was a funny event for the young cancer patient, which also allowed him to be his favorite superhero for a day.
FAQ's on San Francisco Giants Mascot
A. The official mascot for the San Francisco Giants is Lou Seal.
A. Lou Seal was introduced on July 25, 1996.
A. Joel Zimei performs the role of Lou Seal.
A. Lou Seal’s real name is Luigi Francisco Seal.
A. Lou Seal has appeared in almost over 1150 straight home games.
