Remembering Ed Lee's passion, reverence for San Francisco sports

SAN FRANCISCO -- Often seen basking in the championship glow with a smile on his face, Ed Lee genuinely loved Bay Area sports and the teams were a fan of his too.

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After news of his unexpected passing Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers all issued statements saying the late mayor will be dearly missed.

Lee's love of sports was genuine. He helped bring the U.S. Open and America's Cup to San Francisco. He hosted a Super Bowl, and lured the Warriors from Oakland back to the city.

He knew all the star athletes by name -- except that one time when he called Stephen Curry, Steve.

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But don't worry, he made up for that.

Lee was in his element as he celebrated two Warriors and two Giants world championships.

And while the 49ers technically left for Santa Clara under his watch, it was the decisions of his predecessors that led to their move.

But he made up for that, shovel in hand, when he broke ground on the Chase Center -- a crown-jewel arena that will be a major part of his lasting legacy.

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