San Francisco Giants celebrated at parade, rally
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco became the Valley of the Giants for the third time in five years Friday as fans lined the streets for a confetti and rain-soaked parade honoring the city's World Series champions.
A lot of the players brought their kids. There was a sweet moment between Brandon Crawford and his daughter.
MVP Madison Bumgarner was everywhere, including on top of a police horse.
PHOTOS: San Francisco Giants Victory Parade!
Giants fans were everywhere along the parade route, peeking out of office building windows and especially at Civic Center Plaza. Even the rain couldn't dampen their spirit.
"I am tired, I am wet, I am cold and there's no place that I'd rather be than here," Karen Garcia said.
"It's all just a matter of time, put it altogether, It's all about coaching, about players playing together, team work," Tony Maines said.
We're here, we're freezing, we're cold, we're hungry, but we're all here to support," one Giants fan said.
There was a lot of love there to support the team and the players. They rolled into Civic Center Plaza to loud cheers and the party was just getting started.
VIDEO: Tim Hudson at the World Series parade says this is 'the best time of my life!
The weather really didn't hamper the celebration at Civic Center Plaza where hundreds of Giants fans gathered to get an up close look at the triumphant team.
This was a who is who of San Francisco's biggest names in politics, in sports, in life. Those who attended included, Nancy Pelosi, Charles Schultz, and Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom.
The biggest names of all when it comes to baseball and the Giants included, Willie McCovey, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds. They all gathered not to be the center of attention, but to celebrate the baseball team that has now brought this city three world championships in just five years.
The players were greeted by adoring fans as they came out from City Hall.
VIDEO: Tim Lincecum during the World Series parade, 'It never gets old!
"You are a force and these guys they feed off that force, I feed off that force," San Francisco Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said.
"There's absolutely no way we would be here without you guys. You make it so fun for us to come out and play in front of you every night," Madison Bumgarner said.
"Alright I'm just going to say whatever comes to my mind and I want everyone to give three yes' when I raise my hand, world champions, can we do it again? That's what I'm talking about San Francisco," Hunter Pence said.
VIDEO: Highlights of the Giants World Series parade
All the dignitaries that spoke before the players received their share of polite applause from this huge crowd, but obviously it was the players that the fans came to see and the players were the ones who received the loud applause.
A steady drizzle mixed with clouds of orange, black and white confetti shot from sidewalk cannons.
VIDEO: Fans brave the rain to attend SF Giants Victory Parade
Players waved, snapped photos and mugged for the roaring crowds from the top of double-decker buses. Pitching ace Madison Bumgarner was given his own flatbed truck to ride. It was adorned with a sign indicating his Most Valuable Player honors from both the World Series and the National League championship.
VIDEO: Hunter Pence rallies crowd during World Series parade
The parade began at noon at the foot of Market and Steuart streets near the Ferry Building. From there, the Giants rode or walked along Market Street to Civic Center Plaza for the big on-stage ceremony.
VIDEO: Buster Posey credits Giants fans for playoff success
Fans started lining up along Market Street early Thursday morning. One woman even camped out overnight to get a front row seat for the celebration at Civic Center Plaza. She says she did the same thing in 2012 because she wants to be up close to thank the Giants for the great season.
VIDEO: Steve Perry handed out high fives at SF Giants parade
"They make me a better person and, I've met so many great people through baseball. This is just fun, so much fun," said Giants fan Misuzu Toyama.
Crews worked hard to beautify and secure the plaza. Barricades went up on all streets surrounding the square, with 6,400 orange, black, and white balloons being put up on every lamp post and flag pole.
PHOTOS: SF Giants fans show off playoff pride!
BART officials said they set a record for the number of passengers for the 2012 parade, but they weren't sure they would break a record Friday because of the rain. They have extra trains running and service will run until 2 a.m.
"What we have is 9 extra trains that we don't even have on schedule. They are just running loops all day and what that will help do is clear the platforms. The best way to see when the next train is coming is to use the real-time departures feature on our mobile app," said BART spokesperson Alicia Trost.
Caltrain and ferries will be on load and go service, which means when they are full they will immediately go.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
