This hat was actually a Christmas gift by my friend Matt; just want to take a moment to say thanks buddy, since this article would not be possible without you. I have always had a soft spot for the San Francisco Giants. The only reason I can think of that would make sense as to why is when my uncle passed away, my aunt gave me this:

It’s a statue of a New York Giants Santa Claus that used to belong to him, and it’s something that I personally value very deeply. Is it the world’s best reason? No, but its the only one I have. Despite beating the Phillies during the 2010 NLCS, I had held on to no ill will; two straight World Series appearances was hard enough, and not making a third was completely understandable. However, a trade made just before the 2012 deadline however, gave me an entirely new reason: Hunter Pence.

On July 29, 2011, Houston Astros’ All-Star Outfielder Hunter Pence was traded to the Phillies for a group of 4 prospects: Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart, Josh Zeid and Domingo Santana. Overnight he became a beloved figure in Philadelphia. He was seen as a hero and the last piece in the puzzle for the Phillies to make it back to the World Series. He filled the gapping hole left by the departure of Jayson Werth to the Washington Nationals during the offseason. 2011 was a monster season for Pence: fourth in the NL in batting average (.314) and eighth in RBIs with 97. In their eyes, they finally found their next young outfielder, who was only 28 at the time.

Almost the instant he set down in the city, he became a hero. Shirts labeled “Pence-sylvania” were common place. Billboards of his face could be seen far and wide. His jersey was the ninth best selling in all of the MLB. His bobble head night for 2012 sold out instantly, and word of his entirely paleolithic diet became consistent topic of convorsation. TV’s across the area ran add’s featuring Pence and his trade-markedly high socks.

Tragically, the good times were not meant to last. Less than a year after being traded to the Phillies, falling short of their World Series expectations, they sent Pence packing to Cali to join the eventual World Champion Giants for OF Nate Schierholtz, RP Seth Rosin and catching prospect Tommy Joseph. The Phillies were on the borderline of contention, eventually finishing with a .500 record, something that they felt didn’t require an All-Star outfielder in his prime. But just because Pence left Philadelphia, it doesn’t mean that Philadelphia was ready to let him go. They still went ahead with his bobble head night as planned, which included a “personal” note from Hunter himself.

Thanks, Phillies fans, for the great memories. I’m glad my Bobble Figurine will still be given out even though I’m no longer in Philadelphia. I hope it will serve as a lasting reminder of my time there. It was a year of my career that I will never forget.

That year during the World Series, several Giants credited Pence’s presence on the field and as a leader in the clubhouse to their title as Champions. I was there for his first game back in Philadelphia, where he was met with thunderous applause every time he look the plate, tipping his cap to the fans and the city. He was the hard working, classy fan favorite what Philadelphia will forever embrace. No matter where his career will take him*, the love of Philadelphia and their fans will always follow.

*As long as that place isn’t New York, Washington or Atlanta.