While outsiders might not have expected much from the 2021 Giants at the outset of the season, manager Gabe Kapler had an early feeling this group could do something special.
A day after being named 2021 National League Manager of the Year, Kapler joined 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs” Wednesday to reflect on spring training conversations he had with his veterans. He also discussed the uncertain offseason and more, check out the full interview here:
“I just think back to spring training this year and listening to Buster [Posey], both Brandons [Belt and Crawford], Evan Longoria, Kevin Gausman and others -- talking about what they want to accomplish,” Kapler said. “There was no interest in sneaking into the postseason as a Wild Card team. I just don’t think anyone wanted to set their sights on that. Our veteran players really set the tone.”
It took 107 wins and until the final day of the season, but the Giants won the 2021 National League West over their rival dodgers. Kapler said he enjoyed the momentum that picked up around the team throughout the season.
“Our fans in San Francisco and the Bay really enjoyed this season,” Kapler said. “I think it was a ride that people didn’t really expect to go on. I do think, going forward, folks in San Francisco and our fans who were so remarkable this year are going to get behind that.”
Listen to Bay Area sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Giants team gear
The 2022 season will mark a new era in San Francisco Giants history, as franchise cornerstone Buster Posey announced his retirement recently. Kapler said Posey’s presence in the clubhouse will be irreplaceable.
“There are other ways to cover production,” Kapler said. “It doesn’t have to be from the same position. Sometimes you can get production from other positions. From a leadership and clubhouse standpoint, Buster is one of a kind. I don’t think you go out and say, ‘Hey, let’s see who can be like Buster in the clubhouse.’ No, I think everybody has to kind of be themselves.”
