Tony Bennett and his unique ties to the San Francisco Giants
Jul 21, 2023, 10:31 AM
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 19: Former San Francisco Giants Willie Mays (L) stands with singer Tony Bennett (R) as the San Francisco Giants honor Bennett for his 90th birthday prior to the start of the game against the New York Mets at AT&T Park on August 19, 2016 in San Francisco, California. Bennett celebrated his 90th birthday on the 3rd of this month. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Legendary crooner Tony Bennett passed away Friday at the age of 96.
If you’re reading this and wondering why a sports outlet is writing about Bennett, well, it’s because of his 1962 hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
That songs is played after every San Francisco Giants home victory and has been for years.
The #SFGiants are saddened to hear of the loss of Tony Bennett, a true legend whose music will live on at Oracle Park. We cherish the memories of his friendship & many visits. We will remember him for leaving his heart in San Francisco. Our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/tYzAsuEc5F
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 21, 2023
And over the years, Bennett has popped up in San Francisco in person, to serenade Giants’ fans with his song. The most memorable time this happened was in 2012. At the 2012 San Francisco Giants World Series parade, Bennett concluded the festivities with a live rendition of his song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
That wasn’t his only appearance connected with a Giants’ World Series, singing that infamous San Francisco song in 2010 and 2002.
In 2016, the team honored Bennett on his 90th birthday. With the help of Giants’ legend Willie Mays, the team unveiled their heart victory flag. That flag is now flown in Willie Mays Plaza after each home game win to visually represent “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”
#SFGiants Victory Flag debut 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gHZl60rRi7
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) August 20, 2016
Oracle Park also has a Tony Bennett Suite, which is decorated with art, record albums and other memorabilia honoring the pop star.
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