When I sat down today to write this post I ended up staring at my computer screen blankly for minutes on end. It’s hard to know where to start when you’re under the effect of so many emotions: Joy, happiness, and disbelief. I’ve experienced all of them since last night’s World Series win. Generally, when I write about the Giants, I do it quickly and almost immediately after the game ends. It keeps things fresher for me. I can just write, and react about what I’m thinking or feeling. However, this one was different. I wanted to savor the victory, to let it wash over me.

And nearly 24 hours later, I still know don’t what to say other than, “Thank You”.

Thank you to my father who shared his love of baseball (and the San Francisco Giants) with me at a young age. Thanks for the countless hours he spent with me throwing baseball, collecting cards, and teaching me about the game. I hope that someday I can share it with my children, too. A fan of this team since the 1960′s, he was the first person I called — like countless others did when they called their father/mother/brother/sister/friend — when Brian Wilson got the last out. I wanted this victory for him more than anything else.

Thanks to this year’s team, who filled us with equal parts joy and terror, but when things ended, it was all joy. Tim Lincecum was simply dominant. Those craving a pitcher’s duel were not disappointed when Lincecum and Lee faced off for the 2nd time. It was a thing of beauty. Tim throwing perfectly placed heaters, sliders, and changeups all game long. Edgar Renteria hitting maybe the most improbable HR of the season. Seriously, Edgar Renteria — the guy that battled injuries all year long while hitting 3 total home runs over the regular season. That guy? Yeah, that’s the guy that’s going to hit a 3 run homer off of one of the nastiest pitchers in the game. And that’s baseball.

That’s baseball and it’s why I love this game so much. Baseball is one of the few arenas where you can move so quickly — almost blindingly so — from disappointment to hero. This year’s team is a testament to that. Cody Ross? He’s just a waiver claim from Florida to block the Padres from getting outfield help. Yet, that’s the same Cody Ross that carried the Giants’ offense for most of the postseason. Aubrey Huff appeared in over 1,200 games before making the postseason at age 33 and now he’s got a ring. It’s impossible to not like these guys.

It’s baseball and I’ll continue to love it. It will continue to eat up way too much of my free time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t think you would, either.

Finally, thanks to all the readers of BCB. Your comments and words of encouragement mean more than you can imagine. It’s been a long year, but it’s a year that we’re all going to remember for quite some time. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I can only hope that you stay for more.