Former SF Giants manager wants to reel in fish, and wins, in return to Bay Area
OAKLAND, Calif. – Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, like many visitors to the Bay Area, has a busy week ahead. There are sights to see, people to meet, and conversations to be had.
Local baseball fans will be most interested in Bochy’s return to Oracle Park in San Francisco on Friday, when the Rangers begin a series against the Giants.
It will be the first time Bochy has managed a game at China Basin since stepping down as manager of the San Francisco Giants in 2019 after winning three World Series titles in 13 years.
But before that series begins, and after the Rangers’ three-game series against the A’s concludes at the Coliseum. During his day off on Thursday, Bochy intends to relax with a rod and reel in his hands.
“I’ve got a lot of friends to see, but I don’t have many (I can see on my day off),” Bochy said ahead of Monday’s series opener between the A’s and the Rangers. “I might be fishing out on the water.” That’s my current strategy.”
Along with that responsibility, Bochy hopes his American League West-leading Rangers can maintain their hot streak. Texas (66-46) had won six straight and held a 2.5-game lead over the Houston Astros, thanks in part to Bochy’s leadership.
Bochy admitted that he only allowed himself a brief moment of sentimentality when he first landed in the Bay Area, where he won 1,052 games.
“I had maybe a few thoughts as the plane was landing,” said Bochy, 68. “But after that, we’re in Oakland for a big series.” There’s a lot going on with the Rangers right now, and that’s where I’m at.”
Bochy also briefly discussed the A’s and their looming relocation to Las Vegas after more than a half-century in the East Bay — as well as the fans’ efforts to prevent the move.
“I hope they keep trying,” said Bochy of the A’s fans’ efforts to keep the team in Oakland. “We played some exciting games here, and I feel bad for the fans who may lose their team.” I certainly do not want that, but it is outside of my expertise.”
Bochy will undoubtedly be greeted warmly upon his return to San Francisco on Friday, though sentimentality may be limited with the Giants in the midst of a playoff race and the Rangers looking to maintain their division lead in an exciting race with the Astros.
Bochy has relished his return to the dugout.
“I enjoyed my three years away spending time with the family, but this has been a real blessing to me,” Bochy said.
Brandon Crawford, 36, one of five Giants players from Bochy’s previous team, said recently of Bochy’s absence, “I kind of thought he’d want to come back and keep doing this as long as he can.”
“There are great memories here,” said Bochy. “I have a lot of people to thank for my 13 years here (and for) how well I was treated and for my special time here.”
After three years away, Bochy has immediately contributed to the Rangers becoming one of the best teams in the American League.
In the process, he has gained the support of the fans of the team that his Giants defeated in the World Series in 2010.
“They’ve been great, and they’ve been excited about this team, as they should be,” said Bochy. “This is a fun team to watch, and they’ve treated me very well.” “It’s been a smooth transition.”
