#3 Most Thankful: Hunter Pence

Aug 11, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) signs autographs for fans before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Baltimore Orioles at AT

It’s officially Thanksgiving time and we thought we’d kick off the holiday weekend by showing our gratitude for the Giants. The Giants have given us a lot to be thankful for over the past few seasons.  Over the weekend we’ll share our favorite 10  Giants and possibly some honorable mentions. So for all the times we whine and complain about the state of our team, let’s take some time to be thankful this offseason.

See the full list here: Top 10 Giants Most Thankful For This Year

Hunter Pence

The Reverend. The Alien. Crazy Eyes. Whatever you want to call him, I’m glad Hunter Pence is a Giant. I love his kale crushing, home run hitting, crazy eyed, batting stance, too. I mean, Hunter was made for San Francisco. I remember how his first night in San Francisco he spent time signing autographs. The man had just gotten off a plane from Philadelphia, had this amazing greeting at AT&T Park, and took time out of his night to thank the fans that didn’t even known just yet how special he was going to be.

He played every single game of 2013. For the Giants, who have struggled staying healthy the past few seasons, Pence’s heart, and health, has to come with a big sigh of relief. There aren’t many right fielders out there that is going to give what Hunter does every single day. He makes spectacular plays, runs into walls, and still stays in the game. Maybe it’s the Kale. Who knows, but I bought some just two days ago.

He also led the team in home runs with 27 bombs, in RBIs with 99, and slugging with .483.

There was the speeches in the 2012 NLDS on the brink of elimination, or simply the fact that he said he wanted to stay in San Francisco, knowing he could make more money elsewhere and didn’t waste much time with the Giants to make it happen. He’s a Giant for 5 more years. And no matter what the 5 years looks like, Hunter has made a difference in San Francisco even in his short time with the organization. I hope he keeps inspiring his teammates, and his fans for the next 5 years.