San Francisco Giants: Brandon Belt Honors His College Coach with a Home Run

The San Francisco Giants lost an extra-innings game in the 11th against the Oakland Athletics Saturday, but one of the best moments of the season happened in the fourth inning.

Brandon Belt, who missed the first game of the second half to be with his wife and newborn son, homered in the fourth for the San Francisco Giants.

It wasn’t just another home run. As far as home runs go, it could have been the best home run of Belt’s career.

It was the first home run after Belt named his son August.

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His son was named after former Texas Longhorns coach Augie Garrido.

Belt spoke with reporters before the game to talk about naming his son after the legendary Longhorn.

"“I thought this would be a great way to honor somebody I truly loved and helped me in my life and career so much,” Belt said.Asked what he will tell Augie about his namesake, Belt said, “I’ll tell him how Garrido always demanded the best out of you and usually got it. He was a guy you didn’t want to let down. The most important thing was that he cared about you.”"

Belt played two seasons under Garrido, who coached 20 years at Texas. He passed away in March.

At the time of Garrido’s passing, Belt spoke about how much he meant to him.

"“I don’t think I say ‘I love you’ to too many people outside of my family, and my parents, but he was definitely a guy that I loved. He meant a lot to me. I probably wouldn’t be in this position right now if I didn’t play baseball at the University of Texas for Augie Garrido.”"

It was Belt’s 14th home run of the season, but I think it is safe to say that this one had more meaning.

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The former Longhorn is having arguably his best season as a Giant, with a 3.2 WAR and finishing second in the Final Ballot for the All-Star game.

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