SF Giants legend Pablo Sandoval to embark on new path in baseball

For years, SF Giants fans have been clamoring for Pablo Sandoval to pitch. They may finally get their wish again, albeit in a different uniform.

SF Giants legend Pablo Sandoval to embark on new path in baseball

The Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League confirmed that Sandoval will be taking the hill on Saturday against the Lancaster Stormers. The Giants legend has the *lowest ERA* in baseball history after recording two scoreless outings during his playing career.

It was not that long ago when Sandoval received a camp invite from the Giants despite not appearing in the majors since 2021. That experiment did not end all that well as he struggled through the Cactus League before he was eventually released.

However, the 38-year-old infielder did get a final standing ovation from Giants fans in an exhibition game against the Oakland A's at Oracle Park. During his previous stint with San Francisco, he was unceremoniously cut near the end of the 2020 season to make room on the roster for Justin Smoak.

Of course, Giants fans remember him fondly from his time during the championship run. He played a key role in all three World Series titles, especially in 2012 and 2014. His three-home performance in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series against the Detroit Tigers will not be forgotten by Giants fans. That proved to be the springboard for an improbable sweep against a good Tigers club.

In the 2014 World Series, he recorded 12 hits with four RBI in 28 at-bats against the Kansas City Royals. The Giants won on the thinnest of margins and it took every effort from players like Sandoval and Madison Bumganer to clinch that win.

The longtime Giants infielder departed in free agency after that run to join the Boston Red Sox on a five-year deal. That proved to be a fateful move as he slumped through three seasons before being released and rejoining the Giants. At the time, there was some tension between Sandoval and the club, but as soon as he put on a Giants uniform again, it was just meant to be.

Sandoval remained with the Giants until the 2020 season. He caught on with the Atlanta Braves near the end of that year and returned with them for the first half of the following season.

Despite not appearing in the majors in recent years, the 14-year veteran can still hit. Sandoval has a .677 OPS with 10 home runs and 78 RBI in 525 plate appearances with the FerryHawks this year, but he will be helping them out in a different way on Saturday.