The SF Giants celebrated the 2014 World Series winning team today. It was great to see so many familiar faces who played such a big part in this title. It also gave a chance to reflect on life and the current state of the Giants.

The Giants won their last World Series 10 years ago. It feels weird writing that because it simultaneously feels like it was a lot longer ago and like it happened just yesterday.

The memories are still just as vivid. The moment Travis Ishikawa hit the three-run home run across the hall to send the Giants to the World Series will be forever etched in my mind. Hugging/tacking my mom on the couch as Pablo Sandoval secured the last out in Game 7 after Madison Bumgarner put on a performance for the ages.

I was 14 when the Giants won the 2014 World Series. I had the privilege of watching my favorite team win three World Series titles before I turned 15. Somehow I knew how lucky I was. My parents reminded me of the horrors of 2002 and 1989, and even my grandfather told me about 1962.

But it’s amazing to remember that was back when I really expected the Giants to win. It seemed like they could have just flipped a switch back then and played great baseball in the postseason. Bruce Bochy just has a way of getting the best out of his team when it matters most.

10 years later, I don’t expect the Giants to lose, but I know just how rare that success is in professional sports, let alone baseball. Those 5 years almost seem like a dream that still doesn’t quite feel real after all these years.

Maybe the 2024 Giants team, even if it doesn’t include any members of the 2014 team, can take some inspiration from the 2014 team. That team barely made the postseason by securing a wild-card spot and hit its stride at just the right time to bring home another title.

It’s not impossible that the Giants can do the same this year, but they’ll need to play some inspired baseball in the final stretch. Perhaps Saturday’s reunion will give them the inspiration they need.