Rangers manager Bruce Bochy 'forever grateful' for SF Giants tenure

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy talked with reporters prior to his first game back at Oracle Park since he left the SF Giants.

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy returned to his old stomping grounds at Oracle Park this weekend for his first series against the SF Giants since he left the organization. Bochy, of course, was the Giants' manager from 2007-2019 and worked as a consultant until he became the Rangers' manager last offseason. Bochy spoke to reporters prior to the game on Friday about his time in San Francisco.

SF Giants manager Bruce Bochy speaks to fans at Oracle Park during a tribute. (2019) / Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

"It's special to be back in this ballpark," Bochy said. "I can't say enough about my tremendous time here. 13 wonderful years. My wife and I, we just had the time of our life here. I lived across the street. Those 13 years impacted me as any time in baseball. I'm forever grateful and thankful for those years. We had a lot of fun, a lot of great memories, a lot of great celebrations. It's good to be back."

Bochy managed the Giants through their dynastic run from 2010-2014, which included three World Series championships. However, Bochy decided to step away from managing the Giants after the 2019 season. Bochy was if any moment at Oracle Park stands out from his tenure.

"It's hard not to mention the World Series," he said. "You know that's what you play for. I will say the last day they had for me, that was really a tough day emotionally for me. Really humbling. For them to do that, this is hopefully my time to say thank you for all they did for me and my family during my great time here."

Bochy has worked exclusively in professional baseball since he was drafted by the Astros back in 1975. Bochy made his MLB debut in 1978 and eventually had a nine-year MLB career as a backup catcher. He played for the Astros, Mets, and Padres and recorded a .239/.298/.388 triple-slash in 358 games with 26 homers.

Bochy retired as a player in 1988 and began his coaching career the next season as a minor-league manager with the Padres. He climbed the minor league ranks and became San Diego's manager in 1995. He led the Padres to four division titles during his tenure, including the only pennant in franchise history.

The Giants hired Bochy away from their division rival prior to the 2007 season. While the Giants struggled in Bochy's first two years, things quickly shifted when players like Tim Lincecum, Brian Wilson, Buster Posey, and Madison Bumgarner reached the majors.

This season, Bruce Bochy has helped the Rangers turn the franchise around from a cellar-dweller to a formidable American League contender. The Rangers enter the series with a 68-47 record on the season. Earlier this season, Bochy secured his spot among the top-10 winningest managers in MLB history.