Giants fans had to look in a different direction than they usually do, but they knew exactly what to do when "Fire On The Mountain" started blasting at Oracle Park in the second inning Tuesday night.
Just about every fan in the park turned to the visiting dugout and started what ended up being a very long, very loud standing ovation for Madison Bumgarner, who this week is making his first trip to Oracle Park since fans were allowed back.
Bumgarner stood on the top step of the dugout and waved his cap to the fans before teammates convinced him to hop over the railing and stand in the spotlight for a few seconds.
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Bumgarner signed a five-year deal with the Diamondbacks after the 2019 season and pitched at Oracle Park last September, but he did so in front of nothing but cardboard fans. When the Diamondbacks visited earlier this season, Bumgarner was on the IL. He faced the Giants last week at Chase Field in Arizona and threw seven dominant innings.
Bumgarner's overall numbers are down in Arizona, but he has been one of the National League's best pitchers in the second half. In five starts since the break, Bumgarner has a 1.97 ERA.
San Francisco Giants
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Earlier this week, Bumgarner told MLB.com that he was excited about returning to the city where he has spent most of his career. He was introduced Tuesday as a three-time World Series champion.
"It's a special place to me," Bumgarner said. "I played there for a long time and did some pretty cool things there, so I'm excited to go back. Last year I played there, but there were no fans and it was cool to be back there, but a little bit strange at the same time without fans. I'm honestly looking forward to it."