After spending parts of 14 seasons in the majors, Pablo Sandoval has come to terms with the end of his major league playing career. So why is he back on the field in Staten Island?
They came to say goodbye.
They came to see the man, the Panda, the legend, for the first time in five years and the final time at San Francisco’s Oracle Park, where Pablo Sandoval was a free-swinging, fun-loving folk hero who received three World Series rings.
After two years out of the majors, Sandoval, 37, joined the Giants as a non-roster invitee. His third stint — and 11 years — with the team would end before Opening Day with a multi-layered curtain call.
Sandoval entered in the sixth inning of the spring training finale in San Francisco, receiving a standing ovation and a hug from third baseman Matt Chapman. The crowd rose when he stepped to the plate, applauding again after his strikeout.
