Brandon Belt forgot how much champagne in his eyes stings. He hadn’t had a clubhouse celebration since the Giants beat the Mets in the 2016 Wild Card round.
“It burns so good,” Belt said.
The Giants (94-50) got to celebrate, in a clubhouse tricked out with neon strobe lights, because by destroying the Padres, 9-1, they became the first team in MLB to reserve a 2021 playoff spot. Doing it on Sept. 13 makes it the fastest clinching in Giants franchise history.
Evan Longoria, another veteran, said of the champagne showers: “It’s a vibe.”
Below are behind-the-scenes moments from the celebration:
— Brian Bannister (@RealBanny) September 14, 2021
Incredible
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 14, 2021
Webb's enjoying this moment ? pic.twitter.com/ki3iIRB2kH
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) September 14, 2021
Gausman rakes. pic.twitter.com/IlXmSe7gVL
— Brian Bannister (@RealBanny) September 14, 2021
Kapler looks like he's walking into a club, not a clubhouse ? pic.twitter.com/pKAg8YeC9x
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) September 14, 2021
Final: Giants 9, Padres 1
The Giants are heading to the playoffs for the first time in five years. pic.twitter.com/N7mOX0h7jM
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) September 14, 2021
What a moment for Gabe Kapler, Farhan Zaidi, Scott Harris and Larry Baer? pic.twitter.com/HMJXKbjqHc
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) September 14, 2021