Daily Madden: Crawford A Rare Homegrown Talent For Giants
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford is one of the few players in recent history to be born and raised in the Bay Area and be a regular on the big-league club.
Growing up in Menlo Park before moving with his family to Pleasanton in the 90's, Crawford grew up a fan of the team, cried when they announced they were moving to Florida and rejoiced when they stayed in town, opening up AT&T Park.
John Madden told the KCBS Morning Crew that Crawford holds a special place in the heart of his grandson as well because Crawford's mother is his teacher.
"He specifically roots for Brandon Crawford because if he does well, he has a better day the next day," Madden said. "The Giants have to win because then she's in a better mood. And then if he does well, she's in a better mood. So he watches every play."
The Daily Madden:
Crawford played at Foothill High School and later at UCLA and shot his way up the minor leagues before making his debut with the major league club last May. He used to live right down the street from the ballpark with his wife and two sisters, where his family brought a brick in Willie Mays Plaza. He and his wife are expecting their first child this year and have since moved back to the East Bay (Walnut Creek).
Madden said it's nice to see such a special bond between a player and the fans, especially since Crawford has local ties.
"My grandson watches every play, even when he's in the infield. If he makes a double play or he doesn't make a double play, if he gets a hit. He can tell you what he is right up to date," he said. "It's (nice) when fans, players and the community can all get together."
And the best part of the story - his family gets to watch home games at AT&T Park, including when the team clinched the National League West in September.
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