Raúl Mondesi etched his name into baseball history on September 30, 1999, delivering a memorable farewell to San Francisco’s iconic Candlestick Park.
During the final game ever played at the stadium, which served as the home of the San Francisco Giants from 1960 to 1999, the St. Kitts native launched a three-run homer in the sixth inning. His blast off Giants’ pitcher Mark Gardner not only propelled the Los Angeles dodgers to a 9-4 victory but also secured its place as the last home run ever hit at Candlestick park.
Remembering Candlestick: A Home Run Farewell with orel Hershiser
Today we’re joined by Hall of Fame pitcher Orel Hershiser, who knows a thing or two about iconic stadiums and big moments. Orel, thanks for joining us.
Orel: It’s a pleasure to be hear. Candlestick Park holds a lot of memories for me, both good and bad!
Let’s talk about Raúl Mondesi’s historic home run on September 30, 1999.It was the last ever hit at Candlestick, a moment etched in baseball history.What are your thoughts on that remarkable feat?
Orel: It was a fitting end for a stadium with such a storied history. Mondesi was a powerful hitter, and to see him launch that ball out in the final game was something special. It was like Candlestick was saying goodbye in its own way.
Candlestick was notorious for its unpredictable winds, often creating challenging conditions for hitters. Did that ever give you, as a pitcher, an advantage?
Orel: Absolutely. Those winds could shift on a dime, sometimes making a routine fly ball a home run and vice versa. It forced hitters to constantly adjust and made every pitch an adventure. As a pitcher, you had to learn to use the wind to your advantage, but it was a constant battle.
Many fans argue that Candlestick, despite its quirks, had a unique charm. What are your fondest memories of pitching there?
Orel: I’ll always remember the energy of the crowd. Even though it was a bigger, colder stadium, the fans were passionate and created an electric atmosphere. And the view of the bay was stunning, especially at sunset.
Of course, it wasn’t all roses.Candlestick was also known for the infamous fog that would often roll in, making visibility a real challenge. Did that ever play a role in your performance?
Orel: (chuckles) Oh,the fog! It could be incredibly frustrating. Sometimes you couldn’t even see the batter,let alone the catcher’s signs. It forced you to rely more on instincts and feel, which could be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Looking back now, how would you say Candlestick Park impacted the game of baseball?
Orel: It was a true testament to the spirit of the game, a place where legendary players battled through all kinds of conditions. It’s sad to see it gone, but its legacy lives on through the countless memories and stories it holds.
We’ve talked a lot about Candlestick’s impact on players, but what about the fans? What was it like playing for them, knowing you had thier unwavering support?
Orel: The Giants fans were incredibly loyal. they were there through thick and thin, cheering us on even when things were tough. It was a privilege to play in front of them.
Orel, what do you think Raúl Mondesi’s home run means to San Francisco Giants fans today?
Orel: it’s a bittersweet reminder of a place that held so much meaning. It’s a way to keep the spirit of Candlestick alive and celebrate its history.
Thank you for sharing your insights, orel.It’s been a pleasure learning more about Candlestick park and its lasting impact on baseball.
What are your memories of Candlestick Park? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
