SF Giants 2025
Today marks the saddest day of the year: the final game of the Giants’ season. Once again, October baseball slips away, and the journey ends here.
Last year, I shared how much I enjoyed the $1,000 Flex Season Ticket membership — it was awesome. So this year, I doubled down with a $2,000 budget. I have been to Oracle Park 18 times this year (the same with the last year). And while the experience was still good, it carried a subtle mix of highs and frustrations.
First, I have to tell: the staff at Oracle Park are always fantastic. No complaints there. The problem, I think, is in the details — not just with Flex membership, but with the team itself.
The good part? The $2,000 Flex gave me access to my favorite Section 104, and even some Club Level 200s seats “at discounted prices.” This year, I also tried the Field Club behind home plate, which offered great views and an unbeatable exit convenience directly to the Willie Mays Gate (very good to run for the Caltrain after the game).
The disappointing part was the blurry line between Flex and full Season Ticket Members. Last year, Flex was simply considered a type of season ticket. No separation. This year, the language felt subtly different — not clearly defined, but enough to feel like Flex members were “less than regular(?) STM.”
For example, the 20% concession discount. Last year, Flex members who deposited $1,000 or more got it, plain and simple, and officially denoted as the benefit. This year, the benefit was only listed for regular STMs. So I assumed we were excluded. But in practice, some concessions gave me the discount, and some didn’t. The Ballpark app even listed my Flex membership card under the STM section. It was inconsistent, confusing, and left me feeling a bit like a second-class citizen. Not a disaster, but not professional either.
On the field, the season started strong. Jung Hoo Lee lit up April, even as Adames stumbled. Then came the Devers trade — and from there, the vibe changed. By June and July, momentum had evaporated. I believe this team had the talent to win 100+ games, but finished 81–81. Too many players swinging only for barrels (I know this is the main-stream of the MLB these days), not wins. Not everyone can be Ohtani (at least yet).
Fans loved Jung Hoo, but for me, something felt off. The worst part (to me) was not the bone-head play of two days ago. It was his first walk-off moment. Shouldn’t be the walk-off electric? But, I felt it came across awkward, as if he was holding back from celebrating fully with teammates. His interviews, too, felt routine/dull. Some might think it is a translation issue. But, as a Korean native, I can say it was kind of intentional— careful to avoid any controversy.
For me, the true 2025 MVP was Adames. Fans might have wanted a refund after his rough start (especially in April and May), but he brought consistent defense, energy, and leadership—he even had an interview with Korean media for Jung Hoo. And today, he became the first Giant since Barry Bonds to hit more than 30 home runs in a season. He simply deserves the Willie Mac Award this year.
Despite the frustrations, I’ll be back next year with another Flex membership. I just hope the Giants clarify the difference (or lack of difference) between Flex and STM, and show more professionalism in the details.
As for the team, I want to see the passion for the team and wins again. The regular-season dominance of 2021, and the October grit of 2014. That’s the Giants I miss, and the one I hope to see return.
And we will see.
