Dave Dravecky's Comeback Game Anniversary - August 10th, 1989

Today marks 24th anniversary of Dave Dravecky's comeback game from cancer surgery. We will remember the day fondly since we were there on a sunny Thursday afternoon. The Giants played the Cincinnati Reds who were managed by Pete Rose. Rose was eventually ejected from the game and it would be the last time he would be at Candlestick Park after being banned from Major League Baseball.

What we remember of that the game was the quiet anticipation of seeing Dravecky pitch again, it was a good size crowd (34,810) for a weekday day game, and we ended up getting our ticket the day before - just $10 for a lower box seat! The Giants ended up winning the game (4-3) and Dravecky was the winning pitcher. He pitched eight innings, giving up three runs on just four hits, and had five strikeouts. Matt Williams had a two-run home run, and compiled 3 RBI on the day, while Terry Kennedy plated the other run. Steve Bedrosian was credited with the save.

Unfortunately, in his very next start in Montreal, Dravecky snapped his pitching arm while making a pitch, and that ended his career. Dravecky spent the bulk of his career with the San Diego Padres, but he will always will be remembered as a San Francisco Giant for the way he fought and worked his way back to the Bigs, and the manner in which he conducted himself after his career.

Dave Dravecky

Our Game Ticket and Photos from August 10th, 1989