An Established Routine: The 2014 Giants World Series Trophy Tour, by Chuck Strom

The triumphs of ancient Rome were something of a victory parade on steroids. Usually celebrated after a major conquest, they were long processions that included captives on display and soldiers of the victorious army marching and singing salacious songs at their leader’s expense. In the midst of the procession, the victorious general or emperor would ride in a four-horse chariot, with a slave following behind and whispering in his ear, “Caesar! Remember yourself mortal!”

I thought of this as I stood in line last Friday to see the 2014 San Francisco Giants World Series trophy, mostly to remember the temporary nature of this and other championship rituals, even though they now seem routine. Though this time I went to a different facility from my previous trophy visits, I knew the procedure almost to the smallest detail. Before I got in line, I found and took pictures of the pimped-up SUV that had carried the trophy. Once inside, I saw the familiar photo equipment and snaking line to the display, including the 2010 and 2012 trophies as well as the new addition to the collection. I even recognized in the crowd one of the Giants shirts I had seen in 2012, a camouflage version with the words “Big Daddy Cain” on the back. The wearer looked familiar enough to where I was certain that this was the same shirt and the same person as before. Also, as before, the lighting around the trophies was too dark for my camera without its flash—forbidden so as not to interfere with the official portraits—so I had resigned myself to purchasing a digital image. The event organizers kept people moving quickly, and when it was my turn, I barely had time to stand still and smile before they clicked the shutter. I was surprised at how well the picture turned out.

I had thought about skipping this visit, mostly because I had portraits from the prior occasions and wasn’t as excited as before. I remembered, though, that this visit could be the last for a long time. Even perpetual contenders, such as the Dodgers, experience extended championship droughts—theirs just passed the quarter-century mark—so I decided to avoid any regret from missing the opportunity. Even with being $40 lighter in the wallet, I was glad to have made the effort. May as well enjoy the good times while they last. After all, we are mortal.

– Chuck Strom