Grit

#222 CEO San Francisco Giants, Larry Baer: Winning Plays

Dec 23, 2024

Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants since 2012, shares his journey from fan to executive. He discusses the pivotal moment in 1992 that saved the Giants from relocation and the innovative strategies behind building Oracle Park. Baer reveals insights into hiring talent and cultivating team culture. He dives into the ambitious Mission Rock project aimed at revitalizing San Francisco with affordable housing and community spaces. Finally, he reflects on the emotional essence of baseball and what 'grit' means in his life and career.

01:11:17

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Episode guests

Larry Baer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Larry Baer emphasizes the importance of creating a strong team culture that fosters collaboration and drives collective success in sports.

Memorable experiences in sports, such as witnessing Barry Bonds and Willie Mays, illustrate the profound emotional connection between fans and their heroes.

The Giants' ownership prioritizes urban revitalization through the development of a mixed-use neighborhood, showcasing the team's commitment to community engagement and sustainable growth.

Deep dives

The Power of Team Culture

A strong team culture can drive performance to unexpected heights, effectively demonstrating the principle that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. The concept of 'two plus two equals five' reflects how collaboration and unity among team members can elevate results. This culture is crucial in sports, where the expression 'long season, small clubhouse' emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and playing for one another. Strong interpersonal relationships among players significantly contribute to their collective success, fostering an environment where everyone strives for excellence.

Intro

2min

Batter Up: A Journey Through Baseball Memories

4min

Navigating the Giants' Journey

23min

Transitioning Legends: From Player to Owner

2min

From Struggles to Success: The Giants' Transformation

23min

Revitalizing San Francisco: The Mission Rock Vision

15min

The Emotional Essence of Baseball and the Meaning of Grit

4min

Guest: Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants

In 1992, Larry Baer was part of the ownership group that bought the San Francisco Giants and successfully prevented the team from being moved to Tampa, Florida. Back then, they had a big problem to solve: An old, uncomfortable ballpark that voters wanted to see replaced, but didn’t want to pay for.

20 years after the construction and financial success of Candlestick Park’s replacement, Oracle Park, Baer — now the CEO of the Giants — embarked on an even bigger project, developing an entire neighborhood near Oracle called Mission Rock. “We’re in the baseball business, but really, we're in the media, entertainment, sports, real estate business,” he says.

Chapters:

(01:05) - Growing up a fan
(04:37) - Larry’s dad
(07:28) - Stopping the move
(13:28) - The Giants in 1992
(15:18) - “What am I doing here?”
(19:31) - Hiring with urgency
(23:34) - Last out to first pitch
(27:45) - Buster Posey
(30:13) - The Candlestick problem
(36:36) - Making a new stadium
(43:00) - Always hungry
(45:01) - Becoming CEO
(49:52) - Homegrown talent
(52:55) - The Mission Rock neighborhood
(57:27) - Revitalizing San Francisco
(01:03:20) - “It all starts here”
(01:07:20) - What Oracle Park means
(01:09:52) - What “grit” means to Larry

Mentioned in this episode: Barry Bonds, Candlestick Park, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Josh Harris, Larry and Bob Tisch, CBS, Peter Magowan and Safeway, Charles Schwab, Don Fisher, Bill Hewlett, Arthur Rock, Charles Johnson, Harmon Burns, Bank of America, Walter Shorenstein, Dianne Feinstein, Bob Lurie, Bobby Bonds, Dennis Gilbert, Roger Craig, Al Rosen, Dusty Baker, Bob Quinn, Brian Sabean, George Steinbrenner, Bob Lillis, Matt Williams, Greg Johnson, the 1994 baseball strike, Chase Manhattan Bank, Warren Hellman, Jimmy Lee, Pacific Bell, Coca-Cola Company, J.T. Snow, Jeff Kent, Bill Neukom, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Sergio Romo, Hunter Pence, Marco Scutaro, Joseph Lacob and the Golden State Warriors, Tishman Speyer, Al Kelly, Ryan McInerney, Visa, Che Fico, Arsicault, Trick Dog and Josh Harris, the Chase Center, Sam Altman and Open AI, Anthropic, Daniel Lurie, Salesforce and Dreamforce, Imagine Dragons, Pink, the Moscone Center, and Billy Crystal.

Links:

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This episode was edited by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

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