Time to get a World Series ring for Mom.
Redwood City native Scott Harris, 32, said he’s “excited to come back home” during a press conference today announcing him as the San Francisco Giants’ 10th general manager.
A graduate of Menlo School in Atherton, Harris spent the past seven years with the Cubs, serving in the final two as assistant GM. He contributed to a Cubs team that went from losing 101 games in 2012 to making the postseason in four consecutive seasons (2015-2018), and earning the World Series championship in 2016.
That certainly pleased his father, Rob, who grew up in Chicago and turned Harris into a Cubs fan.
But Harris’ mom, Joanne, is from San Francisco and a Giants fan. As is his brother, Chris.
“I grew up in a split household,” Harris said, adding, “they divided the sons.”
Harris said the arrangement has put his nephew Teddy “in an awkward spot” as his dad loves the Giants and his uncle was working for the Cubs.
“Now, at least Teddy has a little more clarity,” he said.
After three straight losing seasons, the Giants hope Harris can help contribute to a turnaround of the organization in partnership with President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi. Harris’ smarts, work ethic and determination were touted as reasons for optimism.
Harris played soccer and lacrosse in high school and club lacrosse at UCLA, where he graduated with a degree in economics. Upon entering the job market, Harris “wrote every team a letter, knocked on doors, attended meetings, did everything he could to find an opportunity” in a baseball organization’s front office. About a year after meeting with Major League baseball legend and former Giants general manager Al Rosen (a meeting secured by Harris’ grandmother Joan, according to the San Francisco Examiner), Harris landed an internship with the Washington Nationals, then got a job in baseball operations with the Cincinnati Reds, followed by a gig as coordinator for Major League operations for MLB.
At just 25 years old, he got a job with the Cubs, during which time he managed to earn his MBA at Northwestern.
“He loaded up his schedule with Saturday classes…at the end of the week, he would take a red-eye back to Chicago and made it work,” according to the Giants organization.
Harris said it’s a “privilege to come back home” and is humbled by the opportunity to join the Giants.
“I vividly remember what the game looks at the highest level by watching generations of Giants players come through Candlestick and this park. I’m really excited to reconnect with San Francisco. I’m excited to live in the city.”
Zaidi said the Giants are “thrilled in an executive of Scott’s caliber to help lead our baseball operations group,” noting his experience, contributions toward the championship-winning Cubs and, of course, his Bay Area roots.
“Our goal is going to be to get a ring for Mom, now,” Zaidi said. “Big Giants fan.”
Photo credit: SF Giants
