San Francisco Sea Lions facts for kids

The San Francisco Sea Lions were a baseball team that played in a special league called the West Coast Negro Baseball League. They were based in San Francisco, California. The team only played for one year, in 1946. After their league stopped, the Sea Lions kept playing baseball. They became an independent team, traveling around to play games.

Why the Team Ended

In 1949, the Sea Lions were playing games in Canada. During this trip, the team faced money problems. Because of this, seven players left the Sea Lions. They joined another team called the Buchanan All-Stars. This new team included players of different races.

Remembering the Sea Lions Today

The San Francisco Giants, another baseball team from San Francisco, have honored the Sea Lions. The Giants have worn special jerseys that look like the Sea Lions' uniforms three times. They wore a road jersey in 2014. They also wore a home jersey in both 2021 and 2022.

2014 Tribute

On May 3, 2014, the Giants wore the Sea Lions' road jerseys. They played against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Braves also wore a special uniform. Their jerseys honored the Atlanta Black Crackers, another team from the Negro leagues.

2021 Celebration

On June 19, 2021, the Giants wore the Sea Lions' replica uniforms again. This was part of their celebration for Juneteenth. The jerseys helped remember the 75th anniversary of the Sea Lions team. During a ceremony before the game, the family of Toni Stone was honored. Toni Stone was the first woman known to play professional men's baseball. She played for the Sea Lions.

2022 African American Heritage Day

On July 17, 2022, the Giants honored African American Heritage Day. They played against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park. For this game, the Giants wore Sea Lions uniforms. Fans at the game also received Sea Lions caps as a gift.