SAN FRANCISCO -- The year-end issue of Sports Illustrated that hits newsstands on Wednesday should prove to be another keepsake for Giants fans still reveling in the team's World Series triumph.
SI's cover depicts Tim Lincecum, decked out in a tuxedo, red bow tie and "Happy New Year" hat, spraying champagne -- a happy activity which the Giants right-hander and his teammates performed four times from the afternoon they clinched the National League West on the season's final day to the final game of the World Series.
Lincecum is one of 10 athletes featured in a photo essay compiled by famed photographer Walter Iooss Jr., who focused on individuals who provided the most memorable moments of 2010.
Lincecum graces cover of SI's year-end issue
Tim Lincecum gets the cover treatment after leading the Giants' championship celebration. (Sports Illustrated/AP)
Other athletes Iooss featured are snowboarder Shaun White, soccer star Landon Donovan, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees, figure skater Kim Yu-Na, basketball player Kevin Durant, golfer Dustin Johnson, hockey star Alexander Ovechkin, surfer Kelly Slater and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao -- who threw a ceremonial first pitch to Lincecum at AT&T Park in 2009.
This is Lincecum's second SI cover appearance. He was previously showcased in the July 7, 2008, issue. Lincecum also made the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids in 2009.
Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
