Dedicated Giants fan Andrew Sipich gets rare gift from San Francisco Giants

There are San Francisco Giants fans, and then there is Andrew Sipich.

He’s so dedicated to the orange and black he sometimes feels obligated to check stats, scores and standings during class time at Petaluma High School, where he’s a senior and an inspiration to classmates and staff.

He’s easy to spot on campus in his wheelchair sporting Giants colors and the team logo, often wearing Giants attire from head to toe. Even those who don’t know the 18-year-old can easily assume he’s true to the multiple World Series champions from the city by the bay.

“Every person that’s not a Giants fan, I convert them,” Sipich said with conviction.

He’s happiest watching a Giants game - particularly a winning one - or simply talking Giants.

Sipich will soon have an opportunity to attend a Giants practice and, he hopes, meet a few players. He was invited to AT&T Park by the Giants organization after writing to the team and sending a video of himself hitting a few baseballs, nailing every strike within range.

He declares in the video, “I am the biggest Giants fan ever!”

The teen plays with North Bay Challenger Little League in Santa Rosa, a non-competitive adaptive baseball organization for players up to age 22.

Born with a rare genetic syndrome, Sipich has muscle stiffness and little control of his limbs. His family prefers not to discuss the details of his disability.

But even with it, the left-hander has an impressive batting ability, sending balls flying with his one-handed swing.

Whether seated in his wheelchair or swinging the bat from a standing position secured in special apparatus, Sipich has an opportunity to play the sport that is his ultimate passion.

He recently nailed two home runs during P.E. and “lately I’ve been a line-drive hitter.”

His video and heartfelt letter caught the attention of Giants staffers, who weren’t able to fulfill his request to send an inspirational Giants player to speak to Sipich’s special-needs class at Petaluma High, but instead invited him out to the yard.

Not a bad consolation for a rabid fan, although he wishes his classmates could join him.

Sipich already has been to spring training in Arizona twice, nearly scoring a tossed ball from his favorite player, Hunter Pence, with whom he’s friends on Facebook.

The right-fielder’s dramatic leap and collision into the wall to catch Jayson Werth’s powerful fly ball during the 2014 National League Division Series is among Sipich’s all-time favorite plays.

“I love the catch on the fence in the championships,” he said.

Although Sipich’s speech is impaired and conversation isn’t easy, he enjoys sharing his knowledge about Giants players, plays, strategies and scores. He makes it to several games at AT&T Park each year and watches televised games.

Plus, there’s that tendency to check his iPad during class time to get Giants updates.

“He sneaks it,” said his longtime aide, Linda Prien, with an understanding laugh. “All of a sudden he’ll be in class when I look over and …”

Both grin broadly. Sipich admits he’s guilty of an occasional academic transgression. He can’t contain his passion for the all-American pastime.

“Everybody loves baseball,” he explained.

Sipich shares that same enthusiasm with classmates, some struggling with their physical or intellectual challenges. His aide and his teachers say his positive outlook inspires everyone he meets.

“He laughs a lot. He’s a funny kid,” Prien said. “He gives speeches in class that bring his classmates to tears. He tells them not to feel sorry for him.”

Teacher Mariya Cree said Sipich is always upbeat and helping others.

“He has said some very profound things to my English class this year,” she said. “He is an inspiration to me and to many every day.”

Last week, dozens of Petaluma High students showed up in Giants attire to show their support and give Sipich a spirited shoutout.

Sipich encourages classmates to “persevere and never give up,” a motto he tries to live by. “My mom and my dad say you have to keep trying no matter what.”

Outside the classroom, Sipich brings his positive attitude to the Petaluma Grocery Outlet, where he works as a greeter, gathers boxes for bailing and helps with other tasks. He also works as a teacher’s aide at Petaluma High.

Most of all, he’s hopeful he can meet a few players from the Giants lineup when he visits AT&T Park.

“That’s his dream,” Prien said. “That’s what we’re trying to get, just to meet somebody.”

A Colorado native, Sipich knows anything is possible. His dad used to be a big-time Rockies fan, until Sipich convinced him otherwise. They now cheer together - for the Giants.

Contact Towns Correspondent Dianne Reber Hart at sonomatowns@gmail.com.