The San Francisco Giants hired Brian Sabean as their senior vice president and general manager on Sept. 30, 1996. Since then, he has led the Giants to seven postseason berths and, with this year’s team, four World Series appearances, including two world championships and counting. He is presently the longest-tenured GM in the sport.

One of his best moves was made almost exactly a decade after he took the job -- on Oct. 26, 2006, he hired Bruce Bochy away from the San Diego Padres to be the manager of the Giants. Together they have become this generation's best general manager-manager combination. They have a strong working relationship, but most importantly, are closest of friends both on and off the field.

They represent the stability and continuity that every major league owner strives for.