San Francisco Spiders 1995 Pin

Launching to great fanfare in 1995, the San Francisco Spiders only lasted one year, folding shortly after a season of lackluster ticket sales and shortsighted front office decisions. But they did everything else right, signing an all-star player, ponying up for a cup-winning coach who led the team to a miracle playoff berth, and most importantly, reminding people what a great game hockey is. The mascot is something else they totally nailed — a grimacing red spider clutching a yellow hockey stick, looking like he's ready to bash the windshield of a pest control van. It's an example of glorious mascot work that still holds up today Sadly, hockey never returned to SF, but the Spiders still hold a place in the hearts of many Bay Area denizens.