Giants fans are fuming after a rough series sweep by the Marlins, with manager Bob Melvin’s upbeat comments rubbing salt in the wound. But a surprise appearance by franchise legend Tim Lincecum—a two-time Cy Young winner and fan favorite—gave the struggling fanbase a much-needed nostalgia boost.

Editor’s Note: When a team’s in a slump, little moments like this matter. Lincecum’s cameo isn’t going to fix the Giants’ problems, but it’s a reminder of better days—and sometimes that’s enough to keep fans engaged when the wins aren’t coming. It’s sports fandom in a nutshell: misery with occasional pockets of joy.