San Francisco ? Tens of thousands of fans flocked downtown Wednesday to toast the San Francisco Giants’ World Series championship and see their hometown heroes take a victory lap in a ticker-tape parade reminiscent of the one held when the team moved west from New York 52 years ago.

“This is Christmas, New Year’s and your first-born all rolled into one,” said Steve Williams, 51, an usher at AT&T Park as he gathered with Giants employees at the start of the parade in the financial district. “I’m on cloud nine.”

Fans crowded the sidewalks and flooded Civic Center to salute a team of self-described misfits and castoffs. The die-hards showed up before dawn to stake out spots ahead of the festivity. Many skipped work and pulled their children out of school so they could catch what they said was a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

MLB

Ex-manager Anderson in hospice

Detroit — Former Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in hospice care at his Thousand Oaks, Calif. home for complications resulting from dementia.

Anderson’s family said in a statement Wednesday that they appreciate the support and kindness that friends and fans have shown throughout the Hall of Famer’s career and retirement. No further details were released.

Texas not exercising Vlad option

Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers did not exercise a $9 million option for Vladimir Guerrero, yet the American League champions could bring the slugger back next season.

Guerrero gets a $1 million buyout under the agreement he signed before last season.

General manager Jon Daniels said the option was a way to ensure some extra money for Guerrero this season.

Red Sox’s Beltre declines option

Boston — Adrian Beltre has declined a $10 million player option that would have kept him with the Boston Red Sox next year.

The third baseman will get a $1 million buyout and becomes a free agent after just one season with the Red Sox.

Sanberg will not manage Iowa

Chicago — The Cubs say Ryne Sandberg will not return as manager of Triple-A Iowa next season.

General manager Jim Hendry said in a conference call from Arizona on Wednesday that the Hall of Fame second baseman would “always be welcome” in Chicago.

Former manager King dies

Goldsboro, N.C. — Clyde King, whose baseball career as a player, coach, manager and front-office man spanned six decades, has died in North Carolina. He was 86.

NFL

Bills claim Merriman off waivers

Orchard Park, N.Y. — Having the NFL’s worst record has at least one perk: It gave the winless Buffalo Bills the opportunity to claim Shawne Merriman off of waivers to improve their porous defense.

The move was made Wednesday, a day after Merriman was placed on 24-hour waivers by San Diego.

Buffalo (0-7) had the first option on acquiring the one-time feared pass rusher because it has the NFL’s worst record. Waived players are awarded to the worst team that submits a claim.

Childress regrets trade for Moss

Eden Prairie, Minn. — Brad Childress calls the acquisition of receiver Randy Moss “a poor decision.”

The Vikings coach addressed the media Wednesday, two days after he decided to cut Moss less than a month into his second stint in Minnesota.

Childress declined to answer repeated questions about the specifics of the decision, including the motives behind it and who he consulted before placing him on waivers.

In other Minnesota news:

n Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice has been taken off the physically unable to perform list, allowing him to return to practice.

Childress announced Wednesday the decision regarding Rice, who has been recovering from hip surgery in late August.

Steelers’ Harrison, Goodell meet

Pittsburgh — Steelers linebacker James Harrison called his meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell “semi-productive,” saying he spoke his mind about the stricter enforcement of dangerous hits — a policy teammate Troy Polamalu criticized for causing paranoia around the league.

Harrison, a former AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, briefly threatened to retire after the NFL fined him $75,000 for his Oct. 17 helmet hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi.

Eagles LB fined for hit

New York — Eagles linebacker Ernie Sims has been fined $50,000 for striking defenseless receiver Lavelle Hawkins in Philadelphia’s game with the Titans on Oct. 24.

College football

Source: Rodriguez charge dropped

Ann Arbor, Mich. — The NCAA has dropped a charge directed at Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez, a person with knowledge of the ruling has told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no one is permitted to comment on the case until the sports governing body announces its decision today.