SAN FRANCISCO -- The day the San Francisco Giants introduced Barry Zito, the former Oakland A's ace drove right past the ballpark where his big league career began.

After landing in Oakland because of thick fog in San Francisco, Zito made the familiar scenic drive across the Bay Bridge.

His mother, Roberta, saw the symbolism -- part of the transition for a man with the largest contract ever for a pitcher.

"This, putting the hat on, seeing the jersey really makes it all hit home. There's no place I'd rather be than right here," said Zito, who finalized a $126 million, seven-year contract last week. "It's a good blend of familiar and also change. ...

"My heart and soul is here in the bay. It's the only way I've known major league baseball."

The money doesn't hurt, either. Zito knows -- and Giants general manager Brian Sabean has already mentioned it to him -- that every time he takes the field people will think of him as the $126 million man, much the way fans do with Alex Rodriguez even years after A-Rod signed his $252 million deal with Texas.

The main scoreboard in the team's waterfront ballpark read, "A Giant Welcome to Barry Zito!" Workers were busy transforming the venue back into a baseball park after the field was used for the Emerald Bowl college football game Dec. 27. Inside, Zito was the star of the show as he was presented with his new No. 75 uniform -- the highest number ever given to a Giants player.

"To all the Oakland fans, if you guys are bored when the A's are out of town, come over, see some games -- I think we've got some seats for you," Zito said, noting this is where he hopes to end his career.

His contract also includes an $18 million club option for 2014 with a $7 million buyout. The 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner spent his first seven big league seasons with the A's and has never missed a start in his career.

"This is obviously a thrilling day for our organization, our fans, the city of San Francisco," Sabean said. "With pleasure, we welcome back into our city -- because he's been somewhat of a native on this side of the bay -- Barry and his family. This was a unique process. It took a lot of hard work on both sides. I think we're all humbled to see a player of this caliber decide on the Giants."

The 28-year-old Zito was joined by his parents and sister, while Hall of Famer Willie McCovey also was on hand for the standing-room only news conference.

McCovey even took part in the questioning.

"Barry, now that you've got a chance to bat, what do you think about hitting one in the cove?" McCovey said, referring to the cove named after him beyond the right-field fence.

Zito promised to work hard on his hitting, bunting and baserunning with good friend Brady Anderson. The pitcher has a .034 batting average -- one hit in 29 at-bats with 15 strikeouts.

Zito has spoken to several of his new teammates by phone and left messages for slugger Barry Bonds. Zito said the two have had several conversations behind the batting cage before games and he looks forward to learning from Bonds and observing how he goes about his business.

They have one key thing in common: Both players are determined to help the Giants become winners again after three straight years out of the playoffs. Bonds has said winning a World Series is his top priority before he calls it a career. The Giants fell six outs short to the Angels in 2002.

"This is obviously a huge day for the Giants," owner Peter Magowan said. "In fact, in my opinion the biggest day we've had since -- two things, signing Barry Bonds in 1992, which revitalized this baseball franchise, and getting to the World Series in 2002. It sends a strong signal to the commitment this organization has to winning and getting back on a winning track record."

San Francisco's payroll will be about $95 million this season, up from the mid-$80 million range of recent years. A good chunk of that is committed to Bonds, who will begin his 15th season with the club only 22 home runs shy of passing Hank Aaron's career record of 755.