San Francisco Giants owner Bill Neukom

During tonight's pitching duel between San Francisco Giants' ace Tim Lincecum and Texas Rangers' fireballer Cliff Lee, there was a pretty funny reference to former Microsoft executive Bill Neukom. Neukom spent more than two decades at the software giant, serving as the company's general counsel during its entanglements with the U.S. Justice Department.

But Neukom -- a part owner in the San Francisco Giants -- is probably best known for his powdery white puff of hair and his trademark bow tie. And it was that bow tie which received a plug tonight during game five of the World Series.

It turns out that Lincecum has taken to wearing a bow tie, much like his owner. They even had video of Lincecum walking into the club house in his bow tie. He didn't quite look as sharp as Neukom, and apparently the pitcher learned the art of tying a bow tie after watching a clip on YouTube.

Announcer Tim McCarver remarked.

"That's good business to pattern your clothing after the owner."

If the Giants capture the title tonight, it could be a very good year for Microsoft executives who own sports teams. After all, The Seattle Storm -- owned in part by Microsoft executive Lisa Brummel and former Microsoftie Dawn Trudeau -- won the WNBA championship in September.