Author: Sports Radio Service

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Notebook- Pelé the World’s Best Fútbol player FIFA US ’94 World Cup

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From left to right: Tony Lopez, Univisión -The Great Pelé– Amaury Pi-González, Telemundo (Photo TV Globo, Brazil)

From My Notebook:” Pelé, the World’s Best Fútbol player, FIFA US ’94 World Cup. —

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury PI-González

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries Canada, México, and the United States. This marks the first time three nations have jointly hosted the tournament, which will feature 48 teams competing across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage games and one Round of 32 knockout match on July 1, 2026

. The Bay Area is a premier host city, welcoming teams like Australia, Switzerland, Qatar, and Algeria for a tournament running from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This will be the second time the US has hosted the FIFA World Cup. The U.S. previously hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which holds the record for the highest total attendance in World Cup history.

As the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Bay Area welcomed the great Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the Bay Area was anchored by Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, which hosted six matches, including a memorable July fourth Round of the 16th game where Brazil defeated the U.S.1-0.

The Bay Area served as a key venue for the tournament, with Brazil based in the South Bay, turning Los Gatos into a party headquarters. The Brazilians were a class act, as I remember, and I had the pleasure of interviewing many of their great players in 1994 while working for Telemundo CH 48 San José.

The 1994 FIFA World Cup-winning Brazilian team, which competed in the USA, was managed by Carlos Alberto Parreira and featured star players Romário, Bebeto, Dunga (captain), and Claudio Taffarel. They defeated Italy in the final to win their fourth title, with a strong core also including Jorginho, Aldair, Marcio Santos, Mauro Silva, and Zinho.

Among the personalities present was perhaps the best player ever, the great “Pelé,” who decades earlier played in New York for the Cosmos. He was the guy who invigorated Soccer in the US and one of the guys responsible for the US hosting the ’94 World Cup for the first time.

Pelé played in four World Cup tournaments (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970) and scored 12 goals in his World Cup career. 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is the only player in history to win three World Cups. Today’s greatest Fútbol star is Lionel Mesi, who won the 2022 World Cup for Argentina. Who is the GOAT?

Although it is very subjective, I pick Pelé. who received his famous nickname as a child in school because he struggled to correctly pronounce the name of his favorite player, Bilé a goalkeeper for the team his father played on.

Pelé gave two television exclusive interviews in Spanish during the ’94 USA World Cup,one to my friend and colleague Tony López ,Sports Anchor for Univisión CH 14,San Francsico,  the other one to this reporter,Telemundo Sports Anchor for CH 48 San José. Pelé was proficient in three languages, his native Portuguese plus English and Spanish, born in 1940 he died in 2022, recognized as a worldwide sports icon, just like Muhammad Ali, Pelé was a once in a lifetime sports icon with a great  personality and vision for his sport.

At the time the sport (Soccer in the US) was not as popular as today and I truly believe our coverages on Spanish television between Tony at Univisión and me at Telmundo was much comprehensive than all the English format TV stations in the Bay Area, they truly could not compete with us because we were the only two TV station in Northern California that covered this sport year ’round not only during the World Cup.

The ABC,CBS,NBC affilaited stations here in the Bay Area really never covered this sport, unitl the 1994 World Cup took place here. It was like the US media just discovered Soccer.

The FIFA World Cup is widely considered the greatest team sporting event in the world, boasting the highest viewership and global popularity due to soccer’s immense reach. Held every four years, it attracts over 3.5 billion viewers and offers unparalleled intensity, cultural spectacle, and passion. 

  Quote:  “The World Cup is a very important way to measure the good players, and the great ones. It is a test of a great player,”  -Pelé

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings want this one tonight; Sac hopes to snap 14 game skid against Orlando

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Sacramento Kings Domantas Sobonis (11) will be out for the rest of the season along with teammate Zach LaVine (not pictured). The Kings return to second half action Thu Feb 19, 2026 at Golden One Center in Sacramento against the Orlando Magic (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 How will the Kings’ offense adapt without Zach LaVine and Domantas Sobonis, who are both out for the season with injuries will DeMar DeRozan take on an even bigger scoring role?

#2 Can Russell Westbrook control the pace and create for teammates like Keegan Murray and Malik Monk, given Sacramento’s struggles generating consistent offense this season?

#3 Will Maxime Raynaud’s rebounding and energy be a difference-maker against Orlando’s frontcourt, especially if Sacramento needs more physical play on the glass?

#4 What adjustments might coach Doug Christie make defensively to contain Orlando’s scorers, and can veteran defender DeRozan lead that effort?

#5 How will Sacramento’s bench production including contributions from Devin Carter and Nique Clifford impact the outcome, particularly if a starter like Keegan Murray faces foul trouble?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings Thursdays podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal prepare to meet rival Cal Saturday night at Haas Pavilion

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Stanford Cardinal Rohosy (4) blocks a shot by the Wake Forest Deacon Demon Juke Harris (2) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston Salem NC on Sat Fevb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will Ebuka Okorie’s scoring impact shape up against Cal’s defense, given that he’s been Stanford’s top offensive threat this season?

#2 Can Benny Gealer continue his efficiency from beyond the arc and help stretch the floor early against Cal’s backcourt pressure?

#3 What adjustments might coach Kyle Smith ask from Ryan Agawal on both ends, especially in rebounding and defending Cal’s wings?

#4 How significant will the interior play of AJ Rohosy be in controlling the boards and limiting Cal’s scoring in the paint?

#5 Will center/forward Adam Cammann size and playmaking create mismatches against Cal’s defense, and how might that influence Stanford’s offensive rhythm?

Michael Roberson does the Cal Bears podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda beat Gulls in 5 round shootout, 4-3

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San Jose Barracuda vs San Diego Gulls on Wednesday February 18th at Pechanga Arena (via sdgulls/flickr)

By Madison Montez

A minute and 59 seconds into the game, San Diego Struck first. Roland Mckeown scored his fifth of the season to give his team the lead first. San Diego extended that lead to 2-0 when former San Jose Barracuda Justin Bailey scored his seventeeth of the season. This would be the first of many goals in the 4-3 San Jose win.

Nearly directly off of the faceoff, San Jose cut San Diego’s lead in half. Jimmy Huntington winning the face off, scores his 10th of the season. San Jose tied the game at 2-2 after Oliver Wahlstrom took advantage of their powerplay. Wahlstrom now leads the Barracuda in goals, 16. After a 24 game drought, Luca Cagnoni gave San Jose a 3-2 lead, their first lead of the game.

With four seconds left, Ryan Carpenter slid a puck through a hole made by a group of Barracuda and Gulls players, this goal sent the game into overtime. No one scored in overtime so it then went to a shootout. After five rounds, Kasper Halttunen scored and Laurent Brossoit made the save, San Jose with the win.

After the first period, San Jose outshot San Diego fourteen to twelve. After the second period, San Diego outshot San Jose ten to seven. After the third period, San Diego outshot San Jose nine to six.

Coming into tonight’s game, San Jose came in first on the powerplay and fifth on the penalty kill. On the powerplay, they went tonight 1-5. For San Diego, they came in ninth on the powerplay and second on the penalty kill. On the powerplay, they went tonight 0-5.

Laurent Brossoit got the start for San Jose. Coming off of a 28 save win against the Silver Knights, Brossoit recorded the win in tonights game making 24 saves. For San Diego, Calle Clang got the start. Coming off of a 21 save loss against the Condors , Clang recorded the loss in tonights game making 21 saves.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Kasper Halttunen
  2. Ryan Carpenter
  3. Roland McKeown

The Barracuda will be back in action on Saturday February 21st where they will host the Calgary Wranglers for a one game series. The last time these two teams faced off was on January 31st when the Wranglers visited San Jose for a two game series. San Jose swept Calgary, winning both games.

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: Warriors open second half against Celtics Thursday night

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Golden State Warriors De’anthony Melton (8) grabs the jersey of the San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 11, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Will Stephen Curry play Thursday night? He’s been dealing with a right knee issue and his availability could drastically impact the Warriors’ offense and spacing.

#2 How will the Warriors compensate defensively if Curry isn’t in the lineup? With Curry’s playmaking and scoring off the court, can players like Draymond Green and D’Anthony Melton step up to create stops and transition opportunities?

#3 Can Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody sustain offensive efficiency against Boston’s defense? Both Warriors wings have the skill to score, but how they match up with the Celtics’ defenders will be crucial.

Join David Zizmor for the Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast Jessica Kwong: Will there be further bad blood between media and Giants Vitello?; Will Chiefs restructuring Mahomes contract affect other players negotiations; plus more news

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San Francisco Giants manager was none too pleased regarding press reports that he was signed sealed and delivered and coming to manage the Giants. Vitello told reporters on Mon Feb 16, 2026 that the reports were premature. (photo by MLB)

Headline Sports Podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said during a spring trainning media session that he didn’t think it was appropriate that the media broke the news that he was signing with thee Giants while negotiations were not finalized. Vitello compalined it set off confusion on how he departed from his managing job at Tennessee as he spoke to beat writers and reporters in Scottsdale the Giants spring training camp. Some say this will create bad blood between the media and Vitello and Vitello could expect more criticism in news reports in the weeks to come.

#2 NFL & Contracts / Team Strategy:
How will the recent restructuring of Patrick Mahomes’ contract affect the Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to invest in other key roster positions and compete in the 2026 season?

#3 MLB Labor Relations:
With Tony Clark resigning as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association amid scrutiny and an impending collective bargaining negotiation, how might this leadership change impact labor relations and potential disputes between players and owners?

#4 Women’s Sports Expansion:
What are the potential long-term effects on college athletics and professional women’s sports of Conference Carolinas launching the first varsity women’s flag football season and its recognition by the NCAA?

#5 NFL Infrastructure & Fan Experience:
How might the design and construction of the new $2.4 billion Cleveland Browns stadium — emphasizing fan culture with features like the “Dawg Pound Stand” — influence how future professional sports facilities are designed to enhance fan engagement?

Join Jessica every other Wednesday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Underdog Spartans Stun Nevada 87-71, End Losing Streak

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San Jose State Spartans forward Sadraque NgaNga (99) takes a jump shot on the Nevada Wolfpack’s guard Corey Camper (4) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Tue Feb 17, 2026 (San Jose State Spartans X photo)

By Ryan Hannagan
San Jose, Calif.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — San Jose State ended its eight game losing streak in emphatic fashion Tuesday night, knocking off the Nevada Wolfpack 87-71 at Provident Credit Union Event Center.

The Spartans (7-19, 2-13 Mountain West), who had not beaten the Wolf Pack since January 2020, delivered one of their most complete performances of the season despite being without four starters. Jermaine Washington Jr., Yaphet Moundhi, Javaughn Hannah and Ben Roseborough all remained sidelined due to injury.

San Jose State entered the night short handed and near the bottom of the Mountain West standings, while Nevada (17-9, 9-6) came in fourth in the conference and heavily favored. The Wolf Pack defeated the Spartans 87-54 in their previous meeting.

The Spartans wasted little time setting the tone.

San Jose State opened the game on an 11-3 run, fueled by back-to-back 3-pointers from Nganga. The Spartans hit their first five attempts from beyond the arc and built a heavy lead, forcing Nevada to burn an early timeout.

Adrian Meyers paced the offense early, scoring 11 points in less than seven minutes, with most of his production coming from long range. Nevada struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 33% midway through the first half.

San Jose State did not attempt its first free throws until the final three minutes of the half, underscoring its efficiency from the field. The Spartans carried a 47-32 lead into halftime, shooting 52% from the field and 52% from 3-point range while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing 18 rebounds.

Nevada shot 41% in the first half and just 20% from beyond the arc, while also getting out rebounded by the smaller Spartans.

The Wolf Pack responded with urgency in the second half.

Nevada increased its physicality inside and began attacking the rim, earning frequent trips to the free throw line. Five minutes into the half, the Wolf Pack had attempted 18 free throws, converting 15, compared with just four attempts for San Jose State.

The surge cut the Spartans’ lead from 15 to six, as Nevada’s halftime adjustments and San Jose State’s foul trouble shifted momentum.

But the Spartans answered.

Colby Garland drilled a 3 pointer to push the lead back to double digits, and Pasha Goodzari followed with another from deep. San Jose State extended its advantage to 13 with 8:55 remaining and maintained control the rest of the way.

The Spartans finished 30 of 58 (52%) from the field and 15 of 29 (52%) from 3 point range. Nevada shot 22 of 55 (40%) overall and just 3 of 20 (15%) from long distance.

Nevada held a significant edge at the free throw line, going 24 of 32 (75%), while San Jose State finished 12 of 19 (63%).

The Spartans outrebounded the Wolf Pack 38-32 and recorded 18 assists. Both teams committed 15 turnovers.

San Jose State’s largest lead was 18 points. Nevada never led.

For a team battered by injuries and a difficult season, the victory marked a much needed bright spot as the regular season winds down.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

ESPN reported today that the Major League Baseball Players Association executive director, Tony Clark, resigned Tuesday after an internal investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023, sources told ESPN.

The union, which was scheduled to start its spring training tour of all 30 clubhouses on Tuesday, abruptly canceled its 8 a.m. ET meeting with the Cleveland Guarduians in Goodyear, Arizona.

His resignation comes months before the MLPA will face an “almost certain” lockout by a good man and leader in negotiations will not be in charge of one of the country’s top labor unions when they face the owners next December.

During the union’s internal probe — which came in the wake of a wide-ranging and still-open federal investigation into the MLBPA’s finances and other alleged improprieties, including nepotism — the relationship between Clark and the woman came to light, sources said, and prompted him to step down after more than a dozen years as the union’s leader.

The federal investigation was triggered by a whistleblower complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024, alleging self-dealing, misuse of resources, abuse of power, and nepotism. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires December 1, 2026, and then here comes the labor battle. What could be the “Main Event” in Baseball this year? A Lockout happens, and big money will be lost by both sides, and fans will sour on the game again, as they have done during previous strikes and lockouts. No es bueno.

No official successor has been named; the union is expected to select an interim leader shortly.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Kung Fu Robots demonstration almost too perfect; Bay FC players happy with new coach; plus more news

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Kung Fu robots demonstrate some serious martial arts in China almost perfect form that would be difficult to duplicate for a human on Mon Feb 16, 2026 (China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, CNN reported on Monday night the technology of robots were domonstrated performing martial arts in China and there were a dozen doing a Kung Fu demonstration in unison as they were performing at a Spring Gala Festival. While martial arts is a huge sport and a huge sport at the Olympics what about the idea that robots can do martial arts and many things frankly better than humans?

#2 Bay FC Women’s soccer players have said that it’s a breath of fresh air that Bay has hired new head coach Emma Coates. After a tough 2025 last season under former head coach Albertin Montoya who was said to bully players in meetings, gave players the cold shoulder, punishing players who addressed mental health concerns, one player had anixety going to training. These issues were addressed and the to the players relief that their happy to have coach Coates leading them for this season.

#3 San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez is a quick learner according to Giants infield coach and former LA Angels manager Ron Washington. Washington said during Giants camp this week in Scottsdale that Arraez is picking up everything quickly and could turn into another Marcus Semien who developed into one of baseball’s top infielders.

#4 Lots of talk regarding the Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz the talk hasn’t stopped since Kurtz ripped four home runs in one game in Houston last season and he’s expected to deliver the goods this season again.

#5 Someone wrote about that Roberto Clemente the former Pittsburgh Pirates legendary right fielder didn’t die chasing a trophy but carrying food to others who needed it such as the case of flying to Nicaragua where his plane crashed into the ocean before making it there in December 31, 1972.

#6 Major League Baseball players union representiative Tony Clark has resigned from his top position. The most likely reason is the impending players lockout that will take place and that Clark will be in the middle of a storm negotiating with MLB to prevent a salary cap that the owners plan to implement. In addition he’s being accused in a federal probe for having a inapporpriate relationship with his sister in law.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Giants report: SF adds OF depth, signs injured pitcher, Vitello’s team bonding

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Cleveland Guardians’ Will Brennan follows through with his swing against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a spring training baseball game on March 17, 2025, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

By Vince Cestone

The San Francisco Giants are back in Arizona for spring training, as pitchers and catchers reported for duty last week.

The Giants are getting ready for their opener against the New York Yankees on March 25. The game will be televised exclusively on Netflix at 5:05 p.m. PDT. This will be the first game broadcasted in the 2026 Major League Baseball season.

Here are some news and notes from big league camp this week:

The Giants signed outfielder Will Brennan to a major league deal this week but it’s a split contract. That means he will get $900,000 when he’s playing in the big leagues and $400,000 when he’s playing in the minor leagues. While not a splashy move, Brennan can add addition depth to a Giants outfield that was ranked one of the worst in all of baseball last year.

The Cleveland Guardians non-tendered Brennan in November. The 28-year-old hit .267 with a .307 on-base percentage throughout his four year Major League career. His best year came in 2024, when he hit .264 with eight home runs and a .309 on-base percentage. The only issue is he’s been injury prone. If he can stay healthy, the Giants may have a solid backup outfielder or a steady fill-in if one of the starters get injured.

On the pitching side, the Giants signed right-hander Rowan Wick to a one-year major league deal. The problem? Wick is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t pitch in 2026. The deal does include a club option for 2027, so there’s a chance that Wick can pitch for San Francisco next year.

Wick, 33, spent the past two years pitching in the Japanese league, where he had a 1.75 ERA in 87 2/3 innings. He could prove to be a solid arm at a bargain price for the Giants if he comes back healthy in 2027. Wick previously pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2019-2022, even briefly becoming their closer in 2022. However, he faltered in late 2022 and started the 2023 season in the minors. Who knows? The Giants may be able to work their magic at rehabbing injured pitchers, and he may help them in the bullpen next year.

New Giants manager Tony Vitello is bonding with his new team in a way you don’t see every day. During practice last week, the Giants posted a video of Vitello taking grounders with the team during pitcher’s fielding practice. Vitello was feeding the ball to Logan Webb after fielding a grounder. Already, Vitello may be showing that he’s going to be a more hands-on manager when bonding with the team. Only time will tell if we’ll see more of Vitello on the field during practices.

The Giants signed Vitello to a three-year, $3.5 million annual contract. Vitello replaces Bob Melvin. After the 2023 season, Melvin was hired by former Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, who was dismissed at the end of the 2024 season.

The Giants will kick off their spring training schedule on Saturday, Feb. 21, as they will take on the Seattle Mariners at 12:10 PST from Peoria, Arizona. The game will be televised on NBC Sports Bay Area, and you can also listen to the game on KNBR. Of course, Sports Radio Service will have all your San Francisco Giants coverage.