Category: Sacramento A’s

M’s just get by A’s 2-1 to take three game set; Athletics home opener Monday in Sacramento vs. Cubs

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Sacramento A’s baserunner Miguel Andujar (22) slides underneath Seattle Mariner shortstop JP Crawford who throws to first to complete a double play in top sixth inning at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Sun Mar 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

Mariners Edge Athletics in Tense Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1

By Mauricio Segura

Under a chilly March sky at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners narrowly secured a 2-1 victory over the Sacramento Athletics, bringing their early-season record to 2-2. Julio Rodríguez delivered the decisive hit: a pivotal two-run homer in the sixth inning, his first longball of the season, electrifying the Seattle faithful and providing just enough offense for a resilient Mariners squad.

For most of the game, pitching controlled the tempo. Athletics left-hander JP Sears practically matched Mariners starter Bryan Woo pitch-for-pitch, both hurlers maneuvering through five innings without surrendering a run. Sears held Seattle hitters in check until Rodríguez changed the momentum of the game with his towering shot to left field, scoring Victor Robles and putting Seattle ahead for good.

The green and gold got on the board first, thanks to first baseman Tyler Soderstrom. Continuing his scorching start to the season, Soderstrom launched his third home run: a solo blast in the fourth inning, highlighting his early-season .467 batting average and team-leading four RBIs. Despite Soderstrom’s valiant effort, the Athletics struggled offensively, stranding multiple runners in scoring position throughout the game.

Outstanding defensive plays from both teams ensured the game remained close. Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena was particularly active, including a key catch on JJ Bleday’s sharp line drive in the sixth, helping stall a potential Athletics rally. Meanwhile, Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler consistently covered significant ground, notably catching multiple sharp flyouts from Mariners hitters Mitch Garver and Donovan Solano to keep the score tight.

The game reached a tense peak in the ninth inning when Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz took the mound to close things out. After Athletics catcher Tyler Soderstrom singled to spark a flicker of hope, Muñoz quickly shut the door by striking out Gio Urshela, sealing the win for Seattle.

With the loss, the Athletics are even at 2-2, mirroring their rivals’ tight early-season competition. While their offense struggled overall, collecting just four hits, the Sacramento squad has bright spots to build on, notably Soderstrom’s standout performance.

Next up, the A’s will make their long-awaited debut in Sacramento with their home opener at Sutter Health Park. They’ll host the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The newly upgraded ballpark, now the smallest in Major League Baseball by capacity, will offer fans an up-close look at the team’s next chapter, as excitement builds for big-league baseball in California’s capital.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

Langeliers Leads A’s Past Mariners, 4-2, With Power and Poise

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Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers (23) crosses the plate to the congratulations of teammate Brent Rooker (25) as Seattle M’s catcher Cal Raleigh (right) tries to set up for the next batter at T Mobile Field in Seattle on Sat Mar 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

Baseball fans often whisper about the magic hiding in spring evenings at T-Mobile Park, but Saturday night, it was Sacramento Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers who conjured something special, powering his team to a gritty 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.

After a quiet start, the Mariners scratched out an early run in the second inning, sparked by a single from the always-imposing Rowdy Tellez, who eventually came home after a stolen base and throwing error by Langeliers himself. Unfazed, the A’s catcher redeemed himself quickly and dramatically in the fourth inning.

With two outs and Brent Rooker perched on second after a crisp single, Langeliers stepped into the batter’s box and unleashed a towering two-run homer to left field, stunning the home crowd and flipping the momentum decisively in Sacramento’s favor. The Mariners, previously in control, now found themselves trailing.

The Athletics added insurance in the sixth when Miguel Andujar knocked in JJ Bleday, widening the lead to 3-1. But Seattle wasn’t ready to concede. A resilient Jorge Polanco delivered an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning, closing the gap to a tense 3-2.

Clinging to that narrow lead, the Athletics manufactured another crucial run in the seventh when Brent Rooker’s sharp grounder eluded Mariners third baseman Polanco, allowing Jacob Wilson to cross home plate and extend their lead to 4-2.

On the mound, Athletics starter Osvaldo Bido showed resilience, overcoming early traffic to limit the Mariners to two runs. His steady composure was vital, especially following a challenging spring where he struggled with a 7.02 ERA. Saturday night, he proved those statistics don’t always predict the future.

Seattle’s Bryce Miller was similarly gutsy but less fortunate, victimized by timely A’s hits and his defense’s shaky moments. Miller, who allowed three earned runs through five-plus innings, demonstrated flashes of brilliance overshadowed by costly missteps.

The Mariners mounted a late threat in the ninth with J.P. Crawford’s single igniting hopes of a comeback. However, A’s closer Mason Miller extinguished Seattle’s rally with authority, striking out Victor Robles and Julio Rodríguez in succession, earning his first save of 2025 and securing the green and gold’s second consecutive victory.

Saturday night’s win was the A’s small but meaningful revenge after losing their season opener to Seattle. They are now 2-1, have notably turned a page in their history by opening this season with youthful energy; their Opening Day roster features three infielders under the age of 24, a first since 1965. Max Muncy, just 22, underscored this youthful renaissance by turning an impressive unassisted double play in the first inning, a highlight that set the game’s defensive tone.

As these AL West rivals gear up for another clash tomorrow afternoon, with JP Sears taking on Seattle’s Bryan Woo, the series promises more excitement. The Athletics, rejuvenated by tonight’s triumph, aim to carry forward their fresh energy and youthful swagger. Meanwhile, the Mariners seek redemption, hoping to recapture their opening-night spark.

  • Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

A’s Bounce Back Big, Thump Mariners 7-0 at T-Mobile Park

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Sacramento A’s 22 year old hitter Max Muncy slugs a solo home run for his MLB hit against the Seattle Mariners at T Mobile Field in Seattle in the top of the eighth inning on Fri Mar 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

If last night’s deflating opener had Sacramento A’s fans reaching for comfort food, Friday night’s thrilling redemption must have them reaching for confetti. The Athletics emphatically silenced the Seattle Mariners in a 7-0 shutout, energized by a mix of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance, giving fans plenty to celebrate in their 125th franchise season.

Starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs was a magician on the mound, dazzling Mariners hitters across six dominant innings. With a potent combination of pinpoint control and deceptive velocity, Springs allowed only three hits while striking out nine, a reassuring performance after yesterday’s bullpen struggles.

But Friday night belonged to the Athletics’ bats, particularly Brent Rooker, who rebounded spectacularly from an opening night strikeout nightmare. After striking out four times last night, tying a dubious A’s Opening Day record held previously by Jack Cust and Eddie Joost, Rooker emerged as tonight’s comeback hero. He belted a towering two-run homer to center field in the fifth inning off Mariners’ ace Luis Castillo, giving Oakland a decisive 2-0 lead.

Joining the slugfest, Max Muncy, the Athletics’ promising young second baseman, notched his first major league hit in style: a majestic home run to left-center field in the eighth. This feat undoubtedly etched a cherished memory for the 22-year-old rookie, who is the youngest position player in an A’s opening lineup since Eric Chavez in 2000.

Adding to the youth movement, Tyler Soderstrom showed again why he’s viewed as the cornerstone of the Athletics’ future. After making history on Opening Day with his two-homer night, a first for an Athletic since Khris Davis in 2017, he delivered again tonight. His sizzling double in the seventh scored JJ Bleday, stretching the lead to 5-0.

The Athletics’ depth shone brightly as pinch-hitter Luis Urías sent a ninth-inning solo shot screaming into the left-center seats. Urías, signed just this offseason, provided a firm exclamation point on the A’s offensive statement.

Defensively, JJ Bleday sparkled, notably throwing out Mitch Garver at the plate in a pivotal fifth-inning moment, preventing Seattle from scoring. Moments later, Bleday further frustrated Mariners fans with a sliding catch on a sharply hit line drive from J.P. Crawford, ending the inning and preserving the shutout.

Despite the tough loss, Seattle did show flashes of defensive moments. Outfielder Victor Robles made a spectacular diving catch to rob Gio Urshela of a hit, providing one of the Mariners’ few defensive highlights.

Starting pitcher Luis Castillo battled hard, striking out five over five innings, but ultimately allowed two critical runs that set the tone. Mariners hitters seemed perpetually a step behind, mustering a mere scattering of hits and striking out a total of 13 times, their frustration palpable amid the electric atmosphere at T-Mobile Park.

The win snaps the Athletics’ troubling seven-game losing streak against the Mariners on Opening Day, a streak dating back to 2018. It also marks a sweet turn of fortune after yesterday’s tough 4-2 loss, offering fans hope that maybe, just maybe, this season’s squad has the spark to rewrite some recent history.

As the A’s celebrate Friday night’s victory, attention turns to Saturday’s matchup. The Athletics’ Osvaldo Bido, coming off a solid 2024 campaign, will face off against Seattle’s Bryce Miller, promising more drama at T-Mobile Park.

– Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

Sacramento’s Major League Moment Has Arrived

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Newly renovated Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento shines in the late March Sun as the Giants took on the River Cats (Photo: Jeremiah Salmonson/SRS)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — Baseball in Sacramento is nothing new. Yet, having a team at the sports pinnacle of competition call the city home is uncharted territory.

The Sacramento River Cats have been playing in the West Sacramento ballpark since the year 2000. Sutter Health Park, formerly known as Raley Field, sits across the Sacramento River from downtown and the capitol building of the state of California. On hot summer nights, the delta breeze rolls in to cool the ballpark down, making it one of the best minor league baseball experiences in the country.

Yet, it was nowhere near Major League Baseball standards.

With the A’s departure from Oakland this past fall after decades of uncertainty surrounding a stadium, the Athletics Baseball Club finds itself in the cozy confines of Sutter Health Park for the 2025 season and beyond. The current plan is for the A’s to be in Sacramento through 2028, but who knows how that timeline will hold up. Nevertheless, the ballpark needed significant upgrades for the A’s to call it their home, albeit temporarily.

Who was responsible for improving the stadium?

Well…

The River Cats and the stadium are now owned by the chairman and owner of the Sacramento Kings, Vivek Ranadive. Vivek purchased the club and the stadium in an August 2022 deal that some saw as a first step in bringing MLB to Sacramento. “I’ve been in touch with the commissioner, I’ve gotten to know him, Rob Manfred, and they will be creating a new team,” Vivek said in Spring 2024. “They want it to be on the West coast, they would love it to be in California, and I think this is a great showcase for us. We can prove that there’s a market here and we can make the team successful. I think we are in full position to get the new franchise… We are investing in making this an MLB-level stadium, and our hope is that it leads to a permanent MLB team.” Clearly, for Vivek, this is about more than a temporary stay for the Athletics.

With Vivek’s vision for the city in mind, the team got busy on improvements to the stadium this past offseason. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the first baseball game at the new and improved venue, a matinee affair.

The stadium and playing surface underwent significant improvements that include a new 75’ x 32’ scoreboard in right-center field, a new network along with improved audio systems, a renovated visiting clubhouse, a new multi-level home clubhouse that includes a weight room and hitting tunnels, a new grass and dirt playing surface specially designed to handle the heat and heavy use this summer, and an additional rooftop seating area on top of the home clubhouse.

The improvements are impressive, and they surely elevate the grounds to MLB standards. Kings president of business operations John Rinehart, who oversaw the renovations, and owner Vivek Ranadive can be proud of the new-look ballpark.

Giants starter Landen Roupp discussed what he thought about the upgrades after his five innings of one-run ball on Sunday: “It’s beautiful, a lot better than it was. It felt good to play here again and see the upgrades. It was really nice.”

Giants scheduled opening-day starter and Rocklin (a 20-minute drive from Sacramento) native Logan Webb also had good things to say when asked about his initial impressions of the stadium: “I noticed the scoreboard, and the batter’s eye. The grass is nice… it looks good!”

The Athletics will officially christen the new digs in the first MLB regular-season game on March 31st at 7:05 P.M. PST. The A’s will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the much-anticipated three-game series at Sutter Health Park.

So, while baseball in Sacramento is not new, MLB baseball in the capital city certainly is. It’s an exciting time for local baseball fans, as a year of anticipation finally becomes reality. The stage is set for the city to show what it can offer MLB, and don’t be fooled—the league and commissioner Rob Manfred will be watching closely.

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento A’s beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum Sun Mar 23, 2025: Vegas Stadium Authority is still waiting on A’s to come up with construction money

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The site of the Las Vegas A’s ballpark at the Tropicana on the Las Vegas strip which is being cleared for construction. The Las Vegas Stadium Authority is waiting for the A’s to come up with $100 million their share of the construction costs. (Las Vegas Review Journal file photo)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Daniel, after all this time and the deadline to pay for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark construction costs was due last December the Sacramento A’s owner John Fisher’s payment is still on hold at the tune of $1.75 billion.

#2 As of last week the A’s need to get private money and at a price that is of higher value then the team itself to get the Vegas park and shovels into the ground. No word from the A’s on the loan for the ballpark that was supposed to come from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs.

#3 The A’s right now need to come up with $100 million to just get started with limited public financing from the SB1 public funding bill that was approved in 2023 by the Nevada State Assembly for $380 million.

#4 Word is the Fisher Family has not come up with the funding and Las Vegas authorities can not confirm publicly or otherwise that the family has that kind of money or has that money to put down as of last week.

#5 A’s team president Sandy Dean said in an early March meeting with the Nevada Stadium Authority headed by Nevada Stadium Authority Chairman Steven Hill that the A’s will have the money coming from the Fisher Family and loans from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs. It’s yet to be seen. There are two questions regarding the financing of the Vegas ballpark #1 What will the Nevada State Assembly do if the Fishers can not come up with their share of the construction costs so that money from the SB1 bill can start funding the ballpark. #2 Will this land on the lap of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred who helped spearhead the A’s relocation and will MLB be forced to go back to the drawing board and have to find a new location for the A’s who are playing their interim years in Sacramento?

#6 Can Oakland get back at the table if Vegas falls apart? Oakland has an interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins and Oakland will vote for a new mayor in November either Barbara Lee or Loren Taylor. If John Fisher has no where else to go would he and Rob Manfred reconsider working with a new Oakland Mayor and renew interest in building a downtown Oakland ballpark?

Daniel Dullum does the A’s Relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: After 47 years in Broadcasting -This happens

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The Athletics press release announcing the introduction of new A’s Spanish radio announcer Jose Reynoso which was posted on Facebook Fri Mar 21, 2025 (Press release image from the Athletics)

After 47 years in Broadcasting  -This happens.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

This morning, my wife was on the computer when she noticed the following on Facebook:

The A’s sent out a media release announcing that Spanish radio announcer Jose Reynoso has been named as the new play by play announcer on Lotus Broadcasting doing 75 home games for the 2025 season.

A’s Spanish radio for the 2025 season will be heard on Fox Sports radio 104.7 FM/890AM . Reynoso is a former Sacramento River Cats Spanish broadcaster. The 75 games will include weekends and weeknight games all broadcast from Sutter Health Field in Sacramento.

First, some context. The A’s knew I was willing to go with the team to Sacramento. Although they announced that all their English-speaking announcers on radio and television would continue in Sacramento (including two on TV in their second season), they never attempted to offer the Spanish announcers the same opportunity to continue with the team in Sacramento; so much for the DEI page on the Athletics website.

Yes, it is true; my name has been connected to Oakland for many years since 1977 when I first began with Charlie O Finley A’s; however, they took my friend Ken Korach to Sacramento, and his name has also identified with Oakland A’s franchise since his days of working with the legendary Bill King.

My inquiring mind wants to know if I have been discriminated against. My work has been on record for decades, and there have been no scandals for saying anything negative over the air or any other improprieties that would have harmed the Oakland A’s franchise. I was always willing to offer my advice about Hispanic affairs and community. When A’s staff called on me for advice regarding the Hispanic community, I was there. Until the next time.

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.

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast: Taking an inside look at renderings and new Las Vegas A’s ballpark

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Las Vegas ballpark rendering as presented by the Athletics and Bjarke Ingles Group the design firm (Bjarke Ingles Group the design firm rendering)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast:

#1 Frank Sharpe who is director of sports architecture for Bjarke Ingles Group the design firm for the Las Vegas A’s ballpark said that part of the design was to take the Vegas summer heat was to climate control the indoor park but to still give it that outdoor feel.

#2 Sharpe also said that portions of the armadillo shaped ballpark will have a 36,000 square foot glass curtain wall that will be in the outfield and give the fans a view of the strip and will have sunlight coming into the stadium.

#3 Athletics vice chairman Sandy Dean said that construction from a team of about 100 contractors have been working on the designs and had refined the renderings since the display was first presented in June 2023 when the A’s first announced they would be relocating to Vegas.

#4 The A’s ballpark will have six levels and will be all indoors and it will feel like a large arena with additional designs in the process according to Emily Louchart director of interiors with HNTB design firm.

#5 Louchart said that the park will have 20 suites, and 17 to 20 seat choices and nine lounge club spaces. That’s going to be quite luxury box.

Daniel Dullum does the Athletics Relocation podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum: A’s say shovels will go in the ground between April-June 2025 for Vegas ballpark construction

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Site of the future Las Vegas A’s ballpark at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel resort on Wed Mar 5, 2025 as excavation is schedule to start between April-June and the park is expected to be ready by opening day 2028 according to the Athletics (photo by the Las Vegas Review Journal)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 The Sacramento A’s say their taking step closer to building their Las Vegas strip ballpark. The cost of the park is set at $1.75 billion. The A’s this week filed for a commercial grading permit in Clark County.

#2 The permit would allow the A’s to begin a mass excavation project on the Las Vegas strip where the Tropicana Casino and Hotel once stood. The permit was filed last Monday and the A’s and Bally’s Corp are merged for a ballpark/casino project on nine acres of the 35 acre location which is considered the busiest intersection in the world at Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana.

#3 The ballpark capacity is expected to be 33,000 and construction is expected to get started between April and June. To make their payment schedule the A’s need to sell out the ballpark for every event for the next 30 years can they do it?

#4 The target for opening day at the Vegas ballpark is 2028. The A’s are applying for their entitlement process with Clark County. If they obtain the entitlements they can start construction. The entitlement would allow the A’s to be compliant with Clark County’s regulatory policies and regulations.

#5 Meanwhile Schools over Stadiums an education over stadiums organization with the backing of public education and it’s teachers and spokesperson Alexander Marks had a statement from the National Education Association of Southern Nevada regarding their push to stop public money for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark and Hollywood using public funds to begin a Hollywood Studio project in Las Vegas saying on Thursday night, “Not a single shovel in the ground yet and this project has already cost Nevada $36 million next year. That’s millions of dollars that could save hundreds of educator position and keep CCSD reading centers open-centers that are now slated to close due to budget shortfalls” Schools over Stadiums said in a X communication Thursday, “John Fisher gets $380 million in public money. They’re now considering $1.6B in public funds for a #HollywoodHandout”

Daniel Dullum does the Athletics Relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Schools over Stadiums says public money going to Hollywood studios; Schools over Studios protested funding at Nevada Assembly Committee Thursday

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Alexander Marks and Schools over Stadiums/Schools over Studios appeared at the Assembly Committee on Revenue on Thu Feb 27, 2025 to argue that $400 million of public money from SB238 to fund Hollywood Studios to do production in Nevada should be going to pubic schools. Marks had previously argued that SB1 funding for an Athletics Las Vegas stadium should go to public schools and not a ballpark. (file photo from google)

On the Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 In December Athletics team president Sandy Dean said that the A’s are in the early stages of getting construction organized with Clark County (Las Vegas) back on Dec 5th. As of yet there is no report that the A’s have come up with the $1.75 billion for their share of the construction costs for the Vegas ballpark.

#2 The A’s are looking for loan help from Goldman Sachs and US Bank and Dean was pretty definite that those loans will be coming to the rescue. Some in the media have now questioned it’s been past the deadline Dec 2024 set by the Nevada Assembly for SB1 funding at $380 million that would be triggered when the A’s come up with their share of the construction costs. Could there be doubts that maybe this money may not happen at all?

#3 Schools over Stadiums spokesman Alexander Marks who previously protested and litigated against the A’s Vegas ballpark. Schools over Stadiums are now trying to stop the Nevada Legislature from spending more public money with a new senate bill that would fund Hollywood Studios with AB238. The bill would provide $80 million in tax credits from 2028 to 2043 and require at least $400 million to be invested into Nevada. The cost to fund the Hollywood studios where all filming would be in Nevada would be $20 million more than what the state will be paying for the Las Vegas A’s ballpark.

#4 Schools over Stadiums also named Schools over Studio for fighting the Hollywood funding has two fronts to fight. Schools over Stadiums had a meeting Thursday at the Assembly Committee on Revenue to argue their case that public money that should go to schools and not go to pay for Hollywood Studios productions to the tune of $400 million plus getting 15 years of tax credits.

#5 Schools over Stadiums knows they’re efforts to stop the A’s Vegas ballpark looks almost nil if the A’s come up with their share of the construction costs for the park. Schools over Stadiums still needs 102,586 signatures from four districts in Southern Nevada to sign a petition that would put an initiative on the ballot to stop public funding for SB1 the A’s ballpark. That signature drive has not launched as of yet.

Daniel Dullum does the Athletics Relocation podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

‘This is unfair’: While Giants expand Spanish broadcasts, A’s go in opposite direction

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Amaury Pi Gonzalez (left) and Manolo Hernandez Douen (right) former Spanish announcers for the Oakland A’s. Their contracts were not renewed and will not be broadcasting in Sacramento with the Athletics. A decision that many say is unfair. (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary and John Shea (San Francisco Standard)

Why Sacramento A’s are ending Spanish radio, while all other California MLB teams carry Spanish radio

“In 2025 this still happens, they tool all their English announcers to Sacramento, but not the Spanish”  -Amaury Pi-González

‘This is unfair’: While Giants expand Spanish broadcasts, A’s go in opposite direction

By John Shea (San Francisco Standard)

There’s no cheering in the press box, as any established sports reporter would tell you. But for what has transpired in the Giants’ Spanish radio booth recently, cheers are fully acceptable.

For the first time since 1998, the Giants’ Spanish broadcasters will call all 162 games and travel to all 81 road games this season— game-changing news for Spanish-speaking baseball fans, and a move that probably should have been made long ago.

Last season, the Giants broadcast 137 games in Spanish, up from 127 in 2023. It’ll be the full 162 the next three seasons, thanks to a new deal with Lazer Media that airs games on San Francisco’s KSFN (99.3 FM/1510 AM) and other Northern California stations.

“I think it shows the Giants are indeed committed to the Hispanic community,” Giants broadcaster Erwin Higueros said.

The same can’t be said for the Sacramento-bound A’s. Amaury Pi-Gonzalez and Manolo Hernandez-Douen, the long-time voices of A’s Spanish radio, were notified recently that they won’t be back in 2025. There was no announcement, no fanfare, and no public appreciation for their lengthy service.

“The A’s will always be grateful for the contributions of Amaury and Manolo to our Spanish-language broadcast,” the A’s said in a statement on Thursday. “As we move forward with our interim relocation to West Sacramento, we will be taking our Spanish radio broadcasts in a new direction with a local station and local talent.”

Technically, Pi-Gonzalez and Hernandez-Douen weren’t considered team employees as they were employed by radio station KIQI (1010 AM), which the A’s paid to broadcast 69 games last season. However, Pi-Gonzalez said he was notified about the change from the A’s in a call from D’Aulaire Louwerse, the team’s coordinating producer of broadcasting.

“I just wanted to be treated fairly. This is kind of unfair,” said Pi-Gonzalez, the dean of local Spanish baseball broadcasts, having debuted with the 1977 A’s. “They kept telling me, ‘We’ll let you know, we’ll let you know.’ They finally called the day pitchers and catchers reported [to spring training] and said they’re going in a different direction. I’m from the old school. You treat people the way you want to be treated. I don’t think I’ve been treated fairly.”

That the well-respected broadcasters were alerted this late in the offseason put them in an employment hole. Had they been notified months ago, they would have had a better chance to land elsewhere.

Pi-Gonzalez said the Atlanta Braves reached out in December about a possible broadcasting gig, but he held out because he preferred to stick with the A’s and live in the Bay Area. Hernandez-Douen, who doubles as a sportswriter, plans to continue covering the A’s through Béisbol Por Gotas.

“I’d like to keep working,” Pi-Gonzalez said. “They say they’re going in a different direction, and that direction doesn’t include me. But baseball in Spanish is a big thing. They could make money if they work at it.”

In August 2023, at a time when fan uproar was peaking with A’s owner John Fisher’s relocation plans, Pi-Gonzalez wasn’t afraid to share his strong thoughts on the team getting pulled out of Oakland. In an interview with SFGate, he was quoted as saying, “If you tell the fans right now that Mr. Fisher is selling next week, there’ll be a parade in Oakland.”

The statement captured the fans’ sentiment, but Pi-Gonzalez wonders if his Fisher commentary is the reason he’ll no longer broadcast the A’s.

“I call it like I see it,” he said. “I’m not a homer by any means. I love the game. Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to come back.”

On the Giants’ side of the dial, Higueros expressed sorrow for his counterparts who had been fixtures in Oakland. In fact, Higueros calls Pi-Gonzalez a mentor — they were in the A’s booth together as far back as 1987, and Pi-Gonzalez brought Higueros to the Giants in 1998 when they became partners, the last time the team broadcast all 162 games.

“It hurts me because he deserves better,” Higueros said. “He’s a true professional in the complete sense of the word. I’m on the outside. I don’t know what priorities are for the A’s, and I don’t know what they’re thinking, but he deserves better.”

Pi-Gonzalez is 80, and Hernandez-Douen is 74, though age isn’t necessarily a factor in broadcasting. Jaime Jarrin and Vin Scully retired from their respective Dodger booths at 86 and 88. Bob Uecker, who died last month at 90, called Brewers games last season. Rafael Ramirez called Marlins games at 93.

“When you hear Amaury, you don’t think you’re hearing someone who’s 80. He sounds very good,” Higueros said. “With what we do, as long as you can see the baseball and talk, you can keep doing this.”

The Giants are joining three other teams in the National League West — the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks — that broadcast all 162 games in Spanish. Like last year, Fuentes, the popular former infielder, will broadcast home games. For the 81 road games, producer Carlos Orellana will fill in on air. Orellana also broadcasts one inning every home game.

Meantime, the A’s broadcast plans remain up in the air with the season opener fast approaching.

“I feel a little melancholy because I’ve been doing it so long,” Pi-Gonzalez said. “I’ve been blessed. I know the A’s have a following, and I believe I’ve been a good asset to them.”

John Shea is columnist at the San Francisco Standard and has appeared on Sportstalk podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com