That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Robots are here for the All-Star Game!

A radar device is seen on the roof behind home plate at PeoplesBank Park in third inning of the Atlantic League All Star Game Wed Jul 10, 2019 as a test for robot umpires (AP News photo)

MLB Robots are here for the All-Star Game!

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

This next Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta will feature, for the first time, the use of its robot technology for ball-strike challenges. This represents a significant step toward utilizing this technology for the 2026 season and will eventually replace all human umpires in the not-too-distant future.

In 2023, the overall umpire accuracy in calling balls and strikes was 92.8%, according to Statcast data. This marks a slight increase from 92.45% in 2022. In other words, Umpires on average miss a call roughly once every 3.6 plate appearances.

Robots are cheaper than humans: The average salary for a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire today is approximately $150,000 to $450,000 per year, depending on experience and seniority. It is the most challenging job in baseball; you usually get a lot of abuse from players (but you have the power to expel a player from the field) and, of course, the public, who are usually not kind to umpires. And if a fan gets ‘real nasty in vocabulary,’ umpires have the right to ask for that fan to be removed, also when a fan interferes with the play on the field.

Although robots are knocking on the door in baseball, a famous umpiring school still operates in Florida. The Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School, located in Osmond Beach, provides training for aspiring umpires, featuring both classroom and on-field instruction.

Many of the graduates have gone on to work in Major League Baseball. They will probably go out of business when baseball implements total robotic control on the field of play. I would think humans still would be needed to supervise some of this robotic world of umpires, or perhaps not? Time will tell.

Some of us remember when each league, the American and National Leagues, had their umpires, from their founding (1901 for the AL and earlier for the NL), until 2000, when MLB merged the two leagues into a single, unified roster. During the 2024 regular season, 10.9% of called pitches in the strike zone were ruled balls, and 6.3% of called pitches outside of the strike zone were ruled strikes, according to MLB Statcast.

Major League Baseball is currently testing a challenge system with automated ball-strike calls during spring training, with the potential for regular-season implementation as early as next season (2026) if testing is successful.

This system, known as Automated Ball-Strike (ABS), enables teams to challenge balls and strikes, with the call then reviewed by the automated system. MLB has been experimenting with the automated ball-strike system in the minor leagues since 2019.

Robots are as American as Baseball: Joseph Engelberger was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925. Joseph Engelberger is widely regarded as the “Father of Robotics.” While he didn’t invent the concept of a robot, he is credited with developing the first industrial robot in the United States, the Unimate, and co-founding Unimation, Inc., the first robotics company.

He collaborated with inventor George Devol, who held the patent for the robotic arm used in the Unimate. ‘ My Take: I am not a fan of robots in baseball, or anyplace else, for that matter, but I also do not like automobiles that drive by themselves, and all this automation we have today, were people go on vacation take two cell phones and a laptop and do not have time to smell the roses. For me, baseball was the most excellent game ever invented, but, as previously mentioned, everything changes, and time goes on. I am not against progress, but just like the famous quote, “sometimes the best trades in baseball are the ones you do not make,” I think of the past and still believe baseball was more enjoyable in the past, with less technology and more humanity. Quote; I never questioned the integrity of an umpire. Their eyesight, yes. – Leo Durocher, Manager.

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

https://goaquaadventure.com

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Big names come up as teams pursue Bucs Skenes; Yanks Chisholm moves back to second; plus more MLB news

Teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Minnesota Twins might pursue Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes during the July trade deadlines (AP file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Here’s a crazy potential trade that was brought up on ESPN today the Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna Jr for the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes or Skenes for the Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton as the baseball trade deadline heats up here in July.

#2 New York Yankees All Star Jazz Chisholm Jr after starting 28 games in a row at third base will be returning to his second base position. Yanks manager Aaron Boone said. Chisholm is hitting .245, 45 homers, 38 RBIs with ten steals in 59 games. Chisholm had been suffering right shoulder soreness which is one of the reasons for moving back to second base.

#3 San Diego Padres Manny Machado picked up his 2,000th career hit on Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks hitting a bullet off the glove of the D-Backs shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. Machado got the hit off pitcher Zac Gallen in the fourth inning and got a standing ovation from the Petco Park fans.

#4 Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman whose been out since May 24th with a strained right quad believes he can skip the minor league rehab session and get right back into the show and in the line up joining the Sox just before the All Star break. His return could happen as soon as the end of this week.

#5 The last time an Sacramento Athletics shortstop started an All Star Game you’d have to go back to 1975 when Bert Campaneris started at that All Star Classic. Jacob Wilson was voted the starting shortstop for the 2025 All Star game representing the A’s in Atlanta on Wed Jul 15th. Wilson has had himself a season hitting .331, nine home runs, 111 hits, and 42 RBIs.

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

 @Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Welcome to A’s Baseball! Your Seats are Waiting

Seats at Sutter Health Park at section 105 seat 20 (photo by rateyourseats.com)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Welcome to A’s Baseball! Your Seats are Waiting;

Welcome to A’s Baseball! Your Seats are Waiting

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For the first time in their history, the Sacramento A’s hosted the San Francisco Giants at Sacramento for a three-game series on July 4, 5, 6. The Giants won two of the three games, previously on May 16 and 18, and 19, while in San Francisco, the A’s were beaten again by the Giants who won two out of three at Sutter Health Park this past weekend.

That is it for the Northern California rivals (excluding the Bay Area) for the current 2025 season. Many Giants fans drove or took Amtrak to this recent series at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. Used to attend Oracle Park to see their adored Giants, by the beautiful San Francisco bay, a real Major League Park with all the amenities and great fan experience, they witnessed with their own eyes their team playing in a Triple A Park, ironically the same park where their Triple A team makes his some, the Sacramento Rivercats.

It’s like a wealthy family living in Pacific Heights, in San Francisco, and then visiting a Trailer Park outside Colma. However, for the A’s, such is life during this 2025 season. Many players enjoy playing on the road; some have publicly expressed this sentiment, while others have shared the same opinion with their families and fellow players.

However, in the end, they must adjust to everything. I hate to repeat this, which has been said a zillion times. Baseball is a game of adjustments. In this case, you need to adjust to the specific settings of where you play, including major or minor league parks and cities.

Sacramento is not a Major League City, nor is it home to a Major League Park; that is why the River Cats play at Sutter Health and not at Oracle Park. The two California rivals now go different ways. The Giants return home to San Francisco for a very interesting home-stand, which could define if they are contenders or pretenders, as they will play three against the Philadelphia Phillies and three against the hated Los Angeles Dodgers.

The A’s go on the road to visit two Major League cities; first a three-game series against the Braves in Atlanta, then they cross the border and go north to Canada to play the red-hot first-place Toronto Blue Jays. Good luck to both the A’s and Giants for the rest of the way. One team is trying to be relevant during the second half and advance to the postseason, while the other is “surviving” its first of (at least three) temporary seasons at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.

Attention A’s Fans…your seats are still waiting! Quote: Many players express a love for the history and tradition of older parks. For example, Ted Williams, while acknowledging the need for a new park in Boston, also stated, “I won’t shed a tear,” according to redsox.com. Rob Neyer wrote about the special feeling of a walk-off home run in Fenway, stating, “Say what you want, but that moment would not have been the same in a ballpark”.

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

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary–Ex MLB Pitcher Chan Ho Park investing in the Athletics 

Former MLB pitcher Chan Ho Park (left) hugs San Diego Padres Ha Seong Kim after throwing out the first pitch on opening day between the Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul South Korea on Wed Mar 20, 2025. Park with K Pop star Suga (Min Yoon-gi) are investing in the Athletics move to Las Vegas (AP News file photo)

Ex MLB Pitcher Chan Ho Park investing in the Athletics

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Chan Ho Park and Suga (Min Yoon-gi), a member of the famous K-Pop group BTS, are investing in a private equity fund led by Park’s firm, Team61. The investors are joining a group of investors backing the Athletics at a $2 billion evaluation in their bid to relocate to Las Vegas, according to multiple reports.

The private fund, valued at approximately $70 million, plans to acquire 2-3 percent of newly issued Athletics shares to support the team’s effort for a new stadium in Las Vegas. Joining Suga and Park in the investment fund are other notable figures, including Lee Man-deuk of Samchully Co. and Mike Joo, COO of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s investment banking division.

Suga, who recently completed his mandatory military service and is known for his philanthropic efforts—including a ₩5 billion (approximately $3.6 million) donation to Severance Hospital in Seoul—is expected to bring cultural cachet and global branding power to the A’s as they prepare for their Las Vegas debut.

Suga has traveled the world with the popular Korean group K-Pop, including the last few years at the Oakland Coliseum for concerts. Chan Ho Park pitched for 17 seasons in the MLB, winning 124 games and accumulating 1,715 strikeouts.

Park was the first Korean pitcher in the major leagues, beginning his career with the Dodgers from 1994 to 2001, then pitching for the Padres, Mets, Phillies, Yankees, and Pirates. He aims to enhance the Athletics’ involvement in Asian baseball, an influence that could benefit the team as they prepare to enter their new era in Las Vegas.

The two most popular sports in Korea are baseball and football(soccer). Baseball is the most attended spectator sport. The KBO League is a major draw as the top league in baseball, boasting high attendance and a strong following.

An interesting move for the A’s as they attempt to gain influence and eventually recruit talent for their system within the Asian baseball market. Currently, the Dodgers have the top two Japanese stars in MLB, leading the way in Japan with the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

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: Big Victory for Women’s Sports

FILE – University of Pennsylvania athlete Lia Thomas prepares for the 500 meter freestyle event at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 17, 2022, at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Thomas, a transgender athlete, is the reason biological-born women won the case against Thomas, a biologically born man who transitioned to a woman AP Photo/John Bazemore, File

Big Victory for Women’s Sports

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

The University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday modified a trio of school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. It announced that it would apologize to female athletes “disadvantaged” by her participation on the women’s swimming team, as part of a resolution to a federal civil rights case.

Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer, became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship. She won the 500-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Championships with a time of 4:33.24. Her victory sparked debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

This is a massive win for all women’s sports, which have been protected under the law by Title IX. Title IX is a landmark U.S. federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding.

It ensures equal opportunities for all students and employers regardless of sex and protects against various forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault. There have always been two categories in sports competition, male vs. male and female vs female.

Thomas is one of the most famous transgender athletes in the United States. Thomas, as a transgender swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, achieved program records in the 100, 200, and 500 freestyle events during the 2021-22 season.

However, these records have been retroactively revoked as part of a deal between the University of Pennsylvania and the Education Department to comply with bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports. Additionally, while Thomas won the NCAA Division I national championship in the 500-yard freestyle in 2022, this title has also been impacted by the recent policy changes.

Based on the available information, it is generally accepted that biological males, on average, tend to be stronger than biological females of similar age and training status . This difference is primarily attributed to several biological factors.

Therefore, it is not a fair competition for a biological male to transition to female and compete against biological females. Official statistics: Approximately 0.5% of adults in the United States identify as transgender.

This translates to roughly 1.3 million adults. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18-24, are more likely to identify as transgender than older age groups. According to NBC News, A significant majority of Americans believe that transgender women should not be allowed to compete on female sports teams.

Recent polling data indicates that roughly 75% of U.S. adults hold this view. The answer might be straightforward, yet it’s also pure common sense. Please create a new category in Sports for Transgender people, where they (all Trans) could compete against each other. It might be just as simple as that—male vs Male, Female vs Female, and Trans vs Trans.

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: BoSox Abreu’s grand slam and inside the park home run first since 1958; Phils Harper returns off 10 day IL; plus more news

Boston Red Sox Wilver Abreu was the first player to hit a grand slam and a inside the park home run in the same game since Roger Maris did it in 1958. Here is Abreu after hitting an inside the park home run in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds on Mon Jun 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Boston Red Sox Wilver Abreu’s grand slam and inside the park home run helped in a 13-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds Monday night at Fenway Park. Abreu is the first player since Roger Maris in 1958 to hit a grand slam and inside the park home run. Abreu was 2-5 with five RBIs. Jacoby Ellsbury was the last Boston player to hit an inside the park homer on Sep 19, 2011.

#2 Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper who came off the ten day IL after getting hit in the right wrist returned after a month off and started at first base on Monday night while hitting in the three hole against the San Diego Padres. Harper wound up getting hit on the left foot and later walked and hit into a unassisted double play and 0-2. Just the same the Phillies are glad to have Harper back in the line up.

#3 Seattle Mariners switch pitcher Jurrangelo Cijintje was the first of nine draft pick from 2024 was selected to represent the Mariners at the All Star Futures game at Truist Park on Jul 12 in Cobb County. Cijintje is a 22 year old from the Netherlands and was the 15th overall pick. Cijintje was 4-4 ERA 4.88 with 12 starts and three relief appearances at High A Everett.

#4 San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt was placed on the ten day IL on Monday suffering from left hand inflammation after getting hit by a 95 mph sinker by Miami Marlins pitcher Calvin Faucher in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park in 8-5 loss. The Giants ended up recalling Tyler Fitzgerald from Triple A Sacramento and started against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night.

#5 Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers hit a three run home run in his first at bat since returning from the IL and Lawrence Butler hit a two run triple to break a ninth inning deadlock as the A’s defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 on Monday night at George M Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Fl. The A’s also came up with some defense making defensive plays in the bottom of the eighth to keep the game tied up at 4-4.

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: A’s Luis Severino not a happy Camper

Sacramento A’s starter Luis Severino delivers a pitch at Sutter Health Park. Severino pitched against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News file photo)

A’s Luis Severino not a happy Camper

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Luis Severino, in his first season with the A’s is the #1 starting pitcher on the team’s rotation. Severino received the largest contract in Oakland A’s history. A three-year deal worth $67 million, including a $10 million signing bonus. With this contract, the Dominican right-hander surpassed the previous record for an A’s player (any position), which was in Oakland, a six-year, $66 million contract extension for third baseman Eric Chávez in 2004.

The Severino deal was finalized in December 2024. The highest-paid A’s player is also the most outspoken. He explicitly stated that Sutter Park in West Sacramento feels like a Spring Training game, indicating the lack of intensity and atmosphere of a regular Major League Baseball Game.

That is very understandable. Remember, Severino came from pitching all his career (10 years) in New York. In the Big Apple, there is never a lack of intensity or atmosphere. He mentioned that the clubhouse in Sacramento, being in left field, is an inconvenience. And then during day games, pitchers are subjected to the sun, which adds to the discomfort, and added, “I was not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying that.”

Leaving New York for Sacramento for Severino must feel like leaving a real metropolis to play in a ranch. For the record, he did not say that; I did. I lived in New York City for a few years. Luis Severino’s problems extend not only to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, but also on the road.

This Sunday at Yankee Stadium, he pitched 3.2/3 innings, gave up five hits, of which two were home runs, and lost. His record today, a week away from the All-Star Break, is 2-9 with a 5.18 earned run average in 19 games as a starter.

For their #1 starter, that is not what the A’s envisioned this season. He is having a bad season, and from his comments, it’s very clear that he’s not having fun. Severino’s best season was in 2018 with the New York Yankees, 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA. Quote: “Pitching is the art of instilling fear” -Sandy Koufax.

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: Candidate for Treasurer in Nevada not Optimistic about A’s ballpark

Drew Johnson candidate for the State of Nevada Treasurer said that the A’s Las Vegas ballpark will not be ready by 2028 and that it is wrong to force the taxpayers to pay for a multi billion dollar stadium (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

Candidate for Treasurer in Nevada not Optimistic about the A’s

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Since we have listened to everybody, except Pope Leo XIV on the A’s, we should listen now to a future Treasurer. His name is Drew Johnson, and he is running for the office of Nevada State Treasurer. This is what he posted recently on X — “I’m excited to have the A’s in Vegas, but let’s get real: -It’s WRONG to force taxpayers to subsidize a stadium for a billionaire -It has NO CHANCE of being ready for opening day 2028 -I’ll be SHOCKED if it’s built at this location -The A’s will ask for MORE tax dollars.”

Johnson seems to side with the voting public. In this long story, so far, taxpayers have not been excited about the A’s moving to Sin City; in fact, polls taken in Nevada seem to favor those who prefer an expansion team over the now-maligned A’s franchise.

I believe by now in the world of baseball, the Athletics franchise does not have a good reputation, and I do not think you are going to see the A’s owner appear on one of those late-night television shows, smiling and having fun.

When Mr. Johnson stated, “It’s wrong to force taxpayers to subsidize a stadium for a billionaire.” It’s because he believes that is the consensus around the country, though there might be pockets that likely wouldn’t agree.

Drew Johnson makes sense, he is running for Treasurer of the State of Nevada, and in my mind, the people who have to deal with money are always more candid and realistic than, for example, entrepreneurs, politicians, and team owners and dreamers.

It is possible that if the A’s move to Sin City, Las Vegas will finally have one team from each of the main professional leagues. For the NBA, it would be more feasible to have a team, maybe even before the A’s play there.. NBA games are indoor, smaller capacity, and all at night, in a city that rocks at night, basketball is indeed perfecto for Las Vegas. Baseball? ay…ay…ay.

A’s ownership and representatives told the public that in Las Vegas, they were projecting sellout crowds of 33,000 per game for 81 games for the next 30 seasons. John Fisher wanted to leave Oakland, and the Commissioner Mr. Rob Manfred is a supporter, so basically we are just spectators.

We do not count here. But, we live in a free country and we all have opinions. Mine is below. Selling out a baseball park for 30 years in a town with little baseball tradition? Well, as a famous burlesque comedian once said in a punchline of a blue joke: “That I have to see.”

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.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Ground breaking was more like a funeral for Oakland fans

 Dignitaries from left: Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, Rep. Dina Titus, A’s President Marc Badain, Major League Baseball Commissioner Manfred, A’s owner John Fisher, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill and , Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson break ground during ceremony for the Athletics $1.75 billion Strip ballpark at the site of the former Tropicana Las Vegas Monday, June 23, 2025. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, lots of fans in the Bay Area responded about Monday’s ground breaking story and according to Oakland’s last dive bar co-founder Carl Moren saying that their isn’t a wrong way to deal with watching that ground breaking for longtime A’s fans and even recent A’s fans Moren said it was like the loss of a loved one.

#2 Moren, the Last Dive Bar, and fans of the A’s in Oakland feel left behind and the dreams of those shovels in the ground were supposed to happen in Oakland rather than Vegas.

#3 A’s owner John Fisher and former team president David Kaval said that it was necessary for the A’s to move out of Oakland when it was announced June 2023 because of a lack of fan support as the A’s were drawing below 7,000 for home games. Moren and other Oakland fans would argued that Fisher didn’t put a product on the field that would draw 30,000 fans and it was time to go.

#4 Amaury, Moren said that he’s not a fan of the team and doesn’t care what the team does on the field do many Oakland fans share that same sentiment by no longer following the team anymore?

#5 Amaury, How frustrating is it that the city of Oakland didn’t get it together and make it happen as it looked like it was closing in a deal with the A’s in building a park at Howard Terminal. The money fell short and later MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred would announce “there was no deal in Oakland” in what turned out to be one of the most bitter baseball relocations in recent memory?

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.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Does Anybody Care about the A’s in Sacramento?

The Sacramento A’s have not sold out a game yet in the 2025 season since their home opener on Mon Mar 31, 2025. Sutter Health Park’s capacity is 14,014 the A’s highest season attendance is 12,119 at the home opener. (tripvisor.com photo)

Does Anybody Care about the A’s in Sacramento?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Let’s say you have your eyes on that brand new car you dream of, and you are “almost sure” you are going to buy it in 2028 because you just put your other car (Soccer Team)for sale, but in the meantime, you need another vehicle.

For the A’s owner, West Sacramento Sutter Health Park, it’s like leasing an Avis car for a couple of years, hoping to buy a brand-new car in a few years in Las Vegas. You do not care much for maintaining the Avis lease; you are only interested in being practical, since you are not going to buy it anyway.

Sacramento’s 15 minutes of Major League fame have been cut to 5 minutes, all the hype a month before the season was more “sizzle than steak:”, in the stadium, they call it “all foam no beer” and in the cattle areas of California, “All hat no cattle”.

The A’s announced in January that Opening Day tickets were sold out, despite offering $25 lawn seats the night of the game. The team announced a sold-out crowd of 12,119 fans at the home opener. However, team officials said Sutter Health Park’s total capacity is 13,416.

The Oakland A’s fans in Sacramento (the number is unknown) are disappointed by the team’s temporary move to Sutter Health Park, expressing feelings of betrayal and a sense of disconnection from the team in its new temporary home.

They miss the Oakland atmosphere and feel the team is not embracing Sacramento. Some Sacramento fans, however, are excited to have a Major League team in their city, even if it’s just for a temporary period, but the team also couldn’t care less about Sacramento.

To the best of my knowledge, the A’s are not even recognized by the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, or the Sacramento Asian Chamber of Commerce. Neither did the A’s approach them.

However, if you’re interested, you can still follow the A’s games in Sacramento on sportsradioservice.com, which covers all the team’s day-to-day activities with reporters in the Sacramento area.

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.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com