That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Remembering the Jackie Robinson of Auto Racing

Wendell Scott the first black person to win the Grand National, NASCAR’s premier division on Dec 1, 1963 (ABC News 11 photo)

On African American Month: Remembering the Jackie Robinson of Auto Racing

That’s Amaujry News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

February is observed as National Black History Month/African American Heritage Month in the United States. Wendell Scott became the first Black to win the Grand National, NASCAR’s premier division. He overcame racial barriers, persevered, and worked hard on his craft; today, he is the Jackie Robinson of car racing.

Scott made history on December 1, 1963, in a sport dominated by white men. In Jacksonville, Florida, Scott won the NASCAR premier division Grand National Series, a very prestigious race. He opened the door for other black drivers who competed in NASCAR, including Charlie Scott, Elias Bowie, Randy Bethea, Bill Lester, and Willy T. Ribbs.

Although Jackie Robinson’s historic year was 1947, when he broke the color barrier in baseball, it was in 1963 (16 years later) that Wendell Scott’s victory was effectively denied immediate celebration and recognition because of racism, with the win initially awarded to a white driver.

Prejudice and scoring “error” led officials to declare white driver Buck Baker the winner. However, hours later, after a review and significant pressure, Scott was confirmed as the rightful winner, becoming the first African-American to win a NASCAR premier series race. In plain English, they stole the race from him, but later they realized he was the legitimate winner.

In 2015, Wendell Scott was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In 1977, the whole story was brought to the screen. The movie Greased Lightning is a biographical film starring Richard Pryor as Wendell Scott, the first African-American to win a race in NASCAR’s top division. The movie dramatizes Scott’s struggles against racism and his journey to winning the 1963 Grand National.

I have seen the movie, and Richard Pryor, famous for his comedic talent, does a great job in this dramatic biography. The cast is mostly Black, including Pam Grier and Cleavon Little. The film is directed by African-American Director Michael Schultz. The movie did not win any Oscars because, in the 1970’s, even Hollywood (which today talks plenty about inclusion)was still mostly in the closet when it came to racism, but Pryor’s performance is excellent.

It is weird to see a famous comedian like Richard Pryor as the lead for a movie like this, but he does the job and then some. Greased Lightning is not a movie that you will see on any channel on your television, but it ran recently on TCM -Turner Classic Movies, a channel always free of commercials.

They specialized in showing movies that most other channels would not, like Gone With the Wind, which, years ago, networks did not, however TCM (Turner Classic Movies) runs all the time. Although Hollywood talks a big game when they say they are for diversity and inclusion and all that, the truth is that racism and systemic inequality persist in Hollywood, despite ongoing efforts to diversify the industry; the industry has never been short of hypocrisy, and today facing a significant financial downturn, declining theater attendances, and high-budget box office bombs.

California is expensive for many production companies, and many have moved out of the Golden State to other parts of the country; some even head north to Canada to film more of their projects.

Quote: In his 2016 Oscars monologue, Chris Rock famously stated, “Is Hollywood racist? You’re damn right Hollywood’s racist. But it isn’t the racist you’ve grown accustomed to. Hollywood is sorority racist. It’s like, ‘We like you, Rhonda, but you’re not a Kappa.'”

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix Indy Car race is coming to Washington, D.C.

photo by AP News: Indianapolis 500 Raceway Track 2025

The Freedom250 Grand Prix Indy Car race is coming to Washington. D.C.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For the first time ever, the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., will host an IndyCar race. The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the task force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor, following an Executive Order signed by Donald J. Trump,47th President of the United States.

This will mark the first car race in Washington, D.C., which had active horse-racing tracks from the late18th century until Congress banned betting in 1908. The race was frequented by US President Andrew Jackson. He even kept a racing stable at the White House, sometimes housing horses in temporary shanties or prompting the construction of new stables to accommodate his passion, nothing new, crazy stuff many US Presidents have done in the White House throughout history.

The Washington, D.C. International was later established in Maryland in 1952. The Freedom250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., is coming to the capital on August 21-23, 2026, and has been officially announced as part of the celebration of the country’s 250th birthday. The race will run around the National Mall, with proposed routes that may include iconic areas such as Pennsylvania Avenue, the Supreme Court, and the Lincoln Memorial.

It was scheduled for August 21-23, 2026, rather than the 4th of July, to align with summer-long 250th birthday celebrations of the United States and to avoid conflicts with existing Independence Day events IndyCar Racing is a unique, world-famous, original American event, and celebrating our Independence Day with the best drivers in the world has been welcomed by most people in the sport.

Driver Graham Rahal weighs in on the proposed idea of INDYCAR racing on the streets of Washington, D.C., tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. Speaking during the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Content Days in Indianapolis, Rahal calls the concept a “huge opportunity” for the series and responds to fans who don’t like the idea, saying, “Get a life”.

Other drivers already announcing their participation are Santino Ferrucci, Scott McLaughlin, and Delvin DeFrancesco, with more to come. Admission is Free for this historic race. All you have to do is be in Washington, D.C. Obviously, this has a significant economic impact on the nation’s capital.

Media coverage: FOX Network will also air nationally and be available on the FOX Sports app. Trivia: Most Famous Attendance Race? The Indy 500 (Motorsport) is generally considered to have the highest single-day, single-event attendance in sports, with approximately 350,000 to 400,000 spectators at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indy 500 generates $566 millionIn the annual economic impact for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Quote:. “Auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built” -Henry Ford.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Giants and two other Teams sued for Junk Fees on tickets

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer hasn’t made a comment to the news media yet about the lawsuit against the Giants regarding junk fees by plaintiff Juan Flores. The Giants are one of three teams being sued regarding junk fees on inflated ticket prices. (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

Giants and two other Teams sued for Junk Fees on tickets

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

With Spring Training ’26 around the corner, Major League Baseball made news in the litigation side of things when the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Washington Nationals all faced class-action lawsuits. Allegedly, these teams used hidden “junk fees” to inflate ticket prices.

These three teams are accused of misleading advertising tickets at lower prices when they are only for mandatory fees, such as processing and “facility fees”. It is called “drip pricing,” which, at checkout, often doubles the cost the fan/buyer was originally told it would be. Giants: A class action lawsuit (Flores v. San Francisco Baseball Associations LLC) was filed in Federal Court in San Francisco on January 26, 2026, by plaintiff Juan Flores, represented by Almeida Law Group LLC and Tycko & Zavareel LLP.

Alleges the Giants added mandatory “Service”, “Convenience”, and “Order Processing” fees at the last second, increasing the cost of the ticket by 45%. Cinics will say, “Hey It is San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the world”. That is true.

San Francisco is considered among the top five cities in the world with the highest cost of living. The San Francisco Giants have experienced a notable decline in attendance. From their winning/peak seasons, with average attendance falling from 3 million in 2016, when they had their best start in MLB through mid-season, they collapsed in the second half and made the postseason as a Wild Card, beating the Mets, but lost the NLDS to the Chicago Cubs.

Boston Red Sox: The plaintiff’s suit alleges the team used “bait-and-switch” tactics to add “junk fees” that ultimately increase ticket prices by as much as 150%. Washington Nationals: Their proposed class-action lawsuit is different from the Giants’ and Red Sox’s in scope, but also about tickets.

The Nationals are fighting a proposed class action lawsuit filed in September 2025 in a Washington, D.C., federal court by a consumer alleging the team charged similar hidden fees for years. Teams increase their ticket prices, for many reasons like high demand, rising players’ salaries, and special premium seating experiences .

The San Francisco Giants have experienced a notable decline in attendance from their peak seasons, with average attendance falling from over 3 million in 2016 to around 30,000–33,000 per game in recent years. Contributing factors include an “unexciting” on-field product, a lack of major, long-term player signings, high ticket/parking prices, and a significantly eroded season-ticket base, which dropped from nearly 30,000 in 2017 to roughly half that in 2022.

The fans want to be repaid for the extra fees that were not included in the initially advertised prices. The suit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, seeks to have the Giants repay fans who were charged extra fees not included in the initially advertised price, according to local reports.

Looks like a touch of greed from some owners who want a leg up before they lock out the players by December 2026, in what is expected to be a very tough situation for Major League Baseball. A “Battle Royale” when owners will demand a hard salary cap, and the players’ union will continue to oppose it. This could result in something “very malo para el baseball.”

Quote: On Economic Realities: “People don’t want to go to the stadium, pay a high ticket price, then get cleaned out when they go to the ballpark… Until you have more disposable income, pricing is going to be a problem.” — Michael Cramer, former president of the Texas Rangers.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Notebook–Working with José Mota

The author Amaury Pi Gonzalez (left) and broadcast partner Jose Mota on the Los Angeles Angels Spanish TV Network (Los Angeles Angels Spanish TV photo)

From My Notebook: Working with José Mota

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Working with José Mota on the LA Angels Spanish TV broadcast is as good as it gets in baseball broadcasting. José Mota grew up in the world of baseball alongside his father, Manuel (Manny) Mota, a legend in the Dominican Republic, Latin America, and especially with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I used to interview Manny Mota during his playing years in the late 1970s and later as a coach for Manager Tommy Lasorda.

Manny was one of the greatest pinch hitters I remember, a quality man with tremendous baseball knowledge, which he passed on to his son, José. Unlike radio, where all you need is two broadcasters and one engineer, Television requires a significantly larger crew due to the need for high-quality, real-time, multi-angle coverage of unpredictable, live action, as well as complex, on-site logistics.

Behind our spacious TV booth at Angels Stadium, our stage manager, a couple of audio people, producers, and a staff of approximately twelve, including those in the remote truck outside the stadium. Sometimes we were blessed with greatness sitting behind us in the booth, Rod Carew, Tim Salmon, and others.

On these LA Angels Fox Sports Network LA Telecast, José Mota handled all the commentary, and I handled the play-by-play. José played for the Cal State Fullerton Titans in the mid-1980s. A two-time All-America second baseman and a starting pitcher on the 1984 Cal State Fullerton team that won the College World Series. He was drafted in the second round of the 1985 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox out of Cal State Fullerton. He was a good and very smart baseball player and is now an excellent baseball analyst.

José Mota made his MLB debut on May 24, 1991, with the San Diego Padres. He appeared in parts of two seasons (1991 and 1995) for the Padres and Kansas City Royals, primarily appearing as a second baseman, shortstop, and utility player.

Prior to Television, José and I worked briefly on the radio for the LA Angels’ Spanish broadcasts, covering all 162 games, home and away. Today, José is a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Spanish-language radio network, the World Champions. His father, Manuel (Manny) Mota, is very proud of José and his career in broadcasting, both in Spanish and English. José Mota speaks the language of baseball.

During the years with the Angels in Anaheim, we covered such stars as Vladimir Guerrero, Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani, among many others. Our Executive Producer was the great Nick Davis, others in the media circle included Mr.Tim Mead, one of the great gentlemen and professionals I have ever met, Vice President of Communications for the Angels, and for whom I am forever grateful, because he hired me for Angels baseball. Good friends who were doing the broadcast on English radio, like Terry Smith, Mark Langston, plus Mark Gubicza, Patrick O’Neal on Angels TV. Mark Gubicza, “Guby,” called me “the most interesting man in the world” because he said I look a lot like the man in the famous beer commercials..

Our producer, César Sutil, always had great ideas for our pregame shows, locations, and interviews. Here in the photo, we were taping a pregame show during a warm afternoon inside the dugout at Angels Stadium. Sometimes one of the Angel stars would sit with us for an interview. Our Spanish TV broadcast booth was well decorated by José with a Caribbean flavor, and many of the people who would visit our booth (Including team owner Arturo “Artie” Moreno) would get a kick out of the Latino ambience. Mr.Moreno speaks conversational Spanish.

I will forever cherish those years with José Mota and the great people at the Los Angeles Angels. Working with the LA Angels, especially with José Mota, was among the happiest years of my career in broadcasting. It was fun as we both share a great love for the greatest game ever invented.

Quote: My wife tells me one day, “I think you love baseball more than me”. I say, “Well, I guess that’s true, but hey, I love you more than football and hockey.” -Tommy Lasorda.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast : Will Bader supply the punch Giants need to get over the hump?; Yamamoto set to represent Japan in the WBC; plus more news

Durnig the 2025 World Series celebration the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets a lift from catcher Will Smith after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in game 7 on Nov 2, 2025 at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Yamamoto was named to the World Baseball Classic to represent Japan. (AP file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amuary, the San Francisco Giants signed former Philadelphia Phillie outfielder Harrison Bader. Bader in the 2025 season hit .277, 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, with 124 hits. Talk about how he’ll fit in at centerfield for San Francisco and will he be a five hole or four hole hitter?

#2 Amaury, talk about how important it is that Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is on the World Classic Baseball Japanese roster?

#3 Amaury, talk about the Milwaukee Brewers latest acquistions like infielder/outfielder Jett Williams who said the Brewers are a bunch of little guys at 5’7 and also right handed pitcher Brandon Sproat. Sproat pitched games for the New York Mets last season going 0-4 with a 4.79 ERA. Williams hasn’t played in a big league game yet hit .261, with 17 home runs and 52 RBIs. Sproat played in the Mets double A affiliate Binghamton and triple A Syracuse last season.

#4 All the pro teams in Minnesota, the Lynx, the Twins, the Wild, the Vikings, the Timberwolves and United FC called for calm and peace and for Minnesota based companies to work with state, local and federal officers as protests and tensions with ICE have hit an all time high. The Timberwolves had their game against the Golden State Warriors postponed on Saturday night due high volume of protesting in downtown Minneapolis due to the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE officers.

#5 The Las Vegas A’s according to reports the construction of the A’s $2 billion Las Vegas sadium project at Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd is advancing quickly and that the first and second decks of the park are seeing concrete pouring and steel and crane work being done at the park. According to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and news reports the ballpark should be ready for opening day 2028.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Can the Giants catch the Dodgers in 2026?

Former Tampa Bay Ray pitcher and now San Francisco Giant Adrian Houser is seen here pitching against the Chicago Cubs Sep 24, 2025 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Houser signed a 2 year $22 million contract with the Giants on Dec 20, 2026 (AP News photo)

Can the Giants catch the Dodgers in 2026?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

It is not too early to talk about the 2026 season, especially because an owners’ lockout after this year’s World Series is inevitable. The Super Bowl is coming to the South Bay in February at Levi’s Stadium, and right after that game, Adiós winter and Bienvenido Baseball.

Pitchers and Catchers will report to Spring Training by early to mid February. The Giants report to Scottsdale Stadium and the Dodgers to Camelback Ranch. Both in the Valley of the Sun,Phoenix,  Last season, the Giants finished 81-81 (3rd in the NL West), which is the definition of mediocre/unremarkable/no bueno. 

The focus now is on what these teams are doing to improve for the 2026 season. While the Giants are like a car that needs lots of repair, the Dodgers have been adding more stars and spending big money; what else is new? They are already favorites to win their third consecutive World Series.  2025 Dodger Stadium attendance: 4,012,470.

Let’s look at what these two eternal rivals have been doing during the winter.

-The Giants: Signed Adrian Houser for 2 years and Tyler Mahle for 1 year to bolster their rotation. This was an interesting acquisition: they also secured a top international shortstop, Luis Hernández, a 17-year-old Venezuelan who left his troubled country and traveled to the Dominican Republic. The Giants signed the kid for a $5 million bonus. However, the Giants’ most interesting move was not a player but hiring Tony Vitello as manager.

Their 40th manager in their history on October 22, 2025, marking the first time an MLB team appointed a manager directly from college baseball without any prior professional baseball experience (playing or coaching). While other managers have had limited or no pro playing time. At the time of this article, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is being sought by a few teams; it appears the Giants have no interest in keeping the future Hall of Famer, who might soon sign with another team.

-The Dodgers. As we all know, there are two things a Giants fan loves more than anything else: 1-When the Giants win, and  2-When the Dodgers lose. This rivalry dates back to the days when both teams were in New York, separated by the Bronx and Brooklyn. Now they are 400 miles apart, and the rivalry is as hot as ever. The Giants have so far been frugal, not opening the bank to sign any big free-agent player.

The Dodgers signed elite closer Edwin Díaz to a 3-year, $69 million contract (the largest ever for a reliever), also signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a 4-year, $240 million contract, and signed veteran outfielder Andy Ibañez, bolstering their 2026 roster. The Kyle Tucker deal added to their existing high-salary roster. Is there inequity in the game? Does it rain in Seattle? Last season, the Dodgers’ payroll on Opening Day was $325.9 million, the Miami Marlins’ was $69 million, and the Homeless A’s about the same.

The Dodgers’ signing of outfielder Kyle Tucker, adding to their existing high-salary roster, gives Giants fans another reason to hate the Dodgers. MLB owners are reportedly raging and determined to push for a salary cap in the next CBA, following the Dodgers’ massive contract with Tucker. Sources calling a salary cap push “100 percent certainty” that will lead to a lockout and possibly no baseball in 2027.

Major League Baseball owners last locked out players in December 2021, halting off-season activities and transactions for 99 days until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was reached in March 2022, marking the first MLB work stoppage since the 1994-85 player strike.

Finally, If the Giants want to catch the Dodgers, they better do it now in the 2026 season because after that, there will be nobody warming up in the bullpen.

Quote: “There are only two seasons – winter and baseball.” – Bill Veeck

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Off season MLB strategies free agents; MLB prospects whose intrested; plus more news

Former Chicago Cub slugger Kyle Tucker will be swinging for the fences for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2026 season Tucker who signed a four year $240 million deal with LA on Jan 15, 2026. (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 How are MLB teams adjusting their offseason strategies with free agents and trade candidates still on the market, and which players are most likely to land impactful deals before spring training?

#2 Which MLB prospects are gaining attention right now from organizations and scouts, and how might they influence their teams’ 2026–27 plans? (Justin Crawford, Zyhir Hope, Franklin Arias, and others highlighted in recent reports)

#3 What implications do the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent big-name signings (like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz) and subsequent draft pick forfeitures have for the team’s short- and long-term competitiveness?

#4 What are the key MLB broadcast and media rights developments for the upcoming seasons, including deals with networks and streaming services?

#5 How are Opening Day plans shaping up for the 2026 season—such as special national broadcasts and primetime games ( such as the Pirates–Mets doubleheader on NBC/Peacock)?

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Warriors owner could buy the Padres and move them out of San Diego?

Could the San Diego Padres move out of San Diego and out of Petco Park as the team goes up for sale. The Padres most likely will try and sell to someone who will keep the Padres in San Diego. (photo by Tripadvisor)

Warriors owners could buy the Padres and move them out of San Diego?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

In November, the Padres’ ownership had hired an investment bank to explore the sale of the team. The majority owner of the Golden State Warriors, Joe Lacob, had been interested in buying a Major League team, particularly the Oakland A’s, but could not because the current owner, John  Fisher, would not sell. Looks like Lacob is interested in buying the San Diego Padres. Some are saying he will buy the Padres and then move the team from San Diego to another city. Some A’s fans (not the ones in Sacramento who are temporary fans, just like the team) are speculating that the city could be Oakland.

The five most important questions:

 1-Could Joe Lacob buy the Padres? A: Yes. Of course, he would make an attractive offer in the billions, so there is a very good possibility he could buy the Padres.

2. Would the purchase of the San Diego Padres be accepted?  A: Maybe. Major League Baseball (MLB) teams will need approval from the other owners. Usually, it requires a super majority, for example, 23 out of 30. As part of background checks, the owner-to-be will also be vetted to ensure they meet financial requirements and other criteria. Lacob, the majority owner of the Golden State Warriors, an NBA team, was recently valued by FORBES at $11 Billion, which is more than the 49ers’ $8 billion and the Giants’ $4 billion.

3. Could Mr.Lacob then move the Padres out of San Diego?   A-Not Likely  Lacob needs the other league’s teams’ approval (the Padres are in the National League; if he moves them to an American League city, what then).  You need a new stadium, or move to a city with an MLB-quality stadium ready for play with MLB  capacity, with a good media market and a good fan base.

4-Commissioner’s Office. A-Don’t know. It will play a big part in all of this. There will be significant relocation fees paid by Lacob to existing teams in the new territory, all while navigating territorial rules and the Commissioner’s office’s usual politics.

5-The San Francisco Giants. (Who knows?)In the case of Mr.Lacob, if he wants to relocate the Padres to Oakland. The Giants have territorial rights in San José, but not Oakland. It sounds easy, but it is not; these things tend to take on a “life of their own”. If you live in the Bay Area, I do not have to tell you about our third-largest city, most famous for losing three pro-franchises in the last decade.

Seems impossible for this to happen. But maybe, just maybe, Joe Lacob’s pipe dream is to do the impossible.

Quote: It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Trademark now Sacramento A’s, Vegas is next –An Identity problem?

It’s safe to say the Sacramento A’s logo will be used officially by the 2026 A’s for the upcoming season (image from Baltimore Positive WNST)

Trademark now Sacramento A’s, Vegas is next. -An Identity problem?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Congratulations to the Athletics; they are now the Sacramento A’s. Thankfully, the US Supreme Court did not have to rule on this; they are very busy these days, and I am sure they agree that baseball team trademarks are not something they want to hold hearings on and then make a final decision on. They just listened to two days of hearings on the Trans Athletes challenge to Title IX of biological women in sports. On the Trademark, well, the A’s were late on this, no surprise, but it is official, this season, they will be known as the Sacramento A’s. Congratulations!

Considering that in 2027, there is a decent chance the entire season might not happen, there is over a 95% chance that baseball owners will lock out players over a dispute on the salary cap, Although it would be unfortunate for the sport and baseball fans, if that takes effect and there is no baseball in 2027, but wait!  there is good news for the A’s, they will have more time (during the lockout) to come up with another name to trademark, the name for the A’s in Las Vegas.

Here is my recommendation for the A’s to use when they eventually land in Vegas. Here it is. “The Team Formerly known as the Oakland A’s.” Sorry, too long, but it makes sense, although you cannot carry the name Oakland in Las Vegas. But if you use this long trademark, you will have to make some changes, not to mention what kind of uniform can fit all that!  However, I will bet you anything that people across the country will know which franchise it is, they will say from Maine to Tijuana, “Oh yeah, that is the team that won four World Series in Oakland.

You will need larger billboards along the highways leading to Las Vegas.  But you will have to “brainstorm” what to put in their Vegas uniforms, from Sin City to Las Vegas Gamblers, and in between. By the way, the fact remains that the A’s have used the “Las Vegas Gamblers” as an alternate to their Triple-A team, the Las Vegas Aviators. Why not? It will be “all in the family.”

You teach me baseball, and I’ll teach you relativity. … No, we must not; you will learn about relativity faster than I learn about baseball.”

-Albert Einstein.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:The Dallas Cowboys are the Most Valuable Sports Team in the World

Jan 28, 1996 the Dallas Cowboys won their last Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe AZ (AP file photo)

The Dallas Cowboys are the Most Valuable Sports Team in the World

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Forbes listed the Dallas Cowboys as the most valuable sports team in the world at $13 Billion. The Cowboys were eliminated this season and ended with a below-mediocre 7-9-1 record. We have to look at the whole picture, going back to 1996, 30 years since they last won Super Bowl XXX.

The occasional football fan might ask: “So why are they worth so much?” The Dallas Cowboys have won five Super Bowls and appeared in eight, tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the second-most Super Bowl appearances in NFL history, behind the Steelers and Patriots (six each).

Their global merchandise sales, plus affiliation with Nike, are all well managed by their owner, Jerry Jones, who said AT&T Stadium, the home of the Cowboys, was built as an indoor stadium with an outdoor feel.”I don’t want to adjust it for one reason: it’s an advantage to us.” Jones said the stadium has been an advantage for the Cowboys; more team members know where the sun is during games, and that won’t change.”

The Cowboys have national popularity mainly because of their frequent television exposure from coast to coast and fan bases across all 50 States. When the NFL was experiencing great growth, the Cowboys were right in the middle, and not much has changed.

Today, the Cowboys’ iconic brand is still considered “America’s Team. Exception:. The Green Bay Packers are still owned by their fans. They are the only community team owned and operated as a nonprofit, with over 500,000 shareholders who hold shares that offer no dividends and are capped to prevent control by one person, ensuring the team remains in Green Bay.

Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers, and Brett Favre received lucrative multi-year deals during their careers, as the Packers remain one of the most popular and well-run franchises in the NFL. They are worth around $6 Billion. Most Valuable Teams in Other Sports in the World. Golden State Warriors $11 Billion New York Yankees $8 Billion Real Madrid (Spain) $6.5 Billion, Toronto Maple Leafs (Canada) $4.4 Billion LAFC $1,28 Billion (US Major League Soccer)

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.