Category: That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Iranian Women’s National Soccer team granted Asylum in Australia

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Five of the Iranian female soccer players who defected to Australia from Iran meets with the Australia for Home Affairs with Minister Tony Burke (center) the location where this photo was taken is undisclosed to protect the women’s whereabouts on Tue Mar 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

The Iranian women’s national soccer team was granted asylum in Australia

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Five Iranian women members of the national soccer team were labeled “wartime traitors” by Iranian state media after they refused to sing the Islamic Republic’s national anthem during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Here in the United States, some athletes in the past have become “heroes” for similar reasons.

In 2016, then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt on one knee during the US national anthem to protest racial injustice, which at the end cost him his career as a professional football player. The United States of America and Iran are diametrically opposed political systems.

The U.S. is considered the oldest functioning, continuous constitutional democracy in the world, while Iran is a theocratic state characterized by authoritarian rule, with governance based on Shia Islam and the supreme authority held by an unelected Supreme Leader, with a history of brutal repression against its own people, particularly in response to protests, and as a major state sponsor of terrorism.

A few years ago, a woman was executed because she refused to wear the Islamic headgear called a Hijab. A United Nations diplomat from Israel recently said, “Women in Iran are treated like dogs”. Australia’s home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said that five of the 26-member squad had told the Australian authorities they wanted to remain in Australia and that the same offer had been extended to the rest of the team.

Iran might not be in the World Cup. The Iranian men’s national team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. is officially scheduled but in severe doubt due to rising geopolitical tensions and military conflict. While Iran is qualified and slated to play group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, potential boycotts or travel restrictions are being considered.

Even if they come, they are not scheduled to play any matches in the Bay Area. Condoleezza Rice, Stanford Professor of Political Science, when asked about Iran today, said, “To say Iran is not a threat is ‘ahistorical ” Did You Know? El Salvador and Honduras fought a 100-hour war, the “Football War” (or Soccer War) in 1969 over deep-seated issues, including land disputes. economic inequality and mass migration. The war lasted from July 14–18, 1969, following intense tension surrounding the 1970 World Cup qualifying matches.

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: From My Notebook-Cuba Baseball has been a constant for over 100 Years

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Former Cleveland Indians pitcher Luis Tiant deals against the New York Yankees in this 1968 photo. Tiant is one of the most famous pitchers from Cuba (AP News file photo)

From My Notebook: Cuba Baseball has been a constant for over 100 Years

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Since the largest island in the Caribbean became a free nation on May 20, 1902, winning independence from Spain, through governments of Presidential Democracy, the Batista dictatorship from 1952 to 1959, and the current Communist State from 1959 to the present.

Baseball has been a constant, no matter what type of government is ruling the island. The Brooklyn Dodgers held Spring Training in Havana, Cuba, multiple times, most notably in 1941, 1942, and in 1947, which was Segregation Avoidance. To escape segregation in the US, the Dodgers trained in Havana.

White players stayed at the Hotel Nacional, while Jackie Roinbosn and other Black teammates like Camapanella and Newxome were housed in a lower-budget hotel outside the city of Havana. The team famously flew to Havana in a team-owned Convair 440 Metropolitan.

No matter what politics were going on here in the United States from before 1947, when a Dodgers’ young star by the name of Jackie Robinson and after, Cuba always welcomed all baseball players, black or white. Therefore,

In Latin America, Cuba is considered a pioneer in baseball. World economists are predicting the collapse of the Cuban economy. Prior to 1959, Cuba provided roughly one-third of total U.S. sugar imports, but under the current system of government, blackouts are common all over the island, shortages of medicine, food, and other essential services, people’s discontent with government repression, and the near-death of their tourism industry.

Prior to 1959, Cuba provided roughly one-third of total U.S. sugar imports. The US blockade of Cuba is also impactful, however. As of early 2026, Cuba’s primary trading partners, with whom it conducts significant import and export activities, include China, Spain, Canada, and various European Union nations .

Key imports consist of food, fuel, and machinery, while exports focus on tobacco, nickel, and medical products. Doesn’t matter what the political situation is; for over a century, Cuba’s baseball has continued year-round, especially until 1960, when Cuba. The Professional Winter League was widely famous, attracting many Major League players, Cubans like Orestes (Minnie)Miñoso, to Camilo Pascua to Luis Tiant to Pedro Ramos and Bill Werele, and many big American stars (which I seen play in that league when I was a teen, guys like Brooks Robinson,

Hoyt Wilherm, Bob Skinner, Jackie Brandt and many others at the old Estadio eel Cerro in La Habana. The biggest difference being that until 1959 Cuban-born players where free to travel to the US, but or decacnes things have changed and many of the Cuban stars today in MLB either defected when they were playing with thei National team outside Cuba, or many risk their lives to escape in homemade boats and arrifve in the US, one that comes to mind was Yoanis Céspedes, whom I used to interpret when I was broadcasting Oakland A’s games.

No matter what happens in Cuba, I believe another change is coming soon. Baseball will always live in Cuba. one popular Cuban sayings and their meanings! 1. “Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.” Translation: The devil knows more because he’s old than because he’s the devil. Meaning: Experience is more valuable than knowledge or cunning.

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: How the Auto Ball/Strike is working out; Judge for yourself as Aaron Judge tries on Team USA uniform; plus more news

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New York Yankee Aaron Judge tries on his Team USA uniform as he prepares for the World Baseball Classic at Spring training (photo by SportsKeeda Baseball)

That’s Amuay News and Commentary podcast:

#1 MLB’s Spring Breakout is being restructured into two single-elimination tournaments for 2027 — what impact might that have on how teams develop and showcase their top prospects?

#2 With the 2026 World Baseball Classic set to begin this week, how might players’ involvement in the international tournament affect their MLB spring training preparations and regular-season readiness?

#3 How significant is the early success of teams like the Sacramento A’s and San Francisco Giants using the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in spring training, and what could it mean for regular-season games?

#4 How are fans reacting to the high turnout of Padres fans spring training coverage at the Arizona Cactus League this year, and what does it suggest about fan engagement heading into the 2026 season?

#5 What was it like to see the New York Yankees Aaron Judge sitting in a Team USA uniform that he will wear for the WBC?

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 Commenary: Mediocrity is the word for the Warriors

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) takes a shot at the basket while being defended by the Golden State Warriors center Al Holford (20) in the first half at Chase Center on Sat Feb 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

Mediocerity is the word for the Warriors

By Amaury Pi-González

The Warriors walked into March with a 31-29 record, occupying the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Their next five games are against the Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Jazz, and Bulls. How this team is going to finish is anybody’s guess.

They just lost a game at Chase Center against the 41-year-old LeBron James, Lakers 129-101. Jimmy Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL. It typically takes 6-12 months for a full return, with 9 to 12 months for professional athletes to regain their full strength.

Stephen Curry also injured is missing games of late. His Right knee has patellofemoral pain syndrome (Runner’s Knee). When asked about the injury, he said one word,” weird.” Other Warriors medical situation, Seth Curry (sciatica) and the Jonathan Porzings saga is a totally disaster.

With just 22 games left, it doesn’t look like the Warriors are going to improve all of a sudden, even the postseason is at best a 50-50 proposition. They are currently sitting in the Western Conference’s eighth spot, aiming to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a top-six seed.

Just like the Giants, who play a few blocks away from Chase Center, the Warriors had a great run of championships winning in in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Every team suffers injuries; the Warriors are not alone; however, this season has always looked, to use Steph Curry’s previous word, “weird”.

Quote: “Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.” -Magic Johnson

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: 2026 A look at the Giants and Athletics

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Former Oakland A’s Spanish Broadcasters from KIQI 1010 radio Amaury Pi-Gonzalez (left) Manolo Hernandez-Douen (right) Engineer José Orellana (back) (Oakland Coliseum) Photo: Mauricio Segura -2024

2026 A look at the Giants and Athletics

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Giants: The San Francisco Giants ended last season with an 81-81 record, good for third place in the NL West, 12 games behind the World Champions, the LA Dodgers. This was the second time in Giants history they finished 81-81, previously in 2022.

As of today less than a month prior to Opening Night, March 25, 2026. At Oracle Park in San Francisco, the Giants will face the New York Yankees. Here is the probable lineup for the Giants.on Opening Night. (There could be some changes, due to injuries or simply the manager’s decision) 1-Luis Arraez 2B 2-Rafael Devers 1B 3-Willy Adames SS 4-Matt Chapman 3B 5-Jung Hoo Lee RF 6-Heliot Ramos LF 7-Harrison Bader CF 8-Bryce Eldridge DH 9-Patrick Bailey C Offense: With Luis Arraez, three-time Batting Champion over the last three years with three different teams, the Twins, Marlins, and Padres, the Giants have an excellent opportunity to score more runs.

This was the #1 acquisition by the team during the off-season; #2 was another veteran, Harrison Bader, who will take command of center field, a solid all-around player. (Offense was Improved) Pitching. The top two in the rotations are All-Star pitchers, Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.

They will need contributions from Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser, and Landen Roupp. Closer Ryan Walker was 5-7 with a 4.11 ERA and 17 saves. Their pitching will have to do better, considering the Dodgers have a dominant rotation and also signed All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.

(Pitching needs more depth) Defense: The overall team defense was near the bottom of the league. Harrison Bader could help in the outfield, with excellent defense, he covers lots of ground with a good arm, this was a good acquisition by the Giants. (Defense is improved)

Athletics: A’s will be renting again in Sacramento for the second year in a row. Last season, they finished in fourth place in the West with 76-86, 14 games behind the Mariners. The A’s have not made the postseason since 2020, when they were the Oakland A’s during the COVID-shortened year. The A’s will open their 2026 season in Canada, taking on the reigning American League Champion Blue Jays in Toronto.

Here is their probable lineup for the first game of the season. 1-Nick Kurtz 1B 2-Shea Langeliers C 3-Brett Rooker DH 4-Tyler Soderstrom LF 5-Jacob Wilson SS 6-Jeff McNeil 2B 7-Lawrence Butler RF 8-Max Muncy 3B 9-Denzel Clarke CF (There could be some changes, due to injuries or simply the manager’s decision) Offense: I really like this young, talented, and aggressive lineup.

Last season, they were fourth in Home runs in the league with 219. Only the Yankees, Mariners, and Angels hit more round trippers than the young A’s studs, headed by a sensational Rookie of the Year season by Nick Kurtz. They have enough hitting to compete, but pitching?

You cannot win without it. Even the famous 1927 Yankees with “Murderers’ Row” also had the pitching to win that year’s World Series. (Offense is Lock and Loaded) Pitching: In 2025, the Athletics finish #27 in overall pitching statistics out of the 30 MLB teams. A’s staff served 222 Home Runs, only the LA Angels rendered more (one more), 223 long balls to the opposition. (Pitching needs more improvement)

Defense: The team’s overall defensive, or fielding, placed them in the bottom tier of Major League Baseball early in the 2025 season. CF Denzel Clarke made a sensational catch for the ages. Overall, they need to do much better (Defense could use more improvement. The 2026 Major League Baseball season is coming soon. I will have my picks during the week before the start of the season.

Quote (Spanish) Cualquier tiempo que tengas la oportunidad de hacer una diferencia en este mundo y no lo hagas, estás desperdiciando tu tiempo en la tierra” – -Roberto Clemente. (Spanish). (English): “Every time you have the opportunity of making a difference in this world, but do not, you are wasting your time on this earth” -Roberto Clemente.

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: American Ice Hockey Olympic star awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sun Feb 15, 2026 in Milan Italy (AP News photo)

American Ice Hockey Olympic star awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

On July 7, 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Simone Biles the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her athletic achievements, winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics, the nation’s highest civilian honor. American Olympic stars who made the country proud are favorites for US Presidents to present this type of award, and it happens more often than most people think.

Most recently Connor Hellebuyck , the goalie for the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as announced to the nation by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, his first in his second term.

Hellebuyck made 41 saves to lead Team USA to a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter The American team’s defense was key in their victory during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hellebuyck’s performance was crucial in securing the U.S. men’s team’s first Olympic gold since 1980, stopping 41 of 42 shots.

The now world-famous goalie Hellebuyck (#37) is the primary starting goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets as of February 2026, known for his elite, award-winning play and recent Olympic participation. Hellebuyck is recognized as one of the top goalies in the NHL, having won multiple Vezina Trophies.

If you wonder why it is uncommon for a sitting US President to give an award to a US athlete, is this unusual? It is not, in fact, the previous US President, Joe Biden, who also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to US Olympic hero Simone Biles and others, such as world-famous chef José Andrés.

The President of the United States can award this medal to any American who contributes to the United States in any walk of life, for his/her contributions to the country. Although Hellebuyck plays professionally for the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, he is an American who was born in Michigan.

The recipient of this award must be born in the US. Of the 32 National Hockey League teams (considered the premier professional league in this sport in the world), seven (7) are based in Canada. Hellebuycks’s Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames.

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: Will MLB avoid a work stoppage?; Can any MLB team stop Yanks or Dodgers?; plus more news

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Major League Baseball Players Association senior director Bruce Meyer answers questions to the media in MLBPA offices in New York Mar 11, 2022 (AP News file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Will MLB avoid a labor dispute or lockout later in 2026?
With the current collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire after the 2026 season and owners pushing for changes like a potential salary cap, there’s significant uncertainty about labor peace beyond this season.

#2 Can any team realistically stop the reigning champions and favorites?
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter 2026 as back-to-back National League champions and World Series winners and will try to become the first team since the 2000s Yankees to three-peat.

#3 How will the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system affect games?
MLB is implementing an automated strike-zone challenge system for the 2026 season, which could meaningfully change umpiring, game strategy, and pace of play.

#4 Which remaining free agents or trades will shape contending rosters?
With notable free agents still unsigned and trade rumors circulating, questions remain about where players like top free agents sign and how teams will bolster key areas.

#5 Amaury for the Sacramento A’s who will win key roster spots, especially around the infield?
With new acquisitions and players like Zack Gelof competing for positioning, a central question is whether veterans or younger talent will earn starting roles come Opening Day.

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: USA Hockey Gold for Country and Flag

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Team USA Jack Eichel celebrates with fans after defeating Team Canada at the hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Italy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

USA Hockey Gold for Country and Flag

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For the third time in Olympic history, the United States won men’s hockey gold and for the first time since the Miracle on Ice in 1980 against the Soviet Union. Men’s hockey is the last event in the Olympics, and this 2026 Canada vs USA match did not disappoint.

The USA faced a tough and talented Canadian team, as NBC reported a huge audience for the final event of the Olympics. The game aired at five in the morning West Coast time. Many were up early to watch this event of the two big North American rivals who share a friendly border.

Known as the longest international boundary in the world, and one of those that got up this early was my youngest son, Geoffrey, who is a huge San José Sharks fan and a big Hockey enthusiast, who played in an Amateur Ice Hiockey League, This was Geoffrey’s commentary on the game:

“It was a great game, one of the best games I have seen. But like most sports, defense wins championships, even though Canada had the best players, McDavid, Mackinnon, Crosby (hurt), and Celebrini, the USA had the best defense and Goalie. Solid defense, great goaltending, and some puck luck… gave the USA the edge. Also, it’s a shame that it was 3v3 for OT. It should be 5v5 just like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

Jack Hughes, who has played his entire NHL career for the New Jersey Devils, scored the winning goal at 1:41 into overtime, sending the Americans to their third Olympic title as they defeated Canada 2-1. The other goal for the US was scored by Matt Boldy, who plays for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.

While Cale Makar, who plays for the Colorado Avalanche, scored the lone goal for the Canadians. This USA Olympic team defeated a very tough and seasoned Canadian team, even without their great player, Sydney “Sid the Kid” Crosby who suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia, causing him to miss the semifinal and the gold medal game against the USA. Despite trying to return, the injury sustained from a hit kept him out. He is there and together with the rest of the Canadians who received their Silver Medal.

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: Good News for Oakland

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Nothing but love from the heart as Olympic Skater Alysa Liu reacts after competing in the women’s figure skating free program at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Italy Thu Feb 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

Good News for Oakland

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Just days ago the Mayor of Oakland official car, her SUV was stolen from City Hall, it was recovered and the suspect was arrested in Vallejo. Oakland has been vilified for years for many reasons, including one very notable one; it is often cited across the country by sports fans as an example of Oakland’s inability to keep its sports teams in town.

But Oakland finally heard some good news, and it did not come from the Bay Area, but 6,000 miles away from Milan, Italy. Oakland-born figure skater Alysa Liu won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on February 19, 2026.

She is the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the sport in 24 years, following a remarkable comeback after retiring in 2022. Started skating at age 5. At 13, she broke Tara Lipinski’s record to become the youngest U.S. national champion (2019) and was the first U.S. woman to land three triple axels in a single competition. Congratulations to Alysa, this was great and Oakland (in my opinion) could use a parade for her and the city.

Quote “I love struggling, actually. It makes me feel alive,” — Alysa Liu on the Olympic pressure.

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: NFL-The Chicago Bears are leaving Chicago for Indiana

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The Wolf Lake Memorial Park in the 2300 block of Calumet Avenue is a potential site of the new Chicago Bears stadium. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

NFL: The Chicago Bears are leaving Chicago for Indiana

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Soldier Field, Chicago’s home of the NFL Bears for a half-century, soon will be a trivia question. A last-ditch $5 billion effort to keep the team in Chicago failed, ending their time in Chicago. The Chicago Bears ownership said in a statement, “The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to completing the remaining site-specific due diligence necessary to support our vision of building a world-class stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler, and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe.”

“We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship,” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said, adding that he was “surprised” after the Bears’ shift to Indiana. Why are they moving out of Chicago? The Bears have never owned their home stadium (Wrigley Field or Soldier Field).

A new, privately developed stadium (with public infrastructure help) in Indiana allows them to control revenue streams, plus the team has long sought to leave their current, publicly owned stadium, which is considered outdated and too small compared to other NFL venues.

Some people in Chicago are fine with this move. Hammond, Indiana, which is located immediately adjacent to the Illinois state border, approximately 25-30 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. The drive typically takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

As part of the Chicago metropolitan area, it is the only city in Indiana that directly borders Chicago. At the end, it’s all about two words: modernization and money. The Bears need a new, modern facility to generate more revenue. As they move to Hammond, Indiana, they will keep their name, the Chicago Bears.

This is common. The Washington Commanders play in Maryland; the NY Giants and NY Jets play in New Jersey; the Dallas Cowboys play in Arlington; the LA Rams and LA Chargers play in Inglewood; and the San Francisco 49ers play in Santa Clara.

As a matter of fact, nearly half of the 32 NFL teams do not play in the city they represent. However, the NFL is smart enough to keep these teams within distance of their fan bases. An exception? The Raiders, who left Oakland for Las Vegas, and that is not a “Sunday drive” over 400 miles. Another team left Oakland for Las Vegas, but they have not arrived yet, and they are not in the NFL. ]

Quote: Baseball is played on a diamond, in a park.The baseball park! Football is played on a gridiron in a stadium, sometimes called Soldier Field or War Memorial Stadium. -George Carlin (Comedian)

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