A’s win a wild one over LA ; Angels hit seven home runs and still lost 8-7

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By Jerry Feitelberg

An adage in baseball says, “you never know what is going to happen in a game.” The A’s and Angels played a wild one Thursday afternoon at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The Angels hit seven solo home runs and lost 8-7.

It was the sixth time in baseball history that a team has hit seven home runs in a game and lost. Angels fans left the stadium, shaking their heads in disbelief. How could this happen? Yet it did. The A’s offense produced six runs in the third and two in the fourth. The Angels’ bullpen allowed the a’s just one hit over the next five innings.

The Angels’ DH, Shohei Ohtani, started the homer parade by hitting his 23rd of the year to give the Angels an early 1-0 lead. Former A’s catcher Kurt Suzuki made it 2-0 in favor of LA when he blasted his third dinger of the year in the bottom of the second inning.

The A’s offense came to life in the top of the third. A’s second baseman Jonah Bride got things going with a single. Third baseman Vimael Machin reached on a fielder’s choice. Bride was out at second. Angels’ starter Janson Junk walked Nick Allen and Tony Kemp to load the bases.

Ramon Laureano doubled to drive in Machin and Allen. Sean Murphy doubled to drive in Kemp and Laureano. Seth Brown hit his 16th home run of the year to put the A’s ahead 6-2. The A’s sent 11 hitters to the plate in the third. Tayloe Ward led off the bottom of the third with his 14th big fly to make it 8-3.

The A’s put two more runs on the board in the fourth. With one out, Tony Kemp bunted for a single. Laureano homered to make it an 8-3 ball game. In the bottom of the fourth, Blackburn gave up a solo home run to the Angels’ left fielder Jo Adell. It was the first time in Blackburn’s career that he gave up four home runs in a game. The A’s led 8-4

Blackburn left the game after pitching five innings. Lefty Sam Moll was on the hill for Oakland. Angels’ first baseman Jared Walsh homered with one out to close the gap to 8-5. Lefty Kirby Snead was brought in to pitch the seventh.

He hit the first batter he faced with a pitch. He got Taylor Ward to hit into a 6-4-3 double play. The next hitter was Shohei Ohtani. Snead threw Ohtani a pitch that appeared to be about three inches inside. Ohtani turned on the pitch and sent the ball out of the park for his 24th of the year. It was now an 8-6 game.

A’s manager Mark Kotsay brought Dany Jimenez to pitch the eighth inning. Jimenez was making his first appearance since coming off the 10-day IL. How did he do? He struck out the side. Zach Jackson, who earned his third save of the year yesterday, had the task of getting the last three outs of the game. Jackson struck out Kurt Suzuki for the first out.

The next hitter, Mickey Moniak, recently acquired in a trade with the Phillies, hit his first home run as an Angel. It was the seventh solo Angel Home run. Jackson walked pinch-hitter, Max Stassi. Jackson struck out Ward for the second out.

Shohei Ohtani came to the plate as the potential winning run. Mark Kotsay brought the very tall A.J.Puk to pitch to Ohtani. It was a very tense moment in the game. The suspense ended when Ohtani popped out on Puk’s first pitch. The A’s win 8-7.

Game Notes- With the win, the A’s are 41-66. Oakland ended the six-game road trip 3-3. The Angels dropped to 44-61. Paul Blackburn was the winning pitcher. His record is now 7-6. His line was five innings pitched, six hits, four runs, one walk, three strikeouts, and four home runs. The losing pitcher was Janson Junk. Junk is now 1-1.

The A’s line was eight runs, eight hits, and no errors. Ramon Laureano had a double, home run, and four RBIs. Sean Murphy drove in two, and Seth Brown’s 16th of the year put two more on the board for Oakland.
Shohei Ohtani had three hits for the Angels. He had a single and two home runs. It was the 11th time in his career that he had two homers in a game. The Line score for the Angels was seven runs, nine hits, and no errors.
The A’s are off on Friday. They return home to face the San Francisco Giants on Saturday and Sunday. Then, they face the Angels for three more games starting on Monday. Starting pitchers for Saturday’s game for San Francisco Carlos Rodon (9-6, 3.00) for Oakland (1-4, 7.68) 7:07 pm PDT first pitch.

The time of the game was 3:25. 23,849 fans watched nine balls fly out of the park as the A’s outlasted the Angels 8-7.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Will latest lawsuit be the one to stop A’s move to Howard Terminal?

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Oakland A’s team president David Kaval in green shirt said that the lawsuit filed by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association could stop the Howard Terminal project (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Bay Conservation and Development Commission who voted for the Howard Terminal project is now facing a lawsuit brought on by the East Oakland Stadium Alliance and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, the Harbor Trucking Association and the California Trucking Association the plaintiffs say that the vote by the BCDC was too fast with not enough thought process going into the project.

#2 Pacific Merchant lawyer and vice president Mike Jacob said that the A’s are only interested in doing something fast where the plaintiffs want to do something right.

#3 MLB and David Kaval the A’s team president have made it clear if the A’s don’t get to move to Howard Terminal there headed to Las Vegas and Kaval stated that he has visited several potential sites and said that it’s easy to build in Vegas than in Oakland.

#4 Jerry, with the trades of Frankie Montas and Lou Trivino how much of a setback will it be for Oakland going forward.

#5 For today’s fourth and final contest in Anaheim going for the A’s Paul Blackburn (6-6, 4.15) and for the Angels Janson Junk (1-0, 0.00) a 12:07 pm PDT fist pitch.

Join Jerry for the A’s podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Inter Miami upend Earthquakes in 1-0 shutout win

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San Jose Earthquakes fullback Tanner Beason jumps up to win a challenge over Inter Miami’s Ariel Lassiter at Pay Pal Park on Wednesday AUG 3, 2022. (Dario Cruz-Tectonic Takes)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming more and more obscured.

The light being the playoffs hopes for the San Jose Earthquakes as they fell to Inter Miami FC 1-0 on Wednesday night at Pay Pal Park. It was the first meeting between to the two clubs.

San Jose has lost three of its past four matches and are currently nine points out of the seventh and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with 11 matches left in the regular season. Inter Miami have points in three of its last four matches and are tied with Charlotte FC for seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

It was a night to forget on the defensive front for San Jose (5-10-8-23 points) as they gave up numerous counter attacks to the visiting team which resulted in numerous scoring chances. The Earthquakes were fortunate in that Inter Miami only cashed in on one of them.

Inter Miami (8-10-5-29 points) broke through with the match’s lone goal in the 12th minute. Robert Taylor’s cross into the box was headed away by ‘Quakes rookie back Oskar Aegren but landed on the foot of Jean Mota and he fired a shot into the upper right corner of the net from just beyond the D for his first career MLS goal.

While the Earthquakes played flat in first 45 minutes, their energy picked in the second half. However, their aggressive play trying to score the equalizer led to easy counter attacks from Inter Miami.

“The second was a little bit different but the first half we started with low energy, and it was something that we were trying to address at halftime. In the second half we started a bit more aggressive, we recovered balls, we were able to do transitions and be a little bit more dangerous. Obviously when they are winning, they dropped back their lines and to get in was difficult, even if we had some good opportunities,” ‘Quakes interim head coach Alex Covelo said.

San Jose were without starting goalkeeper JT Marcikowski to start the second half as he was evaluated for a concussion after a collision that happened earlier on in the first half.

Matt Bersano made his MSL debut to replace Marcinkowski in net. Bersano did a tremendous job of keeping the Inter Miami from expanding their lead. Bersano came out aggressive on the many threats Inter Miami had inside the box.

“Yeah, I don’t really think there’s a perfect way to make the first appearance,” said Bersano. “So obviously I’m thankful to get out there and get some minutes. I think it was a bunch of years in the making. But to absorb the way we did and keep pressing and get so close, it’s definitely a bittersweet feeling. I’m so thankful for finally getting some MLS minutes, but above all else, I want to win, we want to win these games, and it’s definitely a sour taste in the mouth at the end of the day.”

The best save of the night came in the 51st minute when a chance by Ariel Lassiter at an open net was headed away by Aegren at the goal line.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender finished t mawith fives saves on six shots on target to earn a clean sheet. Marcinkowski and Bersano combined for

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with 13 corners kicks. Inter Miami had seven.

The Earthquakes are now 5-5-5 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.

Seventeen-year-old Homegrown midfielder Niko Tsakiris made his first MLS appearance since April 2.

Rookie defender Oskar Ågren made his second career start.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels to the Lone Star state to take on Austin FC on Saturday 8/6 at 6:00pm at Q2 Stadium.

Jabeur, Anisimova and Badosa advance, Mandlik’s Cinderella run ends on Day 3 at MSCV

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Ons Jabeur smashes a forehand return against Madison Keys at the San Jose State Tennis Center on Wednesday AUG 3, 2022. (MSVC)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — In a battle of power versus finesse, it was finesse that proved mightier.

Third seeded Ons Jabeur was in total control in her straight sets victory over American Madison Keys 7-5 6-1 in the evening’s featured match to highlight Day 3 at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic at San Jose State Tennis Center.

The first set was evenly played between both players until late in the set. A medical timeout happened after Jabeur was leading 6-5 when Keys cut her finger getting a water bottle. Play resumed after the medical team was able to stop the bleeding on Key’s finger.

Jabeur, known for her perfectly placed drop shots, was relentless in the second set and never allowed Keys to get back into the match. Jabeur dictated the pace of play as Keys was unable to play her normally fast and aggressive style.

“I think I was more comfortable when it was 5-5 (in the first set),” said Jabeur. “I changed some things technically. I was returning (serves) better, I stepped in more on the court. There were a lot of key moments, key points during the 5-5 (tie). She could’ve worked her serve there but I was making less mistakes and making her play one more shot.”

Number two seed Paula Badosa escaped with a three-set victory over up and coming 21-year-old Elizabeth Mandlik 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-5).

Badosa cruised through the first set, but Mandlik stormed back in the second set to even the match. Mandlik had a chance to close out match when she was serving up 6-5 in the third set but Badosa broke serve and ended up tying it up at 6-6 to send the match to the deciding tiebreaker.

Badosa was able to outlast Mandlik in the tiebreaker winning it 7-5 and the match to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals on Friday. She let out a ferocious yell after winning match point.

“I think my experience helped me to win the match,” said Badosa. “I think I played at a pretty good level. She (Mandlik) played amazing. The fight that I have and accepting everyone (challenge) is what gave me the win.”

Both players had more unforced errors than winners and had several double faults throughout the match that was 2:31 long.

Mandlik had an impressive run at the tournament winning two matches in the qualifying stage before defeating Alison Riske Amritraj to make it to the round of 16.

“I for sure felt like I had the match so it’s very disappointing. I know that I can play with pretty much anybody and she (Bedosa) is (number) two in the world. So my belief (in my ability) is much higher than it was, and I’ll just keep pushing (forward) from there.”

In earlier action, Amanda Anisimova stormed back after dropping the first set to defeat eight seed Karolina Pliskova in three sets 3-6 7-5 6-1.

Anisimova was able to find her groove in the second set as she took control of the match after winning the second set. Pliskova had no answers for Anisimova who advanced to the quarterfinals after cruising through the third set.

Anisimova trailed, 6-3, 3-2, but broke Pliskova’s serve to love at that stage and proceeded to win 10 of the next 11 games. 

Fifth time was the charm for Anisimova who had been 0-4 against Pliskova previously and had only won one set.

“I started to play more of my game in the second set to shake off the nerves,” said Anisimova. “It was pretty hot (outside), I was fighting. I knew I had to stay focused every point. Sometimes I start off slow but (because) my game is pretty aggressive, it’s not the easiest to play sometimes. I was just happy I was able to find my groove.”

For Pliskova it was a disappointing to start to the hardcourt circuit of the tour.

“I had a good couple of matches. Both of them were super close, three setters. I feel like I’m close but for sure it was not my best tennis. But there is a long way to go till the US Open,” Pliskova said.

Last year’s finalist Daria Kasatkina took care of Taylor Townsend in straight sets 6-4 6-0. Kasatkina proved to be too much for Townsend who came into the round of 16 after winning her first match since 2015.

Kasatkina finished the match with four aces and won 62.5% of her total service points to advance to her second straight MSVC Quarterfinals. Townsend was not able to keep up with Kasatkina’s serve, only winning 29.5% of first return points.

“I wish!” said Kasatkina when asked if this year’s tournament felt like a repeat of her run in 2021. “I don’t know. I’ve already played and won two matches. If I can reach the final that would be great for me, if not there there’s a tournament next week and one another week after that.”

In doubles actions, the Chinese duo of Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan defeated the team of Nadiia Kichenok and Tereza Mihalikova in straight sets 6-3 6-3. The team of Latisha Chan and Beatriz Haddad-Maia beat the American duo of Asia Nuhammad and Taylor Townsend in straight sets 6-2 7-6 and the last doubles match of the night had the team of Gabriela Dabrowksi and Guiliani Olmos defeat the American duo of Emina Betkas and Kaitlyn Christian in straight sets 6-3 6-2.

UP NEXT: Tournament favorites Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka clash in a battle for a spot in the quarterfinals as the evening’s feature match on Thursday 8/4 at 7:00pm at the San Jose State Tennis Center.

Dodgers Dance Again: 3-0 win gives LA seven, consecutive wins over the Giants

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–What the Dodgers have going right now you could set your watch to. It’s that succinct and matter of fact, way more than the Giants can handle right now.

Julio Urias pitched six, scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 3-0 victory Wednesday night, striking out six with no walks. His counterpart, the Giants’ Alex Cobb was pretty good, but not flawless, pitching into the seventh inning with three runs on four hits allowed. The win gives the Dodgers seven, consecutive wins against their rival, a feat they last accomplished in 1980.

“If we had the answer we would’ve called a team meeting and made a quick fix and it’d be all over,” said Cobb. “It just hasn’t been great baseball.”

Miguel Vargas made his Major League debut for Los Angeles, and doubled in the second inning, scoring Trayce Thompson with the game’s first run. Vargas’ presence compensated for Justin Turner’s continued absence, and he was one of three players that showed the NL West leader’s depth and talent along with Thompson and James Outman, who started in left field and went 1 for 4.

Joey Bart had three hits, and Brandon Belt two for the Giants, who couldn’t come up with the big hit despite having several chances. The Giants were 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 10 baserunners stranded.

Longtime, iconic Dodgers’ announcer Vin Scully was memorialized on the visitor’s jerseys with a classy patch and the performance of the team, which has one seven of eight since the All-Star break and increased their lead in the division.

Urias won his eight, straight start, over a nine-game span illustrating how the host’s performance can quickly get lost when their rival is playing this well.

The Giants loaded the bases in the ninth inning, only to see Craig Kimbrel induce a pop-out from Mike Yastrzemski and strike out Austin Slater to end the game. Kimbrel notched his 19th save.

The Giants had new acquisition J.D. Davis available, but elected not to use him. Reliever Sam Long and outfielder Jason Vosler were outrighted to Sacramento to make room for Davis.

The Giants get one more look at the Dodgers in this series on Thursday, but Clayton Kershaw will be their main concern. Kershaw has two no-decisions this season against the Giants, which means he’s due. Kershaw has won more than 20 games in his career against the Giants.

A’s get solid performance from Kaprielian down Angels 3-1

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Elvis Andrus (17) and Sean Murphy (12) share a forearm bash after Murphy’s two run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning at the Oakland Coliseum as Ramon Luareano (22) looks on against the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A in Anaheim on Wed Aug 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s bounced back to beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 Wednesday night at Angel Stadium. The A’s had to face the Angels’ ace, Shohei Ohtani. The young man from Japan entered the game with a record of 9-6 and an ERA of 2.81.

Ohtani was in the Angels’ lineup as the designated hitter. Ohtani is hitting .255 with 22 homers and 62 RBIs. The A’s sent James Kaprielian out to do the pitching for Oakland. Kaprielian got off to a slow start as he had to deal with a shoulder issue early in the season. He was 0-5 entering July. In July, he was 2-0 with an ERA of 1.03.

His record for the season before Wednesday’s game was 2-5 with an ERA of 4.50. The smart money probably would be putting money on Ohtani to win the game.

Kaprielian had other ideas and outpitched Ohtani to win his third game of the year. Kaprielian went five and 1/3rd innings and allowed just one run. Ohtani was the losing pitcher. Ohtani was touched for three runs as he absorbed his seventh loss of the season.

The A’s drew first blood in the top of the fourth. Ramon Laureano reached safely on Angels’ third baseman Luis Rengifo’s throwing error. Laureano went to second on a wild pitcher. A’s catcher Sean Murphy singled to drive in Laureano with the A’s first run.

The Angels tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Their center-fielder, Magneuris Sierra, led off the inning with a single. Kaprielian retired David Fletcher on a ground-out. Sierra advanced to second on the play.

Kaprielian retired Shohei Ohtani on another ground-out. Sierra motored to third on the play. Luis Rengifo atoned for an error in the previous inning by hitting a double to drive in Sierra with the tying run. The score was 1-1 after five complete.

The A’s put two more runs on the board in the top of the sixth. Ramon Laureano led off the sixth with a single. The next hitter, Sean Murphy, blasted his 13th home run over the fence in left field to put the A’s in the lead 3-1. Ohtani retired the next two hitters. He walked Jed Lowrie and gave up a single to Chad Pinder. Angels’ manager Phil Nevin brought Aaron Loup to get the final out of the inning.

Neither team scored after the sixth inning. The A’s used Sam Moll to finish the sixth, A.J.Puk in the seventh, Domingo Acevedo in the eighth, and Zach Jackson earned his third save by setting the Angels down 1-2-3 in the ninth. The A’ win 3-1.

Game Notes: With the win, the A’s are now 40-66. The Angels fall to 44-60. 

Kaprielian won his third game of the season. He is now 3-5. His line was five and 1/3rd innings, one run, six hits, and walked one and four strikeouts. Kaprielian threw 83 pitches. Ohtani was the losing pitcher. His record is 9-7. Ohtani has lost his last three starts.

His line was five and 2/3rds innings of work. He allowed seven hits, three runs(two earned), one walk, and seven strikeouts. Ohtani did not stay in the game as the DH even though he was done pitching. 

The hitting star for Oakland was Sean Murphy. Murph had a single and a home run. He drove in all three Oakland runs.

The teams will play the rubber game of the three-game series Thursday afternoon at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The game will start at 1:07 pm.

Paul Blackburn (6-6, 4.15) will go for Oakland. Janson Junk (1-0, 0.00) pitches for the Angels.

The time of the game was 3:08. 25,190 fans watched as the A’s beat the Angels 3-1.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: New Lawsuit Against Howard Terminal

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Mr. Mike Jacob (in photo), vice president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association which represents port workers, said the San Francisco Bay Area Conservation and Development commission failed to properly evaluate the impacts of the project before they voted in favor of the A’s request. (photo from pmsaship.com)

New Lawsuit Against Howard Terminal

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–This June the San Francisco Bay Area Conservation and Development approved the Howard Terminal project, ruling it will not negatively affect the Port of Oakland Operations.

Now the group of Port operators and trucking disagree with the June ruling claiming the commission did not adequately assess the environmental impact of the project as mandatory by law.

In a recent statement Mr. Mike Jacob, vice president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association which represents port workers, said the San Francisco Bay Area Conservation and Development commission failed to properly evaluate the impacts of the project before they voted in favor of the A’s request. Mr.Jacob claims the commission should have allowed their advisory group to do further analysis on their recommendation prior to taking a vote.

How many lawsuits now?

Three (including this one) of the legal opposition to the project is coming from an argument that the project has not received the proper level of analysis about the environmental impact. That is the key to this most recent lawsuit. According to the law, all these lawsuits need to be decided within 270 days of the lawsuit being filed. The opposition to Howard Terminal is basically claiming that not enough environmental studies have been done and that more is needed.

How do the courts consider this lawsuit? Depends on how the courts interpret an evaluation of the economic impact of the project.

This November 8 the elections for Mayor and other positions in the Oakland government. Do not be surprised if we still talking about the Howard Terminal project by then.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on the Oakland A’s flagship station Le Grande KIQI 1010 San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Michael Roberson: Gallo heads to Dodgers; Dolphins owner suspended until Oct 17th; Broncos Patrick out for season

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New York Yankees Joey Gallo who was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tue Aug 2, 2022 struggled at the plate with the Yankees and gets a chance to swing the bats for the Dodgers (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael wanted to review with you some of this week’s big baseball deals on Tuesday the New York Yankees sent Joey Gallo to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gallo had not been productive and the Yankees got the itch to send Gallo packing. Gallo was hitting .159 with 25 home runs, 46 RBIs, Gallo did strike out plenty 194 times in 421 at bats.

#2 Gallo was getting booed by the Yankee fans and his ability to move runners over and score had fans riding him at every at bat. Towards the end Gallo was benched. Manager Aaron Boone said he respected Gallo for the way he worked and carried himself and that Boone will be rooting for Gallo from afar.

#3 Speaking of the Yankees Boone said he was excited about obtaining pitchers Frankie Montas and Lou Trivino. It won’t be long that Yankee fans will get a look at Montas who threw for 104 2/3 innings, 109 strikeouts, with 28 walks, and gave up 12 home runs for 3.18 ERA for the A’s.

#4 Turning to football Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has been suspended by the NFL for tampering after trying to contact quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton in an attempt to inquire about Brady and Payton’s services. Ross had been suspended through Oct 17th and after an investigation the Dolphins were trying to tank games in 2019 proved to be inconclusive after former head coach Brian Flores refused to throw games so the Dolphins would get a better draft position. Flores later ended up filing a discrimination suit against the Dolphins. Flores was told Ross was mad that he didn’t compromise football games.

#5 Michael talk about the Denver Broncos losing wide receiver Tim Patrick due to a torn ACL in his right right knee putting him out for the season. Patrick in practice on Tuesday caught a pass in front of Essang Bassey and while running up field his knee give out and he fell to the ground with the torn ACL injury.

Join Michael Roberson for Headline Sports on Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Deebo relieved to get the deal done; Gets 3 year extension for $73.5 million

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Deebo Samuel takes a run in practice on Wed Jul 27, 2022 at the San Francisco 49ers practice facility in Santa Clara. Samuel signed a three year extension with the 49ers for $73.5 million. (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 David, Deebo Samuel said he had a lot of pressure to get a deal done with the San Francisco 49ers at the right price. Samuel said that at the end of the day business is business. He had expressed an interest in playing elsewhere signed a three year extension worth $73.5 million.

#2 In what could be explained as a turbulent off season for Deebo he was telling the 49ers basically he was leaving and without an extension he was taking his business elsewhere. That’s when general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan went into panic mode and tried to get something worked out with Samuel.

#3 David next week the 49ers open up their first pre season game on Fri Aug 12th against the Green Bay Packers at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. As noted by Joe Hawkes who does the 49ers Sunday podcasts said that the 49ers will not be using quarterback Trey Lance and the Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers most likely will not see any action that night.

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Vin Scully – The Passing of a Legend

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Vin Scully during his final month in broadcasting before retiring. Here he is broadcasting on Mon Sep 19, 2016 calling the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (AP News file photo)

By Tony the Tiger Hayes

SAN FRANCISCO–It seemed somewhat poetic that the death of legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully was announced during a spirited game between the his beloved Dodgers and the team he grew up unabashedly loving… – the Giants.

Mr. Scully, who passed away at age 94 of unspecified causes was a baseball lifer – literally.

One of his earliest memories as a child came at age five in his native New York when he was dazzled by an electronic ticker in Times Square announcing that the then New York Giants had defeated the Washington Senators to win the 1933 World Series.

From that point Scully was a die hard Giants fan. He particularly adored the legendary Giants slugger Mel Ott. Mr. Scully practically spent his youth at Manhattan’s Polo Grounds cheering on his Giants and rooting against the dreaded Dodgers of Brooklyn.

A skilled baseball player himself, Scully went on to play infield for the Fordham University baseball squad.

But when he had trouble with the curve ball, Mr. Scully set his sights on the broadcast booth.

“We had this big old radio, and I would crawl underneath it, and the speakers would be directly over my head,” he told The Los Angeles Times in 1994. “Something would happen, and the announcer would get excited. The crowd would roar, the sound would come out of that speaker like water out of a showerhead, and it seemed to wash down on me.”

His smooth delivery and home spun style caught the attention of a New York big league team in 1950. But it wasn’t the Giants or even the Yankees who hired him, it was the dreaded Dodgers.

Mr.Scully would spend the next 67 years describing Dodgers baseball to generations of Dodgers fans, particularly in Southern California where fans didn’t mind being stuck in traffic as long as good friend Vinny was spending time with them.

“Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good afternoon to you wherever you may be,” Scully would invariably begin. “Pull up a chair and spend part of the day with us.”

The appreciations rolled in as news of Scully’s passing was announced in the 6th inning of Tuesday night’s 9-5 Dodgers win at Oracle Park.

We have lost an icon,” Dodger President & CEO Stan Kasten said. “The Dodgers Vin Scully was one of the greatest voices in all of sports. He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster, but as a humanitarian. He loved people. He loved life. He loved baseball and the Dodgers. And he loved his family. His voice will always be heard and etched in all of our minds forever.”

After the Giants game, the tribute “Vin Scully 1927-2022” with a black and white photo of Mr. Scully was shown on the scoreboard. In the background Frank Sinatra’s classic tune, “In Other Words (Fly Me to the Moon)” played on the stadium speakers.

Fans – both Giants and Dodgers alike – politely applauded.

For once both sides of the 135 year old rivalry could agree on something.