Tag: Sports Radio Service

Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s say they’re in good shape on ballpark construction costs won’t need to use all $380 million of state money

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Sandy Dean a family business partner of Oakland A’s owner John Fisher addresses the Las Vegas Stadium Authority at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Thu Jul 18, 2024 regarding the financing of the Tropicana ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip. (photo by the Nevada Independent)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 The Las Vegas Stadium Authority was notified by the Oakland A’s that they are in good financial standing and will not need to use all of the $380 million in public funds to pay for the construction towards the Tropicana ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.

#2 The Stadium Authority met with Sandy Dean on Thursday. Dean a business partner with Oakland A’s owner John Fisher said the team is in “good shape” asked how the A’s are in good shape and where the finances were coming from to cover the $1.2 billion in construction costs Dean didn’t comment.

#3 Dean stated at the meeting that the A’s intend to use $350 million of the $380 million in public funds. Dean said the A’s never planned to use the full amount and that the remaining funding will be off set by debt financing.

#4 Public financing of the ballpark comes from transferable credits $180 million coming from the State of Nevada, another $120 million coming from Clark County bonds, and county infrastructure costs will run $25 million. So it looks like Nevada is ready to pitch in for their share of the costs.

#5 Still after the meeting the question of where Fisher was going to come up with his share of the construction costs at $1.2 million was an issue. In a March 2024 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle Fisher told the paper that payments for the construction costs at $200 million from debt, $500 million from the Fisher family, and another $500 million from investors. It’s mid July and there has been no word on where the money is coming from from Fisher’s share of the construction costs other than Dean saying the A’s are in “good shape” to cover the costs on the public money.

#6 News out of Sacramento Vivek Ranadive said that he’s prepared to spend millions for improvements to upgrade the park to MLB specs over the off season as the A’s will open the 2025 season at Sutter Health Park. The discussion of playing on turf has the Players Union concerned and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said all they have to do is put some water on the turf and that should cool things off and solve the problem.

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

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah: Reporters make it Miller Time with trade deadline talk with A’s closer

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Lots of questions for Oakland A’s reliever Mason Miller during the All Star Break in Arlington about possibly being traded before the July 30th deadline. Here is Miller throwing off the Oakland Coliseum mound. Miller leads the American League in saves with 15. (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, Oakland A’s reliever Mason Miller said during the All Star Break he’s more focused on winning games and helping the A’s than focusing on the trade rumors.

#2 Miller was surrounded at the All Star Game and was pressed about the possibility of being traded before the July 30th trade deadline.

#3 Different members of the press were asking about what he thought about being traded and what would it be like to be on a pennant contending team Miller replied, “Until the day it happens, if it does, my loyalty and effort and all that lies in the clubhouse in Oakland.”

#4 Miller makes the MLB minimum at $740,000 and is under club control with the A’s through the 2029 season. Miller has been lights out all season throwing over 100 MPH and has an American League leading 15 saves is a sought after prospect that could be a closer on the Philadelphia Phillies or the New York Yankees making multi millions.

#5 The A’s open the second half of the season tonight at the Oakland Coliseum against the Los Angeles Angels. Starting pitchers for the Angels The last time these two teams met was at the Coliseum the A’s swept the Angels July 2-4 in a three game series. The A’s are coming off winning two out of three from the Phillies last weekend in Philadelphia. For a last place team the A’s do have their flashes.

Join Jeremiah for the A’s podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports with Michael Roberson: Davis taking United to court over “Don’t hit me” accusation; Caitlin sets WNBA record with 19 assists; plus more news

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left to right; Terrell Davis lawyer Parker Stinar, Davis’ wife Tamiko Nash, and Davis sit during an interview on CBS News with Gayle King discussing being accused by a United flight attendant of being hit when he only tapped him for a cup of ice (CBS News still)

On Headline Sports podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Former Denver Bronco Terrell Davis lawyer Parker Stinar is considering taking United Airlines to court after an UA flight attendant accused Davis of hitting when Davis and his family were flying from Denver to Orange County to go to Disneyland. Those vacation plans were set aside after the FBI and Orange County Sheriffs slapped the cuffs on Davis and accused him of assault. When it was later found out that he tapped the flight attendant supported by another passenger who said that Davis didn’t hit the attendant Davis was released from custody. Davis and Stinar are considering litigating United for defamation of character and the FBI and Orange County Sheriffs for false imprisonment. Michael did this all boil down to a matter of Davis “flying while black” as it was mentioned in some the interviews with Davis? Davis said, “I certainly felt like that wouldn’t have happened if I were a white person.”

#2 No one thought at least in Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark’s rookie season that she would be able to pull off some record setting numbers but Clark did it breaking the WNBA all time with 19 assists Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings, Clark also had 24 points and went 10-19 in shooting has hit her stride. This is the final WNBA game before the league takes an Olympic break for a month.

#3 Michael how much pressure is on Los Angeles Lakers Bronny James to go out and have a superstar performance each night. Bronny hit a 17 foot shot off a screen, he’s averaging 4.3 points per game with a 22% field goal percentage. That’s got to be a lot of pressure just for being LeBron’s son?

#4 Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell has been getting support from wide receiver DeVante Adams. Adams says that O’Connell has grown. Adams said he should be the starting quarterback for the season. Adams says the chemistry is right and he’s really looking forward to working with O’Connell this season.

#5 The 2024 MLB All Star Game in Arlington drew a TV rating of 7,443,000 viewers which outdrew the 2023 All Star Game that was played in Seattle. The bad news is the 2024 Mid Summer Classic was the second lowest rated All Star Game in TV ratings. There’s always next All Star Game in Atlanta.

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Aiyuk makes formal trade request from SF

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk top makes a catch over the Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (bottom) during the NFC Championship Game on Sun Jan 28, 2024 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Aiyuk has made a trade request because of stalled talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers. (AP News photo)

On the SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly made a request for a trade from the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. Contract negotiations on both sides has stalled. In spite of the trade request this go two ways things could get worked out between Aiyuk and the 49ers or he will be granted a trade.

#2 Aiyuk is entering his fifth NFL season and would like to stay with the 49ers but has asked for compensation that is on par with some of the top wide receivers in the NFL. How much will trading Aiyuk away impact the 49ers?

#3 Dave, a team who would pursue Aiyuk would more than likely have to have more than a compensation package but also that could include that team’s number draft pick. The salary would have to be more than $28-30 million per year which the 49ers are offering Aiyuk.

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

MLB All Star Game: American League Comeback Defeats National League 5-3 on a Very Hot Texas Evening

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The American League’s Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox goes yard for a bottom of the fifth inning home run against the National League at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Tue Jul 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

ARLINGTON, Tex. — The American League overcame a three-run deficit, to capture the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, 5-3 over the visiting National League in Metropolitan Dallas.

Despite triple-digit temperatures, a full house (39,342) witnessed a great Mid-Summer Classic inside a cozy Globe Life Field with the roof thankfully closed. Boston Red Sox center fielder Jarren Duran earned the game’s MVP award, on the merits of his eventual game-winning two run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The first pitch was recorded at 7:19 pm CST, and the temperature at a cooler 99 degrees. The game opened with the ever so popular Shohei Ohtani taking first base on a walk, and Bryce Harper belting a double. However, the inning ended without a run to show for it.

In the top of the third inning, Ohtani was up again, with two men on base, To the delight of the National League fans, he blasted a three-run homer to right-center. The NL was up 3-0, and seemingly in control, That did not last long.

In the bottom of the frame, the AL came roaring back immediately.New York Yankees Juan Soto sliced a two-run double to center field, bringing his squad to within one. Next, David Fry knocked him in from second, with a liner to left field.. The game was tied 3-3 within a half inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Duran (Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player) broke the tie and essentially won the game on his two run homer a little over the midway point of the game. How apropos that he would win the award named after a legendary Red Sox player, and only the fifth in franchise history.

Obviously there was no more scoring the last four innings of the game, but there were a few elements left in the contest. The ASG only lasted 2:28, which is the shortest time since 1998 (2:26).

On a local note, San Francisco Giants center fielder Heliot Ramos came into the game in the top of the 8th inning. He struck out swinging in his lone at bat. Ironically, his cross-Bay neighbor, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller got credit for the AL win. His perfect fifth inning did it for him, and throwing 8 pitches clocking at 100 mph. The save went to Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase.

The American League closed out an exciting, although HOT, All-Star Week with a two run victory, 5-3 in the Rangers’ house.

Next year the festivities will remain in the South: However, it will be in a National League locale in the Peach State, Atlanta in particular. They will have a lot to live up to.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024 The Final Season of the A’s at the Coliseum (Part VIII) Krazy George and The Wave

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Krazy George works the Oakland Coliseum crowds in the 1980s during Oakland A’s games (photo by WBUR)

2024 The Final Season of the A’s at the Coliseum (Part VIII) Krazy George and The Wave

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For over half a century, the Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum has been the home of the Oakland A’s. In addition to all the great games, including postseasons, World Series, and one All-Star Game, many colorful characters have been among the fans in attendance.

One person stands out, one big A’s fan and professional cheerleader, and his name is Krazy George Henderson, known to all as “Krazy George. Krazy George originated ‘the wave’. On October 15, 1981, Krazy George (80 years old this year) initiated the first wave among Oakland A’s fans.

It was recorded during a playoff game between the New York Yankees and the Oakland A’s. This moment was captured in history and seen by a national television audience. 1981 is one of the years Billy Martin managed the Oakland A’s, and at the time when Krazy George started the wave, I thought it was just another A’s fan but little did I know at that time he would become a professional cheerleader, the one that invented the wave for thousands and thousands of fans in attendance. Although it is generically organized, the wave still happens in many stadiums.

Krazy George was a local personality. In 1968, he was a student at Cal State San José and a member of the National Championship Judo team. After graduating, he continued cheerleading for local sporting events. He was famous for leading cheers with his hand drum in the early 1970s. He was also a High School teacher in Santa Clara.

The California Golden Seals of the National Hockey League (who played their home games at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena) hired Krazy George as a cheerleader. Krazy George Henderson worked as a professional cheerleader for various professional organizations. He was also hired for private events.

Another colorful character at A’s games was Stacy Samuels, Banjo Man, a Bay Area resident from Fairfax who attended many San Francisco 49ers games during history. Banjo Man stopped attending A’s games at the Oakland Coliseum during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was great fun. He would stop and play his happy Banjo right in front of our crowd microphone under our broadcast booth with his propelled head beanie.

If you wonder what happened to Krazy George Henderson, he is still around, enjoying his job. He has appeared at the San José Earthquake games in San José 2024 and at a San José State women’s volleyball game. A pioneer who invented the wave at the Oakland A’s games, Krazy George Henderson was a historic personality for Oakland A’s for over 50 years of fun at the Oakland Coliseum.

El Loco George es parte de la historia de los Atléticos en Oakland.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish Radio Network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Slow Start Spearheads Loss to Chicago Sky 93-85

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The Chicago Sky’s forward Michaela Onyenwere (12) defends against the Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 16, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

Las Vegas Aces (16-7) struggled through the first quarter trailing by 19 points after the first 12 minutes. They continued to challenge throughout the game getting close but never led once. It was a real battle in the fourth quarter with the Aces getting as close as a single point but they were unable to get on top.

The Chicago Sky (9-14) won the game 93-85. A’Ja Wilson fought through this game finishing with a double double, 28 points and 14 rebounds but the Aces came up just short despite her effort.

Game recap: The first quarter of this game was all Sky. They came out hard and fast and when the clock wound down on the first 12 minutes of this game, Chicago had taken a 25-12 lead and the Aces had some work to do in the second quarter.

The Sky had so far controlled the pace of this game and Las Vegas had to do a better job containing Chennedy Carter who already had scored 14 points. Chicago owned the shots from the field, from downtown and was out-rebounding the Aces 14 to 9.

Poor shooting was killing Las Vegas through the first half of the second quarter. With 4:50 left in the half, the Sky had taken a 40-21 lead. The Aces could not buy a long ball and Chicago was shooting at 44.4 % from downtown while Las Vegas was struggling only hitting 14.3 %.

They were getting shellacked. The Aces have not struggled like this at home all season. As the half came to an end, the Aces turned this game completely around after trailing by as much as 19.

Chicago continued to lead at the half but their lead had been cut to 44-37 as the Aces pushed back with ferocity. Las Vegas had a horrible start to this game but they were back on track going into the second half.

The Sky pushed their lead back to ten points 60-50 six minutes into the third quarter. Kelsey Plum continued to struggle only hitting two points for the entire game. The Sky had established a 12 point lead for much of the quarter and after three quarters, they continued to lead 69-63 and the Aces had one quarter left in this game to right the ship. Known for turning games around in the fourth quarter, they would have to show up in this one if they had any chance to win the game.

Las Vegas did indeed challenge in the fourth quarter trailing by a single point 73-72 with over seven minutes left in the game. Tiffany Hayes was having a great game off the bench hitting 14 points through three quarters and A’Ja Wilson already had another double double with 28 points and 10 rebounds.

With 7:15 left on the clock, the Sky were forced to take a full timeout and attempt to re-group as the Aces continued to forge a comeback. With 4:54 left in the game it continued to be a one-point game 75-74 with the Sky leading.

At 3:52, Las Vegas had at long last tied up this game at 77. The Aces had been unable to take the lead throughout the game as the Sky punched back taking an 88-81 lead with 1:32 left in the game and the Aces were running out of time.

Chicago had proven to be a most worthy opponent beating the defending champions 93-85. This was the Sky’s first win over Las Vegas in two years and they did in style.

The Aces were challenged the entire game by Chennedy Carter unable to contain herself and she finished with the game high 34 points. She led the way in this Chicago win. The slow start for Las Vegas was the determining factor and they never really recovered.

Game notes: Tuesday night the Aces took on the Sky at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas ended their winning streak at four with the loss to the Sky. With the loss they fall a half game back behind first place Seattle in the Western Conference .

The Sky have come a long way since earlier in the season when they struggled with a .500 record at 6-6 record. The Sky have struggled at times this season but this not a team that you can take at all lightly as the Aces found out. They gave the Aces a run for their money despite being on the road.

A’Ja Wilson finished this game with a double double, 28 points and 14 rebounds. Jackie Young had 17 points but Kelsey Plum struggled through the game with only two points at the half and eight points for the game. Tiffany Hayes had a nice game off the bench with 19 points.

The Aces will continue their season on Saturday August 17 taking on the New York Liberty with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: NFL analyst Esiason says Devante Adams wants out of Las Vegas

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams (17) and former quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrate a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sep 24, 2023. Adams reportedly wants out of Las Vegas according to reports. (file photo Getty)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 CBS NFL analyst Boomer Esiason said that he could see Las Vegas wide receiver Devante Adams getting traded. From what he’s heard from the Netflix show “Receiver” Adams wants out of Las Vegas but making the disclaimer that Adams hasn’t said that publicly.

#2 Esiason said that he could turn to his agent pretty much the same way he did when he was in Green Bay and ask his agent to help him get out of Vegas.

#3 Adams had frustrations with former Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Adams said Garoppolo over threw passes, missed him as a target and that he was going to get killed out there because he was getting hit by defenders in trying to catch passes.

#4 Around the time last season when former Raider head coach Josh McDaniels was fired and Garoppolo was replaced at starting quarterback for Aidan O’Connell, Adams was said to be in favor of benching Garoppolo for O’Connell.

#5 Garoppolo was in his first of his three year $73.75 million contract. Garoppolo finished the 2023 season with the Raiders and was released. Garoppolo threw for seven touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. Garoppolo had played six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Raiders.

Join Tony for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB All Star Game/That’s Amaury News Commentary podcast: National League and American League All Stars battle in the Mid Summer Classic tonight

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Los Angeles Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez (37) slugged 14 Home Run Derby home runs just edging the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr who had 13 home runs at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Mon Jul 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Teoscar Hernandez became the first Los Angeles Dodger to win the home run derby winner at the All Star Game contest on Monday at Globe Life Field. Hernandez edging out the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr 14-13.

#2 Amaury, there were a number of hitters invited to the Home Run Derby but took a pass saying it could hurt a player and it could effect their swing going into the second half of the season.

#3 On the national stage at the Home Run Derby four time Grammy nominated artist Ingrid Andress’ rendition of the national anthem almost overshadowed the derby itself. Andress was off key during her rendition but there have been worse versions sang. But since this was in front of a national audience at the Home Run Derby it was a discussion.

#4 The American League announced they are starting Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes to start the All Star Game. Burnes is 9-4 with 2.93 ERA. The Orioles have had much luck this season occupying first place in the AL East and Burnes has been one of the O’s best starting pitchers.

#5 Each time you get to the All Star Game it give you a chance to ask questions of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and as usual the questions of the Oakland A’s playing at a minor league facility in Sacramento should come up. Reporters who have walked around at Sutter Health Park said it’s going to be challenging to fit all the media, fans, and players accommodations during A’s home games in Sacramento and games are expected to be sold out with almost no room in the ballpark.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez is Crowned the 2024 Homerun King in HOT North Texas

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Los Angeles Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez holds up the 2024 All Star Home Run Derby trophy after edging out the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr at Globe Life Field in Arlington TX on Mon Jul 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

ARLINGTON, Tex. — Los Angeles Dodgers’ center fielder Teoscar Jose Hernandez became the seventh player from the Dominican Republic and first in franchise history to win the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Homerun contest.

Hernandez edged out the win by one dinger (14-13) in the derby’s final matchup versus Kansas City Royals’ shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. It was determined by one foot, as Witt hit the last ball 409 feet; unfortunately for him the wall was 410 feet from home plate.

Teoscar made a cool million dollars for his dramatic performance, and at 31, became the fourth oldest (Dave Parker, 34) participant during the annual Midsummer classic. He came into All-Star Week batting .261, belted 16 homers, and had 63 RBIs.

The path for both combatants was not easy, Hernandez actually survived a swing off (16-15) in the semifinals against Phillies’ third baseman Alec Bohm. Witt won his portion of the semis by five (17-12) over Cleveland’s third baseman Jose Ramirez, but it was close in the first round.

The host team, and defending champion hero, Rangers’ right fielder Adolis Garcia received a loud applause from the mostly partial Lone Star State crowd. However, his night ended quickly, as his 18 home runs did not get him out of the first round.

Witt Jr. also received love from the Arlington faithful, due to his father Bobby Sr. being drafted by the Rangers and was a longtime fixture in the Texas uniform. With that being said,, there was a collective gasp when Witt’s belted ball hit the wall, and not sailing over it for another swing off involved with Hernandez.

Even though a National League slugger won in an American League park, the 38,578 individuals inside Globe Life Field were treated to a highly competitive battle between eight great baseball players. There were slight changes to the event to condense things, but it still did not take away from the excitement of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby.

The All-Star game will be played at the same site, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, @ 7PM Central Standard Time. The next All-Star Game Week will be in Atlanta, Georgia, with the Braves being the host team.

Michael Roberson is a MLB staff writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com