Tag: Sports Radio Service

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at Giants Fanfest, Sat Mar 14th

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Hispanic Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame Mural on display. The HHMHF will be at Oracle Park in San Francisco at the San Francisco Giants Fanfest on Sat Mar 14, 2026 (photo from the author Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at Giants Fanfest, Saturday

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

This next Saturday, March 14, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the KNBR Giants FanFest Open House at Oracle Park, San Francisco. It is a free event, and as usual, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame will be present. The free event features alumni autographs. on-field access, photos with the World Series trophies, and a viewing of the Spring Training game, with admission requiring a reserved ticket.

Gabriel “Tito” Avila Jr., Founder and President of the Museum, and Amaury i-Gonxález, Vice President of the Museum, ex-Spanish play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and other teams, member of The Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, will be there to meet with fans and friends We love to meet you and celebrate our 27th Year of our Non-Profit organization founded in San Franciosco,.The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame.

Remember “Hablamos Béisbol – “We talk Baseball”

Home hhbm

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 Season Predictions 

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Amaury Pi Gonzalez the author and as the Wizard of the MLB 2026 predictions writes about what is about to happen in the MLB 2026 season (Image by Mauricio Segura-Golden Bay Times)

 2026 Season Predictions  

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 2026 MLB regular season begins with a special Opening Night game on Wednesday, March 25, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, followed by a full 14-game traditional Opening Day on March 26. This is the second time these two teams opened an MLB season; the last time was in 2023. 

Last season, the Yankees finished in a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, both with an identical record of 94-68. The San Francisco Giants finished in third place in the NL West with an 81-81 record,12 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win their second consecutive World Series. Both teams are expected to be contenders. The Yankees and Toronto still will fight for the AL East. Giants will have to fight with the Padres, both pursuing the Dodgers.

 PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE (East) 1-Yankees 2-Blue Jays 3-Red Sox 4-Orioles 5-Rays.

 The Yankees are still looking to win their 28th World Series (last one was 2009)  I like their exciting offense, headed by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and a lineup that led the majors with 274 Home runs. They signed Cory Bellinger and veteran Paul Goldschmidt. Good rotation with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried; they added lefty Ryan Weathers on a trade with the Marlins. Their bullpen was a problem, with a 4.47 ERA. They added closer David Bednar from the Pirates. The Yanks will have to hit and hit and hit, because their overall pitching is a big question mark. Defense is average.

 (Central) 1-Tigers 2-Guardians 3-Royals 4-Twins 5-White Sox. Tigers’ reigning Cy Young Award winner last year, Hayward’s own Tarik Skubal, is now joined by recently signed Free Agent  Framber Valdéz (3-year $115 million). Those are two of the best pitchers in the game. Detroit also signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a 1 year deal. They have enough offense and a smart defense; they’re the best team in the Central. The last time Detroit won the division was in 2014. They are going to win it this season.

(West)   1-Mariners 2-Rangers -3-Houston 4-Athletics 5-Angels,  -Mariners are “Always the Bridesmaid, but never the Bride”

As of the end of the 2025 MLB season, the Mariners are the only active MLB franchise that has never appeared in a World Series. Led by catcher Cal Raleigh, who tied Mickey Mantle for the most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season with 54 home runs, Julio Rodriguez is ready to win an MVP, and, as always, good pitching to contend: Logan Gilbert,  Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby. A solid defensive team. They should win this division again. A good guy and play-by-play man, Rick Rizzs, announced after 41 years that 2026 will be his last.   While the team renting in Sacramento showcases a powerful offense. Watch for a 19-year-old Dominican kid, Leo De Vries, who is a shortstop and can hit for power. Too bad the A’s do not have enough pitching to seriously contend, but they will continue to bang, and their defense has improved. Do not trust the LA Angels’ pitching.

NATIONAL LEAGUE (East) 1-Phillies 2-Mets 3-Braves 4-Nationals 5-Marlins. The Phillies should win that division again, one of the roughest teams at home; they won 55 of the 81 games in their casa. Phillies fans are among the most passionate in all of baseball; they are indeed the 10th man on that team. Super lineup, Schwarz, Turner, Harper, J.T.Realmuto, and company, and a stellar pitching staff, led by ace Zack Wheeler, followed by Jesús Luzardo, Cristopher Sánchez, three solid arms, and a solid defense, this is the team to beat again in this division.

(Central) 1-Cubs 2-Brewers 3-Reds 4-Pirates 5-Cardinals. The Cubs were busy this off season, restructuring their pitching and also adding veteran players Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson. The most interesting team here is the Pittsburgh Pirates; they could give Milwaukee and Chicago fits. I think it is time for a change here, and the Chicago Cubs will provide.

(West)1-Dodgers  2-Padres 3-Giants 4-Diamondbacks -5 Rockies.  -No reason to believe the Dodgers could not win this division again. The Padres and the Giants will battle for second (wild card). San Diego signed Miguel Tejada, Nick Castellanos, and Korean infielder Sung-Mun-Song. They have a solid offense with Machado, Tatis, Boagerts, and others. The Giants’ biggest off-season news is naming Tony Vitello from Tennessee as new manager. Became the first team ever to hire a college manager with no Major League experience. Giants added two good veterans: three-time batting champ Luis Arráez and talented center fielder Harrison Bader, along with pitchers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. The top two pitchers, Brandon Webb and Robbie Ray, are Cy Young material,, they need Landen Roupp (7-7 3.80) to have his best season yet.

Quote: You look forward to Opening Day like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.” — Joe DiMaggio

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

Golden State Loses to Chicago in Overtime, 130-124, on South Asian Heritage Night.

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Golden State forward (#20) Al Horford drives into the paint on Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (#28) in Chase Center at San Francisco on March 10th, 2026. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – On March 10, the Warriors returned home to San Francisco at Chase Center to host the Chicago Bulls in a non-conference game as part of their celebration of South Asian Heritage Night. So far this month, the Warriors have gone 1-3, losing two games in a row. This game was a back-to-back feature after just yesterday, March 9th, the team lost to the Utah Jazz, 119-116. In fact, in the last five games, the team went 1-4 with their last win being five days ago against the Houston Rockets in an overtime win, 115-113. Now the Warriors have lost the last three games in a row, after losing to the Bulls Tuesday night, 130-124.

The Chicago Bulls are on their West Coast road trip games, as they just came from Sacramento. The Bulls lost to the Kings, 126-110, on Sunday, March 8th at the Golden 1 Center. Bulls are 2-2 so far in March, and have gone 2-3 in their last five games. Altogether, the Bulls have gone 10-20 on the road. This is the teams second time seeing each other as Golden State dominated Chicago in their home on December 8th, 2025, with a final score of 123-91, a 32 point win for the Warriors. The Bulls were able to grab their first win and get the last laugh on their West Coast visit against Golden State.

The Warriors and Bulls have a few connections tied together. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr played for the Chicago Bulls for five seasons (1993-94 – 1997-98), helping Chicago to win three NBA Champions (1996-98). Coach Kerr racked up 378 games for the Bulls coming off the bench, averaging 8.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. If Golden State had won, this would’ve been coach Steve Kerr’s 600th career coaching win.

The Golden State has had some injuries that have impacted the team and roster. However, Draymond Green was listed as questionable at first coming against the Bulls, but Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed in his pregame press conference that Green will be playing in his 33rd home game. The team will still lack some players and starters as Jimmy Butler (right ACL surgery), Stephen Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome), Moses Moody (right wrist sprain), and Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation management) are ruled out.

Not only did Draymond Green return for the game. Kristaps Porzingis had returned to the lineup after missing the team’s last game against the Utah Jazz. His last game was on Saturday, March 7th, in which he posted 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in Oklahoma City against the Thunder. The Warriors entered this game in ninth place in the Western Conference (32-32).

The starting five for the home team was Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Will Richard, and Brandin Podziemski. The Warriors are 19-13 on their home court so far this season. Warriors Podziemski is averaging 12.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for them. He also dropped 21 points on the Bulls when they first saw each other in Chicago.

Chicago started with Leonard Miller, Jalen Smith, Guerschon Yabusele, Matas Buzelis, and Josh Giddey. Chicago is third in the league with 34.7 defensive rebounds per game, led by Josh Giddey, averaging 7.0. Bulls Matas Buzelis is scoring 15.4 points per game with 5.5 rebounds for the Bulls. This Chicago squad has had a lot of rough moments, especially in last month, February, were the Bulls didn’t win any games at all in that month.

The Warriors were able to get on the board first after Brandin Podziemski got fouled on a shooting attempt that sent him to the free throw lines, and he was able to knock both of his attempts down. The Warriors were able to put 30 points at the end of the 1st quarter and hold on to the lead as well; it was 30-26 at the end of the 1st quarter. Warriors Porzingis came in for almost 4 minutes, and he was ready as he dropped a quick 7 points for Golden State.

Going into the 2nd quarter, the momentum still belonged to Golden State. The team was shooting 40% on the floor halfway through the 2nd quarter. Golden State’s bench has put up 19 points, while Chicago was able to match and surpass the Warriors in points in the paint, 18 points. However, with Golden State knocking down 11 three points so far in the 1st half, the team was able to hang on to the lead, but not for long. Tre Jones makes a 23-foot three-point jumper to give Chicago the lead 50-49, followed up by a lazy transition defense effort on Golden State that led to Bulls Buzelis to get an easy dunk in.

The Chicago Bulls would end the 1st half with a lead at 57-51. Bulls Josh Giddey has already recorded himself a double-double with 10 assists and 14 points. The Warriors are being led by Podziemski with nine points, two steals, and three assists. Golden State heads to the locker room hoping to lock in on their defensive game plan as Chicago also lead and control on the board game. The Bulls snagged 29 out of the Warriors’ 20 rebounds.

Coming into the second half, Chicago was able to score first this time from Jalen Smith on a layup. After that, Chicago held the entire third quarter. The Warriors ended the third quarter down by six points. Golden State’s shot selection improved, but Bulls Matas Buzelis would drop 11 points by himself in the third quarter that helped them hold the lead.

The Warriors made their comeback efforts in the fourth quarter and show the Bulls they got some fight left in them. With that, Golden State used its home court advantage from the fans and was able to retake the lead. Five players from Golden State hit double digits in points. With four minutes left in the game, Gui Santos shoots a six-foot shot to give the Warriors the lead, 106-105. After the Warriors would push the lead to eight points entering the final minutes of the game. However, Chicago showed their intensity and came back from that eight points to send the game to overtime. After a questionable and tough call on Draymond Green, the Bulls’ Jalen Smith was sent to the line. Bulls were down 116-118, and Smith would make both of his shots to give us five more minutes of play time.

Bulls would score first in overtime from Matas Buzelis on a six-foot shot, giving them the early lead. Buzelis would make his presence heard in these extra minutes of play as he hit a clutch three-point shot, which gave energy and life to Chicago. With that and one minute left, the Bulls lead by five points, 129-124. The Warriors couldn’t make a shot in this overtime and killed their chances of winning the game. Chicago would finish the overtime with the lead and the game. The Bulls would win the game, 130-124.

Golden State will get a chance to rest up and learn from their mistakes as they come back to Chase Center on Friday night to host Minnesota at 7 p.m. on Prime Video. Chicago will continue their path in the west coast and see the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, March 12th at 7:30 p.m.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Ravens return Crosby back to Raiders upon failing physical; Is Linderbaum worth the 3 year, $81 million contract?; plus more news

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Former Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby (98) who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens on Tue Mar 10, 2026 was quickly returned back to the Raiders after failing a physical. Crosby had left knee surgery that ended his season in 2026. (AP file photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 Baltimore Ravens return Maxx Crosby back to Raiders after failing a physical. Although the Ravens didn’t specifically say why Crosby failed the physical Crosby did have left knee surgery last season that ended his 2026 season for a torn meniscus and chances are that could be the reason for failing the physical.

#2 How could the Raiders’ reported three-year, $81 million contract with Tyler Linderbaum change the performance and stability of their offensive line next season?

#3 Why did the Raiders decide to re-sign cornerback Eric Stokes to a three-year, $30 million deal, and what does it say about their priorities in rebuilding the secondary?

#4 How does trading for Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills help address weaknesses in the Raiders’ defensive backfield?

#5 What role is Quay Walker expected to play in the Raiders’ defense after signing his three-year, $40.5 million contract, and how might he fit into their linebacker unit?

Rich Perez filled in for Tony Renteria who is a Las Vegas Raiders podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Fall 6-3 to Sabres, Quinn’s First NHL Hat Trick

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San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) can’t slide across the crease in time to stop the puck from going in on a shot byBuffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn in the first period. The first of three goals for Quinn at Key Bank Center in Buffalo on Tue Mar 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks (30-26-6) lost 6-3 to the Buffalo Sabres (40-19-6) on Tuesday. Alex Tuch, Beck Malenstyn and Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres while Jack Quinn scored his first NHL hat trick. Alex Lyon made 17 saves for the win. Macklin Celebrini, Kiefer Sherwood and Alex Wennberg scored for the Sharks. Yaroslav Askarov made 20 saves in the loss.

After the game, Sharks veteran forward said: “a team with their offensive capabilities, if you’re not defending hard, they’re going to expose you.” As for the next game, his advice is “be the more desperate team right from the get-go next game and play Sharks hockey, same brand of hockey that’s led us to the year we’ve had so far.”

The Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky said: “We had some moments where we thought we could get out of the hole and next thing you know we shoot ourselves in the foot again.”

Buffalo’s Jack Quinn started the scoring at 4:12 of the first period. Quinn’s wrist shot found the back off the net after a give and go on the way into the zone with Jason Zucker. Assists went to Zucker and Ryan McLeod.

Alex Tuch tipped Rasmus Dahlin’s shot from the blue line to give Buffalo a 2-0 lead at 5:39. Mattias Samuelsson also got an assist.

Macklin Celebrini cut the lead to one with a wrist shot at 12:54. Will Smith got the assist.

Buffalo outshot the Sharks 8-5 in the first period. At 15:34 the teams erupted into a series of fights and penalties. It started with a fight between Zack Ostapchuk and Logan Stanley. Seconds later came a fight between Barclay Goodrow and Beck Malenstyn after Malenstyn hit Celebrini. Apart from that, it was a whistle-free period.

Beck Malenstyn restored the two-goal lead for the Sabres at 4:59 of the second period. He scored with a wrist shot after carrying the puck into the zone and right up the slot. Assists went to Peyton Krebs and Rasmus Dahlin.

Jason Zucker made it 4-1 at 8:51 with a backhand shot from right on the edge of the blue paint. He caught a rebound from Jack Quinn’s shot. Owen Power also got an assist.

Kiefer Sherwood trimmed the lead with a goal for the Sharks at 19:29. He scored with a snap shot from the faceoff circle. Mario Ferraro and Alex Wennberg got the assists.

Buffalo outshot the Sharks 12-8 in the second period. The Sharks had one power play mid-period but special teams canceled each other out.

Jack Quinn made it 5-2 42 seconds into the third period. Quinn’s goal came off a snap shot from the slot, with assists to Ryan McLeod and Dahlin, Dahlin’s third of the game.

The Sharks power play scored at 6:56. Alex Wennberg’s backhander went in with an assist from Tyler Toffoli.

Jack Quinn completed his hat-trick with a backhand shot into an empty net at 17:14. Ryan McLeod got the assist, his third in the game.

The Sharks next play on Thursday at 4:00 PM PT in Boston against the Bruins.

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Giants’ prospects have solid day in 5-4 win over Guardians

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong #60 delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 10, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (John Medina Special to the Mercury News)

By Stephen Ruderman

GOODYEAR AZ–The Giants’ prospects showed their worth in San Francisco’s 5-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear AZ on Tuesday.

Drew Gilbert finally returned after missing two weeks due to a left shoulder impingement. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat in the top of the third inning. Though hey, he was a bit rusty, and he was up against Guardians’ ace, Tanner Bibee.

Gilbert grounded out in the top of the fourth, but he singled the other way to left in the top of the seventh. Not a bad return for the Giants’ eccentric young outfielder.

Speaking of Giants’ prospects who hit for contact and don’t strike out much, catcher Jesus Rodriguez was back in the lineup after his big 5-for-7 weekend. 

Rodriguez made a nice two-strike adjustment against Bibee, and lined a high fastball for a base-hit into left-center field in the top of the first. As center-fielder Steven Kwan went over to field it, Rodriguez decided to take a chance, and was able to hustle out a double.

Unfortunately, Rodriguez struck out his next two times. Still, his double in the first was quite impressive, and any team will love a guy who will do anything to take the extra 90 feet. The fight for the Giants’ backup catcher’s rule between Rodriguez and Daniel Susac will be an interesting one.

As for other big prospects, Bryce Eldridge, the biggest of them all, went 1-for-2 with a walk.

Seymour has strong four innings in first start:

Carson Seymour took the ball in his fourth appearance and first start of the spring.

Seymour gave up a run and just two hits over four innings. He walked one, and struck out three.

Birdsong has much-needed solid inning:

Hayden Birdsong pitched a much-needed scoreless inning in the bottom of the sixth.

It is no secret that the last seven and a half months have been a nightmare for Birdsong. After not being able to record a single out after facing six batters in his start against the Braves in Atlanta on July 21 of last year, Birdsong did not pitch again in the big leagues the rest of the season. 

To make matters worse, Birdsong’s struggles continued this spring. He gave up five runs over just a third of an inning to the Seattle Mariners when he started the Giants’ cactus league opener on Feb. 21 in Peoria. He then gave up three runs in a relief inning against the Colorado Rockies on Feb. 26 in Scottsdale. 

Birdsong made his first appearance in 13 days when he was brought in for the bottom of the sixth. It was no easy task, as he immediately had to face one of the best hitters in baseball in Steven Kwan. Birdsong got out to a quick 0-2 count, but Kwan worked the count full. Kwan then fouled off the next two, but Birdsong got him to ground out to second.

That was a big break for Birdsong, but he faced trouble when Bryan Rocchio immediately followed up Kwan’s strikeout with a double. Birdsong then faced another dangerous hitter in Jose Ramirez, and struck him out. Chase DeLauter grounded out to second, and Birdsong ended up with a scoreless inning.

When you come to the ballpark, you may see something you’ve never seen before:

You know the old saying. When you come to the ballpark, you may see something you’ve never seen before. Well the 4,844 in attendance here at Goodyear Ballpark had two such instances Tuesday.

The Giants had a runner at second in Jared Oliva with two outs in the top of the third with Jesus Rodriguez at the plate. Oliva broke for third, and the throw from Guardians’ catcher David Fry hit Rodriguez’s bat and went out of play.

Since Rodriguez had stood still in his place in the batter’s box, Home Plate Umpire Nic Lentz correctly did not call interference. Of course, since the throw ended up going out of play, Oliva was awarded home plate.

Now, had Rodriguez and/or his bat moved while Fry was throwing and the same thing happened, Rodriguez would have been called out for interference, and Oliva would have been returned to second base.

Then with one out and no one on in the top of the eighth, Grant McCray hit a ground ball that hit off the glove of Guardians’ first-baseman Juan Brito. The ball ricochetted over to pitcher Pedro Avila, who rolled over to the bag at first for one of the most incredible 3-1 putouts you will ever see. 

Even in Spring Training, you may see something you’ve never seen before when you came to the park. Tuesday, we were fortunate enough to see two of them.

Other notes:

  • The Giants scored two more unearned runs off Bibee in the top of the fourth.
  • Tyler Fitzgerald made it a three-run fourth for the Giants with a two-run home run down the left field line off Guardians’ reliever Steven Perez.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Yankees go with Fried to start on opening day Mar 25; Did Skubal step away to join Tigers in spring training; plus more news

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New York Yankees left hand pitcher Max Fried will be the starting pitcher against the San Francisco Giants on opening day Wed Mar 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Will New York Yankees’ new Opening Day pitcher LHP Max Fried lead the rotation to a strong start? .

#2 Which players could become surprise trade candidates before the 2026 MLB deadline?

#3 Why did Tarik Skubal leave Team USA after his World Baseball Classic appearance? The Detroit Tigers ace made headlines after stepping away from Team USA duties following his WBC debut.

#4 Which players are standing out in spring training as Opening Day approaches? Early performances—like big home runs and defensive plays—are drawing attention as teams finalize their rosters for the start of the 2026 season.

#5 MLB questions specifically about the Dodgers and Giants rivalry. The Dodgers multiple World Series wins and the Giants new manager Tony Vitello will he be able to get the Giants to the post season?

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: 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

Original Joes San Jose/Sportstalk podcast Mon Mar 9, 2026

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Original Joe’s San Jose podcast cast photo by Original Joe’s server Randy, Mon Mar 9, 2026 left side left to right Lee Leonard (producer), Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Barracuda reporter), Chris Landon (Original Joes server), Michael Roberson (Stanford Cardinal reporter), (right side) Lincoln Juarez (green shirt/San Jose Sharks reporter) and Vince Cestone (MLB Analyst/Social Media).

Sportstalk is honored to do our podcast at Original Joes 301 South First Street in downtown San Jose. We thank our hosts and Original Joe’s owners Brad Rocca, Michelle Rocca, Matt Rocca, server Chris, and manager Greg Bardakos. Original Joes welcomes our panel, Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose Barracuda beat writer and host), Michael Roberson (Stanford Cardinal beat writer), Lincoln Juarez (San Jose State University Spartans beat writer), Vince Cestone (SF Giants reporter), and producer Lee Leonard.

On May 24, 1956 Louis J. Rocca, Louis J. Rocca, Jr. (Babe), Arthur Tortore (Otto) and Anthony Caramagno (Nino) opened “Original Joe’s” in San Jose. The four partners wanted to bring an authentic San Francisco restaurant to the South Bay. They were convinced that if they could keep it authentic, they could serve the community by producing their traditional home-style Italian American Cuisine. Their desire was so great that they actually transported San Francisco French Bread via Greyhound Bus everyday for the first two years of operation.
 In the early 1970’s downtown San Jose started to flounder. Businesses were relocating to the outskirts of town. Original Joe’s became one of the cornerstones for an ever changing downtown. As the genres of food have changed over the years, Original Joe’s maintains its traditional roots. Still owned and operated by the Rocca Family, Original Joe’s continues to strive to replicate the dining experience that people have enjoyed for over half of a century.

Quick afternoon in Scottsdale, as Angels beat Giants 2-0 in spring training version of pitcher’s duel

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San Francisco Giants Bryce Eldridge is in camp and is the most anticipated propect in camp (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–Robbie Ray was a bit shaky over four no-hit innings, and the Angels scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to hand the Giants just their third loss of the spring in a very-quick two-hour-and-11-minute game on a spectacular partly-cloudy day at Scottsdale Stadium..

Ray threw a 1-2-3 top of the first inning, and a scoreless top of the second. He was less sharp in the third, when he walked two, but he still got out of the inning unscathed. 

Ray then went into the fourth inning for the first time this spring. He walked two with one out, and then Christian Moore hit a bullet to third that was snagged by Matt Chapman, who threw to second to double off Vaughn Grisson for a spectacular inning-ending double play.

Ray threw 56 pitches overall.

Giants’ offense goes silent on live day at Scottsdale Stadium:

It was surprising to see the Giants’ offense go cold on a day where the ball was flying out during batting practice, but the Giants were limited to just three hits today.

Rafael Devers returned today, after missing 12 days due to a tight left hamstring. In his return today, Devers went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts. However, he was hammering the ball during batting practice. Matt Chapman and Patrick Bailey also went 0-for-3.

There was hardly a cloud in the sky during batting practice, but it turned into a gorgeous partly-cloudy day here in Scottsdale. It was the most-perfect weather for baseball you could ask for. However, with the fact that some thunderstorms are heading into the valley tonight, perhaps the higher humidity—26%, but rather-high for the desert—kept the ball in the park during the game.

Drew Gilbert cleared to DH:

Prior to the game, Manager Tony Vitello said that outfielder Drew Gilbert was cleared by doctors to take at-bats as a designated hitter.

Gilbert has been out since Feb. 25 with a left shoulder impingement. He has been working out at the Giants’ practice facility.

Vitello indicated that Gilbert could be back in the lineup as soon as tomorrow or Wednesday. However, he also said that the team is trying to play it cautiously.