Tag: That’s Amaury News and Commentary

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

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

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

That’s Amaujry News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

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

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

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Ford C. Frick Award must go to René Cárdenas

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Rene Cardenas Spanish broadcaster who is in the Houston Astros Hall of Fame is vying for a shot at the Ford C Frick Award and a spot in the MLB Cooperstown Hall of Fame (photo by the Houston Chronicle)

MLB Ford C. Frick Award must go to René Cardenas

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

The Ford C. Frick Award for Broadcasters is presented annually to one winner. The winner of the 2026 award will be announced on December 10, 2025, at baseball’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. They will then be formally honored during the 2026 Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, NY.

I have recently written to MLB regarding the Ford C. Frick Award and have fully endorsed my good friend, colleague, and veteran Spanish-language pioneer broadcaster, René Cárdenas, who was the first Spanish-language announcer in Major League Baseball in 1958 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The nominees for the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award are: René Cárdenas, Skip Carey, Tom Hamilton, Ernie Johnson Sr, Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper, Dave Sims, and John Sterling. When I was broadcasting for the Giants, the Giants asked me to call my mentor and broadcaster, Rafael (Felo) Ramírez, who had already won the Ford Frick Award, and ask him to vote for Jon Miller of the Giants, who then won it (2010).

René Cárdenas (born February 6, 1930) is a Nicaraguan-born sports journalist and announcer. He currently lives in Houston, Texas. In 1958, as a pioneer for the Dodgers he called the games from a studio in Pasadena while listening to the English broadcast by Vin Scully, and translated the action for the Spanish-speaking market.

When I was broadcasting for the Giants, the Giants asked me to call my mentor and broadcaster, Rafael (Felo) Ramírez, who had already received the Ford Frick Award, to ask him to vote for Jon Miller of the Giants, who then won, it was 2010.

Giants Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow are among the nominees; they are good broadcasters and good people. In the 1990s, while Hank Greenwald was the Giants’ pbp announcer, I remember Duane Kuiper broadcasting some games from a small tape recorder in his hands; he was rehearsing for what would be his first MLB broadcast for the Giants.

He took over after Hank Greenwald and has been the Giants’ pbp man ever since. Regarding my friend René Cárdenas, who is 95 years young, he deserves to win this Award. It is about time Major League Baseball recognizes him as a Spanish-language announcer in the country, a pioneer.

To date, only three Spanish announcers have won the Ford C. Frick Award: Buck Canel, Jaime Jarrin, and Rafael (Felo) Ramírez. I have worked with Jaime and Felo during postseasons for the Latino Broadcasting Network in the US, together with Cadena Caracol for Latin America .

Between 50 and 60 million people speak Spanish in the US, making the U.S. the country with the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, right after México’s 130 million citizens. In 1958, when René Cárdenas began broadcasting, there was not nearly as large a Spanish population as there is today, which has become the largest minority in the United States.

In Houston, the Astros honored Mr. Cardenas and inducted him into their Hall of Fame. He also once broadcast for the Houston Colt 45s. Interestingly enough, when I got my first break in MLB broadcasting, it was a few years after the Oakland A’s won three consecutive World Series (72-73-74), when Carl Finley informed me that Charlie had given him his OK to broadcast in Spanish for the Oakland Athletics.

Yes, Charlie Finley was a controversial owner, but also an innovative and revolutionary owner who did something only the New York Yankees have done to date: win three consecutive World Series. My first MLB game was with the A’s, and my last one was also with the A’s in 2024, the last year they were called the Oakland A’s.

I used to speak on the telephone with René, who always gave me great advice. The last time I spoke with René Cardenas in person was in 2009, Miami, Florida, when I was spending a few days at Miami Beach (my old stomping grounds as a kid).

He still had a great sense of humor as we spoke about what he called “the good old days” when he was behind the microphone. We also reminisce about when he was visiting Candlestick Park working for the Dodgers, but Jaime Jarrin did not make the trip with the team, because of a family emergency.

René (who was doing a solo) asked me to give him a hand, so I did, calling a few innings with him on the Dodgers Spanish Radio Network. It is time Major League Baseball recognizes René Cárdenas with the Ford C. Frick Broadcasters Award, while he is alive.

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: The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame – Induction of Bobby Avila

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Photo of Bobby Avila for the article. you can use this under his photo if you want: Played in the 1954 Worl Series for Cleveland vs. New York Giants. (photo from the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame Museum)

The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame – Induction of Bobby Avila

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

On August 15, 2025, Bobby Avila will be inducted into The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians. Family members, museum representatives, and the Cleveland Guardians will be in attendance for the ceremony.

Bobby Avila, born in Veracruz, México, was the first Hispanic player to win a batting title in the major leagues. He achieved this feat in 1954 while playing for the Cleveland Indians, leading the American League with a .341 batting average.

Avila, also known as Roberto “Beto” Avila, played for the Orioles, Red Sox, and Braves during his 11-year career. Avila was also the first Hispanic selected to play in an All-Star Game(1954). Bobby Avila was born on April 2, 1924, and died on October 26, 2004, at the age of 80.

In México, he was known as Roberto “Beto” Avila, and in the United States, as Bobby Avila. Years after he retired and while he was visiting the 1987 All Star Game at Oakland, California I interviewed Avila, a very humble and proud Mexican man who was already involved in Mexico’s politics.

In fact, after his career as a professional baseball player, Ávila entered politics and was elected mayor of his hometown of Veracruz in 1980. He later served two terms in the Mexican national legislature. He was also inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

Two Mexican League stadiums are named in his honor: Estadio Beto Ávila in Cancún and Parque Beto Ávila in Veracruz. The most famous Mexican-born baseball player. Fernando Valenzuela said, “Everyone knows who Avila was in Mexico.

He was an inspiration, of course, for Mexican ballplayers to follow to the States and play in the major leagues.” Museum Note: Fiesta Gigantes: This September 14, the Museum will be at Fiesta Gigantes, Oracle Park, San Francisco. Come and visit us.

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: MLB Robots are here for the All-Star Game!

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A radar device is seen on the roof behind home plate at PeoplesBank Park in third inning of the Atlantic League All Star Game Wed Jul 10, 2019 as a test for robot umpires (AP News photo)

MLB Robots are here for the All-Star Game!

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

This next Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta will feature, for the first time, the use of its robot technology for ball-strike challenges. This represents a significant step toward utilizing this technology for the 2026 season and will eventually replace all human umpires in the not-too-distant future.

In 2023, the overall umpire accuracy in calling balls and strikes was 92.8%, according to Statcast data. This marks a slight increase from 92.45% in 2022. In other words, Umpires on average miss a call roughly once every 3.6 plate appearances.

Robots are cheaper than humans: The average salary for a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire today is approximately $150,000 to $450,000 per year, depending on experience and seniority. It is the most challenging job in baseball; you usually get a lot of abuse from players (but you have the power to expel a player from the field) and, of course, the public, who are usually not kind to umpires. And if a fan gets ‘real nasty in vocabulary,’ umpires have the right to ask for that fan to be removed, also when a fan interferes with the play on the field.

Although robots are knocking on the door in baseball, a famous umpiring school still operates in Florida. The Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School, located in Osmond Beach, provides training for aspiring umpires, featuring both classroom and on-field instruction.

Many of the graduates have gone on to work in Major League Baseball. They will probably go out of business when baseball implements total robotic control on the field of play. I would think humans still would be needed to supervise some of this robotic world of umpires, or perhaps not? Time will tell.

Some of us remember when each league, the American and National Leagues, had their umpires, from their founding (1901 for the AL and earlier for the NL), until 2000, when MLB merged the two leagues into a single, unified roster. During the 2024 regular season, 10.9% of called pitches in the strike zone were ruled balls, and 6.3% of called pitches outside of the strike zone were ruled strikes, according to MLB Statcast.

Major League Baseball is currently testing a challenge system with automated ball-strike calls during spring training, with the potential for regular-season implementation as early as next season (2026) if testing is successful.

This system, known as Automated Ball-Strike (ABS), enables teams to challenge balls and strikes, with the call then reviewed by the automated system. MLB has been experimenting with the automated ball-strike system in the minor leagues since 2019.

Robots are as American as Baseball: Joseph Engelberger was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925. Joseph Engelberger is widely regarded as the “Father of Robotics.” While he didn’t invent the concept of a robot, he is credited with developing the first industrial robot in the United States, the Unimate, and co-founding Unimation, Inc., the first robotics company.

He collaborated with inventor George Devol, who held the patent for the robotic arm used in the Unimate. ‘ My Take: I am not a fan of robots in baseball, or anyplace else, for that matter, but I also do not like automobiles that drive by themselves, and all this automation we have today, were people go on vacation take two cell phones and a laptop and do not have time to smell the roses. For me, baseball was the most excellent game ever invented, but, as previously mentioned, everything changes, and time goes on. I am not against progress, but just like the famous quote, “sometimes the best trades in baseball are the ones you do not make,” I think of the past and still believe baseball was more enjoyable in the past, with less technology and more humanity. Quote; I never questioned the integrity of an umpire. Their eyesight, yes. – Leo Durocher, Manager.

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

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@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Yanks Judge is hitting out of his mind at .423; Big moves for PNC fall fan taking his first steps; plus more MLB news

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New York Yankees Aaron Judge takes a hack against the Tampa Bay Rays in the bottom of the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium on Sat May 3, 2025. Judge is burning up the American League with a .423 clip. (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 New York Yankees mega star Aaron Judge despite going 1-5 on Sunday Judge is hitting an amazing .423 and has a 14 game hitting streak and is hitting .474 with ten extra bases hits during the streak and and has got on base for 30 games.

#2 The 20 year old fan who fell from a 21 foot wall above the warning track at PNC onto the warning track during a Chicago Cubs-Pittsburgh Pirates game last week on Monday. Kavan Markwood has “a long way to go” to recovery. Markwood had slipped off the railing and landed on the warning track. Markwood took his first steps on Monday. Jennifer Phillips an organizer has established a GoFundMe page for Markwood saying that it will be a “a slow, slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits.”

#3 New York Yankee pitcher Gerrit Cole is focused on getting his brace removed off his right elbow two weeks ago after having reconstruction surgery last month. The next step of Cole is to start throwing again a goal to return for the 2026 season.

#4  Cincinnati Reds rookie leftfielder Tyler Callihan made a sliding attempt against the Atlanta Braves trying to get to a ball that turned into an inside the park home run on Monday night as the Reds were shutout by the Reds 4-0. In the bottom of third the Braves Matt Olson hit a fly that Callihan tried track down but ended up crashing into the padded wall in foul ground up the left field line. Callihan hit the wall jarring the ball out of his glove and fell on his back in pain grabbing his left arm. Callihan ended up with a broken left arm.

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman both homered and got to Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara once again in a 7-4 win over the Marlins on Monday night. The Dodgers got two hits from Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez and the Dodgers have now won eight of their last nine game on the ten game road trip.

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.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Ichiro Suzuki First Japanese Inducted into Cooperstown

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Amaury Pi-González throws First Pitch in Seattle during Ichiro years. (Photo from the author)

Ichiro Suzuki First Japanese Inducted into Cooperstown

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The inevitable just happened. The 2025 Baseball Writers Association of America Hall of Fame ballot was released, and their #1 name for this round is Japanese star Ichiro Suzuki, who had a close two-decade Hall of Fame career in the Major Leagues. Also, C.C. Sabathia, a great pitcher and a local guy from Vallejo, is on the HOF ballot, as is closer Billy Wagner, who ended with 422 games saved, the most in MLB history by a left-handed pitcher. John Franco had 424.

During the years I broadcasted home games for the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants (concurrently), I witnessed the greatness of Ichiro Suzuki, especially during that memorable 2004 season when he ended the season with 262 hits, breaking the all-time Major League single hits record previously held by George Sisler who in 1920 with St Louis Brown had a 257 hit season.

Interviewing Ichiro was one of the most extraordinary things I have experienced. Allen Turner was Ichiro’s first interpreter in 2001; later, others came to do the same job, home and road. Every time I interviewed Ichiro I had to pose the question in English, and the interpreter then would relay it to Ichiro in Japanese; next, the interpreter would tell me what Ichiro said(of course, translated to English), and then OK, the finished part I told the audience in Spanish for Mariners Spanish radio, what the great Ichiro just told me.

Ichiro was a distinctive, timid person who worked as hard as anybody. He stored his bats inside a particular case, like the bat(s) were Stradivarius violins. Down on the field, my broadcast partner, the late Julio Cruz, Mariner’s Dream Team Second baseman, Julio and I would stand behind the batting cage a couple of hours or so before the games at Safeco Field (the original name of the tremendous retractable stadium in downtown Seattle Ichiro would hit home runs at will, and when he took a break in between swings inside the cage, he would do some gymnastic moves. It was truly a feat to see a guy listed at 5’11, who looked like 5’7 and around 165 pounds, hit the ball as hard and many times as deep.

Ichiro Suzuki played from 2001 to 2019, a total of 19 years. It began with the Mariners in 2001 and retired with the Mariners in 2019; in between, also playing for the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins. A solid Hall of Fame career. It ended with a .311 batting average, 3,089 hits, 509 stolen bases, 117 homeruns, and 780 runs batted in.

His first name was Ichiro, and that was enough. Only one other Mariners Hall of Fame player had that distinction: Ken Griffey Jr. “Junior was enough, “and everybody knew, just like Ichiro, who it was. For me, the best lead-off hitters of all time that I have known, interviewed, and covered are Rickey Henderson and Ichiro Suzuki. One is in the Hall of Fame, and the other one soon will be joining Rickey.

QUOTE: Ichiro appeared in 10 All-Star Games. I once asked him about playing in the All-Star Game and if he could tell me something about playing during those fun games. He surprised me with one word in Spanish; he told me it was “peligroso” translation=dangerous. You asked, why dangerous? Well, in one of his 10 All-Star Game appearances, the network that carried the game got his permission to insert a small microphone in his uniform so he could say something while he was on the field during the game. He did it reluctantly; he didn’t feel comfortable doing that. In the end (like I mentioned before), he was timid, reserved, and, in many ways a mysterious player.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The President Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame

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Masanori Murakami the first Japanese MLB player and Gabriel (Tito) Avila Jr. president of the Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum (photo from Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

The President Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame

By Amaury Pi-González

The face of baseball today is Japanese mega-star Shohei Ohtani, a two-way player with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the most famous two-way player in the history of baseball since Babe Ruth (1914-1935). Still, the first Japanese player to play in the United States in Major League Baseball was Masanori Murakami, who pitched for the San Francisco Giants 1964-1965.

Murakami was the first Asian-born baseball player to come to America and play in the Major Leagues. The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame’s President Founder and CEO Gabriel “Tito” Avila, Jr. met in Japan with Masanori Murakami and Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame representatives.

The Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame first opened in 1959 adjacent to Korakuen Stadium in Tokyo. Later, in 1988, the hall of and museum moved to a new site within the Tokyo Dome. Gabriel “Tito” Avila, Jr. represented The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame https://hhbmhof.com/ in this goodwill trip to the land of the rising sun.

This 2024 MLB season began on March 20 in South Korea when the Los Angeles Dodgers played a 2-game series against the San Diego Padres. Shohei Ohtani was the “main attraction,” and thousands of fans arrived early to look at the world’s #1 baseball player.

The Hispanic Baseball Museum was founded in San Francisco in 1998. Since its foundation, this museum hall of fame has traveled and exhibited in multiple cities across the United States, at baseball parks, libraries, expositions and community baseball events, from New York to San Francisco and in between.

Mr. Avila Jr envisions the HHBMHOF traveling to Japan, with an exhibit of the great history and richness of Hispanic / Latino baseball. “This was a goodwill trip and I am thrilled specially and meeting such icons as Murakami and other Japanese players and executives representatives in the world of baseball”. The Founder President and CEO of the HHBMHOF also were very impressed as Japanese baseball officials gave him a personal tour of The Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

Many Hispanic / Latinos are playing today in the Japanese Baseball Leagues however, the first Hispanic / Latino player to have ever played in Japan was Roberto “Chico” Barbon a Native from Matansas Cuba was an Infielder from the 1954 -1965 for the Hankyu Braves and Kintetsu Buffaloes of the Pacific League, Nippon Professional Baseball. Barbon played 11 seasons.

Latin America and Japan are united by their love of the game of baseball. The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum hopes to work with Japan for the love of the game that continues to grow in popularity in Asia and all around the world. The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame, has been around for 25 1/2 years and is looking forward to their first permanent location in the San Francisco Bay Area.