Tag: That's Amaury News and Commentary

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The one “Must See” Baseball Game this Year in the Bay Area

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The Oakland A’s will be giving away an Oakland Coliseum replica at the last home game on Thu Sep 26, 2024 against the Texas Rangers the final home game in Oakland history for the A’s before moving to Sacramento in 2025 (Oakland A’s photo)

The one “Must See” Baseball Game this Year in the Bay Area

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–The last game of the Oakland A’s at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is scheduled for September 26 against the Texas Rangers. It will be a Thursday afternoon game, with the first pitch at 12:37.

Fans in attendance will receive a Replica Coliseum Stadium, a memorable giveaway to remember the stadium many of you and your family have visited for generations. It has been a popular spot for sports and entertainment in the Bay Area for over 50 years.

For that historic last game at the Oakland Coliseum, the A’s might open the Mount Davis seats in center field, approximately 12,000 extra seats. The decision is imminent. One way or another, it will be a sellout, and the following day, three million people in the Bay Area will tell you they were there and were part of history.

It always happens like that. But it is “all good”, It is the last time you will hear vendors walking by your seat selling hot dogs, beer, and popcorn or welcoming you at the entrance with a friendly smile like Kenny Keltz did for years; this is part of the experience of attending a baseball game in Oakland.

The people who worked at the Coliseum are part of our community; they live, work, and pay taxes like everybody. September 26 will be an extraordinary day in Oakland, where the Oakland A’s have played and won numerous championships, including Four World Series.

The only other California team to have won in their park more is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have played in Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium since 1958 and have five World Series titles. The Dodgers were recently here and some of the media from LA share the nostalgia of the Oakland Coliseum, and they will never return to watch a game here.

Understandably, A’s fans are distraught for the A’s to leave town. Baseball is a generational sport; kids were raised going to these games with their parents and friends, and after all, it is not every day that a Major League team leaves the city and place they have played for over a half-century.

Of course, people are upset for many reasons, which we all know, from ownership to poor leadership by politicos in Oakland City Hall and all reasons in-between that we are very familiar with, at least those of us who made our home in the Bay Area.

But this last game at Oakland should be a memorable game, as we will close the book inside our brains of attending games here. For me although I have broadcasted for a total of five different major league teams (including the Giants) and traveled with them, the Oakland Coliseum has been my baseball home since the early 1970’s and I always comeback to work here, because this is my home and I love the Bay Area. It will be a sad day, but a memorable and unforgettable day, at least for me. September 26, will be the One Must See Baseball game in the Bay Area in 2024.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: White Sox could tie all time consecutive MLB loss record; 2024 Paris Olympic medal count; plus more news

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Chicago White Sox starter Claude Flexen (77) just can’t look anymore as he’s removed in the bottom of the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis on Sun Aug 3, 2024. The White Sox open a three game series with the Oakland A’s Mon Aug 4, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum and could tie the all time losing streak record at 23 if they get swept in the series (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, we’ll talk to you about a variety of subject starting with the possibility that the Chicago White Sox could tie the all time consecutive loss record at 23 on Wednesday if the A’s were to sweep this three game series which starts tonight.

#2 The A’s have had their own struggles of last after edging the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday they lost the next two games 10-0 Saturday and 3-2 on Sunday. The A’s first series loss since mid July.

#3 Switching over to the Paris Olympics and the medal count, China is in first place with the most gold medals, second the US with 20 and Australia with 13. The competition has been fast and furious in this year’s games.

#4 Former NFL star quarterback Tom Brady is considering un-retiring and wants to try out for either the San Francisco 49ers or Las Vegas Raiders. Brady is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

#5 The Kansas City Chiefs have signed kicker Harrison Butler to a yearly $6.4 million deal that’s worth $25.6 million for four years and $17.75 million guaranteed. That would sign Butler through 2028. Butler hit 33 of 35 field goal attempts for 94.3% last season.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Trade deadline fever-A’s deal Erceg to Royals; Blackburn to Mets; Giants Soler & Jackson to Braves; Cobb to Guardians

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The Oakland A’s traded right handed pitcher Lucas Erceg to the Kansas City Royals for two right handers and an outfielder. One of many trades made on Tue Jul 30, 2024 (Mercury News file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Talk about today’s deals starting with the Oakland A’s before the trade deadline sending RHP Lucas Erceg to the Kansas City Royals for RHPs Mason Barret, Will Klein and outfielder Jared Dickey. Erceg was 2-3, ERA 3.68. Pitcher Paul Blackburn had been hurt parts of this season and was 4-2, ERA 4.41 and is headed to the New York Mets.

#2 Former A’s infielder and outfielder Mark Canha has joined the Giants. Canha coming to the Giants from the Detroit Tigers for right hand pitcher Eric Silva.

#3 Earlier we didn’t get a chance to ask you about RHP Luke Jackson and designated hitter Jorge Soler who were traded to the Atlanta Braves. Jackson was 4-2, ERA 5.40. Soler hit .240, 57 runs, 82 hits, and 12 home runs.

#4 The Giants sent pitcher Alex Cobb to the Cleveland Guardians. Cobb was 77-75, ERA 3.85 in 230 games for the Giants.

#5 Baltimore Orioles back up catcher Brian McCann took a pitch to the face thrown by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez. Blood gushed out of the mouth of McCann and he had to be assisted by Orioles team head trainer Brian Ebel. McCann was taken out of the game but wanted the blood to stop so he could stay in the game. McCann’s Orioles teammates were impressed with his determination to stay in the ball game even though he couldn’t.

#6 The San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray who made his 2024 debut after battling a long injury last week went five innings of no hit ball gave up an earned run after walking two hitters and striking out eight hitters against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was an impressive debut for Ray who had been out with an injury all season long and the Giants waiting his anticipated July return. Ray is scheduled to pitch tonight against the Oakland A’s here at Oracle Park tonight. The A’s have improved their hitting and Ray could prove to be a challenge for the A’s.

#7 The A’s are coming off a successful four game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium over the weekend. The A’s won two games against the Halos by just a run and a third game by two runs. The A’s nearly had the sweep but the Angels Taylor Ward had other ideas belting a fourth inning grand slam and the A’s went down 8-6 as the Angels avoided the sweep.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Oakland A’s at San Francisco-One more time

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The Oakland A’s will play the San Francisco Giants for the last time at Oracle Park in San Francisco in a two game series starting Tue Jul 30, 2024 (photo of the split hat by Redditt)

Oakland A’s at San Francisco -One More Time-

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–2024 is a historic year for the Oakland Athletics and everything they do; it is the last time an Oakland team, soon to be Sacramento, followed by Las Vegas or God knows where else. The lavish A’s vs. Giants rivalry, The Bay Series at San Francisco will have a last gasp this Tuesday and Wednesday at Pac Bell Park, SBC Park, ATT Park, and Oracle Park today.

Since the first game at this ‘San Francisco by the Bay Park,’ on April 11, 2000, vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Giants have won their three World Series in San Francisco at this picturesque place that is also nicknamed “The Phone Booth”, others call it “The Park Bonds Build” (a take on Yankee Stadium and The Park Ruth build”.

Although this is not the last time the Oakland A’s will play the Giants this 2024 season, since the Giants will visit the Oakland Coliseum on August 17-18, the series here at Oracle will bring many memories for both sides of the bay and the great rivalry of two teams that also played a World Series in 1989, and fans collecting all types of souvenirs, including those unique hats, half A’s and half Giants, that can only be sold here in a very tolerant Bay Area, where Peace and Love were invented in the 1960s, since nobody could think of the two New York City teams, Yankees and Mets, having a cap that shares both logos, that is not possible in New York. A’s vs Giants, One More Time in San Francisco Both games on KIQI 1010/990AM covering the Bay Area.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Bally’s merger helped A’s plan for Las Vegas

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The Tropicana is seen in the process of demolition on the Strip in Las Vegas Monday, July 22, 2024. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @KMCannonPhoto

Bally’s merger helped A’s plan for Las Vegas

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

As the Oakland A’s prepare to end their over half-century playing at the Oakland Coliseum this 2024, things in Las Vegas are moving with Bally’s corporation. And according to Bally’s Corp CEO Soo Kim, “It’s business as usual.”

So what does this mean? According to the Las Vegas Business Journal, which has been the best source of information regarding the proposed A’s relocating to Las Vegas, Kim (who managed the hedge fund) bought out Bally’s in an announced $4.6 billion deal.

With this deal, Bally’s owns the rights to develop the 35-acre Tropicana site. Thursday’s announcement moved the A’s closer to the potential move, as the Tropicana is now scheduled to be demolished in October.

Bally’s owns the rights to develop the 35-acre site for the proposed A’s ballpark. According to the Las Vegas Business Journal, the A’s are negotiating and finalizing a trio of agreements with the Las Vegas Stadium Authority that would make up to $380 million in public funding available to the team to finance a portion of the stadium’s costs.

Steve Hill, the Stadium Authority Chairman, said last week that he expects the work of those agreements, the development, lease, and non-relocation, to go until about December when they will be approved as the A’s enter into a contract with Clark County.

Once those agreements are approved, the A’s must also spend the first $100 million on the ballpark project before the public money is available. According to the Las Vegas Business Journal, the A’s will likely use just $350 million of the available $380 million in public funds.

Plans call for the construction of the A’s stadium to begin in April and be completed in time for the 2028 MLB season. Meanwhile, the A’s are scheduled to play the interim year of 2025-2027 at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, as their tenure at the Oakland Coliseum ends September 26 against the Texas Rangers.

Like everything in a free enterprise capitalist Democracy, money rules, and like one: “philosopher” said, “money talks and BS walks”. Which is paraphrasing corrupt Democrat Congressman Michael Meyers in the 1980 Abscam probe.

It means, pay me a bribe or go for a walk, i.e., I’m not listening to you. It is similar to the “Pay to Play” corruption scheme in various parts of the country. “Pay to Play” is also why the FBI has investigated the Mayor of Oakland Sheng Thao.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer 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

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

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1989 World Series logo (image from baseball.wikia.com)

2024 The Final Season of the A’s at the Coliseum (Part IX)

A’s vs. Giants rivalry

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–The Giants arrived in San Francisco from New York in 1958; ten years later, the A’s arrived from Kansas City in Oakland. The Bay Area rivalry between Oakland and San Francisco has grown, drawing huge crowds at the stadiums on both sides of the Bay.

The rivalry became more intense (but still friendly) after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake on October 17, 1989, a few minutes past five in the afternoon, when the ground shook at Candlestick Park.

It all began at Oakland. The first two games of the World Series took place at the Oakland Coliseum; the Athletics won 5-0 and 5-1. We moved to San Francisco’s Candlestick Park for games three and four, but on Game three, a surprise, when the earth moved violently with a 7.1 intensity earthquake (later downgraded to a 6.9), still enough for interim Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent to postpone the World Series for some 11 days until both teams resumed the action in early October for games three and four, which the A’s also won 13-7 and 6-5.

For us, broadcasting that classic was an experience we will never forget for the rest of our lives. This is the first and only time a World Series has been stopped and postponed because of an Earthquake. Note: The Giants returned to the World Series in 2002 (13 years later) and lost to the Anaheim Angels 4 games to 3.

The famous and historic 1989 World Series, which began at the Oakland Coliseum, was the first held there since the team won the last of three consecutive World Series in 1974. Fifteen years later, the Oakland A’s were the talk of baseball, and the Oakland Coliseum was “the place to be.” Coliseum attendance in the 1989 regular season was 2,667,225.

The Good Old Days at the Oakland Coliseum, as we remember this 2024, a historic year and the last season they will play at this huge facility,

Schedule: The Oakland A’s will face the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on July 30-31. The last time these Bay Area rivals will face each other is next August 17-18 at the Oakland Coliseum. All these games will air live in Spanish on KIQI 1010AM Bay Area/990AM Sacramento, on the Oakland A’s Spanish Radio Network.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Great Coliseum Memories, Star players and World Series years

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1972 World Champion Oakland A’s cover on Sports Illustrated part of the memories of the A’s years at the Oakland Coliseum as the club leaves for Sacramento after the 2024 season (Sports Illustrated cover file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amuary, just two months and two weeks left before the Oakland A’s move to Sacramento for the next four years. Their last game in Oakland will be on September 26th against Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers. After playing at the Oakland Coliseum since 1968 it all comes to an end that day.

#2 Just wanted to jog your memory of some of the happier and great years at the Coliseum when the A’s had that remarkable run in 1972 through 1974 winning three straight World Series.

#3 We can go through some of the great names of the players who were a part of those World’s Championship teams. The A’s just had an All Star team and they could slug for the fence with Joe Rudi, Gene Tenace, Ray Fosse, Reggie Jackson, Mike Epstein, Dick Green, Sal Bando, Billy North and George Hendrick to name a few.

#4 The A’s really had a ace starting staff during those days with Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Ken Holtzman, and Blue Moon Odom. Manager Dick Williams of the 1972 and 1973 teams had the confidence to go in with this pitching staff and win ball games.

#5 Amaury talk about A’s lead off hitter Bert Campaneris who played shortstop on all three championship teams and should go down in history as the best shortstop in Oakland A’s history?

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s Brent Rooker big candidate for Trade

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Oakland A’s slugger Brent Rooker is one of the most requested players from MLB teams inquiring about his services as the trade deadline approaches on Jul 30th. Rooker could help a club in it’s post season bid and could be with another club before the end of July. (Athletics Nation file photo)

A’s Brent Rooker big candidate for Trade

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, just nine days from Monday, and the A’s have one of the most underrated power hitters in the game. His name is Brent Rooker, and this outfielder, who is mostly a Designated Hitter for the Oakland A’s, is wanted by many contending teams for the last two months of the season.

Rooker should have been at last week’s All-Star Game in Texas. He was an All-Star in 2023. Rooker is having an even better season this year, with an excellent probability of hitting 35 to 40 home runs and driving in close to 100 runs, which will be his best season ever.

In their rebuilding process, the Oakland A’s have been developing young players like Zack Gelof, 24, Lawrence Butler, 24, J.J Bleday, 26, Shea Langeliers, 26, Tyler Soderstrom, 22, plus others, especially the young pitching staff. Rooker is arbitration-eligible for the next three years, but he turns 30 in November, so he might not be in the A’s plans for the A’s future with the younger guys playing in the current lineup.

Brent Rooker 2023: .246 with 30 homeruns, 69 runs batted-in. He played in 137 games.

2024 Brent Rooker with 61 games left this season: .294, 22 homeruns and 67 runs batted in.

Today, the A’s begin a three-game series against the first-place Houston Astros, and Brent Rooker is the DH.

The A’s are sellers again as we approach this trade deadline, and there are teams in search of players with Rooker’s type of power. If they trade him, they should get a handsome return, probably with much younger players, which fits the A’s plan. There are a lot of contenders looking to add offense for the last part of the season. It is very possible that Brent Rooker won’t finish this season with the Green and Gold.

Mason Miller? I doubt he will go. However, never put it past the A’s because if they get a haul of players from this tremendous young closer arm, then “it is on.” Many teams are trying to win the World Series this October. The A’s are not one of them, but they are always: “open for business,” especially at this time of the year when the trade deadline is around the corner.

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

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

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