Tag: That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: The Oakland to Las Vegas Shuttle

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Artists rendition of the inside of a retractable roofed Las Vegas Oakland A’s stadium as A’s vice president David Kaval and A’s front office staff returned from a visit to Vegas finalizing sites for the A’s in event they don’t get the Howard Terminal project (Artist rendition image from bleedcubbieblue.com)

The Oakland To Las Vegas Shuttle

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Dave Kaval, President of the Oakland A’s was in Las Vegas last week for meeting with area landowners. The A’s down to two possible locations, and Kaval said the hopes of announcing a final site soon. 

Steve Hill, CEO and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said that although a room tax is off the table, there are other means that could benefit the A’s if the team relocates to Las Vegas. Public assistance could be made available to help lure the team to Sin City.

Mr.Kaval has been made aware as he met with Mr.Hill, but the A’s, they do not want to negotiate in public.   Earlier this month, the A’s had a list of five possible ballpark sites, so the elimination of three indicates the process could wrap up soon.

What’s new for Las Vegas -The possibility of public assistance made available is important since throughout the year most state and local politicians seem to oppose using public money to help fund the A’s ballpark. But know, a change of strategy.

On deck- June 30 a key vote by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission which would allow the project to proceed. If this vote doesn’t get the approval, Oakland is basically out of gas. If it gets a positive vote, the next step is for the city of Oakland to come to terms with the Oakland A’s on a development agreement.

How about the lawsuits?  On April 4, 2022. Three separate lawsuits were filed in Alameda County Superior Court by Union Pacific Railroad, The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority and a coalition that includes the East Oakland Stadium Alliance, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Harbor Trucking Association, California Trucking Association, metal-shredding company Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc., and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.  The City of Oakland and the Oakland A’s are listed as defendants.

California State law: Under AB 734 which was authored by former Assemblyman Rob Bonta, who is now the state attorney general, any lawsuits challenging the environmental impact report would have to be decided within 270 days of the report getting approved.

That puts the court process on a timeline of nine months from now, or January 2023.

Meanwhile, the Oakland to Las Vegas Shuttle continues…

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is 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’s News and Commentary podcast: White Sox surprised Yanks Donaldson got just a one day suspension; Cardinals Molina out for bereavement after pitching Sunday

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New York Yankees Josh Donaldson (left) and manager Aaron Boone (right) talk during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guarantee Rate Field in Chicago on Sun May 22, 2022 (AP News)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 MLB suspended New York Yankees Josh Donaldson one game for making a Jackie Robinson reference to Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson on Saturday. Donaldson after the game in New York made the Jackie Robinson reference and said he meant no disrespect but White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz was surprised that he only got one day.

#2 The Jackie Robinson reference was an undertone a dog whistle to Anderson who is black and Donaldson is white player. Donaldson said that he was joking around in the past with Anderson about the Robinson reference when Anderson said he feels like today’s Jackie Robinson.

#3 Amaury, Sunday the St Louis Cardinals pitcher Yadier Molina who pitched in relief giving up two home runs and four runs after the Cardinals swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in four games at PNC Park. The Cardinals have placed Molina on the bereavement list the reason for the bereavement was not disclosed.

#4 The San Francisco Giants are coming off losing a three game sweep against the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park. The Giants also lost first baseman Brandon Belt to the 10 day IL for an inflamed right knee. Giants manager Gabe Kapler said the team is still in good shape.

#5 The Oakland A’s have lost seven of their last ten games and have lost two of three to the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend including Sunday’s 4-1 loss. A’s pitcher Cole Irvin lost the contest and the A’s are not getting any run support.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Drummers of the Coliseum

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The Drummers of the Coliseum

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The drummers of the Oakland Coliseum bang the drum either slowly or fast to keep A’s fans and players in step or awake at A’s games from Oct 2, 2013 game (file photo sfgate.com)

OAKLAND–It doesn’t matter if there are 2,500, of 12,500 fans in attendance during an A’s day or night game at the Oakland Coliseum. The Drums are there banging in the outfield during each and every game. They bring the energy inside the empty spaces of one of the oldest major league ballparks.

These drummers devoted A’s fans that show all the enthusiasm regardless of how the team is doing on the field. Their mission is to bring pure energy, the energy the players recognize and admire, and to the fans, who also show their respect for their commitment. This season with the very small attendances these guys keep ‘drumming away’ as that drum sounds echoes all over the Coliseum.

In 2018, prior to covid showing up in the world, I was talking with A’s slugger Khris Davis inside the dressing room prior to a game and among other things, I mentioned to him were the drums, he told me “I love those drums man” and “they are very cool and the players here love them”.

This April Khris Davis signed a one-year contract with the Diablos Rojos of México City of the Mexican League. In case anybody forgot in the land of Oakland; only two men in Athletics franchise history have slugged 40 or more home runs over three consecutive seasons in A’s franchise history, Hall of Famer Jimmy Foxx from 1932-34 and Khris Davis from 2016 to 2018.

Davis bat is sorely missed on a 2022 team where the lack of home run power is evident. During those three years of 40 plus home runs, Khris Davis struck out a minimum of 166 times and a maximum of 195, but he could still hit it a country mile.

The A’s do not have one player this season that could hit at least 20 home runs (maybe Sean Murphy, who hit17 last season) and forget any A’s hitting 40, but that should not be a surprise since they traded all their established stars.

Meantime, win or lose, the loyal A’s Drummers of the Coliseum do not miss one game.

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

The A’s should retire Campaneris number 19

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Former Oakland A’s shortstop Bert Campaneris is regarded as the best shortstop in Oakland A’s history winner of three consecutive World Series Championships. Campaneris is seen here seated for a 2012 photo (photo from wikipedia)

The A’s Should Retire Campaneris Number 19

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Baseball is a generational sport. People grow-up watching their favorite players, they are engraved in their collective memories forever. It is passed from one generation to the next one.

Many times during The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame exhibits at Fanfest, All-Star Games, community and other events I have seen fathers telling their kids (as they watch an exhibit) “Billy, this was Minnie Miñoso, my favorite player as a kid”.

Players numbers are retired by teams to honor their past stars.Teams are proud to retire their legends numbers, not to mention it is also a smart marketing tool to sell more jerseys and merchandise for people to wear and use. It is a win-win situation for everybody.

On September 11 when the A’s host the Chicago White Sox, the Oakland A’s fans in attendance will receive a replica of #34 Dave Stewart’s number which will be officially retired by the team. Stewart is one of the A’s legends. As a great pitcher Dave Stewart was the heart and soul of the Oakland Community, specially during the 1989 World Series during the Loma Prieta earthquake.

One of the last pitchers in baseball to have four consecutive 20 game winning seasons, his famous “Death Stare” in the mound when he was pitching is remembered forever in the memories of A’s fans, as well as those hitters who faced him.

Another great Oakland A’s player is Cuban-born shortstop Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris. Campy is the only Latino shortstop in history to have been a shortstop for three-consecutive World Series champion. The 1972-73-74 Oakland A’s. Campy will be in attendance as the A’s celebrate their 1972 World Series Champion team reunion on Saturday June 4 at the Oakland Coliseum.

Campy (now living in Arizona) is a shy and humble man who as the A’s lead-off hitter was the spark plug for those great championship teams of the early 1970’s. Many times I have spoken with Campy he has always cherished those great memories.

He is a baseball man to his core, his stories about the game are priceless. He still represents the Oakland A’s and is happy to sign autographs for fans when the A’s conduct their Spring Training camp in Arizona.

A few years ago I was called by CH 2 FOX to translate for Campy for an exclusive interview done by Mark Ibañez their sports anchor during Spring Training. Campy is so humble he told me “¿por qué quieren hablar conmigo?” trans- ‘why do they want to talk to me?”.

Reggie Jackson became a star with the Oakland A’s, and a mega star once he won two World Series championships and earned the nickname “Mr. October,” with the New York Yankees. Reggie said that those Yankee teams were inferior to the Oakland A’s teams that won back-to-back-to back championships in the 1970s with Jackson as its megastar, according to the man himself. Reggie (whose number 9 is retired by the A’s) always talks fondly about Campy Campaneris, “The Road Runner”, the man that ignited that great lineup.

Around 30 to 33 percent of all players in today’s game are Hispanic. The Oakland A’s always enjoyed very loyal Hispanic fans in the Bay Area and across the country and those that remember Campy will tell you he was an integral part of the “Swinging A’s” during his playing days.

I hope the Oakland Athletics consider the retirement of Campy Campaneris number 19. To this day, the A’s have not retired a number from one of their Latino players and I cannot think of a better person than Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris. In the past I have suggested to A’s upper management the importance of retiring Campy Campaneris number 19. I hope in the near future they will. It is time.

These are the numbers retired to date by the Oakland A’s:

34 Rickey Henderson, 43 Dennis Eckersley, 9 Reggie Jackson, 27 Jim “Catfish” Hunter, 34 Rollie Fingers and Walter A. Haas, Jr, Owner.

Dagoberto “Blanco” Campaneris is in The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame.

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

Howard Terminal Ballpark-Lawsuit has 270 days of life

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Artists rendition of the Oakland A’s Howard Terminal Ballpark at Jack London Square in downtown Oakland (image from the San Francisco Chronicle)

Howard Terminal Ballpark – Lawsuit have 270 days of Life-

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Howard Terminal New Ballpark. A huge project that would transform the City of Oakland.

-$12 Billion private investment

-$1 Billion for the construction of the ballpark

-3.000 units of housing

-1.5 million square feet of office space

-270,000 feet of retail space

-400 room hotel

-18 acres of parkland

-$450 million in community benefits

In 2014 California Judicial Council approves new court rules, (below)

  • New court rules will significantly expedite the timeline for lawsuits brought under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to challenge the certification of the environmental impact report (EIR) or the granting of any project approvals that require the actions or proceedings for certain large “leadership” development projects certified by the Governor.
  • For these leadership projects, the CEQA lawsuit, including appeals, must be resolved within 270 days of certification of the administrative record.

The A’s are facing two lawsuits, one by the Union Pacific Railroad Company and another by the East Oakland Stadium Alliance, which is a coalition of marine, port and transportation.  Both lawsuits are challenging the certification of the ballpark’s environmental impact report, another important part of process to approve the project.

Most recent good news for the A’s came in early May, from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission which said a report that the land where the A’s proposed to build the ballpark is not needed by the Port of Oakland.

This was a preliminary recommendation, although a positive step, now the Commission will decide on June 30 whether to accept that recommendation. If that hurdle is cleared, the A’s are running between-second and third, on their way to score the new ballpark in Oakland.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez at the Oakland Coliseum for a visit at the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and for News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Year of the Angels? Series with A’s at Oakland this weekend

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The Los Angeles Angels scoreboard at the Big A in Anaheim shows one out in the top of the ninth with the Tampa Bay Rays Kevin Kiermaier at the plate during Angel pitcher Reid Detmers No-hitter on Tue May 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

The Year of the Angels? Series with A’s At Oakland this Weekend

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

OAKLAND–Could this be the year of the Angels? On Tuesday at Angels Stadium their 22-year-old lefty Reid Detmer pitched a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was the 12th no-no in the history of the Angels. The rookie had no words to describe his feat. So far, it looks like this could be their year. It is early in the season and I still believe the Houston Astros are the team to beat in this division.

Noah Syndergaard, the ex-Mets starter, looks as good as the $21 million one-year contract he got from the Anaheim team, but their lineup is really most menacing.

There is no rest for pitchers against this lineup, with Brandon Marsh, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon, and Jared Walsh, one after the other, they all pack a punch. Their pitching rotation is doing well and if they can maintain any type of respectable pitching this team will be in the race all season long.

The biggest enemy for the LA Angels? Injuries. They have two of the best players in the world in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani and then one of the best all-around third basemen in Anthony Rendon, very underrated as an all-around player. These guys are irreplaceable. Especially because this organization doesn’t have much ready in the minor leagues.

Jo Addell, whom the Angels expected this season to blossom into the star outfielder he can be, has not done it so far. He was recently sent to the minor leagues for more seasoning. Late in April they officially designated veteran outfielder Justin Upton for assignment, as a team will honor all the $28 million he is owed this season.

Two months into the season, the Los Angeles Angels are clicking on all cylinders and their leader Mike Trout (who was hurt most of last season) is hungry to take his team to the postseason. The last time they made the playoffs was in 2014.

In their 61 seasons, they’ve been in the playoffs a total of 10 times. In 2002 under manager Mike Scioscia (pre dating these players of today) they beat the Giants and won the World Series.

But this current Angels crew has never experienced such a thing. During their 2021 season their three-time MVP Mike Trout only played in 27 games due to injury (ironically 27 is also his famous number).

Shohei Ohtani is a tremendous athlete, the only two-way star player currently in baseball, and the most famous since… Babe Ruth. However, this is Trout’s team, he is the leader by example, great talent, and professionalism.

I was calling the game for the Angels on FSW when Mike Trout made his major league debut. He was called to replace Peter Bourjos in center field. That night (July 8, 2011) Mike Trout made his debut, started the game in center field, and hit in the ninth position, he went 0 for 3.

During his first season, he struggled and played a total of 40 games. Next year, when he started 2012 ‘from scratch’ in Spring Training with an opportunity, he seized it and has been their All-Star center fielder ever since.

There is nothing Mike Trout cannot do on the field. The LA Angels need a healthy Mike Trout all year long, not only because of his productivity, but he is the soul of this team, and as Trout goes so do the Angels. By the way, Mike Trout was the 25th pick in the 2009 draft.

Beginning Friday at the Oakland Coliseum. Friday 6:40, Saturday DH/1:07, and 6:40. and Sunday 1:07. The most improved Minnesota Twins will follow for a 3-game series beginning on Monday and ending on Wednesday, before the A’s pack and go on the road again.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Lots of blow back Rangers manager calls Yankee Stadium a Little League Park; Umpire leaves game after getting hit by foul ball; plus much more

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The New York Yankees Gleyber Torres gets ready to walk it off against the Texas Rangers last Sun May 8, 2022 at Yankee Stadium after the bottom of the ninth home run Ranger manager Chris Woodward said the stadium is like hitting in a Little League Park (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary:

#1 Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward called Yankee Stadium a Little League Park after Sunday’s front end of a doubleheader when the Yankees Gleyber Torres hit a walk off home run. Woodward got an avalanche of heat for calling one of baseball’s cathederals a Little League Park.

#2 How much was it based on frustration for Woodward on losing to the Yankees on Sunday as Yankee Stadium does have a short porch. You could be assured Woodward heard it from Yankee fans on Monday.

#3 Scary moment as home plate umpire Ron Kulpa was hit in the mask by Chicago White Sox third baseman Jake Burger by a foul ball on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Burger was checked by trainers after falling at the plate walked off the field under his own power and was replaced by Marty Foster.

#4 New York Mets coach Eric Chavez said that balls are being juiced to get out more there is no secret that all big league clubs are using humidors but on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN prime time games Chavez said that he first didn’t believe it when players came to him about it but watched and said the ball was traveling further on the eye test but it also lined up with what the analytics were telling them.

#5 Amaury the last three games in Minnesota against the Minnesota Twins the Oakland A’s lost by some low scoring games but they can’t seem to break out the bats and get the run production that manager Mark Kotsay would hope. Luckily the Detroit Tigers are a struggling bunch and the A’s got a couple runs to get by them on Monday night to end their nine game losing streak at Comerica Park 2-0.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez with Manolo Hernandez Douen for all the play by play action on the Oakland A’s Spanish flagship station 1010 KIQI San Francisco and for News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Oakland A’s tough days at the Coliseum, Nothing new

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Oakland Coliseum site of the smallest crowd since the 1980 season with one of the smallest customers on the stairs with a whole section to himself the A’s drew 2488 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Mon May 2, 2022 (USA Today photo)

Oakland A’s: Tough Days at the Coliseum, Nothing New

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

OAKLAND–On April 17, 1979 the Seattle Mariners visited the Oakland Coliseum, the official attendance announced was 250. Yes, 250 people. We might not get to that point this season.

In 1979 there was also very high inflation, they were gas lines and shortages, a hostage situation, and a war in the middle east, in other words very similar to what’s happening now, with the big difference that covid was not around. The population of Oakland was around 330,000 people.

A’s owner Charlie Finley eventually sold the team to the Haas family/Levi Strauss, in my humble opinion, the best ownership the A’s ever had. Right away they got to work and built a winning atmosphere with great players, winning pennants and three consecutive trips to the World Series (1988-89-90) winning over the Giants in the 1989 World Series.

The Coliseum was a place to be and enjoy baseball with all kinds of promotions and great players like Henderson, Stewart, Canseco, McGwire, and company. Regardless of how you feel, we must credit Charlie O Finley because he built a tremendous championship team that won three World Series in a row, from 1972 to 1974. As a matter of fact, only the A’s and Yankees can say they have won 3 consecutive World Series.

Yankees as many as five in a row during their 1950s dynasty. However, after those 3-years Finley basically traded everybody, he didn’t want any part of the signing of free agents, he thought paying a million dollar for a player was crazy.

Finley suggested every player should become a free agent every year and sign a one-year contract. By the way, the current Oakland A’s have nothing but one-year contracts.

Soon this summer A’s fans will know if the team will definitely be able to build the new Howard Terminal ballpark or not. “It is Howard Terminal or bust”, said Dave Kaval President of the A’s, after the recent positive decision by the BCDC, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.

If the A’s get the final approval to build the new ballpark in downtown Oakland, they will still have to play at the Oakland Coliseum for a couple of years and chances are that with the current team, is not expected to be in the race for the postseason, attendances will continue to be so small that some players will tell you they can hear the stadium vendors as clear as if they were sitting with the fans. There are still hurdles and three lawsuits against the A’s building the new park at Howard Terminal.

I talked with many fans at the Oakland Coliseum, true Oakland A’s fans for years and they are more than frustrated, they are extremely cynical.

One told me a few days ago “We still support the A’s and come here knowing that Montas, Laureano, Murphy, and any player than can bring some value in return will be gone”.

Nobody can blame any A’s fans for their attitude, they are the ones paying for parking and for the games and for souvenirs and food. There used to be a saying that “the customer is always right”. And, in this case, they are right.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: A’s host Rays after losing three straight to Cleveland

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The Cleveland Guardians starter Triston McKenzie goes into his stretch in the first inning against the Oakland A’s at the Oakland Coliseum on Sun May 1, 2022 (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 For the first time in 22 years that brings us back to the year 2000 the Cleveland Guardians (10-12) swept the Oakland A’s (10-12) in Sunday’s finale by a score of 7-3. But just to the history of those 22 years that’s a long time does that say something about how penetrable the A’s were in this series or the Guardians were just that good?

#2 Guardians starter Triston McKenzie went 6.1 innings of shutout ball against the A’s and very well could have gone the distance if it weren’t for the pitch count.

#3 A’s pitching did wonders for the Guardians Franmil Reyes who entered Sunday’s game with a 1-27 slump but broke out with a third inning two RBI single in an inning where the Guardians scored three times.

#4 It was A’s pitcher James Kraprielian’s first time back after coming back from shoulder surgery Kaprielian ended up walking four batters and struggled and was lifted in the third inning going two plus innings, three hits on four earned runs and three strikeouts. Is his shoulder still a concern because Guardian hitters certainly saw the ball pretty well.

#5 The A’s will try it all over again tonight at the Coliseum as the A’s have lost six of their last eight games and will face the Tampa Bay Rays tonight the Rays will start Drew Rasmussen (1-1 ERA 3.50) and for the A’s Daulton Jefferies 1-3 ERA 3.26) first pitch at 6:40pm PDT.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s vs. Giants Bay Area Rivalry on Tap

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The Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants open up a brief two game series at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Tue Apr 26, 2022 (photo from sfgate.com)

A’s vs Giants: Bay Area Rivalry On Tap

That’s Amaury News and Commentry

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–The two Bay Area teams will face each other in a quick two-game set at Oracle Park this Tuesday and Wednesday, with both games’ first pitch scheduled for 6:45. Two teams right now on different paths. A’s rebuilding and with an uncertain future, the Giants try to prove they can win again over 100 games and advance into the playoffs over the heavily favorite LA Dodgers.

This is a friendly rivalry, with many families split with their support of their favorite team. April is usually the lowest attendance month of the baseball season but there should be no problem with attendance at Oracle during this mid-week series between the A’s and the Giants, maybe not sellout crowds but definitely plenty of people.

This regional rivalry had it’s epic moment during the 1989 World Series, interrupted by a strong Earthquake which postponed that October Classic for 11 days.

The A’s swept the Giants during that historic and memorable 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Those were different times, the Giants were playing at Candlestick Park one of the most maligned major league stadiums in history and the A’s were playing in the middle of their very successful late 1980’s when they advanced to three consecutive World Series with the direction of their Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa.

In 1988 World Series the A’s lost to the Dodgers, in one of the biggest upsets in history. 1989 they swept the Giants and in 1990 they lost to Cincinnati.

Nobody was talking about the Oakland Coliseum and how bad it was because the team was winning, and winning cures everything. For many hardcore A’s fans they still talk about the great team that should had won those three consecutive World Series.

The A’s are only the second team do to such when they won three consecutive World Series in 1972,1973 and 1974. Only the New York Yankees under various dynasties, winning as many as five World Series in a row during the 1950’s.

The A’s have a rookie manager in Mark Kotsay and a cast of inexperienced players, mixed with veterans like Jed Lowrie and Stephen Vogt. The Giants under skipper Gabe Kapler in his second season trying to disprove most of the experts that predicted they will not win as many games again as last season.

That prediction is not fair, because 2021 was a great surprise for the Giants as many of their players (including veterans Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford) enjoyed their best season. In a way the Giants have a chip on their shoulders.

They still are not getting a lot of respect from the national baseball media. The Giants organization would like nothing more than to win this year’s World Series, and in the process, tie the A’s with a fourth World Series title.

The history of these two major league franchises is similar in many ways. With the A’s today threatening to possibly leave Oakland for Las Vegas, if the plan for the new Howard Terminal stadium is not approved.

In 1992 the Giants under owner Bob Lurie who agreed to sell the Giants and move them to Florida almost came to fruition. The Giants have longer roots in the Bay Area, they arrived from New York (1958) 10 years prior to the A’s arriving from Kansas City (1968).

Oracle Park is one the most attractive major league parks. I broadcast their inaugural game in the year 2000, doing their Spanish play by play, today, the park that has shared four names: Pac Bell, ATT, SBC Park and now Oracle Park, is 22 years old, hard to believe.

It is always fun to see the A’s and Giants playing on the same field.

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