Fall 2025 is Upon Us, My "Spotting Board", Doubling Up on Roadrunners, Otters, Radio, NFL Rankings, A's, & Fresno Fonzee?!?

Well, as Fall approaches, a little news to share. Along with covering Cal State University (CSU) Bakersfield Volleyball and Soccer, CSU Monterey Bay Women's Volleyball and Butte College (California Community College) Football are now on my schedule! For those of you following along at home, here is a look at my personal "Spotting Board" for the next 10 days:

*Saturday, September 20; Women's Volleyball--UC Merced @ CSU Monterey Bay, 5 p.m.,  FloSports. 

(9/18 update: The Otters win on the road in a 3 set sweep over Cal State East Bay in the conference opener!)

The Otters of CSUMB are members of the long standing CCAA, the California Collegiate Athletic Association. UC Merced is in its first year as a member of this D-2 conference. (Fresno Pacific University will be joining in 2026.) The other members include: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State), CSU Dominquez Hills, Cal State East Bay (Hayward, formerly Hayward State), Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Chico State, San Francisco State, and Stanislaus State (Turlock, Ca.)...CSU Monterey Bay came into existence in 1994, and all signs point to Otter Athletics, and the overall campus vibe in general, trending upward. The campus is located in Marina, just to the North of world-famous Monterey and Pebble Beach...Otter Head Volleyball Coach Courtney Materazzi and her team have been a pleasure to work with. For the record, Cal Poly Pomona captured the regular season title in 2024, while second-place San Francisco State won the conference tournament. The Gators would subsequently advance to the D-2 National Championship Match, falling to Lynn College of Tampa Florida.

            

*Sunday, September 21; Men's Soccer--Gonzaga @ CSU Bakersfield, 7 p.m., ESPN Plus.

This will be the final preseason match for both sides...The Roadrunners will open up with Sacramento State on Wednesday, October 1. The favorite in the Big West appears to be UC Irvine. The Anteaters are currently ranked #20 in land, and own a record of 5-1-1 entering conference play. CSUN (Northridge) remains undefeated at 3-0-3, and looks to be a contender for the top spot...the 'Runners maintain a solid backline, with All-Conference returnees Defender Luka Geishauser (Germany), and goalkeeper Zenden Hart(Australia)...low scoring affairs may be the formula for Bakersfield this season?! The top 6 teams qualify for the Big West Tournament. Last season Cal Poly SLO (San Luis Obispo) finished atop the conference, while UC Davis netted the end of the season tournament and a trip to the NCAA Tournament...Bakersfield finished 5th, and were knocked out by UCD in the first round. 

*Saturday, September 27; California Community College Football: 

     Butte College at College of the Sequoias (COS), 11 a.m. PST, 

    KPAY Sports 1290 in Chico. (kpaysports1290.com)

Butte College are also the Roadrunners! Butte has been of Northern California's "Blue Bloods" in California Community College Football. I had a blast announcing from just above the stands in Cowan Stadium...The Stadium also includes a grass berm, where fans can enjoy the action...The vibe is upbeat-Butte College has an address or Oroville, however Chico is a mere 10-15 minute drive away. (Chico State has a bit of reputation for being a friendly and "social" university.)...The Roadrunners are currently 3-0 after upending San Francisco City College...Butte's head coach, Robby Snelling, a former tight end back in the day; Coach Snelling played for Butte, Boise State, and one season for Barcelona back when there was an NFL Europe...The games are covered on Chico's KPAY Sports 1290 (kpaysports.com)...what a kick to be back on live radio-a sincere delight to be on both the Butte College and the KPAY teams! Once again the KRVH (Rio Vista High School's on campus radio station) training pays off!

*Sunday, September 28, Women's Soccer--UC Irvine at CSU Bakersfield, 1 p.m., ESPN Plus. 

(9/18 Update: Bakersfield outlasted UC San Diego 1-nil Thursday night...the side improved to 4-4-1, and 1-0 in the Big West. The Runners lone goal came on a beauty, lazered in by Cynthia Ramirez.)

Bakersfield's Women's Soccer team is on a roll, currently sporting a 3-4-1 record--in their last 4 outings, the Roadrunners have notched victories over UOP, Fresno State, Boise State and played to a draw with Idaho...as Big West Play begins on Thursday, September 18, Fullerton State and UC Santa Barbara appear to be the teams to beat...UCSB won the conference tournament a year ago, besting the Roadrunners in penalty kicks 8-7. The Runners are lead by first year head coach Whitney Pitalo...Coach P played for USC, and has coached at Corgan University (Oregon) Gonzaga and Boston College...I commend Coach P for the path of her team--despite a 0-4 start, Coach P's confidence in her squad never wavered, and not they are rolling...Coach Whitney reminds me a lot of my old pal Drew Hibbs...Hibbie-Hibbs is a very successful boys coach in Sacramento area (a couple of state titles to his resume while leading Foothill H.S.)...They both maintain what one might term the "It" factor when it comes to coaching...Passionate, confident, knowledgeable, creative, with a modest sense of humor, and they both could really play their sport back in the day! One of Coach P's players, Catalina Roggerone has played on the Argentinian National Team...Another player, ironically (CJ Walters)was a former student of mine at Rancho San Juan High School during Covid (a wonderful student by the way!)...this gritty team, may have a say once again in conference play-might a run to the Big Dance be in their future!?!

Coach Fonz's Top 7 NFL AFC/NFC Rankings:

1.  San Diego/LA Chargers.  Left/West Coast Bias here, and the Bolts will always be San Diego's team.

2.  Baltimore.                         Harbaugh bias.

3.  Buffalo.                             Is this finally year the Bills raise the trophy?

4.  KC.                                   Chief Fatigue has set in. However, with all of the Swiftees, their vibe is as strong as ever.

5.  Indy.                                  Not sure about that penalty vs. Denver...however Daniel Jones is loving the Midwest. I also am a Big Tyler Warren fan. The NFL is a copy cat league apparently--then why wouldn't teams jump on Warren earlier in the draft, particularly after the success of the Napa Dude, the Raiders' Brock Bowers?

6.  Denver.                              The Orange Crush rides again! Denver travels to LA Sunday (9/21) for a date with the Bolts...an early season, monster tilt!

7.  Bengals.                             Can the Burrowless Bengals hold on?

To the Senior Conference:

1.  Philly.                                  They are the Champs until they are not...mastering the Tush Push may have brought the push to its knees!?!

2.  Green Bay.                          The Pack is back...Lambeau rolls in and out of my Bucket List.

3.  Tampa Bay.                         #3-7 a toss up!

4.  The 49ers                            The injury bug has hit them hard in Santa Clara.

5.  The Rams                            As I recall, the Rams nearly took out Philly in the NFC Championship!?!

6.  Arizona                               More West Coast Bias...along with QB's who can run like Benny Hill!

7.  The Field                            Seattle, Atlanta, Detroit, Minnesota, Washington, Dallas? Pick one. I tend to suffer from "Paralysis By Analysis"...thus, this group stymies my pick.

Closing with the MLB...the Athletics need to get the heck out of Dodge (Sacramento), end the farce, and move on. In the end, the players will benefit the most...If the Athletics are moving to Vegas, play in Vegas...Utah could work--it's closer to LV? The MLB could throw the Athletics and the Rays a bone, and when those two teams meet in 2026, move those 6 games to MLB parks? Perhaps the Marlins could host the Rays for a weekend? The A's, well...how about Arizona--or for fun, why not San Diego or Anaheim? Fans of these teams deserve a weekend near Disneyland or lovely San Diego. The MLB could spin the A's & Rays into a win, however, I digress...The A's young core is really coming together, and they will be fun to watch in the future...History repeats itself? The A's left Kansas City in the late 60's, and blossomed in Oakland. Could the Green and Gold be on the verge of another dynastic run? Before you say no...ask the Reds and Red Sock, who just lost 5 of 6 from the Young Dudes. Quick, name an A's pitcher? Add some arms to go with Nick Kurtz & Co, and the Swinging & Bashing A's, might just be back!?!...final thought, if Cleveland and the Mets squeqk in the postseason, keep an eye on them...Be well everyone!

*If you are so inclined, feel free to donate? A cup of coffee here or there, well, it's like earning a sticker for my ramblings!?! 

**Finally this past week included September 11. A day never to forget...while simultaneously remembering our brethren in NYC. September 10...well my father would have turned 100, or is 100, depending on your perspective of how one counts birthdays. The fellow loved sports, and sports personalities...if you are able, give your pops a pat on the rear, buy him a beverage, and share a smile and laugh or two...also this week, my daughter landed her first full-time gig. A toast to her as well--in fact, I can't wait to raise a glass with yer, as she currently resides on the Right/East Coast...See you on the pitch, court, and gridiron! (What do you think of the moniker Fresno Fonzee?!?) 

My favorite picture of my parents (& godparents) chilling with friends, dining and laughing...from 1969!

 

                             Cheers to the Kiddo in the middle--now she can pick up the tab--waka, waka!

From F1 to Amercian Underdog, NFL Quarterbacks to Looking Back, MLB Closers to Concerts, and My ESPN Plus Schedule...

Leading Off: As summer winds down, we found two movies very entertaining. F1 was a delight-the action, the acting, the musical score-earned a solid A-grade. As many of you would most likely concur, the cinemas tend to be a bit too loud...unless of course, they are blasting tunes you enjoy! Brad Pitt & Co., were delightfully entertaining, and the music was simply stellar! If you enjoyed Moneyball, F1 is a home run. Superman...also a delight. For the animal lovers in the crowd-in particularly the dog lovers-the 2025 version may just be a Grand Slam. The Man of Steele earns a B+...We experienced SoFi Stadium in July, attending the George Strait Concert. SoFi felt like a wondrous, accommodating Death Star. Large, open-air, new-age design...however, the cheap seats, are WAY up there. As I shared with my friends, "Toto we are not in the Oakland Alameda-Coliseum any more...The more the calendar turns, the less I enjoy heights, and seats in the nose bleeds would not be on my recommended list. I would merely suggest, tickets in the 300 level or below...as for a grade on the concert, my wife bestows George an A++grade! My favorite concert of all time, well Kool & The Gang naturally! Shakira recently appeared in Fresno as part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour (The Women Don't Cry Anymore). A Tip of the Cap to Fresno State for bringing the star to CenCal...Speaking of "Rox" Stars, a future Colorado Rockies star has been assigned to Fresno. Ethan Holliday will make his debut for the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, August 12 in Fresno for the Single-A Grizzlies. Lot of chatter that the son of former Rockies star Matt Holliday may just be the tonic needed to help turn things around in Denver...time will tell! The Grizzlies are home at cozy Chukchansi Park August 12-17, away at San Jose August 19-24, then return home Aug. 26-31. The San Jose Giants by the way have been the class of the Cal League in '25.

To The Gridiron: Well, with Fall Sports and Football gearing up, lots of quarterback tidbits...To begin with, although my Prospects1500 Fantasy League FB teams is going to struggle, I can proudly say I chose a Reedley College Tiger Alum with my first pick! Yes indeed, I chose the marvel from Firbaugh, Ca. (population 8424 in the heart of Central California) Josh Allen. Is this the year the Bills make it over the hump (i.e. the Chiefs. I also drafted Fresno native Xavier Worthy!) and lift the cup? How about the Bengals and/or Ravens? Are the Eagles fit for another run at the Lombardi Trophy? Will the Rams, 49ers and Lions challenge in the NFC? Does that Michigan Man-Jim Harbaugh-working in San Diego, er I mean L.A, guide the Chargers back to the top of the pack? A plethora of storylines in the NFL that is for certain...Shadeur Sanders look solid in his NFL debut vs. the Panthers, as did the New York Giants' Jaxson Dart. Dart finished 12 for 19 with a TD and no picks vs. the Bills. With Dart on O, and edge rusher Abdul Carter on D, looks like Giants won the draft!? Add the Rio Linda (Sacramento "Suburb") Rocket to mix with Cam Skattebo. Skatt was a BIG reason why both Arizona State, and Sacramento State dramatically improved; will his presence have a similar result in NYC?! Of course I drafted CamSkat!...Raiders QB Cam Miller impressed in his first appearance. The former signal caller of the Thundering Herd North Dakota State, finished 6 for 7 with a TD strike. The most impressive play-converting a 4th down by using his wheels on a read option play. Miller might move up to the QB 2 location on the Raiders depth chart in the not-too-distant future. Former Alabama QB Jalen Milroe is fun to watch on the run-as advertised, the Dude can really scamper...I am not sure we can say the same thing when he is slinging the pigskin around?!? Locally here in CenCal, the Fresno State Bulldogs have named a QB, and the young man has a famous and familiar pedidgree...Kurt Warner's son EJ has earned the nod for the Red Wave. Fresno State opens the season in the land of "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!" on Saturday, August 23. If you are in need of a good football movie, "American Underdog" is nails. A+ rating in my book. On Netflix...I keep one eye on the issues and court cases of the Pac 12 and the Mountain West...it sure looks like the courts will decide who gets what and how much!? Stay tuned...sure seems like two of the schools departing, Boise State and San Diego State, have made the MW and its members a good amount of cash in recent years!?!  (If you would like to check up on all of the rookie quarterbacks from their first foray into the NFL-here is a recap and a fine read. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-rookie-qb-performances-from-week-1-of-the-preseason-shedeur-sanders-makes-statement-jaxson-dart-wows/)

In Closing: Speaking of "Closers", the Padres went all in to acquire A's fireballer Mason Miller, surrendering the #3 rated MiLB Pipeline prospect shortstop Leo De Vries...with the Pads pushing all of their chips into the middle of the mound, I have to ask-is a Dodger-Padres match-up the best rivalry and/or can't-miss-drama in The Show right about now? A Dodgers-Astros World Series would bring a little spice as well...I was suprised to see the SF Giants deal closer Camilo Duval to the Yankees. The SF Giants, in the words of Barry Zito, are a"scuffling." Buster Posey might be finding the move upstairs into the front office is filled with wayyy more nuance then one might of have imagined...A starter who I believe would be lights out in the back of the pen: Colorado's Chase Dollander. The Rockies should bolster the back end of the pen, and bring on the bats, and return to wild 15-12 wins, just like in their glory days...I keep saying don't sleep on the Mariners, while Milwaukee keeps rolling along with the most wins in the Bigs. Looks like Boston will be in the postseason once again, and nothing quite zanier than postseason play on Jersey Street in Beantown.

*Prospect of the Week: Kyle Karros. The young Rockie has been super solid in his climb up the minor league ladder; currently he is doing his thang for the big club in Denver. In 21 AB's, the young Dude is carrying a .333 average, to go along with perhaps the more important .417 OBP. The Rox may have found their third sacker of the future!

*Game of the Week, Nastaglia Edition: The 49ers visit the Raiders in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 16...this takes me back to an era when these two frenemies met every year in the preseason. I fondly recall the uniquely odd setup when the Oakland (Alameda :)) Coliseum would be set up with the football field running from home plate to center field; typically the gridiron in the OAC would run from foul pole to foul pole so to speak for football...I admitted to my wonderful wife, taking in a Raiders-Niners preseason would be a ton of fun--you know without the angst and intenseness of a regular season game...oh to be a boy again (and yes, 300 Section of below!). Before the Raiders moved to L.A., I recall these events similar when the A's played the Giants. Simply a grand time, with the winner holding the cards to annoy the bejesus out of friends and frenemies!

*Play of the Week: Jacksonville place kicker Cam Little unloads on the 70-yard behemoth boot through the uprights! Has anyone ever play with the toy "Big Toe." I loved it. Need a movie with big blasts from kicker? Try "Gus." This old school movie featuring Don Knots, and Gus naturally, may just make you chuckle!

*Personal Update: After an audible, my play-by-play assignments have shifted a bit. I will now be on the mic for  7 CSU Bakersfield Women's Soccer Matches, a pair of Men's Soccer Matches, and for the home opening Volleyball Match vs. Santa Clara. I also have news: it looks like I will be joining the broadcast team of the CSU Monterey Bay! The tentative plan is to call Otters volleyball and a couple of men's basketball games. More details as they roll in. Then in the winter...its back over to College of the Sequoias (COS) for Men's and Women's hoop! I am thrilled and thankful to be on the Roadrunner, Otter and COS Giants teams! College Athletics ramps up this week!

*A Tip of the Cap: To both the Locked on A's Podcast and a Segment of "Mic 2 Mic" with Brian Snow of Snowman Multimedia. Always a joy taking shop with announcer brethren from near and far!

My updated CSU Bakersfield Roadrunner Schedule:

8/28: Women's Soccer, UOP @ CSU Bakersfield. (What a thrill to be calling a UOP match! UOP just a 

                                                                                short drive away from my hometown of Isleton, Ca!)

8/29: Men's Soccer, San Jose State @ CSU Bakersfield. (Lots of Blue and Gold in this tilt!)

9/4: Women's Soccer, Fresno State @ CSU Bakersfield. (Calling a Bulldog match, its a pretty big deal!)

9/9: Women's Volleyball, Santa Clara @ CSU Bakersfield. (I am giddy to be calling a Broncos game!)

9/28: Women's Soccer, UC Irvine @ CSU Bakersfield.

10/8: Men's Soccer, UC Irvine @ CSU Bakersfield. (A double-dip of Anteaters!)

10/9: Women's Soccer, Long Beach St. @ CSU Bakersfield. (The Beach comes to Bako!)

10/16: Women's Soccer, UC Davis @ CSU Bakersfield. (The ultimate Sac State Frenemy!)

10/26: Women's Soccer, Hawaii @ CSU Bakersfield. (Also a pleasure to cover the Rainbow Wahine!)

10/30: Women's Soccer, Fullerton @ CSU Bakersfield (Disneyland anyone!?!) 

Finally, if you enjoy the chatter and banter, I would appreciate if you share with "your" friends and frenemies. Additionally, if you would like to support my ramblings with a cup of coffee, I would be 

tickled. From designer to gas station coffee, it's the thought that counts. You may have noticed the "Donate" Button to use and peruse at your discretion.

                              Be Well--Good Day & Good Sport--See You on the Court and the Pitch!  

         I leave you with a couple of pictures from my first visit to SoFi Stadium in Los Angles, Ca. 

      Holy Toledo Batman! This doesn't look or feel like the Oakland Alameda County Colesum!?!

Christmas in July (7/25): Ladies on the Pitch, CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners & Big West Volleyball, MLB Notes-The A's Nick Kurtz Hurtz!

Breaking News: I am jazzed to report I will be serving as play-by-play announcer for selected CSU Bakersfield Athletic contests this Fall! Sporting events to be covered included Men's & Women's Soccer, and Women's Volleyball! I am once again thrilled to be a member of the Roadrunner Team! First up, Men's Soccer on Friday, August 29 and the Roadrunners will host the San Jose State Spartans! I am grateful for the opportunity to experience Big Time broadcasting under Kyle LePere, CSUB's Director of Creative Services and Broadcasting! I continually strive to entertain and inform the listening audience.

To the Pitch We Go!  On this Win-Win Wednesday, July 23-two monumental victories by England and Spain-result in a Women's Euro Final on Sunday July 27. England snuck by upset minded Italy 2-1 on Tuesday, scoring the equalizer in the 6th minute of stoppage time, then winning on a penalty kick in extra time. Earlier Wednesday, it appeared as Spain and Germany were headed to penalty kicks, when Spain's Aitana Bonmati nailed the game-winner just inside the near post in the 113th minute. Sunday's final is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup, a close affair in which Spain prevailed 1-nill down under in Australia...Cal State Bakersfield's Catalina Roggerone is a member of her native Argentina in the Copa America Feminina (Women's Copa America). Argentina squares off with Ecuador at 2 p.m. on Thursday (July 23). The semi-finals will take place on Tuesday July 28. Only two countries have captured the title, Argentina and Brazil. Roggerone and her Roadrunner mates will travel North for a "Friendly" with Sacramento State on August 7, then travel to the Southland for the season opener with California Baptist on August 14.

My Current Soccer Streaming Broadcast Schedule:

*Men's Soccer, Thursday, August 29   CSU Bakersfiled vs. San Jose State, 7 PM, PST;

*Men's Soccer, Wednesday, Sept. 17   CSU Bakersfield vs. Santa Clara, 7 PM, PST;

*Men's Soccer, Monday, Sept. 22        CSU Bakersfield vs. Gonzaga, 7 PM, PST;

*Men's Soccer, Wednesday, Oct. 8      CSU Bakersfield vs. UC Irvine, 10:30 AM, PST;

*Women's Soccer, Sunday, Oct. 26      CSU Bakersfield vs Hawaii, 7 p.m., PST;

*Women's Soccer, Thursday, Oct. 30   CSU Bakersfield vs Fullerton State, 7 PM, PST;

Back to the Indoors...and Volleyball! A year ago, I was blessed to provide the play-by-play for a schedule of Roadrunners matches as they jostled against the Nevada Wolfpack (my first broadcast) and their Big West Conference foes. The experience was an absolute thrill, and I am jazzed to be back on streaming waves (ESPN +). The coaches and athletes were generally gracious and generous with their time; the coaches also provided me with an enormous amount of insight into the strategic and tactical elements of their sport...I find the setter play to be fascinating; one "quarterback" in particular I am looking forward to watch direct her offense is Cal Poly SLO's Emme Bullis. The redshirt senior dished out a 57 assists vs. Wichita State in the preseason last September. Bullis earned 2nd team all-conference honors behind Hawaii's Kate Lange. While Cal Poly captured the regular season title, Hawaii prevailed over the Mustangs in the conference tournament...The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine own 4 National Titles, and head coach Robyn Ah Mow (3 time Big West Coach of the Year) is one of our nation's treasures. While playing in college Coach Ah Mow led her team to the NCAA finals (lost to Stanford); played on 3 Olympic teams, and has been inducted into USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. It was a pleasure to watch her work, and to share a conversation with her. I was ecstatic to be in the presence of volleyball royalty...Hawaii will move to the Big West Conference in 2026-as Utah Valley, Cal Baptist, and Sacramento State (more on the Hornets in the future!) join the cast...As someone who grew up watching Santa Clara University Athletics, I am delighted to be on the call for the Roadrunners Home Opener vs. the Broncos. My father was a pal of longtime SCU baseball coach Sal Taromina, and my sister and brother-in-law are proud SCU...Teaser: if all goes well, perhaps I will on the stream calling other West Coast Conference Matches--stay tuned!

(The fans of the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine & Rainbow Warriors love their volleyball! Thirty-One consecutive NCAA appearances may have a leetle something do with the fervor for the sport! Enthusiasts can follow @tifferspxp (Tiff Wells) for fabulous coverage. Tiff's work can also be found on ESPN Honolulu.)

My Current Volleyball Streaming Broadcast Schedule:

*Volleyball, Tuesday, Sept. 9               CSU Bakersfield vs. Santa Clara, 6:30 PM, PST;

*Volleyball, Friday, Oct. 31                 CSU Bakersfield vs. Cal Poly (SLO), 3 PM, PST;

*Volleyball, Friday, Nov. 1                  CSU Bakersfield vs. UC Santa Barbara PM, PST;

(The Roadrunners are led by first-year head coach Felipe Noguiera. His squad will travel to Moraga for a scrimmage with St. Mary's on August 16; then will return home for their annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage on August 23. Bakersfield and Utah Teach will jostle in the season-opening affair at the UNLV tournament August 29.)

Kurt's Hurtz & Draft Chatter: Holy Toledo! The Athletics Nick Kurtz went 6-6, while clobbering-get this-4 bombs on a one-of-a-kind Christmas in July! Kurtz collected a whopping 8 RBI's. As the late A's announcer Bill King would famously declare: Holy Toledo! Kurtz is part of an impressive young Green and Gold core, toiling in Sacramento. The A's need arms, and they may have landed an electric one in Florida State southpaw Jamie Arnold who "fell" to the A's with the #11 pick in the recent MLB draft...The Mariners won the draft in my eyes, selecting former LSU stalwart Kade Anderson with 3rd pick. Seattle's farm system is loaded-9 of the Top 100 players in our Prospects1500 were Mariners-and Anderson, may wind up being an ACE!?...With former Mariner great Ichiro Suzuki being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 27, perhaps the sky is indeed the limit in the Northwest?! T-Mobile might just see a title in the not-too-distant future...I would also Tip-The-Cap to Rockies for nabbing Ethan Holliday with the 4th pick. The young man should thrive in Denver's high altitude and light air. Ethan's Dad flourished in Colorado, and the Rox have their fingers crossed, that Ethan will bring good times to Coors Field. Older brother Jackson plays for the Orioles-talk about your bash brothers! One possible concern...Dad appeared giddy that Jackson was headed to Denver, I am not sure however the younger Holliday felt the same way?! Time will tell-for now, spirits are sky high in Colorado...Like Seattle and Oakland (oops), I mean Sacramento (hee hee), Boston also nabbed a stellar college pitcher in Oklahoma's Kyson Witherspoon...While I am calling my shot that the M's will in the hunt for the Commissioner's Trophy (awarded to the World Series Winner) this decade, the other team from Canada-The Toronto Blue Jays-might be last team standing in '25!?

                                                               

Nick Kurtz (#Kurtz Hurtz) in June facing the Phillies in SacTown. This young Dude is a true Bash Brother!The lefty is an imposing figure at the plate...while simultaneously carrying an infectious smile, and fantastic flow out of his helmet! The Bash is Back in Sac!

    Until we meet again, Be Well & Good Sport! I               appreciate you perusing my ramblings!

P.S.: I will be joining Mario Ramos on the stream-cast as the Modesto Nuts host the Fresno Grizzlies on Sunday, July 27.  First pitch scheduled for 6:40. If you happen to be available...I would love to have you tune in!   7/27: Change of schedule; I will not be in the booth today for Modesto vs. Fresno.

  

Mid-Summer Musings: Wimbledon & Tennis Renaissiance, The MLB, and Modesto's Charming Thurman Field...

 In an effort to hold serve...and as always, as tribute to the 3-Dot Journalism aficionados of my time--Northern California and Bay Area legendary columnists Bruce Jenkins and Herb Caen--a taste of the 3-Dot Journalism writing style, in the form of 3-Dot Triple Overtime...

The Toss is in the Air...and Here We Go!  Reminiscing to my youth, ironically one factoid I recall from the 4th of July festivities...was watching Wimbledon! Now, green is my favorite color, thus naturally the hues of The All England Lawn and Croquet Club are appealing to my eye. Mix in a little royalty and Champagne, and I am good to go! On the men's side, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Italy's Jannik Sinner traded blasts...with the Italian holding on for a 4-set victory (4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4)...capturing his first Wimbledon title. These two had met just six weeks before, when Alcaraz rallied from two sets down the finish off Sinner in an epic--perhaps The Epic--French Open final. Alcaraz and Sinner have appeared to bottle a grand amount of enthusiasm--is it their undeniable talent? Has the sporting world moved on from the stronghold, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novac Djokovic held on Grand Slam appearances? Is it Alcaraz's charisma? Sinner's athletic ability and manners on the court?...Or could that be that with Covid in the rearview mirror, has society once again delighted in 2-3 hours of enthralling theater? Movies, Concerts, sporting events...is society wholeheartedly embracing live moments, as technology takes a backseat?!?

On the women's side, it might have been the player who LOST in the championship match, that captivated minds and hearts of sport fans...Poland's Iga Swiatek was dominant as she steamrolled her way to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over upstart American Amanda Anisinova...Swiatek rolled through opponents in England, losing a mere one set in matching like style...while her counterpart, arrived as the underdog. Anisinova reached the final after a monumental upset of the world's #1 ranked player Aryna Sabalenka. I may be overly empathetic and sympathetic as I have a daughter close in age to Amanda--however, the 24-year old captured the imagination of many...not only in the manner in which she reached the final (a thrilling 3 set win, filled with twists and turns!), but also in the manner for which her one appearance in a Grand Slam Final went completely and utterly sideways! I would contend most of "us" non-professional (wannabe) athletes can relate to having a crappy day--when absolutely everything turns to muck. Every single thing. Losing 6-0, 6-0, is like being knocked out--but having to keep on swinging for 12 games, in front of the Princess of Wales no less!...Later in the post game press conference, what struck me, is Amanda essentially conceded she could be in better "physical" condition. Thus, here we have a young woman, once considered a phenom, who took her lumps--did I mention she walked away from the game for a bit, to take a (mental) break? An athlete who bounced back to the ultimate stage, then proceeds to a bludgeoning in the grandiose Wimbledon Final as sports enthusiasts around the world (well, lots of it anyway!?!) were tuned in. Anisimova--in my eyes--became what many professional tennis players simply cannot--this wonderful young tennis pro--became relatable! Needing a break, check; experiencing a wondrous, glorious day that simply sails off the rails...and then acknowledges she could be in better physical condition. I for one can relate with all 3 at one time or another! In a sport, where success requires hours upon hours of court time, and year round preparation--where athletes can appear a bit robotic (and pampered)...Anisimova was able to spin a course of sorts, than many persons, including non athletes, can relate to!..Now just to add a little spice to this drama, both Wimbledon winners had previously served suspensions for "doping." Talk about adding a little off-court controversy to a host of fantastic winners, forehands, and booming serves...I would simply ask--is professional tennis experiencing a "Renaissance?" Well...stay tuned, as the U.S. Open takes place in New York, in just about 6 weeks...steamy and dreamy! 

                                                                

                                                            Main/Center Court at Wimbledon

The Giants and Red Sox Blow Up Fathers Day with a Massive Trade! Whoa Nelly! Oh My! Holy Toledo!..For me, the baseball season came flying into focus when these two iconic franchises made an Uber-Blockbuster trade, as Boston dealt slugger Rafael Devers to San Francisco for a modest return of players and prospects on Fathers Day--also on a day when the Red Sox had swept their #1 sworn enemy, the Yankees--yikes! Devers had belted 215 career home runs with Boston, while the Giants desperately sought out a thumper for their lineup. Devers alleged refusal to play first base, appeared to have been the catalyst for the trade...Was there more to the story? Well...regardless, the Giants were able to pull the trigger and acquire a hitter who can wreak havoc on opposing pitchers. For the Red Sox, was the trade simply a matter of addition by subtraction? The trade did open up opportunities for a core of talented young players (the Red Sox farm system is considered by most pundits to be well stocked)...the Giants are on the hook for nearly  250 Million for the next 8 seasons. The Red Sox can spend the money saved on a free agent in the future. Giants GM and former catcher Buster Posey is beloved by Giants faithful; Red Sox GM Craig Breslow is one of the brightest people on the planet--with degrees in biophysics and biochemistry...can they both be right? Will these two organizations find themselves battling it out for a World Series? As of July 16, Boston had ripped off 10 wins in a row; the Giants sat in 3rd place, one-half game behind the Padres in the mighty National League West...Stay Tuned. 

I found this trade fascinating, following the exploits of both teams since the transaction. Thus, MLB...how about moving up the Trade Deadline a couple of weeks (6 p.m. ET on July 31st is the current deadline)?!? I would contend from mid-June to mid-July, baseball has a window to create some serious buzz and excitement...the NBA and NHL have finished their respective seasons, and the NFL training camps have not yet begun...while we are soft-tossing ideas around--how about adding another Futures game or two? The 4th of July could feature games all day? Start games at 9 a.m...finish with 9 p.m. games on the West Coast--blow it up with baseball and fireworks across the country, all day and all night!...(For the record the HR contest, the HR tiebreaker, and the wonderful pregame tribute to Henry Aaron were all delightfully entertaining!)...Throw in the MLB draft, and the MLB could ratchet up the content--and be cooking, heck sizzling--during this time frame.

In the Mood for a Ballgame, Try Modesto! The Single-A Modesto Nuts are in the final year in the city of Modesto (Central California, 75 miles south of Sacramento). The home of the Nuts is Thurman Field, a quaint stadium that will transport you in a baseball time machine to years gone by...Down both lines, visitors can stand exceptionally close to the fields, and strike a chat with players in the bullpens. Hitters enjoy digging in at the plate, as the left foul pole stands at an inviting 312 feet, while the right field corner is a tad longer at a cozy 319...built in 1955, the park for many years was home of the Cincinnati Reds farm team, and for a stint, housed future Oakland A's. Future Hall of Famers Joe Morgan, Rollie Fingers and Ricky Henderson called Modesto Home...during the 1962 World Series, heavy rain postponed Game 6, and both teams--the host Giants, and the visiting Yankees utilized Thurman Field for a practice session. As word spread regarding the teams arrival, a large and optimistic crowd gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of their baseball heroes. Legend has it that legendary Center Fielder Willie Mays rolled up to practice...in a Cadillac! 

                                   

I was fortunate to join the current voice of the Nuts, Mario Ramos in the booth as a guest color-commentator on July 1 as the Nuts hosted the Fresno Grizzlies (Rockies), and the evening was simply a blast...a foul ball off to the first base side, crashed into the light standards, sending bulb fragments flying--similar to the scenes in the baseball movie "The Natural." If you have an inkling to see a park that symbolizes the past...then Thurman Field is the place for you to visit this summer!

(A view down the Right Field Line in Modesto...notice the Bullpen in the upper right. The #26 hanging on the right field wall represents one of my boyhood heroes, Joe Rudi. Rudi grew up in Modesto!)

(...and the enticing view looking down the Left Field Line...notice the bullpen nestled in the corner!?!)

Check out Mario's call online at (Modest Nuts Website); you will enjoy Mario's smooth, witty, informative and entertaining play-by-play. A reminder for all of your MLB prospect inquiries, check out Prospects1500. The website is the place to turn for prospect information. Recently I wrote a story on some of the Colorado Rockies making positive strides in '25! (Rockies Prospects Making Strides).

 

                                        

Past Due: A Travel Game Plan For the Visiting Sports Fan, When Boston Is On Your Schedule

 The 3-Dot...is my Sweet-Spot! I have many exciting items and ramblings to share with you, however this is little ditty well overdue...in my 8th grade yearbook, I was given the moniker of A.L...Always Late. If you find your way to Boston--which we wholeheartedly recommend--here are a couple of options and recommendations for your traveling playbook. To many safe & wonderful travels! Enjoy!

The Ball is in the Air...and Here We Go!:  We were blessed as a group, to have visited the charming and historic Boston a trio of times in recent the past, and over that time span, we discovered a couple of comfortable locales to stay when in town for Beantown sports. First time in Cradle of Liberty...well you can't go wrong with the Boston Marriot Long Wharf; this hotel can be a little pricey...so plan ahead, we found a family-friendly pre-Christmas time. This locale simply has everything you need. History, check, within walking distance, Faneuil Hall a mere Ted Williams drive away. Restaurants, check, the North End-known for the Italian food-a short stroll away. Something for the kids-the Aquarium is next door! The pool is awesome! I am not a fan of heights...and this establishment is a low-riser. As a bonus, a short cab ride from Logan International! BMLW is just about a mile away from the Boston Garden....what about the Garden you say? Well, we had a delightful experience staying at the Hotel Indigo at Boston Garden. This destination is right across the street from the Garden. If the trip is about the hoop or the hockey, the Indigo is a solid game plan. Every thing you need is close by, including a CVS Pharmacy. The North End is closer to HIBG-thus if fine dining is on your mind, you are covered! The North Station transit hub sits directly under the Garden...thus if you are a transit person-you are also good. The concierge and front desk persons-simply splendid. The side street the property sits on is a little funky...otherwise, this locale is nails for the indoor sports-minded traveler. Much like the BMLF, the Indigo, a quick ride from the airport...Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd...our first option, the no-frills Inn at Longwood Medical. Located in an area surrounded by the Boston Children's Hospital and the Harvard Medical School, this is an extremely chill resting spot. The walk is downhill on the way to the park, uphill on the return. A Target is in the area...and if you need a trendy place to appease the bougie in your party--Wahlburger's is on the way! (Mom does indeed like me best hee hee...). The museum afficianados in the group will love the nearby Isabella Steward Gardner Museum. My wife and daughter are big fans! Looking to hit the grand slam with that special someone in your life--than the Verb Hotel is the play! The Verb is a boutique, hip, music-themed resting spot that snuggles right up to Fenway. My 21-year old daughter loved it! With the location, comes a few C Bills, but hey, love costs after all! If you want to keep attached to the hip of Fenway, and are looking for a unique experience....serve up the Verb!

                                    

            My Son Noah & I after a riveting evening enjoying the Rangers & the Bruins on the ice!                                                           

          .....outside the Garden, and on the way to the Sweet 16. UConn vs. San Diego State. My old Buddy Chris Anderson in my thoughts; Chris' son Brady a linebacker for the San Diego State Aztecs. 

                                                      (The Andersons know Sports Travel!) 

                                          Fenway from the outside...with my favorite Spouse LeAnn!

                                                                                    

Fenway from the inside...my daughter and fav Red Sox intern, with the Monster in the background!

                                                                                      

A view from the courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Museum. The Historians in your life will                                 appreciate a time out or two perusing the many exquisite galleries...

...and finally for those swinging away for the fences-the Verb-a Louis Tiant toss away from 1st base!

                   Dedicated to our wonderful friends in New England...To Many Wonderful Road Trips!

                                                                (And Go Irish!)