Tuesday, May 18
Final Bakersfield and Big West Tidbits--Tigers Notes Too--from the Diamond...
I simply had a blast calling Cal State Bakersfield Baseball & Softball games this past Spring! As I have said several times, there are many wonderful persons at CSUB...I was bummed that UOP (Stockton) baseball backed out of a game last Tuesday (5/12) at Hardt Field; this appears to a rather common appearance where teams back out of games late in the year? (Perhaps there is a buyout involved!?!)...UOP is seeded #2 in the West Coast Conference, and will meet the winner of Pepperdine vs. St. Mary's. A Top Tiger's Performer is grad student Brandon O'Sullivan (.302 avg., 4 Home Runs). One of Brandon's sisters, is none other than former Bakersfield Women's Soccer stalwart "Natalie O!" Natalie scored 3 goals, and tallied one assist for her Roadrunner side this Fall. Natalie O was an absolute delight to cover, watch, and chat up all things sports! Here is a story and clip featuring Natalie's exploits! (Natalie O Earns Big West Honors!) Not to be outdone, another O'Sullivan sibling Katie O'Sullivan, played volleyball this past season for San Jose State! All three attended Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton...well done Mom & Dad O'Sullivan!
The yard in Bakersfield, is about to get a makeover--to the tune of 1.1 Millions Dollars! A new turf field is scheduled to be installed in the very near future...(Bakersfield Renovations). Bakersfield Skipper Jordan Banfield is looking forward to the new Roadrunner digs. When Roadrunner slugger Evan Cloyd strolled to the plate, there was always a chance of fireworks. Cloyd finished the season with 7 home runs, and on-base percentage of nearly .500, and he was plunked 25 times-yikes! The former Bakersfield Christian star finished in the top 25 in the country for batters plunked by pitches...in 2025, the first basemen was first in the land in the HPB category for the regular season. (Cloyd 2nd Team Big West) I was in the audience on two occasions when Cloyd was receiving awards-the Dude is super likable and humble! It is easy to see why his teammates would love him!!!
On the softball side, Roadrunner Freshman Pitcher Cedes Saldana finished 3 in the Big West in innings pitched...the Freshman from Wasco holds a bright future in the circle. Conference champs Fullerton State were a delight to cover-the Titans were a fun bunch, who eliminated Cal Baptist this past weekend in the Los Angeles Regional-irconically, CBU joins the Big West in 2026-27. UCLA outlasted South Carolina to advance to the Super Regionals...The Rowdy Award for Roadrunner Athletes, was a pleasure to attend. The athletes themselves were a kick, in particular baseball and swimming...one of my early soccer calls was in the early running for play of the year (Men's Soccer Dramatic Goal)...I look forward to 26-27 on the mic for Roadrunner Athletics! As a quick recap, this past year I served as play-by-play announcer on ESPN Plus broadcasts for Indoor Volleyball, Men's & Women's Soccer, Baseball, and Softball.
A heartfelt Tip of the Cap to all of the athletes, coaches, Sports Information Directions, camera crew and most importantly--Bakersfield's Director of Creative Services and Broadcasting Kyle LePere! I look forward to many more magic moments on the mic!!!
A's & MLB, & Minor League Notes:
The Rays currently own the best record in the American League, while the Braved have the most wins in the NL...you just never know! The A's have been scuffling here a bit, losing two of 3 from their "old" rival the Giants--Monday Night (5/18) was brutal...the A's lead 1-0 heading into the bottom of the 9th...the Young Dude on the hill, was tossing a no-hitter. After the leadoff hitter singled, Manager Mark Kotsay left his young pitcher in the game, and the next battered homered for a dramatic Angels' win...I just didn't understand leaving his young arm in the game-confidence is such an important facet of success on the bump at the MLB level-take the positive moments!!! Until reinforcements arrive-in particular electric armed pitching, this team seems destined for a .500 record at best. Take away a sweep of the scuffling New York Mets, and the A's have 20-24 record. Nick Kurtz (Hurst) is one of those players that is must see...however tonight (Monday, 5/18) in Anaheim, with the bases juiced and one out in the top of the 9th, Kurtz grounded into a double-play with the A's clinging to a 1-0 lead. The DP was a foreshadow of doom. The vibe in Sacramento is improving however...a group of buddes are planning a group outing to Sac on August 1-if you would like to join us, please let me know!...the A's by the way have a very highly ranked group of prospects in shortstop Leo DeVries, and pitchers Jamie Arnold, Gage Jump, and Wei-in Lin...in the meantime, keep an eye on Tampy Bay-and Kurzt!
Fresno (Colorado, Single-A) has a group of talented Dudes that I would imagine will be heading to Spokane in the not-to-distant future...Ethan Holiday, Roldy Brito, Derek Bernard, and Tanner Thach, could all find themselves in the land of the Zags before long. I visited Spokane a few years back and had a wonderful time...here is that piece for your reading pleasure Avista Park, Spokane Washington. The Rockies on the other hand...still have a ways to go, owning the fewest wins in the National League.
If you haven't seen a game in Visalia's Valley Strong Park yet...well, add it to your list. The fans are so close--in fact they are too close by rule! The Stadium has been grandfathered in...and you simply cannot find a more quaint venue to watch a ball game...#4 ranked Kayson Cunningham looks like a can't miss-the young SS can cover ground, he made two sparking defensive plays when I was in the house. #7 prospect 2B/CF JD Dix has been on a tear of late. Attending a Rawhide game is a grand time, and may feel like you have stepped in a time machine.
*Speaking of timeless classics, the Kentucky Derby keeps on chugging along. Golden Tempo prevailed in a last-to-first dash around the track. The bumping, the drama...the thrill of victory. A Tip of the Cap to trainer Cherie DeVaux, the first woman trainer to capture the run for the roses! Derby Finish I love watching the overhead replays of the Derby...the traffic and the bumping is insane!!!
*Holy Toledo Award: The Spurs Victor Wembanyama poured 41 points, and pulled down 24 rebounds in the mesmerizing OT win over Oklahoma City. Are the Spurs on their way back to the NBA's best!?!
