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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CSN - Bay Area: On the Move!
Moving in high school from California to Arizona when you're in 10th grade only to eat lunch by yourself in the bathroom on the 1st day of school? Not Fun!Transferring across country for a job to a town where only the Starbucks barista knows your name? Also not fun.
But moving to a State-of-the-Art building in the heart of one of the nation's most crazed Sports Cities? PRICELESS! Which is why I am happy to report Comcast SportsNet Bay Area is on the move!
That's right -- your home of the Giants, A's, Warriors, Sharks, SaberCats, 'Quakes, Cal & Stanford -- has a new, and might I add improved home! We are relocating our Sports Network to 370 3rd Street in San Francisco where we are constructing a new high-definition facility complete with a cutting-edge studio, a 24-hour newsroom and HD production facilities in a multi-million dollar build-out of 32,000 square feet (house hunters here in the city, you KNOW how impossible it is to find space like this!)
Watching this move unfold before my eyes, I feel like I've crossed over from the Sporting world to a set on HGTV because we get to be a part of this project from the ground up, literally (see pic of Jaymee Sire and I hammering out the plans with our GM Ted Griggs). I am also re-learning why I will never remodel my kitchen because I am not blessed with that "before" and "after" vision. Although I must say I'm extremely impressed with the Comcast SportsNet "after" look.
Our new home will be the perfect venue for us to launch our locally-produced News programing. We'll have the resources we need to be the eyes and ears for every major Sporting Event here in the Bay Area. And for those of us who will be pulling some late-nights to ensure the best programming for our viewers, we'll be in a facility we're proud to call home!
But more importantly, it's very exciting to be a part of this project from Day 1. Our "team" (I use this word affectionately b/c my co-worker Devon loves when we throw around cliché phrases from "the Office") took a trip to the new building for a tour and witnessed the signing of the lease. It really makes me feel like I have found a "home" when we are all in this together and get to build something great from scratch. Not to sound too much like a Hallmark feel-good commerical but I guess you could say the hard hat was worth the bad hair day =)
Giants Classic #6 - Reserves Preserve W
"Put me in Coach, I'm ready to play." I am guessing that's what Chris Speier, Mike Laga, Greg Litton, Ken Oberkfell, Ernie Camacho and Candy Maldenado said to Roger Craig back on September 4th, 1989.
It was just after September call-ups and the Giants were leading the National League West by 6 games, 12 games in front of their competition that afternoon in Cincinnati. But nevertheless, the Giants were down 8-0 after 6 innings of action and Craig switched up his gameplan, moving the bench onto the diamond. All position players on the roster that day in September made it into the game (except the '89 N.L. M.V.P. Kevin Mitchell who was nursing an injury). In fact not one player stayed in the same position for the entire outing, and only Matt Williams who moved from 3rd base to short and back to 3rd and Donnell Nixon who played musical chairs in the outfield played the whole game!
But when Craig started to shake up the positions on the field, the bats came alive at the plate. The back-ups and pinch hitters got their moment to shine with big rallies in the 8th and 9th for an epic comeback victory over the Reds. For anyone who's ever rode the bench in high school sports or played out a scene in their head..."bottom 9th, bases loaded and coach calls me in as the tying run at the plate", tonight's Giants Classic is for you.
It's for you, "Rudy" and heck -- even Aaron Rodgers should tune in... tonight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area at 7 p.m. It will reair Saturday morning at 11 and then join the rest of the Giants Classic Countdown OnDemand.
*** And an added bonus you get to see Bob Brenly back in the Orange and Black to finish off his final games as a Giant.
It was just after September call-ups and the Giants were leading the National League West by 6 games, 12 games in front of their competition that afternoon in Cincinnati. But nevertheless, the Giants were down 8-0 after 6 innings of action and Craig switched up his gameplan, moving the bench onto the diamond. All position players on the roster that day in September made it into the game (except the '89 N.L. M.V.P. Kevin Mitchell who was nursing an injury). In fact not one player stayed in the same position for the entire outing, and only Matt Williams who moved from 3rd base to short and back to 3rd and Donnell Nixon who played musical chairs in the outfield played the whole game!
But when Craig started to shake up the positions on the field, the bats came alive at the plate. The back-ups and pinch hitters got their moment to shine with big rallies in the 8th and 9th for an epic comeback victory over the Reds. For anyone who's ever rode the bench in high school sports or played out a scene in their head..."bottom 9th, bases loaded and coach calls me in as the tying run at the plate", tonight's Giants Classic is for you.
It's for you, "Rudy" and heck -- even Aaron Rodgers should tune in... tonight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area at 7 p.m. It will reair Saturday morning at 11 and then join the rest of the Giants Classic Countdown OnDemand.
*** And an added bonus you get to see Bob Brenly back in the Orange and Black to finish off his final games as a Giant.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Number 1 Reason to Watch Giants Classic Tonight
There are actually many reasons why you want to be tuned in at 7 p.m. for Giants Classic Games, but aside from the obvious (it's entertaining, informative and quite the trip down memory lane), the reason to watch CSN-BA tonight: WILL CLARK.
We're at Game #8 in our countdown of Top 10 fan favorite games -- Giants in San Diego back on September 28, 1987. With a victory over the Padres, the Giants clinch the National League West and land themselves back in the playoffs for the 1st time in 16 years. For fans during that era -- it was a long postseason drought. But don't worry, Clark felt your pain.
After the game, on live television mind you, Clark let the world know just how excited he was to win the Division title. And although he was a young kid himself ( in just his 2nd year of the Bigs), Clark expressed his excitement with language not suitable for children. Before there were 5-second delays in television, there was "Will the Thrill" unplugged in the Giants clubhouse. And although we've sensored the language for tonight, you can revisit the "classic" Clark Champagne interview in the Clubhouse, courtesy Giants Classic Games.
What's even more "classic" about tonight's event is the postgame celebration that the viewer gets to be a part of. You can rock out with the 80s tunes and watch as fans rush Jack Murphy Stadium - nearly following the players into the clubhouse! The original broadcast is a far cry from the sophistication and "perfection" we've become accustomed to on TV today. Instead, it's more of a hand-held camera, in your face view of the players celebration (think Blair Witch Project but instead of the dripping nose and weird stick formations you get upclose with Bob Brenly, Chili Davis, Jeffrey Leonard and Don Robinson).
If you haven't seen this game & the Clark interview, it's surely one you won't want to miss. And if you have seen it, you know what I am talking about and I'm guessing your DVR is already set for tonight because there's nothing better than Clark and his Champagne toast -- so I'll see you then! (By the way, if you miss tonight's Game, you can tune in for the Re-run Saturday at 7 p.m. and after that, this Game will join Games 9 & 10 in our countdown On Demand).
We're at Game #8 in our countdown of Top 10 fan favorite games -- Giants in San Diego back on September 28, 1987. With a victory over the Padres, the Giants clinch the National League West and land themselves back in the playoffs for the 1st time in 16 years. For fans during that era -- it was a long postseason drought. But don't worry, Clark felt your pain.
After the game, on live television mind you, Clark let the world know just how excited he was to win the Division title. And although he was a young kid himself ( in just his 2nd year of the Bigs), Clark expressed his excitement with language not suitable for children. Before there were 5-second delays in television, there was "Will the Thrill" unplugged in the Giants clubhouse. And although we've sensored the language for tonight, you can revisit the "classic" Clark Champagne interview in the Clubhouse, courtesy Giants Classic Games.
What's even more "classic" about tonight's event is the postgame celebration that the viewer gets to be a part of. You can rock out with the 80s tunes and watch as fans rush Jack Murphy Stadium - nearly following the players into the clubhouse! The original broadcast is a far cry from the sophistication and "perfection" we've become accustomed to on TV today. Instead, it's more of a hand-held camera, in your face view of the players celebration (think Blair Witch Project but instead of the dripping nose and weird stick formations you get upclose with Bob Brenly, Chili Davis, Jeffrey Leonard and Don Robinson).
If you haven't seen this game & the Clark interview, it's surely one you won't want to miss. And if you have seen it, you know what I am talking about and I'm guessing your DVR is already set for tonight because there's nothing better than Clark and his Champagne toast -- so I'll see you then! (By the way, if you miss tonight's Game, you can tune in for the Re-run Saturday at 7 p.m. and after that, this Game will join Games 9 & 10 in our countdown On Demand).
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Sports Fan's Memories
I'm currently in the midst of our Giants Classic Games series. It's a coundtown of some of the most memorable games in the Giants' 50-year history (see my last blog for more details). It's been a fun project to go back in time to recap these games... although I must admit it's been more fun to relive the excitement of these 10 games thru the fans' memories.
Each week, my Executive Producer David Koppett and I discuss the Game of the Week -- and faster than I can order my decaf, nonfat, sugar-free, 2-pump tuxedo mocha... Mr. Giants himself has already taken me back to that Game. Instantly I am transformed to the stands at Candlestick Park as David describes the temps of that day, the uniform that was worn and recites by memory the line-up for the Giants that game. I don't have to pop the tape in to know what happened inning-by-inning, I just listen (which is good since some of these games are on Tapes so old the machinary to play them doesn't even exist anymore!)
Because as all of us Sports Fans know, you don't forget your favorite games... it's engraved in your memory like the last 4-digits of your social security number. It's filed right next to all those other amazing moments -- your college graduation, the birth of your 1st child, your favorite vacation. For many, it's probably easier to remember who hit the walk-off homer in your favorite game and what number he was in the batting order that day, then it is to remember your significant other's middle name, let alone your anniversary.
My parents tell me I was born to be a Sports Fan - literally. I cheered, or rather screamed like a baby, right along with my Dad as I watched the "Miracle on Ice" from my infant seat. The 1984 Olympics are also near and dear to my heart. I felt emotionally tied to the athletes, as my family and our family friends in LA would gather after dinner each night to watch those Summer Games. And this year, I was reminded of the 1st Sports Rivalry I was a part of as I watched the Celtics/Lakers showdown. I have sinced moved and changed team alliances, but the minute I saw the Celtic green line-up opposite the purple and gold, the floodgates released all the memories of Magic at the forum against Larry Bird. I remember where I was and who I was with for each of those playoff reigns.
But I also have Sports Memories that hurt too much to think about. I still associate Shane Battier with a more painful experience than watching Steve Carell get his chest waxed in The 40-Year-Old Virgin when I remember March Madness 2001 when my 'Cats were defeated by Duke. Don't even get me started on those UNFAIR foul calls against Arizona -- tears WILL start to flow.
Fortunately, there are more high moments than low (call it selective memory) when it comes to my favorite Sports moments. There's winning the High School State Championship in Soccer my senior year and watching the Copa del Rey with my best friend on the streets of Seville, Spain. Watching the Diamondbacks win the World Series in 2001 with my family and attending some of those games against the Yankees that year, rank high on the list as well (although I still can't watch replays of that 7-game series for fear I'll go into cardiac arrest when Byung-Hyun Kim takes the mound).
And the list goes on, and thankfully continues to grow making the life of a Sports Fan that much more memorable. Sending you warm thoughts of buzzer beaters, walk-off homers and final-second field goals as we head into the holiday weekend!
Each week, my Executive Producer David Koppett and I discuss the Game of the Week -- and faster than I can order my decaf, nonfat, sugar-free, 2-pump tuxedo mocha... Mr. Giants himself has already taken me back to that Game. Instantly I am transformed to the stands at Candlestick Park as David describes the temps of that day, the uniform that was worn and recites by memory the line-up for the Giants that game. I don't have to pop the tape in to know what happened inning-by-inning, I just listen (which is good since some of these games are on Tapes so old the machinary to play them doesn't even exist anymore!)
Because as all of us Sports Fans know, you don't forget your favorite games... it's engraved in your memory like the last 4-digits of your social security number. It's filed right next to all those other amazing moments -- your college graduation, the birth of your 1st child, your favorite vacation. For many, it's probably easier to remember who hit the walk-off homer in your favorite game and what number he was in the batting order that day, then it is to remember your significant other's middle name, let alone your anniversary.
My parents tell me I was born to be a Sports Fan - literally. I cheered, or rather screamed like a baby, right along with my Dad as I watched the "Miracle on Ice" from my infant seat. The 1984 Olympics are also near and dear to my heart. I felt emotionally tied to the athletes, as my family and our family friends in LA would gather after dinner each night to watch those Summer Games. And this year, I was reminded of the 1st Sports Rivalry I was a part of as I watched the Celtics/Lakers showdown. I have sinced moved and changed team alliances, but the minute I saw the Celtic green line-up opposite the purple and gold, the floodgates released all the memories of Magic at the forum against Larry Bird. I remember where I was and who I was with for each of those playoff reigns.
But I also have Sports Memories that hurt too much to think about. I still associate Shane Battier with a more painful experience than watching Steve Carell get his chest waxed in The 40-Year-Old Virgin when I remember March Madness 2001 when my 'Cats were defeated by Duke. Don't even get me started on those UNFAIR foul calls against Arizona -- tears WILL start to flow.
Fortunately, there are more high moments than low (call it selective memory) when it comes to my favorite Sports moments. There's winning the High School State Championship in Soccer my senior year and watching the Copa del Rey with my best friend on the streets of Seville, Spain. Watching the Diamondbacks win the World Series in 2001 with my family and attending some of those games against the Yankees that year, rank high on the list as well (although I still can't watch replays of that 7-game series for fear I'll go into cardiac arrest when Byung-Hyun Kim takes the mound).
And the list goes on, and thankfully continues to grow making the life of a Sports Fan that much more memorable. Sending you warm thoughts of buzzer beaters, walk-off homers and final-second field goals as we head into the holiday weekend!
Giants Classic Games
If you aren't watching Comcast SportsNet authentic series Giants Classic Games, than I have to wonder - why not? It's rerun time for Grey's Anatomy & the Office so nothing should conflict on your Thursday nights. So here's the lowdown on what's in-store for you Thursday Nights on Comcast SportsNet:
Giants Classic Games - a top-10 countdown of some of the most memorable Giants moments. Last month, fans ranked some of their favorite games in the Giants' 50-year history and we are re-airing those magical games in condensed format highlighting interesting facts and tidbits surrounding that game.
Game Number 10: June 23, 1991 - Giants' 1st-ever Turn Back the Clock Promotion... the Giants organization went all out for the game against the Cubbies that Sunday afternoon at Candlestick Park. The players sported vintage uniforms, fans, announcers and ballpark employees dressed in Roaring 20s attire as a parade of classic cars pulled up to the game. The P.A. announcements were made on a megaphone and the score was updated on a manual scoreboard as the Giants came back to beat Chicago 2-1 on a 9th inning rally.
Game Number 9: July 18, 2000 - It was the 1st season the Giants played on the shores of McCovey Cove and they produced a worthy season at their new ballpark. After a slow start, the Giants started winning in June and by July they were hot on the heels of the defending N.L. West champion Diamondbacks. On July 18, the Giants trailed 3-0 in the 8th in interleague play against the Rangers when the rally began. San Franciso scored 2 in the 8th and in the 9th, delivered the most dramatic finish of their new park's inaugural season with a pinch-hit 3-run walk off homerun from Armando Rios.
Game Number 8: September 28, 1987 - Seeking their 1st division title in 16 years, the Giants dominated the season's final 2 months. On September 28 in San Diego, the Giants achieved their goal with dramatic flair. Both Jeffrey Leonard and Chili Davis contributed to their 100th career home runs and the Caveman Don Robinson, homered to provide the winning run and nailed down the save as the Gaints were crowned N.L West Champions with the 5-4 victory over the Pads.
GAME NUMBER 8 airs on July 10th on CSN-Bay Area. Games 9 & 10 can be found on Comcast On-Demand. And the Countdown 7 -1 continues throughout the summer ending on September 10th.
Giants Classic Games - a top-10 countdown of some of the most memorable Giants moments. Last month, fans ranked some of their favorite games in the Giants' 50-year history and we are re-airing those magical games in condensed format highlighting interesting facts and tidbits surrounding that game.
Game Number 10: June 23, 1991 - Giants' 1st-ever Turn Back the Clock Promotion... the Giants organization went all out for the game against the Cubbies that Sunday afternoon at Candlestick Park. The players sported vintage uniforms, fans, announcers and ballpark employees dressed in Roaring 20s attire as a parade of classic cars pulled up to the game. The P.A. announcements were made on a megaphone and the score was updated on a manual scoreboard as the Giants came back to beat Chicago 2-1 on a 9th inning rally.
Game Number 9: July 18, 2000 - It was the 1st season the Giants played on the shores of McCovey Cove and they produced a worthy season at their new ballpark. After a slow start, the Giants started winning in June and by July they were hot on the heels of the defending N.L. West champion Diamondbacks. On July 18, the Giants trailed 3-0 in the 8th in interleague play against the Rangers when the rally began. San Franciso scored 2 in the 8th and in the 9th, delivered the most dramatic finish of their new park's inaugural season with a pinch-hit 3-run walk off homerun from Armando Rios.
Game Number 8: September 28, 1987 - Seeking their 1st division title in 16 years, the Giants dominated the season's final 2 months. On September 28 in San Diego, the Giants achieved their goal with dramatic flair. Both Jeffrey Leonard and Chili Davis contributed to their 100th career home runs and the Caveman Don Robinson, homered to provide the winning run and nailed down the save as the Gaints were crowned N.L West Champions with the 5-4 victory over the Pads.
GAME NUMBER 8 airs on July 10th on CSN-Bay Area. Games 9 & 10 can be found on Comcast On-Demand. And the Countdown 7 -1 continues throughout the summer ending on September 10th.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Seeing Double
If you happen to be walking around town in San Jose, and see Quakes Goalkeeper Joe Cannon, but he doesn't say hi -- don't be offended, it may not be him.
The veteran soccer player has a double. That's right, there are two, 6-foot-2, 200-pound Mr. Cannons, Joe and his identical twin Jon. In fact born on the 1st of January, Joe & Jon were actually the 1st set of twins born in Idaho in 1975.
The two not only look alike, but also share the same athletic gene. Growing up, Joe & Jon were competitive ski racers and both were ranked in the J5 -- Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street was even one of their teammates! But while Joe turned to soccer, Joe hit the diamond playing minor league baseball with the Giants organization. Their younger brothers also share the Cannon athletic ability. Colt is a pro skateboarder and Cody played on the junior national team for water polo.
And while Joe is prepping to stop Landon Donovan and David Beckham this weekend in the goal, he's also busy playing Uncle. His twin Joe just had a little boy -- born early yesterday morning. Fortunately for Joe, his brother didn't have to go thru the labor because he says the twins do feel each other's pain!
If you're not out at the A's / Giants game this Saturday, be sure to head over to McAffee Coliseum to see the Earthquakes take on their rival LA Galaxy (along with Posh Spice). Kickoff is 7-p.m. and tickets are still available. Who knows TomKat might even be making the trip with Becks to see this Rivarly Showdown!
The veteran soccer player has a double. That's right, there are two, 6-foot-2, 200-pound Mr. Cannons, Joe and his identical twin Jon. In fact born on the 1st of January, Joe & Jon were actually the 1st set of twins born in Idaho in 1975.
The two not only look alike, but also share the same athletic gene. Growing up, Joe & Jon were competitive ski racers and both were ranked in the J5 -- Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street was even one of their teammates! But while Joe turned to soccer, Joe hit the diamond playing minor league baseball with the Giants organization. Their younger brothers also share the Cannon athletic ability. Colt is a pro skateboarder and Cody played on the junior national team for water polo.
And while Joe is prepping to stop Landon Donovan and David Beckham this weekend in the goal, he's also busy playing Uncle. His twin Joe just had a little boy -- born early yesterday morning. Fortunately for Joe, his brother didn't have to go thru the labor because he says the twins do feel each other's pain!
If you're not out at the A's / Giants game this Saturday, be sure to head over to McAffee Coliseum to see the Earthquakes take on their rival LA Galaxy (along with Posh Spice). Kickoff is 7-p.m. and tickets are still available. Who knows TomKat might even be making the trip with Becks to see this Rivarly Showdown!
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