The Best that ever came from Cuba
The Best that ever came from Cuba
By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
I am old enough to remember, and have seen these very good Cuban-born pitchers who made it to the major leagues, and some I had the good fortune of seen them pitch in the Cuban league (prior to the Major Leagues) and then here in Major League Baseball: Luis Tiant, Camilo Pascual, Mike Cuellar, Mike Fornieles,Pedro Ramos,Diego Segui,Orlando (El Duque)Hernandez and his half brother Livan Hernandez, and many others. I have met and interviewed many of the ones I mentioned here. Yes, Tiant had that deception and wind-up where he spinned like a top on the mound. Camilo Pascual has one of the best curveballs I have seen. Cuellar had a great screwball, Ramos out run the great Mickey Mantle, Segui had a great forkball, but nobody that I can remember from Cuba had the electric stuff of Jose Fernandez, which included a great slider with movement at the very end which makes hitters shake their heads in disbelief.
Jose Fernandez tried to escape Cuba on three occasions, but that is nothing new, other players from Cuba (not necessarily pitches) like Kendrys Morales (Kansas City) tried seven times until he finally succeeded. Many, like Fernandez when he was much younger was arrested and put in prison. This has been the story for many of today’s Cuban players in the major leagues. The very dangerous journey of leaving an island with a government that doesn’t grant freedom and opportunity to its people, and baseball players also are people trapped in that country. The dream of every baseball player in the world is to play in the Major Leagues, and that is no exception to Cuban players. After all Cubans have been playing baseball since Esteban Bellan became the first from Latin-American to play in organized baseball in the US with the Troy Haymakers of the old American Association in the 1870’s.Which by-the-way became the National League, as we know it today, in 1876.
Jose Fernandez was somebody very special, who went to the US as a teenager played ball in Miami in High School, learned English, became a Naturalized US Citizen, and was signed to a major league contract by the Miami Marlins. He died Sunday September 25, 2016, in an unfortunate boat accident in South Florida, shocking the Marlins franchise, the baseball world, Cubans and all Latinos alike in Southern Florida and all over the country. Fernandez had an incredible career record of 29 victories and 2 losses at the home of his team, the Miami Marlins.
This morning I received calls from Miami, one from and old very good friend, a longtime Athletics fan that lived in the East Bay until last year and now retired in Miami, as well as others who told me it was the kind of news that shooked up the whole community, even people that did not followed baseball, knew who he was from many local appearances in Dade County (Miami) in person, and his total involvement with the community as well as on television and even in national television commercials.
Jose Fernandez lived for 24 years a dignified live, with passion for the game he loved; baseball. Because of the circumstances, his lost was like that of Puertorican great Roberto Clemente in 1972 when his plane disappeared north of San Juan Puerto Rico, as he was taking a DC-3 plane, he chartered filled with help to the victims of a very strong earthquake in Managua, Nicaragua.
And just like Roberto Clemente, the young Jose Fernandez helped those less fortunate, and was involved with his community in many ways, not only as a baseball player with the Marlins, but as a regular citizen of Miami.
We will never know what kind of career the 24 year old Fernandez would have accomplished, but it is fair for those of all that follow baseball professionally, that Jose Fernandez was one of the best five pitchers in all of Major League baseball at the time of his death.
May he rest in Peace. Que descanse en Paz.
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September 26, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Sept 24th + 25th
SUN Sept 25th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Alex Pavlovic: Marty chats with Alex in San Diego to talk about the tragic death of Jose Fernandez
Ken Korach: Marty talks to A’s broadcaster Ken Korach about the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez
Rich Walz: Mariners broadcaster Rich Walz talks about the death of Jose Fernandez
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce talk about the sad loss of Jose Fernandez
John Stanley: Marty talks to author John Stanley about his new book: The Funniest Comedy Icons of the 20th Century, Volume 1
Paul White: Marty talks to Paul White about Jose Fernandez who tragically died in a boating accident
Barry Bloom: Marty chats with national reporter & columnist at MLB.com Barry Bloom
Greatest Game – Game four-1954 World Series : Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: Saturday, October 2, 1954, game 4 of the 1954 World Series. Johnny Antonelli’s makes a relief appearance after starting game 2 to help the Giants win the World Series.
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SAT Sept 24th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Vin Scully Speech: Marty plays Vin Scully Farewell Speech to Dodgers fans and baseball
Andrew Baggarly: Marty chats with Andy Baggs about the Giants down the stretch
Phil Rogers: Marty chats with Phil Rogers columnist from MLB.com
Andy Furillo: Marty chats with author Andy Furillo about his new book- The Steamer: Bud Furillo and the Golden Age of L.A. Sports
Bruce Jenkins: Marty talks to Bruce as Madison Bumgarner takes the hill for the #SFGiants tonight in San Diego
Adam Rubin: Marty chats with Adam Rubin who covers the Mets for ESPN.com
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September 25, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Sept 17th + 18th
SAT Sept 17th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
John Rooney: Cardinals Broadcaster John Rooney joins Marty before game 3 of the Cards series
Bam Bam Meulens: Marty talks to the Giants hitting coach about the stretch run
Joe Niese: Marty talks to author Joe Niese about his new book- Burleigh Grimes: Baseball’s Last Legal Spitballer
Mark Saxon: ESPN’s Mark Saxon joins Marty and Patrick before game 3 of the Cards Series
Javier Lopez: Marty chats it up with the Philosopher about Giants baseball down the stretch
Bruce Jenkins + Jeremy Affeldt: Bruce Jenkins (phone) and Jeremy Affeldt (Live) join Marty and Patrick at the Public House
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SUN Sept 18th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Jose Alguacil: Marty does the minor league report with Jose Alguacil
Ron Wotus: Marty chats with the Professor about last night’s disappointing loss
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce talking Sunday Morning Baseball
Andrew Baggarly: Marty and Patrick talk to Andy Baggs about last night’s disappointing loss
Alex Pavlovic: Alex from CSN Bay Area calls in before the series finale vs the Cards
Greatest Game – 1973 down 7-1 Giants comback: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: One of the greatest comebacks occurred on May 1, 1973.. Bobby Bonds hits a 3-run double to win the game.
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September 18, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Sept 10th + 11th
SUN Sept 11th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Jon Miller: Marty talks to Jon Miller about 9/11 during the Giants pregame
Show Open: Marty opens the show honoring the victims from 9/11
Ty Blach: Marty talks to Ty Blach about being called up in September
Andrew Baggarly: Marty chats with Andy Baggs about D-Backs series and 9/11
John D’Acquisto: Marty talks to former Giant John D’Acquisto about his new book: Fastball John
Greatest Game – Lincecum 1st No-Hitter: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: On July 13, 2013, Tim Lincecum throws his first no-hitter vs the Padres. First no-hitter ever thrown in San Diego’s Petco Park.
Barry Bloom: Marty chats with Barry Bloom about being in New York during the 9/11 attacks
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce talk about 9/11
Bernie Pleskoff: Marty chats up with former scout Bernie Pleskoff about the Giants rookies
Joe Carter Part 3: Part 3 of the Joe Carter interview with Marty
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SAT Sept 10th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Joe Nathan: Marty talks to the newest Giant about returning to the ball club
Bruce Bochy: Marty talks to Bochy about hitting mechanics and the stretch run in September
Bruce Jenkins: Marty talks to Bruce about the crazy Giants/D-Backs game Friday night
Bernie Pleskoff: Marty chats with former scout Bernie Pleskoff in Arizona
Barry Bloom: Marty and Barry Bloom take calls
Ted Reed: Marty talks to author Ted Reed about his new book: Carl Furillo, Brooklyn Dodgers All-Star
Al Clark: Marty talks to author and former MLB Umpire Al Clark about his new book- Called Out But Safe: A Baseball Umpire’s Journey
Hank Schulman: Marty talks to Hank about Friday’s Giants/D-Backs game
September 11, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Sept 2nd – 5th
MON Sept 5th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
(Bobby Bolin & Jim Davenport)
Bob Bolin PART 2: Marty chats with Bob Bolin about what he did during the offseason: Did he play winter ball?
Dave Fleitz: Marty talks to Author Dave Fleitz new book – The Irish in Baseball: An Early History
Paul White: Marty talks to USA Today senior writer about the end of the season awards
Ann Killion: Marty talks to SF Chronicle sports writer Ann Killion about Casilla
Hank Schulman: Marty talks to Henry about the 16-30 2nd half for the Giants
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce talk about the slumping bats for the Giants
Marty talks about Labor Day: Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country.
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SUN Sept 4th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
GREATEST GAME – Ron Pruitt Game 1982: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: September 30, 1982, Ron Pruitt game-winning pinch-hit for Johnnie LeMaster in the bottom of the 9th
Andrew Baggarly: Marty talking Sunday morning ball with Andy Baggs
Bruce Jenkins: Looking thru the windows of baseball with Marty and Bruce Jenkins
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SAT Sept 3rd – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Nick Piecoro: Marty talks to Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piecoro
John Shea: Shea-Hey Kid calls in to talk about the return of Joe Nathan
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce Jenkins talk Giants/Cubs ball
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Fri Sept 2nd – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Paul Sullivan: Marty talking ball with Paul Sullivan from the Chicago Tribune
Craig Elsten: Craig Elsten of the Mighty 1090 San Diego Joins Marty
Paul White: Marty chats with Paul White Senior Writer for USA Today
Chris Haft: MLB.com’s Chris Haft joins Marty on SportsPhone
September 5, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Aug 27th + 28th
SAT Aug 27th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
(Credit: AnthonyGruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)
Javier Lopez: Marty talks to Javi about what it feels like to be down the stretch
Andrew Baggarly: Marty and Patrick talk to Andy Baggs about the moves by Dodgers
Mark Bowman: Marty and Patick chat with Braves beat writer for MLB.com
Dave Smith: Marty talks to Dave Smith before game 2 of the Braves Series
Bruce Jenkins: SF Chronicle’s Bruce Jenkins talking ball with Marty and Patrick
Mark Saxon: Marty and Patrick talking ball with ESPN’s Mark Saxon
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SUN Aug 28th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Greatest Game – The Count No Hits the Braves: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: John “The Count” Montefusco pitched a no-hitter vs the Braves on September 29, 1976
Ron Wotus: Marty and Professor ‘Wo’ talk about the importance of solid starting pitching going down the stretch
Bob Bolin – Part 3: Marty chats with Bob Bolin about moving from the South to the Bay Area
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce looking thru the window of baseball before the series finale vs the Braves
August 28, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Aug 20th + 21st
SAT Aug 20th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Derek Law: Giants Reliever Derek Law chats with Marty Lurie
Cory Gearrin: Marty talks to Cory Gearrin about his time on the disabled list
Bruce Jenkins: Marty talks to Bruce Jenkins about Giants/Mets series
Robert Whiting: Marty chats with Bob Whiting about baseball in Japan
Matt Moore: Marty and Matt Moore talk about coming over from Tampa Bay
Joe Panik: Marty talks to the Giants 2nd baseman about “Giving a Damn”
Andrew Baggarly: Marty chats with Andy Baggs about the 2 game winning streak
Adam Ruben: Marty chats with Adam Rubin. He covers the Mets for ESPN.com .
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SUN Aug 21st – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Greatest Game – 2010 World Series game 4: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: October 31, 2010…the Giants sent 21-year-old rookie Madison Bumgarner to start game 4.
Ron Wotus: Marty talks to Professor about this Mets series and the up and coming LA series
Bill Shaikin: Marty talks to Bill Shaikin, baseball reporter for the Los Angeles Times about the Dodgers series coming up
Barry Bloom: Barry Bloom calls in from New York
Anthony Phills: Marty talks to author Anthony Phills about his new book: Designing For The Home Run King
Bruce Jenkins: Bruce Jenkins looking thru the windows of Baseball
Larry Baer: Larry Baer calls in to talk about the stretch run
Kevin Kernan: Marty talks to NY Post Baseball Columnist Kevin Kernan about the Mets series
Will Clark: Marty talking ball with Will “The Thrill Clark
August 22, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Aug 13th + 14th
SAT Aug 13th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Bruce Jenkins + Gaylord Perry: Marty talks to Gaylord and Bruce about Gaylord Perry’s AT&T Park statue dedication on Saturday
Jim Palmer: Hall of Famer James Alvin “Jim” Palmer sits down with Marty and Pat at the patio in Public House at AT&T Park
Bobby Evans: Marty talks with Giants GM Bobby Evans about the brand new Gaylord Perry statue that was unveiled today
Javier Lopez: Marty talking to “the Philosopher” about having a Playoff mentality
Gary Thorn: Marty checks in with Orioles broadcaster Gary Thorne
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SUN Aug 14th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Greatest Game – Giants 2010 series win: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History:On November 1, 2010, Brian Wilson strikes out Nelson Cruz swinging to clinch the World Series for the Giants
Ron Wotus: Marty and the Professor talk about MadBum’s outing yesterday
Bob Bolin PART 1: Marty chats with Bob Bolin about growing up in a small town of Hickory Grove, South Carolina
Will Smith: Marty talks to the newest Giant about getting traded to SF
Wes Krukow: Marty talks to Weston Krukow, the youngest of the five Krukow siblings, before the series finale vs the Orioles
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce “Looking thru the windows..” of Sunday Morning Baseball before the series finale vs the Orioles
August 14, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… Aug 6th + 7th
SAT Aug 6th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Rich Waltz: Marty chats it up with Broadcaster for the Miami Marlins on Fox Sports FL
Mark Gonzalez: Marty chats with Cubs’ beat writer for the Chicago Tribune
Gerry Schwartzbach: Marty talks to author M. Gerald Schwartzbach about his new book: Leaning on the Arc
Mark Zuckerman: Marty talks to beat writer for the Washington Nationals for masnsports.com
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce looking thru the windows of baseball sponsored by Truitt & White
Hank Schulman: Marty and Henry talking Giants/Nats baseball: Can Samardzija improve in the 2nd half
Gordy Wittenmeyer: Marty talks with Cubs beat writer for the Chicago Sun-Times
Len Kasper: Marty talks to Len Kasper play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs
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SUN Aug 7th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Matt Duffy: Marty chats with former Giants 3rd baseman Matt Duffy about leaving SF
Greatest Games – Giants 2012 series win: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: On October 28th, 2012, Marco Scutaro’s RBI single in the top of the tenth, which allowed Ryan Theriot to score, proved the difference in the Giants’ 4–3 victory. With the Game 4 victory, the Giants took the 2012 World Series
Bruce Jenkins: Marty talks to Bruce about this Giants/Nats series
Andrew Baggarly: Marty and Andy Baggs talk before the series finale vs the Nats
Pat Hughes: Marty chats it up with play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs Radio Network
John Lackey: Marty and John Lackey talking Cubs baseball
August 7, 2016 No Comments
Talking Giants Baseball… July 30th + 31st
SAT July 30th – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
Willie McCovey: Marty chats with Willie about his Major League debut on July 30, 1959
Adam Duvall: Marty talks to the ex-Giants outfielder about his success this year
Javier Lopez: Marty talks to Philosopher about this slump that Giants are in
Hunter Strickland: Marty chats with Hunter Strickland about a good cause at the Public House
Bruce Jenkins: Bruce Jenkins joins Marty and Patrick at the Public House before the Giants take on the Nats
Mark Zuckerman: Marty talks to Mark Zuckerman before game 2 of the Nats Series. Mark covers the Washington Nationals for MASNsports.com
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SUN July 31st – KNBR 680 GIANTS pregame with Marty Lurie
FP Santangelo Jr: Marty talks to FP Jr before the series finale vs the Nats
GREATEST GAME – McCovey Debut: Marty Lurie and Chris Haft, from MLB.com, talk about one of the Greatest Games in Giants History: Willie McCovey’s Major League debut on July 30, 1959. McCovey went 4-for-4, including two triples off future Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts.
Bruce Jenkins: Marty and Bruce Jenkins talking Sunday morning baseball
Barry Bloom: Marty talks to Barry Bloom before the series finale vs the Nats
Alex Pavlovic: Marty talks to Alex about the trade deadline tomorrow: Who’s headed to SF?
Ron Wotus: The Professor joins Marty in the KNBR bunker before the series finale vs the Nats
Marty Brennaman: Marty chats with the radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds
Bruce Bochy: Marty talks to the Giants manager about the Amici’s event with Bruce & Kim Bochy to support the Homeless Prenatal Program.
July 31, 2016 No Comments
