John Shea
@JohnSheaHey
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Joined @sfstandard — [email protected]. Biographer of Willie Mays ("24,” a New York Times bestseller) and Rickey Henderson ("Off Base"). Formerly SFChronicle
Joined February 2010
I’m thrilled – as is Willie Mays -- that “24” has risen to No. 3 on the nonfiction bestseller list in the Bay Area and Northern California. It had reached No. 13 on the New York Times bestseller list and is in the company of many fabulous baseball books listed on Amazon.
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Asked David Ortiz if he believes Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens belong in the Hall of Fame: “Not having them join me is hard for me to believe, to be honest with you.” He added, “These guys, I did not even compare myself with them.”.
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Willie Mays gave this statement to Dusty Baker on Monday, a day before Willie passed, to share with the city of Birmingham:
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My heart is broken. All our hearts are broken. The world lost an absolute hero and treasure. The wonderful Willie Mays, a friend to all, died today. Peacefully. Two days before the big day at Rickwood Field. Greatest, most exciting player ever. He changed the world. He was 93.
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Kevin Durant explains his epic in-game trash talking with Gary Payton Sr.
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Two young ballplayers with their careers and lives ahead of them and some reporter lucky enough to chronicle it all.
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Major League Baseball and 28 owners outside Bay Area should seriously examine what’s going on tonight in Oakland, where fans are proving they’d support a team that supports them — this crowd of 27,759 represents a base of 2.7759 million.
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There are plenty of young Brandon Crawfords in the East Bay hoping baseball will do what’s right, but there don’t seem to be any Bill Whites who are willing to save the day.
Reminder: Giants had a signed & sealed deal to move to St Petersburg/Tampa, but MLB owners stepped in, nixed the deal, then forced Giants’ owner Bob Lurie to sell the team to a local group for a lower price & keep team in SF. The owners could do the same with A’s. If they care.
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Happy birthday, Willie Mays. The Say Hey Kid turns 87 today.
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Sergio Romo said for every kid who asked for his autograph in spring training, he asked for theirs. The result is this amazing cap full of kids’ autographs. He’s one of a kind.
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A’s fans created and funded their own giveaway at tonight’s game at the Coliseum. “SELL” T-shirts. Never blame A’s fans for what is happening to the franchise.
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Chris Berman is wearing No. 83. It’s the year he married his wife, Kathy, who died in May in a car accident. “That’s the right number,” he said.
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Dusty Baker is back in the World Series two decades after the Giants fell to the Angels in 7. This time, he took over a team that was a mess and won the Astros a pennant. Some of the best managing of his career. The debate ends. Baker is a Hall of Famer.
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I’m deeply saddened to report that Hall of Famer Willie McCovey, one of our true legends and one of the most popular Giants in history, has died today at 80. RIP, Willie. Our obituary:
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Piscotty said he felt his mother’s presence last night — for example, five straight BP homers for first time — and tapped his chest when fans gave him standing ovation because that’s how his mother used to display her love near the end of her life.
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“They asked me, ‘Hey, can you sign this?’ I'm, like, ‘Can you sign mine first?’ If this is the last hat I’m going to wear in the big leagues and to be able to compete, I figured it would be nice to not go in there alone.".
Sergio Romo said for every kid who asked for his autograph in spring training, he asked for theirs. The result is this amazing cap full of kids’ autographs. He’s one of a kind.
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Scully; "One hundred and thirty-three pitches and a blooper to right, and so it goes in this great game. It seemed almost unfair.".
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Kris Bryant on being welcomed by Giants fans: “It made me feel like I was a rookie again, like I was the No. 1 prospect coming up making his debut. That was really special, and I want to thank all the fans. They've really made this day very memorable for me.”.
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Turns out Jung Hoo Lee is a big Warriors fan, his fave is Steph Curry, and he plans to attend tonight’s game.
San Francisco gets a bad rap for all kinds of reasons, but none of that negativity came through at Jung Hoo Lee's news conference. His parents spoke glowingly about SF, and his agent, Scott Boras, weighed in on the subject, too: via @sfchronicle @SFGiants.
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Kevin Gausman on Pride celebration: “The anthem before the game. The palm trees out front. Really, everything. It was pretty cool. Obviously, this is a city that’s very inclusive, so it was fun to be a part of. I’ve never worn a hat like that before, so that was cool.”.
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Was handed this card by an A’s fan wearing a green sell shirt
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Rev. Bill Greason, 99, Willie Mays’ teammate on the 1948-50 Birmingham Black Barons at the 16th Street Baptist Church today. He was asked who’s the greatest ballplayer ever.
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Giants will retire Barry Bonds' number 25 in an Aug. 11 ceremony. Pirates will be in town. There you go. Wall of Fame. Retired number. Will we see a statue next?.
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“Take Mommy and Daddy’s money somewhere else, dork. If you’re going to be a greedy f—, own it. There’s nothing weaker than being afraid of cameras. That’s one thing I struggled with, not eviscerating that guy.”. Trevor May on John Fisher:. via @sfchronicle.
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Giants acknowledging 25th anniversary of the ballpark in today’s home opener with 2000 team members on hand: Rich Aurilia, Dusty Baker, Marvin Benard, Barry Bonds, Mark Gardner, Damon Minor, Russ Ortiz, Kirk Rueter, Dave Righetti, J.T. Snow, Ron Wotus.
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Little history tonight in Oakland. Cardinals broadcaster Chip Caray, right, will call the game two booths from his son, A’s broadcaster Chris Caray.
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Mike Yastrzemski roaming left field at Rickwood Field, the position his dad played as a Birmingham Baron here in 1986 and his grandfather played in a Red Sox-Yankees exhibition here in 1971. Tonight, youngest Yaz is in right field.
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Good thing for Giants that Pence invited Morse to his wedding.
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Farhan Zaidi, Scott Harris and Gabe Kapler just had a long meeting with veteran Tony Watson. Now Giants and Dodgers coming off the field.
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Terrible news. The great Orlando Cepeda has died. Moment of silence by the Giants at Oracle Park.
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Personal news: Today's my finale at Chronicle after 28-year run. I’ve decided to take on an exciting new gig, but first I want to thank my wonderful colleagues and readers. Has been an honor and pleasure. Still covering ball locally but for different outlet. Will announce soon.
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“Sell the team” chants erupt in the fifth inning at the Coliseum. A’s and Giants fans come together for the cause.
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Giants manager Bob Melvin, who grew up in the Bay Area a Willie Mays fan and as a kid used to ride his bike by Mays’ Atherton house, said No. 24 should be universally retired by all 30 Major League Baseball teams.
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In Birmingham, Willie Mays Scholars gather in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Willie Mays is being honored here this week for his part in the Rickwood Field experience, a tribute to the Negro Leagues.
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By the way, these three dudes were the MVPs of the owners’ meetings. They were seen, they were heard and all the owners knew who they were and mostly tried to stay clear of them. Well done. Oakland 68’s and Last Dive Bar have been the best things about the A’s in 2023.
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Buster Posey really did go out on top. It was just announced that he won his fifth Silver Slugger Award.
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Willy Adames has no opt outs in his seven-year Giants contract. Buster Posey: “Yeah, it’s a commitment. Willy made to us and we made to Willy.”.
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Just checked in with Bruce Bochy on today’s Giants news that Buster Posey is the new president of baseball operations: “I’m excited for Buster. He has such a great feel for the game. He did a great job leading on the field, so I’m sure he will excel in this leadership role.”.
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Sergio Romo on Hunter Pence removing him from the game. This is hilarious and very emotional.
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I spoke with Willie Mays today about MLB's announcement to reclassify the Negro Leagues as "major league," and he got emotional when thinking about his teammates on the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons who didn't get the chance he got:
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Dusty Baker on today's news: "That was a pretty big and bold move by baseball. I’m proud of the fact they stood by the voting rights of people. This is what Hank would’ve liked. Even though it’s in his town. He had the rights of people at the forefront of his mind and his heart.”.
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Klay Thompson wouldn’t end his Q&A with reporters until he said these words about the fires:
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Wilmer Flores: "It feels like every time we play Oakland, it’s a big crowd, so it’s always fun.”."Did you say every time you play Oakland?".“Um … Sacramento. Sacramento. It’ll always be Oakland for me.”.Another Wilmer win.
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Madison Bumgarner on the Giants' 105 wins: "I know people counted them out all year, and a lot of people can’t understand it or make sense with it, but I’ve been on the same side when people said the same thing. Something about that uniform, I don’t know.".
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In Birmingham, this amazingly gorgeous mural is being unveiled today.
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Giants fans should be all in on uniting with A’s fans tonight. Giants fans (nearly) went through this themselves in 1970s when their team was headed to Toronto and in early 1990s when they were bound for Florida. Plus two-team market without a monopoly forces more competition.
"It’s a show of respect for Giants fans. We’re obviously not at our home.". The A's begin a series in SF tomorrow, and A's fans are inviting Giants fans to join their protest of Fisher’s relocation plans; some cool things are planned: via @sfchronicle.
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Reporters asked to speak with Coonrod after game. Coonrod declined. The problem with that is others in the room now have to answer for him. If a player addresses the media when things are going well, he ought to be available when they don't. Veterans notice that stuff.
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A's fans already planning boycott of A's 2024 home opener and even a possible boycott of the entire season. They will never back off, and good for them. What a year it's going to be. @LastDiveBar @Oakland68s @OaklandRooted.
MLB owners vote unanimously 30-0 today to give A’s owner John Fisher green light to leave Oakland and relocate to Las Vegas — all the details including what it means to Giants: via @sfchronicle @sfgiants @Athletics.
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MLB pushes diversity with all kinds of initiatives and talk about trying to be as inclusive as possible with many nationalities and cultures. Yet, it’s in the process of pulling a team out of its most diverse city, Oakland:. via @sfchronicle.
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Citizen in opposition to Vegas stadium rips John Fisher, citing his "shady" ways and that he should pay for it. "Why isn’t A’s management here tonight? The least they could do is show up and answer our questions.". People in Oakland have been wondering that for two decades.
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Stephen Vogt just homered and danced around the bases as the happiest man in America. An unbelievable moment and an amazing way to cap a career. Congrats to one of the nicest dudes in and out of the game.
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I’d say it’s the perfect year to move the All-Star Game to the Oakland Coliseum.
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By the way, 60-year-old @JoseCanseco hit quite a few softballs far, far away at the Coliseum Sunday before and during Reggie Jackson’s celebrity softball game, a cool event in which @mroctober brought many big names back to the @Athletics old park.
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Alyssa Nakken on making history by becoming first woman to coach on field in an MLB game:
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Bob Melvin, new Giants manager, on free agency: “The fact that we are shopping at the top end of the market is pretty cool.”.
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Whoops. The Freeze came all the way to the All-Star Game to beat some guy in a race . and lost.
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Pablo Sandoval grateful that old teammate Buster Posey allowed him to be part of Giants camp as a guest instructor
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Brandon Belt said on the TV postgame show that his grandmother died this morning and he dedicated his wonderful game -- four hits, two homers -- to her as well as the rest of the season.
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Farhan Zaidi on Shohei Ohtani: Proposal from Ohtani to Giants was exact deal he wound up getting with LA. "We said we were agreeable to it. It was going to come down to a choice by the player at that point.".
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I’ve been to most of the Giants’ reunions/ceremonies, and I can’t remember one better than this one. These things don’t just happen. They’re orchestrated well in advance behind the scenes, and Mario Alioto and his crew pulled off a doozy.
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Ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Cueto just stole the first base of his major-league career, and it was fabulous.
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Some breaking news: Giants reverse course after fans’ tile outrage, scratch digital kiosk plan; yes, @SFGiants fans were heard: via @sfchronicle.
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Congrats to Dusty Baker, who has won his first World Series as manager 20 years after coming close in San Francisco. Many Giants fans and folks in industry thrilled for Baker, who likely was going to HOF anyway. Now there’s zero doubt.
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"Hunter Pence waves to fan cutouts during introductions.". _ future Hunter Pence sign.
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“My brain said drop to a knee; my body didn’t listen. I wanted to walk back inside; instead I froze. I felt like a coward.”. Powerful words from Gabe Kapler. Please read.
We’re not the land of the free nor the home of the brave right now.
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Scully's final sign-off: "I have said enough for a lifetime. And for the last time, I wish you all a very pleasant good afternoon.".
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Spoke with Joc Pederson, who said Tommy Pham slapped him during pregame incident over issue involving fantasy football league. Said he doesn’t expect to be in another fantasy league with Pham again.
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Happy 89th birthday to Willie Mays, the greatest and most exciting baseball player in history.
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Willie Mays Hall of Fame plaque transported from Cooperstown to Rickwood Field. First time out of museum since 1979 when he was inducted. Hall president Josh Rawitch was on way to airport with the plaque when he heard about Willie’s passing.
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Late-game moves: Pablo Sandoval called to hit, and Will Smith and Mark Melancon called to relieve, just how Bochy drew it up.
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Nice pregame moment with LaMonte Wade Jr. introducing rookie Casey Schmitt to Evan Longoria. As a kid, Schmitt would emulate Longoria and his different arm angles. @SFGiants
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Willie Mays on Peter Magowan: "He and Debby cared about me, and it was so easy to care about them in return. It's hard to find the right words just now, but in losing Peter, I've lost a great, great friend. He was like my godfather. No one can replace him.".
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Frank Robinson died today at 83, Giants manager and baseball trailblazer who grew up in Oakland. Here is our obituary with wonderful stories he told about his life when attending a 2017 Giants game:
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Alex Dickerson collects six RBIs, gives credit to Kevin Pillar.
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I reached out to Wally Haas from the @Athletics Haas ownership to disuss the A's relocation, and he called John Fisher's decision to pull the team out of Oakland “frankly unforgivable,” “hard to watch” and “indefensible.”. The full story: via @sfchronicle.
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Parade should have started in Oakland and crossed the bridge. How cool would that have been? Warriors' home 47 seasons, Curry's first three banners. Respect the history.
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Barry Bonds makes appearance at City Hall for 2/4/24 celebration of godfather Willie Mays. By the way, a year from tomorrow is 2/5/25.
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I’m thrilled to announce that Willie Mays and I have completed our book -- “24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid” -- that’ll be published May 5, a day before his 89th birthday, with all fresh, exclusive material and amazing photography.
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Joe Lacob once had deal to buy A's and said he still has "standing offer" in place. Here's the story of how Lacob's A's rejection taught him a lesson that led to his Warriors purchase and will make A's fans wonder what could have been:. via @sfchronicle.
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