News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California
By Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, City of Oakley
The San Jose Sharks promo team will be at Oakley on Ice this Saturday, December 13th, from 2:30 to 8:30 pm. There will be interactive games, a prize table, photo ops and more.
Oakley on Ice skating rink is located at Norcross Lane and Main Street behind the Mercantile Building. For more information visit https://oakleyonice.com/.
San Francisco Giants player Willie Mays in 1955 posing for the camera of an Associated Press photographer. Public domain. Source: Wikpedia
By Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
OAKLAND – Daniel Damato pleaded guilty in federal court Monday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2025, to wire fraud in connection with his sales of fraudulent sports memorabilia. Damato also admitted that he attempted to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into his criminal conduct.
Damato, 42, of Concord, California, was charged by information on October 20, 2025, with one count of wire fraud. The information alleged that between 2022 and 2024, Damato, a sports memorabilia dealer, doctored and gave false provenance to valuable items to make them appear as authentic sports collectibles, and then attempted to sell the items to unsuspecting buyers at inflated prices.
In pleading guilty, Damato admitted that in 2023, he sold for $100,000 a baseball bat that he falsely represented as having been used by Willie Mays in the 1954 World Series. Despite his assertions to the contrary, the bat Damato sold for $100,000 had not been used in the 1954 World Series and was in fact a “factory error” bat that was an inch shorter than what Mays used during his career. After the victim buyer sent Damato $100,000 for the supposedly game-used bat, Damato did not send him anything.
Damato also sold other fraudulent items, including a jersey he falsely marketed as having been worn in a game by Mays that Damato sold for $50,000.
After the FBI executed a search warrant on his residence in October 2024, Damato contacted at least one potential witness in an attempt to obstruct the government’s investigation into his conduct.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez made the announcement.
Damato’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026, before District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín. Damato faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham Fine is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Case No. 25-cr-0344-AMO
Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.
The restored Mt. Diablo High School football field with new logo. Photo: MDUSD
By Mt. Diablo Unified School District
The Mt. Diablo High School football team played its latest home game on a fully restored home field that has been returned to its previous state-of-the-art condition less than two months after a destructive fire that was started by illegal fireworks melted the artificial turf, forcing the Red Devils to play their first three home games off site.
The team and Mt. Diablo Unified School District are deeply grateful to the Las Vegas Raiders, who pledged a donation of $250,000 to assist with the cost of restoring the field, after learning of the fire and needed repairs.
“As a lifelong Raiders fan and past season ticket holder, I couldn’t be more pleased with their generous contribution,” said MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark. “The Mt. Diablo High School student body, alumni and community deserve a learning environment that they can be proud of. With the help of Mark Davis, owner of the Raiders, we have restored the field to its original state!”
Although the turf was repaired last month, the Mt. Diablo High School logo was installed more recently this month, because it had to be special-ordered. Since that installation, the team has played several “away” games.
The team was excited to play on its completely restored home field for its “Homecoming” game on Friday, Oct. 31, as it hosted cross-town MDUSD competitors, the Ygnacio Valley High School Wolves.
The Raiders’ donation will cover the cost of the insurance deductible, which the District would have had to pay out of its own funds toward the total repair costs of nearly $350,000.
Mt. Diablo High School is located at 2450 Grant Street in Concord, CA.
D-BAT Baseball & Softball Academy in Oakley offers computerized batting cages with different modes and speeds. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
A new state-of-the-art training center, known as D-BAT Baseball & Softball Academy, will hold its Grand Opening in Oakley on Monday, August 25, 2025. Best friends Brian Bajarias and Joshua Choy, along with Brian’s wife Vanessa Vasquez, own the local franchise, which has hundreds of locations throughout the U.S. During the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 21, they were presented with a $50,000 ceremonial check from Mayor Shannon Shaw, representing the funds from the City’s Façade and Tenant Improvement Program.
Joined by family, friends and local officials, owners Brian Bajarias (left) and Joshua Choy (right), and Bajarias’ mother Lolita (center), hold the scissors to cut the ribbon officially opening their D-BAT training facility in Oakley on Aug. 21, 2025.
The event was also attended by City officials, local business owners and the president of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce, Oleksii Chuiko.
“We are so excited and thrilled to have this facility in Oakley that will serve all the people of the Delta,” he said. “You guys have something incredible here.”
D-BAT stands for Developing Beliefs, Attitudes and Traditions.
“It’s a facility we wanted to bring to this area,” Bajarias stated.
D-BAT Oakley owners Joshua Choy and Brian Bajarias offer a start-of-the-art 12,000 square foot training facility.
“We’ve been working on this project for about three years and we’re finally at the point where we get to open this gym with the great community we have here,” Choy shared.” My brother, Brian, and I have dreamt of opening a business together since we were young. We’ve always come up with many different ideas, but nothing really panned out. Brian moved out to Oakley looking for an indoor training facility but not a whole lot of options, here.”
“We’ve been working on this project for about three years and we’re finally at the point where we get to open this gym with the great community we have here,” Choy shared.” My brother, Brian, and I have dreamt of opening a business together since we were young. We’ve always come up with many different ideas, but nothing really panned out. Brian moved out to Oakley looking for an indoor training facility but not a whole lot of options, here.”
“So, we did some research and stumbled upon D-BAT. It’s a franchise nationwide with about 180 locations known for indoor softball, baseball training which is great for this big baseball community that we have here,” he added.
Choy then thanked and name “all the local businesses that have come out to make this possible for us.” He also thanked his wife, Chelene “whose been supportive through this whole process and to everyone who’s encouraged us along the way.”
“This has been a journey of faith, perseverance and community. With God, family and friends all things are possible and today’s proof of that,” Bajarias said.
He offered thanks to his wife and their children, who he named and said, “this is all for you.” Bajarias then thanked his mother, Lolita, saying, “Thank you for all your prayers and constant support. Without you this isn’t possible.”
Finally, he thanked all those who helped make the center a reality, including the building owners Mike and Bob Mello, contractors, architects and City of Oakley Councilmembers and staff as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
“D-BAT Oakley is more than a training facility. It’s an anchor for this community, a place for athletes to grow, families to connect and local businesses to thrive alongside us,” he continued. “We’re proud to be here and Josh and I are just getting started.”
Mayor Shannon Shaw speaks about the $50,000 from the City of Oakley as owners Brian Bajarias (left) and Joshua Choy hold the ceremonial version of the check and Oakley Chamber of Commerce President Oleskii Chuiko looks on during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 21, 2025.
Mayor Shaw spoke next saying, “One of the comments we get the most is there’s not enough youth activities for the residents of Oakley and you guys are bringing that. Not just to Oakley but to the entire region. I look forward to you being a great partner. Even before you were open, you were part of our parade and won an award for Most Enthusiastic. You’re already being part of the community, and we really appreciate that.”
She then presented the ceremonial check to the two men.
About D-BAT Oakley
The 12,000 square foot facility includes batting cages, two 70-foot tunnels in the bullpen with mounds and radar for live batting practice, plus a pro shop by Easton Rawlings.
“We have all the top-of-the-line gear, bats, gloves and hats,” he shared.
The batting cages include slow pitch options, three different modes for baseball and slow pitch softball. Plus, D-BAT supply the training T-s, buckets, balls, stools and L-screens.
They will offer memberships, lessons, camps and clinics and will host birthday parties, as well.
“I played baseball when I was really young. My sisters played softball. My sons play baseball,” Choy shared. “I got into it with my partner here and the local area needs a facility like this.”
“It’s America’s pastime,” Bajarias stated. The players they expect to use their facility will “come from all over the area and play on teams and in tournaments.”
Although he “didn’t play too much baseball,” Bajarias said, “We enjoyed watching the Giants and the A’s while growing up and my kids are in sports.”
“We believe kids thrive when they train in a safe, fun and weather-proof indoor facility where the focus stays on learning, growing and enjoying the game year-round,” he explained.
Asked why Oakley, Bajarias said, “There really wasn’t anything out here with the type of space we needed.”
“We have trainers and instructors here. They’ve been through all the Little Leagues, Pony Leagues and have or are now playing college level ball,” he continued. We have two instructors who are super seasoned in coaching with over 30 years combined.
“We’re open for everybody. We just love sports,” Bajarias added. “We saw a need and it’s something this area wanted.”
His background is in juvenile probation.
Choy has been in the automotive industry on the service side for the past 20 years.
“But I’m taking this on full time,” he stated.
“State-of-the-art training equipment for all of the athletes, that’s what D-BAT brings,” Choy explained. “D-BAT has set the bar high for training facilities.”
They’re looking to have more locations, Bajarias added.
D-BAT is located at 1241 Main Street in Oakley and they’ll be open M-F 10AM-9PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM and Sundays 12PM-6PM. For more information visit www.dbatoakley.com or call (925) 832-3228.
Oakley Girls Soccer Team Fuego members and coaches with check from CashSwipe founder and CEO, Paul Alex (left). Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Ana Tackett
In a powerful show of community investment and full-circle mentorship, CashSwipe – a national fintech company founded by former Oakland police officer and Antioch resident Paul Alex – donated $10,000 to a competitive girls’ soccer team based in Oakley. The check was formally presented on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Knoll Park in Antioch, recognizing the dedication of a team that’s as committed to personal growth as it is to the game.
The girls’ soccer team, Fuego of the Oakley Youth Soccer Club, is composed of 10- and 11-year-olds from diverse backgrounds with many from Oakley and Antioch. They travel to compete with other teams in the Nor Cal Premier Soccer League. It provides far more than athletic training. It creates an environment of support, empowerment, and discipline—helping young girls grow into confident leaders on and off the field. For many families, the financial burden of youth sports can be overwhelming. This donation will go directly toward travel to regional tournaments, high-quality uniforms, registration fees, and additional development opportunities such as clinics and camps.
“This donation means the world to our team. It’s more than just money—it’s a vote of confidence in these girls and their potential,” said Pedro “Coach Pete” Elias, head coach and also a former Oakland Police officer. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to give them experiences they’ll carry for life.”
Team Fuego practices at Knoll Park in Antioch.
Oakley’s girls’ team isn’t just playing to win—they’re playing for each other. The club’s philosophy centers around building strength of character through teamwork, accountability, and resilience. That shared mission resonated deeply with Alex, who once patrolled alongside both Coach Elias and Luis “Coach E” Espinoza. Coach. Coach Jesus “Chuy” rounds out the team’s leadership.
“This team is about more than soccer—it’s about heart,” said Espinoza. “These girls show up for one another, push themselves, and prove every day that leadership starts with integrity. I’ve known Paul since our law enforcement days, and it’s inspiring to see him invest in a new generation the way he does.”
For Alex, the donation represents more than philanthropy – it’s a reflection of purpose. After leaving a successful career in law enforcement, he launched CashSwipe to empower everyday people through passive income systems like ATM placement and merchant services. His commitment to mentorship and underserved communities has remained at the center of his work.
“Sports can be life-changing,” said Alex the company’s founder and CEO. “They teach leadership, discipline, and confidence. Every child deserves the chance to grow through those lessons—regardless of their financial situation. Supporting this team is not just about soccer—it’s about investing in future leaders and showing them what’s possible.”
Alex’s story is one of transformation. Once a police officer on the streets of the Bay Area, he saw firsthand how underserved communities—especially young people—often lack access to the very opportunities that could change their lives.
Coaches E, Pete and Chuy join CashSwipe founder and CEO Paul Alex for the donation check presentation on June 26, 2025.
Now a national entrepreneur and speaker, Alex hasn’t forgotten where he came from. His donation to the soccer team isn’t just a check – it’s a commitment to investing in young women who are striving for more despite financial barriers. The funds will cover critical needs such as uniforms, tournament fees, travel expenses, and training equipment – resources often out of reach for underfunded teams.
“I know what it feels like to grow up without much – and I know what sports can do for a young person’s confidence, discipline and future,” said Alex. “This is about more than soccer. It’s about showing these girls that someone believes in them.”
He later shared that he played on the Oakland PD soccer team and said with a laugh, “I wasn’t very good but I played.”
In communities like Oakley and Antioch, access to resources such as travel, training, and tournament fees often determines whether a child can continue to play. CashSwipe’s contribution ensures these girls can compete at the highest level without being held back by financial hardship. It’s a reminder that when businesses choose to lead with purpose, they can change lives far beyond their industry.
About CashSwipe
CashSwipe is a fintech company that helps individuals build passive income through ATM placement and merchant services. Founded by former Oakland Police Officer Paul Alex, CashSwipe is now a national brand empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to take control of their financial future. The company remains rooted in its mission of community upliftment and impact-driven opportunity. For more information visit https://cashswipe.com.
About the Oakley Girls’ Soccer Club
The Oakley Girls’ Soccer Club is a competitive program for 10- and 11-year-old athletes committed to teamwork, growth, and integrity. Led by former law enforcement officers who bring a mentorship-driven philosophy to the field, the club offers a safe and supportive space for girls from diverse and often underserved backgrounds. The program aims to develop strong athletes—and even stronger young women. For more information visit https://oakleyyouthsoccerclub.com.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report
Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)
Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)
SPECIAL DAYS
Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)
Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.
Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.
Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.
See complete schedule of daily events.
SPECIAL EVENT
Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.
DAILY ATTRACTIONS
Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.
BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.
Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.
Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.
Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.
Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway
Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.
Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.
Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.
Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.
Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.
Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.
Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.
Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.
Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.
Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.
EXHIBITS
Agriculture Pavilion
Arts Pavilion
Fur & Feathers Pavilion
Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)
Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.
LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring
Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM
Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM
Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM
Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM
Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM
Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM
LIVE MUSIC – Headliners
Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.
You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera
MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL
Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.
ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races
Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.
Tickets & More Info
Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale
Youth Season Pass – $25
Adult Season Pass – $35
Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily
Parking – $10
Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35
Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99
To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.
Chaperone Policy
The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.
All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
Location
The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.
Source: CCCFair
Source: CCCFair
Presented by East Bay Family Nights and 4Ever Me Foundation.
By Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Friday, Feb. 14, marks the start of the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, hosted by the Golden State Warriors. BART looks forward to carrying fans to the games and events happening on both sides of the Bay. We’re also proud to partner with the NBA Players Association for the big weekend.
Follow our directions below to make your journey to games and events as smooth as Curry’s free throws. BART will adjust train lengths to accommodate ridership. For tickets and locations find a list of all the NBA All-Star Weekend events.
Win free tickets and prizes
Visit BARTable’s contests and deals page from now until Feb. 16 for a chance to win exclusive prizes and MVP experiences.
Those looking for more opportunities to get free tickets and other prizes, download the NBA Events app which has partnered with BART and other Bay Area agencies to encourage riding transit around the Bay.
After creating a free NBA ID account, visit the participating stations (see below), tap the tile on the dashboard corresponding with the station, and earn your check-in via your mobile device in mixed reality. Each check-in will also count towards unlocking NBA All-Star prizes through the NBA ID All-Star Rewards Program.
Participating stations:
• 16th St Mission
• Coliseum
• Embarcadero
• Lake Merritt
• Powell St
The Grand BART Prizes will be in the form of digital railgoods.com gift cards in amounts ranging from $10 to $100.
Take transit to Chase Center
Take BART to Powell St. Station and transfer to Muni T Third trains at Union Square Station. Signs on the platform and concourse will guide you to the right exit to catch Muni, and the special event trains will read “S Shuttle Mission Bay.” Disembark Muni at UCSF/Chase Center.
Take BART to 16th St./Mission Station and transfer to special Muni 78X bus service. Disembark at 16th St. & Illinois St. Your event ticket is your Muni ticket. Ride Muni to Chase Center for FREE with your event ticket (excluding cable cars). For more information, visit the Chase Center website.
• Friday, Feb. 14, 6pm: Castrol Rising Stars
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 5pm: State Farm All-Star Saturday Night
• Sunday, Feb. 16, 5pm: 74th NBA All-Star Game
Take transit to Oakland Arena
BART takes you directly to the Oakland Arena. Take BART to Coliseum Station and walk across the overpass and around the Coliseum to the arena. Use the arena’s North Entrance for a shorter walk.
• Friday, Feb. 14, 4pm: Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am: NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 2pm: NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T
Take transit to Moscone Center
Take BART to Montgomery Street Station and walk a short distance to Moscone Center.
• Friday, Feb. 14, to Sunday, Feb. 16: NBA Crossover interactive fan experience
• Sunday, Feb. 16: NBA G League Next Up Game
Take transit to the NBA All-Star Concert Series at Pier 48
The NBA will host a three-day concert series from Friday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, Feb. 16, at Pier 48. Headliners include Noah Kahan, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, and Flo Rida.
Take BART to Powell St. Station and transfer to Muni T Third trains at Union Square Station. Signs on the platform and concourse will guide you to the right exit to catch Muni, and the special event trains will read “S Shuttle Mission Bay.” Disembark Muni at Mission Rock and walk to Pier 48.
Take BART to Embarcadero Station and transfer to Muni N Judah trains on the upper level of the station. Disembark at King and 2nd streets and walk to Pier 48.
Take transit to the NBPA Brotherhood Deli at SPARK Social SF
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) will bring their Brotherhood Deli food truck – the only fan experience powered by the 450+ members of the NBPA – along with activations and programming to SPARK Social SF from Friday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, Feb. 16, 11am to 6pm. It’s a short walk from SPARK Social to Chase Center.
The celebration will include player appearances, photo opps, plant-based food, immersive gaming, and hourly slam dunk shows and fan shooting contests. To register and secure your spot during All-Star Weekend click, here: NBPA Brotherhood Deli.
Take BART to Powell St. Station and transfer to Muni T Third trains at Union Square Station. Signs on the platform and concourse will guide you to the right exit to catch Muni. Disembark Muni at Mission Rock and walk to SPARK Social.
Take BART to 16th St./Mission Station and transfer to the Muni 22 bus. Disembark at Mission Bay Blvd North and 3rd Street and walk to SPARK Social.
Are you excited for NBA All Star Weekend?
Share with us on social media at @SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Instagram and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.
Giants pitchers Gary Lavelle in August 1980 and Bob Knepper in July 1980 and First Baseman Mike Ivie. Photos by SF Giants
By Matt Sieger
Depending on your spiritual bent, you may have been either thrilled or turned off by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy talking about his Christian faith in interviews on his way to the Super Bowl.
After engineering an amazing comeback to defeat the Detroit Lions for the NFC Championship, Purdy told reporters, “When I’m down 17 at the half, honestly, I’m just thinking, ‘Alright God, You’ve taken me here, and win or lose I’m going to glorify You.’ . . . Honestly, I think it’s just a testament to God and where He’s taken me in life.”
Some probably feel, as Beneatha Younger put it in Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, “I’m just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? . . . I just get so tired of Him getting the credit for things the human race achieves through its own effort. Now, there simply is no God. There’s only man. And it’s he who makes miracles.”
The media and the public are now accustomed to hearing athletes thank God for the abilities he has given them. But that wasn’t always the case. In baseball in the 1950 and 1960s it was extremely rare to hear such pronouncements from athletes. Then in the 1970s in San Francisco, one of the great culture clashes between religious athletes, the media and the fan base erupted over a group of born-again ballplayers on the Giants who became known as the God Squad.
Giants’ relief pitcher Gary Lavelle became a born-again Christian in the winter of 1976. When he returned to the club the next year, he gradually and quietly began to share his faith with his teammates when they showed an interest. Several, including Bob Knepper, Jack Clark, Rob Andrews and Randy Moffitt (brother of tennis great Billie Jean King) came to faith, and by the 1978 season there were eight or nine professing Christians on the team.
The Giants, who had suffered through several losing seasons, came to life that year and led the National League West for much of the season, only to fade in a September swoon and finish third. In post-game interviews, the players frequently thanked God for the ability he gave them, and the press raised no objection.
But when the Giants’ fortunes faded on the field in 1979, the media was quick to blame the born-again players, claiming their newfound faith had made them passive. The press derisively referred to them as the God Squad.
The cornerstone of that accusation was a quote attributed to pitcher Knepper, who supposedly told manager Dave Bristol it was “God’s will” when he yielded a home run that lost a game. Knepper and his Christian teammates have always denied the quote, as did Bristol. But the false story continued to hound them for years.
The media was merciless at times. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Glenn Dickey wrote, “It may be that the Giants will have to trade one or two of the most obvious born-agains on the club, to break up the clique. At the very least, their lockers should be separated in the clubhouse.”
Another prominent Chronicle sports columnist, Lowell Cohn, told me recently that he disagrees with Dickey on that score. However, Cohn, known for his biting satire, penned one of his most provocative pieces, “Can Satan Save the Giants?” in which he recommended that one of the Giants sell his soul to the devil since God didn’t seem to be helping the team too much!
Not only did the media blame the God Squad for losing, it also alleged that the Christian athletes caused division in the clubhouse and got two managers fired. These false claims spread to the national media, where prestigious columnists Peter Gammons of The Boston Globe and Dick Young of the New York Daily News repeated them. One of the more ridiculous accusations was that the Giants had two team buses to take players to the field, one for the God Squad and another for the others,
Mike Ivie, one of the God Squadders, returned to the club from a stint of mental exhaustion and sounded much like Purdy, who said his faith in God helped sustain him during his recovery from a torn ligament in the elbow of his throwing arm.
“He’ll put you through trials and tribulations and He’ll use every resource to help you find happiness in your heart,” said Ivie. “It would have been twice as hard for me to come back if I hadn’t believed in the Lord.”
Ivie and his teammates commonly made such pronouncements in a liberal San Francisco atmosphere and era that was not conducive to talk about faith. Cohn felt the tension and in his memoirs made this fascinating statement, “Until that day, I believed I was covering a baseball team. I was wrong. I had wandered into the middle of a deep religious debate, one that defined the Giants at that time.”
The God Squadders were spiritual pioneers who bore the brunt of attacks by the media. They paved the way for Brock Purdy and other Christian athletes to speak boldly about their faith.
Matt Sieger, now retired, is a formers sports reporter and columnist for The Vacaville Reporter. He is the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978. This article first appeared in The Vallejo Times-Herald and The Vacaville Reporter.
Matt Sieger (far right) and Joe DiMaggio. Courtesy of Matt Sieger
By Matt Sieger
In the summer of 1974, between my junior and senior years at Cornell University, I was freelancing for the Ithaca New Times, a weekly newspaper in Ithaca, NY. My editor suggested I write a feature story about the Oneonta Yankees, a New York Yankees farm team in the New York-Penn League.
The NY-P, founded in 1939 as a Class D League as the PONY (Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York) League, became a Class A league in 1963. The NY-P is now the oldest continuously operated Class A league in professional baseball.
Oneonta is about a two-hour drive from Ithaca. My only problem was that I didn’t have a car. But back then, many young people hitchhiked. It was not yet considered very dangerous (although in 1973 the FBI did put out a poster warning drivers that a hitcher might be a “sex maniac” or a “vicious murderer”!). I guess I didn’t look like either, so I managed to hitch a ride to Oneonta.
Oneonta is a small town (around 16,000 people then, 14,000 now) nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. In the 1940s and 1950s, the town supported the Oneonta Red Sox, a Boston farm team in the now-defunct Canadian-American League. Frank Malzone, the Golden Glove third baseman for Boston in the fifties and sixties, played at Oneonta in 1949.
The Yankees took over the franchise in 1967. Notable Oneonta Yankees alumni include Don Mattingly (1979), Bernie Williams (1987) and Jorge Posada (1991). During my visit in 1974, the roster included Dennis Werth, a catcher who played in the big leagues for parts of four seasons and whose stepson is Jayson Werth, the retired All-Star outfielder. Also on the squad was Mike Heath, then a shortstop, who spent 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, mostly as a catcher. The president of the team was Sam Nader, cousin of the famous consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
The team played at the well-groomed Damaschke Field, where attendance averaged around 1,000 a game. Admission was $1.25 for adults and 60 cents for children.
I had intended to just spend the day, do my interviews and hitch a ride back home. But General Manager Nick Lambros informed me that I happened to arrive the day before Famous Yankee Night, an annual promotional event when the team brings in a former Yankee star.
Well, the star that year was Joe DiMaggio! The next evening 3,000 people jammed into Damaschke Field to see Joltin’ Joe before the game. He signed autographs, talked with the fans and took a few swings for old times’ sake.
I wouldn’t be able to stay that late, but Mr. Lambros invited me to a small press conference the next afternoon on his backyard patio. So, after sleeping the night on the floor of an apartment shared by some of the players (one of them was Lou Turco, a pitcher I had played summer baseball with in New Jersey), I headed over to the press conference.
As we sat on the patio sipping lemonade, Mr. Lambros emerged through the screen door of his home and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Joe DiMaggio!” And behind him came the dapper, dignified Yankee Clipper himself.
As a 21-year-old cub reporter, I was in awe as DiMaggio sat down in a lawn chair right next to me. He would turn 60 in November, but apart from the silver hair, he looked like he could still be playing center field for the Bronx Bombers.
As I wrote in my August 24, 1974, article for the Ithaca New Times, “Even if he can no longer hit that high inside fastball, the grace and dignity that characterized him on and off the field still shine through.” What impressed me most was how unassuming and approachable and congenial he was. Here was the great Joe DiMaggio in a tiny town with just a few folks out on the patio, and he treated me and the others with the utmost respect, taking time to fully answer all our questions.
Here’s the portion of the article from my interview with him that day:
The Yankee Clipper reminisced: “I think I played in one of the most beautiful eras in baseball. At that time you had a different type of fan and a different type of ballplayer. We used to sit in the hotel lobbies and talk baseball for hours. Nowadays all the players have business interests and other things on the side to think about. But I don’t blame them for that.
“As far as ability, that’s hard to say. There were only eight teams in each league when I was playing. Today you have 12, and I believe that’s diluted the talent a bit. Also, they’re bringing along young ballplayers a little too quickly, so that they come out of the minor leagues unrefined. I remember when I was coaching for Oakland and Reggie Jackson first arrived. He couldn’t catch a fly ball. We’d hit it to him, he’d pound the glove a few times, and the ball would drop 20 feet behind him. I’m not kidding.”
Jackson has come a long way since then, and DiMaggio says it’s because he’s a hard worker. He feels that natural ability goes only so far. “There’s no perfect ballplayer,” said the man who may have been the closest to it. “We all strive for it but there’s no one who ever gets there. I worked for hours and hours in practice just charging ground balls.”
After talking a little about his famous 56-game hitting streak, his daffy roommate Lefty Gomez and the great Yankee manager Joe McCarthy, DiMaggio was goaded into answering one of the most frequently asked questions: “What was your greatest thrill in baseball?”
“I’ll tell you one of them,” he replied. “Putting on the New York Yankees pinstripes in spring training for the very first time.”
It was such a thrill to interview the Yankee Clipper that day. Who knew that 44 years later I would move to Martinez (Joltin’ Joe’s hometown) and get to share this story with readers of the Herald.
Matt Sieger, now retired, is a former sports reporter and columnist for The Vacaville Reporter. He is the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978. Matt lives in Martinez. This article first appeared in The Vacaville Reporter.