Escalante will take on Victor Ruiz 12-2 (9 KOs) for the IBA Continental Junior Bantamweight Title.

Prospect Bruno Escalante Will Defend his IBA Continental Junior Bantamweight Title against Víctor Víctor Ruiz at the Cache Creek Casino Resort on April 5th

Bruno “the Aloha Kid” Escalante 12-1-1 (6 KOs), from Redwood City, CA by way of Cebu, Philippines, was just named 2013 Northern California Fighter of the year. After the first round KO on February 28th over Lorenzo Trejos, Escalante is now ready to put his title on the line against his most challenging opponent yet. On April 5^th Escalante will take on Victor Ruiz 12-2 (9 KOs) for the IBA Continental Junior Bantamweight Title.

Victor “Pelon” Ruiz from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico has knocked out 6 of his last 7 opponents. Victor will be making his United States debut on April 5^th at Cache Creek Casino Resort in the beautiful Brooks, CA. This will be Victor’s first attempt at a title. “This is my chance to shine and make a name for myself in the states. So, Bruno better be ready because he hasn’t faced anybody with the punching power that I have,” said Victor. 

Paul “El Gallo Negro” Mendez 15-2-2 (7 KOs) of Salinas, CA will also take on Santiago Perez 12-3 (3 KOs) of Los Angeles in an eight round battle on April 5th. Mendez was previous scheduled to fight for the IBA title but due to visa issues with opponent Samuel Miller 27-8 (24 KOs) of Colombia, the title had to be put aside. Perez has also had his disappointments with fights falling out lately but is excited for this opportunity to take on Mendez. Perez said, “It is meant to be, everything has fallen in place. I have been waiting for this moment.”

Mendez amazed the audience in Salinas on February 17 when he scored a 3^rd round KO victory over Raul Casarez on Golden Boy’s Fox Sports 1 series. Since first winning the title in December 2012 against Lester Gonzalez, Mendez has also remained 4-0 throughout 2013 against fighters such as Alfredo Contreras, Dashon Johnson, Rahman Yusubov and Luis Rose. Mendez wants to use this opportunity on April 5^th to prove that he is ready to take the next step up.

The show will also feature four more exciting fighters: Sacramento native and crowd pleasing Guy Robb 12-1 (5 KOs) vs TBD. Ricardo Pinell 7-1-1(5 KOs) of San Francisco, CA vs TBD. Fresno’s, Luis Ambrosio 4-0 (3 KOs) vs Cesar Martinez 4-2-1 (1 KO) of Los Angeles. Ryan “Rhino” Bourland 1-0 (1 KO) of Vacaville, CA vs. Zlatko Ledic 0-1-1 of Oxnard, CA.

Escalante vs Ruiz and Mendez vs Perez headlines a night of world-class professional championship boxing presented by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents Boxing and Cache Creek Casino Resort. Doors open at 5:00 pm, the first bell rings at 6:00 pm.

Tickets, priced at $65, $95 and $125, are on sale now and available for purchase at Cachecreek.com, Tickets.com and PacoPresentsBoxing.com.

The weigh-in will take place at the Cache Creek Casino Resort on Friday, April 4 and is free to the public. The official weigh-in time is 3:30 pm.

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres ISC@2014

A’s Opening Night Tickets Sold Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A’s Opening Night Tickets Sold Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tickets to the Oakland A’s Opening Night game on Monday, March 30 against the Cleveland Indians are sold out, it was announced today.

Individual game tickets for the rest of the homestand remain on sale. Highlights include 2014 A’s Pet Calendars, presented by Central Garden & Pet, on Friday, April 4 (10,000 fans) and Back-to-Back AL West Champs Fleece Blankets on Saturday, April 5, courtesy of Kelly-Moore Paints (15,000 fans). Tickets can be purchased at the O.co Coliseum box office, online at www.athletics.com/tickets and over the phone by calling 877-493-BALL (2255).

Parking will open on Opening Night at noon. Stadium gates open at 5:05 p.m.

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres - ISC@2014

The Earthquakes are 20-12-5 all-time against New England

Earthquakes Put 21-Game Home-Unbeaten Streak on the Line Against New England on Saturday

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF

The San Jose Earthquakes will put their 21-game home-unbeaten streak in all competitions on the line when they host the Ne England Revolution on Saturday, March 29 at Buck Shaw Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

San Jose’s last loss at home came on March 3, 2013 on Opening Day against Real Salt Lake. Since then, the Earthquakes are 14-0-7 with a 30-15 advantage in goals scored.

Victor Bernardez leads the Earthquakes in scoring with his two goals in a 3-3 comeback effort to tie Real Salt Lake on March 15. Shea Salinas had two assists in that game, tops on the team so far this season.

The Earthquakes are 20-12-5 all-time against New England, including a 10-5-3 clip at home. San Jose has won its last three home games against the Revolution and has out-scored them 9-2 at Buck Shaw Stadium since returning to MLS in 2008.

ABOUT NEW ENGLAND: The New England Revolution (0-2-1, 1 pt.) enter the week looking for their first win of the season. They were among the surprise teams one year ago, finishing the season in third-place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points from a 14-11-9 record. Portuguese center back Jose Goncalves, the 2013 MLS Defender of the Year, is back in the fold along with a host of attack-minded talent. The midfield features a trio of creative players in Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe. Among the options up top are former United States Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies and Teal Bunbury. 

Earthquakes Loan Forward Mike Fucito to USL-PRO Affiliate Sacramento Republic FC

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has loaned forward Mike Fucito to USL-PRO affiliate Sacramento Republic FC.

Fucito, 27, joined the Earthquakes on Jan. 17, 2013 in a trade with the Portland Timbers for San Jose’s second-round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He made seven appearances for the Quakes last season before a suffering season-ending right ankle fracture in late May. Fucito is a six-year MLS veteran out of Harvard with three goals and two assists in 43 appearances during his professional career.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes loan F Mike Fucito to USL-PRO affiliate Sacramento Republic FC.

Earthquakes Topping Out Ceremony on Friday. Hundreds of fans have signed the final beam, which will be available for b-roll shots prior to placement starting at 10:30 a.m. The Topping Out Ceremony was originally slated for Thursday, March 27, but was moved one day due to weather forecasts.

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres - ISC@2014

The two-time defending American League West-champion Oakland Athletics open the 2014 regular season on Monday, March 31

News and Happenings for A’s Opening Night and Upcoming Season

World Series anniversaries, unique giveaways, new concessionaire highlight 2014 campaign

The two-time defending American League West-champion Oakland Athletics open the 2014 regular season on Monday, March 31, at 7:05 p.m. at the O.co Coliseum, with a 7:05 p.m. tilt against the Cleveland Indians. Monday’s game opens the A’s 81-game home schedule, which will feature a pair of World Series anniversary celebrations, jersey, bobblehead and gnome giveaways, and exciting weekly promotions like Chevy Free Parking Tuesdays and XFINITY Friday Family Packs, which are available for every Friday home game.

A’s Opening Night Timeline

   12:00 p.m.        Parking Lot Opens                                                        6:50 p.m.        Unveiling of AL West Division Champions Logo

     5:05 p.m.        Ballpark Opens                                                              6:52 p.m.        Color Guard — Navy Color Guard from Travis Air Force Base

     5:20 p.m.        Oakland A’s Batting Practice Ends                              6:53 p.m.        National Anthem — Lindsey Pavao from “The Voice”

     6:10 p.m.        Cleveland Indians Batting Practice Ends                    6:58 p.m.        Ceremonial First Pitch — Rickey Henderson

    6:35 p.m.        Welcome to the O.co Coliseum                                    7:02 p.m.        Umpires and Managers Meeting at Home Plate

     6:39 p.m.        Cleveland Indians Introductions                                 7:05 p.m.        A’s Take the Field

     6:44 p.m.        Oakland A’s Introductions                                            7:07 p.m.        Play Ball    

BAY BRIDGE SERIES:  Beginning tonight, the A’s and San Francisco Giants continue the tradition of the Bay Bridge Series. These three exhibition games will take place Thursday, March 27 at AT&T Park (7:15 p.m.), Friday, March 28 at AT&T Park (7:15 p.m.), and Saturday, March 29 at the O.co Coliseum (1:05 p.m.). All three games will be broadcast on the A’s Radio Network, while Friday’s game will be telecast on Comcast SportsNet California.

A’s OPENING NIGHT:  The A’s will ring in the new season with a pair of fan giveaways. At Monday’s game, 32,000 fans will receive a gold A’s rally towel, presented by NetSuite. In addition, the A’s will be giving away 32,000 magnetic schedules presented by Comcast SportsNet California.

Also, the A’s will honor their fans and the military, as well as honor an all-time great, prior to Monday’s game. The Navy Color Guard from nearby Travis Air Force Base will present the colors, a group of season tickets holders will unfurl a large American flag, and iconic outfielder, all-time MLB stolen base leader, and Hall of Fame member Rickey Henderson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

FIRST HOMESTAND:  On Friday, April 4, 10,000 fans will receive a 2014 A’s pet calendar—featuring A’s players with their favorite pooches—presented by Central Garden & Pet. April 4 is also #NERDPOWER Night, when fans with special tickets will receive a limited edition Eric Sogard #NERDPOWER t-shirt and a pair of plastic glasses. On Saturday, April 5, 15,000 fans will receive a Back-to-Back AL West Champs Fleece Blanket, presented by Kelly-Moore Paints. The homestand concludes Sunday, April 6, when 7,500 kids will receive an A’s ripcord bracelet presented by Chevrolet. 

Promotions and Special Events

1974 WORLD SERIES CELEBRATION:  The A’s will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the 1974 World Series Championship Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31 vs. the Los Angeles Angels. The celebration will feature an autograph session on Friday night, a meet-and-greet with members of the ’74 team on Saturday, and an on-field recognition prior to Saturday’s game. In addition, 15,000 fans will receive a Catfish Hunter bobblehead, presented by State Farm, on Saturday, May 31. Proceeds from the weekend’s autograph signing and meet-and-greet will benefit the ALS Association Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter.

1989 WORLD SERIES CELEBRATION:  The 25^th anniversary of the A’s 1989 World Series title will be commemorated Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, vs. Baltimore. Similar to the ’74 celebration, the weekend will feature an autograph session at Friday’s game, a meet-and-greet on Saturday, and an on-field recognition prior to Saturday’s game. At the game on Saturday, 15,000 fans will receive a 1989 Throwback T-shirt, presented by Tribune Tavern and Lungomare. Proceeds from the weekend’s events will benefit the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, a charity supported by ’89 World Series champion Dave Henderson.

GIVEAWAYS: The A’s have a number of giveaway items on tap for the 2014 promotional schedule, including a Josh Donaldson diorama bobblehead presented by Comerica Bank (April 19), Chip and Chili Platter presented by ROSS Dress for Less (June 1), A’s elephant batting practice cap presented by Cache Creek Casino Resort (May 26), the first ever Coco Crisp garden gnome presented by Grant Thornton LLP (June 22), and a Coco Crisp replica jersey presented by Cache Creek Casino Resort (Sept. 1), among other unique items.

POST-GAME ENTERTAINMENT:  Six post-game fireworks shows are scheduled for the 2014 season and fans in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy the show from the field (on-field capacity is limited). They are: May 10 vs. Washington (presented by XFINITY), June 13 vs. New York Yankees (presented by Chevrolet), July 3 vs. Toronto (patriotic theme, presented by GovX), Aug. 1 vs. Kansas City (on Italian Heritage Night), Aug. 23 vs. Los Angeles Angels (presented by Chevron) and Sept. 19 vs. Philadelphia (Star Wars® theme, presented by State Farm).

 Ticket Specials

CHEVY FREE PARKING TUESDAYS:  As a part of Chevy Free Parking Tuesdays, the A’s will offer free parking to all fans, in addition to a special online ticket offer, for most Tuesday home games (excludes premium games and dual Oracle Arena events). Plaza Reserved tickets are available for just $4 at www.athletics.com/tuesdays using the coupon code ‘CHEVY.’ Tickets are limited to 500 per game and are available while supplies last.

PATELCO THROWBACK THURSDAYS:  Fans attending Patelco Credit Union Throwback Thursdays at the A’s will enjoy nostalgic baseball entertainment, and 5,000 fans will receive a scorecard and commemorative button—a different one each game—depicting a historical Athletics figure. In addition, fans can purchase Plaza Level tickets at a discounted rate on these seven select game dates.

XFINITY FRIDAY FAMILY PACK:  Every Friday during the regular season, fans can purchase four Plaza Level tickets and four meals (Coliseum hot dog, medium drink and bag of peanuts) for just $50 ($150 value).

CSNCA AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY:  Every Friday home game during the regular season, Comcast SportsNet California (CSNCA) will host Authentic Fan Friday in the Value Deck of O.co Coliseum. Located in Sections 316-318, CSNCA Value Deck tickets include a Jumbo Ticket added-value of $6 within the ticket barcode redeemable throughout the ballpark for merchandise or concessions. Fans sitting in this Authentic Fan Friday section will receive a CSNCA prize pack, which includes an "Authentic Fan" exclusive giveaway and cheer card, and will be featured on the TV broadcast.

DYNAMIC DEALS:  Throughout the 2014 season, the A's will offer Dynamic Deals on tickets, the best ticket discounts direct from the A's. Dynamic Deal ticket pricing can change at any time. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to get the best deal. Deals are found online at www.athletics.com/dynamicdeals.

PASSBOOK TICKET DELIVERY:  Fans who purchase A’s tickets online can now store their game tickets in Apple Passbook by selecting the Tickets at Home + Passbook delivery option. This free delivery allows fans to receive their tickets via email, print their tickets at home, or add the tickets to Passbook. Upon entry to O.co Coliseum, tickets can be scanned on the mobile phone.

KIDS, SENIORS, AND ACTIVE MILITARY DISCOUNTS:  Kids (14 and under), seniors (60 and over), and active military can purchase tickets at a discount of $8 off in the Plaza Level for all non-premium games.

TICKET INFORMATION:  Tickets for A’s home games can be purchased at all usual ticket outlets, including the O.co Coliseum Box Office, online at www.athletics.com/tickets, or over the phone by calling 877-493-BALL (2255). Ticket plans, group tickets (including all fundraising options) and private suites can be purchased by calling 510-638-GoA’s (4627).

 What’s New with the A’s

NEW FOOD AT O.CO COLISEUM:  Ovations Food Services, the A’s new food and beverage concessions provider, will introduce its “Everything Fresh” program to A’s fans this season. Ovations features a special focus on using locally-sourced ingredients and a rotating seasonal menu. Menu options for this season will include various specialty hotdog and nacho offerings; Polynesian-style bowls; chef’s wraps; and salads of the day. Brick-oven pizza and over 20 different micro- and craft-brews will also be available in the Bar & Grill.

“SALUTE TO SERVICE” SUNDAYS: Every Sunday, veterans, active duty and first responder personnel can purchase tickets at a discounted rate, courtesy of GovX. They will receive $7 off plaza level tickets and $5 off plaza reserved tickets at all 13 Sunday home games in the 2014 season. More information can be found at athletics.com/military. 

MOBILE PHONE CHARGING STATIONS: The Athletics will be providing mobile phone charging stations at all home games this season. The stations will be located inside the Budweiser Bowtie Bar (behind Section 129) and the Bar & Grille (sections 212-216).

MLB.com “AT THE BALLPARK” APP:  Seating upgrades, unique ballpark experiences, plus information on ballpark amenities, social media, closed captioning and more, will be available through the MLB.com “At the Ballpark” mobile application. Fans can download the app by visiting the “mobile” tab at athletics.com.

METAL DETECTORS AT ALL GATES FOR ALL GAMES:  All fans will be required to pass through metal detectors upon entry at all gates during every game this season. Fans are encouraged to arrive to home games a few minutes earlier than they have previously, especially for premium games such as Opening Night, fireworks games, and special events.

 Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres -ISC@2013

Earthquakes Sign General Manager John Doyle to Contract Extension

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed general manager John Doyle to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

 “We are proud to sign John to a long-term agreement as the head of our soccer operations,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. “John’s dedication to the club is second to nobody. He has been a key leader within the organization as we continue to move forward into a new era of Earthquakes soccer.”

Doyle, 48, recently started his seventh season as general manager of the Earthquakes, following a season in which the Quakes equaled the third highest point total in team history. He successfully signed Mark Watson as the club’s permanent head coach, after Watson led San Jose to the best record in MLS over the final three months of 2013 as the interim head coach. In the offseason, Doyle added Ligue 1 veteran Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi, defenders Brandon Barklage and Shaun Francis and Portuguese star Yannick Djalo, while retaining the core of the team from the past two seasons.

“First of all, I want to thank the Earthquakes ownership group and Dave Kaval,” said Doyle. “There is a lot of excitement around the club right now, both on the field and with our new stadium getting closer every day. We have an excellent coaching staff and a good group of players, so I am looking forward to a great season.”

Doyle, who is the only person to be a part of the club since its inception in 1995, has helped lead the Quakes to the best regular season record in MLS over the past two seasons, including a record-setting Supporters’ Shield campaign in 2012. The Quakes finished with a club record 66 points and a 19-6-9 record, while finishing with 72 goals. That team was led by a group of players acquired by Doyle through trade and discovery signings, including Honduran national teamers Victor Bernardez and Marvin Chavez and Tottenham Hotspur professional Simon Dawkins, coupled with timely roster moves from the previous three seasons. Chris Wondolowski, Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon each had career years in 2012 after joining the Earthquakes through separate trades in 2009 and 2011, respectively.  

Under Doyle the Quakes also reached the conference final in 2010 after upsetting the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals. His 2009 trade for Wondolowski bore fruit, as the Danville native won the Budweiser MLS Golden Boot that season with 18 goals. Doyle also signed the team’s first designated player in 2010, Brazilian forward Geovanni, who arrived in San Jose from the English Premier League.

FOTOS: LUIS ALBERTO TORRES ISC@2014

 The Fremont, Calif. native spent five illustrious seasons as the captain of the Clash/Earthquakes and until 2003 held the team records for games played (132) and minutes played (11,385).  A two-time MLS All-Star (1996, 1997), Doyle scored 11 goals and dished out 15 assists in his career. He was the 1996 MLS Defender of the Year and named to the League’s Best XI that year.

Following his retirement at the end of the 2000 season, Doyle served as the television analyst from 2001-03. He was then hired on Jan. 22, 2004, as the assistant coach for Dominic Kinnear. With Doyle as the assistant coach, the Quakes made two consecutive playoff appearances and in 2005 won the Supporters’ Shield. The 2005 team became just the second team in league history to record over 60 points. In 2005, Doyle was the inaugural member of the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame.