Welcome to CATCH IT! — Joe Castellano’s personal observations about what’s going on in the world of sports outside of The Sports Virus Podcasts
Today the baseball world lost a great man when former World Series winning manager Joe Altobelli passed away at the age of 88.
I had the privilege of spending five seasons working alongside Joe in the radio booth covering the Rochester Red Wings (1998-2002). He was a kind soul with an easy going personality. Everyone loved Alto.
Every night he had great baseball stories to tell, whether it be from winning the 1983 Series with the Baltimore Orioles or from his 
days managing the San Francisco Giants. I loved to reminisce about my hometown Giants with Joe, asking him what it was like to manage Jack Clark (my favorite player when I was in high school) or about his memories of Mike Ivie’s grand slam against the Dodgers in 1978. He had the Giants in first place for a while that season.
He always told Cal Ripken stories and was 
proud of playing him every inning of every game during his record playing streak.
Joe could also tell stories about his playing days (I can still hear him describing how he broke his toe nail every season with a foul ball and it would grow back by Christmas) and about the legendary teams he managed in Rochester in the 1970’s. He made Rochester his home and eventually became known as “Mr. Baseball” in Rochester.
He was so passionate about teaching the game. Another source of pride for him was when (as a Cubs coach) he helped develop Mark Grace from an average defensive first baseman to a gold glover.
I learned so much about the game of baseball from Joe. From how a manager should run a pitching staff, to defensive positioning, to lineup strategies, I had a lesson every broadcast and I was soaking it up. Sometimes he would just ask a question like “Would you send the runners here?” That would turn into another teaching moment for me and the listeners.
He was also an expert on how to deal with being in AAA when a Major League career might seem like a pipe dream for a player or even a broadcaster. “Don’t wish your life away” was his mantra. I never forgot that because even though one might wish for the future, the present is what’s important.
It’s a bummer that the Red Wings didn’t win 
another title with Alto in that booth. We won the Governor’s Cup in 1997, the year before he started broadcasting with me. Then the team fell flat in the years when we were together. But, that doesn’t diminish the joy we had and the cherished memories I have of that special time in my life.
Thanks Joe and rest in peace.
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Artwork courtesy of: Suzie Armagost.
Draymond Green admittedly gave away a recent game in Charlotte with a late double technical, so Friday night he was looking for revenge against the Hornets at Chase Center and he got it with a career high 19 assists as the Warriors won three straight games for the first time this season. Kelly Oubre, Jr. had 27 points on 11/15 FG as Golden State shot 
61% from the field in a game that featured numerous dunks and other easy baskets for the Dubs. Ray and Joe take a close look at why Oubre is playing well, discuss holes in the second unit and assess the very challenging upcoming schedule.
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With James Wiseman (wrist) and Kevon Looney (ankle) still out and Draymond Green sitting with a sore ankle the Warriors still pulled off a stunning comeback from down 19 points to beat Miami in overtime on Wednesday night. Ray and Joe discuss how Kent Bazemore (26 points) led the attack and Steph Curry came up with key three-pointers after a miserable first three quarters of shooting. Green’s Monday comments about treatment of NBA players are also topic of conversation.
Steph Curry followed up his 57-point game in Dallas with a 32-point effort and more sensational shots in San Antonio, but the result was the same – a close loss. 20 Golden State turnovers were a big part of the reason the Warriors dropped a game in San Antonio for the 41st time in the last 44 games there. Ray and Joe debate when Curry should come back into the game in the 4th quarter of close games after Steve Kerr explains his big picture viewpoint.
The Warriors were already without center James Wiseman (wrist injury, out 7-10 days) when Kevon Looney also went down with a twisted ankle in a 111-107 loss to the Celtics. Ray and Joe dissect the game which included a 38-point night from Steph Curry. Kelly Oubre wasn’t at his best and we are left to wonder if his days in San Francisco are numbered.
had one of his best all-around performances. James Wiseman obviously doesn’t mind coming off the bench as he scored a career high 25 points. Ray and Joe discuss their impact and assess why the Warriors can still win a game when Steph Curry isn’t their leading scorer.
this time beating the defending champion Lakers at Staples Center on Monday night 10 days after a thrilling win over the Clippers. Ray and Joe analyze the victory that saw Golden State rebound from a 19-point deficit. Kelly Oubre, Jr. was impressive in his best game as a Warrior and the bench had solid contributions all around. In the end it was Steph Curry’s big 3 that made the difference and “the old” Draymond was also a big key to the win.
The Warriors were starting to get on a roll until they ran into a rough 4th quarter in a loss to Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. This week we chat about the “Box In One” defense Golden State is seeing now from opponents trying to slow down Steph Curry. We also evaluate James Wiseman so far and discuss recent NBA Covid and superstar issues.
During our 2020 season- finale podcast, former Niners QB Steve Bono analyzes the week 17 loss to the Seahawks and evaluates how the players performed in what resulted in an injury-riddled 6-10 season. Plus, he looks forward to what SF will do in the off-season, especially at the quarterback position.
(Shanahan) has a history with Matt Ryan, but if it were me I would want my guy to be Carson Wentz. He’s younger, I think he’s a good player and he’s got more mobility than Matt.”
