Ahmad and Reza welcome sportswriter extraordinaire, Steve Kroner, to the show. Working on TV and as a writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, Steve has done it all covering the sports scene in the Bay Area – from Super Bowls to the World Series -- but his heart will always be true to Cal. You’ll love to hear about his time covering the sensational 1980 Cal baseball team that went to the College World Series and his behind-the-scenes stories of The Play. We’ll talk about his thoughts on the upcoming football season, and we’ll also learn about a big feature story he’s writing to celebrate the incredible 1975 Cal football team that had the top offense in the country with Joe Roth, Chuck Muncie, Wesley Walker, and Steve Rivera.

We are the podcast for Golden Bear fans who love THE University of California. We celebrate all things Cal and the prominent people who are passionate about UC Berkeley. GO BEARS!!!

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Summary

In this episode of Tell The Whole Damn World, hosts Reza Sirafinejad and Ahmad Anderson welcome Steve Kroner, a veteran sports journalist with deep ties to UC Berkeley. They discuss Kroner's journey to Cal, his experiences covering the 1980 Cal baseball team, and the impact of Cal on their lives. The conversation also delves into what makes Cal special, behind-the-scenes stories from Cal sports, and a look at the 1975 Cal football team. As they reflect on the upcoming football season, they emphasize the importance of unity and commitment among players. The episode concludes with heartfelt moments and personal connections to the university.

Takeaways

Steve Kroner has a long history with Cal, both as a student and a journalist.

The 1980 Cal baseball team's journey to the College World Series was a highlight of Kroner's career.

Cal's competitive environment fosters strong interpersonal relationships among students.

Kroner emphasizes the importance of community and friendships formed at Cal.

The 1975 Cal football team had a significant impact on the university's sports history.

Kroner is working on a feature story about the 1975 Cal football team.

The upcoming football season is filled with uncertainty but holds potential for success.

Kroner believes that unity among players is crucial for the team's success.

The podcast celebrates the passion and connection alumni have with Cal.

Personal stories shared highlight the emotional ties to the university.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Steve Kroner and His Journey

05:16 Steve's Passion for Cal Baseball

07:55 Memorable Moments from the 1980 Cal Baseball Team

10:43 The Impact of Cal on Personal Relationships

13:31 What Makes Cal Special to Steve

16:26 Reflections on Cal's Influence

19:07 Behind the Scenes Stories from Steve's Career

26:45 The Play: A Legendary Moment in Sports History

31:37 Reflections on a Memorable Career

32:44 The 1975 Cal Football Team: A Feature Story

39:41 Cal Football's Future: Challenges and Opportunities

45:10 Burning the Boats: A Call for Commitment

45:46 Personal Bear Territory Moments