Hey everyone, glad you’ve made your way to my own not-so-private Idaho. Or in this case, the Livermore Public Library.
Terrific little spot, this library. I wrote much of my first (and, thus far, only) book here — “ACES,” the story of the final year together (2004) for the Oakland A’s Big Three of Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito. More books are planned now my schedule has been freed up for the time being, and I plan to write those here, too.
Free Wi-Fi and drinking fountains spittin’ ice water with flouride? I’m a simple man, and that’s all I need. All I can really afford right now, too.
About that. I was under the impression that my status at CSN Bay Area was to be kept under wraps until my contract expired, but apparently the cat’s not just out of the bag. It’s out of the bag, on the prowl and soiling my wicker furniture. The company even issued a statement to BayAreaSportsGuy.com, so here you go:
“Mychael Urban is no longer employed with Comcast SportsNet. We appreciate his contributions over the last few years and we wish him well.”
Bottom line, my contract expires Dec. 12, and the head of our web department informed me Wednesday that she had decided not to pick up the option year built into the deal. One more reason to envy Jeremy Affeldt.
I was tempted to write, “What really sucks is that I had a better year than Affeldt,” but apparently I did not. Or at least I didn’t in the eyes of the people who decided to give me the boot.
So now what? Sit around and mope? Trash CSN Bay Area? Nah. Moping takes more energy than doing something you love, and I’m not a bad-mouth type of guy.
I really dug my gig at CSN Bay Area, especially learning the new skill of working on TV, and I made a lot of good friends there. I’d work there again under the right circumstances. They did what they felt they needed to do, and that’s the nature of working under a contract in a highly subjective business.
So what’s now is finding a way to keep my wife and two little girls — they’re 7 and 8 years old, and you’ll get to know them over time if you stick with this blog for a bit — healthy and happy. There’s never a good time to lose a job, but right before the holidays has to be at least one of the faces on Mt. Suckmore, so I don’t have time to mope. I’ve gotta get crackin’ and find some more work, pronto.
Hopefully, this blog helps in that regard, but it’s not just a blog. Think of it as a one-man sports page. I’ve developed a lot of contacts over my 20-plus years in Bay Area sports media, and I plan to milk them all in putting together a place where you’ll find breaking news — yes, breaking news — as well as columns and features and other content, on all sports, that you’ll soon discover absolutely has to be part of your daily routine.
And as one of my college coaches often said, by way of demanding hustle at all times, “You never know who’s watching.”
Your role here: Check in often, and be sure to follow me on Twitter. I changed by handle to @BigUrbSports, and whenever I post something new here, I’ll tweet out a link to it. Such as the one-on-one I’ll be having with a key member of the 2012 Giants tomorrow morning.
For now, though, I’ve gotta bail. There’s a butt-load of snarky anonymous comments about me out there on this world wide web of ours, many delighting in misfortune or wildly speculating as to why I got the boot.
I’m pretty sure most of ’em are being posted by that damn cat.
Go get em Urb!!! I will definately miss your broadcasts but will still follow otherwise. Maybe now if you ever come back to Fresno, I can buy you that beer. Cheers
Thanks, Scott. And don’t forget to check out my shows on The Game (95.7 FM). I’ll provide schedule updates on Twitter and here. Thanks again.
Urbs, sorry to hear the news. You sound like you are taking it very well, and I’m sure that is the first step for providing for your wife and family.
I’ve happily bookmarked this website, and continue to look forward to your insights on twitter at the new handle.
Keep that head up & know that many of us are looking forward to your next steps ahead.
All the best!
I’ve got no choice but to keep my head up, right? Thanks for the encouragement.
I have followed you from MLB, to C**, now to here, and willl continue you follow you Urbs. Good Luck, you’re one of the best baseball guys we have in the Bay. You’re connected with both teams and give both teams “love” which I respect.
Thanks very much, Rob. I really appreciate the loyalty.
We followed you Mychael, not CSN. Keep the chin up amigo.
Thank you, sir.
Best of luck, Urbz! I’ll definitely be checking back in…I’ll even make you feel more special than Affeldt and link your blog above his 😉
OK Urbs…time for you to start commenting on McCovey Chronicles.
I can’t believe CSN tossed you to the curb! Especially after the fantastic interview you rolled out with Sabean last week. Oh well. Their loss! You’re wise to keep the matches in your pocket, too. You never know when that bridge may lead you back.
Good luck with everything and I’ll definitely be tuning in to the unchained one.
p.s. Does this mean the earring’s coming back?
Haha. Good question about the earring. Gotta think about that one a while.
You can know one person who will be watching: myself! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with here and wishing you all the best in your job search/future.
Sorry to hear about anyone losing their job these days. Although, with all the free time maybe you can go plot your spot down at JH Plaza and join the occupiers. Haha.
Time for a fresh start, though. Being so well-known and well-liked within the Giants clubhouse means it shouldn’t be hard to find another job somewhere. And, speaking of fresh starts, maybe you can unblock me on twitter so I can know where you do end up. ha.
Great attitude Urbs. I DEPEND on you for my Giants news out here in Colorado so please keep it coming. Terrific writer, terrific reporter, you’ll never lose me.
Mychael,
As you said, losing a job is never easy, but it especially blows this time of year. I wish you all the best in finding something that’s rewarding and I hope it’s here in the Bay Area.
Best,
Goofus
Awwwwwkward… Sorry to hear the news. I got axed after my daughters 1st bday right outta college. I dont think you will have to kick it around Sports Authority like I did for a few months before you get another full time gig, but good luck none the less. Definitely gonna keep followin.
no matter who you think you are, i still think you are just a figment of your imagination… albeit a really well informed one! i have bookmarked this blog, have updated the twitter feed and will follow you wherever you go. keep reporting on sports, news or life in general to maintain that “edge” that you have. don’t let someone’s decision based on ratings or demographics ever effect your determination. go get ’em kid…
good luck and good health to you and your family.
Mike, I really don’t get it. Your work is impeccable. Whether you were on KNBR or CSN, I always enjoyed your material & your presence. I hope you find something new. QUICKLY. Best wishe my friend.
HollywoodinSJ
I’ll have to keep an eye out for you at the library. I too am a Livermorian (Livermoron?)
BTW, are you done at CSN as of now or are you working to the end of your contract? Not that it matters. Just curious.
I checked CSN each day for your articles, so now I’ll be checking this blog. Best of luck – you’re too good a writer to go unemployed for long.
That’s all there is to the story? Why wouldn’t they extend you? You were pretty good I think.
Go get ’em Urbs. Love your stuff. I was a reluctant viewer at first but you won me over. Keep up the good work. You a Livermore guy? Gotta love this little town!
You have come a long way and I know you will continue to be successful. I am so grateful to have gotten to know you way back when and you continue to inspire me to write on a weekly basis.
This is just the end of a chapter but the book isn’t finished yet. I wish you continued success. I look forward to seeing what is next for you.
Going to miss your daily 5, weekly chats and all of the Giants inside scoop. What’s going to happen to that basketball streak you had going at the Authentic BBQ?! Anyway, I would rather get my Giants scoop from you who’s knowledge are far surpassed the CSN staff writers/AP.
I really have no idea who’s going to take your spot. Can’t really see Bip Roberts/Shawn Estes/Amy G…/ or Jaymee Sire (probably going to be her) in your role.
Urbs, best of luck, I know you’ll find work fast. You are too valuable to the Bay Area sports world and I have enjoyed following you since CSN launched and I absolutely love catching you on The Game. I will continue to follow and support you and your work. -@oscartobar
I plan on checking daily. I was at Perry’s when you were doing a show and you gracious enough to talk with myself during a break. I enjoy you take on things and the Giants. All will work out for you.
As a former Bay Area resident (read: Giants fan) who actually does live in Idaho, I am looking forward to reading your blog. I enjoyed your presence on CSN Bay Area. I don’t get to listen to DBruce anymore, but always enjoyed the Tuesdays with Michael segment.
Wow, I am really going to miss you on CSN! Giants games won’t be the same as you added a lot. Maybe we need to get a fan page on Facebook to bring Urban back, might just do that and get CSN attention so they know what they lost.
Hang in there Urbs! You never know where life is going to take you, or why…..
will book mark this blog and send good thought your way, for you and yours…
Mychael –
I’ve been missing your humor and wondered where you went. I kept looking for new articles the past few weeks. (I can’t always listen to you on 95.7 but really enjoy your commentary) Keep posting your updates of your blog to your Facebook page. (I’m not on Twitter) Gook luck on the job search! I know you will land on your feet. (Time to write the sequel to Aces – where are they now?) Take care.
Somehow CSN’s loss will be a gain for your existing appreciators, plus a whole slew of new ones right around the corner. Your uniqueness and excellence will unfold a path of perfection in front of you leading you to the right place. We’re with ya.