Program Summary: Mike Gastineau, “State of the Seattle Sports Union Address,” January 27, 2022

Mike Gastineau is a freelance writer, author, and broadcaster.

His latest book, Fear No Man, was published in 2021 and tells the inside story of the undefeated and national champion 1991 University of Washington football team. Previous books include Mr. Townsend and the Polish Prince, published in 2018 and currently in development to be made into a movie, and Sounders FC: Authentic Masterpiece, a critically acclaimed best-seller published in 2013. In 2009, he co-authored The Great Book of Seattle Sports lists with Art Thiel and Steve Rudman. 

His work has appeared in the Seattle Times, the Seattle Mariners Magazine, the Washington Athletic Club Magazine, SportspressNW.com, and Lindy’s College Football Magazine.

He is the host of the podcast Iconic Sonics which focuses on the history (and hopefully the return of) the Seattle Supersonics to their rightful place.

He was a sports talk show host at KJR Radio in Seattle from 1991 to 2012 where, in addition to his daily afternoon show he hosted shows on the Seattle Supersonics radio network and the University of Washington radio network.

Mike and his wife Renee live on Whidbey Island.

Here is a link to get Mike’s book on the 1991 Husky National Championship football team.

Meeting Summary by Merrill Mayer

Mike Gastineau

State of the Sports Union

2021 story of the year. Is opening of Climate Pledge Arena. Arena allowed NHL to expand plus it can be a venue concerts. Brings people back to Queen Anne and downtown. Sports is an economic engine.

Says NBA will be back in Seattle. Kraken owners, arena owners are interested in this.

Arena signs are removable so different teams can have their own signs.

Seahawks: you don’t blow everything up because of 1 bad Year. Russell Wilson is a great quarterback

Mariners: labor dispute and lockout. Arguing about money by rich people is really misreading the room. Not talking is an insult to fans.

Mariners really planned for this season with team development and signing pitcher Robbie Ray. Mariners team, like the Climate Pledge Arena, can bring people downtown. Seattle will host the all-star game in 2023.

Sounders: Joined as expansion team and made play-offs 13 consecutive times.

Storm: survived numerous coaching and arena changes but are always good. Sue Bird is a legend. Storm will now have home at Climate Pledge Arena.

Books

1991 Husky National Championship football team: https://smile.amazon.com/Fear-No-Man-Seven-Year-Championship/dp/0295749210/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=gastineau&qid=1643298685&s=books

Describes people who helped put together team.

Mr. Townsend and the Polish Prince is being made into a movie tells story white football coach at historically black college Delaware State College Goes beyond sports to cover nuances of race relations.