Weekly Interview with Sports Commentator Art Thiel
Kirsten Kendrick's Q. & A. with Seattle PI Sport Columnist Art Thiel is every Friday during M.E. at 5:30am and 7:30am and again that same day on ATC at 4:45pm. It also airs on Saturdays during Weekend Edition at 5:35 a.m. and 7:35 a.m.
Thiel on Ichiro Deal (2007-07-13) Mariners' All Star centerfielder Ichiro Suzuki is signing a five-year contract extension worth an estimated $100 million dollars. Is he worth it? Seattle P-I sports columnist Art Thiel thinks so. He talked with KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick. (KPLU)
Thiel on New Sonics Coach (2007-07-06) He's led professional and college basketball teams in the past. Those dual talents may come in handy as P.J. Carlesimo takes over as the new head coach of the Sonics. The team's star veteran players are gone. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Seattle P-I sports columnist Art Thiel about what that means for next season. (KPLU)
Thiel on NFL Get-Tough Policy (2007-04-13) The NFL has a new "get-tough policy" when it comes to players who get into trouble with the law. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with sports columnist Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the new rules, which took effect this week. (KPLU)
Thiel on Baseball Demographics (2007-04-09) The number of Major League Baseball players born outside the US has increased to near record levels. Seattle PI sports columnist Art Thiel says there are "pros and cons" to this latest statistic. He talked by phone this week with KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick. (KPLU)
Thiel on 2007 Baseball Season (2007-03-30) The Mariners kick-off their 2007 season Monday afternoon at Safeco Field with a game against the Oakland A's. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with sports columist Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about some of the "drama" we can expect out of Mahor League Baseball this year. (KPLU)
Thiel on NCAA Tournament (2007-03-16) Washington State is moving on and Gonzaga is out after the opening round of the NCAA men's basketball trounament yesterday. The Cougars face Vanderbilt next, tomorrow afternoon. There's a reason they call this time of the year "March Madness." Emotions run high. And there's a lot at stake for players, coaches, and schools. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with sports columnist Art Thiel with Seattle PI about that. (KPLU)
Thiel on High School Sports Fan Misconduct(2007-03-09) The state Division 3A high school basketball tournament runs through Saturday. There will, no doubt, be lots of cheering from the fans in the stands. There may also be some booing. The "jeers" that so often accompany high school sports may be on their way out in our state. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association is considering new guidlines to crack down on negative behavior. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick spoke by phone to sports columnist Art Thiel of the Seattle PI. (KPLU)
Thiel on UW, WSU Basketball (2007-03-02) Washington State and the University of Washington men's basketball teams wrap-up their regular seasons tomorrow. WSU is moving on to the NCAA Tournament. UW is not; for the first time in four years. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked to Art Thiel with the Seattle PI about this year's "power shift" in college basketball, and what it means for the state.(KPLU)
Thiel on Ichiro's Future (2006-02-23) This may be the final year that Ichiro Suzuki is a Seattle Mariner. After the team has finished in last place for the past three seasons, Ichiro admitted this week there's a possibility that he'll file for free agency. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about that. (KPLU)
Theil on NBA Gay Controversy(2007-02-16) This weekend is the NBA All-Star game in Las Vegas. But the event could be overshadowed by a controversy involving two retired players. One recently revealed that he's gay. The other has publicly condemned the gay lifestyle. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the fallout. (KPLU)
Thiel on Sonics Streak, Arena(2007-02-09) The Sonics finally snapped a franchise record, 15-game losing streak on the road, with their win over the Indiana Pacers this week. The team is still in last place in the Northwest Division. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about whether the Sonics' losing record will affect their chances of getting a new arena built in King County. (KPLU)
Thiel on Super Bowl Trends(2007-02-02) The Super Bowl is this Sunday between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts. Millions of people will watch the game. But there are other things to watch for as well, in terms of trends. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about that.(KPLU)
Thiel on College Bowl Games (2006-12-29) As we get ready to "ring in" the New Year, 'tis the season for college football bowl games. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the multitude of match-ups during the next several days. (KPLU)
Thiel on UW-Gonzaga Rivalry(2006-12-08) It's one of the most eagerly anticipated college basketball games of the year in the Northwest. The Washington Huskies play the Gonzaga Bulldogs tomorrow. But, next year, that rivalry is going away. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the move to discontinue this match-up.(KPLU)
Thiel on Steroids & Baseball Hall of Fame (2006-12-01) Among the players eligible to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame next year is longtime St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire. Many sportswriters don't thick McGwire should be considered, because of his alleged use of steroids. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the debate over whether McGwire is worthy of the Hall of Fame.(KPLU)
Thiel on Price Tag for Japanese Pitcher (2006-11-24) Eyebrows were raised recently when the Boston Red Sox paid more than 50-million-dollars for the right to negotiate with Japanese pitcher Diasuke Matsuzaka. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the deal that's left a lot of people shaking their heads.(KPLU)
Thiel on Apple Cup (2006-11-17) The University of Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars face-off in the Apple Cup tomorrow (Saturday). KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the unusual build-up to this year's game and what's at stake.(KPLU)
Thiel on Seahawks at Midpoint (2006-11-10) The Seattle Seahawks host their division rivals the St. Louis Rams Sunday at Qwest Field. The team is at the halfway point in the season. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about how things have gone so far for the Hawks and what's in store for the next eight weeks.(KPLU)
Thiel on Injured Seahawks (2006-10-27) As they near the half-way point of the regular season, the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks are struggling. A blistering loss at home last weekend to the Minnesota Vikings took a back seat to the knee sprain suffered by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. KPLU's Gary Davis spoke with Art Thiel, a sports columnist with the Seattle PI, about the injury-plagued Seahawks.(KPLU)
Thiel on Huskies Without Stanback The University of Washington Huskies face the University of California this weekend without starting quarterback Isaiah Stanback. He's out for the season with an ankle injury. KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick talked with Art THiel of the Seattle P-I about how this will affect the Husky team and Stanback's future in football.(KPLU)
Thiel on Baseball Comparisons (2006-10-13) The major league baseball playoffs are in full swing. Just what separates the teams fighting it out for the American League Champoinship - Detroit Tigers and Oakland A's - from the Seattle Mariners? KPLU's Steve Krueger examines that question with the Seattle PI's Art Thiel.
Thiel on Baseball Comparisons (2006-10-13) The major league baseball playoffs are in full swing. Just what separates the teams fighting it out for the American League Champoinship - Detroit Tigers and Oakland A's - from the Seattle Mariners? KPLU's Steve Krueger examines that question with the Seattle PI's Art Thiel.
Thiel on Sports Seasons(2006-10-06) Baseball playoffs, the NFL, enven the NBA and the NHL. If you're a sports fanatic this is your time of year. If not, you probably wonder what all the excitement is about. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about how, whether we like it or not, sports has become a common thread that binds a community.(KPLU)
Thiel Wraps Up The M's Season (2006-09-29) The Seattle Mariners wrap up their disappointing 2006 season Sunday against the Texas Rangers. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about what went wrong and what might lie ahead next year.(KPLU)
Thiel on Sports & Character (2006-09-22) Two stories from the world of sports this week focused attention on the issue of character. Maurice Claret, once a promising Ohio State running back and pro prospect, was sentenced to prison for robbery and weapons violations. And, on the other side of the coin, five Duquesne University basketball players were shot when they cane to the assistance of a woman n a domestic dispute. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the role of sports in building the character of young athletes. (KPLU)
Thiel on Newest Seahawk (2006-09-15) The Seahawks have a new man, as they head into this weekend's game against the Arizona Cardinals. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about what the addition of wide receiver Deon Branch means to the team.(KPLU)
Thiel on Seahawks Opener (2006-09-08) The Seattle Seahawks open their 2006 season Sunday, with a return to Detroit, the city where thy lost the Super Bowl earlier this year. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about why many sports pundits expect the Hawks to defy the odds and return to the NFL title game for a second straight year.(KPLU)
Thiel on College Football (2006-09-01) The University of Washington kicks off its 2006 football season Saturday, against San Jose State here in Seattle. KPLU's Steve Krueger talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the game and about a season few believe will feature many Husky victories.(KPLU)
Thiel on Sinking M's (2006-08-25) Seattle Mariners hit a new low this past week. A disastrous road trip saw them lose every game. And to make matters worse the Mariners set a major league baseball record fro most consecutive losses to division teams. As a result, Seattle sunk like stone to the bottom of the American League West standings, and verified they're not a playoff contender, again, this year. KPLU's Gary Davis spoke with Art Thiel, our sports commentator and a columnist with the Seattle PI, about what's needed to turn the club around.(KPLU)
Thiel on Sports TV (2006-08-18) A new era of sports TV dawned this week, the venerable Monday Night Football broadcast moved from the ABC broadcast network to the cable station, ESPN. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with the Seattle PI's Art Thiel about the changing face, and place, of sports on American TV.(KPLU)
Thiel on Hawks 06 (2006-08-11) The Seattle Seahawks play their first pre-season game of the year Saturday night at Qwest Field. KPLU's Steve Krueger caught up with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI to talk about this year's team as the players went through their paces at the team's training camp at Eastern Washington University in Cheney.(KPLU)
Thiel on WIAA (2006-07-28) Chief Sealth High School was stripped of its back-to-back 3-A championships in girls basketball by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. The WIAA found that the school's coaches recruited players with promises of starting positions and college scholarships. Chief Sealth was slapped with two additional years of probation. But the team will be eligible to play in district and state tournaments this fall. KPLU's Gary Davis speaks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about why this controversy is just one example of a much bigger problem facing high school athletics.(KPLU)
Thiel on Sonics Sale (2006-07-21) Are the Seattle Sonics on their way out of town? This week's announcement that the franchise has been sold to Oklahoma investors seems to be sending that message. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the surprise sale and about where the team may eventually end up.(KPLU)
Thiel on Soccer Ratings (2006-07-14) The just concluded Work Cup of soccer drew strong TV ratings in this country; almost 7 million people tuned in to watch the world spectacle. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about what that means for the sport and for the world of American sports in general.(KPLU)
Thiel on M's at Mid-Season (2006-07-07) The Mariners dream June is giving way to what could be a nightmare July. After going 14 and 4 against National League teams in inter-league play. The M's are having a tough time against their American League Competition. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with our sports commentator, Art Thiel, of the Seattle PI about the tough road ahead for the Mariners.(KPLU)
Thiel on the NBA Draft (2006-06-30) The Seattle Sonics went young and tall again in this week's NBA college draft. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the Sonics choice of what some say was the most unknown player ion the draft.(KPLU)
Thiel on the Elway Poll (2006-06-16) A poll this week gave the owners of the Seattle Sonics basketball team a case of heartburn. Well-respected pollster Stuart Elway found 78% of Seattle would rather see the NBA team leave than pay for changes to Key Arena the team says it must have to be profitable. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the poll and the future of the team in Seattle.(KPLU)
Thiel on World Cup Soccer (2006-06-09) The biggest sporting event in the world begins this weekend. The World Cup of soccer pits 32 teams and nations in a month-long quest for sports supremacy and national pride. In most of the world, it will dominate the public's attention; but not here. KPLU's Steve Krueger talked with Seattle PI columnist Art Thiel about why soccer largely has failed to grab the loyalty or the imagination of Americans.(KPLU)
Theil on Mike Hargrove(2006-06-02) The Seattle Mariners stumbling baseball season has some people suggesting that it's time for a change at the top. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about how manager Mike Hargrove could - or should - be replaced in an effort to improve the team's prospects.(KPLU)
Thiel's Mariner Report Card(2006-05-26) The Seattle Mariners have passed the quarter pole of the major league season and despite a losing record they remain close to the lead in the American League West. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the team, who's hot and who's not and about a long standing benchmark of baseball futility.(KPLU)
Thiel on the WNBA (2006-05-19) The Seattle Storm begin the 2006 WNBA season Sunday at Key Arena. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about where the women's professional basketball league is as it turns 10 years old.(KPLU)
Thiel on Holmgren's Future (2006-05-12) Stay or go? That's the unlikely choice facing Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with the Seattle PI's Art Thiel about why a coach who took his team to its firs-ever Super Bowl game would consider not extending his contract past the end of this season.(KPLU)
Thiel on Bonds (2006-05-05) San Francisco Giant slugger Barry Bonds should, within the next few days, become baseball's second leading home-run hitter of all time. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the play that has embroiled his sport in controversy and a drug scandal, while en-route to a record some doubt he's earned.(KPLU)
Thiel on Mariner's April (2006-04-28) The Mariners will be glad to put the month of April behind them. The team struggled throughout the month, on route to the second worst record in the American League. KPLU's Steve Krueger talked with Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about whether there's any reason to hope things will improve.(KPLU)
Thiel Wraps up Sonics (2006-04-21) The NBA season is over, at least it is in Seattle as the Supersonics have missed the playoffs again this year. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about the Sonics season, their prospect for next year, and the big question of where the team might play after 2010.(KPLU)
Thiel on High Expectations (2006-04-14) Every year, professional sports teams bring in new names and faces to try to improve their performance on the field or the court. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about why some of those high-priced new acquisitions don't work out.(KPLU)
Art Thiel on King Felix (2006-04-07) What some say is the Era of King Felix begins tonight at Safeco Field. 20-year-old Felix Hernandez takes the mound against Oakland for his first appearance of the 2006 baseball season. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI, about the man some say is a once-in-a-generation superstar in the making.(KPLU)
Art Thiel on M's Season (2006-03-31) The Mariners open their 2006 season Monday afternoon at Safeco Field. Our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI, talks with KPLU's Steve Krueger about what lies ahead for a team that has struggled through it two past seasons. (KPLU)
Thiel on the Sweet 16 (2006-03-24) There'll be a Dog fight tonight in the nations capitol. The University of Washington Huskies meet the University of Connecticut Huskies in the quarter finals of NCAA men's basketball tournament. KPLU's Steve Krueger talked with our sports commentator, Art Thiel, who's in the other Washington for the game, about why the Huskies have emerged over the past few years as a round-ball powerhouse. (KPLU)
Thiel on March Madness (2006-03-17) The NCAA men's basketball tournament, better known as March Madness is underway. KPLU's Steve Krueger caught up with our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI, on a scratchy phone in the media tent outside the tournament area in San Diego.(KPLU)
So Many Sports, So Little Time (2006-02-21) The first week of the Winter Olympic games are going into the books. Seattle PI columnist and KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel is in Turin, and he tells KPLU's Steve Krueger that deciding what sports to watch can be a daunting task.(KPLU)
Thiel from Turin (2006-02-10) The Winter Olympics open later this morning - our time - in Turin, Italy. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI, by cell phone from the Olympic press center about what shapes up to be a very different kind of winter games.(KPLU)
Thiel on Super Bowl XL (2006-02-06) The Seattle Seahawks will have to be content with being the second best team in the National Football League this season. The Hawks ended their most successful year ever with a 21 to 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers n Super Bowl 40 in Detroit. KPLU's Steve Krueger caught up with our sports commentator, Art Thiel of the Seattle PI, on his cell phone in the press box at Ford Field after the game. He asked him what went wrong for the Seahawks in the biggest sporting event of the year.(KPLU)
Thiel Looks Ahead at Super Bowl XL (2006-02-03) This has been a week like no other in the history of the Seattle Seahawks. The team is preparing to play the Pittsburgh Steelers, in its first-ever Super Bowl, this Sunday afternoon in Detroit. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Seattle PI columnist and KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel about the kind of game we can expect to see. (KPLU)
Super Bowl Fever - Thiel (2006-01-27) The NFL calls this dead week the seven days prior to the week of the Super Bowl. You'd never know it in Seattle. KPLU's Steve Krueger and Seattle PI columnist Art Thiel take a look at how Super Bowl Fever is reaching epidemic proportions in the Emerald City. (KPLU)
Thiel on NFC Title Game (2006-01-20) The Seahawks meet the Carolina Panthers Sunday at Qwest Field for the NFC championship. Commentator Art Thiel of the Seattle PI tells KPLU's Steve Krueger that it should be a game worth watching. (KPLU)
Thiel 1-13(2006-01-13) The Seahawks meet the Washington Redskins tomorrow [Saturday] at Qwest Field in the second round of the NFL post-season playoffs. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Seattle PI sports columnist Art Thiel about a game the Hawks hope will be their next step towards the Super Bowl. (KPLU)
Thiel 1-06 (2006-01-06) The Sonics have a new head coach and in his weekle conversation with KPLU's Steve Krueger, sports commentator Art Thiel of the Seattle PI says Bob Hill may bring a new attitude to the struggling team. (KPLU)
Thiel 12-2 (2005-12-02) The Seattle Seahawks are preparing to play on the NFL's premier regular season stage. They'll meet the struggling Philadelphia Eagles on next week's Monday Night Football broadcast from the city of brotherly love. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with sports commentator Art Thiel of the Seattle PI about why Mondays in the National Football League are different than any given Sunday. (KPLU)
Thiel 11-25 (2005-11-28) Americans are crazy about sports. We spend big bucks for tickets and even bigger bucks on new stadiums and arenas. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Seattle PI sports columnist Art Thiel about the place of sports in our society and culture. (KPLU)
Thiel 11-18 (2005-11-18) This is Apple Cup weekend the Washington State University Cougars are traveling to Seattle to play the Huskies. Both teams had forgettable seasons. WSU has won just three games the Huskies two their game will decide only one thing: which team finishes dead last in the Pac 10 conference. KPLU's Steve Krueger and Seattle PI sports columnist Art Thiel take a look ahead at a game that Thiel says the state deserves.(KPLU)
Thiel 11-11(2005-11-11) It's Friday and it's time for our regular look at sports. The Seahawks meet the St. Lewis Rams Sunday at Qwest Field. KPLU's Steve Krueger and Seattle PI sports columnist Art Thiel give a preview of what we can expect to see in this game between rivals. (KPLU)
Thiel on the NBA(2005-11-04) The NBA season has begun the Seattle Supersonics dropped their home opener to the LA Clippers Wednesday night. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with Seattle PI sports columnist Art Thiel about the Sonics' prospects for the season and about some of the off-court trouble facing professional basketball. (KPLU)
Thiel on the World Series(2005.10.28) The World Series ended in a 4-game sweep by the Chicago White Sox this week. TV ratings were among the lowest ever recorded for the fall classic. KPLU's Steve Krueger talks with sports commentator Art Thiel of the Seattle P-I about why. (KPLU)
Thiel on Sports (2005.10.14) Will this be the year for the Seattle Seahawks shed their reputation for NFL mediocrity? The Hawks play the winless Houston Texans Sunday. They're hoping to build on their division-leading 3 and 1 record. Sports commentator Art Theil and KPLU's Steve Krueger explore the prospects of a team that once dominated professional sports in the Northwest (KPLU)
