The Charleston RiverDogs have honored the retired Post and Courier sports columnist, Gene Sapakoff, by naming the main room in the press box at Riley Park as the Gene Sapakoff Media Room. Sapakoff had a 38-year career at the newspaper before retiring earlier this year. According to Dave Echols, president and general manager of the RiverDogs, the team would not exist in its current form without Sapakoff’s support over the years. Echols believes that Sapakoff played a crucial role in building the brand of the RiverDogs throughout the years.
While many people associate the RiverDogs with figures like Mike Veeck, Bill Murray, and Mayor Joe Riley, Sapakoff’s articles, insight, and opinions also contributed to the team’s reputation and brand. During an event at Riley Park, various sports figures including Dabo Swinney, Shane Beamer, Ray Tanner, Gary Smith, and Debbie Antonelli sent video well-wishes to Sapakoff.
Sapakoff expressed his gratitude for being able to work in the sports journalism profession for so long, particularly in Charleston, South Carolina. He mentioned how working at The Post and Courier has been one of the greatest experiences of his life and thanked local ownership and management for their support. The event celebrating Sapakoff’s career was attended by many of his family members as well as current and past co-workers including former Post and Courier sports editors Frank Wooten and Malcolm Dewitt.
In conclusion, Gene Sapakoff has been an essential figure in shaping Charleston RiverDogs into what they are today. His contributions to building their brand were recognized by renaming a room in their press box after him. It is clear that his legacy will continue to impact future generations of athletes who aspire to be successful sports journalists.
