RiverDogs Recognize Post and Courier Sports Columnist in Honor of Their Contributions to the Sports Community

The Charleston RiverDogs have named the main room in the press box at Riley Park the Gene Sapakoff Media Room in honor of the retired Post and Courier sports columnist. 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.

Echols stated that 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. Sapakoff, an eight-time sportswriter of the year in South Carolina, received video well-wishes from various sports figures during the event at Riley Park, including Dabo Swinney, Shane Beamer, Ray Tanner, Gary Smith, and Debbie Antonelli.

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, thanking the 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.