The Charleston RiverDogs have honored retired Post and Courier sports columnist Gene Sapakoff by naming the main room in the press box at Riley Park 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.
Sapakoff’s articles, insight, and opinions also contributed to the team’s reputation and brand. While many people associate the RiverDogs with figures like Mike Veeck, Bill Murray, and Mayor Joe Riley, Sapakoff’s contributions were equally important. During an event at Riley Park celebrating his career, Sapakoff received video well-wishes from various sports figures, 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.
