Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 9, 2020
Issue No. 340
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A Sportscaster's Memories
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Radio host Ralph Barbieri was a fixture at KNBR 680 AM for 28 years |
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KNBR 680 AM and Ralph Barbieri -- Never Boring!
By Bruce Macgowan
Sportscaster Bruce Macgowan, Bogey, wife
Colette and daughter Molly
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Back in the day, KNBR AM 680 was a collection of interesting personalities and Ralph Barbieri was certainly most prominent of the bunch. Known to many as ‘The Razor’ for his grating voice and sometimes rapier-like manner of skewering guests, it was nearly impossible to predict what he would say on the air.
His pontificating, his long wordy questions and stormy diatribes drove many listeners batty but the man was almost always provocative.
Traveling on the road with Ralph was also never boring. Sometimes we sat together in the stands when covering Giants’ road games. “I hate sitting in the press box. It’s so stuffy up there,” he complained. “So many of the writers are so cynical and sarcastic and don’t seem to be enjoying the games. I like to cheer and boo and get into what’s happening. I can’t do that up there.”
When you caught him away from the microphone, Ralph was one of the brightest, well-read and charming people you could ever meet. He was innately curious, wanting to understand and question just about anything. But when he was in one of his ‘dark’ moods, it was a different story.
Back in the winter of 1996, the entire KNBR sports staff sat in on a meeting with Brian Sabean. The new Giants GM had been heavily criticized for trading fan favorite Matt Williams to Cleveland for a package of players that included future star Jeff Kent. Ralph was one of the most skeptical of the deal and had lambasted Sabean and the trade several times on the air. During the meeting he continued his onslaught, openly questioning Sabean’s motives. Crotchety talk show Pete Franklin also piled on with a few sarcastic remarks.
Finally Sabean had had enough. His face flushed red with anger, he quickly rose from his seat and spat out the now famous words: “I am not an idiot!”
Sabean was eventually exonerated for making the deal. Not only did Kent become an All-Star but slick fielding shortstop Jose Vizcaino and durable reliever Julian Taveres helped Dusty Baker win his first postseason berth as a Giants’ manager. And though Sabean and Ralph had a testy relationship over the next 15 years, they built up a level of mutual respect.
For the most part, Ralph and I got along pretty well, with the exception of one unfortunate incident. While doing a post-game show following a Warriors game, I took a call from a woman who was upset that Ralph had ripped into women's basketball earlier in the day. She called Ralph a ‘misogynist’ and I told her that on this topic I had to agree.
Ralph heard about my remarks and as soon as he opened the afternoon show with co-host Tom Tolbert the next day, he erupted.
“Bruce Macgowan is out of line and is an idiot and I’ll say it again: Comparing the women's game to men's basketball is like comparing apples and crap!”
I eventually swallowed my pride and apologized to Ralph. To his credit, he accepted and we never spoke about it again.
Give Ralph credit, when Barry Bonds signed his six year deal with the club in 1993, Ralph owned up to the fact that he had called Bonds a ‘punk’ when Barry played with the Pirates. During a live interview shortly after Bonds’ introduction to the Bay Area media, Ralph admitted to Bonds what he had said earlier but would give Bonds a chance to prove him wrong. Bonds appreciated Ralph’s honesty and the two men got along very well after that.
Ralph shared a particularly warm relationship with A’s manager Tony La Russa. Ralph loved pets, especially his cat ‘Sunshine. ’ To La Russa’s delight, Ralph heavily promoted La Russa’s animal rescue foundation which disarmed the sometimes crusty manager who could be very reticent with the media.
Ralph always made it interesting with his controversial but always thoughtful and articulate ‘diatribes.’ He did manage to upset a lot of people and said many outrageous things but there was no pretense to the guy. The fact that he lasted 27 years at KNBR is a testament to his unique qualities as a talk show host.
Barbieri would eventually leave KNBR in a dispute which later led to a substantial financial settlement on his behalf. Ralph continues to call Marin County his home, while facing a confining medical issue.
Sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been in the media world for over 44 years, starting in Auburn and Eureka (CA). Assignments drew him to New York City and also back to the Bay Area, where he spent 18 years with KNBR 680 AM. Other assignments have included NBC Sports Bay Area, KGO and KCBS radio. Bruce is now working on a book which will give fans a special look at some of the great Bay Area teams over the last 40 years and the athletes and games he's covered.
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Gems
Over the years we have reviewed thousands of photos to bring you the finest work from some of the Bay Area's top sports photographers. Each week during the Coronavirus-induced sports lull we will bring you one of our favorites.
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NFL Hall of Famer Joe “Joe Cool” Montana (at 58 years old!) flashes a winning smile at a teammate during the Legends of Candlestick Flag Football Game at Candlestick Park on July 12, 2014. In company with Jerry Rice, the Legends of Candlestick defeated the All-Stars, 45-40, in a flag-football charity game which was also a farewell to Candlestick Park. The All-Stars were captained by NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino and included quarterbacks Dave Krieg and Drew Bledsoe, along with receiver Tim Brown. Other 49ers Legends included Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Dwight Clark, Roger Craig, Bill Ring and Mike Shumann. As fate would have it, former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo scored the winning touchdown on a well-choreographed catch and run and was carried off the field by jubilant teammates. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Rich Yee.
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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Where The Bay Comes To Play!
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"It's an ocean planet. As the oceans go, so goes the planet."
-- Bill Carvalho, Wild Planet founder and president
Wild Planet Foods has been honored with TWO awards by Whole Foods Market -- Global Supplier of the Year AND Environmental Stewardship! The annual awards recognize suppliers who embody Whole Foods Market's mission and values through a proven commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation,
and partnership.
More Awards and Counting!
Prevention -- 100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards
Men's Health -- 125 Best Foods for Men
Prevention -- Eat Clean Best Packaged Foods
Every Day with Rachael Ray -- Brand New Buy
Better Homes and Gardens -- Catch of the Day
Clean Eating -- Clean Choice Awards
Natural Health -- 3rd Annual Good Food Awards
Runner's World -- Good Catch
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I was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for my performance in Week 11 of the 2019 season, registering four sacks and a forced fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals. I was the first Oakland Raider to achieve this award since Bruce Irvin in Week 15 of the 2016 season. Concept and photo
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San Francisco Giants 7, San Diego Padres 12, 10 innings |
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San Diego Padres center fielder Trent Grisham doubled in the seventh inning and arrived just ahead of the tag. The Giants Brandon Crawford is not so sure. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Colorful and supportive fans, all of them of the cutout variety, line the right field baseline. (For the moment, foul balls are not souvenirs!)
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Giving up six runs in the 10th inning marred a remarkable late comeback against the Padres. After two one-sided losses to open the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Giants have stabilized recent performances. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Rich Yee.
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San Francisco Giants 5,
Texas Rangers 9
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Jeff Samardzija started for the Giants, surrendering five runs in 5.2 innings. After two starts, Samardzija's ERA is now 9.31. Photo by Rich Yee.
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A meeting on the mound included wearing face masks for some and the convenient use of a mitt. Photo by Rich Yee.
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While the loss was disappointing for the Giants, after having rallied from a 5-2 deficit to tie the score, their record in the young season, which many predicted would be a disaster, is now a respectable 5-4. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Giants Fan Cutouts
Your Opportunity to be in the Ballpark
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Be in the ballpark this season – sort of. While fans can't attend games at Oracle Park in person, your image can still be in a seat! For $99, select a seat and upload a smiling photo of yourself wearing your Giants gear. Then look for yourself in the stands while watching Giants games on television.
Select a seat near your favorite celebrity or Forever Giant whose cutouts will be scattered throughout the ballpark:
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Metallica
Carlos Santana
Tony Bennett
E-40
Joe Montana
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George Kittle
Jimmy Garoppolo
Rob Schneider
Multiple Forever Giants
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Use our helpful Photo Submission Guide to take and upload the best photo. There are many ways to take a great cutout photo... and a few ways to not! Photo upload instructions will be emailed separately after purchase.
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Oakland A's 3, Colorado Rockies 8 |
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First baseman Matt Olson went 2-for-3 and scored a run in the loss.
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Oakland center fielder Ramon Laureano scores one of the Athletics' three runs in their 8-3 defeat to the Colorado Rockies at RingCentral Coliseum on Tuesday, July 28. Laureano went 2-for-5 and scored two runs. Caption and
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Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) reaches for a throw as Colorado Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) reaches first base safely during the fifth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.com. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Don’t miss your chance to be at the Oakland Coliseum this season!
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A's Fans!
Don't miss your chance to be at the Oakland Coliseum this season. In accordance with local health and safety guidelines, unfortunately fans will not be permitted to attend games, however, you can still grab a seat at the game with our Coliseum Cutouts program. Upload a photo of yourself in A's gear and you may spot yourself in the stands while watching games on TV this season.
You can purchase a cutout for $89 per cutout or a special Foul Ball Zone cutout for $129. If a Foul Ball Zone cutout gets hit with a foul ball, we will send you that ball. Plus, with every purchase of a cutout, you’ll also receive two complimentary tickets to our first exhibition game at the Coliseum during the 2021 season. Proceeds from Coliseum Cutouts benefit the Oakland A's Community Fund.
Coliseum Cutouts will be authenticated and recognized by MLB as official "virtual fans." Due to limitations, not all sections and rows are available for this program and we cannot accommodate seat requests. Your cutout will remain in the ballpark for the 2020 regular season and you'll have an option to pick it up following the season. Please note, we cannot guarantee the condition of your cutout after exposure to weather and outdoor elements.
For best practices on submitting your photo, please reference our
Once you receive the link in your confirmation email at the completion of your purchase, please upload your photo online.
While it won't be the same without you there, we're excited to highlight the best fans in baseball during this memorable season. Thanks for your support.
Play ball,
Dave Kaval, Oakland A's President
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Odds to win the 2020 World Series |
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San Francisco Giants -- 300/1 |
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Oakland Athletics -- 30/1 |
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For Your Handy Use
2020 San Francisco Giants Schedule
2020 Oakland A's Schedule
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This Day in Sports -- August 7, 2019
Dwight Clark Day
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Copies of Letters to 87, Fans Remember the Legacy of Dwight Clark, were available for purchase and to be signed by San Francisco 49ers beat reporter Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, on Dwight Clark Day, August 7, 2019 held at Levi's Stadium. The volume features heartfelt letters from fans of 49ers hero Dwight Clark and essays by Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, Brian Murphy, and Kelly Clark. Letters to 87 also includes rare photos from Michael Zagaris, Brad Mangin, and John Storey. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Kenneth Wong.
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Wine Country Racing at Golden Gate Fields -- Sloane Garden wins the $50,000 added Luther Burbank Stakes, ridden by Kyle Frey, trained by Manuel Badilla and owned by Ronald L. Charles and Samuel Gordon. The 1 1/16 mile turf race went in 1:43.18. This was the first time this race has run at Golden Gate Fields. Photo credit: William Vassar / Vassar Photography.
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Quakes midfielder Magnus Eriksson scores a penalty kick five minutes
into the second half
Earthquakes 1, Minnesota United FC 4
Quakes eliminated from MLS is Back Tournament; finish with 3-1-1 record
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SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Minnesota United FC, 4-1, in the Quarterfinals of the MLS is Back Tournament and have been eliminated from the competition. San Jose finished their participation in the tournament with a 3-1-1 record in five matches, including an undefeated 2-0-1 Group-Stage record that counts towards regular season play, after being the first team to arrive in the bubble on June 24.
Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute, adding a second goal one minute later.
The Quakes pulled a goal back just five minutes into the second half when midfielder Magnus Eriksson successfully converted his penalty kick. Eriksson has scored three goals in the team's last two matches, all from the penalty spot.
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In the last seasons of the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Ultimate Sports Guide photographer Ed Jay collected images and stories of some of the Raiders most passionate and beloved fans. To view and read their stories, click on this link and revisit your all-time favorites. Above, Jose "Big Daddy" Delgado.
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Who Am I?
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end
Maxx Crosby!
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Maxx Crosby is a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders and played college football at Eastern Michigan. Crosby was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and made his debut in week one, against the Denver Broncos, with six tackles. In week five, against the Chicago Bears, Crosby recorded his first career sack. In week 11, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Crosby sacked Ryan Finley four times, including a strip sack which was recovered by teammate Maurice Hurst Jr., earning Crosby an AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Crosby's four sacks in a game was the most sacks made by a Raider in a single game since 2015, when Khalil Mack recorded five sacks against the Denver Broncos.To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Concept and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Do profits outweigh the logic of canceling the 2020 seasons? |
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For the Love of Money
by Pete Elman
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Is it fair to say that our entire society needs a total reset? Yes. There is a good argument that we desperately need it and that maybe this nightmare might create a little movement. Politically, economically, educationally, environmentally, racially, you name it, and…in sports as well. Fairness and sportsmanship are such a critical part of our obsession with sports, yet why in the world can we not apply this logical and ethical precept to the rest of our society?
Many theories have been floated; one that is intriguing is that sports is somehow not real: It’s a game, not real life, so the ethics and equity we see in sports is only an illusion, only with billions of dollars at stake. And that is the problem. There is nothing honorable about pro sports; it’s all about the money.
In October 1973 the R&B group the O’Jays recorded a song written and produced by the legendary Philadelphia International Records team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, entitled For the Love of Money.
For the love of money people will steal from their mother
For the love of money people will rob their own brother
All for the love of money, don't let money rule you…
Rob Manfred, Adam Silver and Roger Goodell – white courtesy phone.
I never thought I would see the day when baseball – in the words of my old friend Jon in D.C., who waited his entire life for his hometown team to win a title – would actually be “not relevant.” How right he is. I find myself not caring about box scores, final scores, stats or anything. What are the odds the season will be completed? 50%? 30%? How many on your Marlins team are now infected, Derek? 20? (Okay, full disclosure – I am still steamed about, “Slide Jeremy, slide!”)
The NBA? Wow, let’s play eight games to eliminate six teams and then have a full playoff season. Huh? And, by the way, Warriors-killer Lou Williams, you better not sneak over to a strip club when we released you from minimum security “bubble prison” to go to a family funeral. Does anybody out there really give a s---? There is not an asterisk big enough to affix to the eventual winner’s name.
But I am saving my wrath for football. Will the players be in an NBA-style bubble? Doubtful. Are they at risk? Probably. How bad does testosterone-filled America need the distraction of sports? Quite a bit, apparently. If I have to see Roger “I’ll have another martini,” Goodell take a knee one more time and pathetically, disingenuously (how dare he?) parrot “Black Lives Matter,” I’m gonna hurl. This is the guy who enabled the owners to take his cue from he whose name shall not be spoken and humiliate and blackball Colin Kaepernick, whose courageous stance now seems tame.
So back to my original premise: What exactly, you may ask, do we need to reset about this less-than-ideal scenario? Everything. Is it really the end of the world if the major sports take a year off? Do these billionaire owners really need the TV money? I think we are seeing a whole new level of greed.
Some people got to have it, some people really need it
People will lie, Lord, they will cheat
People don't care who they hurt or beat
For the love of money.
Amen.
Pete Elman
Oakland, California
August 2, in the year of our pandemic 2020.
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From 2000-2005 I wrote a column for the late great Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition (OAFC) entitled Elman Swings, a play on the fact that I'm a musician. Some of you may remember the OAFC, an East Bay organization that at its peak had several thousand members devoted to keeping the A's in Oakland and guess what? They succeeded! -- Pete Elman
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The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR
Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 9, 2020
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Games for most major and minor league sports, including collegiate and high school teams,
have been cancelled.
Monday, August 3
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Seattle Mariners, 6:10 p.m.
Tuesday, August 4
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 6:10 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies. 5:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 6:10 p.m.
Thursday, August 6
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 12:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 12:40 p.m.
Friday, August 7
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's v. Houston Astros, 6:10 p.m.
Saturday, August 8
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:10 p.m.
Oakland A's v. Houston Astros, 1:10 p.m.
Sunday, August 9
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's v. Houston Astros, 1:10 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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We can help!
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Join Us As A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
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