Monday, February 7, 2022
Issue No. 419
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Reflections on a 49ers Season |
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Defensive end Jordan Willis blocked Corey Bojorquez's punt which was recovered by safety Talanoa Hufanga for a touchdown in the
Niners' 13-10 win over Green Bay
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Zany 49ers Season Ends in LA
By Bruce Macgowan
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It was heartbreaking, but the 49ers’ loss Sunday to the Rams in the NFC Finals was not a surprise.
What WAS a surprise is how the 49ers traversed the slippery slopes to get there, having to pull off victories in three consecutive must-win games, all of which went down to the final seconds.
One thing you cannot quantify in this new world of sabermetics in sports is measuring the human factor. Some call it heart. It’s like that old baseball song: “You gotta have heart! Miles and miles and miles of heart!”
Like the baseball Giants, who had one of the most unlikely seasons in big league history, the 49ers relied on heart and grittiness and courage to be successful.
After an awful 3-5 start, it looked as if the 2021 season were going into the ash can, but things began changing radically when the 49ers crushed the Rams 30-10 on a Monday night game in October.
Like him or not, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was at the center of this comeback, as he led his team to dramatic wins at Cincinnati and then the victory in LA on the final day of the regular season to assure a playoff berth.
It’s a shame Garoppolo was constantly ripped by folks on the Internet as well as reporters, because even though Jimmy G. is not an elite quarterback, he seems to make it happen. When he played, the Niners won around 66 percent of their games. The wins in Dallas and Green Bay in the first two rounds were especially revealing, as this fellow fought through the pain of a torn up thumb on his throwing hand.
Unfortunately for him, Garoppolo will also be remembered as the guy who couldn’t close the deal. In the key moments of the Super Bowl two years ago, and in the narrow loss to the Rams, he failed in the clutch. Exciting rookie Trey Lance will in all probability be leading the 49ers next year, but the team has a bright future.
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Nick Bosa (97) finished the 2021 regular season with 52 tackles
(40 solo), 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles
The defensive line, led by sack specialist Nick Bosa, is one of the best in the game. Opposing teams frequently double-teamed Bosa, and that led to more opportunities for people such as Arik Armstead, who emerged as one of the better lineman in the NFL.
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans had lots of players to work with, and kept rotating them in throughout games to keep the defense fresh. That gave opposing teams different looks and made things difficult.
Ryans did a particularly good job against Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers three weeks ago, disguising coverages, thus confusing the great quarterback into making mistakes.
Linebacker Fred Warner was a terrific leader, and he wore his heart on his sleeve after Sunday’s loss, tearing up after LA slammed the door shut by picking off a desperate shovel pass by Garoppolo in the final minute of play.
While George Kittle is right up there with KC’s Travis Kelce as arguably the best tight end in football, Garoppolo had the incredibly talented Deebo Samuel by his side to break big plays all year.
Samuel may have revolutionized things as a hybrid wide receiver/running back, as the big, physical youngster was equally adept at carrying and catching, breaking a number of explosive plays that turned games around. Samuel was the best double threat in 49ers history since the days of the great Roger Craig.
Brandon Aiyuk also stepped up his game after a mid-season ‘talk’ with coach Kyle Shanahan, who reamed out the second year receiver for not having the commitment to work hard in practice after a brilliant rookie year. The harsh words lit a fire under Aiyuk, who became one of the better receivers in the NFL, and a terrific complement to Samuel, Kittle and rookie running back Elijah Mitchell.
Mitchell was another great story, as he was pressed into service following the opening game knee injury to star Raheem Mostert, and the youngster turned into one of the toughest running backs in the NFL to corral.
Also, a shoutout needs to go to unheralded fullback Kyle Juszczyk, as the Harvard grad did much of the dirty work providing protection for Garoppolo as well as running interference for the running backs. The offensive line overcame injuries to starters Mike McGlinchey and Trent Williams, although the great left tackle showed grit and courage playing through a high ankle sprain in the last two games of the post season. The former Cal Bear great Alex Mack was also a quiet hero, anchoring an offensive line that overcame much adversity.
The Niners’ kicking game was also top notch. Robbie Gould did not miss a single field goal or extra point in the post season, and punter Mitch Wishnowsky was excellent most of the campaign. The much maligned special teams and the injury-weakened defensive secondary also showed great improvement as the season wore on, although Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr singed the 49ers defensive backs throughout most of their big game.
Yes, it hurts to see the Niners season end in bitter fashion, as did the San Francisco Giants: abruptly, with a loss to their LA rivals. But an exciting stretch run, punctuated by team togetherness and heart brought the 49ers to the brink of playing on the big stage for the eighth time in their long history.
In mid-October did anyone see this coming?
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Macgowan, published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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A dedicated Cal fan expresses his hope for a Jordan Shepherd jersey midway though the Cal vs. Washington game at Haas Pavilion on Feb. 3. Shepherd is Cal's leading scorer by a wide margin. Photo by Ron Sellers.
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Letters to the Editor
Richard Nixon and a Message for the Media
The so-called "last press conference" of Richard Nixon took place on November 7, 1962, following his loss to Democratic incumbent Pat Brown in the 1962 California Gubernatorial election. Before 100 reporters, an embittered Nixon lashed out at the media, proclaiming that, "You don't have Nixon to kick around anymore, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference."
Well, local media, "You won't have Jimmy G to kick around anymore." He will have taken his QB and leadership skills to another team. Perhaps the Trey Lance era will spark a "kinder, gentler" media, to paraphrase George Bush the Elder, but I wouldn't go all FanDuel on it. What's the Over/Under on that? Three interceptions and two losses in his first five games?
Not only is Jimmy G gone, but Shanahan and his DISMAL record without Jimmy G (7-29) remains, only now he has his hand-picked VP, Anthony Lynn, who is fresh off two seasons as head coach of the Chargers where he compiled a 12-20 record. "Birds of a feather flock together," as the old chestnut goes.
Trey Lance, 49er fans wish you and the 49ers well. A Great Season, indeed! MEDIA: Trey will have enough on his plate without some bleak reporter in the bowels of the stadium, determined to shove a mic. in his face, ask him what went wrong. Give peace a chance!
No, you won't have Jimmy G to kick around anymore, but remember, Nixon bounced back after that loss and became President.
Robert Moselle
Monterey, CA
A Most Appreciative Reader
To the Publisher of Sports Today: I'm sure most readers prefer Letters of volcanic anger, so I hope this doesn't disappoint. Sports Today is like a spa for this sports fan, a hideaway from generic sports pages, subscription or otherwise, which are full of data, scores, obligatory obnoxious opinions and a top-heavy focus on major, professional sports.
Sports Today does provide scores and schedules, but I have found no other publication, which has such a wide range of topics in such a variety of formats. None with Sports Haikus, (a hoot!), voluminous, unbelievably dynamic photography, news on all types of sports,
from rugby to gymnastics, to Disc leagues, golf, ALL local college teams in ALL sports, plus, Warriors, Niners, Giants, A's, S.J. Earthquakes and other pro teams with in-depth articles. And the Letters to the Editor? You sure have some classics -- if it weren't for ST some of these
folks might explode on the highway.
But what really sets you apart is your bounty of gifted writers. This is more than sports journalism: it is Sports Literature! Dave Newhouse, Andy Dolich, Bruce Macgowan, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, Pete Elman, Arif Khatib, and many others -- their stories are drenched in Bay Area sports history and are based on first-hand, in-depth knowledge and personal experiences. I spend hours on an issue, usually with a quick overview to start and then numerous more visits to read it all and enjoy all the features. I didn't know most of these writers, but I have learned as much about creative writing as I have about the sports and teams they have covered, like the complex issues around the A's and the unique profiles of the Bay Area personalities involved.
So, thank you! And if I get angry about an issue, at least I also know you're there to share the rage!
Kristen LaRue
Oakland, CA
Reforming MLB
Why not consider nationalizing MLB and making them a utility, then cut up the pie for public and player ownership and fair pay to the indentured players? Taxpayers already subsidize the system. Green Bay is publicly owned though they’re as corrupt as all the billionaire-owned teams. I know I could be shot for messing with a contemporary Plantation system. The truly inane fans would still stuff themselves with hot dogs and beer and live a vicarious life.
It’s not a nutso proposal as many of Europe’s “football teams” and stadia are municipally owned in a mixed private/public slicing of the pie. The thinking goes: “You want our tax monies? Well, we share in the equity.”
What do the fans care anyway? The players getting better pay plus receiving an equity share is a humane approach.
Patric Mayers
Rancho Mirage, CA
Mute Button Trophy Nominee: Jim Nantz
If I remember correctly, S/T awards a trophy in honor of the inventor of the Mute Button. (If I recall correctly, Doris Burke was the first winner - well-deserved, imho).
I hereby nominate sportscaster Jim Nantz for the next trophy presentation. This pompous, self-absorbed phony is everywhere. He leans on useless trivia to compensate for his lack of a personality and exudes an air of superiority as he talks down to viewers. I was forced to listen to him for last week's NFL playoffs and now, here he is, for the
Pebble Beach Celebrity Pro-Am, where he makes believe he knows who Macklemore is and drones on and on about useless garbage.
I don't expect Kevin Harlan to be on the mic. for a golf tournament,
but I would prefer to be able to listen while I watch the match and not have to use the mute button for a six-hour stretch. Perhaps a Pepto Bismol award would be appropriate for this self-important,
pontifical stuffed shirt. Dude, (that's a word real people use, Jim), take a break, or just shut up!
Let me save the batteries on my channel changer.
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Celebrity Challenge
Cal Bears (M) 63, Washington Huskies 84
Cal Bears (M) 68, Washington State Cougars 68
San Jose State Spartans (M) 43, Fresno State Bulldogs 73
Stanford Cardinal (M) vs. Washington Huskies 87-69
Features & Commentary
Missing Jimmy G, by Dave Newhouse
MLB Negotiations: Billionaires vs Millionaires and for the rest,
“Let Them Eat Cake.” by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Sports Haikus©️
Zany 49ers Season Ends in LA, by Bruce Macgowan
Organizations
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's last game as a 49er ended in a 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He exits the team with a 34-16 record as the Faithful wait to anoint Trey Lance their Savior |
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Missing Jimmy G.
By Dave Newhouse
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Sometime soon, likely right after the Super Bowl, Jimmy Garoppolo will be introduced as the new quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers or any NFL city east of San Francisco.
But regarding this Super Bowl, Garoppolo would be quarterbacking the 49ers against the Cincinnati Bengals, if not for Jaquiski Tartt’s gaffe.
If Tartt had held onto the easiest interception a defensive back could have expected, right there in the fourth quarter, the 49ers would have run time off the clock and prevented the Los Angeles Rams’ comeback victory.
I know, ifs, ands or buts will drive coaches nuts, but don’t blame Garoppolo for the 20-17 defeat, which the media once again can’t help itself from doing. Jimmy G must have scars from the whippings he has endured — not on the football field, but in sports sections and on social media.
These floggings have gone on all autumn and into winter. No previous 49er quarterback has endured such constant abuse. Alright, I do remember Joe Montana and Steve Young, but that was different, a dual death dance. Garoppolo’s situation is different; his adversary is a rookie with very little game action.
Garoppolo has known all season that this would be his final run as a 49er. But he handled it with uncommon grace, without once retaliating against the mountain of criticism against him. Find another starting 49er quarterback with a gentlemanly demeanor similar to Jimmy G’s, which boils down to Young and Alex Smith. The local media will miss him when he’s gone, because he is that rare breed who never fired back.
How rare? Brett Favre barely acknowledged heir apparent Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. Quarterback tension has existed in the NFL for decades, all the way back to the 49ers’ Frankie Albert and Y.A. Tittle in the 1950s. Then came John Brodie and Tittle. Brodie had two fist fights in his life, both times with Tittle.
But with Garoppolo and Trey Lance, they got along beautifully. Lance said that Garoppolo’s “been nothing but a big brother to me. He’s going to be one of my best friends for my whole entire life.” But you don’t draft Lance with the third overall pick to be the opposing quarterback in practice for too long.
And so the microscope’s focus now shifts from Garropolo to Lance in Yorkville. All-Pro tackle and teammate Trent Williams already has deemed Lance “a generational talent.” Nobody proclaimed that of the rookie Montana, who did become a generational talent. Trey the Magnificent? Can’t we just wait a while?
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Tartt owned up to botching a game-changing moment
However, if Tartt had made that interception, Garoppolo would have led the 49ers into another Super Bowl, and possibly won the game? What would his critics have said then, that the Niners won in spite of him? What do you think?
Tartt felt horrible about his muff, and he didn’t duck out of sight afterward. He faced the media and said, “I didn’t step up. I feel I let my brothers down.”
It could be that both Garoppolo and Tartt will be gone after this season. For the difference between winning and losing is slight, yet huge, in the NFL. If you need another example, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw one interception at the Niners’ goal line. And if Tartt hadn’t flubbed another Stafford toss, Garoppolo would have been interviewed post game as a hero, not Stafford.
That’s all past history, like Garoppolo’s tenure as a 49er. We’ll now see if Lance can live up to his heralded arrival as the 49ers’ next quarterback.
The beat goes on.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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As promised last week, here is a trivia question
about Jimmy Garoppolo.
In 2013, then Eastern Illinois quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo won the Walter Payton Award.
What is the Walter Payton award?
(See answer below...)
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AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Celebrity Challenge
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Chef Thomas Keller, owner of the French Laundry, landed a shot seven inches from the 17th hole and nearly wins $1,000,000 for his charity in the Hole-In-One Celebrity Challenge. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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Actor Andy Garcia is a regular at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He clearly enjoyed the beautiful day with a cigar on the 18th hole.
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Professional boxer Canelo Alvarez was a huge crowd favorite at this year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He spent time before the match signing autographs, chatting and taking photos with the fans. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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109 years ago the Giants signed an
Olympic hero, Jim Thorpe
'The greatest athlete in the world,' gave baseball a try
Thorpe played Minor League ball with the Rocky Mount Railroaders of the Class D Eastern Carolina League from 1909-10. Little did he know at the time that this two-year stint in pro baseball would lead to his Olympic gold medals being stripped.
After winning gold in the 1912 Olympics, Thorpe’s medals were revoked after it came to light that he had inadvertently broken Olympic rules by playing baseball for compensation. But while that was heartbreaking for Thorpe, it did lead to a new opportunity: the
Major Leagues.
Less than a month after losing his amateur status, on Feb. 1, 1913, Thorpe signed a three-year, $18,000 contract to play for John McGraw’s New York Giants -- that’s about half a million dollars today.
“I have always liked baseball more than any other sport,” Thorpe told the New York Times upon signing his contract. “ … It has been my ambition to become a big league ballplayer since my school days were over, and now I have the chance to have the ambition of my life realized.”
Excerpted from an article by Manny Randhawa / @MannyOnMLB
www.sfgiants.com
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For the third consecutive year, we are excited to be teaming up with Kaiser Permanente to distribute more than 21,000 free jerseys to more than 55 Northern California youth baseball and softball leagues. The Future A’s program will also provide access to protective masks to ensure each player can continue to have fun and stay safe
while they learn and play.
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Not much headway between MLB and the MLB Players Association as both sides remain deadlocked. Above, MLB Players Association executive Tony Clark |
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MLB Negotiations: Billionaires vs Millionaires and for the rest,
“Let Them Eat Cake.”
By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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The negotiations between owners and players associations/MLPA
in New York City, ended on Friday. Thursday MLB proposed that a Federal Mediator be appointed; today the players rejected it. Everybody went home, have a nice weekend everybody, see you Monday!
Thousands of people depend on baseball during the season, from regular ushers at the parks, to independent contractors that sell merchandise inside the park, parking attendants, to people that work in the maintenance of the park, from ground crews to electricians and just regular laborers, people that clean and many others.
Most people do not realize that most players do not play in their hometown and temporary housing has to be found, along with housekeepers, babysitters, schools for the kids, and the infrastructure for your temporary home during the season. A lot of logistics.
The team’s staff, personnel who are only hired during the season and not ‘year round,’ are affected. Television and radio technicians who are employed game-by-game, season-by-season, and broadcasters who do not have an iron clad contract or get paid, regardless if there are games or not, are affected.
Not every technician and/or broadcaster is represented by a Union; some teams do not hire union people but free-lancers. Local revenues in television and radio broadcasts in baseball are seriously affected. In some markets some radio stations do not produce the games, but they sell time to the teams, who then hire their own people to broadcast the games or in some other cases, it is not clear who the broadcasters really work for.
When Billionaires fight Millionaires and there is an impasse, there is a perception by the public at large that they do not care about the regular humans who have to work eight or more hours for a living.
Not to mention the huge economic impact on each city and most stadiums. Example: the thriving business community around the San Francisco Giants' Oracle Park, some of those businesses need the baseball season; they are just blocks from the park and depend on each season for the foot traffic and customers.
Spring Training, barring a miracle of a very quick agreement, will not start on time. It is scheduled for mid-February. I have been traveling to the Phoenix, Arizona area for decades. The 15 teams which train there each year bring tourism from all over the country. Thousands of fans go to see their teams, and many take vacations.
I have met many fans throughout the years that are the famous “snowbirds” who travel down from Illinois and Minnesota and those cold states during this time of the year for the sunny and perfect weather of the Arizona desert. (Just try to buy a ticket for a Cubs game in February and March.)
Same happens in Florida where the other 15 teams train each year. These cities' economies are also affected. Spring Training has become so popular that you must reserve a hotel in December if you want to have a room, and some hotel chains take your reservation six months in advance.
To what limit are the owners and players willing to go? Do they know they are risking the total destruction of the industry and the amount of damage that will be inflicted on communities across the country?
This Collective Bargaining Agreement is at a key moment for the health of this sport. This is not 1994 when the last strike took place. In fact social media came about in 1997. Recently Facebook has broadcast live games, and You Tube is also coming soon.
It took four years after the 1994 strike for baseball fans to come back. In 1998, when the McGwire vs. Sosa home run race brought back the interest for many fans, even the most cynical of fans “returned.”
This time baseball might be living right at the precipice and like the old 1965 hit song by Barry McGuire (not related to Mark McGwire), arriving at “The Eve of Destruction”. Let’s hope that is not the case.
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Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is Vice President of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com.
For earlier articles by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Stanford Cardinal 87
Washington Huskies 69
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Stanford freshman Harrison Ingram recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season as the Cardinal defeated the Washington Huskies, 87-69, at Maples Pavilion on Sunday, February 6.
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Forward Jaiden Delaire led the team with 18 points while adding 8 rebounds.
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Junior forward James Keefe scored a career high 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
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Former Stanford guard Daejon Davis (center) returned to Maples for the first time since transferring to Washington, but left the game in the first half due to an injury suffered after running into a screen by Cardinal forward Lukas Kisunas (32). To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be
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Cal Bears 64
Washington State Cougars 68
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Cal forward Grant Anticevich (#15), bouncing back from a poor shooting game earlier in the week, hit his first shot on his way to 16 points, including four-of-five from behind the 3-point stripe. The California Golden Bears (9-15,2-11 Pac-12) played host to the Washington State Cougars (14-7,7-3 Pac-12) on Saturday evening, February 5 at Haas Pavilion. Cal rallied late with a 13-3 run but fell short, dropping a 68-64 decision to the Cougars.
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Hitting the defensive boards and grabbing another with teammate Kuany Kuany (#13), forward/center Lars Thiemann (#21) finished with three blocked shots and eight points. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Providing the offensive spark, junior guard Jalen Celestine (#32) drives to the basket for two more points. Celestine was Cal's scoring leader on the evening with 20. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
Thank you for your many entries!
This week's winner is a tribute to two Classics:
One Music, One Sports
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum. A Song which captures the spirit of San Francisco and a Team, the
Golden State Warriors, which continues that
spirit on the Basketball Court.
Contributed by Robert Moselle, Monterey, CA
PSYCHEDELIC WARRIORS
Steph, Klay and Wiggins
Turn cartwheels across the floor
as opponents watch
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As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for
"Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
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Coming off the bench and racking up 26:13 minutes of play, Makale Foreman scored eight points on the night as the California Golden Bears played host to the of Washington Huskies at Haas Pavilion on February 3rd in Berkeley. Final score: Cal 63, Washington 84. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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The Washington defense of Terrell Brown Jr. #23, Jamel Bey #5, Cole Bajema #22, and Emmitt Matthews Jr. #0 crashed in from all sides on Cal guard Grant Anticevich (#15) early in the first half. Grant would be held to seven points for the game. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Activations Scheduled Throughout February and Beyond to Highlight, Honor and Celebrate Black History
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Golden Sate Warriors announced celebrations for Black History Month, presented by Chase, which include a variety of activations and virtual events that will expand past this calendar month. Throughout the month of February and beyond, the Warriors will continue to recognize, honor and celebrate Black History through community activations and a video content series as part of the Beyond28 campaign, which was launched in 2019.
In alignment with the NBA’s Black History Month initiative, this year’s celebrations are part of week-long themes: Teaching and Learning from our Past, Celebrating Black Culture and Black Business, The Movement for Racial Justice, and Investing in Black Futures.
For details on the numerous Black History activities planned, click here.
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San Jose State Spartans 43
Fresno State Bulldogs 73
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San José State freshman guard Alvaro Cardenas (#13) brings the ball up the court in their game against Fresno State on February 1, 2022. The Bulldogs defeated the Spartans, 73–43, in a Mountain West Conference game at Provident Credit Union Event Center, on the San José State University campus. Caption and photo © 2022 Alex Ho.
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San José State Spartans sophomore forward Trey Anderson (#15) unloads the ball to a teammate. Anderson would finish with 10 points and a steal.
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Earthquakes Midfielder Cristian Espinoza
Obtains Green Card
Espinoza now counts as domestic player on San Jose's roster
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced that midfielder Cristian Espinoza has obtained a U.S. Green Card and become a permanent resident of the United States. He will no longer occupy an international slot on the Quakes' roster.
Espinoza, 26, is entering his fourth season with San Jose. The Buenos Aires, Argentina native has tallied eight goals and 30 assists in 85 MLS appearances (80 starts). His 30 assists rank eighth in club history and are third most among all players in MLS between 2019-21. Espinoza finished the 2021 MLS season with three goals and a team-high eight assists after recording 13 assists and nine assists in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
San Jose currently has four international players under contract for 2022: Defender Nathan, midfielders George Asomani and Eduardo 'Chofis' Lopez, and forward Ousseni Bouda. The Quakes have three open international slots for the upcoming season.
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Advertise in Sports Today!
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales |
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. We will be open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, 3pm til close. Friday through Sunday 12pm til close. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
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Dear History Lover:
This holiday season consider giving the gift of education with this film. It’s intended for all ages and released at the right time with the prevalence of systemic racism, and social justice as a current topic.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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GROUP TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2022 HOME GAMES
Group Tickets (10+) and Experiences are now available for every Roots home game for the 2022 Season. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, corporate event, or social outing amongst friends and family, celebrate with Oakland Roots.
Roots Group Experiences include:
- Pre-game Tailgate Party
- Player/Coach Meet and Greets
- Parade of Champions
- Play on the Field at Halftime
- Group Photo on the Field
- And More
Group Tickets start at $17.50/ticket for groups of 10+, and $15.00/ticket for groups of 100+. To learn more about Roots Group Experiences please contact us at tickets@rootssc.com or call (510) 488-1144.
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Indy Lights teams escape snowstorm with two-day testing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 4, 2022 - As the Midwest and East Coast got pounded with several feet of snow at the beginning of February, the teams from the Indy Lights series were basking in the Monterey sunshine.
The two-day testing, which took place Feb. 1-2, featured 13 drivers from the five different Indy Lights teams. Five of the 13 drivers were part of the HMD Motorsports family.
“This is the only track on our 2022 calendar that we can test at past December because of the weather at the other tracks,” said Mike Maurini, general manager of HMD. “That’s why we put extra emphasis on coming out here, and we bring extra tires and make it a two-day test instead of just one.”
The beautiful weather wasn’t the only factor for the track rental. The Indy Lights championship finale will take place Sept. 9-11 – alongside the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, which serves as the season finale of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
“Our championship finale is here, and we know we have to perform well in the finale,” Maurini said. “We felt like we struggled here during race weekend last year, so we knew where to start when we got here this week. This is a difficult track; it’s a place where you have to hit your marks to be successful. It’s nice to have this test session in our playbook before coming out here later this year.”
The HMD team finished second, third and fourth in the final 2021 standings, with David Malukas, Linus Lundqvist and Benjamin Pedersen in those spots. Malukas has joined Dale Coyne Racing for his rookie season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Lundqvist and Pedersen remain, and are now joined by new teammates Danial Frost, Christian Bogle and Manuel Sulaiman.
All five drivers were busy over the course of the two-day testing session.
“We did about 100 laps per day, per driver,” Maurini said. “So, between our five drivers, we did 1,000 laps over the two days and we had six or seven sets of tires for all the drivers. Between that and paying for the engine lease mileage, travel, track rentals and more, it’s a very expensive two days and we have to make it worth it. But if we win in September, it will be worth it.”
HMD organized the testing sessions, and were joined by drivers from Abel Motorsports, Andretti Autosport, Force Indy and TJ Speed Motorsports to get work in before the 11-event season begins Feb. 27 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Andretti Autosport driver Sting Ray Bobb clocked the fastest time of the two days with a lap of 73.852 seconds, while Pedersen was second fastest at 74.120. Hunter McElrea (Andretti), Sulaiman and Christian Rasmussen (Andretti) rounded out the top five.
It was all business for the teams while at the track, but they did find a little time to enjoy Monterey.
“We always go out to Cannery Row and have dinner on the water somewhere,” Maurini said. “You can’t go wrong with dinner and a beer or two by the water after a long day of testing.”
Tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, Sept. 9-11, are on sale now by calling 831.242.8200. Don’t miss a thrilling week of racing action as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indy Lights both conclude their 2022 seasons with exciting finales at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Jimmy Garoppolo,
winner of the Walter Payton Award
The Walter Payton Award is the Football Championship Subdivision equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Garoppolo was the second player from Eastern Illinois University to ever win the award after Tony Romo, who won it in 2002 and went on to star in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys.
Garoppolo won the award in 2013 which is awarded annually to the most outstanding offensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
Walter Payton. The photo above is of Jimmy G.
at Eastern Illinois.
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, Feb. 7, through
Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022
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Monday, February 7
Golden State Warriors @ Oklahoma City Thunder, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, February 8
Wednesday, February 9
Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 10
Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks, 7 p.m.
Friday, February 11
Saturday, February 12
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 13
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium, 3:30 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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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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