Monday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020
Issue No. 352
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The return of Big Ten football comes with risks for players and fans alike... |
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Pass the beer, chips---
and ventilator
by Pete Elman
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"In a grim milestone, 83,010 new COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide last Friday, the most on record. The number hospitalized reached 41,485, with 916 deaths, as the average climbs. The U.S. is in the midst of its third spike, and experts say this could be the worst one yet, due to a combination of outbreaks in schools, cold weather and flu season. Despite these facts, states are continuing to reopen; 35 are loosening restrictions, while just five are putting new restrictions in place."
The Midwest appears to be the worst-hit region
New York Times, 10/23/20
And on Saturday the Big Ten, whose member schools are ALL located in the aforementioned spiking part of the country, started their NCAA football season. Pardon me, but am I the only one breathing who sees the danger of this? Sure, football is fun, brings in money, and is a diversion from the apocalyptic nightmare of Covid. But are these games really necessary? Meanwhile,
there’s a fan out there that is a veritable one-man grim reaper, and nobody is
stopping him.
President Trump returned to the trail last Monday at a rally for seniors in Florida, claiming he was recovered and was therefore immune to the coronavirus — a claim for which there is no scientific backing. He made fun of the small, socially distanced campaign events that Joe Biden has been hosting, while most attending his rally were squeezed together and did not wear masks. Dr. Sean Conley said that the president had tested negative “on consecutive days” using a rapid antigen test not intended for that purpose and was "not infectious to others." Experts questioned the test’s accuracy. Yet, even as Mr. Trump claimed he was immune to the virus, White House officials traveling with him wore masks.
Meanwhile, transmission rates continue to rise at an alarming rate with “no indication that our campuses could gain control of the spread of the virus prior to the start of competition,” said Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren on August 19. The move to play football came after pressure from Mr. Trump, who tweeted on Sept. 1 that he’d spoken with Warren.
“In the Big Ten’s case, the lack of regard for community risk levels is concerning, because those locales are experiencing uncontrolled spread of Covid-19,” said Scott Jedlicka, sport management professor at Washington State. The daily numbers in those areas has doubled, in some cases tripled, in the last two months.
So where does that leave us? With ten days left to the election, it is yet another reason to vote. Unless of course, you’d rather just watch football…
Pete Elman
Oakland, California
October 24, 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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49ers Demolish Patriots, 33-6 |
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San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was an important contributor to the
worst loss coach Bill Belichick, of the New England Patriots (2-4), has ever suffered in Foxboro, MA. Humbled 33-6 on Sunday afternoon, the Patriots could not mount sustained drives and quarterback Cam Newton, after throwing three interceptions, was pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter. Niners Kyle Juszczyk was another story. The complete fullback excelled at blocking assignments and quarterback protection, at the same time picking up 18 yards on four carries and one touchdown and one reception for 18 yards. Harvard graduate Juszczyk, formerly with the Baltimore Ravens, joined the 49ers in 2017 and signed a four-year, $21 million contract which included $7 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5 million. (It was the largest contract for a fullback in NFL history.) Juszczyk is the 2017 Bill Walsh Award winner and a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Juszczyk is pictured above in a game against the Arizona Cardinals in October of 2018. The 49ers are now 4-3 and face the NFC West leading Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1:25 p.m. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco 49ers Schedule |
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Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
At 87, am I too old to start playing for the NBA? $870K as a starting salary is mighty tempting. For that amount I would even be willing to include a promotional appearance.
Great job injecting a touch of reality into the obscene money flow of professional sports, which is more understandable in motor sports, as they involve life-threatening risk and a Formula 1 car costs about $2M more than a stick & glove set, but still, top F1 driver salaries (without counting their myriad sponsorship deals) are around $40M, i.e., $2M per race weekend. (For our sports salary article, visit Andy Dolich here.)
Methinks your very good self has embraced the sports world bypassing its more rewarding opportunities, thereby greatly enriching fan’s appreciation of big business masquerading as sport.
Rudi Petschek
Nevada City, CA
Dear Editor:
The Stan Getz article was excellent! When a great and gifted musician meets an
idealistic sports journalist, in a classic venue like Candlestick Park, magic can happen! How cool that Bruce Macgowan could take his parents with him to Yoshi's, to be treated to the best seats in the house, courtesy of Stan Getz, as promised.
Robert Moselle
Counselor at Law
Executive Director, Center for Continuing Education
Monterey, CA
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Romy Schneider and Alain Delon |
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Stan Getz and singer Astrud Gilberto (The Girl from Impanema) |
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Dear Editor:
Nice anecdote on Stan Getz. By the way, that photo (top, which accompanied the Getz article) is of actors Alain Delon and Romy Schneider. I believe Getz provided music for a film they're on so it's likely embedded on the image search keyword.
All the Best,
Noel Danseco
DriveXStrike Sports
Editor's note: Mr. Danseco is correct and we apologize for the error. Mr. Macgowan's article has been updated with the photo directly above. To enjoy Bruce's article on Stan Getz again, click here.
Dear Editor:
Loved the Bruce Macgowan article. Good writer and so interesting. Hope your world is better than mine – it is getting to be more and more difficult to have fun these days. Thanks for all your efforts and go Rays…I never was fond of the Dodgers! “Carpe Diem.”
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
Dear Editor:
I read with enjoyment Shelia Young’s article on the Master’s golf tournament, now scheduled to be played in November. Ms. Young's article included many details on Augusta, Georgia that the average reader (myself included) may not know. All of these tidbits add even more to the mystique of the Masters @ Augusta, now to be remembered, wildly, as the COVID-19 Masters tournament!
Ann Cooke
Independent BEMER Distributor
Medical Innovation - For Life, For Health, For Energy
Dear Editor:
My friend, I can’t tell how happy I am to know you. You have been doing this for a long time and you are very good at it. I truly admire your tenacity.
Arif Khatib
Oakland, CA
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San Jose State Spartans 17
Air Force Academy 6
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San José State head coach Brent Brennan celebrates with his defensive line as the Spartans kept the visiting Falcons out of the end zone with a valiant goal line stand near the end of the first half. San José State opened their 2020 Mountain West season by defeating Air Force, 17–6, at CEFCU Stadium on Saturday evening, Oct. 24, 2020 in San Jose. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
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San José State senior tight end Derrick Deese grabs a seven-yard pass for a touchdown for the first score of the game in the third quarter. Deese would haul in his second touchdown soon after with an acrobatic catch in the end zone, keeping one foot inbounds and extending the Spartans' lead.
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Air Force freshman defensive back Camby Goff (#25) tries to strip the ball from San José State senior wide receiver Tre Walker (#10) after a 14-yard reception.
In several respects, the game was a virtual tie. The Spartans gained 294 yards, the Air Force 298 yards; time of possession: Spartans 30:26, Air Force 29:24. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
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San José State sophomore running back Kairee Robinson (#32) takes a pass 10 yards for a first down in the second quarter. The Spartans are tentatively scheduled to play New Mexico in Albuquerque on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. but the game may be relocated to San Jose due to COVID-19 concerns. FS1 will broadcast the game. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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A's right-handed pitcher Liam Hendriks has been named the 2020 Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year!
"Honored is an understatement. It's humbling to win an award that bears the name of the greatest closer in history. I'm extremely thankful to my teammates. If they weren't behind me on the field, I wouldn't be half the pitcher I am today. A huge thank you to the bullpen for sharing years of invaluable advice and experience with me. Thank you to the coaching staff and the entire organization for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play in the green and gold ... Finally, to A's fans everywhere, I've had the privilege to represent you since I arrived here five years ago and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Hendriks converted 14-of-15 save opportunities and compiled a 1.78 ERA in 24 relief appearances for the A's in 2020. He ranked second in the majors in saves and did not have a blown save over his final 14 chances. Hendriks struck out 37 batters in 25.1 innings and walked just three while yielding one home run.
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Kenny Lawler, wide receiver, free agent
"Goff to Lawler." A familiar phrase several years ago to Bay Area fans of Cal Bears football. Wide receiver Kenny Lawler (4) was a regular recipient of passes thrown by teammate Jared Goff, now the quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams. During his three years as a starter for Cal (2013-2015), Lawler caught 143 passes for 1,706 yards and 27 touchdowns. Following his junior season, Lawler elected to forgo his senior year with the Golden Bears and entered the 2016 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks as the 243rd overall pick in the seventh round. After roster cuts and two subsequent years on the Seahawks' practice squad, Lawler was eventually released by Seattle in September 2017. The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) signed Lawler to a brief six-month contract in May 2018, and then the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL signed him to their practice squad in October 2018. During Winnipeg's following 2019 season, Lawler became one of the Blue Bombers' leading receivers and assisted the team in winning the 107th Grey Cup, Winnipeg's first-ever CFL championship trophy. When the CFL canceled the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawler decided to opt-out of his contract with Winnipeg and became a free agent on August 27, 2020.
Caption and photo by Kenny Karst.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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This is the 100th anniversary season of the banning of the 'spitball'
from Major League Baseball. Why was the pitch banned? I now know...lots of bonus aspects. Who were the players involved that resulted in the ban?
And who was the last pitcher to throw a legal 'spitball' in MLB?
(See answer below...)
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A notable rule change for the 2020 season was a modification for extra innings which saw each frame begin with a runner on second base
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New MLB Rules –
Yes or No?
By Amaury Pi-González
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We have seen a slew of new rules in this unique 2020 baseball season, starting with a 60-game regular schedule. Some are popular, others are still up-in-the-air. Here are the most talked about. Would baseball want to keep them permanently, with a rating of YES, NO or 50-50?
YES. The doubleheader seven innings for each game. Each extra inning begins with a runner on second base, at the top of the eighth inning. (I call the runner “a free runner.”) The batter or a substitute for the batter who leads off an inning shall continue to be the batter who would lead off the inning.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is very much in favor of this, because it keeps the game more interesting and also saves a lot of time. These games in 2020 averaged two hours and 30 minutes each. The reason for this rule? In the interest of player health and safety, MLB and the Players Association jointly announced that both games of doubleheaders will be seven innings. (It became effective August 1).
NO. Sixteen teams advancing to the Playoff. The jury still out on this but best bet is that this is a 50-50 proposition. There is a school of thought that it should be fourteen teams, instead of sixteen. This will eliminate the possibility that with 16 teams, teams with under .500 records could advance deep into the postseason, maybe even the World Series. This season the Houston Astros (29-31) finished in second place to the Oakland Athletics, seven games behind the A’s, and came within one game of representing the American League in the World Series.
50-50. Universal Designated Hitter. This will eventually will be the norm but maybe not in 2021. Reports indicate some team owners in the National League have strong opposition. Originally the American League adopted the DH rule in 1973, with pitchers continuing to hit in games played at National League parks. That was not the case this 2020. Both leagues used the Designated Hitter to avoid over-working pitchers by having them hit.
Universal Lost of Revenue. All 30 teams reported revenue losses. A ten billion dollar industry, reported earlier prior to Opening Day, where each team was projected to lose hundreds of millions of dollars with no fans in the stands.
No Bueno. World Series ratings for Game One, according to Nielsen, attracted 9.1 million viewers as reported by Fox Sports. This was the least-watched World Series game ever since Nielsen began tracking ratings in 1968.
It could be attributed to the protagonist, although the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays were the best teams of record this year. The Rays are not a well-known, popular franchise for a national audience. There would have been a totally different audience if the New York Yankees had met the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic; huge media markets with two storied franchises.
The Houston Astros vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers would have been a much more drama-driven series and the most fun for all, for obvious reasons, if you have followed baseball the last few years. However, television can pick schedules but never will be able to determine who wins. The integrity of the game still prevails.
NBA TV ratings for the final game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat were also one of their lowest in their history. Many things can be singled out for the decline in TV audiences: The Pandemic, mixed with more politics that most people can tolerate infiltrating into the sport, which at the end is supposed to offer relief and escape from the daily events which cause people anxiety.
Let’s face it, as much as we love sports, all this looks insignificant in the world we are living in today.
Like the great Howard Cosell used to say: “Sports is the Toy Department of Human Life.”
Stay well and stay tuned.
* * *
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the Spanish radio voice for Oakland A’s radio on 1010 KIQI Le Grande San Francisco and contributes News and Commentary for http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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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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Copper Halo and jockey Santos Rivera break his maiden with a time of 1:11.72 for owners Aiken, Barret, Foran, Jauregui and Preiss. Distance: 6 Furlongs. Purse: $39,000. Trainer: O. J. Jauregui. Bred in California by Straight Fire, LLC.
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
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Quakes remain above playoff line in eighth
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 2-1, on Saturday night at Providence Park.
San Jose took the lead in the 24th minute through Carlos Fierro. Cristian Espinoza, earning his team-high eighth assist of the season, whipped in a cross from the right flank and Fierro volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Evan Bush.
Vancouver would score two goals in the first 12 minutes of the second half to take the lead and ultimately all three points.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose to host Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, Oct. 28, presented by Sierra Nevada. Kickoff from Earthquakes Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES
* San Jose now holds a 6-8-6 record in the 2020 regular season and sit above the playoff line in eighth place, just one point out of fifth place.
* The Earthquakes now hold a 4-2-1 record in their last seven matches.
* The Quakes are now 4-1-0 in their last five matches vs. Vancouver, winning this year's regular season series against the Canadian side 2-1-0.
* Prior to Vancouver's first goal, San Jose had extended their shutout streak to 234 minutes (over 2.5 matches), plus stoppage time.
* Midfielder Carlos Fierro scored his second goal of the season and second of his MLS career. He has now tallied one goal and two assists in his last five matches as a starter.
* Midfielder Cristian Espinoza, making his 50th appearance for the Quakes, assisted Carlos Fierro's goal. It marked his eighth assist of the season and 21st of his MLS career. His 21 assists are third most in club history through a player's first 50 appearances (Wynalda - 29; Cerritos - 22). His 21 assists are also tied for the third most in MLS since the start of the 2019 season.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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On August 16, 1920 Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman was hit in the head by a pitch from Yankees pitcher Carl Mays and died 12 hours later.
His death was largely responsible for the spitball being banned after the 1920 season, with the exception of a group of 17 existing spitballers, who were grandfathered in and were allowed to use the pitch until they retired. Pittsburgh Pirate Burleigh Grimes (above) is seen wetting his fingers before launching a spitball pitch. Grimes was the last to hurl a legal spitball before retiring in 1934. https://bit.ly/2IViXE5 will take you to an article about the Mays-Chapman event.
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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, Andrea Sedano.
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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 Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, October 26 through
Sunday, November 1, 2020
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Games for most major and minor league sports, including collegiate and high school teams,
have been cancelled.
Monday, October 26
Tuesday, October 27
Wednesday, October 28
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29
Friday, October 30
Saturday, October 31
San Jose State @ New Mexico, 4 p.m., FS1
San Jose Earthquakes v. Los Angeles Football Club, 7:30 p.m., NBCSCA
Sunday, November 1
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks, 1:25 p.m., FOX
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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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Need a website designed or tuned up?
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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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
4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
with questions or to order.
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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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