Monday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021
Issue No. 369
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Major Sports is stepping up! |
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California's largest COVID-19 vaccination site, at 49ers' Levi's Stadium in
Santa Clara, is open for business
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Our Last Town Squares
by Andy Dolich
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In the midst of the COVID-19 cacophony and the Soul Split in our country the values of teamwork, leadership and trust in the world of sports are more important than ever.
Sports venues serve as one of the last town squares left in our society. For decades the brick and mortar of sports have been bringing us together where size of wallet, skin color, education, and age are all leveled off in our support of the home team.
Who could have predicted that Super Bowl LV would sellout in Tampa with only 25,000 live fans and 30,000 cardboard cutouts in attendance or that Steph Curry would throw in 57 magical points against the Dallas Mavs and be the only one dancing or that millions of kids from coast to coast would find their playgrounds closed, gyms chained up and pools off limits.
The race for inoculations has found that our sports venues will be playing a critical role in turning the tide in the battle against COVID. It is an example that sports venues are now town squares bringing us together to fight an unseen enemy. Now we will see many fans driving to their favorite Fields of Dreams, not to take a seat but a shot in the arm.
The NFL has agreed to have all 30 stadiums serve as inoculation sights based on a request from President Joe Biden. Many other sports venues from coast to coast, including Levi’s Stadium and the Oakland Coliseum which have not seen a single fan come through their gates, are serving as mass vaccination centers. Hopefully the sports world example of Teamwork, Leadership and Trust will become a standard for other organizations.
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is COO of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of the book:
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The Oakland Coliseum is open for mass vaccinations |
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Golden State Warriors 129
Cleveland Cavaliers 98
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Golden State's Stephen Curry hit seven 3-pointers on the way to 36 points as the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 129-98, at Chase Center on Monday, Feb. 15. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Warriors, Kings & Sharks Schedules |
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2021 Season Vouchers are on sale now for a limited time. These value vouchers can be used toward most regular season home games this year.
- Vouchers start at $25 each. Buy three value vouchers and get a fourth for free.
- Buyers will have early access to secure seats for specific games, prior to a public on-sale.
- The opportunity to purchase 2021 Season Vouchers ends ends Monday, February 22 at noon PT.
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Cal Bears 1
Stanford Cardinal 3
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Stanford Cardinal junior Zach Ryan scored two goals to help propel the Cardinal to a 3-1 victory over the Cal Bears on Saturday at Witter Field in Berkeley.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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With my home team not doing well and the Warriors hovering around .500,
I'm getting bored with basketball. Spring training is coming so starting next week questions will probably be about baseball!
With that said...Who was the first Warrior to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award? Hint: It was in the 1950s when the league was still young and
the Warriors were still in Philly.
(See answer below...)
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Cal Bears 67
Arizona State 55
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Cal guard Leilani McIntosh scored 21 points to lead the Bears to their first victory of the season, a 67-55 win over the Arizona State Sun Devils at Haas Pavilion on Sunday, Feb. 21. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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There are 349 days left before Super Bowl LVI, to be played at SoFi Stadium
in Inglewood, CA
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Cal Bears vs. USC Trojans
25-15, 18-25, 15-25, 21-25: (1-3)
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Cal freshman Tara DeSa (#13) runs down an errant ball, part of her 11 digs in the game. Cal fell 25-15, 18-25, 15-25, 21-25 to USC in Pac-12 women’s volleyball at Haas Pavilion on Saturday, Feb. 20. The Bears dropped to 1-9 on the season. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Freshman Middle Blocker Lydia Grote (#12) takes a swing at another kill, on her way to collecting eight kills and four blocks in the game.
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Winding up for a big swing, freshman Sam Taumoepeau (#9) finished the game with seven kills and a pair of blocks. The Bears travel to Pullman for two matches with Washington State beginning Friday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. PT. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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San Jose State's Brent Brennan Named Lombardi Foundation’s Coach
Of The Year
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Houston, Texas ----- For leading San Jose State University to one of its most successful seasons in school history in the midst of a global pandemic and months of statewide wildfires, the Lombardi Foundation named Spartans' head coach Brent Brennan, its 2020 College Football Coach of the Year.
One of four finalists, Brennan was named ahead of Indiana University's Tom Allen, Iowa State University's Matt Campbell, and Coastal Carolina University's Jamey Chadwell.
"Anytime you get an award like this, it's all about the people that lift you up… Without an incredible spouse, without kids that 'get it,' and are willing to go through the process of and the challenges of it, you have no chance as a head coach. I'm a really lucky guy that way to have the people working with me, that is the leadership at San Jose State," Brennan said when he first was notified of the award named in honor of former Green Bay Packers and two-time Super Bowl winning head coach Vince Lombardi (1913-1970).
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The Vermont Lake Monsters are a baseball team located in Burlington, Vermont who play their home games at Centennial Field, one of the oldest minor league stadiums, on the campus of the University of Vermont. Under the proposed Realignment by MLB, the Oakland A's affiliate will no longer exist |
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Realignment:
A’s Class A Team in Vermont
affected
by Amaury Pi-González
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Major League Baseball announced the elimination of more than 40 affiliated teams (Minor Leagues). This leaves 120 affiliated teams which breaks down to four per each MLB franchise.
The MLB announcement mentions that all 120 teams have signed what is now a Professional Development License and these agreements are going to be for at least ten years, not the two or four years they previously had.
According to MLB, many affiliates will be in much closer geographic proximity. On average, the report says that the MLB clubs will now be over 200 miles closer to their Triple-A affiliates.
It looks like the previous long-standing names of “International League,” “Pacific Coast League,” “Midwest League.” and “Florida State League” will disappear, according to this new alignment. The local economical impact will be substantial in cities which now will not have a minor league team.
Among those cities are the Oakland Athletics affiliate, the Vermont Lake Monsters located in Burlington, Vermont. They played their games at the University of Vermont’s Centennial Field but were inactive last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Lake Monsters have been an affiliate Class A Short Season of the Oakland Athletics since 2011.
Bernie Sanders, the U.S. senator for the state of Vermont, last year showed his displeasure with the proposed elimination of the Vermont minor league franchise, saying, “If the multimillionaire owners of Major League Baseball have enough money to pay hundreds of millions in compensation to a single superstar baseball player, they have enough money to prevent 40 minor league teams from shutting down in Vermont and all over this country.”
The state of Vermont has a population of 623,989 as of 2019; Burlington is the most populated city with 42,545 residents. The elimination of this team is bound to hurt the local economy in many ways.
This is the statement by Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred: “We are excited to unveil this new model, which not only provides a pipeline to the Majors but continues the Minor Leagues’ tradition of entertaining millions of families in hundreds of communities.
In modernizing our Minor League system, we prioritized the qualities that make the Minor Leagues such an integral part of our game, while strengthening how we develop professional athletes on and off the field.
We look forward to demonstrating the best of our game throughout local communities, supporting all those who are working hard to grow the sport and sharing unrivaled technology and resources with minor league teams and players.”
The release says that all minor leagues in this affiliated system will have salary increases of 38 to 72 percent. It is expected that MLB will take over merchandising, broadcast and sponsorship rights, splitting net revenues 50-50 with the minor league clubs.
Definitely not the news that most people like to hear, especially baseball fans and people involved in the business of the national pastime. All over the country and especially at this time, where the economy is still bleeding from the covid-19 pandemic.
Stay well and stay tuned.
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Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish radio lead play-by-play voice for the Oakland A’s heard on KIQI 1010 San Francisco and does News and Commentary on http://www.sportsradioservice.co
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In the Shadow of Obscurity |
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Author Arif Khatib (above left)
As a person who has traveled the world and chronicled his journey, and recently completed his memoirs for his family, Arif Khatib set out to create a book that would combine three of his passions: sports, history and social justice, while shining a much-needed light on the contributions of forgotten and unheard-of athletes of color. The Shadow of Obscurity: Toiling in a Reluctant Society realizes his vision.
Author Pete Elman (above right)
Pete Elman is a musician, journalist, author and teacher. Originally from Washington, D.C., he grew up loving rock and roll, sports and history. His father, a Justice Department lawyer who argued cases in the Supreme Court—most notably Brown vs. Board of Education—imbued in young Peter a strong sense of social justice.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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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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"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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San Jose Earthquakes Update |
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Compete in the Quakes Foundation’s first-ever Virtual Community Race! It starts on March 1 and you will have 20 days to cover 7.4 miles by running, rolling, walking, skating, cycling or any combination of movements. You’ll be on a team captained by a current player and a member of the 2001 squad that won MLS Cup. Sign up before February 27 to join! |
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Congratulations to Roots Members Kirk C., Nickhil J., and Rebecca A. for being named the first winners of our weekly Member prize giveaway. Kirk and Nickhil will each take home a customized 2020 Jersey, and Rebecca won a complimentary upgrade to The Grove for her and her family.
Become the next winner by securing a 2021 Roots Membership by Sunday, Feb. 21 and you will receive a special edition Roots Member T-Shirt and be automatically entered for your chance to win $100 to Everett & Jones BBQ.
Existing members will automatically be entered into winning a prize each week, and will also receive the exclusive Roots Member T-shirt before the start of the season.
For questions please contact us at tickets@rootssc.com or call (510) 488-1144
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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In 1957 power forward/center Woody Sauldsberry
wasn't drafted until the 8th round of the NBA draft but he averaged 12.8 points and 10.3 rebounds for the Warriors in his first year and went on to win Rookie of the Year, becoming the lowest overall draft pick ever to win the award... For what it's worth, Sauldsberry came out of retirement to contribute to the
Suggestions? Caught me off-base for misinformation?
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For the best real estate listings homes and property on
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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, Feb. 22 through
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021
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Monday, February 22
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) vs. Arizona, 6 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) vs. Pepperdine, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23
Golden State Warriors @ New York Knicks, 4:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Brooklyn Nets, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 24
Golden State Warriors @ Indiana Pacers, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 25
Sacramento Kings @ New York Knicks, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) vs. Oregon State, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. Oregon, 6 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) @ Wyoming, 6 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) vs. Pacific Tigers, 8 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) @ BYU, 6 p.m.
Santa Clara Broncos (MBB) @ Gonzaga, 4 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) vs. Wyoming, canceled
USF Dons (WBB) vs. San Diego, 6 p.m.
Santa Clara Broncos (WBB) vs. BYU, TBD
Friday, February 26
Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Detroit Pistons, 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 27
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) vs. Oregon, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. Oregon State, 4 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) @ Wyoming, 1 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) @ BYU, 7 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) @ Pacific, 7 p.m.
Santa Clara Broncos (MBB) @ USF, canceled
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) vs. Wyoming, canceled
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) @ Pacific, 2 p.m.
USF Dons (WBB) vs. BYU, noon
Santa Clara Broncos (WBB) vs. San Diego, TBD
Sunday, February 28
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers, 5 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Charlotte Hornets, 6 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) vs. Cal Bears, 1 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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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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