Monday, Dec. 21, through Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020
Issue No. 360
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A Sportscaster's Memories |
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San Francisco Giants manager Roger Craig, after defeating the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 and clinching the National League Championship Series at Candlestick Park, 4-1, on October 9, 1989. Manager Craig brought the term "Humm-Baby" into the Bay Area baseball vocabulary. Photo: Darcy Padilla, The Chronicle
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The ‘Humm Baby' Giants of the
late 1980s
by Bruce Macgowan
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Bruce Macgowan, Bogey, wife Colette and daughter Molly
“Who are you!? Whaddya want!?”
The intimidating Giant outfielder Jeffrey Leonard, known to some writers as ‘Penitentiary Face,’ was scowling out at me in his classic fashion. ‘Hac-Man’ wore his cap backwards and he reached over and fingered the press pass that was dangling around my neck, held by a string.
“Lemme me see who you work for…Mutual Radio? Never heard of those guys. I only talk with Giants' beat writers, man!”
I explained to Leonard that Mutual wanted me to do a feature interview with him for one of their network sports shows.
Leonard, whose brooding presence was a mere ploy to weed out media folks he didn’t want to deal with, suddenly turned his grimace into a smile and said, “Not now, my man, but maybe later!” and disappeared into the player’s lounge.
Outfielder Jeffrey Leonard was just one of a number of fascinating characters who played on one of the National League’s better teams of the late 1980s. The Giants of that era won an NL Pennant and two divisional titles, becoming the most successful San Francisco Giants team since the great clubs of the 1960s which featured the likes of Hall of Famers Mays, McCovey and Marichal.
The Giants of the late 1980s also featured the happy, impish and talented switch-hitting outfielder Chili Davis, who always seemed to have a good joke at the ready. Intense and proud starting pitcher Mike Krukow was a standup guy who never ducked reporters, win or lose.
Youngsters such as Robbie Thompson and Matt Williams created no waves and quietly became two of the premier infielders in the league. And pitchers Rick ‘Big Daddy’ Reuschel and Don ‘The Caveman’ Robinson looked more like beer-league refugees than big league ballplayers. Meanwhile, keeping things under control behind the plate was the team’s most cerebral player, Ohio native Bob Brenly. One of our ‘go-to’ guys after games whenever we needed a quote, Brenly sat at his stool in front of his locker, nervously smoking a cigarette while giving insights on some of the game’s key moments to reporters.
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Will Clark made one of the more memorable MLB debuts just 26 days after his 22nd birthday with a home run off of Houston's Nolan Ryan in 1986
But perhaps the grittiest, intense and certainly the most popular Giant of that Humm Baby era was a brash youngster from Louisiana named Will Clark. Possessing one of the sweetest swings in the game, Clark made a splash by hammering a homer to dead centerfield on opening day in 1986 against future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan of the Astros. It was also Clark’s first at bat in the big leagues.
Once Clark hit a massive game-winning homer into the upper deck at Candlestick Park in the bottom of the ninth. Clark did something he never had done in the past; he dropped his bat, then paused, followed the ball and then went into a slow trot toward first base.
I asked him about it later. “When I hit it, I knew it was gone,” he explained. ‘But I just had to admire that one a bit!”
Clark was a proud ballplayer who, like Leonard, tried to create an air of intimidation with a scowl that Krukow called ‘The Nuschler Face.’ ‘Nuschler’ was Clark’s middle name and came from his mom’s side of the family. To accentuate his angry look, Clark always painted lamp black under his eyes before day games. Clark was what we would call “a good interview” but he wouldn’t put up with any nonsense.
“Jeeze, Bruce!” he once told me, “You gotta ask me all of these questions? You never stop! I KNEW you’d be the first one to ask me a question! Yackity Yack all the time!”
One time I asked Will if after a tough 0 for 4 day at the plate if he needed someone to give him a little kick in the pants to get him going.
Wrong question!
Clark gave me a startled look and then bristled: “I don’t need anybody kicking me in the ass, okay Bruce? I’m the one who’s gonna do the ass kicking! Understand?”
Clark was not without a sense of humor. Once in describing a great catch by right fielder Candy Maldonado, Clark decided to have some fun.
“Well, let’s see….Candy went back on the ball, leapt up in front of the fence, snagged it, and then ARRGGGHED! (imitating the sound of a downed plane) CRASHED AND BURNED ON THE WARNING TRACK! That good enough for you guys?” he asked the laughing reporters.
When the Giants needed a clutch hit, it always seemed to be number 22 coming to the rescue. In game one of the 1989 National League Championships against the Cubs, Clark set the tone by smashing a long grand slam over the stands and onto Sheffield Avenue behind Wrigley Field, off the Cubs’ ace Greg Maddux.
Then in game five, back at Candlestick with the score tied 1-1, two out and the bases loaded in the last of the eighth, Will ‘The Thrill’ delivered the biggest hit of his career.
Longtime Giants radio voice Hank Greenwald had a classic call of that moment: “Mitch Williams winds, he throws it, and Clark HITS IT UP THE MIDDLE INTO CENTERFIELD! BASE HIT! HERE COMES MALDONADO! BRETT BUTLER IS RIGHT BEHIND HIM. ROBBIE THOMPSON IS IN AT THIRD BASE AND THE GIANTS LEAD 3-1! AND SUPERMAN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!”
Holding this crew of talented youngsters, veterans and journeyman together was a tall, easy going ‘cowpoke’ from North Carolina, a former big league pitcher named Roger Craig.
“I got the easiest job in baseball,” Craig once told me in his Candlestick office when the Giants were on their way to winning the NL West in 1987. "I just fill out the lineup card and these guys always come through! Humm Baby!"
Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly.
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San Francisco 49ers 33
Dallas Cowboys 41
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With the San Francisco 49ers (5-9) 41-33 loss to the Dallas Cowboys (5-9) and the Arizona Cardinals (8-6) win over the Philadelphia Eagles (4-9-1), the Niners were officially eliminated from postseason play in 2020. The loss echoed previous defeats as the 49ers out-gained the Cowboys in total yards, 458 to 291 and commanded time of possession, to 34:56 to 25:04, but four turnovers led directly to 24 Dallas points. One memorable play was the last of the game, as strong-armed and back-up quarterback C.J. Beathard sailed a pass almost 65 yards and into the hands of Kendrick Bourne for a touchdown. The Niners next opponent are the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Dec. 26, and will be broadcast on Amazon/Twitch but will be available locally on NBC. Game time is 1:30 p.m. (Beathard is shown above against the Arizona Cardinals in 2018.)
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San Jose State Spartans 34
Boise State Broncos 20
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At game's end, San Jose State Spartans celebrate an undefeated season and as Mountain West Football Champions
Las Vegas, Nev. - For the first time in 29 years, the Spartans are conference
champions.
On a brisk afternoon at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, San Jose State jumped out to a 19-3 lead over Boise State and never looked back. The final score was 34-20, and the result was written all over the faces of the jubilant,
trophy-parading Spartans.
The Championship Game Offensive MVP threw for 453 yards and a trio of touchdowns to three different receivers. Wideout Tre Walker was the top target, making seven catches for 137 yards and one score.
In a game full of heroes, sophomore Matt Mercurio came up just as big as anyone. The kicker was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts in addition to making each of his point-after tries, netting San Jose State some huge points when the offense wasn't able to find the end zone.
Mercurio's day was a historic one as his four field goals in the second stanza matched an NCAA record for made field goals in a quarter.
The Spartans ended the contest with a 498-233 advantage in total yards and out-gained its opponent 453-221 through the air. Linebacker Alii Matau led a ferocious effort from the SJSU defense, topping the team with eight tackles
(five solo).
The Mountain West Champion Spartans have accepted a bid to play in the Arizona Bowl against the Mid-American Champion Ball State Cardinals on December 31 at 12:00 p.m. (MT)/11:00 a.m. (PT)/2:00 p.m. (ET). The game will take place at Arizona Stadium and be presented by CBS Sports. San Jose State is 4-0 in their last four bowl games dating back to the 1990s, with their last bowl win coming in the 2015 AutoNation Cure Bowl over Georgia State.
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Stanford Cardinal 48
UCLA Bruins 47
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Cardinal junior wide receiver Simi Fehoko hauled in 16 passes, good for 230 yards and three touchdowns to set school records
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) – Davis Mills threw for 428 yards and three touchdowns, including a 14-yard score to Simi Fehoko in the second overtime as Stanford defeated UCLA 48-47 at the Rose Bowl Saturday night in the season finale for both teams.
The win capped a long three-week road trip for Stanford (4-2), which had to leave campus after Santa Clara County prohibited contact sports due to COVID-19.
After Fehoko's TD, the Bruins got the ball one more time. Chase Griffin, who came on for the injured Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the second quarter, threw a 21-yard touchdown to Kyle Phillips on fourth-and-18. UCLA (3-4) went for the 2-point conversion but Brittain Brown was stopped short of the end zone.
Mills, who completed 32 of 47 passes, bounced back from three second-half interceptions, including a 39-yard pick-6 to Jay Shaw that gave UCLA a 34-20 lead with 5:39 remaining. But the Cardinal scored on their final two drives to force overtime.
All three of Mills' TD passes were to Fehoko, including a 21-yarder with 18 seconds remaining in regulation. Fehoko finished with a school-record 16 receptions for 230 yards, with the yardage ranking third all-time behind Troy Walters (278) and Darrin Nelson (237).
Stanford led 20-3 at halftime after scoring on its first two drives and three of its four first-half possessions. Austin Jones had a pair of 1-yard runs and Isaiah Sanders scored on a 2-yard keeper.
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San Francisco 49ers Schedule |
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Marcus Mariota, quarterback,
Las Vegas Raiders
by Kenny Karst
The Marx Brothers would be proud. Duck Soup was the main course being served up by the NFL at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas last Thursday night. A national television audience watched two former University of Oregon Ducks quarterbacks compete as AFC Western Division rivals in a 30-27 overtime thriller, with rookie Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers besting his childhood idol, Marcus Mariota of the Las Vegas Raiders. Mariota (8), pictured above as a Duck in 2014 versus Stanford, was suddenly called into service when Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr went down in the first quarter with a groin injury. Mariota quickly reminded viewers why his agility in the pocket, side-stepping running ability and deep pass accuracy earned him the Heisman Trophy as a college junior the same year. Following the 2015 Rose Bowl, in which Mariota led the Ducks to a 59-20 victory over the Florida State Seminoles in a College Football Playoff semi-final game, Oregon played Ohio State for the National Championship, with the Ducks falling to the Buckeyes, 42-20. Just a few days later, Mariota announced he would forgo his senior year at Oregon and enter the 2015 NFL Draft, where he was selected as the second overall pick in the first round by the Tennessee Titans. After playing five years in Nashville, while seeing limited action in 2019 due to struggles on the field, Mariota was replaced when the Titans signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a multi-year deal. Mariota then joined the Raiders on March 25, 2020, signing a two-year deal for $17.6M. It remains unclear whether Carr will play next Saturday when the Raiders host the Miami Dolphins, so Mariota could see further action soon. Las Vegas head coach Jon Gruden was not optimistic about Carr's chances after the game. "I don't believe it's a real tear," Gruden told reporters. "But obviously, if he can't finish the game, it's got to be pretty significant."
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Money Names in Sports
by Andy Dolich
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As has been said many times, the color of the fluid which runs through the veins of sports is Green. Many Americans are challenged these days to come up with enough Green to pay the bills let alone pile up gifts for families and friends during Holiday Time.
The mountains of money in sports, even in the midst of a pandemic, puts a spotlight on the disparity of wealth in society.
Total Value of Top Earners in the Big Four Sports
NFL -- $503 million over 12 years -- Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
MLB -- $365 million over 12 years -- Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers
NBA -- $228 million over 6 years -- James Harden -- Houston Rockets
NHL -- $124 over 13 years -- Alex Ovechkin -- Washington Capitals
Highest net Worth of Sports Owners
$51.4 billion -- Steve Ballmer, NBA – Los Angeles Clippers
$14.6 billion -- Steve Cohen, MLB – New York Mets
$12.4 billion -- Hasso Plattner, NHL – San Jose Sharks
$12 billion -- David Tepper, NFL -- Carolina Panthers
$11 billion -- Phil Anschutz, MLS – Los Angeles Galaxy
Minimum Player Salaries – First Year Contracts
NBA -- $890,000
NHL -- $700,000
NFL -- $610,000
MLB -- $563,000
NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) --$16,000
While thinking about money in sports, I figured why not make a gift list of those athletes whose names define every type of legal tender.
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Brad Penny -- MLB
Don Money -- MLB
Norm Cash -- MLB
Dave Cash -- MLB
Swin Cash -- WNBA
Brain Cashman -- MLB
Wayne Cashman -- NHL
Ernie Banks -- MLB
Carl Banks -- NFL
Wes Stock -- MLB
Barry Bonds -- MLB
Cameron Dollar -- Basketball
Cameron Dollar -- College Football
Cameron Dollar -- College Basketball
Coach
Cameron Dollar -- MMA Fighter
Penny Hardaway -- NBA
“Lil Penny” -- Ad Character of the real Penny who made a pretty penny off his shoes.
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Curt Schilling -- MLB Pitcher
Hunter Pence -- MLB
Joe Don Looney -- Wordplay to
Canada’s Loonie coin.
Buffalo Bills -- NFL
Denver Nuggets – NBA
Golden Tate -- NFL
David Gold -- Scottish Footballer
Gracie Gold -- Figure Skater
Adam Silver -- NBA Commissioner
Diamond DeShields -- Basketball
Diamond Stone -- Basketball
Gail Goodrich -- NBA
Tim Quarterman -- NFL
Shaquille Quarterman -- NFL
David Price -- MLB
Oscar Gamble -- MLB
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And let’s not forget the hundreds of pros whose first name is Rich. I’ll need some help in figuring out who the Richest “Rich” in sports is or was and how many “Richs” are now completely busted.
Happy Holidays!
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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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Saint Mary's College Gaels 53
Colorado State Rams 33
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Saint Mary's guard Tyler Kuhse scored 14 points and dished out 6 assists in the Gaels' 53-33 victory over the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, December 19
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Guard Logan Johnson put up numbers across the board, with four points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Photo and caption
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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May your holidaze be going well! For an early Christmas present, you get an easy trivia question!
What was Zydrunas Ilgauskas' nickname?
(See answer below...)
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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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Farm workers don’t get to work from home. They’ve powered through the pandemic, wildfires and more to make sure we have food to eat. Help the Quakes Foundation reach its $10,000 goal by tomorrow to provide holiday care kits to farm workers and their families.
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BUS 106 — Professional Sports in the Pandemic: Searching for a Future
That Works
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Quarter: Winter
Date(s): Jan 20—Feb 24
Drop Deadline: Jan 22
Tuition: $470
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Day(s): Wednesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Unit: 1
Instructor: Andy Dolich
Status: Open
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On March 11, 2020, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. NBA games were immediately cancelled. In rapid succession, much of the country sheltered in place and daily routines drastically changed, including the sports world. Get ready for the “New Different.” From games played in “the bubble” to fanless venues, sports executives have been experimenting with ways to keep their businesses running while also trying to keep fans, players, and staff safe. The business of sports has often been a trailblazer in creating innovative business models, crafting improved customer experiences, and widening community engagement. The “New Different” in sports has seen some winners and a number of “what were they thinking?” failures. This course will focus on the latest developments in the spectator sports business and what lessons they have learned—and continue to learn—during the ever-changing dynamics of COVID-19. Students will hear from thought leaders from major Bay Area teams and sports organizations who are shaping the “New Different” for the future of sports. Tentatively scheduled are Rick Welts, Golden State Warriors; Al Guido, San Francisco 49ers; Sohrob Farudi, Fan Controlled Football; Mindi Bach, Oracle Sports; and Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway. Sports fans and business managers of all industries interested in restructuring how they go to market should find this course valuable.
Andy Dolich, President, Dolich Consulting; Chief Operating Officer, Fan Controlled Football League
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. (COO of FCF Fan Controlled Football) He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, a co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office, and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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The Big Z was Ilgauskus' nickname.
Ilgauskus' #11 was retired after his illustrious career with
Wikipedia entry.
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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, December 21 through
Sunday, December 27, 2020
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Games for most major and minor league sports, including collegiate and high school teams,
have been cancelled.
Monday, December 21
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) @ Utah State, 6 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. Sacramento State Hornets, canceled
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. CSU Bakersfield, 6 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) vs. Cal State Fullerton, 6 p.m., canceled
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) @ UCLA Bruins, 12 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) @ USC Trojans, 2 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) vs. Utah State, 5 p.m.
Saint Mary's College Gaels (WBB) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22
Golden State Warriors @ Brooklyn Nets, 4 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) @ Boston College, canceled
Cal Bears (MBB) vs. Seattle, 2 p.m.
Saint Mary's College Gaels (MBB) @ San Diego State, 6 p.m.
USF Dons (WBB) @ Sacramento State Hornets, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) @ Utah State, 6 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) vs. Utah State, 12 p.m.
Thursday, December 24
Friday, December 25
Golden State Warriors @ Milwaukee Bucks, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, December 26
San Francisco 49ers (5-9) vs. Arizona Cardinals (8-6), 1:30 p.m., NBC, Amazon/Twitch
Las Vegas Raiders (7-7) vs. Miami Dolphins (9-5), 5:15 p.m., NFLN
Sunday, December 27
Golden State Warriors @ Chicago Bulls, 5 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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