September 16 -- September 22, 2024
Issue No. 555
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, James Molgaard,
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
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Monday Night Football Memories | |
Allow me to cite a quote from my game recap of the 49ers-Raiders
pre-season game, Issue #552. "My one prediction for this season: the 49ers will HUMILIATE Aaron Rodgers and the Jets in San Francisco's season opener on September 9."
My antipathy for the Jets, coupled with 49er fandom, prompted this rare proclamation, which was realized with the Niners' 32-19 victory over the Jets. The "Gore-like" runs of Jordan Mason for 147 yards,
(after a ceremony which honored Niner great Frank Gore), surprised the announcers, but not Sports Today readers and fans who had watched Mason excel in previous games. San Francisco scored on eight straight possessions and their secondary, led by "Alligator" Lenoir and Fred Warner & Co., an offensive line full of bullies, and Brock Purdy in total control with perfect spirals and game management, shut down any dream of a return to greatness by Aaron Rodgers. Yes, the Niners DID HUMILIATE the Jets.
So, as I read in a fortune in a newspaper years ago, if you don't toot your own horn, nobody else will (:
https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/toy-train-toot-88024/
YouTube Game Highlights -- 49ers vs. Jets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEweK7ffTcQ (11:56)
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears 31, San Diego Sate Aztecs 10
Oakland Roots SC 0, San Antonio FC 1
San Francisco Giants 3, San Diego Padres 4, 10 innings
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Vancouver Whitecaps 2
Features & Commentary
Brooks Robinson from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Eisenhardt, Father, Son Aid Oakland, by Dave Newhouse
Hardly Trivial, by T. Buff
Minnesota Flats, by Robert Moselle
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Ran Into An Old Friend the Other Day...by Howard Pearlstein
With Apologies to James Earl Jones as Terence Mann in Field of Dreams, by Andy Dolich
Organizations
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Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Oakland Ballers --
from A's to B's
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Prominent sports family member Jesse Eisenhardt has joined the Oakland Ballers' Board of Directors. Photo by Darren Yamashita | |
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Eisenhardt Father, Son
Aid Oakland
by Dave Newhouse
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There is one consistency in Oakland’s successful baseball history that remains today, and it’s a name to cherish in Oaktown.
Eisenhardt.
Roy Eisenhardt was the A’s chief executive when Oakland was blessed with the city's most committed sports ownership — the beloved Haas family — who created World Series teams, record attendance figures, and unparalleled devotion to fans.
Jesse Eisenhardt is Roy’s son and an investor in the first-year, low-minor-league Oakland Ballers, who made it to the Pioneer League postseason last week before losing a three-game thriller to the Yolo High Wheelers.
“This is an exciting wave I’m riding,” Jesse said in a recent interview, “thanks to Paul’s and Bryan’s audacious idea and Herculean efforts to put this team together. I’m here to support them in any way I can.”
Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel are co-founders of the Ballers, two men who will try to fill the prospective giant hole that would exist if the A’s do, indeed, leave Oakland after this season for Sacramento and eventually Las Vegas.
Jesse, 45, is one of Roy and Betsy Eisenhardt’s two children; there is a younger sister, Sarah. Betsy is the daughter of the late Walter A. Haas, the Levi jeans magnate who saved baseball for Oakland by buying the A’s in 1980, thus preventing Charles O. Finley from selling the team to Marvin Davis and moving it to Denver.
Jesse is a filmmaker by trade, and he’s doubling his involvement in the Ballers by documenting their inaugural season.
“I feel the pain of what Oakland is going through, losing so many teams in a short time,” he said, referring to the basketball Warriors and football Raiders abandoning Oakland for San Francisco and Las Vegas, respectively. "While I have never lived in Oakland myself, I think of the entire Bay Area as my community, and I know all the (Oakland) fans are hurting, especially A’s fans. I do see this as a beautiful opportunity for teams like the Ballers, the Roots and the Soul. Collectively, I hope they bring pride back to the City of Oakland.”
The Roots and Soul are Oakland’s men’s and women’s pro soccer teams, two other recent additions to Oakland’s increasingly vacant sports scene. Jesse won’t disclose the amount of his financial investment in the Ballers, or B’s, but he’s a member of the franchise’s newly formed Board of Directors.
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Jesse recently sat down with columnist Dave Newhouse
in San Francisco. Photo by Darren Yamashita
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“It was a no-brainer for me when this opportunity came because of the involvement of my grandfather, father and uncle in the A’s,” he said. “The offer (to become involved in the Ballers) almost seemed too perfect, to be part of something new and in Oakland. I hope the Ballers will someday become a viable community asset. What was important to me was getting involved early….it’s really been a fascinating journey. I enjoy so much about it, with limited responsibility.”
Jesse laughed at his own remark. He mentioned uncle Wally, son of Walter A. Haas, and a chief executive under brother-in-law Roy during the A’s last dynastic run in the late 1980s, including one World Series championship over the neighboring Giants in ’89. Wally was quoted recently in the San Francisco Chronicle about A’s owner John Fisher, criticizing his moving the team out of Oakland as “indefensible.”
Jesse was born in 1979, just before the A’s memorable Billy Ball era. Fast-forwarding to a new century, Jesse said "a friend" encouraged him to meet “casually" with Ballers’ owners in April. The same day of that meeting, the A’s announced they were moving to Sacramento next season.
“We were lamenting the move over beers,” said Jesse, “but I was inspired by what they were building….they had a lot of things in place. I talk to my dad about my involvement in everything, and he said ‘Go for it’ after checking to see how things were being run.”
Roy Eisenhardt has confidence in his son, a Duke graduate with a master of fine arts degree in cinema-television from USC. Jesse's filming is national, including feature films, interactive movies, viral videos, broadcast television, and commercials. (Eisenhardt's credits include It’s Not About the Nail!, a one minute, 30-second video which has received over 24 million Youtube views!) He lives with his wife and son in San Francisco, where this interview took place at a coffee shop last week. Though the Ballers lost in their first playoff experience, Jesse wasn’t distressed.
“You can’t expect a championship to happen in year one,” he said. “I want to see the business and the stadium (Raimondi Park) grow, and to see more B’s caps around.”
Jesse, who wore a B's cap to this interview, is excited to be part of the Ballers growth, and Ballers ownership is equally happy to have him aboard.
“Walter A. Haas understood that a sports team is best served when it is treated as a community asset,” Freedman said in a statement. “The Ballers are wholly aligned with this vision and are honored to have Jesse’s trust in us for continuing this legacy. As a member of the Oakland Ballers Board, Jesse is also making sure that our team lives up to our credo to put the fans at the heart of everything we do. Together we’re proving that no one can steal baseball from Oakland.”
One Eisenhardt helped stop that steal a century ago, now another Eisenhardt is helping to preserve Oakland’s baseball identity.
Where would Oakland be without that Eisenhardt heart.
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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. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. 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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San Francisco Giants 3
San Diego Padres 4
10 innings, Oracle Park San Francisco, CA
Sunday, September 15, 2024
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San Francisco Giants second baseman Donovan Walton hits a home run in the sixth inning to break a 32-inning team scoreless streak as the Giants fell to the San Diego Padres, 4-3, at Oracle Park on Sunday, September 15th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Left fielder Heliot Ramos flips his bat after hitting a game-tying home run in the ninth inning. Ramos' ball landed in McCovey Cove to become the first right-handed batter to reach the water in the ballpark's 24-year history. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
A celebration of the life of former Giants outfielder Orlando Cepeda was held before the game with a highlight being a tribute written by the late Willie Mays before his death. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Minnesota Flats
I had hoped for a different caption, like KITTLEMANIA, but as great as George played, a loss is a loss and for some reason, Minnesota is not the 49ers' favorite venue, as eight straight losses there indicates.
Former 49er backup Sam Darnold played an excellent game, Justin Jefferson had a 97-yard touchdown and their defense applied pressure most of the game. On the bright side, Fred Warner was an All-Star all game long with what could have been a game-changer of an interception, JT Mason continued to run with power (the secret is out), and, without Christian McCaffery, he had extra attention on him all game.
Nevertheless, to try and find some positives to offset miscues and arguably questionable play-calls, many San Francisco players did shine. "Mr. Clutch" JaJuan Jennings, "Alligator" Lenoir on defense,
and some new kids in town, like lineman Gross-Matos, and Mustapha, who continues to impress.
A blocked 49er punt led to a Vikings four-yard field goal, but credit a goal line stand which prevented a touchdown, and the first quarter ended 3-0. At 10:27 in the second, the Niner's decision to go for a TD on fourth and goal proved doubly costly, as it resulted in an incomplete pass and, seconds later, a 97-yard TD pass to Justin Jefferson, to make it 10-0. Another decision, this one to go for it on fourth down, gave Minnesota the ball after a Purdy run fell short, and only an incredible interception by Fred Warner, (made right after they cameras showed Frank Gore at a pub in England) stopped the momentum. With the ball on their own 35, Purdy hit Deebo with a classic "too high for anyone else to catch" spiral for 29 yards, Mason ran for 22 yards, and Kittle powered his way in for a Niner TD to make it 10-7. A Bosa sack helped offset a Sam Darnold run, but a field goal made it 13-7 at halftime.
The second half saw some 49er D-Line action by newcomer, Yetur Gros-Matos who, coupled with Javon Hargrave, forced an intentional downing penalty on Darnold. After back-and-forth punts, one which was muffed but saved by Lenoir, an interception of a Purdy-pressured pass led to another score to make it 20-7. A Warner and George Odum combo punched the ball out at the half yard line, to save yet another TD. From their own five, San Francisco moved downfield with passes to Deebo, Conley and Aiyuk, and, behind a key block by Kittle, Mason marched in for a 10-yard TD: (20-14).
Passes by Darnold, despite good pressure, resulted in another Minnesota field goal (23-14). San Francisco, with passes to Deebo,
Saubert and Aiyuk, continued the fight and moved to the 13-yard line, but a botched play led to only a FG and the final 23-17 score. A subsequent onside kick was unsuccessful.
Yes, there is room for improvement on play calls, special teams and strategy, understandable without CMC, the NFL's MVP last year, but San Francisco, with this roster of intense professionals, will recapture the 49ers' intimidation factor.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings | 2024 Week 2 Game Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEOlU5cGjcI (14:31)
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Cal Bears 31
San Diego State Aztecs 10
Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, September 14, 2024
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Defense, Defense, and more Defense was the plan, as the Cal Defense held the San Diego State Aztecs to 206 total yards in the game. The Cal Offense, in the meantime, amassed 505 total yards by utilizing
10 different receivers and six running backs in the 31-10 win before a raucous home crowd. Cal’s boisterous fans caused two 15-yard penalties by throwing things onto the field and it took a plea from Travers Family Head Coach Justin Wilcox to stop the shenanigans. Above, carrying the load while running back Jaydn Ott recovers from injury, local Oakland sophomore Jaivian Thomas (#25) collected 169 yards on 17 carries in the game. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Early in the game after a questionable call, Travers Family Head Coach Justin Wilcox pleaded his case on a targeting call against defensive back Craig Woodson resulting in a 13-yard penalty. Woodson would be ejected. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Leading the country with four interceptions in the young season, Cal defensive back Nohl Williams (#3) collected another interception in the second quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Clean Up On Aisle 10! Senior linebacker Teddye Buchanan (#10), last week’s ACC Linebacker of the Week, makes another tackle en route to being the tackle co-leader of the game. Photo and caption
by Ron Sellers.
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Sports Today
thanks these generous donors!
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A. Nonymous
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Andy Dolich
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Sheila Jordan
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"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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|
With Apologies to James Earl Jones as
Terence Mann in
Field of Dreams
by Andy Dolich
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They will Reverse Boycott from Alameda to Yountville for reasons near to their A’s Hearts.
They will refuse to pay $30 bucks for your overpriced parking spaces.
They will make signs and shout out loud, “Sell”, “Sell,” “Sell.”
They will turn away from Coliseum entrances knowing for sure why they are doing it.
They will pay through their elephant trunks for jacked-up ticket prices on September 26th while knowing it’s the last time.
They’ll find reserved seats along the baselines where they sat when they were children and cheered their A’s heroes.
And they will watch the last game in Oakland as they wipe away 19
years of John Fisher’s ownership.
The wonderful memories will be so thick of Reggie, Catfish, Sal, Vida, Blue Moon, Rollie, Rudi, Stew, Eck, Rickey, Murph, Carney and the Brothers of Bash, they will have to brush away tears from their faces.
People will come one last time, John.
The one constant through all the 56 years, John, have been the glories of A’s baseball.
John, your greed, avarice and baseball bungling has steamed forward like an Old Navy fleet without propellers.
You have taken an eraser to the Hearts, Minds and Souls of a once great franchise.
But A’s baseball has marked the time. This Oakland Coliseum, the game, the All-Star players, four World Series and millions of green and gold clad fans are part of our past, John.
It reminds us all that once was good, very good and could have been great again.
Oh, Oakland A’s fans will swear, John, they will most definitely Swear!”
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* * *
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Quarter: Fall
Duration: 6 weeks
Date(s): Oct. 22--Dec. 3
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Please note: No class on Nov. 26
Tuition: $405
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens Aug 19, 8:30 am
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Instructor(s): Andy Dolich
Format/Location: Live Online
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Time: 6-7:50 p.m.
Refund Deadline: Oct. 24
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Since the team's Oakland debut in 1968, the Athletics have experienced some of the most dramatic fluctuations in fortune among sports franchises. With a controversial move to Las Vegas looming after a protracted negotiation to remain in the East Bay, the Athletics will play their next three seasons in a minor league ballpark in Sacramento. This course immerses students in the history of the rise and fall of this once-revered franchise. Led by an instructor with 14 years of executive experience during the team's heyday, it features insightful conversations with key figures from the Athletics' history in sports, politics, and economics. From the World Series era, featuring icons like Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter, to the powerhouse ’80s and ’90s, led by slugger Mark McGwire and closer Dennis Eckersley, and through the groundbreaking Moneyball era pioneered by general manager Billy Beane, the A’s have taken their fans on a roller-coaster journey of triumphs and setbacks. Join us as we delve into the complex identity of the Oakland Athletics as they continue to grapple with relocation challenges and maintain the unwavering loyalty of their fan base.
Guest speakers include:
Dave Stewart, former Oakland A’s starting pitcher
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist
Mark Purdy, former San Jose Mercury News sports columnist
Ted Robinson, national sports broadcaster
Dave Newhouse, former Oakland Tribune sports columnist and co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a
Sports Town's Fight for Survival
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and
a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today.
Textbook for course:
(Required) Andy Dolich & Dave Newhouse, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival (ISBN 978-1637273401)
For more information
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Earthquakes 0,
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
San Jose snaps two-game unbeaten streak at BC Place; Quakes continue road trip in Seattle against Sounders FC on Wednesday
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 on Saturday night in front of 21,309 fans at BC Place.
The hosts opened the game with a barrage on the Earthquakes’ net, but goalkeeper Daniel turned them away multiple times, with key stops from point-blank range in the 20th and 21st minutes. However, Vancouver would get the breakthrough in the 35th minute when Fafa Picault headed in a corner kick from Ryan Gauld.
San Jose had temporarily secured the equalizer in the 68th minute when winger Cristian Espinoza found second-half substitute Ousseni Bouda in transition for the clinical finish, but the goal was called back for offside. Vancouver added a second goal when Stuart Armstrong netted a Ryan Gauld feed in the 86th minute to close the scoring. Though the Quakes had drawn with the ‘Caps on the road in 2022 and defeated them in 2023, they were not able to secure points on this trip.
The Quakes now travel to Seattle for their next MLS regular-season contest next Wednesday, Sept. 18, against Seattle Sounders FC. Kickoff from Lumen Field will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
continued....
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Oakland Roots SC 0
San Antonio FC 1
Pioneer Stadium, Cal State University, East Bay, Hayward
Saturday, September 14, 2024
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Roots Concede Early, Fall 0-1 at Home to San Antonio FC
Oakland let in an early goal that they couldn’t overcome on Saturday night in the East Bay as a late rally in momentum fell short and visiting San Antonio FC earned all three points in an 0-1 contest.
The visitors didn’t take long to get to work. In the 4th minute of the contest San Antonio’s Jorge Hernandez worked in close to the goal line and chipped it over Paul Blanchette to a waiting Luis Solignac who booted it into the empty net to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Despite going down a goal early, Roots looked to rally, earning multiple scoring chances and playing fairly dangerous soccer for the remainder of the first half.
In added time of the first frame, Roots’ Camden Riley was shown back-to-back yellow cards and a subsequent red card, leaving Oakland down to ten men for the remainder of the contest.
Even playing down a man, Roots were clearly the more threatening team in what was an aggressive second half from both sides. Oakland came inches away from scoring on multiple occasions, but couldn't find an equalizer before the final whistle.
Roots will now head on the road for a contest at Hartford Athletic on Saturday, Sept. 21st before returning to the East Bay for a home matchup with FC Tulsa on Sunday, Sept. 29th — that game is scheduled for a 3 PM PT kickoff.
continued...
Photo Credit: Oakland Roots SC
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Brooks Robinson -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
I met Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson at a sports collectors show many years ago. I remember liking this action photo which he was selling at his table and asked him to sign it for me. He added 'HOF 83' below his name. Brooks Robinson passed away one year ago at the age of 86. I’ll remember him as one of the finest third basemen in the game.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Ran Into an Old Friend the
Other Day...
by Howard Pearlstein
“Mr. Mojo!”
I hadn’t seen him for a while, two years or more, back when I was wondering if he’d follow the Dubs from Oakland to the City. He did, and I remember them putting the word
OAKLAND across the
mid-court
in the new location, a reminder.
He smiled at that and told me he’d been travelling.
I knew he was back the past few weeks, a series of things that showed his presence, even in the midst of the annual angst about “Will the 9ers settle the contracts and have the team together and be able to deal with, recover from last year’s loss?”
The writers always forget those guys are professionals.
But it also takes some of Mr. Mojo being around, and that’s not something we can control. I remember a song from the 70s or 80s, reflecting on what had been in the 60s and the lyrics went: “How could your magic slip away? We tried too hard to make it stay.”
I knew he was back when Ricky Pearsall got shot with a magic bullet. I’d spent some years editing a Medical Database and I knew there were at least a thousand different ways a bullet could go after hitting skin. Maybe ten thousand possibilities.
But only one of them could be the way that one went through Pearsall like a bad dream, leaving behind nothing much more than some shock.
And I wondered, was that a same extra-normal something like when the Dubs started slow and went for it all.
Aiyuk and Trent Williams were back in the fold in time for the Jets game, even though he missed that first long pass, just inches off the connection.
Was I mistaken? Nope.
Moody’s long field goal, 53 yards, I think it was, the 5th or 6th one, moving left, seemed going off course, but then hit the upright and got an inside bounce for the score.
And I knew he was back. He had told me back in ‘22 that Dubs and 9ers were his favorite teams, being the most fun to watch. That all the Gods liked to watch the games and turned off their ability to know the outcome. And they turned off prayer reception during the games – “cuz if they’re praying, I know they’re losing, and it ruins the surprise.”
I could see his work with the Bay FC soccer team, the whole change of rules in the NWSL and Maddie Moreau and Abby Dahlkemper coming in, not as stars, which they were, but as missing parts that helped the entire team fit together as it hadn’t quite done before. More players were in the right place at the right time, with goals and assists both coming from more places.
And for me, a newbie still learning the game, the fact of first year expansion meant announcers would talk about the changes the coach and the players had made explaining the trial and error each week, finding what worked better, who worked best with whom in what arrangement of positions, with all of them involved at one time or another.
I felt gifted that Mr. Mojo seemed to like me or at least accept me. He had told me once it was because I didn’t ask for things.
Ah.
My grandfather came from Azerbaijan, as far off the beaten path as any civilized country can get, with a somewhat confused sense of religion, except for one really great thing: “Never ask for anything when you pray. Only give thanks. He knows what you want.”
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
My final trivia question about the Oakland A's
for this season is an easy one.
What historical significance do these
uncancelled tickets hold?
Answer below...
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness, Vol. 97 | |
Bombs Away on the NCAA!
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
I thought settling the House/Hubbard/Carter v. NCAA cases was supposed to curb litigation against the Association. Ha ha ha...right...
Well, to be clear, the settlement hasn't been approved and may never come to fruition, but that's not holding back potential plaintiffs from attacking the NCAA through the initiation of new lawsuits.
One such action has been brought by The State of South Dakota and The South Dakota Board of Regents on behalf of South Dakota State University and The University of South Dakota (schools in the Summit League -- a non-Power 4 conference). They filed a Complaint arguing that the aforementioned proposed settlement was negotiated by the NCAA in violation of its bylaws and at the expense of many of its members.
At its core, the case claims that neither the Board of Directors nor the Board of Governors has explicit authority to settle litigation under the NCAA's bylaws and that the NCAA's Constitution says that authorities not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution for Association-wide governance are reserved to the divisions or, at their discretion, to subdivisions, conferences or individual institutions. There is a stated disgust for the non-Power 4 conferences, which were not defendants in the actions, being responsible for covering 60% of the back damages.
continued...
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Twenty-five teams from the United States, Denmark and Norway competed in the 54th International Knarr Championships. © Chris Ray
DANISH TEAM WINS 54TH INTERNATIONAL KNARR CHAMPIONSHIPS AT ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB
Tight Cityfront Racing Tests the Best in San Francisco,
September 1-7, 2024.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Jens Christensen and his team from Denmark prevailed after a week-long race series in the 54th edition of the International Knarr Championships (IKC) held at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California. With a scorecard that included two firsts and three seconds over 10 races, the Danish Olympian (Star Class, 1980) had an edge on the local fleet throughout the week aided by two significant throw-outs—a U flag penalty and an undesirable 18th place. Nonetheless, the battle was close going into the final day, with Christensen one point behind Randy Hecht (USA). The Danish team finished the final race in second, happily sliding into first place overall. Don Jesberg (USA) won the final race to end the regatta in third, just one point behind Hecht.
continued...
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
Oakland Coliseum, section 124, row 8
Factoids About These Tickets
-- Sadly, A's Bob Welch died at the age of 67 in 2014.
-- According to Wikipedia, A's Mike Bordick works at
(maybe this one) The Baseball Warehouse!
-- The seat on each ticket would cost me $90 + $12.20 tax,
or $102.20 each, to see the Yanks on September 22.
The Historical Significance Is The Game Was Never Played!
Wikipedia says it best and it is truly a sad read:
"The World Series was played every year until 1994 despite World War I, the global influenza pandemic of 1918–1919, the Great Depression of the 1930s, America's involvement in World War II, and even an earthquake in the host cities of the 1989 World Series. A breakdown in collective bargaining led to a strike in August 1994 and the eventual cancellation of the rest of the season, including the playoffs."
I have held onto these tickets to remind me baseball is a business and we, the fans, are pretty much at the whim of the owners. The A's fiasco and departure is evidence of that. I feel confident there is some collector that would want to own these tickets. I'm not greedy. Offers over $100 each will be
thought about.
Hey! Who knows? Maybe the A's would be delighted to exchange the tickets for current tickets? As noted above, the tickets for the seats would cost a lot more today. I don't want to bother myself to make an exchange. Write the Editor
if you have an interest!
Go Celtics!
Go Redsox!
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Cal Hands Wyoming First Loss, Improves To 6-2
Offense, Defense Both Key In 3-1 Victory
BOULDER, COLO. – California volleyball kicked off its last tournament of the season on Friday afternoon, facing an undefeated Wyoming squad in the first match of the Buffs Invitational at CU Events Center. Even after dropping the first set, the Golden Bears (6-2) turned things around in a gutsy performance to earn a 3-1 win (14-25, 25-23, 25-21, 28-26) over the Cowgirls (5-1).
Setter Natalie Lau posted her third-straight double-double, notching 45 assists and 13 digs on the night while adding a career-high four blocks to her stat line. Mikayla Hayden and Sawyer Thomsen each recorded nine kills and five blocks, respectively hitting .471 and .571. Three Bears – Xuemeng (Maggie) Li (13), Peyton DeJardin (11) and Kate Mansfield (10) – reached double-digit kills, while another trio – Lau, Sophia Johnson (16) and Gianna Bartalo (12) – each produced double-digit digs; Johnson's team-leading total was also a career best.
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Photo: Sumer Pannu
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Home Opener Next
No. 2 Stanford hosts No. 6 Texas Sunday on ESPN
STANFORD, Calif. - No. 2 Stanford (6-0) plays host to No. 6 Texas (3-2) on Sunday for its home opener in Maples Pavilion at Noon on ESPN.
SERIES AGAINST THE LONGHORNS: Stanford is 22-10 all-time against Texas. Last season, Stanford swept the Longhorns for its first win in Austin since 2018, and the first road sweep over the Longhorns in program history. Texas won the most recent meeting between the two squads, a 3-1 decision in the 2023 NCAA Regional final at Maples Pavilion.
LAST TIME OUT: Stanford defeated both UC Santa Barbara and Pepperdine on the road earlier this week. The Cardinal posted a season-high 15.0 blocks in a four-set win over the Gauchos led by senior Sami Francis' career-high 10.0. Against the Waves, opposite Jordyn Harvey recorded a career-best 15 kills on .556 hitting, four aces and three blocks, while outside hitter Ipar Kurt had a career-high 18 kills on .536 hitting.
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Two Spartans Finish Top-20 at Folds
of Honor Collegiate
GRAND HAVEN, Mich.—Lucia Lopez Ortega and Moa Andersson finished in the top-20 as the San José State women’s golf team finished ninth at the Folds of Honor Collegiate at the American Dunes Golf Course in Grand Haven, Mich.
- Lopez Ortega shot a 2-under 70 in the final round, while Andersson had a 1-over 73 as they ended tied for 16th at 5-over 221 for the tournament.
- Lopez Ortega made five birdies, while Andersson had three birdies and 13 pars made.
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Nicola Kaminski moved up to 37th place after shooting a 2-over 74 in the final round. She finished the tournament at 14-over 230.
- Kaminski made the team’s second eagle of the tournament on the par-5 #18.
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Tessa Kremser finished tied for 58th at 19-over after shooting a 76 in the final round.
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Rebecca Gyllner tied for 60th at 21-over 237.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Genevieve Bane: 15 Kills, 9 Digs
VB | Gaels Grind Out Four Set Victory Over Fullerton to Finish Titan Invitational Unbeaten
FULLERTON, Calif. — Saint Mary's Volleyball (2-4) put together three of the best sets that they've played all season, and weathered a difficult third set to outlast the host Cal State Fullerton Titans (3-5) to win their second of two matches at the Titan Invitational. In their most efficient performance of the season, the Gaels demonstrated pin point accuracy with their swings today, converting at a high clip that led to their second consecutive victory.
The Gaels led wire to wire in set one, hitting at a 0.333 clip, due in large part to stellar play by Genevieve Bane and Clarissa Klein (combined 8 kills on 17 swings, no errors). Fullerton came storming back in set two to open up a 15-8 lead at the media break. The Gaels, however, kept their noses to the grindstone, as they continued to attack with efficiency, eventually things up at 17 apiece and then closing out to win the second frame 25-23, in what was a 17-8 run to take their commanding 2-0 lead. Bane and Klein remained perfect in set two, as through those first two sets, the duo hit at 0.571.
While the Gaels hit at 0.338 as a team through the first two sets, a combination of fatigue and strong Titan defense came into play in the third set, with Cal State Fullerton making adjustments at the set break that resulted in 17 digs and five blocks. Down by as many as eight points late in the set, Saint Mary's still rallied to cut the deficit to five before ultimately falling 25-19.
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SMC Athletics / Emily Smith
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Dons Take Down Islanders, Notch Third Sweep in a Row
EDINBURG, Texas – Following a stellar, back-to-back sweep performance on Friday, the University of San Francisco volleyball team (5-4) continued its excellence to close out the UTRGV Tournament slate, picking up a 3-0 victory against Texas A&M – Corpus Christi (4-4) on Saturday at UTRGV Fieldhouse, with Maria Petkova and Astrid Puig each totaling double-digit kills in the tournament's final match.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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Opening the first set, San Francisco and Texas A&M – Corpus Christi split the first ten points for a 5-5 tie, with Abby Wadas picking up the first service ace of the game.
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The Islanders strung together four straight points to claim a 9-5 advantage, but the green and gold quickly closed the gap due to four kills and an ace by Maria Petkova to take a 13-12 lead.
- The set remained close throughout as the teams exchanged points, leading to a 23-all tie.
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With the match within both teams' reach, kills from Hayden Goodman and Michalina Rola secured the early lead as the Dons took the first set, 25-23.
- San Francisco quickly put its foot on the gas to open the second set, taking an early 3-0 lead, with Petkova picking up two early service aces.
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TAMUCC kept the frame close early, as USF held a narrow 12-10 advantage. Eager to take control of the set, the Dons strung together six consecutive points to take an 18-10 advantage, highlighted by kills from Astrid Puig and Goodman.
- An Islanders kill ended the green and gold's run to put the score at 18-11, but San Francisco finished with the set's last seven points, including two service aces from Wadas, to finish a dominating performance for a 25-11 victory in the second set.
- Seeking a perfect third sweep in the tournament, USF opened the third set with a 6-1 advantage, including kills from Puig and Rola.
- After the Islanders narrowed the deficit to two points, 8-6, six kills from Petkova helped boost the Dons' advantage to 15-8.
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Two USF errors gave the Islanders the following two points to put the score at 15-10, but the green and gold quickly avenged those errors to close out the third set with a 10-1 scoring run, including two kills from Crystal Galaviz, to secure a 25-11 third set victory, notching a third consecutive sweep in the UTRGV Tournament.
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Game Recap: Josh Bascos
Photo: Christina Leung
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Broncos Complete the Reverse Sweep to Defeat the Bulldogs in Five Set Thriller
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's volleyball team defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs in a five set nailbiter on the second day of the Santa Clara/SJSU Invitational. After losing the first two sets, the Broncos dug deep and persevered to take the next three from the Bulldogs for the victory. Alayna Crabtree had a season high 22 kills and Nive Tuileta added a season high 49 assists.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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The score was knotted up at 9-9 before Fresno State (3-4) scored the next four points to take a 13-9 advantage in the first set. The Broncos (3-3) fought back to tie the set at 17 after a kill by Lauren Grover. The Bulldogs ended the set hot, scoring seven of the last 10 points to take the set 25-21.
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The Bulldogs jumped out to a 6-3 lead to start the second set, and later 12-8. Fresno State continued to control the tempo jumping out to a 16-10 lead, forcing a Santa Clara timeout. The Broncos battled back, cutting the lead to 23-20 with a kill from Grace Flanagan, but Fresno State scored the final two points of the set to take the 25-20 victory.
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The Broncos held a 9-7 lead in the third set after a kill by Layla Truitt, but Fresno State countered, scoring three of the next four to tie the set at 10. The Bulldogs scored four in a row to take a 17-13 lead, forcing a Santa Clara timeout. Santa Clara came to life, scoring four in a row to tie it up at 17, causing a Fresno State timeout.
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Fresno State scored the next two, but the Broncos answered with kills by Lauren Grover and Alayna Crabtree to tie it up. With the set tied at 21, the Broncos scored three in a row capped off with a massive kill by Layla Truitt to take a 24-21 lead. The Bulldogs scored the next two, but a kill from Alayna Crabtree gave the Broncos the set win 25-23.
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
No. 7 Pacific Picks Up Two Wins Saturday to Remain Unbeaten
PRINCETON, N.J. – Halfway through the weekend, the No. 7 Pacific men's water polo program defeated George Washington 22-7 and Wagner 17-9 on Saturday in neutral matches hosted by Princeton at DeNunzio Pool.
Senior Mihailo Vukazic erupted for seven goals against Wagner (3-2) as the Tigers improved to 4-0 on the season. Vukazic also scored one against George Washington (3-3) and was one of 15 goal scorers for Pacific on the day.
"We played some good teams today and our defense definitely made some great steps forward towards the championship habits we have been trying to develop," said head coach James Graham. "I'm looking forward to two tough games tomorrow.
Against George Washington, the Tigers raced out to a 6-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and 11-4 at the half. Graduate Matthew Hosmer led the team with four goals, while graduate Oliver Fodor and senior Daniel Viscia each netted three.
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No. 15 UC Davis Uses Strong Second Half To Snag Road Win At
Southern Utah, 24-21
Score: No. 15 UC Davis 24, Southern Utah 21
Location: Cedar City, Utah (Eccles Coliseum)
Records: UC Davis 2-1, Southern Utah 1-2
The short story: Thanks to 18 third quarter points and a defensive showing that allowed only seven second half points, No. 15 UC Davis snagged its second-straight win with a 24-21 road win over Southern Utah.
FIRST DOWN
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Senior running back Lan Larison finished with 181 all-purpose yards (92 receiving; 89 rushing)
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Junior Hunter Ridley hit three field goals in the game (39; 37; 23)
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Senior defensive end Evan Bearden had a blocked punt in the game
More to follow …
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Take Home Opener, 2-1 After Late Penalty Kick
HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay's men's soccer kicked its their 2024 home schedule in style, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Menlo College on Saturday at Pioneer Stadium, with a late penalty kick making the difference.
Leon Eisert opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Eisert's goal, assisted by Aaron Farnan, found the upper right corner of the net, showcasing the sophomore's growing impact since joining the team in 2023.
Menlo College responded swiftly, with Isak Haukefaer equalizing in the 29th minute. The goal came off a rebound from Johan Mendoza Aguilar's initial shot, which was saved but not controlled.
The decisive moment came late in the second half when Cal State East Bay was awarded a penalty kick in the 78th minute. Yuto Hatayama stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted home the winning goal, which became a 2-1 win for the Pioneers.
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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
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, September 16, through
Sunday, September 22, 2024
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Monday, September 16
Oakland A's @ Chicago Cubs, 4:40 p.m.
Tuesday, September 17
San Francisco Giants @ Baltimore Orioles, 3:35 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Chicago Cubs, 4:40 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18
San Francisco Giants @ Baltimore Orioles, 3:35 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Chicago Cubs, 11:20 a.m.
Thursday, September 19
San Francisco Giants @ Baltimore Orioles, 10:05 a.m.
Friday, September 20
San Francisco Giants @ Kansas City Royals, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. New York Yankees, 6:40 p.m.
Bay FC vs. Orlando Pride, 7:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal @ Syracuse Orange, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 21
San Francisco Giants @ Kansas City Royals, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. New York Yankees, 6:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Hartford Athletic, 4 p.m.
Cal Bears @ Florida State Seminoles, 4 p.m.
Sunday September 22
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams, 1:25 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:05 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Kansas City Royals, 11:10 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. New York Yankees, 1:07 p.m.
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
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 foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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 helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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