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May 8 - May 14, 2023
Issue No. 484
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
View as Webpage
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Any
Eleventh Hour Saviors? Please Step Up!
by Dave Newhouse
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Though Oakland fears the abandonment of its sports empire, could a sports angel arise in the eleventh hour and save baseball for Oaktown?
Somebody like Bud Herseth?
Remember back in 1976, when the San Francisco Giants were headed for Toronto? Then at the last possible moment Arthur “Bud” Herseth, an Arizona meat packer and cattle rancher, stepped up to the corporate plate and partnered with Bob Lurie to purchase the Giants for $8 million to keep the Giants in San Francisco.
Could there be another “Bud Herseth” to appear, miraculously, to save the A’s for Oakland, who seem signed, sealed, and about to be delivered to Las Vegas, thereby joining another Oakland expatriate, the Raiders, in Rouletteville?
With the Warriors also having returned from Oakland to San Francisco, Oaktown would then suffer the singular hat trick of all three of its sports franchises leaving, including the Raiders twice. Oakland, alas, would be stigmatized as the most vacated sports city in America.
A’s owner John Fisher, after dismantling a once proud franchise, has rejected all other attempts to keep the team in Oakland, including an offer from Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob. And so the A’s remain a shell of a team -- with baseball’s worst won-loss record, fed by baseball's lowest payroll, and resulting in baseball’s lowest attendance.
History could be repeating itself in Oakland. Charles O. Finley decimated a World Series champion team in Oakland 40 years ago, when the A’s were headed to Denver. But the beloved Haas family bought the A’s from Finley and restored their greatness, while achieving the franchise’s record attendance figure of 2.9 million in 1990. Now Fisher is trying to emulate Finley by taking the A’s to Las Vegas, but can he be stopped and by whom?
A Haas encore ownership won’t occur, but is there another “Bud Herseth,” riding in on a white horse, or driving a Maserati, to save Oakland?
Rich Lieberman has a bold idea: Larry Ellison.
“He’s one of the richest men in the world,” noted Lieberman, an Oakland-based media blogger. “If given an opportunity, I think he’d buy the team. He could become a hero in Northern California. He’d be the jackpot.”
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Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle
Jackpot, indeed. Ellison is worth $17 billion, making him the nation’s fifth richest individual. He co-founded Oracle and is a Peninsula-based realtor with accumulated properties in Silicon Valley, Lake Tahoe, Japan and Hawaii. He once tried to buy the Warriors, one of his minimal failures, but Lieberman believes he’s the perfect rescue party for Oakland, albeit without validation.
“I don’t know if Ellison wants to buy the team, but he’s a big sports fan who said he has an interest in baseball,” Lieberman offered.
Ellison, at the moment, is a pie-in-the-sky reach as Oakland’s sports savior. But as Lieberman is suggesting, you have to cast a line to catch a fish, and Ellison is the biggest catch out there.
“I’m angry, not upset, that this is happening again to Oakland,” Lieberman continued. “This hurts me to the 10th power. It’s a crime that this Fisher guy has taken a franchise and destroyed it. Who'd want to pay $50 for parking to watch….bread crumbs? Unless there is hope.”
Hope in the person of Ellison? At the moment, no other hopefuls are being bandied about, whether Fisher would listen or not to offers. So far, no chance.
“People have said ‘dream on” to my idea,” Lieberman admitted. “But I wouldn’t be wasting all this energy unless there is someone like Larry Ellison.”
The eleventh hour keeps ticking away toward midnight.
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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 on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE
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Author Dave Newhouse autographed three copies for an enthusiastic fan at his book signing at the Book Tree in Montclair on
Wednesday evening, May 3.
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Goodbye, Oakland
the powerful new book by Andy Dolich and
Dave Newhouse, is available from Triumph Publishing
Or wherever books are sold
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media: Jenny Kim
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Letters to the Editor
NEW Sports Today Tournament: Pick The NBA Finalists
In this, Sports Today's second Non-profit Tournament"©️, the goal was to pick the NBA finalists, East & West, with winners to receive free Sports Today promotion for their favorite Non-profit.
In ST's NCAA, "30-1 Longshot" Tournament (won by Jerry Monkman who had U. Conn), this promotion generated donations for the True Winner, the Bali Children's Project: www.balichildrensproject.org. They are most grateful!
As we enter Games 4, etc., only two contestants remain. Both have the Warriors to win the West. For the East, bona fide psychic Dennis Shary "predicts" the 76ers, and Robert Moselle has the N.Y. Knicks. Collectively, this will be a "Go Warriors and we'll deal with the East later" week.
Enjoy the games and Sports Today's "Non-profit" Tournaments!
Have fun and help people!
Poole Party?
Yo Jordan,
We're ready for the party, but first, please breathe deeply and remember to Relax: Meditation is called for. Forget all the social media, all the blame-games. Relax.
And when the game starts, whirl, twirl and hit some 3-pointers. The
Dubs need a Poole Party. You WILL score 20-plus points and
make waves all over the Court. Then Relax and Repeat until the next party.
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland A's 2, Seattle Mariners 7
Oakland Roots 4, Birmingham Legion 1
San Jose Earthquakes 2, LAFC 1
Features & Commentary
Consider A Donation
Any Eleventh Hour Saviors? Please Step Up!, by Dave Newhouse
Fan Forum
Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown
How F--ked Up Was I? No! Really? by Howard Pearlstein
Sports Haiku, The Menu of Champions, by Robert Moselle
Vida Blue, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Organizations
Cal Bears
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Dear Editor --
I wrote you last week about the Oakland A's and a profound problem only some Californians are discussing as there’s a huge question hanging over Nevada and Arizona too.
I still maintain occasional relations with the State Senate’s Office of Research and know that the Colorado River is in cataclysmic shape. It’s 80% down and no longer makes it all the way to the Sea of Cortez in Baja, California. No more river rafting. It simply ends in marshy circumstances some miles north of its natural outlet. Thus, there will be an end to growth, particularly property development in the two States.
There will be significant Rocky Mountain runoff in the next few months but nowhere enough. The populations can subsist on bottled water. Pools will go empty. Las Vegas, as we know it, will be jeopardized. This is a world-wide calamity. Even L.A. will be cut off from the Colorado River, it’s principal water provider. It’s not the Owens Valley water supply that replenishes L.A. That’s maybe 20%. They will have to go to desalination on a larger scale than Israel.
I am pleased to share the truth with you and your readers. Owner John Fisher of the Oakland A's is ignorant and playing the concerned parties for gain.
p.s. -- It will only worsen. The Coachella Valley will sustain itself as we have a formidable aquifer. From Mesa to Phoenix then Tucson there’s major trouble that’s already begun. Las Vegas will be as wet as its bottled liquor supply. There is no way a big stadium crowd is going to happen. A baseball club and facility cannot be run on bottled Crystal Geyser. The Raiders are fully affected too. Call up one of the reliable network affiliated meteorologists to confirm. Surprisingly, most will take a call.
Patric Mayers, Esq.
Rancho Mirage, CA
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Vida Blue
July 28, 1949 - May 6, 2023
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Happy Birthday, Willie Mays! | |
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Hanwha LIFEPLUS
International Crown
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The top players from 8 countries, USA, Japan, Korea, Sweden, England, Thailand, Australia and China, competed in the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown at TPC Harding Park. The event was held from May 4 to May 7 in pleasant weather conditions. With a 2 million purse the match play event provided some amazing golf for fans to witness.
Caption and photo by Ed Jay.
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Thailand bests 7 other countries to win the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown. The team members are Moriya Jutanugarn, Ariya Jutanugarn, Patty Tavatanakit and Atthaya Thitikul. Caption and photo by Ed Jay. | |
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San Francisco Giants 3
Milwaukee Brewers 7
Oracle Park, Sunday, May 7
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Talented Sports Today photographer Rich Yee attended the San Francisco Giants vs. Milwaukee Brewers game yesterday and is seen in action!
Album to come...
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Oakland A's 2
Seattle Mariners 7
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Wednesday, May 3
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Oakland Athletics center fielder Esteury Ruiz drove in a run with a double and stole two bases during the A's 7-2 defeat to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, May 3 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Reliever Adam Oller was roughed up for four runs in the tenth inning, raising his season ERA to 10.07. Oller was optioned to AAA Las Vegas the next morning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
This Haiku, from 1/30/23, featured information not available elsewhere. Now, we respectfully request immediate implementation of "The Menu of Champions" to fuel the Warriors in the NBA Playoffs. Packed with protein and special nutrients, it's time for the good silverware and double portions. Perhaps some Lamb Curry for some energy?
Bon appetit!
The Menu of Champions
Those who work quietly behind the court deal with much more than massive amounts of data and statistics. They have studied and honed Diet and Fitness to dramatically improve nutrition and performance and to excite the players by inclusion of their names into The Menu of Champions.
This Haiku reflects the thoughts behind the new Menu and its balance of vitamins, taste and je ne sais quoi. Efforts have begun to allow this Menu to be delivered on the road,
as well as at Chase.
A couple of quick notes: As to the customary appetizer-salads served at fine restaurants, the W's have two (2) Greens, Draymond and JaMychal, hence the plural. For the main course, only in San Francisco can an international Indian dish be transformed with Italian gusto. Sounds delicious! For dessert and snacks, 'PBJ' reflects one of America's favorite foods, Peanut Butter and Jelly, (for Patrick Baldwin Jr., who
just learned of his new nickname). The effects of these
Warriors-only dishes will soon be obvious to Fans.
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Moody Looney Greens
Lamb Curry DiVincenzo
Klay Poole PBJ
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As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for
Best Sports Haiku. The winner will be published!
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Contributed by Robert Moselle
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Consider A Donation
Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry and media professionals, colleges and universities and avid San Francisco and Northern California sports fans.
FREE of charge since 2014, each issue provides extensive professional and collegiate team coverage, unmatched photo essays, schedules, scores, humor and much more. Our contributors are highly respected journalists and authors who provide a wide array of in-depth articles, and our Letters to the Editor delight readers.
Your donation, of any amount, will help offset costs of production, internet-related service fees, and other items related to this unique, highly acclaimed FREE weekly sports journal.
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Christopher Weills, Publisher,
Sports Today, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704
or theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
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Steve Chain
Tarzana, CA
Harvey Cohen
Montrose, CO
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Berkeley, CA
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San Rafael, CA
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Alameda, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Call (510) 414-5394
or write acooke3495@aol.com
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales | |
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For great advertising rates call: APG Sports,
P.O. Box 3164, Fremont, CA 94539. Dir tel: 510-579-0682
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Spend the summer at the ballpark with the A's Summer Pass, presented by Corona. Catch 37 A's games in Oak Landing for just $99. Enjoy high top drink rails and you may even catch a home run ball or two! You have to hurry --
this is a limited time offer.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
The NBA playoffs continue. It'll be a little bit more time before we know the matchup for the Championship. Is your favorite team still in contention?
Which team has won the most NBA Championships?
Answer below...
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How F--ked Up Was I?
No! Really?
by Howard Pearlstein
I automatically DVR games because my schedule is always a whole lot of whatever -- including medicated but still present ADHD.
Around game time last Thursday, already dark, I had to go up to the street to get the mail. Didn’t get past the steps down from the porch because my wonky right knee went out and I went down hitting my head on a decorative rock and my left arm, left hand little finger, left knee, and left side ribs, all on concrete, and …
Finally back in the house, found ice packs after which, as the pain hit, took a search to find the Vicodin I hadn’t taken in a long time. Found ‘em. Took ‘em.
Not just the physical pain but metaphysical pain, too, remembering my youthful mentor saying: “Never trust a man who lets things happen to him.” And there it was – after all, why put on the knee brace? Only going up to the street to get the mail. Don't need the hassle -- it’ll be fine. Sure.
After a while I remembered the game, turned it on but…wow, depressing – kept fast forwarding but the Dubs down 10, then 20 points then more…never coming back.
And despite having spent many months throwing down on the gloom and doom ankle biters and their, “They’re too old,” “The dynasty has died.” “The season is all over now…” I found myself in that same place I hated and disrespected in others.
Later, after some pain-reliever snoozing, I checked my email, and – WTF?
Warriors win? Huh?
How did they come back from 20+ points down in the last few minutes? How stoned was I?
So I went back to the DVR and realized I had misread the scores all the way through… it was THE DUBS who were 10, 20, 30+ points ahead one time or another.
Well gahdamn, I figured instead of writing some 0-2 depressing Dubs stuff, I could use the time to write about the 9ers brilliant draft pick of Ji’Ayir Brown, captain of Penn State’s defensive backfield the past two years. Quick off the mark? Oh Momma!
After all, what was there to say about the Dubs’ brilliant, nearly perfect game other than “Holy Sh-t Father Flotsky!” Well, a lot.
Because it was the whole deal – every play working (almost), every player in the dance -- starters, bench, players fairly or unfairly written off, everyone in the zone, in the groove, on their marks. Wow.
As a wannabe curmudgeon, I used to diss the ones who wrote off the team and/or players as finished, too old, living in the past. I also laughed at people talking about hallucinating on Vicodin. Yeah. And WHO was up by 27 points at the final buzzer?”
But there I was, shamefully losing faith in my team just because I was too stoned and cross eyed to read the scores at the bottom of the screen.
Well, not like it’s a mortal sin. But still, a loss of faith is a loss of faith, even only momentarily and while arguably not in my right mind, even as I think that, I imagine long-time friends asking: “And when were you EVER in your RIGHT mind?”
To which I can only report as some sort of flabby defense what a fairly intelligent fellow named Albert Einstein once said: “Sanity is the playground for the unimaginative.”
Not much comfort there. And just to rub my guilt in a bit more, I realized the Dubs had actually beaten the Lakers on the court in Game One -- 29 of the Lakers' five-point win had been free throws. So...
But then on Saturday, the nightmare came back, for real...
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
An old friend once said, "Howard, you live your life like you're trying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write a book that will get published.
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Vida Blue -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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Whenever I would attend a sports collectors show in the Bay Area I was always sure to see Vida Blue there. He attended almost every one I went to. He was known as a great player and also a great person off the field. I once saw him at a charity event surrounded by dozens of kids and he took the time to meet, autograph and take photos with every last one. I have about a dozen autographs from Vida and I think this is my favorite. Sadly, Vida Blue passed away on May 6, 2023.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
LAFC 1
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Saturday, May 6
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Former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis poses with the ball before the game. The San Jose Earthquakes defeated LAFC 2–1 in a MLS Matchday 11 game at Levi's Stadium on May 6, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.
© 2023 Alex Ho.
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San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jamiro Monteiro (#35) celebrates with striker Cristian Espinoza (#10) after Espinoza’s goal in the first half.
© 2023 Alex Ho.
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San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Carlos Gruezo (#7) advances with the ball
in the first half. © 2023 Alex Ho.
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Los Angeles Football Club defender Sergi Palencia (#30) apologizes after fouling San Jose Earthquakes forward Benji Kikanović (#28).
© 2023 Alex Ho.
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Oakland Roots SC 4
Birmingham Legion 1
Legion Field Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama,
Saturday, May 6
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Oakland Roots Score Four and Win in Birmingham
The home side, Birmingham Legion, played with the ball in Oakland’s half for most of the opening half hour. They were only able to manage a few half chances and never really threatened the goal of Paul Blanchette. Oakland Roots built their way into the game over the next 15 minutes, creating some attacks of their own, including multiple first-half corner kicks. However, like Legion in the first part of the half, Oakland was unable to truly threaten Legion's goal. That all changed in stoppage time when Oakland Roots were awarded a penalty kick that Darek Formella stepped up to score, giving Oakland the lead at
1-0 into the half.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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San Jose State Spartans Annual
Spring Game
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San José State held their Spring Game on May 6, a cloudy and cool day that threatened drizzle, at CEFCU Stadium in downtown San Jose. The stadium hosted the student band, a large hospitality section on the north end of the field, and hundreds of spectators Saturday, even with the east-side stadium renovation ongoing. Head coach Brent Brennan’s Blue and White teams commenced their scrimmage shortly after 4 pm. Captured here are smiles in the crowd as spectators wave to players on the field and/or themselves
on the video board. Caption and photo by Josh Nickel.
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Chevan Cordeiro (Blue) takes advantage of good pass protection early in the game and throws downfield, with fans watching from the hospitality area. The pass fell incomplete near the sideline. Caption and photo by Josh Nickl. | |
Viliami Tea (Blue) gets the handoff and looks for a gap. The D-line stopped him inches short but he would find the end zone on the next play for the first TD of the game. Caption and photo by Josh Nickel. | |
Cal Falls To Navy In National Championship Match
Bears Conclude Season With 13-4 Overall Record
HOUSTON – California rugby was defeated 28-22 by Navy in the title match of the D1A National Collegiate Championships on Saturday evening at Aveva Stadium.
"Congratulations to Navy on a well-earned championship," Cal head coach Jack Clark said. "They were the wire-to-wire top team in the nation. I appreciate our boys as well. It's not easy getting to this last game, and we certainly had our chances."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Second Place Finish
Stanford earned second place at the ICSA Women's Team Race National Championship
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - The Cardinal earned second overall in the ICSA Women's Team Race Championship this weekend, improving upon last year's third overall finish. Stanford's 17-2 record was just behind Yale's 18-1 mark for the victory.
The No. 2 seed in the event, Stanford sailed strongly throughout the entire competition, only dropping two races, both to the eventual champion Yale.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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White Pitches Shutout, Spartans Split Doubleheader Against San Diego State
STANFORD, Calif.— Left-handed pitcher Jack White tossed 7.0 shutout innings, allowing only three hits while striking out seven to lead the San José State baseball team (21-22, 14-11 Mountain West) in a 4-0 win over San Diego State (20-23, 14-8 Mountain West) on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans lost 5-0 in the first game of the doubleheader but responded with the 4-0 win in the second game of the day.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Gaels Head to Chabot College for West Coast Last Chance Meet
HAYWARD, Calif. – With just a few races left in the season, the Gaels look to make some noise at Chabot College for the West Coast Last Chance Meet.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Compete at Portland Twilight
and Oxy Invite
PORTLAND, Ore/LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The majority of the Dons closed out their outdoor seasons this weekend, as the men and women were split across meets at the Portland Twilight and the Oxy Invite. On the men's side at the Oxy Invite, seniors Caleb Haugland and Hiruy Alemseged raced for the last time as Dons in the 5,000 meters. While Cater Lewis posted another sub two-minute performance in the 800 meters to close out his season.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Baseball Opens Series With Win Over
San Francisco
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara baseball stayed hot and won its seventh game in a row 4-3 over San Francisco Friday night from Schott Stadium.
With the score tied at three after the Dons (16-24, 7-15 WCC) had scored two in the top of the seventh, the Broncos (25-15, 11-8 WCC) put runners on the corners with one out before Dawson Brigman laid down a perfect bunt to bring home the game-winning run.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Five Pacific Sports Programs Record Perfect
1000 APR Scores
STOCKTON, Calif. – Five Pacific sports programs recorded perfect 1000 scores in the NCAA Academic Progress Rate Report for the 2021-22 cohort, released recently by the NCAA.
Men's golf, men's swimming, men's tennis, volleyball and women's water polo each registered the perfect score, accounting for every student maintaining eligibility or graduating and every student returning or transferring in good standing.
Three sports programs – men's golf, men's tennis and women's water polo – had a multiyear APR score of a perfect 1000. Men's golf has had a 1000 rate on this report since the 2017-18 season, the longest string among the Pacific sports.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Proficiency with Squarespace? | | |
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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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Trans Am & IMSA Kickoff Racing Season with Back to Back Weekends!
After months of construction and torrential rains, the 2023 event season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca races into action with back-to-back weekends: Trans Am SpeedFest May 5-7, and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N May 12-14.
The unmistakable rumble of the Trans Am SpeedFest where the Western Trans Am Championship is paired with SVRA’s vintage racing that includes the popular historic Trans Am cars, will overflow from the filled paddock. The weekend boasts OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car, which is a safe, fun and high-profile national championship event for street legal performance vehicles.
continued...
Click HERE..
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Ross Chastain Will Run First-Ever NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Sonoma
DGM Racing partners with Skip Barber Racing School
for DoorDash 250 June 10
SONOMA, Calif. (May 2, 2023) – DGM Racing announced on Tuesday a new partnership with Skip Barber Racing School that will feature Ross Chastain as the driver of the No. 91 entry at Sonoma Raceway and the Indy Road Course. The partnership highlights Skip Barber as the world's largest automotive education and entertainment company offering driving and racing schools at the finest tracks in America.
Chastain is no stranger to success at Sonoma. Last year he finished 4th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. He also finished 7th in his previous two NASCAR Cup Series starts at the famed raceway in Northern California. Chastain finished 4th for DGM Racing in last year's race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.sonomaraceway.com
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Photos & video © St. Francis Yacht Club / Salty Brother
Johnny Heineken Wins Inaugural Spring Wingding & Pacific Coast Wingfoil Championships
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—On April 14-16, St. Francis Yacht Club hosted the Spring Wingding & Pacific Coast Wingfoil Championships, the first-ever wingfoil regatta of its kind on San Francisco Bay. For racers and spectators, there was a shared spirit of adventure as this new sport took on traditional forms of buoy racing, slalom-style, at speeds most sailboats will never hit.
Sixty wingfoil riders competed in 11 races over three days in perfect conditions on courses situated between the StFYC clubhouse, Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge, adjacent to Crissy Field. Racing commenced with five heats on Friday, followed by a Grom Freestyle Session. Saturday opened with two races, then the “San Francisco Bay Challenge” — a distance race of approximately 20 nautical miles from the San Francisco city front east to Berkeley and back, that was also open to Hydrofoil Kites and Formula Windsurfers. Scores for the Bay Challenge counted twice in the overall results. On Sunday, competitors were whittled down to the top 20 in three heats, who then competed in two final championship races.
Overall winner and Pacific Coast Champion was Johnny Heineken, who won all 11 races plus the two championship races. His sister, Erika Heineken, won the Women's division.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Oakland Soul Media Day
Wednesday, May 3
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The Oakland Soul, part of the USL W League and kicking off in just days from now, is the newest team in the expanding Oakland-Bay Area of professional sports teams. Oakland Soul held their inaugural Media Day on Wednesday at the Oakland Roots Training Center in Alameda. Several of the players have strong connections to the Bay Area, as many have played either high school or at the college level, representing the high-profile programs at Stanford, San Jose State, Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s College, to name a few. First year coach Jessica Clinton put the team through a scheduled workout, in the rain, for the assembled media. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
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“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! | |
Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Lakers and Celtics
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are tied for the most championships in NBA history with 17 each.
Last season, the Golden State Warriors won the franchise's seventh title, defeating the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals and breaking a tie with the Bulls (6) for sole possession of third place on the all-time list. The only other team in NBA history with five or more championships are the
San Antonio Spurs (5).
More info about NBA Finals winners can be found here.
Go Celtics!
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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San Jose Earthquakes 2, LAFC 1, Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Photos by Alex Ho.
Oakland Soul Media Day. Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Oakland A’s 2, Seattle Mariners 7. May 3, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland A’s 5, Cincinnati Reds 4, April 30, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita
San Francisco Falcons 16, Arizona Sidewinders 8, April 29, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Goodbye, Oakland / Andy Dolich Book Signing, April 25, 2023.
Photos by Ann Cooke.
Cal Bears (Rugby) 29, Saint Mary’s Gaels 28, April 15, 2023.
Photos by Alex Ho.
Oakland Spiders @ Oakland Roots Match, April 15, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Oakland Roots 1, Hartford Atlanta 2, April 15, 2023.
Photos by Ron Seller.
Cal Bears Spring Football Showcase, April 15, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Jose Earthquakes 3, Sporting KC 0, PayPal Park, Saturday,
April 15, 2023. Photos by Alex Ho.
San Francisco Giants 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 10, Wednesday, Oracle Park, April 12, 2023. Photos by Rich Yee.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 8, 2023 through
Sunday, May 1, 2023
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Monday, May 8
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.
Tuesday, May 9
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.
Wednesday, May 10
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 12:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ New York Yankees, 9:35 a.m.
Thursday, May 11
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 6:40 p.m.
Friday, May 12
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers, TBD, if needed
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, May 13
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 1:07 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Orange Country SC, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 14
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, TBD, if needed
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 1:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ LA Galaxy, 6:30 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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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 | | |
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* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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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!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-915-5664
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives. Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication. | | | | |
