August 15, 2022
Issue No. 446
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Giants Look Like a Middling Team
by Bruce Macgowan
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The Giants are a .500 team. They have the look right now of a club that could be a spoiler for playoff contenders in September.
This is hardly something to brag about. And this is certainly NOT what die-hard Giants fans were expecting after last season's stunning, record-breaking regular season record.
But considering how truly wretched the Giants were for over a month and a half, .500 sounds pretty good. During that ghastly stretch, San Francisco was losing two of every three games. At one point they dropped 14 of 18. Then they experienced two absolutely horrific series shortly after the break when the mighty Dodgers mauled them eight straight times. That embarrassing performance pretty much removed them from any further playoff discussion.
On the positive side, the Giants found two teams they could beat; the lowly Cubs and sad-sack Pirates. But again, beating two of the National League’s lesser lights is hardly a thing to celebrate.
The win over the Pirates this past Sunday, which gave SF a three-game sweep, was ugly, sloppy and dragged on for nearly three-and-a-half hours. The Giants blew a 5-0 lead but the Pirates handed them back the tying run when their middle infielders miscommunicated and let Brandon Crawford’s pop-up drop between them. However, the Giants, as they have done all too frequently this season, allowed the Pirates to regain the lead in the ninth when normally reliable third baseman Evan Longoria unwisely rushed a throw that sailed over first baseman Wilmer Flores’ head. It took a dramatic two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth by second baseman Thairo Estrada to pull this one out.
Meanwhile, the SF bullpen continues to cough up leads, and this time they ruined a fine outing from lefty Alex Wood who struck out nine hitters in six innings of work. The normally reliable John Brebbia served up a ‘meatball’ to outfielder Bryan Reynolds that said “hit me,” and that’s exactly what Reynolds did, shocking a crowd of better than 36,000 into stunned silence with a three-run HR. It put Pittsburgh temporarily in front before Estrada’s heroics won it.
One thing that has been encouraging this year; the spirit of the fans. They’ve been mostly upbeat and noisy. Sunday games always bring out the biggest and most festive crowds and when Estrada blasted his game winner, the noise and the vibe at the ballpark felt as if the Giants had clinched a playoff berth. Attendance may have dropped off appreciably but you wouldn’t know it based on the enthusiasm displayed by the fans.
The biggest problem with .500 teams is establishing consistency, and with all of the key injuries to position players and the regular melt downs of the bullpen, it’s hardly a surprise that the Giants have struggled.
Right now, the Giants do not have any position players who put fear into any big league pitcher, with the possible exception of All-Star outfielder Joc Pederson and super utilityman Flores. They may be capable of pouring across 7-8 runs from time to time, but their mostly pop-gun offense has frustrated manager Gabe Kapler. They have not been able to get into any kind of groove, have left the bases littered with runners and that has left the starters and bullpen with a very thin margin for error.
Carlos Rodon and Logan Webb make up as good a 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation as in the National League and Wood is usually a pretty solid Number Three guy.
But because the hitting just hasn’t been there, the Giants have sometimes had to depend on their starters to do more than they should have to. In Saturday’s win over the Pirates, Logan Webb pitched eight innings to ensure a win because he was only given two runs. All too often the bullpen comes in and pours kerosene on the fire rather than putting it out. Most of the relievers cannot be trusted to hold a lead.
And the retirement of Buster Posey turned out to be a crippling blow. In addition to being a terrific defensive catcher, a clutch hitter and the Giants’ quarterback, Posey was also a steadying force, particularly with the bullpen. He was also like a second pitching coach as his work last season with a bunch of mostly journeymen middle and setup men was admirable, and the relief corps was tops in the league. Rookie Joey Bart has come along nicely behind the plate, but he’s not Buster Posey and never will be.
For what it’s worth, the Giants will keep hardcore fans interested and probably make life challenging for the wild card contenders next month. But let’s face it, no one likes to watch mediocre baseball. Will things change dramatically in 2023? Indications seem to show they will not. The club needs a lot more hitting, a better bullpen and tighter defense. Right now, the San Francisco Giants are an average baseball team at best and that’s not going to be good enough for anyone who follows this team.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Macgowan, published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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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, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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Have a Wheelie nice trip! |
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"Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look
at the word itself: 'Mankind'.
Basically, it's made up of two separate words -- 'mank'
and 'ind'. What do these words mean? It's a mystery,
and that's why so is mankind."
-- Jack Handey
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Letters to the Editor
Hit Piece on Jimmy G.
There used to be a newspaper which was partly on green paper. It covered the sports. Now, it has moved to the web, where it spins yarns, such as the recent gratuitous hit-piece on Jimmy G. Basically, "none of the players liked him, they couldn't wait for him to leave," and other nonsense. I never heard a player say a bad word about Jimmy G., his abilities, or his leadership. Au contraire.
They ALL said he was a terrific team leader, and they played as hard as they could for him -- and nobody can deny that. Except the unnamed sources gathered into one article and posted for some purpose other than to inform the reader with NEWS. Shameful!
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
A New Convert
Hey, thanks for the zine! Since I know almost nothing whatsoever about sports, many of the references were obscure to me, but thought provoking nonetheless, like the golden Buddha. And of course, the haiku of the two-pronged unicorn suggested a whiff of fantasy, but I thought there were several ways to contextualize it.
Also, you are correct, the photos are spectacular. The one of Coco Gauff hitting the ball was particularly intense, and the dog crapping on the field was wonderful. But my favorites were the surfing dogs. Aside from the Gerald Ford quote.
Kip
Pacific Grove, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland A's 1, Los Angeles Angels 5
Oakland Roots SC 1, Detroit City FC 1
San Francisco Giants 2, Pittsburgh Pirates 0
San Jose Earthquakes 1, FC Dallas 4
Features & Commentary
ADC Partners presents Jason Pearl, Development Officer of SF Giants
Giants Look Like a Middling Team, by Bruce Macgowan
More World Dog Surfing Championships, by Rich Yee
Sound Body, Sound Mind, by Andy Dolich
Saw the 9ers Friday and..., by Howard Pearlstein
Sports Haiku -- The Understudy, Nate Sudfeld, by Robert Moselle
Yogi Berra -- From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Organizations
Cal Bears
Oakland A's
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Stanford Cardinal
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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2012 World Series
Championship Reunion
August 13, 2022
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(L to r) On-air personality Amy Gutierrez and former San Francisco Giants pitchers Javier Lopez, George Kontos, Jeremy Affeldt, and Ryan Vogelsong participate in a 2012 World Series Championship Reunion chat before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in San Francisco. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants former pitcher Ryan Vogelsong laughs during a 2012 World Series Championship Reunion chat. Caption and photo
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San Francisco Giants former manager Bruce Bochy, right, greets former coaches Tim Flannery and Ron Wotus during the 2012 World Series Championship Reunion. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants former pitcher Matt Cain, right, greets Brandon Belt (9) during the 2012 World Series Championship Reunion ceremony.
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San Francisco Giants former outfielders Hunter Pence, right, and Angel Pagan, center, greet each other during the 2012 World Series Championship Reunion ceremony. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants former pitcher Barry Zito, left, talks to former outfielder Hunter Pence, right, during the 2012 World Series Championship Reunion ceremony. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants former manager Bruce Bochy during the 2012 World Series Championship Reunion ceremony. Caption and photo
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San Francisco Giants former pitching coach Dave Righetti talks during the 2012 World Series Championship Reunion ceremony. Caption and photo
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Members of the San Francisco Giants 2012 World Series Championship team pose for a photo before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in San Francisco. Caption and photo
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San Francisco Giants 2
Pittsburgh Pirates 0
August 13, 2022
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San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb threw eight innings of shutout ball as the Giants defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-0, at Oracle Park on Saturday, August 13th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Oakland A's 1
Los Angeles Angels 5
August 9, 2022
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Oakland Athletics designated hitter Stephen Piscotty hits a home run in the ninth inning to account for the only run in the A's 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, August. 9th at RingCentral Coliseum. Caption and
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Get to Know Austin Wynns
Catch the latest episode of Walk in the Park with San Francisco Giants catcher, Austin Wynns. Find out which Giants pitcher Wynns would not want to face, his connection to Bruce Bochy, and which well-known current MLB player he could possibly lure to the Giants next season.
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Who do you want to see in the
2023 Athletics Hall of Fame?
Before today's game, we inducted our 2022 Athletics Hall of Fame class, featuring Ray Fosse, Sal Bando, Eric Chavez, Keith Lieppman,
Joe Rudi, and Steve Vucinich.
And with that, it's already time to look ahead at our 2023 class. Alongside a committee of front office personnel, living A's Hall of Famers and the media, you -- the fan -- get an opportunity to
showcase your voice.
From now until September 11, make your vote count and help us induct the final member of the 2023 class of the Athletics Hall of Fame.
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The advent of things to come? |
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Sound Mind, Sound Body
by Andy Dolich
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The ancient Roman poet, Decimus Junius Juvenalis, aka Juvenal, coined the term “Mens sana in corpore sano” around 1,900 years ago. Translated in today’s world it becomes, “A healthy mind in a healthy body.” Over centuries it morphed into “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” The term is often used to proudly describe participants in collegiate sports as “Student-Athletes.”
The recent news that USC and UCLA are leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference created a tidal wave of woe and uncertainty from observers that the world of college sports will be changed forever. As we know, the color of the fluid that flows through the revenue engines of all Sports, including collegiate athletics, is green.
These two prestigious universities have won 11 NCAA Division One titles in football and another 11 in men’s basketball, along with a mind-boggling 576 Olympic medals through the 2020 games.
Their Conference-changing move, which goes into effect in the 2024-25 academic year, will enlarge the Big Ten to the Big Sixteen. It will be the first collegiate conference with Division One teams on both coasts and tap into the top three U.S. media markets of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Now that NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is sweeping the country as quick as a Covid variant, the nano-second attention spans of college presidents, trustees, athletic directors, coaches, boosters, high school All-Americans, their families, agents and crypto promoters might wreck college athletics in search of Gordon Gekko’s DNA, “Greed is Good!”
Juvenal had nothing to do with Gekko’s famous line. In the aftermath of the announcement, the Pac-12 released this confusing statement, “While we are extremely surprised and disappointed by the news coming out of UCLA and USC, we have a long and storied history in athletics, academics and leadership in supporting student athletes that we are confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future.”
How could a respected public institution like UCLA make this revolutionary decision without input from the university’s trustees, California elected officials, the Pac-12 Conference, broadcast partners, corporate sponsors, alumni, students and multiple millions of fans who have supported the University of California Los Angeles since 1919? Will we soon be reading about a top college golfer declaring that they are joining the LIV Golf Tour (as an amateur) while hoping to keep their college scholarships?
I wonder what Nike’s Phil Knight is thinking about as it relates to his two alma maters of the University of Oregon and Stanford. You know that he and other shoe philanthropists are not going to take this without re-tying their laces. Last year, the athletic shoe market in the United States generated $40 billion dollars in revenue. That’s a bunch of soles for talented collegiate competitive toes from coast-to-coast.
Homes of Higher Education from coast-to-coast need to have an open and honest discussion within their communities whether they want to be institutions of higher learning or repositories of higher earnings.
How important is it that Juvenal’s brilliance doesn’t disappear forever at colleges and universities, on behalf of their talented men and women on playing fields and classrooms from coast-to-coast?
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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 EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo,
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Saw the 9ers Friday and...
by Howard Pearlstein
The 9ers looked -- good -- they got game. A lot of good players in there -- some of the plays a bit rough in working together, but then, some of the players were barely past, "What's his name, the guy I'm working with?"
So yeah, they were playing a Green Bay who was without starters, and something we know too well from recent years -- lots of injured players.
Trey looked really good. Nate Sudfeld looked good...
And here, I'm getting into dangerous 9er fan trouble, because Brock Purdy looked good, really good, even though it was only a few plays in garbage time, but --
AND now I know I'm getting near to Bay Area heresy... even Blasphemy -- making any sort of comparison to Joe Montana.
But Purdy has something that reminds me of Joe Montana -- a stillness in the pocket -- a stillness and awareness -- a still center in the midst of chaos, like the Hokusai wave.
I mean that's not all of what Joe had, but it was something remarkable, something we rarely see. I remember when local tv was showing movies from his high school days in Beaver Falls, being surprised to see that even then, Joe had that same presence -- a quiet owning of his space -- often not even moving his feet but just leaning one way or another to make a linebacker or defensive tackle miss.
Only place I remember seeing it before was in Houston, with Aikido Master Binh who was also a Tae Kwan Do seventh degree black belt, when he was demonstrating the ability with Aikido to handle four attackers at once, using his own Tae Kwan Do black belts. He was spinning, but he was also still -- and it was fast, and they were all on the ground.
And they would ask me or Jane, since they knew we were there for Aikido: "What did he do?"
And could only answer, "Have no idea."
Same with Joe Montana.
And a tiny bit of deja vu watching Brock Purdy in the pocket Friday evening.
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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 tying 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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Bill Russell’s No. 6 has been officially retired by the NBA. This is the first time the Association has done this, and it's in recognition of the championship pedigree of Russell and also his actions off the
court for social justice. This is a very rare feat in American sports,
as only two other jersey numbers have been retired; those of
Jackie Robinson, #42 (MLB) and Wayne Gretzky, #99 (NHL).
Russell, a McClymonds high school graduate in 1952, poses with the 2011 basketball team at the tribute for him in Oakland in 2011.
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For our 1-on-1 podcast series, in association with Sports Today,
over the next few weeks we will bring you a few of our latest podcasts, which cover topics ranging from cryptocurrency, brand marketing, college conference realignment, women's sports, the Oakland A's, Boston accents, how to get a good night's sleep, and so SO
much more. Enjoy!
Dave Almy & Andy Dallin
Principals
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Jason Pearl, Chief Business Development Officer of the San Francisco Giants
Jason has been involved with developing partnerships for the team for 30 years. Suffice it to say he’s forgotten more about creating successful partnerships than most people will learn in their lifetimes.
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1-on-1: Sports Business Conversations, the ADC Partners podcast is available on your preferred podcast platform. |
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Yogi Berra -- From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee |
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While I was an employee for Visa, USA in the Marketing Dept, I had the good fortune of meeting a lot of celebrities that endorsed Visa and athletes that were sponsored by the company. One of the athletes that filmed a commercial for Visa was baseball Hall of Fame member
Yogi Berra and I had a chance to meet him.
There was a rumor he was visiting our office that week so I went out and bought a photo of him at a sports card shop. As he was leaving after his meeting I caught up to him in our lobby and asked him to sign my photo. He looked at the photo, then looked at me and jokingly said, “He looks familiar. I just can’t remember his name.”
He was probably about 75 at the time and still had a great sense of humor. He was a pleasure to chat with. The commercial he made for Visa also starred basketball legend Yao Ming.
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Autograph Stories Invited! |
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Have an autograph with a story behind it?
Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity
to share a sports moment with our readers.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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It's almost Football Time.
"The 2022 NFL season officially kicks off on Thursday, September 8 as Josh Allen and
the Buffalo Bills head to SoFi Stadium..."
~Google search for NFL opening date
Two questions:
(1) Where is SoFi Stadium?
(2) Originally named the Grant Park Municipal Stadium, where is the oldest NFL
football stadium?
(See answer below...)
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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!
Thank you for your many entries!
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The Understudy
An "Understudy" is a person who learns another's role in order to be able to act as a replacement on short notice. While ordinarily a word associated with the Theatre, in sports with high-risk activities, as well as off-days or
"bad performance" games, personnel replacement is often unavoidable. Reserves, or Athlete Understudies, are often called upon to come to the rescue when a starter is unable to continue, or the Director's whimsy turns to a
fresh actor to take the stage.
Meet Nate Sudfeld, the 49ers' Understudy to newly minted QB, Trey Lance.
We wish Trey a successful career in his new role as "The Starter," a position for which he has studied since his days at North Dakota State (sort of an off-Broadway run). However, should issues arise which preclude his participation in this new role, fear not: "The Understudy," Nate Sudfeld, will be ready to step in as the lead actor in the Theatre they call the NFL.
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Remember these words
Mr. Inevitable
Sudfeld is Ready
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For more information on Nate Sudfeld, please visit
Sports Today, Always AHEAD of the Game!
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Contributed by Robert Moselle
As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for "Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
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Sturdivant Named To Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List
TYLER, Texas – Cal's J.Michael Sturdivant was named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List for the first time in his career when the watch list was announced at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and SPORTyler 16th Annual East Texas Kick-off Luncheon.
The award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football with ties to Texas who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell – integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically, tenacity to present and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals. Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria – born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas high school, played at a Texas-based junior college, or currently playing at a Division I four-year college in Texas.
Sturdivant's hometown is Highland Village, Texas, and he played prep football at Marcus High School in nearby Flower Mound.
The watch list will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November and up to five finalists in December as selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and previous winners. The finalists will be brought to Tyler for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet and the announcement of the winner scheduled for January 11, 2023.
Below are notes on Sturdivant with an extended bio available by clicking on his name above.
J.Michael Sturdivant, WR, 6-3, 205, R-Fr., 2nd Season at Cal (Highland Village, TX/Marcus HS)
— A consensus four-star recruit who ranked as high as the nation's No. 17 wide receiver and No. 104 player overall in the 2021 recruiting class
— Played in final four games as a 2021 true freshman primarily on special teams and contributed three tackles as a 2021 true freshman but did not use a season of eligibility.
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Open Practice
Come catch the Cardinal in action on Friday, Aug. 19.
STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford will hold an open football practice on Friday, Aug. 19 at Elliott Practice Fields from approximately 2:35-4:45 p.m. PT (subject to change).
Filming any portion of the open practice is strictly prohibited.
The open practice is the best chance to catch the Cardinal in action before they take the field to begin the 2022 season at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 3 vs. Colgate. Single game, mini-plan and season tickets are available now, and kids can get in free to the home opener as part of Cardinal Kids Day!
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SJSU Hires Keplinger as Assistant Coach
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Mat Keplinger has been named San Jose State assistant baseball coach head coach Brad Sanfilippo announced on Thursday. Keplinger comes to the Spartans from the University of San Francisco where he was most recently the interim head coach. Keplinger led the Dons to a 28-29 record including a win over No. 17 Gonzaga.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity that coach Brad Sanfilippo has given me and to my family," Keplinger said of joining the Spartans. "The program is on the rise, and I am extremely excited to help this program win a Mountain West Championship."
"We welcome Mat to our coaching staff. He is a great coach and first class individual who brings a wealth of knowledge and winning from California junior colleges to success in the West Coast Conference," Sanfilippo said. "Coach Kep did a phenomenal job as Interim Head Coach this past season at University of San Francisco, leading the Dons to the WCC Tournament. He has a great track record of developing pitchers and builds great relationships with his staffs. Coach Kep is a great addition to the Spartan Baseball program."
#AllSpartans
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Saint Mary's College Gaels |
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Former Kansas Assistant Jack Meggs Joins
Gaels Coaching Staff
MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Baseball has hired Jack Meggs to join the Gaels coaching staff after serving as the hitting coach at the University of Kansas during the 2021-22 school year.
Meggs will be in charge of working with Gael hitters and outfielders and will also be integral in coaching base running and in recruiting. Before becoming the full-time hitting coach at Kansas in August of 2021, he served as a graduate assistant with the Jayhawks while earning his master's degree in sports management.
"Jack Meggs is one of the brightest, most well-rounded, young coaches in the country," said SMC Head Coach Greg Moore. "He's the rare combo of knowledge, work-ethic, and genuine care for players. He guides them to be their best. With Coach Meggs, Saint Mary's will continue to be one of the best places in the country to develop as a pro and as a person."
The Seattle, Wash. native was a communications major at the University of Washington where he was a major part of the Husky lineup for four years. As a Husky, Meggs helped lead the team to regionals at both Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. He finished his career at Washington ranked fourth all time in both games started and games played.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Marissa Vasquez Selected to All-WCC
Preseason Team
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- With the 2022 women's soccer season right around the corner, the West Coast Conference released its preseason coaches poll and All-WCC preseason selections on Wednesday morning.
USF's sophomore midfielder Marissa Vasquez was selected to the All-WCC Preseason Team following her stellar 2021 season on the Hilltop where she led the Dons in points (11), goals (4) and was tied for the team-lead with three assists. As a team, USF was picked to finish seventh overall in the WCC for the second season in a row as they will look to continue their stellar play at home this season following a 5-2-1 overall record at Negoesco Stadium in 2021.
"Ever since Marissa stepped on campus at USF she has continued to improve her game and has been a catalyst for our attack," USF head coach Jim Millinder said. "She has the ability to create chances for herself and her teammates. I think getting acknowledged by other coaches in the conference should be very rewarding for her."
Vasquez is the first Don to be picked for the preseason All-WCC poll since former USF forward Miciah Madison was honored ahead of the 2019 season.
BYU was picked to finish first in the conference for the second time in the last three years after winning the WCC title a season ago. The Cougars also lead the way with the most selections to the All-WCC preseason team while Santa Clara and Pepperdine each had two student-athletes picked as well.
The Dons will open the 2022 regular season on the road against the Portland State Vikings on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 12:00 p.m. and will stick around the Pacific Northwest to take on the Oregon Ducks on Sunday, Aug, 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Following the two road matches, USF returns to the friendly comforts of Negoesco Stadium for the team's home opener against the Stanford Cardinal on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7:00 p.m. from the Hilltop.
Single game and season tickets for USF women's soccer are now available and can be purchased here.
For updates and more information on the USF women's soccer program, be sure to follow @USFDonsWSoccer on Twitter, @USFDonsWSoccer on Instagram and @USFDonsWSOC on Facebook.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Men's Basketball Set For European
Foreign Tour
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's basketball is packing their bags and heading east for their first foreign tour since 2016. The Broncos will enjoy a 10-day excursion across three iconic cities in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain and Paris, France.
"This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for our men's basketball program," Santa Clara Director of Athletics Renee Baumgartner said. "Many of these student-athletes have never had the chance to see Madrid, Barcelona or Paris, and I am so excited for them to get to experience new cultures, cuisines and customs. This trip will also serve as a chance for the entire team to bond together in a way that only traveling abroad allows. It will be a tremendous trip and the memories that will be made will last a lifetime."
The tour begins on August 20 and concludes on August 30. Mixed in between the sightseeing and group tours, the Broncos will play in three basketball games against some of the best teams in Spain and France. The game schedule is as follows.
Date Opponent Time (Local/PT) Location
Aug. 23 Estudiantes 8:00 p.m./11:00 a.m. Madrid, Spain
Aug. 26 Joventut 6:00 p.m./9:00 a.m. Barcelona, Spain
Aug. 28 Paris Basket Ball 6:00 p.m./9:00 a.m. Paris, France
There will be no radio or video streaming of any of the games, however, fans can follow along for game updates on the Broncos' twitter (@SantaClaraHoops) and Instagram (@santaclarahoops) accounts.
"This is one of those trips that our student-athletes will be talking about for the rest of their lives," head coach Herb Sendek said. "It's a tremendous opportunity for them to see some beautiful, new places while also forming a bond that will stick together long after they return back home. Of course, we will also be playing some games while we are there, so there's going to be some great team bonding on the court as well, and hopefully we will return to Santa Clara as a better overall unit than when we left it. I am so excited for our program and incredibly grateful for everyone that has helped make this trip happen."
For a full report, click HERE.
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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.
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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?
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
FC Dallas 4
August 13, 2022
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, FC Dallas 4
Quakes host LAFC on Saturday, Aug. 20 at PayPal Park
FRISCO, Texas – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to FC Dallas 4-1 on Saturday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Forward Jeremy Ebobisse scored his 14th goal of the season, becoming the first player in MLS history to score on the road against all three Texas clubs (at Austin, at Dallas, at Houston) in a single season.
FC Dallas scored three goals in the first half and one more in the 57th minute. The Quakes found the back of the net three minutes later with a strike by Jeremy Ebobisse from just outside the 18-yard box.
San Jose made four substitutions in the second half but were unable to improve the score.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose to host Los Angeles Football Club on Saturday, Aug. 20, presented by CEFCU. The match will kick off from PayPal Park at 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
MEDIA ASSETS
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes currently hold a 5-11-9 record (24 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
- San Jose is now 29-21-19 all-time vs. FC Dallas, including a 12-13-9 road record.
- The Earthquakes are now 5-7-6 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.
- Forward Jeremy Ebobisse scored his 14th goal of the season and 41st goal of his MLS career. He is the first player in MLS history to score on the road against all three Texas clubs (at Austin, at Dallas, at Houston) in a single season.
- Forward Benji Kikanović tallied an assist on Ebobisse’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and fourth of his MLS career. He has now tallied one goal and one assist in the last two matches.
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season, FC Dallas 4 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, Attendance: 15,105
Scoring Summary:
DAL (1-0) – Jesus Ferreira (Alan Velasco) 3’, DAL (2-0) – Marco Farfan (Sebastian Lletget) 20’, DAL (3-0) – Jesus Ferreira (unassisted) 41’, DAL (4-0) – Alan Velasco (Sebastian Lletget) 57’, SJ (4-1) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Benji Kikanović) 60’
Misconduct Summary:
DAL – Edwin Cerrillo (caution) 45’, DAL – Paxton Pomykal (caution) 67’, SJ – Nathan (caution) 90+1’
FC DALLAS: Maarten Paes; Jose Martinez (Nkosi Tafari 80), Marco Farfan, Ema Twumasi, Matt Hedges (C); Edwin Cerrillo, Sebastian Lletget (Kalil Elmedkhar 64), Katlego Ntsabeleng (Paxton Pomykal 63), Paul Arriola (Jader Obrian 75), Jesus Ferreira (Franco Jara 63), Alan Velasco. Substitutes not used: Eulanio Gomes, Jimmy Maurer (GK), Eddie Munjoma, Beni Redzic.
SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 11; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Tommy Thompson (Jack Skahan 55); Judson (Jan Gregus 63), Jamiro Monteiro (Niko Tsakiris 63), Jackson Yueill (C); Benji Kikanović (Cade Cowell 63), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.
Substitutes not used: Oskar Ågren, Matt Bersano (GK), Ousseni Bouda, Will Richmond, Shea Salinas.
SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 7; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 2
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On tonight’s challenges against FC Dallas:
“I believe that in the first or second minute we committed a mistake and Dallas then had an advantage. It’s a field where we knew that Dallas is a team that defends the boxes well and we needed to have patience. After that, we were dealing with that well even when they scored the goal off that early situation. The second goal comes from our right side. They moved Tommy [Thompson] while making a run and Jackson [Yueill] is very close to the player with the ball and the ball was then crossed. It’s difficult to play against Dallas. The second [goal] comes from being pressed where we don’t arrive at the right moment, and they find the combination. Our center back then jumps or steps when he doesn’t have to because it’s an open ball. At the end, they have that rebound to score. It is then very difficult, but I saw the substitutions and the players trying to go forward, trying to attack Dallas. Obviously, Dallas was closed and controlling the game defensively, they defended well on what we were trying to do. That’s the history. Difficult game.”
On the team’s accountability with leadership in the locker room:
“There are two things, one is the frustration. When you are trying to play the games to win, understanding that we have that hope until mathematically it’s not possible, we will fight for sure. What happened in the second minute is normal. It is difficult, but even like that, we were trying to play our game and we knew that Dallas was a team that’s very narrow. We had to circulate and find our fullbacks a little bit higher on the pitch because [FC Dallas] protect very well the central area. Then the second goal happened. It’s difficult. There has been a lot of mistakes during in the season that have penalized us. I think that, even if you don’t see it, we have tough leaders in here in this locker room. They talk when they have to talk, like the players are doing right now.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JACK SKAHAN
On entering the match playing as a right back:
“At right back, [the directions were] to attack and obviously defend. A lot of defending is running, but to attack on the outside and on the inside, and to combine in the middle. We were losing when I went in, so the directions [I received] were to attack and try to help the team score as many goals as possible.”
On the younger players receiving more playing opportunities the rest of this season:
“That group is really young and has a lot of intensity and a lot of competitive fire every single day at practice. We get along really well, we’re a good group. Of course, we want to play every game, but realistically that’s just not what the solution has been. I don’t think you can throw a group of us out there. I think we need to do what the coach says. I think the coach makes those decisions for a reason. He sees our practices from a different view than we do. We’re on the field so of course we’re going to think that we should play, but that’s not always the reality. For sure this group will keep fighting and will fight until the last game, even if we’re out of the [MLS Playoffs]. That group will fight. They’re a bunch of competitive guys."
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Oakland Roots SC 1
Detroit City FC 1
August 13, 2022
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Oakland Roots Concede Late in Detroit and
Settle for Another Draw
Oakland Roots got off to the better of the two starts, as the visitors created double chances twice inside the first 15 minutes. First Charlie Dennis and then Darek Formella were both blocked in the 9th minute, then Dennis and Juan Azocar both saw their shots blocked in the 15th.
Detroit had some small chances of their own in the first half coming off some sloppy play at the back from Oakland most notably in the 20th minute when Tarek Morad and Alejandro Fuenmayor were caught in two minds, but Detroit were unable to take advantage. As the half came to a close a couple of yellow cards were handed out but the two sides headed to the locker level at 0-0.
Oakland took the lead early in the second half when Charlie Dennis was gifted the ball off a goal kick from Detroit’s Nate Steinwacher and happily took advantage of the giveaway to put Oakland in front in the 50th minute. Oakland’s defense held strong, not allowing a shot on goal deep into the game. Then in the 88th minute Detroit took their chance on the counter and leveled the match through Francis Atuahene as the renewed rivals split the points in the end.
Oakland Roots are back in action next in 11 days as they travel down to San Diego Loyal on August 24th.
Oakland Roots SC vs Detroit City FC, USL Championship | August 13, 2022, Venue: Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, Michigan. Kickoff: 4:30 PM PT. Weather: 77 degrees, partly cloudy
SCORELINE: DET: 1, OAK: 1
SCORING SUMMARY: OAK: 50’ Charlie Dennis, DET: 88’ Francis Atuahene
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: DET: 40’ Antoine Hoppenot (yellow card), OAK: 40’ Jose Hernandez (yellow card), OAK: 45’ Juan Azocar (yellow card), OAK: 56’ Edgardo Rito (yellow card), OAK: 70’ Matías Fissore (yellow card), DET: 72’ Michael Bryant (yellow card)
DET: 90+’ Stephen Carroll (yellow card),
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Tarek Morad, Emrah Klimenta, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Edgardo Rito, Matías Fissore, Jose Hernandez (Joseph Nane), Juan Azocar, Mikael Johnsen (Johnny Rodriguez), Charlie Dennis, Darek Formella. Unused subs: Lindo Mfeka, Danny Barbir, Memo Diaz, Javier Mariona, Taylor Bailey
SHOTS: 12 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 15 | Offside: 0 |
DETROIT CITY FC LINEUP: Nate Steinwacher, Michael Bryant, Stephen Carroll, Matt Lewis, Maxi Rodriguez (Francis Atuahene), Brad Dunwell, Deklan Wynne, Rhys Williams, Connor Rutz, Pato Botella Faz, Antoine Hoppenot. Unused subs: Ryan Shellow, Karl Ouimette, Dominic Gasso, Bosh Tanyi
SHOTS: 10 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 7 | Fouls: 12 | Offside: 3 |
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Orbis Brakes launches in historic fashion as Preferred Brake of Rolex Monterey
Motorsports Reunion
Brake innovator to showcase new product line, debut Stellar Performance Award at renowned vintage racing event
Santa Rosa Calif., August 2, 2022 – Orbis Brakes is launching its innovative line of Periodic Wave™ disc brakes in a dramatic way, serving as the Preferred Brake of the 2022 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 17- 20 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
This year’s Rolex Reunion will curate the largest exhibition of winning or historically significant Le Mans cars ever assembled for display and exhibition laps. It is one of only two events worldwide to feature cars currently in private collections or museums returned to racetrack performance. The four-day event is a featured attraction of Monterey Car Week.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion represents the first event sponsorship for Orbis Brakes, the Northern California company that is making news through a partnership with NASA that produced the Periodic Wave™ disc brake, a proprietary design that uses advanced aerodynamics to provide superior surface cooling, reduce dangerous brake fade, and extend vehicle range and fuel efficiency. Orbis Brakes has also attracted attention with its potential to lower environmental impact. Weighing 50% less on average than conventional cast iron brakes, Orbis Brakes are expected to lower carbon consumption across the supply chain, while reducing harmful brown emissions.
Attendees at Laguna Seca will be given a first look at Orbis brake designs, including the NextWave™ and FutureWave™ models engineered to bridge the full brake spectrum.
Orbis will also use the Monterey spotlight to present the first ever Stellar Performance in Braking Award, an honor bestowed to drivers exhibiting superior braking maneuvers on the racetrack. The first award will be given to Alex Zanardi in honor of his last lap pass of Bryan Herta in the final race of the 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series at the same Laguna Seca raceway, still considered one of the greatest passes in the history of motorsports. Another Stellar Performance Award will be awarded to one of this year’s Rolex Reunion competitors as determined by a panel of judges. The Stellar Performance in Braking will become an ongoing award from Orbis, using in-car footage submitted by drivers and teams.
Orbis Brakes will host a Pre-Award Ceremony, Trophy Display & Moet Champagne Toast prior to its presentation of the Stellar Performance in Braking Award on Saturday, August 20th, 4:45 to 5:45 at the Orbis Brakes Booth located in the paddock across from the Le Mans Heritage display
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MORE World Dog Surfing Championships |
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The World Dog Surfing Championships, officially the Norcal Dog Surfing event & World Championships, is an annual dog surfing contest in Northern California, founded in 2016 and organized by TasteTV. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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(1) Sofi Stadium is in Los Angeles.
Buffalo takes on Matthew Stafford and the reigning Super Bowl champions, the
Los Angeles Rams, in the opener.
(2) Originally named Grant Park Municipal Stadium, Soldier Field in Chicago is the oldest
stadium at 98 years old!
I have selected an 8-year-old link listing the 10 oldest NFL venues because when written, the Raiders were
in the third oldest venue.
From the piece comes this, "The Coliseum houses some of the NFL’s most passionate and loyal fans. Even though they watched their team move to different cities, they always waited patiently for them to return home to the “Black Hole.” Among the most passionate, and crazy fans bases in the league, the Raider Nation are a special group of people who inhabit the O.co Coliseum. There is only
one nation, Raider Nation."
I'm not sure which team I'm going with this season.
The Pats, who foolishly pushed Tom out to pasture, or the Buccaneers, hoping the GOAT gets one more ring!
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, August 15, through
Sunday, August 21, 2022
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Monday, August 15
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Thursday, August 18
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 11:05 a.m.
Friday, August 19
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, August 20
San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings, 4 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners, 4:15 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA FC, 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 21
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 12:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners, 1:07 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
WILL BE PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 4, 2022
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. With unparalleled access—42 Super Bowls, 49 seasons as team photographer for the San Francisco 49ers, and a behind-the-scenes passport to the rest of the NFL—Zagaris takes his aim beyond the field and to the locker room, the bench, the practices, and the training camps. His intimate portraits convey the nerves, the tension, the pain, and the elation with emotional depth and the clarity of a longtime insider.
With contributions from celebrated Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Fred Biletnikoff, as well as text from renowned sportswriter Steve Cassady and sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards, Field of Play highlights Zagaris’s storied career as a photographer, showcasing the irresistible force of football and celebrates its enduring presence.
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But 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 forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
* Sponsorship opportunities
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!
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.
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