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January 8 -- January 14, 2024
Issue No. 519
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Oakland A’s future prospect Luis Danys Morales (left) shakes hands with A’s assistant general manager Dan Feinstein during the signing of Morales. Photo by the Oakland A’s. | | |
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A’s Prospect: Escaped Cuba in 2021 -- Figures in the Team’s Future
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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OAKLAND–Luis Danys Morales defected from the Cuban National Sub-23 team in México in 2021. According to MLB, in 2023 the Cuban right-handed pitcher was considered the best young international prospect—the Oakland A’s signed Morales for $3 million.
A few years earlier, when he was 18 years old, Morales was caught by Cuban authorities in Guantanamo in the process of escaping the island, but he finally defected two years ago. Libertad!
Suppose you wonder why all the talented baseball players from Cuba have been defecting for decades to come to the US. They are not treated well, as they make an equivalent of $40 to $200 dollars per month in salary in Cuban pesos.
It is important to remember that because Cuba’s communist government abolished all professional sports in the country in the 1960s, today’s players only play for the pleasure of the country, and the entity that reigns over baseball evaluates “patriotism” as crucial as their baseball skills.
They have to play under the harassment of the government. One Cuban player who defected and who is not in the major leagues told me years ago, “If we do not stand for the Cuban National Anthem before the game, in Cuba or abroad, we are in dire trouble.”
Morales is 6’3″and 190 pounds, with a 99-mph fastball and good stuff in his other pitches. Scouts consider he could be a future starter in the major leagues. He was born in Antilla, Cuba (in the eastern part of the country) on September 24, 2002.
In 2023, Morales pitched for the Lansing Lug Nuts of the Midwest League High-A affiliate of the Oakland A’s. He pitched 44 innings, struck out 55 in 14 games, 13 games as a starter, and ended with a 2.86 earned run average.
The A’s have a very young and inexperienced pitching staff; they recently signed Trevor Gott for one year and $1.5 million, plus other bonuses, including if he gets traded. Trevor Gott has become the most experienced pitcher on the A’s roster, although others might be signed in the future.
Gott has pitched in the AL West with the Mariners and the Angels and in the NL West with the Giants. “We are looking to add some experience to our pitching staff and our bullpen,” A’s general manager David Forst said to the AP. “Trevor has pitched well in our division and wanted to return to the Bay Area.”
“We are looking to add some experience to our pitching staff and our bullpen,” A’s general manager David Forst said to the AP. “Trevor has pitched well in our division and wanted to return to the Bay Area.”
Happy New Year!
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, 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 & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Jake Moody's two errant kicks were the difference in the loss to
the Los Angeles Rams, 21-20
Moody Blues
Many regular starters for both teams did not suit up for this game, including both QBs, Brock Purdy and Matthew Stafford. The 49ers started with what has become their typical opening drive. 49er QB Sam Darnold led the 49ers to a touchdown behind Elijah Mitchell's power runs and passes to Deebo Samuels and Brandon Aiyuk, with Mitchell blasting in for the touchdown. The PAT was good and it was 7-0 S.F. at 7:20 of the 1st quarter.
Carson Wentz, Stafford's backup, ran and passed the Rams down the field which ended with a TD pass to Puka Nacua: 7-7, 1:53 1st Q!. Led by Jordan Mason's Gore-like runs, Deebo Samuel and more Mitchell, Darnold used a QB sneak to burrow in for the score: 14-7 S.F , 6:59 2nd Q. On the Ram's drive, Tayler Hawkins, the San Diego State Aztec on his first NFL play ever, intercepted the pass
for the Niners. After their drive stalled, it was time for a 38-yard FG attempt by Jake Moody.
Unfortunately, it was also time for the A-Side of Jake's new 45 record, called "Wide Right," (his first miss inside the 40-yard line all season). On the Niners' next possession, after a 48-yard Darnold pass to Chris Conley, his first catch of the season, and a Mitchell run, Darnold hit Ronnie Bell for a touchdown.
Now it was time for the B-Side of Moody's record, called "Point After Touchdown, I Miss You." (He had made 60 in a row.) 20-7 SF at halftime.
In the second half, Carson Wentz began to take over the game with numerous runs, Despite some good tackles by Robert Beal Jr. and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Wentz would hit Tyler Johnson for a TD. After their own missed PAT, it was SF 20-13 and remained that score until 4:56 of the 4th quarter when a 48-yard pass penalty coupled with Wentz runs and a successful two-point conversion made it 21-20, L.A, which would be the final score and the end of the 49ers
12-game Divisional win streak.
Final score: San Francisco 49ers 20, Los Angeles Rams 21
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers YouTube Lowlights (10:02)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJxrc7lvlxw
Robert A. Moselle, Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Florida State Football: Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing (Except, Perhaps, the Future)
The FSU story is really bad. They didn’t even show up, really. They had a chance to prove that they were cheated and decided not to try. Probably worried that it would have actually proved that they didn’t belong in the playoffs. But if they felt like that, it was totally the right choice. Their consequence is to go down in the history books -- probably for a long time -- as the biggest bowl game loser ever after a 63-3 disgraceful loss to Georgia, even though they had won the ACC with an undefeated season.
After the drama of three weeks of depression and outrage about how they got royally screwed, they showed up without 20-plus players who had decided to NOT play, and instead to explore greener pastures. Expect more of these types of fiascos as players quit before Bowl games so they don't jeopardize their draft or portal-transfer opportunities. But Florida State? Nobody can have players cry and jump ship like your Seminoles did. Undefeated in the ACC? Big deal - you showed your true colors when you knew you'd have to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl...and Lose.
Gary Venter
New York City
Dave Newhouse Fan
Dave Newhouse is always good! Thoughtful, clear, and informative. I like him. Happy New Year!
Penny Matson
Nevada City, CA
Howard Pearlstein Fan
I guess you did not have too much chance to celebrate Christmas or the New Year because you had to publish and distribute on Monday. Sorry about that! Anyway, I enjoyed Howard Pearlstein’s comments – Was it Christmas or Something else? (Issue #518 -- https://conta.cc/3tzAaLb) More like Chanukah! That was just great!
Elisabeth Crabtree
Livermore, CA
Stay Strong
I hope the holidays were not too stressful for you. You are a prime example of what I tell my mentees, finish the job. And you don't quit! This is another great issue and keep it going throughout the year.
May 2024 be a year of peace, happiness, good health, and abundance success for you and your loved ones.
Arif Khatib
Founder and President
Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Publisher: African American Sports Magazine
Author: In the Shadow of Obscurity...Toiling In A Reluctant Society
Remember Their Sacrifice....Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color
Film Producer: Because They Believed
Cultural Ambassador Indian American Hindu Community
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (WBB) 70, Washington Huskies 57
USF Dons (WBB) 60 vs. Portland Pilots 67
Special Features
I'm Worried, by Andy Dolich
Dual Perfect Football & Life Hero McColl, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Features & Commentary
A's Prospect Escaped Cuba in 2021, by Amaury Pi-Gonzales
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
"Mean" Joe Greene -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Spread New Year's Cheer -- Your Support is Welcomed!
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Thoughts Following a Conversation about Russell Wilson, by
Howard Pearlstein
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Jonathan's new haircut -- Slam Dunk friendly! | | |
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I'm
Worried!
by Andy Dolich
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For the past 53 years I have been extremely proud that my first job in sports was in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. We set a record for futility in pro basketball when the Sixers concluded the 1972-73 season with a 9-73 record. The worst NBA full season in history which stands to this day.
* Yes, I know that the Charlotte Bobcats went 7-59 in the strike shortened 66 game season in 2011-12. That’s not a full season of stink. Gotta play through a full 82 to be the top of the bottom!
* The Sixers suffered through losing streaks of 13, 14, 15 and 20 games during the 72-73 season. Had they not defeated the Supersonics 85-82 at the Seattle Center Coliseum on January 7th, the 76ers would have endured a 35-game losing streak. Even the non-functioning Pistons won’t reach that low point.
* The Philadelphians also lost 28 in a row but that was over two seasons. 10 in 2014-15 and 18 in 2015-16. Might as well throw in the 26 in a row that they dropped in 2013-14.
* How about the combined Mt. Everest of Excruciation from the numbing numbers above including the 1972-73 season? Combined over 4 seasons, the Philadelphia Cream Cheese threw up 56 wins and 272 losses.
* Let’s not forget the opposite of bad is good, really good. In the 1971-72 season the LA Lakers streaked to an NBA record 33 wins. The Miami Heat won 27 in a row during the 2012-13 season. For Dub’s devotees their longest winning streak of 28 was piled up during the 2014-15 and 2014-16 seasons.
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Memories: The Philadelphia 76ers 1972-73 yearbook | |
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Why Would I be Proud of this Record of Futility?
“Holy Cow, I’m working in the NBA in 1971. To me, it was a dream come true before we played our first game.”
The dream quickly turned into a nightmare on the South Philly hardwood of the Spectrum after the Sixers tipped off the 72-73 season at 0-15. Just five years earlier, the team won the NBA Championship going 68-13 with star players Wilt Chamberlain, Luke Jackson, Billy Cunningham, Chet Walker, Hal Greer, Archie Clark and Wali Jones coached by Alex Hannum.
Little did I know what I was about to experience and little did I realize precisely how much it would prepare me for a lifelong career in sports.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but chaos, disaster, and losing is actually where you want to be at the start of a career. You don’t want to be in championship parades right away because you can’t advance that way. At a powerhouse you are the third assistant to the executive to the aide to the attaché of some decision maker. Try selling season tickets, sponsorships or anything for the worst NBA team in history.
Will This be the Year?
On December 28, in a hyperventilating overtime in Boston the Pistons added their record 28th straight loss falling to the Celtics 128-122. On December 30th, on their home floor, Detroit edged the Toronto Raptors to end 2023 at 3-29. How many Pistons players, staff and NBA fans envisioned this nightmare when they started the year at 2-1?
This current edition of Motown’s hoopers are living up to the nickname of Detroit’s take no prisoners ”Bad Boys” of the late 80s when John Salley, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and Adrian Dantley were winning with a full contact brand of basketball. This current Pistons squad can also claim the title of “Bad Boys” for all the wrong reasons.
NBA Outhouse of Losing
Philadelphia 76ers 1973 - (9-73)
Philadelphia 76ers 2016 - (10-72)
Dallas Mavericks 1993 - (11-71)
Denver Nuggets 1998 - (11-71)
LA Clippers 1987 - (12-70)
New Jersey Nets 2010 - (12-70)
Strike Shortened Season
Charlotte Bobcats 2012 - (7-59)
NBA Penthouse of Winning
Golden State Warriors 2016 - (73-9)
Chicago Bulls 1996 - (72-10)
Chicago Bulls 1997- (69-13)
LA Lakers 1972 - (69-13)
Philadelphia 76ers 1967- (68-13)
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I’ll be checking into every Piston game to see if Cade Cunningham, his Piston playmates, coach Monty Williams and their loyal fans can summon up 7 more victories and finish 10-72 or better. As of January 6th they are 3-32.
The hometown Warriors struggled to dribble past the Pistons at Chase Center on January 5th winning 113-109. Looking ahead to the Battle of the Bads, the Really Bad Boys take on the San Antonio Sputtering Spurs in Motown on Wednesday January 10th where their combined record is 8-62 (as of 1/7/24) Will there be “Malice at the Palace?” We shall see.
For me, as an inconsequential sports marketer, who at the time was just starting out, 9-73 is my Cal Ripken, Joe DiMaggio, Wilt Chamberlain, You Can’t Touch These career records. I will be the saddest person in the country if they can’t mine more than five more wins to break this record and take a rightful place in NBA Hoops Hades.
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Business card used by Andy Dolich
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Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Don't Miss Your Chance -- Help Spread The
New Year's Cheer!!!
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Donate Today And Add Your Name
To The List Below
Your Support Is Appreciated!
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or send to: Christopher Weills, Publisher,
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Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
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Bill McColl, a standout athlete who went on to star in football at Stanford and for the Chicago Bears before becoming an orthopedic surgeon, died Dec. 28 at his La Jolla home. | | |
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Dual Perfect
Football & Life
Hero McColl
by Dave Newhouse
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The first time I noticed Bill McColl was at a Stanford football game in 1950. A football was tossed into the end zone, and McColl leaped to pluck it out of the sky one-handed for a Stanford touchdown. I didn’t think sports heroes could fly, but McColl looked airborne to a 12-year-old kid.
He was 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, the most impressive specimen on the then Stanford Indians team, so you couldn’t take your eyes off him. In a Big Game, he took a lateral and threw a 60-yard pass that just missed becoming a completion. Though an end, he had a stronger arm than Stanford’s quarterback.
That was an era where players went both ways, and McColl was a
two-year All-American end on offense or defense. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1951, when Stanford earned the Rose Bowl selection. In Pasadena, Stanford's coaching staff had a brain cramp, choosing to use McColl as a “decoy,” while throwing to less able receivers. Illinois won that game, 40-7.
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McColl then became a hero in different ways. While playing for the Chicago Bears from 1952 to 1959, this third-round draft pick caught 201 passes for 2,815 yards and 25 touchdowns — and also threw a 79-yard completion — while attending the University of Chicago Medical School. Bears coach George Halas thought so highly of McColl that he shifted practice from afternoon to morning so the latter wouldn't miss any medical classes.
The end result: Dr. Bill McColl didn’t take just any medical assignment after becoming an orthopedic surgeon. He served in Korea from 1962 to 1964 as a Presbyterian missionary doctor at a leprosy hospital, displaying a special form of heroism. In 1964, he was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1965, he was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame.
He eventually settled in San Diego, his hometown, where he ran, unsuccessfully, three times as a Republican for a U.S. Congress seat. Heroes have their setbacks, too.
McColl and his wife, Barbara, had six children, all of whom attended Stanford. Son Duncan was an All-American defensive lineman at Stanford, while son Milt was a Stanford linebacker who later won two Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers. And like his father, Milt became a medical doctor. Bill and Duncan McColl also are the only father-son All-American duo in Stanford football history.
The family’s sports tree was “planted” in the 1940s when young Bill McColl, age 11, won San Diego’s Soap Box Derby. There was no putting the brakes on the great athlete, and the terrific humanitarian he would become.
Dr. Bill McColl died Dec. 28 at age 93. But in my mind, I can still visualize that leaping, one-handed catch in 1950. Heroes tend to become indelible figures in your memory.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Logan Webb attended Rocklin HIgh School in Rocklin, California.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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5 Resolutions for Giants in
the New Year
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from the Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in
your inbox.
The arrival of the new year is a popular time for self-reflection, giving many of us a chance to look back and identify which areas we want to strive to improve moving forward. A similar process is currently underway for the Giants, who have spent the off season trying to address the shortcomings that have resulted in back-to-back disappointing seasons for the club.
Here are five resolutions that could help San Francisco rebound in 2024:
1. Score more runs for Webb
Logan Webb was the biggest bright spot of the Giants’ 2023 campaign, as the 27-year-old right-hander placed second in the National League Cy Young race after posting a 3.25 ERA over a Major League-high 216 innings. Still, the Giants struggled to consistently support Webb’s stellar performances, going only 15-18 in his 33 starts and scoring two or fewer runs in 22 of those outings.
Webb ended the year with the lowest run support average (3.21) of any qualified starter in baseball, so the Giants will have to do a better job of backing their homegrown ace in 2024. Webb went 9-1 when receiving at least three runs of support last year, further underscoring why the Giants can ill afford to let their offense disappear when he’s on the mound.
Maria Guardado covers the Giants for MLB.com.
She previously covered the Angels from 2017-18.
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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Attend the Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour with stops in Sacramento, San Jose and Napa
Open House at Oracle Park is Saturday, March 9
The Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024 is a new, reimagined experience for Giants fans that transforms the traditional one-day
San Francisco-based event into an expanded series across Northern California. Current and former Giants players, coaches, broadcasters and Lou Seal will caravan to meet fans in their local communities
-- including Sacramento, San Jose and Napa -- to sign autographs, participate in Q&A sessions, distribute merchandise and more.
The tour will end with an Open House at Oracle Park on Saturday, March 9 providing fans with access to often restricted ballpark locations -- including the field, clubhouse, broadcast booth and dugout. Meet-and-greets and autograph opportunities with Giants alumni and photo opportunities with Lou Seal and the World Series Trophies will also be available. Fans in San Francisco will be able to interact with players in Scottsdale, using new technology. The Giants Spring Training game in Scottsdale will be broadcast on the scoreboard during the event.
Event tickets are required for the Open House at Oracle Park.
Claim up to 10 complimentary tickets.
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Esteury Ruiz made his MLB debut in 2022 with the San Diego Padres and also played for the Milwaukee Brewers, prior to coming to the Oakland A's. Photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Welcome to another edition of the A’s Beat newsletter
How could Ruiz unlock his Potential
in 2024?
Martín Gallegos @MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter.
To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to receive
it regularly in your inbox.
Esteury Ruiz utilized his blazing speed this past season to set a new American League rookie record with 67 stolen bases. But that historic accolade does not guarantee he will be manning center field for the A’s in 2024.
While Ruiz’s base running lived up to the hype created throughout his Minor League career upon joining the club last off season in a three-way trade with the Brewers and Braves, the A’s came away from the 2023 campaign viewing the outfielder’s overall body of work as a work in progress.
“There are some things Esty did really well,” A’s general manager David Forst said. “But I think there are clearly some things he can work on.”
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.com
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(L to R) Dave Newhouse, Ignacio
De La Fuente, Andy Dolich
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Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
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USF Dons 60
Portland Pilots 67
War Memorial Gym, Sobrato Center, San Francisco
Saturday, January 6, 2024
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USF Dons Debora dos Santos scored 15 points with 13 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season in the Dons' 67-60 loss to the Portland Pilots on Saturday, January 6th at War Memorial Gym at the Sobrato Center. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Cal Bears 70
Washington Huskies 57
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Friday, January 5, 2024
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Cal Bears guard Ioanna Krimili hit four three-pointers and finished with 21 points as the Bears defeated the Washington Huskies, 70-57, at Haas Pavilion on Friday, January 5th. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Thoughts Following a Conversation about Russell Wilson
by Howard Pearlstein
I was on the phone, talking to someone in the insurance company that covers my house. My problem turned out to be nothing to worry about, and as I have learned to do, asked the woman on the line where she was. In Denver.
So we talked about Russell Wilson and WTF was going on there. Why was he benched? I always liked him, despite him almost always beating the Niners – he was a good guy.
Her opinion: Sean Payton was an idiot and a creep who didn’t like Wilson. I asked why, I figure he didn’t just forget how to play football so what was it?
She said he benched Wilson because he wouldn’t give up his contract provision of $37.5 million for injury, which he’d threatened to do many weeks before. And he thought Wilson was arrogant.
But they gave up the farm to get him – four draft picks to Seattle for Wilson and one to New Orleans to get Payton.
Her opinion: Payton didn’t understand how a playmaker works, that there has to be some structure, set a standard to let him do what he does, something he can work within and diverge from whenever. He has to have some decent wide receivers.
And decent running backs so the defense doesn’t know he has to throw every down.
I was thinking about Purdy and how people dissed Shanahan for making sure he had as much of that as can be got, dissed Purdy as if he were a spoiled brat rich kid with all the toys in the world, as if it was coddling the Kid to have someone to throw to, someone to hand off to.
And thinking: was Joe Montana a spoiled brat because he had John Taylor and Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon? Ricky Patton and Earl Cooper? And Roger Craig? And an offensive line with Randy Cross and Keith Fahnhorst and John Ayers, Bubba Paris? Brent Jones? And a Defense with Ronnie Lott and Eric Wright, and the one the writers always seem to forget -- Carlton Williamson? Plus Fred Dean and Hacksaw Reynolds? And Roger Craig and Ricky Watters and William Floyd?
Was Steve Young just a fluke?
It just seemed simple – Payton didn’t know how to give Wilson what he needed.
He was like a producer of a low budget movie with a crappy script who hires a standup comic for the lead, in the desperate hope he or she can improv the movie into something worth watching – as if.
And contrary to all the Nostradamners and ankle biters, Shanahan and John Lynch knew how to figure out what young Mr. Purdy needed and Jed York got it for them.
Full disclosure: My personal antipathy toward John Elway from news articles back then, and a hostile encounter has colored my opinion of the Broncos for a long time. He was a spoiled brat. (Well, maybe I was being something of a smartass. But NFL football player? Should have had a thicker skin.) And, damnit – he was a good quarterback. But not as good as Joe Montana -- that 55-10 Super Bowl XXIV score melted away any residual enmity I had at that time.
And their treatment of a good guy great player like Russell Wilson hasn’t done much to improve it. But there are so many other people involved with the team as players and fans, it’s unfair and stupid to hold onto that against the team, not Elway. He was a spoiled brat.
And, damnit – a really good quarterback.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
61: Anonymous Football Prospects Reveal NIL Recruitment
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
Some of the top high school football players in the U.S. participated in the recent Under Armour All-America Game, and reporters covering the event were very interested in getting a first-hand perspective of the role that NIL played in decisions to commit to particular schools.
Unsurprisingly, NIL plays an important role in players deciding on where to attend. But, if we are to take these top athletes at their word, it not only isn't the only consideration, but it's often not the top reason why they will choose one school over another.
The Athletic, behind a paywall, brought to light that many athletes are involving their family members to assist them in navigating these very new waters and that more and more top-tier athletes are retaining agents to help them in the process of understanding and negotiating real NIL deals as well as those with NIL collectives.
As one player explained, "When schools call, they have the position coach, head coach and the money man from the collective call you. That last guy is the one who talks about NIL with the agent."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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"Mean" Joe Greene -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I met Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene at a sports collectors show many years ago after he made that famous Coca-Cola commercial where a kid offers him a bottle of Coke and he in return says, “Hey Kid, Catch!” and tosses his jersey to the kid.
(Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xffOCZYX6F8)
Upon meeting him, he does look very intimidating but as it turns out, he was a very nice man. He signed this photo for me and
shook my hand before I left.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
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Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
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California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging
out with friends.
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T. Buff's Sour Grapes Drabble… | |
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(T. Buff complains about another betting loss)
Shoulda...Coulda...Woulda...
It shoulda been the 49ers. Both the 49ers and the Rams missed a PAT kick setting up a two-part loss gambling on the game. If all did what they were paid to do, regulation coulda ended in a 21-21 tie and the 49ers
woulda won in OT.
A future trivia question could be, how many times have the 49ers lost a game because of a missed PAT?
Just imagine if the Rams make it through and meet up against the 49ers in an NFC Championship Game and win? Don’t worry. My prognostications have been
way off this year!
Go Celtics!
For comments, write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Carlos Akapo Called to Equatorial Guinea National Team for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Akapo to face Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Côte d'Ivoire
in Group A
SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes defender Carlos Akapo is among 27 players called to the Equatorial Guinea Men’s National Team by head coach Juan Micha Obiang for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023, set to open on Jan. 13, 2024.
Drawn into Group A, Equatorial Guinea will open the tournament against Nigeria on Sunday, Jan. 14 (6:00 a.m. PT). They will next face Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, Jan. 18 (6:00 a.m. PT) before closing group stage play against hosts Côte d'Ivoire on Monday, Jan. 22 (9:00 a.m. PT).
Akapo, 30, has scored once and earned 30 appearances for the Nazalang Nacional in multiple Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and various international friendlies. He started in every match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (played in 2022) to help Equatorial Guinea reach the quarterfinals, falling to eventual champions Senegal.
In his first season with the Earthquakes, Akapo notched six goal contributions (two goals, four assists) in 28 appearances. His initial goal was the game-winner in the Quakes’ 2-1 home opener victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on March 4. Akapo also earned two MLS Team of the Matchday nominations in 2023 (Matchdays 2, 34)
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Alex Palou dominates the 2023 Season and is crowned the NTT INDYCAR Series Champion at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey 2023. Photo by Steven Kwon.
2023 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Season is one for the Record Books
MONTEREY, Calif., Dec. 28, 2023—The revitalized Laguna Seca Recreation Area, home to the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca road course, concluded one of the most successful seasons in its 66-year history with strong attendance, completion of major construction projects, an abundance of fundraising and community events, and a new track lap record.
The year started quietly as Granite Construction and WeatherTech Raceway facility teams persevered through record rainfall. Through the support of the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors and County staff, the race surface was completely repaved, and an impressive new Start/Finish bridge constructed, which thanks to the partnership of Mission Foods, is now named the Mission Foods Start/Finish Bridge. Due to the constricted timeframe for construction, once opened, it was an exciting year with superb on-track action.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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No. 7 Cal Takes 2nd at Mean Girls Super 16
Lauzon Wins All-Around Title
LAS VEGAS- The No. 7 California women's gymnastics team opened the 2024 season Saturday night with a second-place finish at the Mean Girls Super 16. Junior Mya Lauzon took home the all-around title, and several Golden Bears found the podium.
Cal scored a 196.850 which was only topped by No. 8 Alabama's 197.125. No. 18 Auburn took third with a 196.600 and No. 5 UCLA finished fourth with a 196.550.
The Bears began the night on the uneven bars where they notched their highest team score of the night with a 49.550, which ties the fourth-highest score in program history. Senior Gabby Perea and junior Maddie Williams tied for the event title with a 9.950, and junior Ella Cesario and senior Andi Li each added a 9.900.
Balance beam was the toughest event of the night for Cal, which only amassed a 48.850 on the second rotation. Lauzon led the way with a 9.900 that paced the rest of the competition.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Peter Fukumea
www.calbears.com
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Cardinal Closes Out Cougars
Brink has 20 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks
in 74-65 win
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) – Cameron Brink had 20 points and 18 rebounds, Kiki Iriafen scored 17 points and No. 8 Stanford beat Washington State 74-65 Friday night.
The Cardinal (13-1, 1-0 Pac-12) won for the 73rd straight meeting and have not lost to the Cougars (11-4, 0-2) since the teams started playing each other in 1983. Brink had her fifth game with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds.
"I think we were much better when Cameron was on the floor," Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. "She did a great job of playing in the second half. We did a great job at the free throw line and I thought our rebounding was a really big key."
Charlisse Leger-Walker scored 22 points to lead Washington State, and Bella Murekatete added 13 points.
continued...
Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Brandon Vallance / isiphotos.com
www.gostanford.com
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FOUR SPARTANS SCORE DOUBLE DIGITS IN WIN OVER UTAH STATE
LOGAN, Utah – Jyah LoVett scored 21 points to lead the Spartans (6-8, 1-1 MW) as they took down Utah State (3-11, 0-3 MW) 69-54 on Saturday afternoon for their third-straight win over the Aggies dating back to last season.
* LoVett went 7-for-13 from the field and 3-for-4 from behind the arc.
It is LoVett's second-straight 20-point game.
* The freshman also had four assists and three steals.
* Marisa Davis-Jones neared a double-double off the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds.
* Amhyia Moreland nearly had her second-straight double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
* Sabrina Ma was the fourth Spartan in double figures with 12 points and a pair of 3-pointers.
* Sydni Summers knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with nine points.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Marciulionis Leads Gaels to Dogfight
Victory Over LMU
LOS ANGELES — After last season's overtime thriller in LA, the Gaels (11-6, 2-0 WCC) were primed for battle with the LMU Lions (7-9, 0-2 WCC). In a punch and counter punch style of game, the two teams battled back and forth, but it was the Gaels who struck the final blow, defeating LMU 68-64 on Saturday evening. The Gaels now move to 2-0 in WCC play on the road, and will have their first home conference tilt this upcoming Thursday.
The Gaels never trailed in the first half, but could not ever pull away from the pesky Lions, never leading by more than six. Augustas Marciulionis led the charge in the first half for Saint Mary's with nine points on 3-6 shooting and a pair of assists. What kept the Gaels ahead throughout the half was their valuing of the basketball, as the team racked up 11 assists to just one turnover, while LMU turned it over eight times.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Photo: Laura Rivas / LMU Athletics
www.smcgaels.com
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Mogbo Lifts Dons Over Tigers in Thriller
STOCKTON, Calif. - Starting West Coast Conference play with a thrilling victory, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (12-4, 1-0 WCC) picked up its season-high fourth straight win on Thursday night as the Dons outlasted Pacific (6-10, 0-1 WCC), 92-88, at Alex G. Spanos Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
After the Tigers got on the board with the first three points of the evening, Mike Sharavjamts knocked down San Francisco's first shot of the night on an assist from Marcus Williams at 17:18 to even things at 3-3.
With neither side able to find much momentum offensively out of the gates, a layup from Malik Thomas at 15:01 put the Dons in front, 7-5.
Trading baskets in the minutes to follow, a triple from Williams at 10:26 kept USF on top, 16-13, as the midway mark of the first half approached.
Connecting on another bucket to keep the green and gold in charge, Thomas converted on a jumper following another assist from Williams at 8:48 to make it 20-16 in favor of San Francisco. Just over one minute later, a dunk from Jonathan Mogbo off an assist from Thomas gave the Dons their largest lead of the half, 25-16, at the 7:27 mark.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Eduardo Garcia
www.usfdons.com
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Broncos Secure Second Road Win to
Open WCC Play
MALIBU, Calif. – Santa Clara men's basketball picked up their second-straight victory to open the WCC season, pulling away in the final moments against a scrappy Pepperdine team to win 78-72 inside Firestone Fieldhouse. It is the first 2-0 start to league play for the Broncos in 20 years (2003-04).
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Broncos (11-6, 2-0) shot 43 percent in the opening half and took a slim 33-31 lead into the locker room. Adama-Alpha Bal led the way with nine points while Brenton Knapper tied his career-high of seven rebounds in the first 20 minutes of action.
Santa Clara maintained no more than a two possession advantage for the first 11 minutes of the second half until Pepperdine took the lead outright on a floater by Malik Moore that was part of a 8-0 Wave run that resulted in a 53-49 lead.
The lead changed hands seven more times before Johnny O'Neil knocked down a massive 3-pointer to give the Broncos a 69-68 advantage with 3:19 to play. Pepperdine quickly regained the lead, but O'Neil followed suit with yet another triple to knot the score at 72 with just under two minutes on the clock.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
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PACIFIC FIGHTS HARD IN CLOSE GAME
WITH SANTA CLARA
SANTA CLARA, Calif – Pacific women's basketball battled it out on the court against Santa Clara but came up short 80-77 on Saturday at the Leavey Center.
Junior Anaya James racked up a season-high 23 points. The Inglewood, Calif. native also matched her season-high nine rebounds while dishing out eight assists. Senior Kadie Deaton and graduate student Cecilia Holmberg finished with 16 points apiece.
It was a close game with the score deficit remaining at 10 and below. There were four ties and four lead changes. Pacific (9-6, 1-1 WCC) had the one-point lead twice in the contest. Both happened at the end of the first quarter and with under six minutes left in the fourth.
After Santa Clara (13-3, 1-0 WCC) extended its lead 60-53 at the start of the fourth quarter, redshirt senior Rosie Schweizer scored a layup in the paint that ignited an 11-5 run. Holmberg dribbled the ball through traffic and to the basket for a layup that brought Pacific back up by one at the 5:21 mark, 66-65.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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UC Davis Rallies for 60-57 Win Over UC Irvine, Cap Off Perfect 2-0 Week
DAVIS, Calif. -- UC Davis caps off a perfect 2-0 week with a win over the Big West leaders, UC Irvine, rallying from a double-digit deficit to grab the 60-57 victory on Saturday afternoon inside the University Credit Union Center.
The Aggies (6-8, 2-2 Big West) turned in one of their most efficient offensive performances of season, shooting 48.9% from the field and over 50% in the second half to storm back from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter.
UC Davis got a massive performance from Tova Sabel who poured in a team-high 16 points, with 15 coming in the second half. The senior hit three of her five attempts from beyond the arc, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists while leading the Aggies in scoring for the second straight game.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Leroy Yau
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
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Pioneers Split Double Dual Meet on Friday
SAN DIEGO - At Aztec Aquaplex on Friday, No. 18 Cal State East Bay women's swimming competed in a double dual meet against San Diego State and Concordia University Irvine. In their first meet in 2024,the Pioneers lost to SDSU, 132-118 in team scoring, but defeated the Golden Eagles, 157-105.
There was one first place finish individually and the meet was capped off with a relay win.
Tehani Kong won the 100 yard butterfly in 58.19 seconds.
The final event of the day was the 400 yard freestyle relay, which the team of Delaney Carlson, Olivia Parham, Emilie Giannini and Kong won in 3:38.88.
Additional highlights in the pool on Friday for the Pioneers included:
A pair second place finishes by Brooklyn Dressel, including the 200 yard freestyle (1:57.13) and the 100 yard freestyle (52.97).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Cathryn Hayne / KLC fotos
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THE HISTORY OF ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB
Becoming St. Francis
There is a tide that flows through the Golden Gate. There is a tide in the affairs of men.
In 1927, San Francisco Bay sailors crossed both in a single tack. The Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915 had reimagined the waterfront to the east of the Army’s Presidio, and one of the developments was a harbor. After the fair, the harbor remained. With that, it became possible to imagine placing a yacht club on the San Francisco city front, and there were visionaries with that in mind. They believed the city was “the” place for a great yacht club on San Francisco Bay.
First came the not-at-all-minor matter of negotiating a rift within the venerable The San Francisco Yacht Club, which dated from 1869. That institution had been founded in the sunny shelter of Mission Bay but was driven out by industrialization. Now it needed to relocate a second time. In this case, the issue was a clubhouse in downtown Sausalito, across the bay from the city, where the press of railroad traffic and ferry traffic had become intolerable. Or perhaps we should say, the issue was that a prime piece of dry—and wet—real estate was available in a cove in the lee of Belvedere that would be ideal for a clubhouse and a marina. That seemed a perfect solution to many of the members, especially those who lived nearby. But the marina, when dredged, was never going to be deep enough for the largest yachts of the club, which would have to moor off the windward face of Belvedere.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
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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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Are you web-savvy and interested in career opportunities in the world of sports? Sports Today/Ultimate Sports Guide may be the place for you!
Shoot us an email and resume and we'll be happy to discuss the possibilities! We've had good times and have helped many a team player move
up the ladder of success!
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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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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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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USF Dons (WBB) 60, Portland Pilots 67, January 6, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBB) 70, Washington Huskies 57, January 5, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 69, Arizona State Sun Devils 71, December 31, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Stanford Cardinal (WBkB) 98, Morgan State 38, December 31, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 100, Arizona Wildcats 81, December 31, 2023. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, No. 4 Arizona Wildcats 100, December 29, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 51, Stanford Cardinal 78, December 29, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
San Jose Sharks 0, Edmonton Oilers 5, December 28, 2023. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s (MBkB) Gaels 64, Missouri State Bears 69,
December 23, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 77, Fresno State Bulldogs 57, December 22, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 82, Idaho Vandals 64, December 17, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Hoodslam Oakland, December 4, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, January 8, through
Sunday, January 14, 2024
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Monday, January 8
Tuesday, January 9
San Jose Sharks @ Toronto Maple Leafs, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, January 10
Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 11
San Jose Sharks @ Montreal Canadiens, 4 p.m.
Friday, January 12
Golden State Warriors @ Chicago Bulls, 5 p.m.
Saturday, January 13
Golden State Warriors @ Milwaukee Bucks, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Ottawa Senators, 1 p.m.
Sunday, January 14
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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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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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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq. is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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