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February 13, 2023
Issue No. 472
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
View as Webpage
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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The annual dental convention in Anaheim that I’ve been going to has been a great place to get athlete autographs. There’s a vendor there that hires athletes to sign autographs for customers who purchase their products. One year they had former NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. After making the required purchase, the vendor handed me a basketball and I stood in line to meet Kareem. As I introduced myself to him he held out his hand to shake mine. His hand was huge, maybe twice the size of mine. Since he had made a movie, Game Of Death, with Bruce Lee, I asked what he liked best about Bruce Lee. He mentioned that Bruce was a great teacher.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Stanford Cardinal 88
Arizona Wildcats 79
Saturday, February 11, 2023
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The Stanford Cardinal (11-14, 5-9 Pac-12) defeated a ranked team, the Arizona Wildcats (22-4, 11-4) for the first time this year and a top-five team for the second time in two seasons. The validation appears on the scoreboard above. Caption and photo by Rich Yee. | |
Senior Day Success
No. 3 Stanford defeated No. 12 California on Saturday afternoon in the final action of the regular season
STANFORD, Calif. - The Cardinal wrapped up the regular season in style on Saturday afternoon, taking down California 161-101. The victory marked Stanford's eighth-straight dual meet win this year as Stanford completed an undefeated campaign through the regular season.
Despite dropping the 200 medley relay to start the meet, the Cardinal rattled off 10 event wins on its way to the big meet victory
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE
www.gostanford.com
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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
Social Media: Applications invited via email. Please include resume.
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City to a Super Bowl victory | |
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Kansas City Chiefs 38
Philadelphia Eagles 35
A High-powered Super Bowl
As Eagles predictably grabbed at Mahomes' previously-injured ankle, it was a flashback to the elbow grab on Brock Purdy two weeks ago. However, with the wonders of NFL halftime medicine, innovative coaches and the Mahomes magic, Kansas City shocked the Eagles in the second half to take the title. Down 24-14, a Jalen Hurts fumble was recovered by KC and run in for a touchdown. A 54-yard KC punt return was another shock to the Eagles, whose arrogance then began to wane. With some good clock management, the Chiefs would be postitioned to kick a 27-yard field goal with eight seconds left
to seal the deal at 38-35.
Regardless of which team you may have preferred, or even if you
had no favorite, this was a Super Bowl classic.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
Monterey, CA
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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The Ultimate Sports Guide proudly announces the release of Insights and Outtakes, Excerpts and Epiphanies from the World of Sports, a compendium of Pete Elman essays which have appeared
in Sports Today.
Crafted to perfection, talented sports writer Elman covers the Warriors, A's, Raiders and
Bay Area sports.
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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* * * * *
"Elman's writing probes the brain, clutches the heart and grips the reader with its wisdom, tenderness, humor and haymakers."
-- Dave Newhouse, former Oakland Tribune sports journalist and author of 19 books
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* * * * *
"Insights and Outtakes enables readers to understand the who, when, where, how and why of pro sports. Pete Elman brings his microscope, telescope and stethoscope for an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports. Having spent a lifetime in the business of sports, the stories told in this book resonated with me on many levels. Insights and Outtakes is a must read."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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* * * * *
"Chock full of tidbits that promote his excellent writing skills and knowledge of the world of pro sports. It's a thrilling addition to the legacy of outstanding Bay Area sports journalism. Thanks to The Ultimate Sports Guide for recognizing the importance of Elman's articles."
-- Arif Khatib, author, filmmaker, founder of the African American Sports Hall of Fame
* * * * *
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Bonus for Sports Today Readers!
One of Pete Elman's essays is included
for your enjoyment
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Letters to the Editor
Sports Today's Final Four "30-1 Minimum Odds" Contest
Okay, count me in on your Final Four, "30-1 Minimum Odds" finalists contest. There's a good chance I'll go 0 for four, but here you go: (odds are from recent ESPN scrolls). Iowa State 50-1 (for Brock); Marquette 40-1; San Diego State 40-1 and Miami, 60-1.
Thank you. I'll expect some major promo for my favorite non-profit if any of these teams make the finals.
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
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Governator
Nice story about Richard Yee securing Arnold’s autograph and confusing him with the older gentleman who turned out to be Joe Weider. https://conta.cc/40OSQSU
It is my understanding that Joe Weider “discovered” Arnold and was instrumental in bringing him to the US.
Here’s the Governator in his prime:
Rudi Petschek
Nevada City, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 62, Arizona State Sun Devils 70 (Overtime)
Cal Bears (MBkB) 62, Arizona Wildcats 85
Cal Bears (Rugby) 50, UCLA Bruins 13
Stanford Cardinal 88, Arizona Wildcats 79
Features & Commentary
Consider A Donation
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Rocket -- or Flawed Star? by Pete Elman
Talking with God about the Dubs and the Niners, by Howard Pearlstein
Tomsic, Flower Worthy of BASHOF, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
Cal Bears
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Stanford Cardinal
University of Pacific
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Tomsic, Flower Worthy of BASHOF
by Dave Newhouse
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The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame will have a celebrated list of inductees — one of its best — at its next inaugural dinner May 22.
San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, a future Hall of Famer, will be joined by NBA All-Star Gary Payton, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, Olympic soccer star Julie Foudy, and undefeated boxing champion Andre Ward. Payton and Ward grew up in Oakland, while Foudy attended Stanford.
The Bay Area Sports Hall Of Fame, or BASHOF, was founded in 1979 by former 49ers president Lou Spadia and local sports figure Ken Flower in conjunction with the San Francisco Chamber Of Commerce, honoring five legends at its first dinner: Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio,
Bill Russell, Hank Luisetti and Ernie Nevers.
That group was hard to top, but BASHOF has done its best since to keep up, including its current cast. But its one weakness has been a failure to honor sports standouts from the distant past, or pre-1960. The thinking behind that approach: Banquet attendees might not buy tickets if they can’t identify with the inductees.
I have a suggestion: Induct one such long-ago great each year to accompany the more modern day honorees. And I have two just such individuals in mind, but BASHOF had better hurry because the aforementioned Flower is 91 and Ron Tomsic will turn 90 in April.
You haven’t heard of them? Well, let me fill you in. Better yet, let them speak about each other, since they faced each other in basketball in the 1950s when Tomsic, an Oakland native, was at Stanford and Flower, a San Franciscan, attended USC. But, first, some selling points worthy of BASHOF’s consideration.
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Ron Tomsic played college basketball at Stanford University from 1951–1955. A three-time All-PCC selection, Tomsic scored 1,416 points in his Stanford career, the most in school history at the time
Tomsic, a 5-11 guard, broke several of the iconic Luisetti’s scoring records at Stanford before playing on the 1956 Olympic Games USA gold medal basketball team in Melbourne, Australia. He still holds the Cow Palace collegiate record of 39 points scored against Bradley in 1953, and was named the USA Amateur Player of the Year in ’56 before chosen as Most Valuable Player of the National AAU tournament the following year, while serving in the United States
Air Force.
Flower, a 6-1 backcourt gem, was an all-league player at Lowell High School in San Francisco just as Tomsic had been at Fremont High in Oakland. Flower was named the State CIF Player of the Year in 1949 at Lowell after scoring 36 points, a San Francisco prep record, against Polytechnic High. He next led Menlo Junior College to the state championship game before transferring to USC and becoming a starter and team leader as a sophomore. He rose to team captain, scoring and assists leader, and received many individual honors, including joining a collegiate all-star team that toured against the Harlem Globetrotters in serious, not zany, hoops competition. Flower was slightly older than Tomsic, so they competed against each other only two seasons in college, but their memories remain vivid.
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The 1951 USC Trojans vs. Stanford Indians basketball program --
Bruce Bennett and (left) Ken Flowers
“Ken was the most technically sound basketball player I’d ever seen,” Tomsic recalled. “He was so smooth, he’d glide across the floor. He was so sound — a good shooter who had a set shot, but would drive a lot. And he was a great passer who should have been credited with inventing the no-look pass; he was excellent at setting up other players. He should be on USC’s all-time team. I would have loved to play with him.”
Flower extolled Tomsic’s talent as a “great shooter who went to the basket, his strength. And like Steph Curry, he wasn’t bashful at putting the ball up. I guarded him in college, which took total defensive concentration. He was tough. I didn’t totally shut him down, but I was effective. I could play defense.”
Both men didn’t play professionally, though drafted -- Tomsic by the then Minneapolis Lakers and Flower by the Syracuse Nationals. They chose alternative careers, Tomsic in the property development field, and Flower in sports management leadership, including BASHOF. Tomsic now lives near Newport Beach, Flower in Atherton. Flower has no doubts that he and Tomsic would have flourished in the NBA.
“(Boston Celtics great) Bill Sharman told me, unquestionably, that I would have made it as an NBA backcourt player. I held my own against NBA players in AAU competition,” said Flower. “And Ron would have been able to score in the NBA — he could really shoot.”
Because Flower was paid to play against the Globetrotters, he became a professional and thus was denied the opportunity to join Tomsic on the 1956 Olympic team. But they could become teammates, at last, as BASHOF inductees — two worthy nominees.
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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. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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Wow! Super Bowl LVII was a great game.
Sadly, the Eagles could not stop the Chiefs and make for only the second overtime game in Super Bowl history.
35-35 with just a couple of minutes remaining.
My buds and I thought, oh-oh, overtime...
What is the only Super Bowl match-up which
resulted in an overtime game?
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Cal Bears 62
Arizona State Sun Devils 70 (OT)
Saturday, February 11, 2023
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The California Golden Bears played host to the Arizona State Sun Devils at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Saturday evening, February 11. Good game by Cal, keeping it close all the way until the end when they pushed it into an overtime, before ASU's hot shooting reignited and pulled away for the win. Above, Cal freshman ND Okafor (#22) getting the first of his two blocks on the night. Final score: Sun Devils 70, Bears 62. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Coming off the bench to log 31 minutes of action, Grant Newell (#14), puts up a dramatic shot and finished as Cal's co-scoring leader with 14 points . Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Cal Bears 50
UCLA Bruins 13
Saturday, February 11, 2023
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California defeated UCLA 50–13 in a men's PAC Rugby match at Witter Rugby Field, University of California on February 11, 2023 in Berkeley.
Caption and photo by Alex Ho
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California defeated UCLA 50–13 in a men's PAC Rugby match at Witter Rugby Field, University of California on February 11, 2023 in Berkeley.
Caption and photo by Alex Ho
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With the win, Cal’s head coach Jack Clark won his 700th victory.
California defeated UCLA 50–13 in a men's PAC Rugby match at Witter Rugby Field, University of California on February 11, 2023 in Berkeley. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Alex Ho
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Cal Bears 62
Arizona Wildcats 85
Thursday, February 9, 2023
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The California Golden Bears played host to the Arizona Wildcats at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Thursday evening, February 9. Cal struggled with a slow start and never hit their stride, although they came back to keep the score within 10 points late into the first half and the start of the second half, before Arizona pulled away. Above, going up of the rare left-handed shot, senior Center Lars Thiemann (#21) finished the game with 10 points and eight rebounds. Final score: Wildcats 85, Bears 62.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Driving hard to the basket, Sam Alajiki (#24) puts up a shot on his way to becoming Cal's high scorer for the game with 12 points.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Coming off the bench for 21 minutes of action, Cal's Kuany Kuany (#13) puts up an off-balance shot midway through the second half.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Talking with God about the Dubs
and the Niners
by Howard Pearlstein
Turned on the tv last week to watch the Dubs’ game I’d DVR’d – something I usually do to avoid commercials and pre-game and halftime opinions about what I’d just seen or was going to see. As Ed Dorn, put it in his Wild West Poetic Magnum Opus Gunslinger –“We’d all rather be there than talk about it.” On the other hand Fitz and Buike’s real time narratives are great -- they know the team and love the game enough to appreciate exceptional plays even from the opposition.
Anyway, right off the bat, Curry had a torn ligament --- out for several weeks. So I stopped watching and leaned back, muttering something about the 9ers and the Dubs, Brock Purdy and Jimmy G and Trey Lance and Klay all those months and now Steph once again. And had an Emily Latella moment: “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.” And muttered something like “Oh my God, what next?”
I guess I fell asleep since there was a man sitting on the other end of the sofa saying: "Don’t ask me what’s next. I don’t know.” And I said – “But you’re God.”
And he said: “Well…yes, but…I’ll tell you something in confidence, even though I know you’re just going to have to tell everyone.”
“Whatever you say, boss.”
“Don’t call me ‘boss.’ At least, promise you won’t make it into a religion and go all Dallas Cowboys on me – you know the 'God loves us best. Promise?'”
“Well, yeah, of course.”
“Good. OK -- Bay Area teams are my favorites, Warriors and Niners always the most fun to watch. Used to be the A’s, too, but lately… anyway, love to watch them and hate to know who’s gonna win.”
“But you’re omniscient.”
“Sure, but – remember when you and Jane caught hawks for Fish & Game on Sundays, and recorded the games and didn’t listen to the radio when you drove home from Marin so you wouldn’t know who won? And even now, when the Warriors are playing, you don’t check your email because there’s always one from them with the heading “’Warriors Win!’ Sort of ruins it.”
“So you know that.”
“Hey – I’m god. Not just omniscient, but omnipotent too and I can make sure no one is telling me winners and losers before I get to watch. Sometimes I’m busy, even if I’m not a helicopter mommy god. There are things I have to take care of, even some prayers. But I NEVER listen to prayers DURING a game because that tells me who’s losing. No one checks in with me when their team is up by 20 points. Except the Warriors.”
"I can tell you Purdy’s gonna get repair surgery and might only be out until the end of training camp. And I know you watched the Portland game and wished they hadn’t traded Gary Payton II. They’re gonna get him back – gonna do a Big 3-way trade but the only part that counts is we get GPII and Wiseman goes to the Pistons where he’ll fit better..."
“But you said…”
“OK, OK –it was in the Chronicle this morning. And it wasn’t me, because if I had done it, that would be too much like insider trading. Unfair. Whatever ideas you have about my infinite power, I AM fair. Except, I still say: ‘Go Dubs’ and ‘Go Niners.'"
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
An old friend once said, "Howard, you live your life like you're trying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write a book that will get published.
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Li Scores Big, Bears Win Four Events
Junior Aidan Li Improves Program’s No. 3 Pommel Score
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – California men's gymnastics notched four event wins and a top-three program mark on Saturday in its first tri-meet of the season, sharing the floor with Air Force and Army at the former's Cadet West Gym. The Bears battled hard despite some last-minute lineup changes, finishing the afternoon with a final score of 388.550 to Air Force's 397.650 and Army's 382.100.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Spartan Women's Golf Begins Spring Season at Threse Hession Regional Challenge
SAN JOSE, Calif. - After a successful fall season, the third-ranked San José State women's team opens the spring portion of the schedule with three rounds at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge, beginning Sunday, February 12, through Tuesday, February 14.
The tournament will be played at the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes, Calif. The 6,017-yard course will play at par 71 for the three days.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Gaels Earn First Win of Season in Day Two Split
HONOLULU — Saint Mary's Softball opened the second day of the Hawaii Paradise Classic looking to get in the win column for the first time all season. That's just what they did in their first game, taking down Utah Tech with a final of 6-3 before falling to Hawaii in their final game of the afternoon 16-2. The Gaels are 1-3 through the first four games of the season and will close out the tournament on Sunday afternoon.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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Second Half Surge Powers Dons Past Waves
SAN FRANCISCO Calif. - Back in business with a comeback win, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (16-12, 5-8 WCC) used a second half surge to power past Pepperdine (9-18, 2-11 WCC), 88-80, on Saturday night at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Resilient Broncos Hold On For 71-69
Win Over LMU
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - For the second-straight game, Santa Clara men's basketball used a big second half to erase a halftime deficit. This time it was to the tune of a sensational 76.5 percent scoring clip on 13-of-17 shooting as the Broncos won a back-and-forth affair that came down to the final possession against LMU. SCU won 71-69 to improve to 19-8 and 7-5 in WCC play.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Tigers Cruise Over Dons on Senior Night
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific women's basketball team (12-14, 7-8) continues to roll, picking up its fifth straight win in a 67-51 final over San Francisco (16-10, 6-8). The win moves the Tigers into fifth place in the WCC with two weeks to play.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.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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Earthquakes Acquire Former Best XI Defender Jonathan Mensah in Trade with Columbus Crew
2020 MLS Best XI defender captained Columbus to MLS Cup championship, has appeared in two FIFA
World Cups for Ghana
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have acquired Ghana National Team defender Jonathan Mensah from the Columbus Crew in exchange for $100k of General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2023 and $100k of GAM in 2024. The Quakes will also pay Columbus $150k of GAM in 2024 if Mensah is on San Jose’s roster after the 2024 Roster Compliance Date, and $150k of GAM in 2025 if Mensah is on San Jose’s roster after the 2025 Roster Compliance Date. Mensah, who acquired a U.S. Green Card during his time with Columbus, will not occupy an international slot on the Quakes’ roster.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Alicia Busa Joins WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as Communications Manager
MONTEREY, Calif., February 2, 2023—WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is pleased to announce Alicia Busa has joined the management team as Communications Manager. She enters the organization with a strong background in marketing and hospitality and proven insight into event management. Not entirely new to WeatherTech Raceway, she previously was responsible for managing the media center and working closely with journalists last August during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
“Alicia immediately jumped into the largest event of the year on only several days’ notice and executed a first-class environment for attending journalists,” said Barry Toepke, director of heritage events and public relations. “She took total responsibility while also lending design support to the marketing team. Her enthusiasm, intuition and do-whatever-it-takes mindset is a welcomed addition to the professional team as we embark on an exciting 2023 season.”
Alicia is passionate about community involvement and event planning. For the past three years, she has taken an active role on the planning committee for the Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, a non-profit organization that benefits the local economy and supports the health, safety, education and arts of Big Sur. She also loves to volunteer her time on weekends to various community organizations.
Among Alicia’s responsibilities are working with journalists and media center management, creating a cohesive plan that encompasses marketing, communications, and digital media, and developing storylines to heighten brand awareness of the entire Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which includes the campgrounds. She will be the primary point of contact for journalists and series public relations teams and will work closely with Toepke.
Alicia may be contacted at: BusaA@laguna-seca.com or by calling 831-242-8275.
Tickets for the 2023 race season, which kicks off May 5-7 with the Trans Am SpeedFest and followed days later by the Motul Course de Monterey and the return of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship May 12-14, are available online at www.WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling 831-242-8200.
Click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Oakland Roots Sports Club Sign Salvadoran National Team Defender Bryan Tamacas
Oakl
Oakland, CA -- Oakland Roots Sports Club today announced the signing of Bryan Tamacas ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The 27-year-old defender was born in the capital city of El Salvador in San Salvador and has represented his National Team at the senior level on 62 occasions.
“Bryan is someone I know well,” said Roots Head Coach Noah Delgado. “His ability to come to Oakland and make a big impact cannot be overstated. He will be someone Roots fans will connect with right away through his workrate and commitment to the team.”
Tamacas most recently featured for Alianza in the Salvadoran top division. He previously played for Santa Tecla FC on two occasions after spending time with C.D. FAS. Tamacas has won the League Championship in El Salvador on multiple occasions for both Santa Tecla FC and Alianza.
For the National Team, Tamacas made his debut in June of 2016 in a friendly match vs Armenia. Following his debut for the national team, Tamacas has gone on to be part of the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Gold Cup squads as well as being a part of the Salvadoran CONCACAF Nations League side. In 2021, at the Gold Cup, Tamacas was honored with the ‘Fighting Spirit Award’ for his efforts in the quarterfinal match against Qatar.
Welcome to Oakland, Bryan.
continued...
Click Here.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Bonus for Sports Today Readers!
From Pete Elman's compelling new book,
Insights and Outtakes
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Rocket—or Flawed Star?
February 17, 2014
"If you keep carryin' that anger, it'll eat you up inside, baby
But I think it's about forgiveness..." --Don Henley, Eagles
The seventh circle of baseball hell is reserved for those special few who have truly earned that honor. Atop my own personal Mount "Roid" more of cheaters sit four names: Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and…Roger Clemens. Most of you can relate. This is a story
about forgiveness....
Flashback 23 years, to October 10, 1990, game 4 of the ALCS between my A's and the Red Sox. My son will be born in two weeks, and I am at the game with my late brother Joe. We are incredibly pumped up. The A's can clinch their third consecutive pennant that day, having
dominated the Sox in the first three games. The Red Sox send Clemens to the mound, their season hanging in the balance. And the A's counter with Death-stare Dave Stewart, who clearly has the Rocket's number. This was going to be one helluva matchup.
In the bottom of the second, with a run in, runners on second and third, one out and a 3-1 count on Willie Randolph, home plate umpire Terry Cooney--who has already made some questionable calls in the bottom of the first inning against Clemens--calls what looks like a good pitch ball four, loading the bases. Clemens goes ballistic. We are sitting in section 214, above first base, probably a good 80 feet from the mound, and Joe and I can actually hear the snarling invective that comes out of Clemens' mouth. This was the meltdown to end all meltdowns.
Clemens storms off the mound yelling and swearing, Cooney drops his mask, approaches the mound, screams and points at Clemens, and flamboyantly ejects the Red Sox ace. 42,000 people (minus the 10,000 Sox fans, of course) are going nuts, us included. I have never heard
such anger directed toward a player--this wasn't just booing--this was angry, venomous stuff---“Sit down, you Texas a--hole!."
Marty Barrett walks out of the Sox dugout with a huge Gatorade
bucket and unceremoniously dumps it in the on-deck circle. Barrett is ejected, and has to be physically restrained from confronting the umpiring crew. It is the closest thing to a forfeit I have ever seen at a baseball game. You know the rest. The A's won the pennant that day and then got swept by the Reds--that was our last visit to the Series.
And Roger Clemens? He went on to one of the most storied careers in baseball history--354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, two World Series titles, and seven Cy Young Awards. But he is up there in my hall of shame, along with Bonds, Rose and A-Rod. From accusations of steroid use
that resulted in Congress indicting Clemens on six felony counts involving perjury and obstruction of Congress, (he eventually beat that rap with the help of Republican congressmen he lobbied) to many on-field less than dignified events, such as throwing a broken bat at Mike Piazza, to accusations of adultery, lying and general bad behavior, the Rocket has not had an easy go of it in the eyes of the public.
Just to show what the baseball writers think of him, this year he received a paltry 35% of the votes to get into the Hall of Fame, even less than last year. I'm not the only one who hasn't been able to forgive him, apparently. Until yesterday. There's an old saying, "Don't judge a man until you've stood (or walked a mile) in his shoes."
Flash forward to yesterday, February 16, 2014. It's a gorgeous sunny Sunday, and I'm by myself at Evans Field at Cal Berkeley, watching the final game of the first weekend of the college baseball season, between Cal and the University of Texas, for whom Clemens won the
College World Series in 1983. In fact, the college pitcher of the year award is named after him.
As I walk in, I hear the announcer say, "Now at bat, number 42, Kacy Clemens, first base." I look down to the field and see a good-looking, young man confidently digging into the left side of the batter's box. The pitch comes and he drills a base hit to right field. I realize, of course, that this must be the Rocket's son, a freshman, who decided rather than sign with his hometown Astros, to attend Daddy's alma mater. Good for him, I say to myself. After all, I used to live in Austin, and I guess a little part of me roots for the 'Horns. I hope he's nicer than his old man, I say to myself...
I watch the first few innings from behind the plate and the net, sitting next to the scouts with their Jugs guns, ipads and notebooks. After a few innings I move up to a little area above third base where I can get a better view of the game. I stand against a low fence leaning out to
watch the game, which is scoreless going into the 6th. I notice a large man about 50, sitting next to me on a bench, watching the game, dark sunglasses on, smart phone in his hand, earphones in his ear. He's wearing a UT Longhorn baseball cap and a UT shirt with a small "21" on the chest.
Even with the dark sunglasses, I know it's him--the Rocket. Roger Clemens, right next to me, by himself, quietly watching his son play. Holy shit. The fan in me comes to attention. I am in the presence of greatness--two feet away--and we are both just watching a ballgame.
An inning goes by, the Longhorns score three runs and I don't say a word. The man is watching the game, making calls on his phone. I don't want to eavesdrop. But I'd like to be friendly, be civil, and say something. But what am I gonna tell him? That I've despised him for 25 years? That I'm glad he's not in the Hall, despite the fact that he is probably the greatest pitcher of my lifetime?
Two kids walk up to him and say, "Mr. Clemens, would you sign our cap and baseball?" The Rocket says, "Wait right here, guys, when the inning is over I'll do it for you--don't go anywhere." After the inning he does just that, quietly but graciously. Then he stands up to his full
6' 3" and stretches, and I cannot stop flashing back to that day at the Coliseum, when a much younger, more reckless Roger Clemens came apart at the seams. And I think about my late brother, whom I shared so much with. And I nearly lost it, right there.
By the time the next inning rolled around, Texas had a 5-0 lead and here comes Kacy to the plate. Clemens gets his camera phone ready to record the at-bat, and starts talking softly into his phone as well, giving a pitch-by-pitch description of the at-bat, probably to go over later with his son. Kacy pops out to short left field. I look over and see something that I know so well--the slight, almost imperceptible wince, the shoulders sag, an exhale. I have done it a thousand times watching my son at the plate. And it was in that moment, for the first time in my life, I felt empathy towards the enigma that is Roger Clemens. And not just empathy, but kinship. Here he is, a Dad watching his kid play ball, with everything invested in how his son does. I can relate.
The 'Horns score a couple more runs, now it's 5-0, and the game is all but over. I know it's time for me to go. I can think of a hundred things I want to say to Roger Clemens, but I just can't.
Either I tell him how much I liked watching him pitch--totally disingenuous--or tell him how much I hated him, probably not a good idea. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. For once, I am utterly speechless. But before I leave, I look over at the Rocket one more time and smile--he catches my eye behind his shades, smiles back, and nods. The guy is human. As I walked out of the park on that gorgeous Sunday, my mind was racing. I realized then that I felt different about Roger Clemens.
He was a boy whose father walked out on his mom, and whose stepdad died when he was nine. No wonder he's so involved in his son's life. He never won a title in 13 years with the Red Sox. He pitched--and won--a game the day his mother died, when he was 42. He might be the greatest pitcher of our time, steroids or no steroids. Hell, everybody did 'em, and he did it as much to rehab from injury as he did to add mph to his blistering heater. He has incurred the
wrath of fans like myself for 25 years, and the one thing he wants--to cement his legacy by being inducted into the Hall--is out of reach, maybe permanently, because of his public persona and his
unrelenting stubbornness; I wish he would come clean--it's never too late, Rocket.
How can this not take a huge toll on the guy? He's a man, a father, and maybe it's time for me to let some of that contempt I've been holding for all these years go. Maybe if I can forgive Roger Clemens, then, just maybe, I can begin to forgive others, and, eventually, myself.
Don Henley is right, you know. It's all about forgiveness.
Pete Elman
Oakland, CA
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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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Super Bowl LI
Super Bowl LI is still the only overtime game in Super Bowl history! The New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28. The Patriots
scored 25 unanswered points to tie the Falcons.
For those who don't remember, at halftime the Falcons lead 23-3 and looked like they would be the second team to blowout the Patriots in a Super Bowl. That seemed very obvious after another score gave the Falcons a 25-point lead. You can read a LI game recap at this link.
Ahhhh...those were the days. Brady dominance!
In 1985, the Chicago Bears crushed the Pats, 46-10!
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! | |
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A very excited Jockey Armando Ayuso looks around to see who is running second and third. Chase The Chaos wins the 42nd running of the El Camino Real Derby , trained by Ed Moger, Jr. The 1 1/8 mile race ran in 1:51.66.
Photo credit: Vassar Photography.
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Cal Bears 50, UCLA Bruins 13, February 11, 2023.
Photos by Alex Ho.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 62, Arizona State Sun Devils 70 (Overtime), February 11, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 62, Arizona Wildcats 85, February 9, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Francisco Giants FanFest, February 4, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
47th Fuji TV Grand Sumo Tournament, February 5, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBkB) 68, USF Dons 59, February 2, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WGYM) vs. Stanford Cardinal, January 28, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
Golden State Warriors 129, Toronto Raptors 117, January 27, 2023. Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 62, Utah Utes 87, January 22, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Santa Clara Broncos (MBkB) 58, Saint Mary’s Gaels 77, January 21, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 58, Oregon Ducks 87, January 19, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Santa Clara Broncos (MBkB) 92, University of Pacific Tigers 81,
January 14, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
University of Pacific Tigers (MBkB) 81 vs. Santa Clara Broncos 92,
January 14, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Jose Earthquakes preseason training at PayPal Park,
January 12, 2023. Photos by Alex Ho.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, February 13, through
Sunday, February 1, 2023
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Monday, February 13
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, February 14
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15
Thursday, February 16
San Jose Sharks @ Vegas Golden Knights, 7 p.m.
Friday, February 17
Saturday,February 18
San Jose Sharks vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 19
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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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 through helpful ideas and his archives. Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication. | | | | |
