Monday, July 4, 2022
Issue No. 440
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Giants in a Slump
by Bruce Macgowan
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To say that the Giants are in the midst of their worst stretch of the season would be an understatement. This is a team that is playing absolutely horrendous baseball right now, as they had lost 10 of their last 13 games coming into a July 4th matchup in Arizona vs. the
D-Backs.
A recent eight game homestand against two mediocre teams and a bad one turned out to be an unexpected nightmare for the Giants. They only won two games out of eight, finishing off the stretch by getting swept by a less-than-formidable Chicago White Sox. In the three losses, a pop gun Giants’ offense scored just seven runs, three of them coming in the ninth inning of a brutal 13-4 loss.
Throughout that forgettable homestand the Giants’ defense, which had been one of the best in baseball the year before, kicked around the ball and gave visiting teams too many opportunities to score. In Saturday’s 5 -3 loss to the White Sox, Joc Pederson overran a line drive off the bat of Gavin Sheets which allowed the first two runs of the game to score. On Sunday, rookie infielder Donovan Walton, filling in for an injured Brandon Crawford, botched a sure double play grounder, throwing it wide of second baseman Wilmer Flores to set the tone for another ugly loss.
In baseball, you’re not going to win without defense, pitching and hitting and the Giants have little of those three necessities going well at the moment. Logan Webb and Carlos Rodon have been the only reliable starters this year, and neither of them has gotten much support. The bullpen, which was lights out a year ago, has been mediocre at best.
Last season, no one saw the Giants coming. Last year, Buster Posey was still around, Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt had career years, and the Giants got unexpected contributions from journeymen such as Wilmer Flores, Darin Ruf, Donovan Solano and LaMonte Wade Jr.
This year Posey is gone, Crawford is having a terrible year at the plate, Belt can’t stay healthy, Solano left to join Cincinnati as a free agent, Ruf has been in a season-long slump and Wade Jr. has rarely played because of injury problems. Giants’ fans have been heartened by the continued production from outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater and infielder Thairo Estrada and the power contributions of Pederson.
But the Giants have an everyday lineup that puts little fear into opposing pitchers and injuries haven’t helped. One of their brightest young prospects, outfielder Luis Gonzalez, who was the club’s most productive hitter, has been out for a couple of weeks with back issues. Infielder Tommy La Stella hasn’t been able to get back into the groove after returning slowly from a sore achilles tendon that sidetracked him for the first seven weeks of this season. Third baseman Evan Longoria, who joined the Giants after the 2017 when the Giants shipped off five prospects to Tampa to get the long-time Rays’ star, has been a major disappointment throughout his five years with the Giants because of continuous injuries.
When you have to depend on an everyday cast of characters who normally would be backup players or starting in the minor leagues, you’d better hope your pitching and defense can keep the scores low so you can squeeze out narrow wins. The Giants did that very well a year ago while also avoiding the injury bug.
Manager Gabe Kapler was extremely creative and proactive a year ago, and it seemed as if every time the Giants brought someone up from the minor leagues or had to depend on one of their journeymen, they would come through. Kapler created a great clubhouse atmosphere along the way as everyone on the club knew Kapler had confidence in them.
Now, many of the things that were going so well for the Giants a year ago seem to have disappeared. The current club is slightly above the .500 mark, exhibiting the kind of record they were expected to have a year ago.
Things tend to even out in sports, especially in baseball. No one saw that stunning 2021 season coming but few also didn’t imagine that this year’s team was going to play this poorly.
Losing the heart and soul of the club to retirement hasn’t helped, but the Giants can hardly blame their recent travails solely on the absence of Buster Posey, no matter how much he meant to this club a year ago. Manager Gabe Kapler is finding out just how frustrating and humbling the game of baseball can be. He will have to stay patient and continue to hope his back up players and youngsters can fill in effectively. But he also knows deep down that this Giants team is in trouble if the hitting doesn’t start scoring more than three runs a game while the defense continues to make costly errors.
Giants’ fans don’t want to hear this, but the recent stretch of poor play might not be an aberration. It might rather be an indication of what we’ll see for the rest of the season. Sadly, given how things have gone thus far in 2022, that would not be a surprise.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Macgowan, published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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A game at Seals Stadium in San Francisco (home of the Pacific Coast League San Francisco Seals and for two years home of the San Francisco Giants in '58-'59) probably smelled like heaven. Mixed in with the smell of freshly cut grass, hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn were the scents from the nearby Hamm's Brewery, the Hostess Bakery and Stempel's doughnut shop down by the left field gate. |
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In 1963 baseball pitcher Gaylord Perry remarked, "They'll put a man on the moon before I hit
a home run."
On July 20, 1969, a few hours after
Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon,
Gaylord Perry hit his first, and only, home run.
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Letters to the Editor
Welcome Back, Rod
Rod Serling, that is, because College Sports has entered -- The Twilight Zone.
USC and UCLA, two of the Pac-12's most-storied programs, will join the Big Ten! How about a twin-bill Saturday feast of UCLA vs. Rutgers and USC vs. Maryland: That's "Can Miss TV!"
Who decided that rivalries and traditions are worthless? Will their players and recruits relish the regular trips to Illinois, Nebraska and those other wastelands? What will the consequences be for Cal, Stanford and the other West Coast teams?
UCLA vs. Stanford? CAL vs. USC? Gone, but not forgotten.
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
Wimbledon Highlight
"I'm Dr. Frasier Crane, and I'm watching -- and it's hysterical!""
Last year, Bathroom Break record-setter, Stefano Tsitsipas, (over eight minutes), infuriated Andy Murray. Murray tweeted the next day: "Fact of the day. It takes Stefanos Tsitsipas twice as long to go to the bathroom as it takes Jeff Bezos to fly into space. Interesting."
At Wimbledon on Saturday, Tsitsipas got Out-Babied by a new figure in emotional tennis, Nick Kyrigios of Australia. and called Kyrgios an ‘evil bully’ after on-court dustups.
"It's constant bullying, that's what he does. He bullies the opponents," the Greek star said. "He was probably a bully at school himself." This after Tsitsipas swatted a ball full speed that almost hit a spectator. It was two of John McEnroes on one court.
Kyrgios laughed off Tsitsipas' claims before sarcastically saying he'd be upset as well if he'd lost to the same opponent four times in as many matches. Kyrgios is now 4-0 in four career meetings with Tsitsipas at tour level.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
Executive Director
Monterey, CA
KTVU Sports, Take A Bow
Just a quick note to express my appreciation of Jason Applebaum's
presence on KTVU's Sports. His affable, analytical approach to the
teams, the scores and the stories is most enjoyable.
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
Worth Re-Reading
I have to thank you for that recent Pete Elman article on the Warriors: It Was More Than Just A Game. I rarely read anything twice but I read that one three times. It was memorable and so well written. Couldn't have been better as a way to remember a remarkable season.
William Hool
San Rafael, CA
p.s. -- For readers who missed Mr. Elman’s column, here is the link:
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland Roots SC 1, LA Galaxy II 3
San Francisco Giants 3, Chicago White Sox 5
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Chicago Fire FC 1
Features & Commentary
Giants in a Slump, by Bruce Macgowan
NBA California Classic, by Alex Ho
ONO, Oh Yes! Wahoo! by Andy Dolich
San Francisco Giants, by Rich Yee
Organizations
Cal Bears
Oakland A's
Pleasanton
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Stanford Cardinal
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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San Francisco Giants 3
Chicago White Sox 5
July 2, 2022
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Hard luck Giants pitcher Logan Webb went six innings and gave up six hits and five runs, while absorbing his third loss. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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Talented third baseman Evan Longoria contributed one hit on the day. Longoria’s slugging percentage of .488 and on-base plus slugging percentage of .824 ranks third among the Giants. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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One of many times Giants manager Gabe Kapler reached for the phone.
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Get to Know Dominic Leone
Take a “Walk in the Park” with Giants reliever, Dominic Leone and Amy G. Find out what the bullpen really talks about during the games, how he goes from clubhouse funny guy to a “Dom”inator on the mound and who he impersonates best on the team.
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4th Annual California Classic |
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The 4th Annual California Classic, a summer basketball showcase featuring 2022 NBA Draft picks, second-year pros and more players competing to land their spot on an NBA roster for the 2022-23 season, was held at Chase Center on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3. Above, Sacramento Kings guard Frankie Ferrari (#17) grabs a loose ball in the first quarter. Sacramento Kings over the Miami Heat, 81–64, at Chase Center on July 3, 2022 in San Francisco.
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Miami Heat guard Javonte Smart (#15) rises for a shot. Sacramento Kings over the Miami Heat, 81–64. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (#34) rises above Miami Heat guard Kyle Allman, Jr. (#50) for a slam dunk. Sacramento Kings over the Miami Heat,
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Los Angeles Lakers center Jay Huff (#30) blocks Golden State Warriors forward Alex Morales (#26). Los Angeles Lakers over the Golden State Warriors, 100–77. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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ONO, Oh Yes! Wahoo!
by Andy Dolich
On June 30th we were lucky to fish with Captain Chad Barga out of
Kawaihae Harbor on the Kohala coast of Hawaii. Nephews Matt, Scott and I were looking for Wahoo, Mahi Mahi and other finny ocean creatures that might take the bait.
Chad and his excellent mate George were as professional and zoned in as any boat I’ve fished on. They were constantly working different color
combinations for the lures to see what the fish were looking for.
We knew it was going to be a good day when the Geico Gecko joined us for the trip. He had to leave early for a commercial shoot.
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The Wahoo or Ono in Hawaiian waters is one of the fastest fish in the sea with a top speed of 50 mph. They also pack razor sharp teeth which can be used to furiously attack other fish, squid and lures. (More on this later.)
Within the first 20 minutes of our troll Scott hooked up a wahoo which was on ice quickly after George fileted him with the skills of a trained surgeon. Shortly after that Matt had a larger Ono on the hook. When he brought his fish to the boat it was missing part of its midsection and tail. We asked Captain Chad if it was a shark but he was pretty sure it was another Wahoo. You can see from the photo what these fish can do to each other.
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Wahoo sliced by one of his
school mates
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Later on it was my turn and the biggest fish of the day was reeled in without any body parts missing. We had Ono three ways that day. Sashimi right on the boat, Poke made by Scott and later that evening prepared with mushrooms and broccoli at a family dinner topped off with a spectacular Hawaiian sunset.
Until next time, Aloha & Mahalo.
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L-R Scott Dolich, Dr. Matt Dolich, Andy, Capt. Chad Barga |
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For more information:
Captain Chad’s Charters, captainchads@gmail.com, 808-825-8805
Also offering Whale watching, Reef snorkeling, Dolphin encounters
https://www.captainchads.com/
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo,
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Sports Today has launched the careers of many
web-savvy people with the opportunity to apply their skills to the sports world's hottest e-zine. Bring along your Website and Facebook talents and let’s have some fun! Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Autograph Stories Invited |
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Have an autograph with a story behind it?
Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity
to share a sports moment with our readers.
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Bears Boast Historic Day At Henley Royal Regatta
Cal Earns First-Ever Wins In Prestigious Event
HENLEY, UK – The Cal women's rowing team had a historic day to begin the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, with both the eight boat and the coxless pair advancing.
"Today was a great day for Cal women's rowing," said head coach Al Acosta. "We started with our pair beating Worcester RC. This is the first Cal women's boat to ever win a race in this historic event. Tomorrow, the racing will get a little harder as we will take on the reigning Olympic champions from New Zealand. Our 4x had their best race of the trip but ended up losing to the Australian National University. Our first eight had a solid first 500 meters and then held off Edinburgh University by open water. This has been an amazing trip and we're thrilled to have the support of so many alums and parents that have stepped up to support the crew."
The afternoon began with the coxless pair of Lucine Ahyi and Fien van Westreenen defeating the duo of Foulds and Halpin from the Worchester Rowing Club. Cal's pair finished with a time of 8:53 in the 2,112-meter race.
Cal's quad boat featuring Della Luke, Tabo Stekelenburg, Annabel Oertel, and Jane Perrignon put on a strong showing against a boat composed of members of the Australian National University and Huon Racing Club. Ultimately, the Bears fell to their opponents after a hard push at the end.
STAY CONNECTED
For a full report, visit HERE.
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2021-22 Season In Review
Stanford won 17 regattas and finished in the top-five in all four national events during the 2021-22 season
The Cardinal found success throughout the fall and spring sailing seasons, claiming 17 first place finishes across the year and sweeping the PCCSC Championships. In the first season featuring a Women's Team Race, the Cardinal finished third on the national stage after taking the first ever PCCSC trophy in the event. In the other three team championships, the Cardinal finished in the top-five in each, including a third place finish in the women's fleet - tying the team's best ever finish from 2007.
FALL SUCCESS
Stanford dominated in the fall, winning seven events including three separate PCCSC Championships. The Cardinal claimed first place in the PCCSC Singlehanded Championships as Grace Austin and John Kirkpatrick took both titles in Santa Barbara. The Cardinal also took home the PCCSC Match Race Championship, earning a 9-0 record with Jack Parkin taking the helm as skipper for the event and AnaClare Sole, Mathew Hogan, and Wiley Rogers attending to the crew duties.
SPRING STREAK
Stanford brought the strong racing of the fall into the spring season, starting the campaign with five straight victories in February and March, including a conference victory in the inaugural PCCSC Women's Team Race Championship. The victory secured Stanford's spot in the inaugural national competition later in the season. While the Cardinal's impressive win streak halted at five, the team finished no lower than fifth place in any regatta during the entire spring season.
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, visit HERE.
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SJSU Announces We Are All Spartans
Marketing Campaign
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Looking to capitalize on brand engagement and build the fan base for San José State, the athletics department is launching a new marketing campaign called 'We Are All Spartans', announced by Director of Athletics Jeff Konya on Thursday. The move aligns with the recent announcement of the partnership with Paciolan to build a membership subscription model, the first of its kind in collegiate athletics (story here).
"We have a very diverse campus here at San José State University, and that includes our student-athlete population," said Konya. "So this 'We Are All Spartans' concept makes sense for One Spartan Nation and should be a campaign that our loyal constituents and fan base will gravitate towards."
- The Spartans will utilize a new hashtag, #AllSpartans on social media platforms
- Build Your Membership is a fully integrated subscription model that includes season tickets and donations
- Fans can add parking and hospitality to their One Spartan Nation membership
- Parking and Hospitality will also help support the scholarship fund for student-athletes
- Spartan fans can build their membership monthly or annually
- We Are All Spartans will include a campaign to reach 5,000 members of One Spartan Nation by 2025
- That would put San José State Athletics in the top three of the Mountain West
#SpartanUp
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Saint Mary's College Gaels |
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Rahon Promoted to Assistant Coach
MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Men's Basketball head coach Randy Bennett announced recently the promotion of former Gael great Joe Rahon to assistant coach for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Next season will mark his second on the men's basketball coaching staff after spending two seasons on the Gaels roster from 2015-17.
Rahon's promotion to assistant coach comes after spending one season as the Recruiting Coordinator during the 2021-22 season. His one season on the staff was a memorable one, with the Gaels finishing the season unbeaten at home for the first time in University Credit Union Pavilion history, beating No. 1 Gonzaga at home to close out the regular season, and recording the highest-seed in NCAA Tournament history for the Gaels (No. 5 seed).
"We are excited to keep Joe on our staff and to elevate him to this role," Bennett noted. "His basketball experience and Saint Mary's experience is invaluable to the program. Having him on the staff will continue to make our program better."
Several Gaels showed huge improvements under Rahon's tutelage, including Tommy Kuhse, who was named the WCC's Sixth Man of the Year and First Team All-WCC for the first time in his career. Matthias Tass also landed on the All-WCC team, in addition to Logan Johnson and Alex Ducas on the Second Team.
Rahon spent those two seasons in Moraga after transferring from Boston College following his sophomore season. He immediately was slotted into the starting lineup, and with the one-two punch of Rahon and Emmett Naar, the Gaels suddenly had one of the strongest backcourts in program history.
Twice, Rahon was named First Team All-WCC, including as a senior, when he took home WCC Defensive Player of the Year honors. That made Rahon just the fourth-Gael in program history to win the award, and the first since Omar Samhan in 2010. He was also the conference's Newcomer of the Year in 2016, winning the award for the Gaels for the first time since Patty Mills did so in 2008.
Despite playing just two seasons at Saint Mary's, Rahon has his name all over the SMC record book, including an eighth-place ranking in career assists. He also posted the fourth-best career assists-per-game average (5.52) and his 1,293 minutes played during his junior campaign are the second most in Saint Mary's history, behind his teammate of that year, Naar (1,301).
Once his playing days as a Gael were over, Rahon headed to Europe to begin a professional career that spanned three seasons. He made his debut with Limburg United in Belgium before spending his final two seasons in Germany playing for the Fraport Skyliners.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Kennedy Extended Through 2027
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Jack Kennedy, who is entering his seventh year as the head men's golf coach at University of San Francisco, has received an extension on his contract through 2027.
"I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work with our golf program," said Kennedy. "I am grateful that Father Fitzgerald and Charlie Cross have confidence in the direction we have taken the program over the past few years. I will continue to work to develop student-athletes that the USF community will be proud of on and off the course."
In his six-plus years as head coach, Kennedy has taken USF to new heights as the Dons reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2021 before earning their second straight postseason berth this past spring.
Overall, Kennedy tallied his first win as head coach when the Dons were crowned champions of The Farms Invitational (hosted by San Diego) on Feb. 12 and 13, 2017. In the following years, USF has continued to climb the ladder as the Dons have won seven tournaments under Kennedy, in addition to finishing in the top five 31 times and in the top three 24 times.
Notably, student-athletes have earned All-Conference honors under Kennedy eleven times in six years, including Toby Briggs being named Freshman of the Year in 2017-18. Excluding the shortened season in 2019-20 where awards were not handed out, at least one Don has earned All-Conference honors each season under Kennedy.
Prior to being tabbed head coach, Kennedy also served as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's golf programs at USF. Personally, Kennedy was a four-year letter winner at Grinnell (Iowa) College as he earned First Team All-Midwest Conference honors in 2006.
For updates and more information on the University of San Francisco men's golf program, please follow the Dons @USFDonsMensGolf on Twitter, @USFDonsGolf on Instagram and @USFDonsMensGolf on Facebook.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Men's Hoops To Take Part In Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara men's basketball is set to take part in the 2022 Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship on November
18-20, hosted at Baha Mar, the leading resort destination in the Bahamas. The Broncos are one of four teams playing for the championship title along with Oklahoma State, DePaul and Central Florida.
Entering its second year of existence, the tournament consists of four teams playing in four total games. Santa Clara will open play against DePaul on Friday, November 18, in the first round. The championship and consolation games will be played on Sunday, November 20. All games will be played at the Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center and televised by CBS Sports Network with game times to be announced at a later date.
A mere 55-minute flight from Florida, Baha Mar opened in 2017 and is home to three iconic brands: Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood. Situated on 1,000 acres overlooking Nassau's famous turquoise ocean waters, the resort destination features more than 2,300 rooms and an abundance of dynamic programming, activities, and amenities including the largest casino in the Caribbean, a state-of-the-art convention center, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Caribbean's first and only flagship ESPA spa, a collection of more than 45 restaurants and lounges, and more. The $200 million luxury water park, Baha Bay, debuted in July 2021 as the latest addition to Baha Mar's portfolio of spectacular guest offerings. Set on 15 beachfront acres, Baha Bay has introduced an exciting array of aquatic activities and experiences, alfresco dining, a gaming pavilion, beach club, and more.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Sports Today has launched the careers of many
web-savvy people with the opportunity to apply their skills to the sports world's hottest e-zine. Bring along your Website and Facebook talents and let’s have some fun! Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Visit:
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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While contemplating a trivia question, a sports news flash came up noting the St. Louis Cardinal line-up had produced four consecutive home runs,
back-to-back-to-back-to-back,
for only the 11th time in MLB history...
Another one-time MLB historical event is
consecutive back-to-back, no-hitters.
Who did this incredible feat?
(See answer below...)
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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
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales |
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Cool Mountain Lad with jockey Pedro Terrero win the Oak Tree Sprint $75,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:11.06. Trained by Victor Trujillo.
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Chicago Fire FC 1
July 3, 2022
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22-year-old San Jose-born forward Benji Kikanović celebrates
his second goal of the match
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, Chicago Fire FC 1
Quakes now 4-0-1 at home under interim head coach Alex Covelo
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Chicago Fire FC 2-1 on Sunday evening at PayPal Park. San Jose improves to 4-0-1 at home under interim head coach Alex Covelo.
Following a scoreless first half, the Earthquakes broke through less than two minutes into the second half. At the end of a chaotic sequence that saw a diving save and two shots off the woodwork, Benji Kikanović scored a close-range finish to give the home side the lead. Kikanović then doubled the Quakes’ lead with his second goal of the night by curling a left-footed shot just inside the far post in the 87th minute.
Moments before the final whistle, Chicago pulled a goal back through Brian Gutierrez.
The Earthquakes will now prepare for two consecutive road matches, first traveling to Canada to face Toronto FC on Saturday, July 9. The match will kick off from BMO Field at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
MEDIA ASSETS
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes currently hold a 4-7-6 record (18 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
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San Jose is now 13-16-11 all-time vs. Chicago Fire FC, including a 10-6-5 record at home.
- The Quakes are now 4-3-3 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo. San Jose’s three losses were road contests against NYCFC, LAFC, and RSL, who are a combined 19-2-7 at home this season.
- Forward Benji Kikanovic scored his first and second goals of the season and fifth and sixth goals of his MLS career. His second goal of the night was also the second game-winning goal of his MLS career. It marked the first multi-goal game of his MLS career.
- Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro tallied his sixth assist of the season, tied for eighth most in MLS, and 27th assist of his MLS career. It also marked his first game-winning assist of the season and ninth of his MLS career.
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season, San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 1 Chicago Fire FC, Sunday, July 3, 2022 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., Attendance: 13,224, Man of the Match: Benji Kikanovic
Scoring Summary: SJ (1-0) – Benji Kikanovic (unassisted) 47’, SJ (2-0) – Benji Kikanovic (Jamiro Monteiro) 87’, CHI (2-1) – Brian Gutierrez (Jhon Duran) 90+5’
Misconduct Summary: CHI – Chris Mueller (caution) 31’, CHI – Gaston Gimenez ,caution) 43’, SJ – Paul Marie (caution) 63’, SJ – Benji Kikanovic (caution) 73’
SJ – Marcos Lopez (caution) 75’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Paul Marie (Tommy Thompson 79); Benji Kikanovic, Jan Gregus (Judson 79), Jackson Yueill (C), Jamiro Monteiro, Cristian Espinoza (Shea Salinas 90+4); Jeremy Ebobisse.
Substitutes not used: Oskar Ågren, Matt Bersano, Ousseni Bouda, Cade Cowell, Eric Remedi, Jack Skahan.
SHOTS: 22; SHOTS ON GOAL: 8; FOULS: 11; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 5
CHICAGO FIRE FC: Gabriel Slonina, Boris Sekulić (Jhon Espinoza 61), Jonathan Bornstein (Andre Reynolds II 46), Rafael Czichos (C), Carlos Teran; Chris Mueller, Xherdan Shaqiri (Brian Gutierrez 61), Fabian Herbers, Gaston Gimenez, Federico Navarro; Kacper Przybylko (Jhon Duran 77).. Substitutes not used: Victor Bezerra, Javier Casas, Stanislav Ivanov, Spencer Richey, Jairo Torres.
SHOTS: 18; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 17; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 6
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On takeaways of today’s match and what improvements stood out on the attacking side:
“I believe Jamiro [Monteiro] too was important in helping us on the attacking end. We start every week by being better each week. We try to find solutions to beat them and tonight the guys did very well. It’s what we try to do every week, understanding the opponent we are going to face, sometimes we are luckier and have more opportunities, other times we are unlucky. The guys read the game very well, finding Benji [Kikanović], Jeremy [Ebobisse], and Cristian [Espinoza] behind and understanding that Chicago was going to press a high line and we knew that we had to get a few passes in and get into that space. What we did not do well sometimes, though, was the balls that we always talk about with the transitions, it’s something that we need to keep working on. We need to also remember that is been three and a half years working in a different system.”
On tonight’s performance defensively and how it’s being worked on:
“You’ve seen games all over the world, when the ball gets crossed into the box, after there needs to be a shift from the ball and rotate. Sometimes the defenders and the players lose reference of their mark and that’s why goals happen. We need to keep improving and stay focused on how to better defend the box in order to defend well. The team is improving, obviously [other teams] are going to create opportunities, if not goals would not happen. We are still working on that, and we are going to be better every day. In relation to the defense, today we wanted to press them high and take the risk. That’s why sometimes we were a little bit more open than usual, but we wanted to wait and went for it.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD BENJI KIKANOVIĆ
On the team’s offensive performance tonight:
“I think offensively everyone played pretty well: Cristian [Espinoza], Jamiro [Monteiro], Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse], myself, but I think they did a really good job finding me in pockets. We knew during the whole week that I was going to have space out wide, and I just tried to do my thing. I think they just found me in good areas. The first goal, I just happened to be in the right spot at the right time. It was crazy, it was like a FIFA goal, but I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to just tap it in. In the second one, I want to say Tommy [Thompson] played me in, but I’m not sure, I forgot. Then, I saw Cristian coming and I was actually going to whip it across because I had tried one earlier with my left foot and it didn’t work out, so I thought ‘let me take a shot.’ The keeper [Gabriel Slonina] had been making some good saves so I thought let me just try to put it hard and low because he’s a big dude so by the time he gets down it will be a little tougher, and it just went in. But I think for the most part we played really well, especially more so in the second half. We had chances in the first half, but we didn’t really put too many on target.”
On scoring his first two goals of the season:
“I just took more shots on goal, and they just went in. Usually, I feel like I don’t shoot too much, and I feel like that’s something that I need to improve on in my game. I just took my chances, and they went in. There’s not too much to it, but I think as a whole, everyone played together, especially them finding me. I think that also helped out. It’s always good when you get the ball a lot because I know that I can create things and make things happen going forward, not only for myself but for my teammates as well.”
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Oakland Roots SC 1
LA Galaxy II 3
July 1, 2022
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Oakland Falls 3-1 in LA Playing with Ten
The first half was a battle that saw both goalkeepers make multiple saves. Oakland Roots’ Óttar Magnús Karlsson, Edgardo Rito and Mikael Johnsen forced the Galaxy II goalie Eric Lopez into some difficult saves throughout the first half. Tarek Morad also sent one of Oakland's corner kicks off the crossbar but Roots were unable to score in the first half. Paul Blanchette was equal to his counterpart and made a couple of saves of his own. Just before the half Roots Charlie Dennis was sent off for a second yellow card as the first half ended 0-0 in Carson, California with LA up a player.
LA Galaxy found the back of the net early in the second half through Owen Lambe to take the 1-0 lead. Cameron Dunbar quickly made it 2-0 to the home side as LA Galaxy had a comfortable lead 10 minutes into the second half. Paul Blanchette would make a flurry of second half saves for Oakland totalling 10 saves in all by the end of the game.
Azocar was able to pull one back for Oakland in the 88th minute, before Preston Judd quickly restored the Galaxy lead. Oakland would eventually fall by a score of 3-1.
Oakland now heads to Sacramento for the rivalry match against the Republic next Saturday, July 9th, before returning home on July 16th.
Oakland Roots SC at LA Galaxy II, USL Championship | July 1, 2022, Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, Kickoff: 7:30 PM PT, Weather: 70 degrees, clear
SCORELINE: LA: 3 , OAK: 1
SCORING SUMMARY: LA: 51’ Lambe, LA: 57’ Dumbar, OAK: 88’ Azocar, LA: 89’ Judd
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: OAK: 41’ Charlie Dennis (yellow card), LA: 44’ Taylor Davila (yellow card), OAK: 45’+ Joseph Nane (yellow card), OAK: 45’+ Charlie Dennis (second yellow card)
LA: 61’ Liam Doyle (yellow card), OAK: 64’ Edgardo Rito (yellow card),
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Tarek Morad, Emrah Klimenta, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Joseph Nane, Matias Fissore, Memo Diaz, Darek Formella (Akeem Ward), Charlie Dennis (Jesus Enriquez), Mikael Johnsen (Ariel Mbumba), Óttar Magnús Karlsson (Johnny Rodriguez). Unused subs: Danny Barbir, Wolfgang Prentice, Taylor Bailey
SHOTS: 14 | Shots On Goal: 8 | Corner Kicks: 6 | Fouls: 12 | Offside: 2 |
LA GALAXY II LINEUP: Lopez, Drack, Doyle, Harvey, Lambe, Davila (Saldana) , Barry, R. Cabral (Campbell), Salazar (Picazo), Judd (Gonzalez), Dunbar (Williams). Unused subs: Richard Sánchez, Essengue
SHOTS: 19 | Shots On Goal: 13 | Corner Kicks: 1 | Fouls: 13 | Offside: 2 |
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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First-Ever HillClimb up the Corkscrew and Party
in the Paddock to Conclude Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Sunday, August 21
Invited Historic Race Cars and More Invited to
Challenge the Corkscrew
MONTEREY, Calif., July 1, 2022 — A different form of racing will quite literally ascend upon WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Sunday, August 21 after the conclusion of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
For the first time in WeatherTech Raceway’s 65-year history, race cars and invited special guests will race counter-course from near the Start/Finish line up through the iconic Corkscrew, which has been the scene of so many famous downhill excursions, where they will finish. The racing line is ideally suited for this, with generous runoff areas and abundant viewing locations for fans to line up and watch this timed spectacle.
“When the decision was made to reduce the number of idle days between the Monterey Pre-Reunion and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion Advisory Council and our team developed a more community day approach to make it a true party in the paddock,” explained John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
According to Monterey Motorsports Advisory Council member Bruce Canepa, the hillclimb will be spectacular. “There are several cars I’m considering entering,” he says. “I’ve raced several times at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, yet doing it at Laguna Seca up the Corkscrew is an unprecedented experience that’s really going to be exciting. I don’t know who will enjoy it more, the drivers or the fans.”
“The Corkscrew Hillclimb concept emerged as a fun way to engage new fans visiting for the day, while allowing Rolex Reunion entrants and families a chance to unwind and enjoy the experience in a relaxed environment after four days of racing,” added Narigi. “Families and our community are encouraged to attend this event, as it’s a wonderful way to experience everything WeatherTech Raceway has to offer in an informal setting after an action-packed Monterey Car Week.”
There will be two hillclimb sessions and culminating in a People’s Choice Shootout to crown the overall inaugural winner. The limited sessions will be open to 60 cars that competed in the historic races, along with selected special interest vehicles.
Complementing the hillclimb and party in the paddock will be:
- Cars & Coffee
- Pagani hypercar display
- Lexus VIP Safety car rides
- Open paddock of historic race cars
- Le Mans Legends Heritage Display of rarely seen overall and first-in-class winners
- Food trucks and abundant beverage options
- Music and a festive toast commemorating the 65th anniversary of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Tickets for Sunday’s hillclimb and Party in the Paddock are $35 for adults, children 15 and under are free with a paying adult, and are available at the gate or conveniently online at WeatherTechRaceway.com.
Visitors to the Aug. 17-20 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion can expect to see the world’s best authentic and historic cars with period-correct livery in the paddock and on track. The four-day celebration highlights the centenary kickoff to the world’s most famous sports car endurance race: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. VIP experience packages, tickets, camping and information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion are also available at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling the tickets and accommodations specialists at 831-242-8200.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Johnny Vander Meer
Baseball Almanac write-up about the event.
Wikipedia entry. Vander Meer's feat was not enough
to gain him entry into the MLB Hall of Fame...
Go Celtics -- Next Year!
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, July 4, through
Sunday, July 10, 2022
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Monday, July 4
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6:07 p.m.
Tuesday, July 5
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, July 6
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 12:37 p.m.
Thursday, July 7
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Friday, July 8
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, July 9
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 4:15 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 1:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Toronto FC, 4:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots @ Sacramento Republic, 8 p.m.
Bay Area Panthers vs. Massachusetts Pirates, 6:05 p.m.
Sunday, July 10
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 1:07 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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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!
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Ultimate Sports Guide
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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