April 4 - 2022 -- Friend, a weekly Sports Journal

Monday, April 4, 2022

Issue No. 427

Baseball's Evolution

August 5, 1921: KDKA’s Harold Arlin broadcasts the first baseball game over commercial radio as the Pirates rally to beat the Phillies

Baseball

is on the Radio!

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

It is that time of the year. Covid is in the bottom of the ninth inning,

a lockout that lasted for 100 days, the best quarterback in history retired (but did a Sinatra a comeback), a very dangerous war is going on in Eastern Europe, and although summer doesn't officially begin until June 21, the Boys of Summer are already playing in Arizona and Florida. The smell of beer, hot dogs and cotton candy is in the air, and so are the sounds of baseball on the radio. Opening Day 2022 is April 7.

Almost 101 years ago, KDKA radio, Pittsburgh, aired the first-ever live account of a baseball game on the radio at Forbes Field, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the voice of Harold Arlin, a 25-year-old engineer. The Pirates were hosting Philadelphia. The pioneer Arlin didn't think much of this as he said: “To tell the truth, our guys at KDKA didn’t even think baseball would last on the radio. I did it as a one-shot project. No one had an inkling if we’d do baseball again.”

KDKA, a Westinghouse Electric Company station, was the first commercial radio station in the country. Arlin, although an engineer, had some experience at the microphone. A year before, in 1920, Mr. Arlin broadcast the results of the 1920 Presidential election, an Ohio event as Republican Senator Warren G. Harding from Ohio defeated Democratic Governor James M. Cox, also of Ohio, by a landslide victory of every state outside the South and cleaning up in the popular vote.

Historic KDKA Radio celebrated the 100th Anniversary of its first regular broadcast on Nov. 2, 2020. Currently KDKA is well known as "The Voice of Pittsburgh" at 100.1 FM and 1020 AM. That pioneer radio station opened the way for radio formats all over the country, not only carrying baseball but all other sports. There is no known school which will train to become a play-by-play/commentator announcer in baseball. Columbia School of Broadcasting, in Virginia, is a broadcasting journalism school.

Growing up as a kid in Cuba I was usually glued to the radio during the old Cuban Professional League games and listened to such voices as the legendary Rafael "Felo" Ramírez -- for a long time the Voice of the Miami Marlins -- whom I had the privilege to share the microphone with in the late 1990s during the old CBS/MLB Postseason Hispanic Radio Networks for the US and Latin America. Also included were the legendary voices of Cuban announcers like René Cañizales, Orlando Sanchez-Diago, whom I met at the Astrodome in Houston during the 1986 MLB All-Star Game. Manolo de la Reguera, Cuco Conde, Rafael Rubí, René Molina and Fernandito Menéndez, among others.

These were the voices of baseball I grew up listening to on my little radio on my end table inside my bedroom. They were the best companions during the regular baseball games in the Cuban leagues, including the Caribbean Baseball Series and the World Series. Cuba was the first country to recreate a World Series for all Cuba and Latin America. As the announcers, Bob Canel and Rafael "Felo" Ramírez, would call the games from NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City, the signal was sent from the stadium the game was played in and relayed to a DC-3 airplane flying around the Caribbean. The signal was sent to Cuba and then continued to other countries.

"He throws a "radio ball, a pitch you hear but cannot see."

-- Gene Mauch, manager of the Philadelphia Phillies about

Sandy Koufax’s fastball

During my years as a teenager in Miami I remember listening to Bob Elson, the Chicago White Sox voice on WKAT AM which used to carry the White Sox games. In New York City the one and only voice of the New York Yankees was Mel "How 'bout that!" Allen and, of course, here in the Bay Area, guys were like Bill King, Lon Simmons, Hank Greenwald, Monte Moore and others, all of whom I had the pleasure to know.

Today radio stations are hanging on to baseball broadcasts. Radio is no longer the king of baseball like it used to be. First, the advent of television and now social media has reduced the impact of baseball on the radio. Many stations cannot carry a full schedules of 162 games as they cite conflicts with other programming. Because of the nature of baseball, some games might go three to four hours or more in length and this presents a time-format problem for many stations because they might have to pre-empt other shows to make room for baseball and that might not be good business. However, a radio station that is well-managed can appreciate baseball, and especially if it is well-marketed and committed to serving its community, it will always represent a prestigious asset to its programming. A radio station owner used to tell me: "Even if I do not make money with baseball, as long as I do not lose money, I love the prestige it brings to the station, and I use it to attract more advertisers".

Radio is still a very personal thing when it comes to baseball. It is still a companion you can always keep at home, in the car, or in your telephone/computer at home or laptop. Some of us remember the days of transistor radios, and how convenient it was to "take the game with you" with your transistor radio: to the game, to work, and some even took it to school and got in trouble. I know.

* * *

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the lead Spanish play-by-play talent for the Oakland A's heard on flagship station 1010 KIQI San Francisco LeGrande and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. For earlier articles by

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez published in Sports Today, click HERE

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

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Photo of the Week

Catcher Buster Posey and reliever Sergio Romo celebrate after striking out Miguel Cabrera on a fastball over the middle. The 108th edition of the World Series was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League champion San Francisco Giants and the American League champion Detroit Tigers; the Giants won in a four-game sweep.

Quote of the Week

"I'll never forget September 6, 1950. I got a letter threatening me, Hank Bauer, Yogi Berra and Johnny Mize. It said if I showed up in uniform against the Red Sox I'd be shot. I turned the letter over to the FBI and told my manager,

Casey Stengel, about it.

You know what Casey Stengel did? He gave me a different uniform and gave mine to Billy Martin. Can you imagine that! Guess Casey Stengel thought it'd be better if Billy Martin got shot."

-- Phil Rizzuto

New York Yankees shortstop for 13 years

Letters to the Editor

The Desert Blues Continue

The Arizona Cardinals management team has once again raised questions within its fan base after signing general manager Steve Keim and coach Kingsbury to six year contract extensions. Unfortunately, that brain trust traded away the best defender they ever had in Chandler Jones because they couldn’t figure out their finances well enough to keep him in AZ. What’s worse is they are still trying to placate QB Kyler Murray’s ego concerning a contract extension, which he most likely doesn’t deserve. After keeping two out of three losers, keep your fingers crossed that they will finally see the light on letting their immature, pouting QB go elsewhere.

A former fan

Phoenix, AZ

Tim Hardaway / George Karl HOF Inductees

I am glad to see the Warriors receive Hall of Fame accolades!

Warriors' dynamo Tim Hardaway will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. Hardaway played 13 seasons, with the Golden State Warriors (1989-96), was a college star at UTEP and a member of the 2000 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team. As a member of the infamous "RUN TMC" (with Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond), his passing and grit were pure Poetry in Motion with Mullin's shooting and Mitch's slashing style. And you didn't mess with Timmy if you knew what was good for you.

Warriors can also stake claim to another new inductee, George Karl, the Dubs' coach from 1986-88. Karl took them from a record of 30–52 the year before, to the playoffs for the first time in ten years, where they advanced to the semi-finals. His wily tactics and courtside demeanor made attending a Warriors game an extra thrill. He always reminded me of The Joker, (in a good way) ... thinking, scheming and psyching out the opposition.

Congrats, Gents, AND Warriors!

Kristen LaRue

San Francisco

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Contents

Columns

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games

Cal Bears (WRUG) 10, Chico State 12

Oakland Roots SC 0, Tampa Bay Rowdies 0

San Jose Earthquakes 2, Austin FC 2

San Jose State Spartans Spring Game

Features & Commentary

Baseball is on the Radio! by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Giants Follow Up Miracle Season with Major Question Marks, by Bruce Macgowan

Lawrence Fan, Celebration of Life, San Jose State Spartans

Mark Ibanez, And That's The Sporting Life!

Prolegomenon, by Robert Moselle

Saturday Night at the Movies, by Pete Elman

Sports Haiku ©️ -- Manute Bol

Organizations

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

San Francisco Giants

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

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San Francisco Giants Report

Giants defy odds, win NL West title with record 107th wins

Giants Follow

Up Miracle

Season with Major Question Marks

By Bruce Macgowan

No one expected the Giants to win a record 107 games last year.

No one expected they would take the powerful Dodgers down to the last strike before losing a scintillating five-game playoff series. And no one expected obscure players such as LaMonte Wade Jr and Darin Ruf, and journeymen like Kevin Gausman and Donovan Solano and aging veteran starters Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt to have career years. But the miracle happened and San Francisco had the best record in baseball in 2021.

But what will happen this season? On the surface, it seems as though the Giants did little to improve the team. Yes, they did pick up White Sox all-star pitcher Carlos Rodon, they added slugging outfielder Joc Peterson, and they strengthened their rotation even more by picking up Alex Cobb. Some promising young major league players and minor league prospects will also have a shot to contribute, but will it be enough?

The Giants will not have team leader and star catcher Buster Posey, who retired, they will not have slugging star Kris Bryant who accepted a HUGE new contract to join Colorado and they will also be missing both Kevin Gausman, an All-Star pitcher in the first half of 2021, and super-sub Donovan Solano, who had two very solid years as a backup infielder and clutch pinch hitter.

Going into next week’s home opener they will also be without Evan Longoria who continues to suffer untimely injuries, (a bashed finger that needed surgery,) LaMonte Wade Jr. who will start the season on

the injury list with a bruised knee, and now it appears veteran first baseman Brandon Belt could be lost for the first week of the season with a tender knee. Veteran second baseman Tommy LaStella says he’s ready to return after surgery to clean up an area near his Achilles tendon, but he is also tentative.

So, San Francisco has quite a few question marks. Wilmer Flores, whose controversial check swing strikeout ended last year’s Cinderella season will start at third base for Longoria. Darin Ruf who enjoyed a career year in 2021 could start at first base if Belt isn’t ready. And Honduran Mauricio Dubon might be the starting second baseman if LaStella is still recovering.

The good news is that Brandon Crawford, still one of the best shortstops in the game despite his age, (35) will be back for his 11th straight season. But will he be durable enough to play 130-plus games?

Outfielder Joc Pederson adds some much needed power hitting after the losses of Posey and Bryant. And up and coming outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater will be starting plenty of games. Both are excellent defensive players and have power, although young Yaz needs to cut down on his strikeouts and raise a batting average which hovered around .220 all season.

The best news however is the starting pitching and the bullpen. The Giants have a true ace in Logan Webb, who has of the best arms aces in the game. Newcomer Carlos Rodon who was signed after an All-Star season with the Chicago White Sox last season is penciled in as

the number two starter. Rodon had some issues with a ‘dead arm’ late in the season after throwing a no-hitter for the White Sox earlier. Then it’s Cobb, reliable lefty Alex Wood and unappreciated Anthony DeSclafani, all solid starters.

The bullpen also looks deep with young fire balling Octovio Dotel earning the closer’s job after a brilliant debut following his call up from the minors. Although Dotel gave up the game-winning hit to Cody Bellinger in the ninth inning of last season’s final playoff game against the rival Dodgers, he’s not lacking for confidence. The young man throws heat and could become one of the better ninth inning relievers in the big leagues in 2022.

Set up man Jake McGee is in his mid 30s and was the closer until Dotel emerged, but now he’s a dependable set up man. Submarine-style righthander Tyler Rogers gives Manager Gabe Kapler an unusual option and another guy to watch is hard throwing Dominic Leone.

Perhaps the biggest key for the Giants success is behind the plate. Highly touted prospect Joey Bart has plenty of minor league experience but now he assumes the unenviable task of replacing Buster Posey. The Giants pitching staff has felt comfortable with Bart behind the plate this spring, but let’s see what he does once the season opens.

Gabe Kapler knows how to get the most out of what he’s given, and he got stellar performances last year from virtually every player. Kapler is very bright, personable with the media and relates well to players. Taking over for Bruce Bochy wasn’t easy but in two years Kapler has become one of the best skippers in the game.

So in spite of much skepticism about 2022, and the same kind of low expectations as last year, who knows what will happen?

* * *

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.

Left fielder Rickey Henderson grabbed 867 of his 1,406 career stolen bases with the Athletics, good for the all-time team lead, and a spot in the Hall of Fame.

www.athletics.com

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Regular season baseball starts this week, so let's ask one more question about basketball.

Everybody knows the LA Lakers great Jerry West was the first winner of the NBA Finals MVP award in 1969. What is unique to this day about Jerry West winning that award?

Hint: The NFL has one player who shares the same unique experience, having won a Super Bowl MVP...

(See answer below...)

Warriors' Best Comeback of the Year?

(Poole) ... has averaged 26.6 points, 5 assists and 45% from

downtown the last month... Photo by Darren Yamashita

Saturday Night at the Movies

by Pete Elman

“Saturday night at the movies

Who cares what picture you see

When you're huggin' with your baby

The last row in the balcony”

Those timeless words from the great 1964 Drifters song, written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, best describe the innocence, joy, nostalgia and thrill we saw Saturday night at the Chase Center, when the Warriors, from 21 points down against the Utah Jazz, came roaring back to life, getting what may be their biggest win of the year. One week after the beautiful tearjerker Coda won the Oscar, I am nominating the Warriors for best comeback. It was a Hollywood ending.

What we are witnessing is the birth of one superstar—and the return of another.

Led by that unlikely pair; one a 22-year old wunderkind, the other a 32-year old legendary sharpshooter, and with their leader in street clothes, the Warriors broke out of their funk and put the NBA on notice: we may be down-- but we are not out.

What do these two players have in common? They were both nearly given up on; the younger one because nobody thought he had the defense or discipline to play with the big boys, and the veteran because he was coming off a 2 ½ year layoff after incurring the two most career-threatening injuries in all of sports. In a dazzling duet, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson took 32 three-pointers and made 14—and they needed every single one of those shots to win this game.

For Poole, who has averaged 26.6 points, 5 assists and 45% from downtown the last month (in 16 games), the game has suddenly become easy. Against the Jazz he scored 31 points, contributed 6 rebounds and 6 assists, converting clutch shots and free throws down the stretch. This young man from Milwaukee is no longer intimidated; he is seizing the moment, and the sky is the limit.

...he (Klay) converted four three pointers to lead an incredible 3 ½ minute, 18-0 run in the fourth period...

Photo by Darren Yamashita

But for Splash brother Klay Thompson it was even more significant. Although he has had some fine games since his return, none was bigger than this performance. With the team on the ropes – coming off a five-game losing streak – and at home against a confident Utah team that was up by 16 with seven minutes left in the game, he converted four three pointers to lead an incredible 3 ½ minute, 18-0 run in the fourth period, finishing with 36 points and only one turnover.

Steve Kerr in his post-game remarks praised Poole while disabusing Warrior worriers of the notion that Thompson is not ready for the playoffs. The post-game hug between the two guards was a special moment.

“They should be happy for each other, they were both brilliant,” Kerr told reporters after the win. “What Jordan has done over the last month is incredible. He’s taken on a huge burden with Steph out and he hasn’t even blinked. Jordan is quite a story.”

Kerr continued, “We all know what Klay has been through since he’s been back. He wants it so badly. He’s had four games with 33 or more points…it just hasn’t been as consistent as he would like. But I maintain that that’s coming with time.”

The fact that there has never been an NBA player who has come back from both an ACL and a torn Achilles is not lost on observers. But Klay doesn’t care; all he does is shoot – and keep shooting. Some of those shots he made Saturday were flat-out ridiculous; off-balance, leaning in, jaw-dropping Curry-like bombs that make you think that anything is possible with this team.

When Steph returns (hopefully) for the playoffs, Golden State will be able to run out three guys, each capable of going for 30 on any given night. And if Mike Brown and Kerr can figure out how to give each of them 35 minutes a game, they could easily average 70 points a game between them.

Throw in the mad, passionate basketball savant Draymond Green, whose defensive prowess, screen-setting and vocal leadership cannot be overstated, add a steady Andrew Wiggins—who was a +26 against Utah—and Gary Payton II, who is channeling his Hall of Fame dad, well, maybe small-ball, Nellie-ball 3.0, live-by-the-three-die-by-the-three does not look so bad.

Well, there's Technicolor and cinemascope

A cast out of Hollywood

And the popcorn from the candy stand

Makes it all seem twice as good

It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. Pass the popcorn.

Pete Elman

Oakland, CA

April 4, 2022

* * * * *

From 2000-2011 Elman wrote a column for the Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition and covered sports for the Bay Area News Group. In 2013 he penned an acclaimed children's book and recently co-authored a book on unsung minority athletes entitled In the Shadow of Obscurity; Toiling in a Reluctant Society. He is currently teaching 13 courses on popular music and sports at Bay Area colleges. For earlier articles by Elman published in the Ultimate Sports Guide, click HERE.

San Jose State Spartans Spring Game

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San José State football team held their annual spring game Saturday in front of a lively crowd of 6,134. The One Spartan Nation Brew Fest and hospitality area took up about one-third of the field and was packed as the spring game started. Right off the bat, it was transfer to transfer as Chevan Cordeiro found Justin Lockhart for a long touchdown pass as all the quarterbacks had strong games.

"I thought they did great," head coach Brent Brennan said on quarterbacks Cordeiro and Nick Nash. "I thought they both played really well today. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch them continue to slug it out and play, but it was awesome. They both made big time throws."

Spring Game Highlights:

Chevan Cordeiro had two touchdown passes to Justin Lockhart and one rushing touchdown
Shamar Garrett had a rushing touchdown
Kenyon Reed had an end zone interception
The defense had a fourth and goal stop

The Spartans open the season at home against Portland State on Sept. 3, 2022.

#SpartanUp

San Jose State Spartans

Lawrence Fan

The San José State University Athletics Department and Fan Family would like to announce a Celebration of Life service for Lawrence Fan (1954-2022) to be held on Saturday, April 9, at CEFCU Stadium. The service is open to the public and begins at 10 a.m.

Those wishing to attend can park in the Park & Ride Lot on Seventh Street.

Lawrence spent the past 42-plus years promoting the San José State Athletics Department and the thousands of Spartan student-athletes that competed at SJSU during his tenure. Primary contact for football, men's basketball, men's and women's water polo, men's and women's golf and almost every sport at the school
Known for "Fan Cake" which was only served at indoor sports, most of time at men's basketball game
2012 CoSIDA Hall of Fame inductee – first Chinese American to receive this honor
2012 CoSIDA Arch Ward Award – goes to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of college sports information and by his/her activities brought dignity and prestige to the profession
2013 CoSIDA Trailblazer Award – goes to an individual who is a pioneer in the profession and has mentored and helped improve the level of ethnic and gender diversity
2017 CoSIDA President's Award – recognizes committee members within the organization for the exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the organization's committee structure in support of programs that benefit CoSIDA members
Worked 501 consecutive football games during his tenure
Coordinated the 1987 Heisman Trophy campaign for former Spartan quarterback Mike Perez
Handled all publicity for three women's golf NCAA Championships – 1987, 1989, 1992
Worked at the Western Intercollegiate for 41 years
Founder of the Job Seekers Committee for CoSIDA and served as the chair from 1994-2017
Proud member of many committees and boards including the San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame, San Jose Sports Hall of Fame, National Football Foundation Northern California Chapter
Tributes to Lawrence in the Media, The Mercury News , by Laurence Miedema
The San Francisco Chronicle , by Steve Kroner
San Jose Sports Authority, by John Poch
NBC Sports Bay Area
KPIX-TV
KRON 4
Mountain West Connection, by Vic Aquino
247sports.com
The Spear, by Ryan Carlson
The Spartan Daily , by Bojana Cvijic, Gio Gaxiola
Nevada Sports Net, by Chris Murray
CoSIDA article

#SpartanUp

San Jose Earthquakes 2

Austin FC 2

Saturday, April 2

Fremont native Karen Chen kicks the ceremonial first goal prior to the match. Chen won a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. The San Jose Earthquakes tied Austin FC, 2–2, in a MLS regular season week 5 match at PayPal Park on April 2, 2022 in San Jose, California.

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Niko Tsakiris (#30) jumps for the ball.

Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver (#1) stops San Jose Earthquakes defender Tommy Thompson’s (#22) goal attempt late in the match. Caption and photo

Austin FC midfielder Sebastián Driussi (#7) scores a penalty kick against San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski (#1). To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo © 2022 Alex Ho.

Oakland Roots SC 0

Tampa Bay Rowdies 0

Saturday, April 2

Minutes before the start of the match, the loudest section of the stands whipped everyone up into a festive frenzy with the chants, drumming, and waving of flags, all in support of the local team, as the Oakland Roots played host to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Laney College in Oakland on Saturday evening, April 2. Final score: Oakland Roots 0, Tampa Bay Rowdies 0.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Oakland Roots lineup, back row left to right: Alejandro Fuenmayor, Benny Diaz, Tarek Morad, Óttar Magnús Karlsson, Charlie Dennis, Danny Barbir. Front row left to right: Matias Fissore, Juan Azocar, Lindo Mfeka, Edgardo Rito, Jose Hernandez. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Coach Juan Guerra checks in with his substitutes just before the starters take to the field. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Pleading with the referee, Midfielder Charlie Dennis (#12) hit a header from about 15’ out which appeared to break the plane of the goal, before the goalie blocked it early in the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Oakland's Benny Diaz (#1) makes another grab to stop the ball, late in the game. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

With the best scoring opportunity all night, Edgardo Rito (#72) goes one-on-one with the Rowdies goalie C.J. Cochran (#1) who got his left foot on the ball to block the shot in the closing minutes of regulation. Caption and

photo by Ron Sellers.

With less than two minutes remaining in regulation, a potential winning header was not counted after being called for offsides moments after Juan Carlos Azocar (#18) placed his header just out of the reach of the Rowdies goalie C.J Cochran (#1). 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 Ron Sellers.

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Sports Today's Prolegomenon

Prolegomenon: "A preliminary discussion, especially a formal critical introduction to a lengthy text | Meaning, pronunciation,

translations and examples."

Recently Sports Today introduced our own Prolegomenon and while it does not strictly follow the traditional definition above, S/T's Prolegomenon offers news of local college sports news and events which might not otherwise receive promotion. Below are several items for your infotainment:

USF Dons Basketball News! The finalists for the 2021-2022 Lou Henson Award were announced on Monday, March 28. The award, which is presented annually to the top mid-major player in Division I College Basketball, honors the former Illinois and New Mexico State head coach who won 775 games in 41 seasons. For San Francisco, graduate student Jamaree Bouyea was selected as one of 40 individuals for this year's award. For Bouyea, the Seaside, CA native shined throughout the season as the two-time WCC Player of the Week and finished in the top five in the conference in total minutes (1, 107, first), minutes per game (35.7, first), made field goals (198, first), total points (528, second), total steals (54, third), points per game (17.0, fourth) and assists (126, fourth). Returning to the Hilltop for a fifth season this past year, Bouyea guided the Dons to a 24-10 overall record and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997-98. Recently, he was named First Team All-WCC for the second season in a row while also being selected to the 2022 NABC District 9 First Team. For updates and more information on the USF men's basketball program, follow the Dons @USFDonsMBB on Twitter, @USFDonsMBB on Instagram and @USFDonsMBB on Facebook.

Cal Men's Swim & Dive wins 7th National Championship, Head coach Dave Durden wins Coach of the Year! Cal Football Introduces four New Staffers and more! Be In the Know on Cal Sports! Visit BEAR INSIDER! https://bearinsider.com/

CSUMB Golf! It didn’t take Jason Owen long to take the Cal State Monterey Bay men’s golf program to the top of the NCAA Division II world. Owen led the Otters to an NCAA title in his third season and has consistently had the Otter ranked amongst the nation’s elite in his 10+ seasons in Seaside. He has served as CSUMB’s head men’s golf coach (since August 2008) and director of golf (since July 2011). For more news on this outstanding Golf Program, visit https://otterathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/jason-owen/614

PAC 12 Hotline! This issue includes Pac-12 women's basketball coverage, authored by veteran journalist Jeff Metcalfe. For more information on all PAC-12 teams, email pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com to subscribe.

To provide information on your school's awards and other news, send releases to: Prolegomenon at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

And That's The Sporting Life!

A casual Mark Ibanez takes a break from his usual sartorial splendor

Sports Today would like to thank Mark Ibanez for his years of dedication to delivering sports news with his unique style. A sports director at KTVU for 43 years, Mark retired at the end of March. So many moments, stories and interviews -- he has shared them all with NorCal sports fans, and we wish him well as he heads into the

surf and sun.

"And that's the Sporting Life!"

Sports Haiku

Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!

Thank you for your many entries!

Manute Bol

I interviewed Manute Bol for a Marin-based magazine called 5^th Avenue years ago. The publisher, P.S. Ferry, was a Stanford graduate, former missile-salesman for Lockheed, turned Reggae aficionado. 5^th Avenue was a very hip magazine with special sports articles and pictorials and articles on Elgin Baylor, Sugar Ray Robinson and other legends.

I had media credentials from 5^th Avenue for a Warriors game and was seated right under the backboard, in between AP and beat reporters. Coach Gary St. Jean kept staring, wondering, who is THAT dude? I've never seen HIM here before!

Post-game I interviewed Manute in the locker room while he stood there in the raw. He didn't care, and neither did I, but it was an unusual set design, for sure! But all casual and good. Such a decent, generous person! A rare gem, and not afraid to hoist up a 3-pointer from time-to-time.

I grabbed this autograph.

Seven Feet Seven Inches

Masai Warrior

The Great Manute Bol

* * *

Contributed by Robert Moselle, Monterey, CA

https://www.cce-mcle.com

As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for

"Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!

Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation

Ultimate Sports Guide

Wants to Publish Your Haiku

You must send it in

To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Autographs In The House?

Autographs Invited!

Do you have an autograph with a story behind it?

Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity to share your personal sports history moments with our readers.

Send to: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

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/

DO YOU LOVE SPORTS?

And are you a techno-wizard who would like

to be involved in Bay Area Sports?

The USG/Sports Today needs an "influencer."

We need You!

The Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today needs people with social media savvy, website technology knowledge and

e-marketing skills. Advance your career, add to your resume, and learn from sports industry professionals!

Send a note and resume to sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net

Sports Today is always pleased to inform our readers of the great works which the Warriors do for the Bay Area community. Here is yet another example of hands-on leadership in which ownership, personnel and players all demonstrate their passion to improve the lives of fans and their families!

Warriors Community Foundation Reveals 88^th Refurbished

Basketball Court Since 2012 Inception

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors, Trust for Public Land (TPL), Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) have revealed a newly-refurbished basketball court and living schoolyard at Markham Elementary School, it was announced. This marks the Warriors Community Foundation’s 88^th refurbished basketball court since the Foundation’s inception in 2012.

Warriors player Juan Toscano-Anderson and Oakland Unified School District Chief Systems and Services Officer Preston Thomas were in attendance for the court and schoolyard reveal ceremony. The court dedication was followed by a Warriors Basketball Academy clinic for local youth.

“The Warriors Community Foundation’s mission is to strive for educational equity, and we strongly believe access to safe playing spaces and basketball courts is critical to healthy youth development,” said Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Schneider. “We are thrilled to be part of this incredible project that was orchestrated in conjunction with the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District, and PG&E. As we continue to rebound from the pandemic’s challenges in the educational sector, it is projects and partners like this that are crucial to ensure a bright future for the next generation.”

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Cal Bears 10

Chico State 12

April 2, 2022

The Cal Bears fell to visiting Chico State, 10-12, on Saturday, April 2.

Photo by Alex Ho.

The Cal Bears fell to visiting Chico State, 10-12, on Saturday, April 2.

To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Alex Ho.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca partners with

The Racers Safety Source

MONTEREY, Calif., March 30, 2022 – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has announced an agreement with The Racers Safety Source, making the company the preferred safety gear partner of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the next five years.

The Irvine, Calif., based company is owned and operated by Chris Emery, a longstanding member of the motorsport industry.

Emery, who is a lifelong race fan, says it was always a goal to partner with WeatherTech Raceway.

“I’ve been going to Laguna Seca for 30-plus years for a multitude of events, so when I opened up my own shop, Laguna Seca was one of the first places I wanted to partner with,” Emery said of his business joining forces with the iconic race track.

The company’s website, www.theracerssafetysource.com, is a one-stop shop for all safety needs for any driver. The site offers helmets, gloves, boots, harnesses, suits, HANS devices and more. Emery is a hands-on owner who tests his equipment on the track to ensure comfort for every driver.

“I want to make sure people are in the best gear they can be in, so that they can enjoy motorsports for as long as possible,” Emery said. “I work with the customers to provide budget-friendly options that work for them. But we always want to put someone in the best gear they can afford. If you’re going bungee jumping, are you going to strap your feet to a $200 bungee cord, or a $5,000 bungee cord?”

John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is pleased to welcome Emery and his company.

“Chris has been a friend of Laguna Seca for many years – back to his days as a fan in the stands – and we are happy to partner with him to provide the best safety equipment available for every driver who competes at our track,” Narigi said. “Safety is always paramount in everything we do.”

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s 2022 season begins with the Trans Am Speedfest (April 22-24), followed by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, featuring the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship presented by Motul (April 29 – May 1). Tickets are available by calling 831.242.8200.

For more info on The Racers Safety Source, check out their Instagram @racerssafetysource.

About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned 2.238-mile traditional road course that was built in 1957 and was known at the time as Laguna Seca Raceway. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is owned by the County of Monterey and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.

The 2022 premier event schedule begins with the Trans Am Speedfest April 22-24, followed by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship featuring the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship April 29 - May 1, the GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest July 8-10 (TBC), the AHRMA Classic Motofest of Monterey July 15-17, the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 13-14, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 17-20, and the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES September 9-11. Concluding the 2022 season is the Velocity Invitational, October 14-16 (TBC).

Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers defended by

Larry Sigfried of the Boston Celtics

The NFL's Chuck Howley is the only player who won a Super Bowl MVP while on a losing team. Jerry West, the first-ever awardee of the NBA Finals MVP Award, is the only person to win the award while being on the losing team in the NBA Finals.

The heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics, three games to four, in 1969. The trophy West won is now the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. Russell led his Celtics to victory over a talent-laden Lakers team.

https://bit.ly/3uTFe9G is a Wiki history of the award. https://bit.ly/3LI2crn will take you to a Wiki recap of the series. The Celtics were pretty much a Cinderella team.