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July 17 - July 23, 2023
Issue No. 494
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Sergio Varona stands behind Evelio A. Mendoza and Amaury Pi-González at Oakland A’s KNTA 1430AM Radio. That year 120 games were broadcast in Spanish | | |
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Memories of Oakland, No. 7 in a Series --
A Cuban Legend Joined our Broadcast
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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Sergio Varona was born in Cuba, settled in San Francisco and was the sports editor for El Bohemio News, a weekly Spanish newspaper in San Francisco and joined the Oakland A’s Spanish radio broadcast in the mid-1980s, bringing a lot of his knowledge in professional baseball.
Varona was a manager for the Cuban national baseball team when they won the World Cup of Baseball and also a manager for the Alacranes de Almendares, a professional baseball team in the 1950s in which Bob Allison, Tommy LaSorda, Sandy Amorós and other major leaguers played during the famous Winter League in Cuba.
Sergio Varona passed in 2015 in Pembroke Pines (a Miami area) in Florida. Everyone who knew Sergio missed him very much. He also received the Salón de la Fama del Deporte Cubano (Cuban Sports Hall of Fame) and received an award for Periodismo (journalism).
During our broadcast, Sergio was like “a second manager” but in our booth. He brought a totally different angle to the games as his commentary was a well-seasoned professional opinion of the game as it was played that day. He would never scream or root for the A’s on the air. He was the consummate professional and analyst, straightforward and honest with everybody.
Sergio was a good close friend of Bill Rigney, another lifelong baseball man who played in the majors with the New York Giants from 1946 to 1953 and later managed in the major for 18 years for the New York/San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles/California Angels and Minnesota Twins. Rigney for a time was also providing commentary, working for the Oakland A’s radio and television.
Varona and Rigney would talk strategy, prior-or-after, and it was priceless, just to listen, because these guys played and managed at the professional level, something not many broadcast teams are privileged to have on board today. Also, unlike today, it was very seldom an ex-player or ex-manager was hired to do commentary on the air.
Varona was only available for our weekend broadcast, Saturday and Sundays, but he left a mark with his commentary. People would call the station and asked questions, (“Ask Sergio.”) I would gather those questions and would ask him during the live broadcast. I would give the name, where they lived, and then read the question. Sergio would answer the question, live on the air. Questions were received by mail or folks called them in.
The games were on KNTA Radio, 1430AM, in Santa Clara and Gene Hogan was the general manager. We called 120 A’s games, all home and the most of the road games. The road games were recreated from the studio in front of a television monitor, with the consent of the A’s TV broadcast.
Sergio Varona was full of knowledge and insight and shared that with yours truly. Muchas Gracias Sergio.
* * *
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Letters to the Editor
Three Cheers for Rory
Rory McIlroy birdied his final two holes to win the Genesis Scottish Open by one stroke over Scotland's Robert MacIntyre.
More importantly, cheers to Rory for his loyalty to the PGA tour, before Jay Monahan and his henchmen stabbed him and other loyal PGA members in the back with a secret deal with LIV. Rory has said he'd quit golf before he'd play for LIV. The Congressional Hearings and Sen. Blumenthal exposed the dark side of this whole affair. Mediocre or washed-up nobodies had been rewarded with big payouts from LIV, while loyal PGA/pro-charity stars with some ethical backbones got shafted. "Sportswashing" is the term for this new phenomenon "business model" in sports. Kudos to Rory and others who have shunned and avoided this. Watch out -- other sports will be targets soon.
https://fb.watch/lQ9Lyf7AyA/
Senator Blumenthal -- on the case.
Robert A. Moselle
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Wimbledon Thoughts
The Joker met his match today, as Spaniard Carlos Alcazar had too much power and energy for the Serbian Novak Djokovich, ranked #1 for 389 weeks. It reminded me of a Sports Haiku from a while back, Issue 417, with Novak, Aaron & Kyrie and a whole lot of bad breath.
Worthy of mention is the new American talent, Christopher "Bob" Eubanks, a Ga. Tech alum who came from nowhere to climb the board with style and flair. Keep up the good work!
Joker's Wild and So Are His Friends
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/1-17-2022----Friend---a-weekly-Sports-Journal.html?soid=1102520666012&aid=Vas-t76z3ho
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Bay Area Panthers 75, San Diego Strike Force 40
Oakland A's 4, Minnesota Twins 5
Oakland Roots SC 3, Monterey Bay F.C. 1
Oakland Roots SC 1, Memphis 901 FC 1
Oakland Spiders 25, Portland Nitro 10
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders 0
Features & Commentary
American Century Championship, by Jeff Bayer
And Then They Played The Pelicans, by Howard Pearlstein
Draymond Green, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Former Players Speak Their Minds, by Dave Newhouse
Heading Toward Issue #500, Now At #494; Your Support is Welcome!
Memories of Oakland, No. 7 in a Series, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Oakland at the Bat, by Andy Dolich
Organizations
Cal Bears
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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American Century Championship Edgewood Golf Course, Lake Tahoe | |
Drop the Putt! Steph Curry drops his club as he watches his eagle putt go in to win the American Century Championship at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. It was the best Championship ever. It was so heartfelt...a true local hero winning on the final putt of the day. Caption and photo by Jeff Bayer. | |
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Joe Rudi, Mike Norris and Billy North captured the hearts of
Oakland A's fans for many years.
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Former Players Speak Their Mind
by Dave Newhouse
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The A’s apparently need only three-quarter approval from baseball’s owners to solidify their move to Las Vegas, which would then wipe Oakland off the major sports map, losing all three of its franchises.
How do you feel about that, Joe Rudi?
“It’s sad, but it was inevitable,” he replied.
What about you, Billy North?
“It brings me pain,” he said. ”They took the identity away from Oakland.”
And your thoughts, Mike Norris?
“It’s all about money, and Las Vegas has offered a better deal,” he noted. ”Las Vegas is becoming the home of sports with its gambling money.”
These three former A’s spoke about the team's possibly leaving Oakland, while also commenting on the Raiders and Warriors departures. Rudi and North were outfield teammates when the A’s won three straight World Series, 1972-74. And Norris won 22 games for the popular Billy Ball A’s in 1980.
All three were consistent in their evaluation of Oakland’s sports demise, largely accusing the city.
Rudi: “Oakland is not a wealthy town, and people stopped spending money on its teams. Oakland has become a ghost town in sports. I lay the blame on the politicians.”
North: “I look at Oakland, where my heart is, and I want everything good for Oakland. But Oakland has problems, and baseball has done nothing, just letting Oakland blow in the wind for 30 years.”
Norris: “The bottom line of this failure is who do we point the finger at, and it would have to be the city. To grow up from a boy to a man, my life was based on what happened at the Oakland Coliseum. Now it’s empty. What are they going to do with it?”
Norris, a San Francisco native, knows what happened to Candlestick Park after the 49ers and Giants left: It was blown up, leaving a massive hole in the earth.
Rudi, who grew up in Modesto, has a closer geographical relationship with Oakland than most A’s alumni. “To me, the team would have to leave unless they got a new stadium,” he said of the situation’s inevitability. “You go back 60 years to the building of the Coliseum (and Arena). I was surprised the Raiders left, because that was a great football stadium. I’m not sure why the Warriors went back to San Francisco.” Rudi believes a better stadium location for Oakland teams would have been at the 580-680 highway convergence in Pleasanton.
Norris feels “It’s really tough to grasp the reality of this happening. To have the greatest sports city in America — the House of Champions — to lose all of its teams. It’s an empty house.”
Not just yet; the A’s haven’t officially left.
“It’s almost like Oakland has been taken advantage of by baseball,” North said. ”Baseball built stadiums in Denver, Baltimore and San Francisco, and Oakland is one of the towns that needs it the most. I love Oakland, that’s my town.”
North, who lives in Washington state, factors in “conspicuous consumption” in regards to Oakland’s sports evacuations.
“It’s all about making money with no purpose, the rich getting richer” he explained. "Baseball is going to pay (Shohei) Ohtani $700 million, and Oakland is sitting outside begging. I’m not indicting anyone, but this society has done nothing to help the City of Oakland. This has a nefarious smell to me. Everyone’s culpable. There’s no societal consciousness.”
And for a final comment on the matter: Mike Norris.
“Everything comes to pass,” he offered, “and life goes on.”
So sad. So true.
* * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Oakland at
the Bat
by Andy Dolich
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The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Oakland A’s this day.
Their time in The Town was running out with just a season and a half left to play,
The score stood one for Vegas nothing for Oaktown with a gigantic
fan base exhibiting much more than a frown.
And then John Fisher voiced his doubts on staying and Rob Manfred did the same.
A pall-like silence fell upon A’s fans at the game.
A straggling few got up to grab an Anchor Steam beer to change their
mindset mired in deep despair.
They thought, "If only a new A’s owner could get a whack at that.”
We'd put up even money with Teamwork, Leadership and Trust coming up to bat."
But Fisher said “No!” as did the Commish, the former never spoke and everything that came from the Baseball Commissioner was a joke.
Upon the stricken A’ s multitude, grim melancholy grew much more difficult to handle than a yolk.
There seemed to be little chance for the baseball heart and soul of Oakland getting up to bat against greed and avarice that in the owner's mind sat.
But Sheng Thao drove a single to the happiness of many,
A Reverse Boycott tore the cover off the MLB humidor altered ball,
And when “SELL” chants had quieted and fans saw what had occurred,
There was Boy Cott safe at second and Mayor Thao hugging third.
Then from thousands of A’s fans pumped up by the Drummers,
They didn’t want their team taken from them in future Summers.
For the A’s mighty Elephant was advancing to the box,
There was ease in his manner as he pulled up his green and gold sox.
There was pride in his bearing and a smile on his pachydermal face,
And when responding to the cheers he regally bowed with tusken grace.
No stranger to the crowd could doubt the A’s mighty Elephant was up to keep the team right here.
And now a Las Vegas covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Jumbo stood a watching it with his massive tuskered stare.
That ain’t my style said Stomper, ”Strike One” John Fisher said (through a spokesperson).
“Sell, Sell, Sell the Team!” shouted thousands of Green & Golders from the Coliseum stands.
He stilled the rising tumult he bade the game go on.
He signaled to Fisher and once more the Vegas relo sphere flew.
Stomper still ignored it and Commissioner Manfred signaled, "Strike Two!"
They saw his trunk grow straight and bold, they saw his giant muscles
strain,
And they knew that the A‘s elephant wouldn't let this baseball BS go by again.
And now the A’s owner of the team holds the ball and now he lets it go,
And now the Coliseum air is shattered by the force of an Elephantine blow followed by a lusty yell.
It rumbled through Castro Valley, it rattled into a Piedmont dell.
It pounded on the Oakland Hills and bounced down to Jack London Square.
Oh, somewhere in this A’s favored market the sun is shining bright,
Somewhere ballclub billionaires are sitting tight.
And somewhere Oakland A’s fans are laughing as their kids take practice hacks.
Will there be joy in Oakland Baseball yes but only if community leaders have A’s baseball fans backs.
And somewhere green and gold masses are laughing, and somewhere
children shout,
There might still be joy in Oakland but once again mighty Fisher and MLB enablers are working on getting the A’s out.
* * *
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive for professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer teams. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in
Sports Today! click HERE.
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Oakland A's 4
Minnesota Twins 5
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, July 16
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Oakland Athletics shortstop Nick Allen (2) leaps out of the dugout before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 16th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher JP Sears struck out seven over 6-1/3 innings as the A's lost to the Minnesota Twins, 5-4, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Heading Toward Issue #500!
Now At #494 --
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Sports Today
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Giants draft two-way player Bryce Eldridge
Day 1 picks also include high school shortstop Martin, Kent State left-hander Whitman
The Giants selected a two-way player in the first round, taking Bryce Eldridge with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. With their second-round pick, the Giants selected shortstop Walker Martin at No. 52 overall from Eaton (Colo.) High School. San Francisco capped its Day 1 haul by selecting Kent State left-hander Joe Whitman at 69th overall.
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A's Select Jacob Wilson in 1st Round of
2023 MLB Draft
With our first pick in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, we have selected infielder Jacob Wilson from Grand Canyon University. The Thousand Oaks, Calif., native hit .412 with six home runs, 61 RBI, and eight stolen bases for the Antelopes this season, while also earning WAC
Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He tallied 19 walks and just five strikeouts to go along with 17 doubles, four triples, a .461 on-base percentage,
a .635 slugging percentage, and a 1.096 OPS. As a sophomore, he was a national semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and led his team in hits (88) and doubles (18), and ranked second in batting average (.358). He earned All-WAC First Team honors in all three of his seasons at GCU.
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For great advertising rates call: APG Sports,
P.O. Box 3164, Fremont, CA 94539. Dir tel: 510-579-0682
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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Last week we learned Fred Lynn is the only player to hit a grand slam in an MLB All-Star Game. Staying with a "the only one" theme, who was the first and only player in MLB history to win seven consecutive
home run crowns?
Because it is a difficult question, we will use the multiple-choice format again:
Barry Bonds, Ted Williams, Ralph Kiner or
Babe Ruth are choices offered...
Answer below.
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And Then They Played The Pelicans
by Howard Pearlstein
Ok – I know that Summer League is more about individuals sorting out their games, auditioning for the Big Team or the G League (i.e., Golden State Warriors or Golden State Santa Cruz) or for anyone watching who might need someone with their skills.
And I got to see the same exceptional players as before -- Gui Santos, again and Lester Quinones coming on strong all over the place, and then Reggie Perry stepped up with flash and fire against both Pelicans and Houston. And others.
In the Houston game, Trayce Jackson-Davis looked fully recovered from his hamstring injury, and getting his rust shed and rhythm back by late in the first half and for the rest of the game.
Brandin Podziemski still having some problems, but bearing in mind, Podziemski’s power is and will be in the interactives -- assists and passing and such skills – and for that, we need to see him in a coherent setting. Meaning something that looks like the players have actually been introduced to each other and have a sense of being in a place (both in a team and on the court) where they can work with others. Which will happen first? Podziemski having it all together? Or the announcers learning to pronounce his name?
But as something like a team? The first comparison came to mind against the Pelicans, and I admit it’s unfair, but still, it was a long long time ago, seeing Gunny Giertesen react to a squadron in formation being given an “Oblique left” command, and some of them turning left, some to the right, -- “Your OTHER left, dummy!” -- some not turning at all, with one recruit actually stopping, standing to attention and saluting (properly), at which point others were tripping, falling, bumping into him, and Gunny – deleting the profanity and racist epithets, calling it “spastic…grabastic … “ Those were the only ones I can print here. (Gunny was fond of rhyming when he could.)
Maybe it’s a mistake to broadcast the Summer Games, because in most ways it’s just a bunch of players showing off individual excellence, only beginning to put it together with others in hopes of being part of an actual team. As is often pointed out – every one of those players was The Man in school, and the process of become more requires learning to be one of The Men. That takes time and a lot of work.
At this point they look like they want to get there, but the only similarity to Golden State was the excessive number of turnovers. In my own smartass way, to me, GSW sometimes means the team we know and love and sometimes means the police acronym GSW for GunShotWound.
Still, the talent of some of those who might be coming up to join the Dubs is impressive. But coach Rubin can only take them so far. This is still a rough draft of the team we’ll see in October.
There are so many moving pieces (i.e. NOT “pieces” but actual human beings with different skills, predispositions, personal potentials and limits), and the coaches’ job is to find the ways those potentials can become part of the Dubs Game.
I’ve worked as an editor for many years, and one thing I know is this: unless it’s for the editor (coaches) to fix, you should never let anyone – no matter how friendly, loving, and supportive that person may be – never let ANYONE read the rough draft. They can’t help thinking “Omigod --This is the final draft?”
No. It’s not. We’ll see that in October.
* * *
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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Draymond Green -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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A decade ago I attended a Warriors luncheon and had the opportunity to meet the three newest Warriors. At the end of the event they set up tables for a meet-and-greet and handed me this photo and I stood in line to meet each of these players. I didn’t know much about them at the time and don’t recall what I said to them other than good luck. Only Dramond Green is still with the Warriors today and doing very well with four NBA Championships and
two Olympic gold medals.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Seattle Sounders 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, Wednesday, July 12
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San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Espinoza scored a goal and assisted on another as the Quakes defeated the Seattle Sounders, 2-0, at PayPal Park on Wednesday, July 12th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Bay Area Panthers 75,
San Diego Strike Force 40
SAP Center, San Jose, Monday, July 10
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The Bay Area Panthers hosted their final home game of the regular season on Monday night at 7:05 pm against the San Diego Strike Force. Morgan Hill mayor Mark Turner flipped the coin with the team captains prior to the game. The Panthers put an exclamation point on their playoff readiness, setting a new franchise record for points scored in a 75-40 domination over the Strike Force that started early. San Diego’s double-digit gap widened as the game progressed, exacerbated by self-inflicted wounds, including a barrage of offensive penalties, personal fouls, five turnovers, and missed opportunities and mishandles on special teams. The Panthers return to SAP Center on 7/23 at 3:05 pm for their first home playoff game ever! Above, Morgan Hill mayor Jason Turner (wearing #20) poses with others just after the coin flip.
Caption and photo by Josh Nickel.
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Oakland Roots SC 3
Monterey Bay F.C. 1
Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, Saturday, July 15
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Oakland Returns to Winning Ways with
3-1 Win in Monterey
The match between Oakland Roots and Monterey Bay started off with a disallowed goal by Lindo Mfeka for Oakland due to an offside call within minutes. However, Oakland maintained their pressure and in the 15th minute, Jeciel Cedeño earned a penalty for the team, which Johnny Rodriguez calmly converted to give Oakland a 1-0 lead.
Monterey Bay responded in the 29th minute when Alex Dixon scored from the top of the box, finding the back of the net and equalizing the score at 1-1. However, Rodriguez quickly scored his second goal of the game, putting Oakland back in the lead at 2-1. The first half ended with Oakland Roots leading 2-1 after some chippy moments towards the end.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.oaklandroostsc.com
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Oakland Roots SC 1
Memphis 901 FC 1
Cal Sate University, East Bay, Wednesday, July 12
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A hard fought game ended in a 1-1 draw, the defenses keeping the ball in the middle of the field with only a few breakaways by either side, made for an exciting game, as the Roots start to make their playoff push with the remaining schedule. Their next home game is against the Las Vegas Lights FC on Aug. 26. Above, striking from close distance Danny Barber, #14, has his shot deflected by the goaltender falling back into the net which forced the Memphis defender to clear the ball before a second shot attempt could be struck. The Oakland Roots SC hosted Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday, July 12 at California State University, East Bay, Pioneer Stadium, Hayward, CA.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Breaking away just a few steps too early, Johnny Rodriguez (#17) drilled a shot past the goaltender only to have it negated by the offsides call.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Just before halftime, the Roots defense -- (L-R) Dariusz Formella (#9), Terek Moran (#6), Bryan Tamacas (#30) and Memo Diaz (#23) -- mount a defensive wall in the attempt to block the Memphis shot, which Paul “the Wall” Blanchette (#20) would dive across to knock away.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Oakland Spiders 20
LA Aviators 19
Fremont High School, Oakland, July 15, 2023
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After falling behind early with the winds wreaking havoc in the first half, the Spiders were down at one point by six goals, when the defense stepped up to whittle the lead away with strong pressure to tie the score with eight minutes to play in the fourth. Both teams would continue to trade scores until at the end of regulation when it was tied at 18-18. In the overtime period it was again the defenses which stepped up with the Spiders getting one extra score with 30 seconds to play to secure the lead and win over their southern California rival, 20-19. They will again face the LA Aviators on Friday night in Los Angeles. This was the last regular season home game, which was even more special for two new Spiders making their inaugural professional ultimate game debuts. Matthew Bacellos #19, and Kyl Lew #50, added more youth to the already fledgling Spiders roster. Above, about to stick his landing with the disc in hand, team co-captain Evan Magsig (#32) scores in the first quarter.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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After players from both teams went up for the disc and missed it, it was the Berkeley native Dexter Clyburn (#14) who ended up with the disc and the score in dramatic fashion. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Kyle Lew (#50), making his professional ultimate debut, steps out to deliver a forehand flick to the crossing Raekwon Adkins (#30) in overtime.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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In the closing seconds of the game, Matthew Barcellos (#19), making his professional ultimate debut, had a big impact on the game. Here Barcellos just gets a finger on the disc to deflect it away from the Aviators' receiver, keeping the score tied. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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6 Bears To Play In World Rugby U20 Trophy Competition
Cal Contingent Representing Team USA, Team Hong Kong At International Tournament In Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya – Six rising sophomores from California rugby are set for competition at the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament. Cormac Saint, J.P. Vinter, Cade Crist, Solomon Williams and Rand Santos will represent Team USA while Max Threlkeld will play for Team Hong Kong. All matches will be contested at the Nyayo National Stadium in Kenya between July 15-30.
This year's competition marks the return of the World Rugby U20 Trophy after a four-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight teams have qualified for the tournament and will battle for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship, set to take place in 2024.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Seven Earn IRA All-Academic Honors
Seven members of the Stanford women's lightweight rowing programs were named to the IRA All-Academic Squad.
STANFORD, Calif. – The Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Board of Stewards announced seven Stanford lightweight rowers have been named to the IRA All-Academic squad, excelling both on the water and in the classroom.
In order to qualify for the honor, athletes needed to maintain a 3.35 GPA or higher, be of at least sophomore standing academically, be an institutional letterwinner, and have competed at the 2023 IRA Championships.
The Cardinal women's lightweight program finished sixth at the IRA Championships, led by a second-place finish for Stanford in the varsity 8+ and a seventh-place result for the Cardinal in the varsity 4+ race.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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SJSU'S MCADOO SELECTED BY PIRATES IN 13TH ROUND OF MLB DRAFT
SEATTLE — San José State's Charles McAdoo was selected in the 13th round (377 overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday, becoming the sixth player to be drafted under head coach Brad Sanfilippo.
“Thank you to my team, my family and my coaches for helping me along the journey,” said McAdoo. “It feels really good to be a Pirate.”
With McAdoo's selection, the reigning Mountain West Champions have had a player chosen in three consecutive MLB drafts as Ruben Ibarra went in the fourth round to the Cincinnati Reds in 2021 and Brady Hill was drafted in the 15th round by the Colorado Rockies in 2022.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Both Volleyball Programs Earn USMC/AVCA Team Academic Awards
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Saint Mary's volleyball family has a longstanding tradition of excellence on the court and in the classroom. That continued during the 2022-23 season, as both SMCVB and Saint Mary's beach volleyball were honored with the annual USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award, given to volleyball programs for their academic excellence in the classroom.
The award, which began being handed out during the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball programs that maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.30 on a 4.00 scale, or at least a 4.10 on a 5.00 scale.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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Five Dons Named to WGCA All-American
Scholar Team
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - The 2022-23 WGCA All-American Scholar Team was recently announced on Thursday, July 6 with a total of 1,401 women's collegiate golfers from 378 programs were recognized with this prestigious honor.
For San Francisco, Riana Mission, Jade Siphomsay, Toni Sottile and Hannah Zeman all earned honors for the second straight year while freshman Eva Pett joined this group on the list following her debut season on the Hilltop.
"I am so proud of all five members of our team who made the WGCA All-Scholar Team for the 2022-2023 school year," said head coach Sara Doell. "To have over half of our team earn this honor due to their hard work in the classroom, in the training room, in the gym and on the golf course is impressive. They work diligently to stay up with their school work while competing at a high level and they all do so with grace and class. Congratulations Jade, Toni, Hannah, Riana and Eva!"
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Skylar Hales Selected in Fourth Round of
MLB Draft
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Skylar Hales was selected by the Texas Rangers with the seventh pick in the fourth round, 108th overall, of the Major League Baseball Draft. It was the program's highest pick under head coach Rusty Filter and highest since 2016 when Mitch White went in the second round, 65th overall, to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hales features a high-90's fastball that touches triple digits. During the 2023 campaign, Hales appeared in a team-high 22 games and tossed 55 1/3 innings while also leading the team with 69 strikeouts against just 15 walks for a K/BB ration of 4.6. He also tied for the team lead with six wins and was second with four saves while posting a 3.42 ERA. He was the WCC Pitcher of the Week on March 13.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
2023 MEN'S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific men's soccer team gears up for an exciting 2023 fall season that kicks off in just over a month.
"We are very excited to get the 2023 underway with our return trip to UCSB," said Head Coach Adam Reeves. "Our schedule is heavily regionally based, which should make it appealing for our alumni base to come out and support the team. With our core group of players returning and now healthy, we are all looking forward to a successful 2023 campaign."
The Tigers start on a road trip to southern California for a two-game set against UC San Diego and UCSB. It will be the second straight year that the Tigers and Tritons face each other to open the season. The Tritons won eight matches last season, including wins over #22 Santa Clara, UNLV, Sacramento State and Cal Poly.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Magazine Shopping?
Looking for copies of Scanlan's, Ramparts or
Organ Magazine?
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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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Mission Foods Named Sponsor of New Start/Finish Bridge at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Title Sponsorship Also Names Company Official Tortillas and Tortilla Chips of the Raceway
MONTEREY, Calif., July 7, 2023— Mission Foods announced today that the company will proudly serve as the Title Sponsor of the new WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Start/Finish Bridge. The five-and-a-half-year agreement also names Mission Foods the Official Tortillas and Tortilla Chips for the raceway.
The long-awaited Start/Finish Bridge will make its grand opening debut during the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest of Monterey on July 7, where fans can cross the bridge for the first time on their way to this must-see event. Once there, fans can also enjoy samples of Mission tortilla racing chips throughout the weekend.
“As champions of motorsports, we’re excited to be the Title Sponsor of the new WeatherTech Raceway Start/Finish Bridge, our first-ever marquee racetrack sponsorship,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Mission Foods is the world’s leading brand of tortillas and wraps, and now we’re thrilled to be the official tortillas and chips of WeatherTech Raceway. As Title Sponsor, we look forward to being part of every exciting racing moment for the next five years.”
continued...
Click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
(Photo by Alec Gamino)
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Ferrari Challenge Brings Exotic Cars, Fanfare
to Sonoma Raceway!
Full day of Ferrari racing action Saturday, July 22
SONOMA, Calif. (July 12, 2023) – Ferrari Challenge roars into Northern California on Saturday, July 22 producing a must-see event for the entire family. This IMSA-sanctioned event will have over 50 drivers competing in two races plus an additional 30 special race cars taking on the track for spectators to enjoy.
All proceeds from the event will go to Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway that provides financial grants to local non-profit organizations.
Ferraris will be on track from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and fans will be treated to a pre-race grid walk and plenty of fanfare before the start of the two races, plus post-race podium celebrations as well. Fans will not want to miss a walk around the garage area to see the teams prepping the cars for the events. The Saturday, July 22 schedule can be found at SonomaRaceway.com
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Youth Race Teams
Team StFYC
Teenage members of St. Francis Yacht Club, or youth in the process of joining, are eligible to try out for the St. Francis Yacht Club Race Team.
A Team StFYC try-out could be formal, or it could be a matter of demonstrating over time that you have the right stuff — the commitment and diligence to improve and keep improving, respect for your fellow team members and competitors, respect for the expensive equipment supplied by the Club, and in possession of a spirit that expresses the joy of sailing. If you make the Team, you become part of the St. Francis story. You will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct committing to high standards, including a promise to serve on the Race Committee. You should understand Race Committee time is an opportunity to learn skills you don’t learn in a small race boat, such as how to drive a powerboat packing 150 horsepower. On Race Committee you will observe racing from a new viewpoint, make friends in new places, and become more fully a part of the St. Francis Yacht Club community. You will also be giving back to our volunteer sport. This is how we roll.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Ralph Kiner
Fascinating guy! Ralph McPherran Kiner was a major league baseball player with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1946-1953), Chicago Cubs (1953-1954), and Cleveland Indians (1955).
Ralph broke three records once set by Babe Ruth: the fastest player to hit 100 career home runs (376 games / Ruth took 528 games); the fastest player to hit 200 career home runs (706 games / Ruth took 816 games); and the fastest player to reach 300 career home runs (1,087 games /
Ruth took 1,172 games).
Kiner's records have since been passed, but when Ralph said, "Home run hitters drive Cadillacs and singles hitters drive Fords," he was ahead of his time!
Ralph with 369 home runs in 10 seasons was well on his way to establishing a new home run record. A back injury ended his career. He is in the MLB Hall of Fame for much more than his player efforts. This link will take you to his Wikipedia entry. It's worth a few minutes of your time.
Go Red Sox!
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Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
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“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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Remember Their Sacrifice
Book Signing
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Co-author Pete Elman (left) takes a brief speaking break at the book signing for Remember Their Sacrifice, Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color, at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea in Montclair on Saturday, July 15.
Co-author Arif Khatib (right) delighted the audience with his personal accounts of meeting all subjects featured in their well-regarded book.
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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! | |
Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Oakland A’s 4, Minnesota Twins 5, July 16, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Spiders 20, LA Aviators 19, July 15, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Oakland Roots SC 1, Memphis 901 FC 1, July 12, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders 0, July 12, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita..
Bay Area Panthers 75, San Diego Strike Force 40, July 10, 2023. Photos by Josh Nickel.
San Francisco Giants 5, Colorado Rockies 2, July 8, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Spiders 25, Portland Nitro 10, July 8, 2023
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Francisco Giants 0, Seattle Mariners 6, July 4, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
Oakland Soul SC 3, San Francisco Glens 1, July 2, 2023.
Photo by Ron Sellers
San Jose Earthquakes 2, LA Galaxy 2, July 1, 2023.
Photos by Alex Ho.
Warrior Screening, June 29, 2023
Photos by Ed Jay.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, July 17, through
Sunday, July 23, 2023
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Monday, July 17
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Boston Red Sox, 6:40 pm.
Tuesday, July 18
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Boston Red Sox, 6:40 pm.
Wednesday, July 19
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Boston Red Sox, 12:37 pm.
Thursday, July 20
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 9:35 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.
Friday, July 21
San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 4:05 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, July 22
San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 4:05 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Portland Timbers, 7 pm.
Oakland Roots SC @ El Paso Locomotive FC, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 23
San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 10:35 a.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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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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Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and 4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-915-5664
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives. Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication. | | | | |
