July 31 - August 6, 2023
Issue No. 496
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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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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Brian Harman Rocks the Golf World
As the only person besides Brian Harman to have picked Brian Harman to win The Open, I am happy to say he played one of the best rounds of tournament golf in history. Fewer putts than ever before in the Open and a 5-shot victory over the new breed of mesomorphs accustomed to 350-yard drives to power their ways to victory, the accurate Harman was kryptonite to the European golfers on this tough Links course. He dealt with the media in a classy, authentic manner, proud to be a hunter, fisherman and a 5'7", 160-pound 36-year-old World Champion.
Asked about fans who tried to rattle him with boos and barbs off the first tee he said, "If they really wanted to rattle me, they should have been nice."
They obviously motivated him and nobody got closer than three shots through the final round. He left them all in the dust with his smart, steady play. A guaranteed Ryder Cup selection. USA!
Robert A. Moselle
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Politics: The 49er QB Primaries
This is in response to your recent Letter on the contested 49er QB situation. This is more difficult than any political race, as regardless of hard data or how I may gauge fan support for a particular candidate, the ultimate decision will be more of an autocratic decision than an accurate vote-count.
Based on this, and not any preference on my part, I think the starter will be Trey Lance. This will enable the Top Brass to have the best of both worlds. If Trey is a great success they will have a second top-notch QB who can start, supplement Brock Purdy or serve as a medical backup. If Trey does very well, but not well enough to supplant Brock, they will have attractive trade-bait and a chance to recoup some of the many draft choices they gave up to have been in a position to select him.
I agree that the airwaves will be full of mis- or dis-information, so accurate pollster-style information is useless or must be seriously discounted. And I have recently heard, as intimated in the Letter, the "QB by Commitee" option discussed. In any event, thanks for the chance to voice my opinion: Trey Lance. At least all the 49er QB candidates are worthy to carry the 49ers' Banner!
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco, CA
Applause for Dave Newhouse
Thanks! Loved the article from Dave Newhouse on Steph Curry! So true – that man is super. He can do it all with a smile on his face and a good sense of humor. Fantastic! Thanks for what you put together every and each week. Go A's!
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
Otter 841 Rings True!
I thoroughly enjoyed Howard Pearlstein’s column today and agree with his sentiments. The allusion to John Fisher’s overwhelming apathy for the fans who pay the bills is testament to Fisher’s avarice and narcissism. Pearlstein’s unlikely comparison to Otter 841 was actually charming.
Ann Cooke
Alameda, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Bay Area Panthers 68, Northern Arizona Wranglers 46
Oakland Roots SC 1, Detroit City FC 1
Oakland Roots SC 1, Las Vegas Lights 0
San Francisco Giants 8, Oakland A's 3
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Tigres UANL 1
Features & Commentary
A Man for All Seasons: Joe Roberts, by Pete Elman
Heading Toward Issue #500--Now At #496; Your Support is Welcome!
San Francisco's Own, by Dave Newhouse
The Women's World Cup Team and NBA Summer League, by Howard Pearlstein
Tommy Lasorda -- From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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San Francisco Giants Legend | |
Tony Bennett broke the individual record for the longest run of a
top-10 album on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962.
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San Francisco's Own
by Dave Newhouse
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I can still see him there, standing in the San Francisco Giants dugout, dressed familiarly in suit and tie, with an overcoat thrown over his shoulders, just in case Candlestick Park’s famous winds started swirling.
But it was unusual calm weather on April 12, 1993, Opening Day in San Francisco instead of Tampa-St. Petersburg, after a Peter Magowan-led group bought the Giants and prevented their relocation on the opposite coast.
And there was Tony Bennett — who else? — to honor the Giants having stayed put, but undetected yet during pre-game ceremonies. I spotted him — my all-time favorite singer, ever since I was 12 — and I made a beeline toward him before the gathered media saw him, and before he was to sing — what else? — I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
“That’s my favorite song, and this is my favorite town,” Bennett told me, a remark he would repeat countless times in his unparalleled career. “This is the one town in the world -- the American Paris — that celebrates life so much.”
Therefore, “I left my heart in Tampa-St. Pete,” wouldn’t have had the same ring.
“That’s why I’m here,” Bennett said. “It’s a thrill that they're here.”
The Giants’ hearts still were here, too. Bennett first sang his paean to San Francisco at the Fairmont Hotel in 1962, and so he just had to be at Candlestick Park on opening day 30 years ago. Was he a ballplayer himself as a kid?
“Of course. I’m an American,” he replied. “Stickball. Astoria. N.Y.”
My earliest favorite Bennett song was “Stranger in Paradise,” but I mention to him another of his songs, “What Good Does It Do A Guy?” that had a more recent grasp on my affection for his singular music.
"That’s one of his favorite songs,” someone in his entourage noted.
I felt, for the moment, like a music critic. Only that’s when the other media spotted Bennett and descended upon the dugout. And so I slipped away, feeling grateful that I had an exclusive interview with an American, not just San Franciscan, treasure.
Bennett’s career spanned seven decades, singing beautifully into his early 90s before his recent death at 96 from Alzheimer’s. How many singers of note lasted that long, and with such extended popularity. You guessed it: None.
That opening day in 1993 marked the debut of Barry Bonds as a Giant, and he homered in his first at bat against the brand-new Florida Marlins, who thought they would be playing the Tampa-St. Pete Giants instead. I can’t remember the final score that day, except that the Giants won, with Darren Lewis driving in the winning run for the orange and black.
Did Tony Bennett bring good luck to the Giants in that opener? Think what you must, but someone else in that pre-game scene helped the Giants remain in San Francisco. However, he was an unnoticed participant until I saw him walking away and chased him down.
Frank Jordan wasn’t the most popular mayor in San Francisco history, enduring heavy public criticism in his leadership role. But, heroically, he also should be regarded highly as someone who fought for, and succeeded, in keeping the Giants here.
“It’s something I can remember for the rest of my life,” Jordan said.
"I can hear ‘Play ball!’ out here, and know I had something to do with it.”
He felt like a stranger in paradise, thus he and Tony Bennett had something in common.
* * *
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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San Francisco Giants 8
Oakland A's 3
Oracle Park, Wednesday, July 26
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Oakland A's left fielder Tony Kemp opened the game at the Giants' home park with a single and stole second base, where he would be stranded. Kemp finished the game with three hits but no RBIs. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
Oakland A’s right fielder Ramon Laureano makes an impressive catch look easy off the bat of J.D. Davis in the third inning. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
New arrival Marco Luciano made his Major League Debut with the game and became the youngest Giant to play shortstop since Royce Clayton in 1991.
Photo by Rich Yee.
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J.D. Davis celebrates with third base coach Mark Hallberg while rounding the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
San Francisco Giants Alyssa Nakken is the first full-time female coach in MLB history, and the first to coach on the field during a major league game.
Photo by Rich Yee.
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The San Francisco Giants rebounded from the end of a dismal road trip with their second straight victory over their Bay Area rival and hope to build upon the series win. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo by Rich Yee. .
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Heading Toward Issue #500!
Now At #496 --
Don't Miss A Chance to Donate --
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Your donation, of any amount, will help offset costs of production, internet-related service fees, and other items related to this unique, highly acclaimed FREE weekly sports journal.
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Warriors and United Airlines Receive Beyond The Check Award for Franchise Fund Program
Team Honored for Their Economic Impact Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors and United Airlines are recipients of the 2023 Beyond the Check Award in Economic Impact from the San Francisco Business Times as part of their Corporate Philanthropy awards, it was announced today by the publication. Beyond the Check recognizes the team’s efforts to go beyond cash giving to a deeper level of philanthropy. Each year, the San Francisco Business Times recognizes five companies that are focused on giving beyond monetary donations and engaging employees and customers in volunteerism and philanthropy. The Warriors were previously awarded the Beyond the Check Award in 2018 and 2021 in the Youth Development and Community Impact categories respectively.
The Warriors and United Airlines are being recognized for Franchise Fund, a program aimed to support economic development in Bay Area communities and provide equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs. The five-month program is designed with the help of the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) to help minority-owned small businesses in the Bay Area become corporate ready and provide them the resources to become certified as minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the nation’s leading third-party certifier.
In May, the Warriors and United Airlines celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of Franchise Fund. To date, 53% of participating businesses in the program are women-owned and 57 businesses, who employ a total of 584 employees, have graduated from Franchise Fund. On average, graduating businesses have seen a 29% revenue growth since completing the program, with many earning their first multi-million-dollar contracts. For video from the graduation, CLICK HERE.
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For a full report, click CLICK HERE.
www.warriors.com
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Celebrate A's Legends! Join us as we honor five members of the 2023 Class of the Athletics Hall of Fame. League MVP Jason Giambi, World Series Champions Carney Lansford and Gene Tenace, Philadelphia Athletic Bob Johnson, and "Voice of God" public address announcer Roy Steele will be enshrined in franchise history forever.
This historic group will be celebrated during a pregame ceremony at the Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 6, during our annual Bay Bridge Series against the
San Francisco Giants.
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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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Former NBA player Joe Roberts was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors in their title year of 1975 | |
A Man for All Seasons:
Joe Roberts
by Pete Elman
It was May 25, 1975, the fourth game of the NBA finals between the visiting Golden State Warriors and the host Washington Bullets. The Bullets, who had come into the series a heavy favorite, had been out-played by the scrappy “Cardiac Kids” from Oakland, who had won three games by a combined 15 points.
The Bullets were in their second season in D.C., having moved from Baltimore prior to the 1973–74 season. Led by Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes and coached by USF star and Boston Celtic legend K.C. Jones, they had won 60 games that season.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, with head coach Al “the Destroyer” Attles and superstar Rick Barry, were known for their depth; their second unit played almost as much as the starters.
In the defining play of the series, Attles charged the court in the first quarter of Game 4 to confront Bullet player Mike Riordan, who had been intentionally fouling Barry since the tip off. Attles—but not Riordan--was ejected by referee Richie Powers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMfzATECQTw
The Warriors bench went ballistic; tensions were high. But Golden State had a secret weapon on their bench. Their only assistant coach was Joe Roberts. Roberts kept his cool, calmed down Attles and his players, and then masterfully led them to a thrilling 96-95 victory, completing what remains the biggest upset sweep in NBA
history. The Warriors wouldn't win another title for 40 years.
Joe Roberts, player, coach, educator, real estate man, husband, and father, passed away last October at his home in Oakland. He was 86. Roberts was a beloved figure, a student of the game of basketball—and life. I recently had a conversation with his wife of 65 years, Celia.
“Joe and I were high school sweethearts growing up in East Columbus, Ohio,” she said. “He went off to Ohio State, and I went off to Howard University, but after one semester I returned home to be with him. We got married while sophomores. He was the greatest guy.”
Joe was also known for his sharp mind and terrific sense of humor.
“He was a serious guy, but he never took himself too seriously,” she laughed.
He attended Ohio State University, and as a senior was co-captain of the legendary 1959-60 NCAA title team that went 25-3. He led a squad that included all homegrown Ohio boys; future NBA players Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, Larry Siegfried, Mel Nowell and sixth man Bobby Knight. Roberts was the veteran presence that held that powerhouse lineup together. And they remained friends for
62 years. The Buckeyes have yet to win another national basketball title since.
“Luke (Jerry Lucas) still calls me every Saturday,” Celia said, “and Joe would talk to Bobby Knight every week.”
Roberts was drafted in 1960 by the Syracuse Nationals (now Philadelphia 76ers) and played three seasons in the NBA and one in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels.
After a stint as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa, Roberts accepted a job as Attles’ assistant coach, and stayed for five years and he and Celia remained in Oakland. And all the time he was honing the skills that would make him a lifetime educator. He was also a devoted father.
“We have three wonderful daughters—Joe was a real ‘girl dad,’ ” said Celia.
Roberts received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State, a master’s in counseling from Western Michigan, and two more master’s degrees from Cal State East Bay in special education and administration. He would go on to teach middle and high school in Oakland, but eventually found a position that suited his personality.
“Education was his passion,” said Celia. “His favorite job was teaching at juvenile hall—he did that until he was 82. Often his former students would see him on the street and he’d ask them how they were doing. He absolutely loved that job, and loved the kids.”
Joe was also interested in real estate, so he got his realtor’s license and for many years had a successful company in Oakland.
On July 13 Ohio State University announced 14 athletes who will be inducted this year into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. And one will be Joe Roberts, the last starter off the 1960 team elected to the OSU Hall of Fame. Lucas and Havlicek were in the inaugural class of 2006, Siegfried was inducted in 2008, and Nowell has yet to be inducted.
Celia will be going back to her hometown this October for the ceremony. “I’m sad he’s not here to accept,” Celia said, “but it’s better late than never. Joe would be so proud.”
Joe Roberts was surely a man for all seasons.
* * *
Pete Elman is the author of an outstanding new book, Insights and Outakes, a collection of sports essays covering Bay Area teams and sports personalities. For more information, see below.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
An Easy One because of just being all over the news.
The ESPN headline on July 25, 2023:
"Braves turn first 8-3-5 triple play since 1884
against Red Sox!"
What two teams were involved in the first
8-3-5 triple play?
Answer below.
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The Women’s World Cup Team and the NBA Summer League
by Howard Pearlstein
I’m not comparing one to the other (”Comparisons are Odious”), just noticing similar situations, problems and successes are happening in both.
First: the teams in the NBA Summer League and the World Cup team are made up of the best players from a variety of different sources. Which means, in the Group Stage, most of them are playing with the others for the first time. And even though these players are highly skilled, to get to Knockout Stage, they need to dedicate a fair amount of their focus to be in position and not bump into other players.
I have said for a long time that the NBA Warriors seemed to come closest to soccer, even knowing almost nothing about soccer except the continual motion on the playing field – moving moving moving and shooting to score when the best angle seems open.
NBA teams take that shot 50 times and more in each game, while the World Cup players might get a shot maybe two, five, 10 times in a game.
The players’ goals are also different. Summer League players are auditioning for big time jobs with either the parent franchise or any other in the USA or Europe. For the World Cup women, coming from their individual Super League teams, this IS the big time.
The World Cup series is the Playoffs, while the NBA Summer League is, for lack of a better word, the Play-ins.
But still, I was unsure of just what it was I was seeing and what I was supposed to be looking at, despite having read two excellent books by Ann Killion – Champions of Women’s Soccer and Solo, the auto-bio she co-authored with former soccer great, Hope Solo.
Then Thursday night, after watching a couple of TCM movies, I realized I’d left the DVR request on for the England-Denmark game, and I decided to check it out before bedtime.
And there it was.
England dominated the first half, maintaining almost continual possession with smooth passes, everyone in perfect position.
Smooth – it was that dance, that poetry in motion we love with the Dubs’ passing game: Steph to Draymond to Klay to Wiggins to Klay to Draymond – consternation to the defense until Steph or Klay or Wiggs takes the shot.
England did the same thing, except with their feet and outdoors on grass. Smooth, each kick getting to another player who, in turn, kicked it (or headed it) along back or forth to the next player, going for the best angle, until it reached first-timer Lauren James seven minutes in, who nailed it with a straight shot between two defenders for a goal.
That series of passes and the score showed me what soccer could be and why, for people who grow up footing a ball, it is well worth 90 minutes, or in this case, another 83 minutes, to be sure that perfect single shot can win the game, 1-0.
And like anything, once you understand some things, it’s a sort of epiphany, not the sacred kind, except for true fans who worship at the altar of the game.
Oh: the USA-Vietnam game -- Vietnam’s goalie had a prominent Adam’s Apple.
I assumed it showed a M-F transgender. But less often, it could just be a female athlete having had more testosterone during puberty. Still, it would be enough in some parts of, “I’m dumb as a mud fence, but I know what’s right and what’s wrong” America to ban a young woman from competitive sports. But maybe that’s just my evil “WOKE” talking.
* * *
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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Tommy Lasorda -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
Many years ago I was boarding a plane from San Francisco to Los Angeles and as I was passing thru First Class I spotted former Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda. I didn’t have time to stop and say hello so I waited until the landed. As he was departing the plane I approached him and said hello. He was very friendly and I think he enjoyed being recognized. He asked my name and we shook hands. I didn’t have anything baseball related for him to sign so I had him sign an index card. I’ve had this in my collection for years.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Bay Area Panthers 68
Northern Arizona Wranglers 46
SAP Center, San Jose -- Saturday, July 29
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IFL Western Conference Champions! The Panthers secured the trophy Saturday night in San Jose with a solid showing against the defending champion Northern Arizona Wranglers, 68-46. They will play for the IFL National Championship at the Dollar Loan Center next Saturday, Aug. 5 in Henderson, Nevada. Above, co-owner Roy Choi (center) and coach Rob Keefe (left of Choi) pose with the trophy and team post-game. Caption and photo by Josh Nickel. | |
The Panthers O-line created multiple scoring opportunities, opening running lanes and protecting QB Dalton Sneed (#11). Amari Catchings (#79), Kyle Davis (#74), Elyjah Lipscomb (#72), and Wand Jermaine Ledbetter (#54). Caption and photo by Josh Nickel. | |
Shortly before the end of the first half, WR Nih-Jer Jackson (#13) goes airborne to snag a long bomb by QB Dalton Sneed (#11) for a TD. The Panthers would miss the PAT due to a holding penalty, but ended the half up a score, 26-18. 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 Josh Nickel. | |
San Jose Earthquakes 0
Tigres UANL 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, Sunday, July 30
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Referee Marcos de Oliveira shows San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Carlos Akapo (#29) a yellow card in the 41st minute. Club Tigres defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 1–0, in a Leagues Cup Matchday 8 Group West 1 game at PayPal Park on July 30, 2023 in San Jose, California. © 2023 Alex Ho. | |
San Jose Earthquakes striker Jeremy Ebobisse (#11) collides with Club Tigres midfielder Sebastián Córdova (#17). © 2023 Alex Ho. | |
San Jose Earthquakes forward Ayo Akinola (#9) is unable to head the ball in front of Club Tigres midfielder Guido Pizarro (#19).
© 2023 Alex Ho.
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Oakland Roots SC 1
Detroit City FC 1
Cal State University East Bay, Hayward, July 29
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Roots Score Quick, But Draw Detroit City 1-1
Oakland Roots made quick history Saturday night in the East Bay, but were unable to secure all three points, as Roots drew visiting Detroit City FC by a final score of 1-1.
Roots opened the match in historic fashion, when Oakland’s leading scorer Johnny Rodriguez scored in the very first minute of play, giving his squad a 1-0 lead. The goal was the fastest in club history, and came on a perfect shot from distance into the top corner past the outstretched hands of Detroit netminder Nate Steinwascher. The early goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
The joy was not to last long though, as just moments later Detroit’s Steve Carroll found an equalizer, heading the ball past Roots keeper Paul Blanchette when he was left alone in front of the goal on a corner kick.
Both teams fought hard through the remainder of the half to break the deadlock. Each side created a fair number of scoring chances, trading bouts of possession in the other’s defensive half.
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For a full report, click HERE..
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Oakland Roots SC 1
Las Vegas Lights FC 0
Cal State University East Bay, Hayward, July 26
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Roots Win Third Straight, Beat Las Vegas Lights FC 1-0
Las Vegas looked to equalize late, but Roots weathered the storm, defeating visiting Las Vegas Lights FC by a final score of 1-0 at Pioneer Stadium in the East Bay on Wednesday night.
Oakland looked comfortable in the first frame of the match, pressing into Las Vegas territory on multiple occasions thanks to quality runs and quality passing to match.
Roots nearly opened the scoring at the 13’ mark on a rocket off the foot of Johnny Rodriguez but a Las Vegas defender made an acrobatic play to head the ball away from danger.
Scoring chances continued to come for Oakland, including on a play where the ball looked to ricochet off of the arms of a Lights defender in the penalty area. Roots players pleaded to the official but no whistle was blown and play continued.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Cal Swimmers Capture Four Medals At World Championships
Jack Alexy Wins A Pair of Silvers, Giving Him Four For The Meet
FUKUOKA, Japan – The contingent of Cal swimmers had a stellar day Saturday at the 2023 World Aquatics Championship. Rising junior Jack Alexy won a pair of silver medals, Dare Rose captured his first career individual medal (bronze) and Abbey Weitzeil won silver in the mixed 4x100 free relay with Alexy.
Day seven of the World Championships began with the finals of the 50-meter freestyle where Alexy cemented himself as one of the top freestylers in the world after taking the silver medal in a personal-best time of 21.57. He already won silver in the 100 free earlier in the meet. In the 5 free0, he was out of medal contention in the final 35 meters but a furious charge saw Alexy out-touch defending world champion Ben Proud from Great Britain by one-hundredth of a second.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Schedule Released
Stanford will open the season September 2 at the Triton Invitational
STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford men's water polo program has announced its fall schedule for the 2023 season, including seven regular season home contests at Avery Aquatic Center.
The Cardinal will also be featured at least three times on the Pac-12 Network, including home contests against USC on October 7 and California on October 14.
Stanford will begin the season at the Triton Invitational September 2-3, and will not play a home contest until September 29 vs. Santa Clara. Early-season trips include matches at UCLA (September 9), Loyola Marymount (September 10), UC San Diego (September 15) and UC Santa Barbara (September 17).
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By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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GAME UPDATE: SJSU HOSTS CAL POLY SEPT. 9 AT 1:00 P.M. ON NBC SPORTS BAY AREA
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State football will host Cal Poly on Sept. 9th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. from CEFCU Stadium on NBC Sports Bay Area for the annual City of San Jose Game.
This will be the third season in a row the Spartans have partnered with NBC Sports Bay Area to produce a football game.
The Spartans last played Cal Poly on Sept. 2, 2017 in a 34-13 home win. SJSU is 11-4 all-time against the Mustangs with the first meeting occurring in 1923.
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For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
ROW | Seven Gaels Recognized as CRCA Scholar Athletes
JACKSONVILLE, Fl. — The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association has announced their annual Scholar Athletes list for the 2023 season and seven Gaels have been included.
Over 1,000 student-athletes representing 111 institutions have earned 2023 CRCA Scholar Athlete honors. To qualify, an athlete must meet both academic and athletic requirements, such as being in at least their 2nd year of eligibility and maintaining an average cum. GPA of 3.50 or higher. Additionally, student-athletes must have rowed in their institution's NCAA or IRA (lightweight) eligible boats for a minimum of 75% of the current spring races or race in an NCAA Boat at their Conference Championship/NCAA Championship.
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For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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Ariell Bostick Joins Women's Basketball Staff
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Head coach Molly Goodenbour and the University of San Francisco women's basketball program officially announced today the hiring of Ariell Bostick as the program's new Director of Operations.
"We are excited to add Ariell to our staff as Director of Operations," said Goodenbour. "She is a hard worker and will be a huge asset to our program. She has coaching experience and has spent time in collegiate athletic administration. Her skills are well suited to this job and we are excited to get her back in the Bay Area.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Francisco Caffaro Set To Join Argentina National Team
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - One of Santa Clara men's basketball's newest members is set to make the long trek from the Bay Area to Spain. Francisco Caffaro, a graduate transfer from the University of Virginia, will soon join the Argentina Senior National Team for a series of four "friendly" games in Spain that will be played in preparation for the FIBA Americas Olympic Pre-qualifier.
Caffaro and Argentina will begin their journey with the first of four friendly matches beginning on July 25 in Alicante, Spain. They will play two games there before traveling to Prague to take on the Czech Republic and Latvia as their final preparation before heading home to Argentina. There, they will play in the Olympic Pre-qualifier tournament, held August 14-20, in the province of Santiago del Estero.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
BEACH VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM TO HOST SKILLS CLINIC ON AUGUST 12-13
STOCKTON, Calif. -- The Pacific Beach Volleyball program will host a skills clinic open to grades 7-12 on August 12 and 13. The clinic will have two sessions each day, from 10 a.m. to Noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration is available here. All camps and/or clinics are open to all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level and gender.
For more information on the clinic, contact head coach Sydney Wetterstrom at swetterstrom@pacific.edu.
Wetterstrom joined the Pacific staff in July after coaching at Southern Mississippi, Akron and Florida State. She was a beach player for the Seminoles following a storied indoor career at Michigan.
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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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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Poster Celebrates 70th Anniversary
of Corvette
MONTEREY, Calif., July 28, 2023—You can almost hear the roar of the Corvettes that are racing in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Aug. 16-19, which are expertly illustrated in the official artwork revealed today. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca hosts the 49th year of this historic event that this year celebrates the 70th anniversary of the American performance icon, Chevrolet Corvette.
Artist Bill Patterson skillfully captures the speed, history and craft of an American performance icon – Corvette – in this year’s featured poster art, which has become synonymous with the renowned event.
“Corvette is a marque that is not only a great American icon, but it has built an international following as well,” says artist Bill Patterson who has been associated with WeatherTech Raceway for more than 18 years. He explains that it’s both exciting and formidable to tackle such an important art piece that is seen around the world.
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Click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Brian Flynn Named Executive Vice President and General Manager
At Sonoma Raceway
Current EVP and GM Jill Gregory to form her own consulting firm with Speedway Motorsports
as first client
CONCORD, N.C. (July 19, 2023) – Distinguished motorsports business veteran Brian Flynn has been named the new Executive Vice President and General Manager at Sonoma Raceway. Speedway Motorsports President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith made the announcement Wednesday.
With 30 years of senior motorsports and business management experience, Flynn will serve for the first time as a sports venue executive after consulting for 18 months with Sonoma Raceway on its high-performance driving, karting and hospitality experiences.
“Brian Flynn is an expert in so many aspects of the motorsports entertainment business,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “His familiarity with Sonoma Raceway and relationships across race teams, sponsors and industry executives make him the perfect fit to continue building on what Jill (Gregory) and the Sonoma team have created in the past two-and-a-half years.”
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Race Committee
The St. Francis Yacht Club Race Committee is renowned for running some of the best sailboat, kiting and windsurfing races in the world. Comprised of over 200 member and non-member volunteers, our Race Committee's dedication to the sport shows in the 140+ days they spend on the water each year.
Sign up to Volunteer
All of the Race Committee races, trainings and events utilize the online volunteer registration program called CERVIS. Everyone is welcome to create an account and start volunteering or attending trainings at any time! Click LOG IN below to access your account. Please do not hesitate to call the Race Office with questions at 415-655-7756.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
It looks like the Boston Beaneaters and Providence Grays used the same
commercial artist!
I could have made this a two-part trivia question. Check out where the Boston Beaneaters went: https://bit.ly/43OAQbq.
The Beaneaters are now known as the
Atlanta Braves!
https://bit.ly/456P34B will take you to
the ESPN report.
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-authors Pete Elman (left) and Arif Khatib address a question from the audience during a book signing for Remember Their Sacrifice, Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color, at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea in Montclair on July 15. Mr. Khatib 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 | |
Bay Area Panthers 68, Northern Arizona Wranglers 46, July 29, 2023. Photos by Josh Nickel
San Francisco Giants 8, Oakland A’s 3, July 26, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee
Bay Area Panthers 46, Tucson Sugar Skulls 34, July 23, 2023.
Photos by Josh Nickel
Oakland A’s 2, Houston Astros 3, July 23, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland A’s 3, Boston Red Sox 0, July 18, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita
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.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, July 31, through
Sunday, August 6, 2023
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Monday, July 31
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday, August 1
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 pm.
Wednesday, August 2
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 pm.
Thursday, August 3
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 pm.
Friday, August 4
Oakland Roots SC @ Charleston Battery, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 5
Oakland A's vs. San Francisco Giants, 4:07 p.m.
Sunday, August 6
Oakland A's vs. San Francisco Giants, 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 | | |
Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and 4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
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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. | | | | |