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July 22 -- July 28, 2024

Issue No. 547

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski

Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).

Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young

Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor

Memo to USA Basketball Olympians


"Hubris" describes a personality quality of extreme or excessive pride, dangerous overconfidence and complacency, often in combination with (or synonymous with) arrogance. In "Julius Caesar," Shakespeare describes Julius Caesar to have said: "It's only hubris if I fail."


Caesar's tragic mistake was his high self-regard and assumption he was invincible, and could not allow himself to appear cowardly before either the Senate or his people. Therefore, he willfully misinterpreted a soothsayer's warning to “Beware the Ides of March," and was assassinated on that day, March 15th. Can America's basketball teams, male or female, lose? I hope they at least entertain that possibility. Beware of Hubris, regardless of the dates of your games.


https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/beware-the-ides-of-march#google_vignette


Robert A. Moselle

Marketing Director, Sports Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/ 

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Contents

Games

Oakland A's 13, Los Angeles Angels 3

Oakland Roots SC 2, Sacramento Republic 5

San Jose Earthquakes 0, Minnesota United 2


Features & Commentary

Assassins Lurking in the Shadows, by Dave Newhouse

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, by Arif Khatib

Dave Stewart, from the Autograph Collection of Andy Dolich

Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!

How Willie Mays Made A Little Kid's Dream Come True, by Benson Wong

Too Much is Not Enough, by Howard Pearlstein

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.



Organizations

Bay Area Falcons

Bay Area Panthers

Bay FC

Cal Bears

Cal State University East Bay

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

Oakland Ballers

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul SC

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Nighthawks

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose State Spartans

Santa Clara Broncos

SF City

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

Stanford Cardinal

UC Davis Aggies

University of Pacific Tigers

USF Dons

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca

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Oakland A's 13

Los Angeles Angels 3

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Friday, July 19, 2024

Max Schuemann drove in four runs and finished a triple short of a cycle as the Oakland Athletics began the second half of the season with a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, July 19th at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Starter JP Sears gave up two earned runs over 5-2/3 innings to earn his seventh victory of the season. Caption and photo by

Darren Yamashita.

2023 first-round pick Jacob Wilson made his MLB debut and collected his first hit in the third inning. Wilson strained his hamstring while scoring a run later in the inning and left the game. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson signs autographs before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. 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 Darren Yamashita.

Presidential Perils



Assassins

Lurking

In Shadows

by Dave Newhouse

Sixty years and eight months ago, an assassin on the sixth floor of a Texas book depository killed an American president, re-affirming the danger of achieving our country’s highest office. It’s a political peril that lives with us sadly even now.


Lee Harvey Oswald took the life of John Fitzgerald Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963 during a presidential motorcade in Dallas. A week ago Saturday, Thomas Matthew Crooks nearly executed Donald John Trump during a campaign speech in Butler, PA.


Pardon me for pausing in writing about sports, but an assassination makes it difficult to think of playing games when a president’s obituary is a possible outcome. If Trump hadn’t turned his head at that precise moment, the bullet would have entered his temple instead of his right ear, and the American flag would be flying at half-mast today.


In 1963, I was a college student at San Jose State, and about to attend class when word of Kennedy’s being shot circulated through the building. I was then sports editor of the school newspaper, the Spartan Daily, and that staff gathered to print the first extra edition of the newspaper in school history, even beating the San Jose Mercury-News out on the street. My contribution was a fictional story of a father explaining to his young son why an assassination can happen.

John Kennedy,

35th President of the United States

John Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States

Ronald Reagan,

40th President of the United States


Then I watched on television as night club owner Jack Ruby shot and killed Oswald in the basement of the Dallas police headquarters. I returned to sports writing hoping to never live through such a horrid time again. Then In September 1975, two assassination attempts on President Gerald Ford’s life took place within seventeen days in California. The shooters were Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme and Sara Jane Moore, and the president luckily survived each attack.


In March 1981, President Ronald Reagan was exiting a Washington, D.C. hotel when he was shot by John Hinckley, Jr., whose bullet ricocheted off a vehicle and struck the president under the left armpit, hospitalizing him for twelve days. “Getting shot hurts,” he told his wife, and his gallantry reverberated across the land.


I’ve covered innumerable athletes who’ve shown amazing composure in the most stressful situations, demonstrating no quit whatsoever in stadiums and arenas, but never with a bullet in their bodies or narrowly missing them. We saw that demonstration of bravery once again in Pennsylvania. Trump grabbed his ear, slumped to the ground, only to rise up surrounded by Secret Service and pump his fist defiantly and triumphantly, showing amazing courage when death was one inch away.


How does someone attacked like that react so positively, so quickly when his life was nearly taken? Trump gained new supporters through his fearless heroism. And even though he quickly tarnished that gained image with a typically unsavory, record-long acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, following a heartfelt beginning, he had the right to say what he pleased, considering the alternative. You can’t speak from a casket.


Four presidents have been assassinated: Abraham Lincoln (1865), James A. Garfield (1881), William McKinley (1901), and JFK. Three have been injured by gunshot: Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt (1912), and Trump. A precarious position, our presidency.


Who knows how this next presidential election will turn out? Joe Biden has dropped out on the Democratic side, and Trump is unpredictable on the Republican side. But we’ve learned once again of the risk involved when danger lurks in motorcades, on the street, at rallies, or on rooftops.


The game of life is no game.

* * *

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.

A Willie Mays Memory


How Willie Mays Made A Little Kid's Dream Come True


by Benson Wong



When I was 8 years old I heard from a schoolmate that my hero, Willie Mays, had moved into the neighborhood, right down the block on Spruce Street in San Francisco.



One morning while Mom was rushing off to work, I informed her that I felt too sick to go to school. Mom stood in front of my bed and told me, "I want you to Stay in Bed, No TV and No Playing Around!"


Shortly after Mom left, I got out of bed (I felt much better) ... and peeked out the window and watched her get on the 55 Sacramento bus.

Then I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and put on my Giants (Willie Mays #24) uniform...grabbed my cap, glove, bat, ball, pen, and autograph book...and headed down the street to pay Willie Mays a visit.

On my way to visit Willie, I was a little nervous about walking down the street and being seen by my neighbors, especially by Mr. & Mrs. White. They were both passionate about getting a good education. Mrs. White was the consummate educator in the SFUSD for many years.

As I quickly walked past their house, I heard a voice calling out, "Young fella, where are you going? Aren't you supposed to be in school? You shouldn't be out playing now. You've got to get an education!"

I said, "Hi Mr. White. I will, but I have to go see Willie Mays first." Mr. White responded, "Willie Mays, where???" I pointed to Willie's building as Mr. White came down the stairs and walked with me to the corner.

I asked Mr. White if he wanted to go see Willie with me. Mr. White softly said, "Ok, You better hurry up and go see Willie!"

As I got to Willie's front door, I turned around and saw Mr. White watching me from across the street. I smiled and waved to him and thought, good thing Mrs. White is at school or else I might be in Big Trouble. 

I rang Willie's doorbell and when Willie pulled the handle (from the third floor) that opened the front door down on the first floor, he called out, "Who's there?" in a deep, and kind of loud and scary voice. I answered (in my eight-year-old, high pitched voice) "It's me, Willie. Can I have your autograph?" There was a slight pause, and then Willie said, "Come on up!"

Willie lived up on the third floor that had a long, winding flight of stairs. When I got about halfway up the stairs, Willie asked me, "What's taking you so long???" I answered, "I dropped my ball and it's rolling down the stairs." Willie said, "Well, hurry up and go get it!" I answered, "Ok, Willie." 

Willie and Ben in Willie's kitchen


When I finally got my ball, (which bounced all the way back down to the first floor) and made it to the third floor, Willie was standing at the top of the stairs with a spatula in his hand. I said hi to Willie, and asked him what he was doing with that. (I smelled eggs cooking.) Willie didn't answer me, but he had a smile on his face as he put the spatula between his knees and started signing my bat, glove, ball, and autograph book.


I then proceeded to make an innocent but stupid comment: "Willie, You know what? You Are My Best Fan!" and Willie answered, "Oh yeah?" I said, "Yeah." Then I said to myself, "How stupid of me!" but I didn't correct myself. 


Then I asked Willie if I could see his trophies. Willie led me to a large glass display case that had some of his pictures, gold gloves, gold bats, balls, and other trophies. All I could say was, "WOW!"


Before I finally left Willie's apartment I had the nerve to ask Willie if I could be his batboy sometime, and he answered, "We'll see. Come back another time because I have to get to the ballpark." I thanked Willie and then left.


As I was walking home, I heard Mr. White's voice, "Ben, well, let me see what you got! Oh yeah, that says Willie Mays for sure. That's the real thing. Mmmm hmmm. You better keep that safe. That will be very valuable someday. You better hurry up and get to school now!"


I said, "Ok"...but when I got home, I was a little hungry, so I got a spatula and pan out and made some scrambled eggs. (I even put the spatula between my knees, just like Willie did). 

Willie Mays' autograph


Then I opened my lunch pail and ate my lunch that Mom made for me. I stayed home for the rest of the day and kept thinking about what just happened. WOW, I did it! I saw Willie Mays and talked to him! Woo Hoo! Yes! 

...and Yes, I did get in a little trouble. I made the mistake of getting too excited and telling my older sister what happened. She couldn't wait for Mom to get home so that she could tattle on me...Sigh. I got a lecture and was probably grounded from something...can't remember. But it was all worth it! 

As you can imagine, I was on cloud nine, the happiest kid in the world. The next season, I got to be a batboy for a day for Willie and the San Francesco Giants.

Note: My parents found out about me being a batboy in Herb Caen's column. I was shocked when my Dad showed me the short article and asked me about it. The article read something like, "The most envied kid in town. Benson Wong got to sit in the dugout and be Willie Mays' batboy for the day."

I wondered how Herb Caen knew? I wish that I could find that article.

Benson Wong at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

Willie Mays' kindness helped set the tone for my love for sports. The simple dream of wanting to meet Willie Mays, and then making that dream come true, also helped mold my positive outlook on life and gave me the courage, confidence and knowingness that I could create and have just about anything I wanted in life, if I set my mind to it.


P.S. -- I recently read this story to Mom. She smiled and said that I was a naughty boy for fibbing to her about being too sick to go to school.

I said, "Sorry Mom!" We both laughed. Mom is 92 years old now. She was 34 years old when this happened. lol. 


* * *

My story was featured in the Ultimate Sports Guide's Sports Today

on July 3, 2018. I never thought of publishing this story. One day I just decided to put it on paper to share with my kids, family, and a few friends. Photographer extraordinaire Ed Jay read my story and liked it a lot. He presented the story to the magazine. Cool! Thank you,

Ed Jay and the Ultimate Sports Guide.

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Our contributors are highly respected journalists, authors and photographers providing a wide array of in-depth articles and images, and our Letters to the Editor delights readers.

 

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thanks the following generous donors!

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San Francisco Giants

Summer continues with the Bay Bridge Series. The Giants take on the A’s in a two-game series on July 30 & 31 at Oracle Park. On Tuesday, July 30, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Giants Trading Card Day set, presented by TOPPS®. Get tickets now!

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We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!


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Goodbye, Oakland

Authors Dave Newhouse and

Andy Dolich sold out at Oakland's Fans' Fest

Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story

For purchase through Triumph Books

https://www.triumphbooks.com/goodbye--oakland-

products-9781637272152.php

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Oakland Roots 2

Sacramento Republic 5

Pioneer Stadium, Hayward, CA

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Under perfect midday conditions, with busloads of Sacramento faithful flooding into Pioneer Stadium (above) at California State University East Bay, the match would be a lively affair between host Oakland Roots SC and visiting Sacramento Republic FC. Sacramento jumped out early and build a 4-0 lead at halftime. Roots responded in the second half with two goals by Johnny Rodriguez, but it would be all of the Roots scoring who gave up one more goal. Final score:

Roots 2, Republic 5. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Roots goaltender Timothy Syrel (#60) dives to make the save midway through the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

The only real scoring attempt came in the first half by way of a header from Neveal Hackshaw (#15), which hit the crossbar in the first half.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Johnny Rodriguez (#17) drills a shot past the defense to score the first of his two goals in the second half of the game. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo

by Ron Sellers.

Dave Stewart -- from the Autograph Collection of

Andy Dolich

-- Memories --


During my years with the A's, 1980-1994, I collected a number of items which were important to me. Fifty-six years at the Oakland Coliseum will come to an end on September 26th. Over the next few months I'll be sharing photos with some of my favorite pieces of

A's memorabilia in the Ultimate Sport Guide's Sports Today.


Dave "Smoke" Stewart's No Hitter Ball

& Game Ticket


In 1990 Stewart was 22–11, his fourth straight 20-win season with a 2.56 ERA in 36 starts. He led the league in innings pitched (267), complete games (11) and shutouts (4).


On June 29, Stew threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in the Sky Dome: A's 5, Jays 0. That same day Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers no-hit St. Louis at Dodger Stadium. This was the first time in Major League history that no-hitters had been thrown in both leagues on the same day. The A's won their third straight pennant, beating the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series.

We lost to the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series.


-- Andy Dolich

Sports Precis

Too Much Is Not Enough


by Howard Pearlstein


That was a statement said in the 60s and it meant something simple that changed into something else, something totally different and opposite. This is something that happens a lot, the most idiotic example being the meaningless phrase: “The exception proves the rule.” That makes no sense at all.


The actual phrase referred to mathematics: “The exception PROOFS the rule,” meaning you can test (proof) a rule and if there is one (exception), then it’s NOT a rule.



If “enough” is the ideal (having enough, giving enough, eating enough, etc.), then “too much” can be a bad thing and not the “enough” we want.


There is a mentality that tells us to admire millionaires and billionaires because wanting More! More! More! is some sort of virtue (formerly known as a Deadly Sin). That thinking turns the phrase into something else, meaning that despite having too much, a person needs more.


Why is this a sports thing?


Because I found myself musing on G League and Summer League and in football, the UFL (Unnecessary Football League). Baseball Leagues. Football Leagues.


How about a Pacific Pissant League? More Leagues! More channels! More games! Longer Seasons! Even though it is crippling some of the best athletes.


More players. How many good-to-great players are out there, players you want to watch? Even the top teams have players who are a step or two behind the others, barely up to that level.


Are we overcompensating because of a COVID year without live sports?


Too much of a good thing? Too much of anything dilutes it. The enjoyment of games gets diluted by too many. Enough is, as Goldilocks said: “Just right.”


I grew up in Post WWII America when it was all about getting more money and stuff, a race fueled by post-war manufacturers whose golden years of military equipment which got destroyed and replaced were over. My father was a dentist, and in the post-war rush to Plenty, his answer about money was: “We have enough.” He loved sports and many of his high school buddies were sportsmen.


One of them ultimately owned the Warriors. But his idea of The Good Life was being a dentist, people coming to him in pain and him able to fix that for them. He was making enough, even when some patients couldn’t afford to pay.


Some time ago I had a few drinks with a friend who was capital-R Rich. (His family name was a nationally known Brand Name.) He talked about how it was a drag, always about money with his family, every conversation was about money. I said I didn’t know. “My family never talked about money at all.” And he looked at me with envy and some longing, as if I’d told him that for my 16th birthday my father had gotten me a date with the local teenage TV Heartthrob, Sally Starr.


That’s when I could see how too much could be a curse when “enough” was the ideal.


Same thing with too much in terms of sports. More teams and more games. More players. We love stories of undrafted players who show themselves to be the best, but most undrafted players are just that because they’re just not good enough. I tried watching a UFL game, gave it an honest try, but sorry. I watch the Santa Cruz G-league games because they’re Warriors players. And sometimes Summer League is fun. Does that mean I’m not a true student of the game but only a fan of my own favorite teams? Okay. I guess, for me, that’s enough.

  * * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

 Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader

  Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.


26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,

6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)

https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/


These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125

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Vol. 89: House V. NCAA 'Settlement'

Must Be Causing Heartburn

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought


by Darren Heitner

Founder of HEITNERLEGAL


All sides are working to complete the longform of the settlement in the House case, which is expected to be finalized in the upcoming weeks and presented to Judge Wilken. A few details need to be hashed out in the near future, per sources." That was a tweet written by ESPN's Pete Thamel on July 8.


I hope you're not tired of hearing about this alleged, proposed, not-yet-drafted, championed, praised, and heavily promoted settlement in the House, Hubbard, and Carter cases against the NCAA. Because we have more to talk about. Mainly that it's a mess.


The latest is that it's delayed. Lead plaintiffs' lawyer Jeffrey Kessler blamed "infighting" between the NCAA and the conferences, who are the named defendants in the actions.


"They just have to get their act together or frankly we are going to go to the court," said Kessler in a statement that seems quite adversarial and not very conciliatory.


But I thought the oddest comment from Kessler was when he asked, "Why would there be defections?" He added, "The past damages are one of the largest antitrust recoveries in history, period—not just in sports cases … We are estimating that over the next 10 years this will provide athletes on the order of $20 billion in new benefits they couldn’t otherwise receive. There is not a lot not to like about this."


That depends on who you ask.


continued...

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San Jose Earthquakes 0

Minnesota United FC 2

Allianz Field, Saint Paul, MN

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Earthquakes 0, Minnesota United FC 2


San Jose drops road contest; Quakes now head back to Bay Area to commence Leagues Cup play next Saturday vs. Chivas at Levi’s Stadium


ST. PAUL, Minn. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Minnesota United FC 2-0 on Saturday night at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.


The Earthquakes threatened early and often in the first half. In the 15th minute, Amahl Pellegrino threaded a low cross from the left wing to Jeremy Ebobisse, but the striker’s left-footed poke rolled just wide of the far post. In the 32nd minute, Pellegrino one-timed a half-volley with piercing effect at the top of the box that was on target, but the Loons’ back line deflected it away before it could get to goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Seconds later, Cristian Espinoza picked out Ebobisse with a looping cross from the right wing, but the latter’s header was just off the mark.


However, the hosts would score first in the 38th minute, when forward Sang Bin Jeong sent in a screaming cross from the right wing that was deflected in for an own goal.


San Jose went on the offensive after intermission, and after several barrages, Ebobisse connected with substitute Jack Skahan in the box in the 74th minute, but the midfielder was unable to get a shot off before St. Clair closed the gap. Two minutes later, Minnesota’s Joseph Rosales bent in a cross from the right wing headed in by Bongokuhle Hlongwane to put the match away.


continued...

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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Souvenir Program Celebrates 50 Memorable Years


MONTEREY, Calif., July 16, 2024—The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, one of the world's premier motorsport lifestyle events, today revealed the cover of its commemorative souvenir program that celebrates the 50th anniversary of historic racing at the storied Monterey circuit. The program goes on sale Aug. 9 in the Official Raceway Store.


The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which takes place August 14-17 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, marks a significant milestone in the history of the event, which will feature more than 400 historic race cars from nearly every era. The limited-edition program captures the essence of the historic racing’s rich history and its enduring legacy.


The cover alone identifies moments in time. “We wanted to showcase the diversity of the many motorsport legends and personalities who annually enjoy the gathering,” commented Barry Toepke, director of heritage events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Each of the 25 personalities have stories, and I hope people will enjoy identifying each person to stir up their own memories and smiles.”


continued...

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DENSO NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS ROAR AGAIN IN SUMMER 2025

 

SONOMA, Calif. (July 10, 2024) – NHRA fans will get to hear, smell and feel the nitro-booming 22,000+ horsepower drag racing machines again in beautiful wine country next Summer as Sonoma Raceway will retain its July date in 2025. NHRA announced today their return to Sonoma July 25-27, 2025, marking the 37th year of this thunderous event at one of the most coveted locations on the schedule.


Sonoma Raceway, known for its picturesque surroundings and high-octane action, will host the best in the business at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals as top NHRA drivers compete for glory at the racetrack’s quarter-mile drag strip. This is more than just a race weekend - it’s a celebration of speed, horsepower, and the vibrant community of drag racing fans who have made this event a staple of the summer. 


“There’s nothing quite like the energy and excitement of NHRA drag racing against the backdrop of beautiful Sonoma,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “This event has become a cherished tradition, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for our fans and drivers.”


continued...

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Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds, Castro Valley, CA

Saturday-Sunday, July 13-14, 2024

Not To Be Missed


by Arif Khatib


On Saturday, July 13, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo brought

"The Greatest Show on Dirt" to the Bay Area for its 40th Anniversary Legacy Series. The advance publicity promised some of the nation's most skilled African American Cowboys and Cowgirls. And they delivered.

 

All eyes were directed to the top of the hill with a cowgirl entering the arena riding her horse with the American flag. It was heartwarming, and screams by the sold-out crowd reached a deafening crescendo.


Howard Johnson (not the hotel mogul), a nationally and internationally known vocalist, performed the National Anthem. And the crowd was ready for some extraordinary fun, unlike any other rodeo competition in America. The competition included Bareback Riding, Bull Dogging, Ladies Barrel Racing, Bronco/Bareback Riding, Junior Barrel Racing, Ladies Steer Undercoating, and closing with the consistently popular Bull Riding (steer wrestling).

 

Owner and president Valeria Howard-Cunningham expressed her appreciation and emotion upon returning to the Bay Area, home of Lu Vason, the founder and creator of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. This writer worked on musical events with Lu in the 70s, and I know he would have been incredibly proud to see what has developed from his vision to honor Bill Pickett and the Black Cowboys, the top unheralded Cowboys in the early days. Because of Lu's vision, attendees in the millions across America now know of the Black Cowboys’ role in America's history and the development of the West. 

 

"People knew the name Will Rogers, but they hadn't heard of Bill Pickett and if they had, they didn't know he was Black,” said Vason, who passed in 2015. Pickett created "bulldogging," a move in which he rode alongside a steer, jumped onto its shoulders, and brought the steer down by digging his feet into the ground. 

The Bill Pickett Invitational Foundation has made an impact in each state the rodeo has performed in by awarding scholarships and rodeo grants and creating programs which support the communities and the Black Cowboys and Cowgirls. To learn more about the foundation, please visit www.bpirfoundation.org


Under the direction of Jeff Douvel and Sheri Vason for the Bay Area Rodeo, they put on a memorable show. "Lu was adamant about a family show without augments, or disruptions, and after 40 years, there has not been a single problem, "said Douvel. The show moves on to Los Angeles on July 20-21 and keep an eye open for The Greatest Show On Dirt" to hit your city. Don't miss it!!

* * *

Arif Khatib is the founder and president of the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame and author of Remember Their Sacrifice....Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color. Mr. Khatib also produced the film, Because They Believed and is a Cultural Ambassador to the

Indian American Hindu Community.

Cal Bears

Cal Earns AVCA Team Academic Award


Bears Collect Fourth Honor In 5 Years


BERKELEY –The California beach volleyball team earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) team academic award, the organization announced Wednesday. It's the second straight year and fourth time in five years that Cal has been recognized with the distinction.

 

The Golden Bears maintained a 3.40 team cumulative grade-point average during the 2023-24 academic year. Jenna Colligan and Alexandria Young-Gomez were at the top of the class, being recently named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) At-Large Academic All-District Team. Colligan additionally won the squad's Golden Bear Award for having the top GPA on the team.


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Stanford Cardinal

TRIPLE THREAT


Cardinal volleyball teams earn AVCA

Academic Award


STANFORD, Calif. - The Cardinal men's, women's and beach volleyball teams were recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) today as recipients of the AVCA Team Academic Award.


Stanford is the only Division I institution in the nation to have each of its programs (men's, women's and beach) earn the prestigious academic honor.


The beach team boasted a 3.629 GPA for the 2023-24 academic year with 20 of its 22 student-athletes recording a 3.30-or-better. The women's indoor team turned in a 3.605 team GPA with 13 of the team's 16 players carrying a 3.30-or-better, while the men's team recorded a 3.462 GPA with 13 of 19 student-athletes earning a 3.30-or-better.


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San Jose State Spartans

FREIMAN NAMED CSCAA SCHOLAR

ALL-AMERICAN

SAN JOSE, Calif.—San José State women’s swimmer Ela Freiman added to her academic honors collection as she was named to the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American team for 2023-24.


This is her second national academic honor for the past school year after she was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Third Team in April.


A biomedical engineering major, Freiman is a San José State Dean’s Scholar and a three-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-MW honoree.


In the pool, she set the school record in the 100-yard IM to place 11th at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship. She also set the school record in the 200-yard IM at 2:00.28 at the 2024 Mountain West Championships.


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Saint Mary's College Gaels

BVB | Gaels Named a 2024 AVCA INTENT Academic Award Recipient


LEXINGTON, Ky. — After a stellar season on the sand, Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball has been honored by the AVCA for their work off the sand and in the classroom, being named a 2024 INTENT Academic Award honoree. Saint Mary's was one of over 1,400 collegiate and high school volleyball programs that maintained a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale to earn the award for their classroom excellence during the recently completed academic year.


As a team, the Gaels maintained a 3.467 cumulative GPA throughout the 2023-24 academic year. 10 of their student-athletes maintained GPAs above 3.0, including 4.0s from freshman Nya Crump and junior Allie Cataldo. This is the second consecutive year that Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball has earned this distinction. 


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Photo: SMC Athletic/Piper Westrom

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USF Dons

Men's Basketball Honored by NABC

for Academic Success in 2023-24


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NABC recently announced the recipients of the 2023-24 NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards and NABC Honors Court, representing outstanding achievement in the classroom by men's college basketball teams and student-athletes.

 

The NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards recognize men's basketball programs that completed the 2023-24 academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. The NABC Honors Court, meanwhile, includes junior, senior and graduate student men's basketball players who finished the 2023-24 year with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

 

For San Francisco, Justin Bieker (Entrepreneurship & Innovation), Robby Beasley (Management), Jake Cioe (Management) and Volodymyr Markovetskyy (Communications Studies) were named to the NABC Honors Court. Additionally, the 2023-24 Dons also earned the NABC's Team Academic Excellence Award. Notably, this honor marks the sixth straight year in which USF has received the team academic award.


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Photo: Christina Leung

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Santa Clara Broncos

Volleyball Once Again Earns AVCA

Team Academic Award


LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Santa Clara indoor volleyball once again was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for their tremendous work in the classroom. The Broncos were honored as a recipient of the AVCA Team Academic Award for the fifth consecutive season dating back to 2019-20. 


"I am so proud of our team being recognized again with the AVCA Team Academic Award," head coach Erin Lindsey said. "We have a team goal to achieve this recognition and our athletes put in significant time and effort to do their best in the classroom. The women of Santa Clara volleyball have a wide range of academic interests and majors. Our team values excellence not only on the court, but as a part of the Santa Clara academic community." 


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University of Pacific Tigers

HONOLULU NATIVES

MAGGIE HOE & KATARINA BRAJOVIC ADDED TO WOMEN'S TENNIS ROSTER


STOCKTON, Calif. – A pair of student-athletes were added to the 2024-25 women's tennis roster with the announcements of incoming freshmen Maggie Hoe and Katarina Brajovic.

 

Both will come with four years of eligibility remaining after stellar high school careers in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH).

 

"We are excited to welcome Maggie and Kat to our tennis program. They are going to bring some fresh energy to the team. Both players are hard workers and are eager to play tennis here," said first-year head coach Mary Beth Gunn.

 

Hoe competed at Mid-Pacific Institute and was a three-time All-IHL honoree including a pair of First-Team selections. She was a two-time MVP on her squad and Team Captain, and helped her school reach the finals in the state of Hawaii.

 

Brajovic earned a pair of All-State accolades including First-Team as a senior at University Laboratory School. She qualified for state both as a junior and senior and was an ILH finalist this past year. The left-hander was ranked as high as No. 3 in U16's and No. 5 in U18's in her section in the United States Tennis Association.

 

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UC Davis Aggies

Women’s Water Polo Sees 13 Aggies Garner ACWPC All-Academic Honors


DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis women's water polo saw 13 Aggies earn ACWPC All-Academic Awards, displaying the team's academic excellence during their season of competition.

 

Ashley Wallin headlines the group by receiving "outstanding" recognition, which highlights student-athletes who posted a GPA above 3.71 in the spring.

 

10 student-athletes were tabbed "superior", achieving a GPA above 3.41 while two more were named "excellent" after notching 3.20 GPA or above.

 

As a team, UC Davis registered a 3.23 GPA, one of the best marks in the nation.

 

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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Passoni Named to Academic All-America® First Team


AUSTIN, Texas - Following an outstanding career in net for Cal State East Bay women's water polo, Daniela Passoni was named to the Academic All-America® Women's Division II At-Large First Team for 2023-24. It was the second consecutive year in which Passoni received an Academic All-America® award. 


In net during the 2024 regular season, Passoni had a 9.74 GAA with 250 total saves. In the WWPA Championships, Passoni made 29 total saves. This past season, she surpassed the 1,200 save mark for her career. Throughout her career, Passoni has collected several awards for her performances in the pool and the classroom. Just in 2024, she was a WWPA First Team selection, WWPA All-Defensive Team selection and received the Cal State East Bay Female Student-Athlete of the Year award. For the third time in her career, Passoni was an ACWPA Division II All-America First Team selection. 


Academic awards throughout Passoni's career include multiple WWPA All-Academic Team, ACWPC All-Academic Awards and a selection for the D2 ADA Academic Achivement Award. 



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St. Francis Yacht Club

Careers At St. Francis Yacht Club


Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club is steeped in nearly a century of yachting traditions. From the beginning, St. Francis Yacht Club’s membership has included many of the Bay Area’s most prominent citizens and greatest sailors. The Club’s annual regatta schedule is one of the most active in the world and it has been consistently rated the #1 Yacht Club in America. Career opportunities at StFYC are many and varied—with three dining facilities, private party and event spaces, docks and small boat fleets, a robust 2,400+ membership, and a private island in the Delta—the club requires a talented staff to meet the needs of members and guests and to maintain its top-notch facilities.


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Weekly Bay Area

Sports Calendar


Monday, July 22, through

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Monday, July 22

San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23

San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Yolo High Wheelers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24

San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 12:37 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Yolo High Wheelers, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 25

San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Yolo High Wheelers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, July 26

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:15 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.

Oakland Ballers vs. Yolo High Wheelers, 6:35 p.m.

Bay FC vs. Angel City FC, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 27

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 4:05 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.

Oakland Ballers vs. Yolo High Wheelers, 4:35 p.m.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chivas Guadalajara, 7 p.m.

Oakland Roots SC @ Miami FC, 4 p.m.

Sunday July 28

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies,1:05 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Los Angeles Angels, 1:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers vs. Yolo High Wheelers, 1:05 p.m.

Bay Area Panthers vs. San Diego Strike Force, 4:05 p.m.

Sports Today's Book Shelf

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/

Now Available!

Insights and Outtakes,

Excerpts and Epiphanies from

the World of Sports

written by Pete Elman


Essays Recently Shared:

Do They Have Greatness in Their Future (#493)

Rocket -- Or Flawed Star? (#472)

Just Win, Baby (#473)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door (#474)

It Was More Than Just A Game (#475)

Looking Over The Ledge (#476)

The Slider That Saved Baseball (#478)

Is This The Last Dance? (#480)

The Heart of a Champion (#483)

The Warriors: An Appreciation (#485)

“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."

-- Andy Dolich, prominent Bay Area sports executive



To order: $18.50

(includes shipping)

Visit Pete Elman at  https://www.peteelman.com/insights-and-outtakes

"An invaluable and inspiring compilation that shines a light on unsung athletes of color."


To order:

https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Their-Sacrifice-Unheralded-Athletes/dp/153817197X


377

 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.

To Order
To Order

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

To Order
Contact Information:

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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 helpful ideas and his archives.

Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.

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