October 10, 2022

Issue No. 454

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Stephen Vogt Retires as an

Oakland Athletic

Vogt acknowledges the fans while being interviewed after the game. Photo by Darren Yamashita.

The Tools of Ignorance are

Sharpened by Character

by Pete Elman

The “tools of ignorance” is a phrase coined 100 years ago by catcher Herold “Muddy” Ruel, who played in the big leagues from 1915 through 1934. The term refers to the mask, chest protector and shin guards, and was a self-deprecating reference to the harsh demands of the position; exposure to wild pitches, wicked foul tips and hard collisions at home plate.

But perhaps it was meant to point out the irony; that a player with the intelligence and toughness needed to play the most difficult position on the field would also be foolish enough to play one that required so much extra equipment just to keep him safe.

In Oakland, the fans have been blessed with many fine backstops over the years, going back to the Mustache Gang, champions from 1972-74. Their receiver then was a tall, strong, athletic kid from southern Illinois whose career was changed forever by that infamous—and unsportsmanlike—play at the plate in the 1970

All-Star game in which Pete Rose ran him over, causing a separated shoulder which healed incorrectly, causing chronic pain that never resolved.

Ray Fosse began with Cleveland in 1967, was traded to the Athletics in 1973 and was traded back to the Indians after the 1975 season, making stops in Seattle and Milwaukee before he retired in 1979. All in all, he had a fine career.

But it was as the A’s color radio and TV announcer, a position he held with grace, dignity and consummate professionalism from 1986 to 2021, where “Foss” will be remembered. In August of 2021 Fosse revealed that he had been battling cancer for 16 years, and needed to step away from his job as an announcer to focus on his treatment. He died on October 13, 2021, at the age of 74.

Ray Fosse was one of the most beloved baseball men around these parts, and for good reason. In addition to his keen insight into the mind, habits and skills of players and managers, he provided an always spot-on, intuitive and often prescient analysis of the game that was unfolding in real time on our screens.

But for me, what was Ray’s most impressive quality was that nobody ever heard him utter a bad word about anybody. And it was not shallow lip service, like so many color announcers; it was genuine and sincere. Even when the team was not winning, Ray had nothing but positive, supportive things to say about the players, especially the young ones who were struggling. The man absolutely loved the game, and the people in the game. He has been, and will continue to be missed.

Tuesday night at the Coliseum was the final game for catcher Kurt Suzuki, who was playing for the Angels. Although he was an All-Star with the Twins in 2014 and a world champion with the Nationals in 2019, it was his six years in Oakland (2007-13) that stick out. One of the most beloved of all A’s players, Suzuki wanted to finish at the Coliseum, and he got his wish, catching the first pitch of the game, and then walking off into the sunset—literally.

Suzuki is a fourth-generation Japanese-American, born and raised in Maui, and walked on at Cal Fullerton, taking his team to an NCAA championship in 2004. From the moment he was drafted by Oakland in the second round it was clear this was a special player; a born leader, with passion for the game and the ability to bring out the best in people.

His first full season of pro ball came in 2005 with the Single A Stockton Ports, where he put up a .277 average, 12 home runs, 65 RBIs. Moving up to AA Midland in 2006, Suzuki was promoted the next season to AAA Sacramento. He arrived in Oakland in June 2007 where he began a stellar 16-year career. Along the way, he proved as valuable to the community as he did to the team. In 2012, Suzuki and his wife Renee founded a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting research into chronic illnesses and kidney diseases.

Oakland Athletics president David Forst, left, and manager Mark Kotsay, right, present gifts to Los Angeles Angels and former Oakland Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki, center, to commemorate his pending retirement before the A's game on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

Photo by Darren Yamashita.

The entire evening was a tribute to him, and although there were barely 4000 fans in the stands, they let him know how they felt. Throughout his career he has been a beacon of class and character, respected by teammates and opponents alike. Tuesday night was the storybook culmination of 16 years in the show, and the only thing you needed to see was the thousand watt smile on Kurt’s face.

As it turned out, Tuesday’s heartfelt and joyful sendoff to Suzuki was only the warmup act for Wednesday’s game. In addition to being the season finale, it was the final game for yet another beloved A’s catcher, Stephen Vogt.

Vogt, a Visalia native, grew up a Giants’ fan, but it was as an Oakland Athletic he made his mark. Two-thirds of his 794 career games were in the green and gold. He was a two-time All-Star, an emotional team leader and a huge fan favorite between 2013 and 2016.

Despite a .161 average and only seven homers and 23 RBIs, one can argue that Vogt’s influence this season was tremendously positive. From his always-ready attitude to patiently mentoring the abundance of young guys in the clubhouse, his presence has been felt. And the right field fans? They still believe in Stephen Vogt.

Fans in the right field bleachers cheer as Oakland Athletics’ Stephen Vogt, not shown, bats against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning. Photo by Darren Yamashita.

Two weeks ago on a broadcast, Vogt cried when asked about his career and what the A’s meant to him. They say that when you go to a baseball game you might see something you’ve never seen before, and that happened Wednesday. Not only was it the final game of a tough season for the low payroll home team, but they were going for a season-high four game winning streak, something to feel good about going into 2023. And 60 wins sounds a whole lot better than 59.

To describe what happened as magical is an understatement. After walking in the fifth, Vogt came around to score, a huge smile on his face. After a lifetime in baseball, it was the last time he’d wear a big-league uniform, and he was going to make the most of it. In the broadcast booth, Glen Kuiper and Dallas Braden were hoping all night for a magic moment, and they got it. In the bottom of the seventh, with the score 1-0 A’s, Vogt led off. On the first pitch, Kuiper channeled his inner Bill King. “Vogt drives one—right field—did he do it—he did—are you kidding me?!” And Braden, who has assumed the role in the booth of Ray Fosse, yelled out, “LET’S GO!”

I was blown away. The good guys won the game, 3-2. As irony would have it, Vogt hit a home run to nearly identical spots in the Oakland Coliseum for both his first and last career hits. What a way to end a career, in front of his whole family, with a young team going nowhere except into next season with a little optimism.

And they were led on this night by a catcher in his final game, on his final at bat. Stunned, and filled with gratitude and joy, his post-game interview was tear-inducing. Somewhere Ray Fosse is smiling. I believe in Stephen Vogt.

Pete Elman

Rockridge

October 10, 2022

* * * * *

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

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke

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

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

Social Media: Sebastian Nunez

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Photo of the Week

Are you a salmon?

It's Fat Bear Week! All the Ursus are filled to the top and heading off to Hiber Nation, and as the man said:

By God, isn't it true we can get lucky now and then and

time doesn't pass at all? Or rather it passes all right,

it just doesn't take all the good things with it.

That was Edward Whittemore, long gone, but this might have been the kind of thing he was thinking about:

I mean the news is all, "If it bleeds, it leads," but hell,

that's no fun -- this is different news: "If it snores, it scores."

-- Howard Pearlstein

Quote of the Week

Letters to the Editor

Stream This (cont.)

All the talk today is about Thursday's Amazon-exclusive, streamed, Broncos/Colts game, and how terrible it was. 'Disgraceful" has been a common theme for this 12-9 classic, which I am glad I avoided. No touchdown by either team. Games restricted to Amazon subscribers should always feature the dullest matchups.

How bad was it? "It's first and goal -- words I thought I would never speak tonight." -- Al Michaels.

Al may have been MVP. He is the Best in the Biz, after all. For more Al Michaels gems from the game:

https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/10/07/al-michaels-colts-broncocs-thursday-night-football?fbclid=IwAR1zzVBAxUxMdeL_tvuIowGmAtyqlj0WmWXNTpGOG1UAgyijlG-_FM4kblQ

Jacques Diamond

Oakland, CA

Deselection and the World Series

"Let me root, root, root for the home team. If they don't win, it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game." (From "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," the 1908 song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer)

For lyrics and more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Me_Out_to_the_Ball_Game#The_song_in_popular_culture

The question is, for Giants and A's fans, now what? Without a home team to root, root, root for, what do we do as the playoffs and World Series races have begun? As Duane Kuiper noted to Mike Krukow, "There are always teams you can root against!"

So, which teams do you most despise? Which team(s) would you like to deselect? It's a modest reason to follow the post-season contests, even if you don't watch them all. As Kuip noted, if the World Series winner can't be us, that's okay, as long as (enter your most loathed team here) doesn't win -- just root, root, root against that team.

Kristen La Rue

Oakland, CA

Deserving of Praise

Mahalo for the nice Dusty Baker article by Dave Newhouse. (Last issue: https://conta.cc/3RMS0Ax.)

Yes, it is his last hurrah. He certainly deserves a place in the Hall of Fame, regardless of the outcome of the World Series. We hope for

the best.

Ray Nitta

Lihue, Kauai

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Contents

Columns

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games

Oakland A's 3, Los Angeles Angels 2

Oakland A's 2, Los Angeles Angels 1

Oakland Roots 3, Hartford Athletic 1

San Francisco 49ers 37, Carolina Panthers 15

San Jose Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders 2

San Jose State Spartans 41, UNLV Rebels 7

Features & Commentary

2022 Grand National Rodeo, by Rich Yee

Always feels good to get a laugh when the 9ers play the Rams, by Howard Pearlstein

Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants

Chester A. Arthur, The Giants First Celebrity Fan, by Robert A. Moselle

Consider A Donation

Keeping Dreams Alive -- Tracey's Place of Home, by Dave Newhouse

The Night the Stars Came Out in Las Vegas, by Arif Khatib

The Tools of Ignorance are Sharpened by Character, by Pete Elman

Organizations

Cal Bears

Fresno Fair

Oakland A's

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco Giants

San Jose State Spartans

Santa Clara Broncos

Stanford Cardinal

USF Dons

San Francisco 49ers 37

Carolina Panthers 15

October 9, 2022

49ers Rout Carolina

George Kittle is back! Not one prognosticator had him in their top

TE selections. Ditto with a number of 49er players whom Sports Today fans know more about than these so-called experts. Jeff Wilson and, oh wait, (this could be a rule violation), JimmyG.

A victory over Carolina is sweet!

Unfortunately, it's a bit of a Pyrrhic victory. A Pyrrhic victory is a success that comes with great losses or unacceptable costs, and the 49ers sustained so many injuries it meets the criteria.

Let's hope for speedy recoveries.

Oakland A's 3

Los Angeles Angels 2

October 5, 2022

Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the final at-bat of his career as the A's defeated the Los Angeles Angels, 3-2, at RingCentral Coliseum on Wednesday, October 5.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics’ Stephen Vogt (21) celebrates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning. Cap tion and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Starting pitcher Ken Waldichuk earned the victory, throwing seven innings of shutout ball. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics’ Stephen Vogt, left, receives a curtain call while being pushed out of the dugout by Tony Kemp (5) during the seventh inning.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Third baseman Chad Pinder smokes a cigar in the dugout after his potential last game as an Athletic. Pinder has spent seven years with the A's and will be a free agent this offseason. 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.

Oakland A's 2

Los Angeles Angels 1

October 4, 2022

Oakland Athletics designated hitter Shea Langeliers, center, celebrates after drawing a bases-loaded walk in the 10th inning to defeat the Los Angeles Angels, 2-1, at RingCentral Coliseum on Tuesday, October 4th.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Pitcher Cole Irvin threw six scoreless innings in his last start of the season.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Center fielder Seth Brown makes a leaping catch in the 10th inning to preserve a 1-1 tie. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics left fielder Tony Kemp (5) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Angels and former A's catcher Kurt Suzuki acknowledges the crowd after being removed from the game after one pitch. Suzuki announced his retirement after a 16-year major league career. 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.

San Jose State Spartans 41

UNLV Rebels 7

October 7, 2022

San José State junior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (#2) scores on a 15-yard rush for the Spartans’ third touchdown of the game. San José State defeated UNLV, 40–7, in a Mountain West conference game at CEFCU Stadium on October 7, 2022 in San Jose, California. © 2022 Alex Ho.

San José State senior running back Kairee Robinson (#32) carries the ball five yards before being pulled out of bounds by UNLV senior inside linebacker Fred Thompkins (#10) in the first quarter, as a Rebel coach hopes to avoid contact. © 2022 Alex Ho.

San José State junior tight end Dominick Mazotti (#81) grabs a 22-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. © 2022 Alex Ho.

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San Francisco Giants

View full Spring Training Schedule

Camilo Doval named the National League Reliever

of the Month for September

Doval earned his second career Reliever of the Month Award, previously winning in September 2021. The only other Giants reliever to take home a monthly honor was Camilo’s former bullpen-mate Jake McGee in July 2021.

September stats for Camilo Doval (@camilodoval75):

Made 13 appearances for the Giants, converting each of his nine save opportunities. Went 2-0 while producing a 1.38 ERA over 13.0 innings pitched. Tallied 16 punchouts while permitting four walks and 10 hits
His nine saves in September led the NL and ranked second across the Majors.
Did not allow a run over his first 10 games of the month, and has held opponents without an earned run in 22 of his last 25 games.
Threw a 104-mph pitch on September 23 at Arizona, marking the fastest pitch thrown by a Giants player in the Statcast era. Overall, the Dominican Republic native became the fifth pitcher in the last five seasons to hit 104 mph, joining Aroldis Chapman, Tayron Guerrero, Ryan Helsley and Jordan Hicks.

Complete Coverage

Doval Stats, Bio

Get ready to pack your bags for sunny Arizona! We are thrilled to announce our 2023 Spring Training schedule is officially out. We will begin Cactus League play when we face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. Our Spring Training slate will conclude with an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Monday, March 27.

View full Spring Training Schedule

We want to extend a huge thank you for continuously supporting us this season. We're grateful for your incredible passion, your commitment to repping the Green and Gold, and your love for baseball. From the giveaways to the fireworks and drone shows to the ceremonies, there are so many things that made this season memorable and we wouldn't have been able

to do it without you.

Go A's!

www.oaklandas.com

We are thrilled to announce the five newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame. American 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 as members of the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

This historic group will be celebrated during a pregame ceremony at the Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 during our annual

Bay Bridge Series versus the Giants.

www.oaklandas.com

Learn More

Giants Lore

The son of a Baptist preacher who had emigrated from northern Ireland, Chester A. Arthur was America’s 21st President (1881-85), succeeding President James Garfield upon his assassination.

Chester A. Arthur, The Giants First Celebrity Fan

by Robert A. Moselle

The son of a Baptist preacher who had emigrated from northern Ireland, Chester A. Arthur was America’s 21st President (1881-85), succeeding President James Garfield upon his assassination by what might be called a "shot heard 'round the world.

On December 6, 1882, The National League formally admitted the New York Gothams (renamed Giants, 1885). As a lawyer, and politician, who had achieved prominence in New York, undoubtedly Chester A. Arthur attended a Gothams/Giants baseball game. Also, as stated on the post-game Giants show on Thursday, in 1882 the Giants season ended in a .500 season, that statistical marvel not repeated until 2022, some 140 years later, at 81-81. In the interim, the G-Men even had their own "Shot Heard 'Round the World," in 1951, with Bobby Thomson's walk-off home run.

In 2022, the Giants finished 81-81, a "perfect" .500. How much history has passed in those many years, as we look back and think

of Chester A. Arthur, and the G-Men's earliest .500 year. For more on Giants history, visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Giants_(baseball)#1951:_The_%22Shot_Heard_'Round_the_World%22

As to Chester A. Arthur, publisher Alexander K. McClure recalled, “No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired … more generally respected.”

He became known for his style, earning him the nicknames Elegant Arthur and Gentleman Boss. Sounds like a Giants fan to me! For more information on one of the Giants' earliest celebrity fan, President Chester A. Arthur, visit:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/chester-a-arthur/

Robert A. Moselle

Monterey, CA

www.cce-mcle.com/

Enduring Efforts

Fred and Angela Biletnikoff, with residents of Tracey’s

Place of Hope in Loomis, CA

Keeping Dreams Alive -- Tracey's

Place Of Hope

by Dave Newhouse

Twenty-three years ago, Fred Biletnikoff experienced the worst tragedy imaginable for a parent, the murder of a child.

Tracey Biletnikoff, 20, was strangled by a boy friend on the campus of Canada College in Redwood City on Feb. 16, 1999. Mohammed Haroon Ali, 23, who had a previous conviction of kidnapping a former girl friend, was apprehended near the Mexican border while driving Tracey’s automobile. He eventually was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Tracey was one of Fred Biletnikoff’s five children, and the grim memory of a lost daughter still haunts the father. “There will never be any closure for me,” he said at the murder trial. "My hatred for Ali will never go away.”

But, sometimes, death, however horrific, inspires the living. And on Friday, Oct. 14, Tracey's Place Of Hope -- a residential treatment program for girls who are low-income, homeless, physically abused or involved in substance abuse -- will open its doors in Loomis, north of Sacramento.

Additionally, the Biletnikoff Foundation, another out-growth of losing Tracey, awards $1,000 educational grants to high school seniors who wish to attend college. Fred Biletnikoff was a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, for whom he later was an assistant coach, but even his gridiron celebrity lacked the societal impact of his influencing young girls in dire circumstances.

Fred and Angela Biletnikoff have been married 32 years. Angela is Fred’s third wife, and not Tracey’s mother, but her continued devotion to Tracey’s memory is, in essence, maternal. Fred and Angela have one child together, a daughter, 30, but it’s remarkable how a life taken away can give back life.

“We’re making something that is useful for the girls,” said Fred, “to not only have housing (for six girls maximum), but also a center for exercise, barbecues, and just to relax and have fun. We tore down the old house and rebuilt this one for the girls, adding a recreational center.”

The current residence is the third phase of Tracey’s Place Of Hope, an uplifting 22-year project. The considerable funding, Fred acknowledged, has been largely Angela’s doing, often working sunrise to sundown. A volunteer staff tends to the girls’ wants. The Biletnikoffs hold annual golf tournaments and crab feeds to further their foundation, and another Tracey’s Place Of Hope is projected for Henderson, Nevada, near where the Raiders now call home.

Sometimes, you never know in which direction your life is heading until tragedy plots your course. For the Biletnikoffs, it was compassion and benevolence.

“It’s tough to explain with (Tracey) being gone,” said Fred. “Everything has to move forward. But this was Tracey’s idea after (the substance abuse) she went through for about a year, to have a place for adolescent girls to have their problems taken care of.”

Even though Tracey wasn’t Angela’s daughter, “I fell in love with her the first time I met her as a 5-year-old darling little girl. I just loved the bond between she and Fred. We always wanted the best for her, and when she passed away, there was only one choice for us, to fulfill her dream -- a dream come true.”

The Biletnikoff’s ultimate goal, Angela projected, is to give girls who are struggling and are unwanted “the tools they need to become part of society.”

The girls who show up, Fred added, “come to us from the courts, to a place where they feel confident, they feel safe. That’s what we’ve created for them, for some of these girls haven’t ever lived in a house."

Fred Biletnikoff is in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. But Fred and Angela belong in a hall of fame for humanity.

* * *

Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. 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.

More 9ers Football

Always feels good to get a laugh when the 9ers play the Rams

by Howard Pearlstein

I didn’t put it in last week’s thoughts because I don’t like predictions, but made it clear there were a lot of things beyond a QB’s power that result in his effectiveness. But I did expect and told friends that, assuming the players in the O-line had gotten more experience together, that Jimmy G would be sharp, focused, and more accurate.

And of course, given things as they were, still needed more help from tight ends and receivers to serve as pass and run blockers. And, of course, they had to go out and run routes from time to time, because if the Rams’ D decided they were not receiving threats, well, then ……

But Hufanga!

After the game, a friend decided to nickname him The Trojan Horse, first of all because he played for USC. But also, because you may see him but you do not realize how much he’s bringing.

There are few professional athletes whose play has made me laugh out loud.

Last year, Hufanga, in the blocked punt Willis/Hufanga Kick Six did.

Monday’s perfectly timed Pick 6 was the second time for him.

And some years before, Andre Iguodala did.

He was all alone at the basket when Draymond grabbed a rebound and threw a court-long pass to him. Andre took it, about to go up and throw it down, but stopped his motion, realized he was STILL along down there and stepped under the basket for a two-hand behind his head dunk.

Came down laughing and I’m sure I wasn’t the only fan watching the game who laughed along.

Like the man said: “Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.”

Especially at the pro level

Think of it this way -- Jimmy G as an un-drafted walk-on with an opportunity to prove his value and make the team -- or whichever team he wants.

* * *

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 tying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write

a book that will get published.

Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Award

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez and Oakland A’s president David Kaval on

Tuesday, Oct 4, 2022 at the Oakland Coliseum.

The Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum presents A’s President with honorary plaque

OAKLAND – Oakland A’s Executive Offices, Oakland Coliseum. Mr. Dave Kaval, President of the Oakland A’s, received the Victor A. Suarez Notorious Community Service Award plaque from the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame and Amaury Pi-Gonzalez for his cooperation with museum events, from the FanFest, to the Museum at the Coliseum to other events supporting this non-profit organization.

* * *

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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over the next few weeks we will bring you a few of our latest podcasts, which cover topics ranging from cryptocurrency, brand marketing, college conference realignment, women's sports, the Oakland A's, Boston accents, how to get a good night's sleep, and so SO much more. Enjoy!

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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

As you remember, the 49ers lost to the Broncos, 11-10, two weeks ago. It was only the second time in NFL history a game ended with an 11-10 score.

True football-stat, crazy fanatics would have been aware the incredible game between Seattle(48) and Detroit(45), on 10/02/2022, was the first time in NFL history a game ended with a 48-45 score.

I really don't care...BUT someone must have compiled

a list making such info readily available.

They did, making this silly trivia question possible.

What is the most common winning score in NFL history, done 276 times? (Hint: It is not 27-24, done 226 times and making it the second most common score.)

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Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame

Author Arif Khatib (left) and Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the

World Boxing Council

The Night the Stars Came Out

in Las Vegas

By Arif Khatib

Boxing has a storied history in the state of Nevada, and Las Vegas in particular. As the founder of the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, I know the importance of honoring and preserving sports history. I also recognize the importance of acknowledging the boxers who have contributed largely to the popularity of the sport throughout America and beyond.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame gave the public not only the opportunity to be up-close to some of the greatest fighters ever, but to support a weekend’s activities and mission of establishing a permanent Boxing Hall of Fame Museum in Las Vegas.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame was established in 2013 and now has a female CEO/President, who, with her staff, put on a spectacular show. Beginning with the Fans Meet and Greet, the VIP Party, and closing with the Main Event Dinner Gala and Induction Ceremony in the spacious ballroom of the Resorts World Las Vegas.

Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), invited me to attend the ceremony with him because his father, Jose Sulaiman, was being inducted posthumously. I readily accepted the invitation and was treated with a weekend of incredible boxing activity and excitement. A special tribute to Jose Sulaiman was widely applauded among honorees and others at the event.

The weekend began with a FanFest and that’s what it was. People came to meet the boxers, peruse over several well-stocked venders, take pictures with the fighters, and attend an amazing amateur boxing show.

Saturday Night’s gala was the real deal -- yes, Evander was there -- at the Resorts World Las Vegas on the strip, and anybody who was somebody was among the over 1500 dressed- to-impressed, Las Vegas-style attendees. Because the organization did not hold ceremonies during the pandemic, they combined 2020-2021 and 2022 to give the fans a bonus night of high energy activity.

There were three emcees, with a co-emcee thrown into the ring. The fans were also there to support the induction of some of the world’s greatest into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Among the inductees: Lorenzo Fertitta, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Julian “the Hawk” Jackson, José “El Temible” Luis Castillo, Jose Sulaiman, Fernando “Feroz” Vargas, Clarence “Bones” Adams, Carlos Padilla Jr., James “Lights Out” Toney, Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, Miquel “Junito” Cotto, Azumah “The Professor” Nelson, Roy “Superman” Jones, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Bob “Deputy Sheriff” Foster, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Michael “Second To” Nunn, “Cool” Vince Phillips, Iran “The Blade” Barkley, Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez, Kennedy “King” McKinney, “Merciless” Ray Mercer, and Mia “The Knockout” St. John.

My friend and Oakland’s own Andre Ward told me, "When I retired from boxing, I said, ‘If I cannot give my family, my team, and the fans everything that I have, then I should no longer be fighting.’ I am delighted to be a member of the IBF and this Hall of Fame.”

"The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has experienced extraordinary growth, both in attendance and worldwide recognition. The organization has been near and dear to my heart since its inaugural year in 2013 when I was honored to accept induction on behalf of my late husband, Diego Correles," said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, CEO/President.

I was invited to sign my book, In the Shadow of Obscurity, at the FanFest by the CEO and I had a ball. I met some of the out-of-state boxing people who were fascinated by the content of my book and purchased it to take home with them. It was a memorable weekend and thanks to my dear friend, Mauricio Sulaiman for inviting me.

* * *

Arif Khatib, Founder and President Emeritus, Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, author: In the Shadow of Obscurity, film producer: Because They Believed -- www.becausetheybelieved.com

San Jose Earthquakes 2

Seattle Sounders 2

October 9, 2022

Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders FC 2

Quakes close 2022 MLS season with a road draw

SEATTLE, Wash. – The San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC played to a 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field to close out the 2022 MLS regular season.

The match saw two goals in less than five minutes into the first half. Seattle opened the scoring in the first minute through Nicolas Lodeiro, but San Jose quickly responded with the equalizer three minutes later. Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland blocked a shot from Cristian Espinoza, but couldn’t contain the ball, falling to Jeremy Ebobisse for the strike.

Seattle retook the lead in the 49th minute with a volley from Nicolas Lodeiro, but the Quakes later found their second goal with a low, curling shot from Cade Cowell.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.sjearthquakes.com

Oakland Roots SC 3

Hartford Atlantic 1

October 8, 2022

Roots Take Giant Step Towards a Playoff Spot With Three Points in Hartford

Oakland came out hot with a chance inside the first minute. That was followed quickly by the opening goal of the match when Juan Azócar hit the back of the net in the 4th minute for his 9th goal of the season to give Roots the 1-0 lead. Following the early Roots pressure and advantage, the game balanced out through the first half hour. Late in the half Óttar Magnús Karlsson created a half chance and a corner for Oakland but there were no other major chances for either side as the half ended with Roots in the lead.

Hartford struck early in the second half to level the game when Tulu powered it home past Paul Blanchette in the Oakland net to level the game at 1-1. Following the substitution of Edgardo Rito, Oakland Roots struck back in the 59th minute when the teams all time leading scorer, Óttar Magnús Karlsson converted for his 19th goal of the season. Azocar had a chance to put the game to bed with 15 minutes left and hit it hard and wide with an empty net as Oakland clinged to the 2-1 lead. Noah Delgado subbed on Johnny Rodriguiez late in the game who scored from long distance on his first touch to give Roots the 3-1 victory in the end.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.oaklandrootssc.com

Cal Bears

Bears Claim Victory Over Cougars

Roy Scores Twice To Take Down Washington State 2-1

BERKELEY – California women's soccer clinched a 2-1 win over No. 21 Washington State on Thursday afternoon, their second conference win of the season.

The Bears took an early lead in the match thanks to a goal by Keely Roy in the 10th minute. The dynamic duo of Roy and Ayo Oke struck once again, as Oke took control of the ball and chased it straight down the center of the field before making a beautiful pass to Roy who punched it squarely into the back of the net.

The score stayed set at 1-0 until a foul by Washington State's Reese Tappan created an opportunity for a Cal penalty kick conversion in the 34th minute. Roy stepped up to take the shot and placed it neatly into the left side of the net to put another point on the scoreboard for the Bears. This was Roy's fourth penalty kick conversion of the season and seventh goal overall.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.calbears.com

Stanford Cardinal

Third Place Finish

Stanford finished third overall at the Women's ACC Series Round One over the weekend

NEWTON, Mass. - Stanford sailed to third overall in the Women's ACC Series Round One, finishing just behind Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and ahead of the host, Boston College. The Cardinal sailed strongly over the 28 total races (14 A and 14 B) claiming a top-three spot in 15 of the races.

Stanford took first place in five total events across the two divisions. The Cardinal was at the front of the pack for the entire event, moving into second or first place at multiple times throughout the weekend.

"There was solid decision-making in some tricky conditions," explained assistant sailing coach Augie Dale. "Every sailor played an integral role in our success this weekend, including all three freshmen who sailed their first events."

continued...

By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.

www.gostanford.com

San Jose State Spartans

Spartans Stay Atop MW Standings

With 3-1 Win at Wyoming

LARAMIE, Wyo.—Amethyst Harper led all hitters with 15 kills as the San José State volleyball team remained undefeated in Mountain West play with a 3-1 win at Wyoming Thursday evening at the Uniwyo Sports Complex.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

#AllSpartans / GoSpartans

www.sjsuspartans.com

Saint Mary's College Gaels

Johnson, Ducas Named Preseason All-WCC, Gaels Picked Second

SAN MATEO, Calif. — The West Coast Conference announced their 2022-23 Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches Poll on Thursday morning. Saint Mary's lands a pair of players on the conference's annual Preseason All-WCC squad in the form of Logan Johnson and Alex Ducas, while the Gaels are picked to finish second in the standings.

Saint Mary's received 73 votes to trail only Gonzaga (81) in the projected polls, while receiving one first place vote. BYU and San Francisco are in a tie behind the Gaels for third, while Portland has made the jump up to fifth in the preseason poll. Last year, the Gaels finished second in the WCC after going 12-3, including a win over the conference champion, Gonzaga.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

#GaelsRise

www.smcgaels.com

USF Dons

Shabazz Selected for Preseason All-WCC Team, Dons Picked for Third-Place Tie

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – With the men's basketball season rapidly approaching, the West Coast Conference announced the 2022-23 WCC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll and Preseason All-WCC Team on Thursday morning.

For San Francisco, guard Khalil Shabazz was selected to the Preseason team while the Dons were picked to finish tied for third as a team with BYU in the conference standings. Notably, this selection marks the second straight season in which Shabazz has been named to the Preseason All-WCC Team.

"We are incredibly excited to see Khalil recognized on the Preseason All-WCC team," said head coach Chris Gerlufsen. "He represents all of the good things about college basketball and is a great representative of USF. My staff and I love our group and hope a few other Dons will have their accomplishments honored as well. We are appreciative to be picked third in the preseason poll. We can't wait to compete against some great teams in WCC play with the hopes of exceeding our program's expectations."

continued...

For a full report, click HERE .

www.usfdons.com

Santa Clara Broncos

Keshawn Justice Named Preseason All-WCC

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The West Coast Conference announced their

2022-23 preseason honors on Thursday prior to the start of WCC Men's Basketball Media Day, and Santa Clara's Keshawn Justice found himself on the 10-man preseason All-WCC team.

Justice, a four-year player with 72 career starts and 111 appearances, is coming off his most productive season as a Bronco in which he was a second team All-WCC selection after finishing fourth in the league with eight double-doubles and sixth in the league in 3-point shooting (42.3 percent). As one of just two Broncos to start every game last season (Jalen Williams), he finished the year with 25 double-figure scoring efforts, finished third on the team with 13.0 ppg and was the team leader in rebounds with 6.7 per game. The 6-foot-7 forward gave the Broncos some outstanding news in the offseason by announcing that he would be taking advantage of his final year of eligibility and returning for one final year in the red and white.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.santaclarabroncos.com

2022 Grand National Rodeo

at the Cow Palace

October 6-9

The 74th Anniversary of the annual Grand National Livestock Expo and Rodeo was held at the Cow Palace on October 6-9. Produced by the renowned Flying U Rodeo Company, the Grand National Rodeo has become a Bay Area staple, showcasing and highlighting the Western traditions within our region.

Photo by Rich Yee.

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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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Photo by TM Hill

Corkscrew Hillclimb and Community Day Punctuates a New Direction for Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Week

MONTEREY, Calif., October 6, 2022—In the 65-year history of the storied WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, it had never been done. But that all changed Sunday, Aug. 21 when 60 historic race cars and several carefully curated others broke tradition and raced reverse course and up to finish at the famed Corkscrew.

It was quite the sight to see entrants such as Chris Locke’s 1976 Lotus 77 Formula One and the 1971 Porsche 908/3 driven by Gunnar Jeannette race reverse course from near the traditional start/finish line. Guests enjoyed it as well as people crowded into pit lane and turn 11 to watch them begin their race up the four-turn course. And all along the course the fences were lined with cheering people.

Among the highlights were the Kevin Jeannette- prepared Doc Hudson Hornet, popularized by Pixar’s film Cars, and driven by Bruce Canepa; the 1,000-horsepower Corvette driven, or drifted, all the way to the top by Formula Drift Champion Matt Field; or the stunningly quick launch off the line by the 2022 Lucid Air GT Performance driven by professional Ben Collins.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.weathertechraceway.com