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January 1 -- January 7, 2024
Issue No. 518
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Ichiro Suzuki, the former Seattle Mariners star, started a huge following of Asian players into MLB. Ichiro is on the cusp of being voted in the MLB Hall of Fame. Here he is addressing the media on August 26, 2022, the day before he was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Ichiro will be eligible for the Hall of Fame
in 2025. (AP News file.)
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2023 Asian Winter in Baseball
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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Since the 2022 World Series ended and until today, some of the most coveted and expensive free agents in the game are players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshiubo Yamamoto, both Japanese, who signed with the Dodgers who shelled out 1 billion dollars total for both players. ($1 billion US dollars is equal to 141,613,142,860 Japanese Yen.)
Jung Hoo Lee, a South Korean outfielder who signed with the San Francisco Giants, Masataka Yoshida with the Boston Red Sox; and Yuki Matsui, who signed with the San Diego Padres, are from the Japanese professional leagues.
Not signed yet: From Japan, the two free agents are Shota Imanaga, a lefty-control pitcher, and Naoyuki Uwasawa, a right-handed pitcher. Uwasaka was not even posted yet.
The West Coast is a Pioneer to Asian players:
* Japan: The first Japanese player was pitcher Masanori Murakami, who was with the San Francisco Giants in 1964. However, after just two years, the connection of players from Japan to the major leagues was closed
* South Korea: In 1994, Chan Ho Park, a pitcher, became the first Korean-born player to play in the major leagues.
The most impactful player from Asia? Ichiro Suzuki played from 2001 to 2019 with the Seattle Mariners: a lead-off hitter-outfielder, great contact hitter, and tremendous throwing arm from right field. Ichiro had 200 or more hits in ten consecutive seasons with the Mariners from 2001 to 2010.
Ichiro ended his career with 3,089 hits and .311 average. He will be the first Asian player inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. No other Asian baseball player has played for this long and enjoyed this much success.
During my years calling Mariners games for Spanish radio in Seattle, I met Ichiro when he first came into the major leagues; a hard worker and eccentric player, he would carry his favorite bats inside a particular case like a great violinist carries a Stradivarius.
Ichiro was very reserved, some say, shy. I interviewed him a few times with one of his interpreters. I would ask the question in English to his interpreter, who would then ask him in Japanese, and he (the interpreter) would return the answer in English to me.
Later, I would take the tape upstairs to my broadcast booth to edit for my pre-game show. It was exciting. One of the most curious answers he ever gave me was when I asked him if he learned any words in Spanish, and it was ‘peligroso’, which means ‘dangerous’. I later learned that he was ‘miked’ during a live game that was nationally televised and said a word that he did not mean to say.
On October 1, 2004, Ichiro Suzuki broke George Sisler’s single-season record with a 258th hit. I called that game; it was one of Ichiro’s greatest accomplishments. That season Ichiro ended with 262 hits.
Quote: “If I’m in a slump, I ask myself for advice.” -- Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro will not be eligible for the Hall of Fame until 2025.
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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The Washington Commanders are upended by the
San Francisco 49ers, 27-10
Victory is Sweet
San Francisco received the kickoff and behind Brock Purdy, Brandin Aiyuk and Christian McCaffery, the leading rusher in the NFL, efficiently marched to the Commanders' 25-yard line. When the drive stalled the Niners kicked a 38-yard FG. 12 plays, 55 yards: 3-0 SF.
The Commanders went 3-and-out, punted, and the Niners were back in action as Brock hit Aiyuk (the most productive first-down receiver in the NFL), CMC ran to the three-yard line and Brock connected with Deebo Samuel on a flip-pass who ran left for a 49er Touchdown as the 1st quarter ended. 10-0 SF.
Washington showed up in the 2nd quarter as Brian Robinson, Jr. ran effectively and QB Sam Howell looked sharp until Bosa's pressure helped stop the drive. A 47-yard FG made it 10-3, SF. The 49ers punted and with a 47-yard pass and short TD throw from Howell to McLaurin, the score was tied at 10-10. The Niners came back as Brock hit George Kittle and Aiyuk, but a defensive stand by D.C. forced S.F. to settle for a 22-yard FG as the half ended at 13-10 SF.
The Commanders started the 2nd half but it didn't go well as Clelin Ferrell's pressure on Howell led to a punt. Elijah Mitchell helped power the 49ers downfield and capped the drive with a 2-yard TD run: 20-10 SF. As the 4th quarter began, Washington moved the ball with runs by Gibson but on 3rd and 8 from the 3, Howell's pass was intercepted by Charvarius Ward, yet another big play by this 49er standout. Mitchell continued his effective runs and after a 38-yard pass to Aiyuk, he and Purdy struck once more, this time for a Touchdown as Purdy scrambled and found him wide open for a TD. 27-10, SF.
After SF kicked off Howell was intercepted by "Alligator" Lenoir. With Kittle's blocks and chants for UUUU for Juszczyk (did Niner fans outnumber the locals?) as he made a key catch over the middle, and Mitchell's runs, the 49ers were finally stopped on the 2-yard line. D.C. was unable to muster any real offense and punted. Sam Darnold came in for Brock Purdy and the 49ers would punt, with Sam Womack, the former Toledo Rocket, with another no-nonsense tackle.
After a series of incomplete passes, San Francisco took over on downs as the clock ran down. Purdy finished 22/28, 230 yards, Two TDs, no interceptions and a 124.7 QBR.
Final Score: San Francisco 49ers 27, Washington Commanders 10
YouTube Game Highlights: 12:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdezhhDpW4w
Happy New Year!
Robert A. Moselle, Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, Arizona Wildcats 100
Cal Bears (WBkB) 51, Stanford Cardinal 78
Golden State Warriors 129, Washington Wizards 118
San Jose Sharks 0, Edmonton Oilers 5
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 100, Arizona Wildcats 81
Stanford Cardinal (WBkB) 98, Morgan State Lady Bears 38
Special Features
College Athlete Now A Pro, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Features & Commentary
Asian Winter in Baseball, by Amaury Pi-Gonzales
Derek Jeter -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Spread New Year Cheer -- Your Support is Welcome!
Sports Haiku, by Robert Moselle
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Was It Christmas? Or Something Else?, by Howard Pearlstein
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
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
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Local Boy Makes Good
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
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A rumor afloat is that Caleb Williams, the USC quarterback who opted out of last week’s Holiday Bowl, is considering transferring to Ohio State, which could make him the first Heisman Trophy winner
at two schools.
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College
Athlete
Now A Pro
by Dave Newhouse
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The most transformative moment in college sports has been the definition change from student-athlete to athlete-capitalist.
The athlete on scholarship has been replaced by the athlete making corporate money, wherever he can find it, by constantly changing campuses as if they were bus stops.
The catalyst, of course, is money, tons of money, which wasn’t available to student-athletes of yore, who struggled financially with minimal scholarship stipends, barely having enough money to do their laundry or go out on a date.
Somehow, these jocks completed their degrees, most of them, and went onto productive lives, much better for their collegiate struggle in the long run, because it taught them intestinal fortitude.
Their struggle is a thing of the past, because today's so-called amateurs now are professionals, being offered six figures to switch colleges in order to bring a bowl victory or even a national championship to their new university.
And it’s not just one transfer for some of these corporate-like recruits, who might play for three, four or even five colleges before their “eligibility” expires.
What’s left is a college athletic scene clearly off its axis, or rocker, take your pick. This generation’s athlete now is for hire, constantly on the move, so quickly that you wonder if he even attends class at whichever school he chooses to pick up a paycheck.
I wrote a long time ago that the student-athlete was being violated, because his situation was so much different from the general college student who wasn’t playing sports. The latter didn’t have to worry about daily practices, weekend travel to games, or injuries which made studying difficult, let alone getting to class on crutches. That student-athlete deserved scholarship money, what little there was, which made my point: He was being paid on the cheap. I felt that if the NCAA didn’t up the ante — and it clearly had the resources — there could be a problem down the road.
Well, the situation finally exploded into what we’re witnessing today: “Amateur” athletes in revolt. A college quarterback can make $100,000 or more by switching schools. A rumor afloat is that Caleb Williams, the USC quarterback who opted out of last week’s Holiday Bowl, is considering transferring to Ohio State, which could make him the first Heisman Trophy winner at two schools. Williams is expected to be the first overall pick of the next NFL draft, but there is big money awaiting him, too, by transferring schools.
How does the song go: "Money, money, money isn’t funny in the rich man's world.” This includes the former student-athlete, now reclassified as the athlete-capitalist, who can drive a Lamborghini to class if he desires.
We live in a capitalistic society in which people have the freedom to choose whatever income that suits them best, whether a lawyer or linebacker. And I wouldn't want any college student, jock or non-jock, to struggle financially.
So where do we go next: Millionaire college quarterbacks or power forwards studying for final exams on their yachts? Am I too far off in my thinking? Possibly not.
Once again, I don’t deny anyone the chance to better himself, but I already miss the athlete who chose one university and stuck with it, or the athlete who truly was an amateur in college. Those days, sadly, are disappearing, and though the athlete is better for it monetarily, I can’t say the rest of us are, having lost the distinction of amateurism, and seeing it replaced by sham professionalism.
* * *
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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Don't Miss Your Chance -- Help Spread The
New Year's Cheer!!!
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Donate Today And Add Your Name
To The List Below
Your Support Is Appreciated!
Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry and media professionals, colleges and universities and avid San Francisco and Northern California sports fans.
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or send to: Christopher Weills, Publisher,
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Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
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What's in Store for Rest of Giants' Offseason?
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from the Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in
your inbox.
Happy holidays!
The 2023 season didn’t play out the way the Giants expected, but they’re determined to make substantive changes to ensure they not only put themselves in position to contend next year, but also field a far more entertaining team that will resonate with fans. They began the retooling process by bringing in Bob Melvin to serve as their new manager and then made their first big offseason splash by inking KBO star Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal.
Still, there are plenty of holes left to be filled, especially since the Giants will be charged with contending with the Shohei Ohtani-led Dodgers, the star-driven Padres and the rising D-backs in 2024.
“We’ve talked about wanting to be motivated to improve our team,” president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said earlier this month. “Certainly making acquisitions that get our fans excited is really important. But making acquisitions that excite people in the moment but then wind up not panning out, that’s not going to be good business either. We’re just going to continue to rely heavily on our evaluations and players that we think can really move the needle for us.”
continued...
Maria Guardado covers the Giants for MLB.com.
She previously covered the Angels from 2017-18.
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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Attend the Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour with stops in Sacramento, San Jose and Napa
Open House at Oracle Park is Saturday, March 9
The Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024 is a new, reimagined experience for Giants fans that transforms the traditional one-day
San Francisco-based event into an expanded series across Northern California. Current and former Giants players, coaches, broadcasters and Lou Seal will caravan to meet fans in their local communities
-- including Sacramento, San Jose and Napa -- to sign autographs, participate in Q&A sessions, distribute merchandise and more.
The tour will end with an Open House at Oracle Park on Saturday, March 9 providing fans with access to often restricted ballpark locations -- including the field, clubhouse, broadcast booth and dugout. Meet-and-greets and autograph opportunities with Giants alumni and photo opportunities with Lou Seal and the World Series Trophies will also be available. Fans in San Francisco will be able to interact with players in Scottsdale, using new technology. The Giants Spring Training game in Scottsdale will be broadcast on the scoreboard during the event.
Event tickets are required for the Open House at Oracle Park.
Claim up to 10 complimentary tickets.
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Welcome to another edition of the A’s Beat newsletter | |
Here’s What Could Be In Store
For The A’s In 2024
Martín Gallegos @MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter.
To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to receive
it regularly in your inbox.
As we prepare to turn the calendar to a new year, it is only natural to look ahead at what 2024 might bring for the A’s.
After finishing with the worst record in the Majors, the A's are hopeful that year three of their rebuild can represent a big step toward getting back into playoff contention. They will look to do so with players they identified as pieces of their future last season, while also exploring the trade and free-agent market this offseason for upgrades.
Here’s a look ahead to 2024 for the A’s:
Biggest question to answer before Spring Training
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.com
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(L to R) Oakland A's outfielder Billy North, authors Dave Newhouse and Arif Khatib. Photo by Ed Jay. | |
Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
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San Jose Sharks 0
Edmonton Oilers 5
SAP Center, San Jose
December 28, 2023
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San Jose Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen made 17 saves in relief of starter Magnus Chrona during the Sharks' 5-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, December 28th at SAP Center. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Golden State Warriors 129
Washington Wizards 118
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, December 22, 2023
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Stanford Cardinal 100
Arizona Wildcats 81
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Stanford freshman guard Kanaan Carlyle hit six three-pointers and finished with 28 points as the Cardinal upset the fourth-ranked Arizona Wildcats, 100-82, at Maples Pavilion on Sunday,
December 31st. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Cal Bears 69
Arizona State 71
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Closing out 2023 in front of a modest home crowd, the Golden Bears held the lead going into the last five minutes of the game. The lead bounced back and forth, up until the last shot attempt by Cal missed its mark, giving the Sun Devils a two point win at the buzzer. Putting up good numbers, Fardaws Aimaq (#00) puts up a contested shot and draws the foul for a plus one and finished the game with 17 points and 14 rebounds. The University of California Golden Bears, hosted Arizona State University Sun Devils at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Coming in from the bench for only 15 minutes of action, Grant Newell (#14) would score 10 points and provide late scoring, keeping the Golden Bears in the game. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Always coaching, head coach Mark Madsen provides instructions to Jaylon Tyson (#20) as he prepares to enter the game late in the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Cal Bears 81
Arizona Wildcats 100
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Friday, December 29, 2023
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Haas Pavilion drew a robust crowd for the Golden Bears hosting the nationally 4th ranked University of Arizona Wildcats, which kicked off Pac-12 men's basketball conference play. Coming in for defensive help, sophomore Gus Larson (#31) got one of four blocks in the game, as the University of California, Golden Bears, hosted the University of Arizona Wildcats at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Was It Christmas?
Or Something Else?
by Howard Pearlstein
Oh boy, both the Dubs and the 9ers playing on Christmas Day against really good teams, meaning, in the world of, “show me what you got,” they’re on national TV to show ‘em all. Oops.
It wasn’t like Christmas. More like Chanukah, when presents are less what you want and more what you need. When I was 12, my favorite aunt gave me socks and underwear. Yippee.
Maybe it was what the Niners needed, getting whipped on national TV. Were the Ravens that good or the Niners that bad? With two games left for the NFC Top Seed – home games and a precious “get healthy” bye week, they need to find out fast. (When this runs, it’ll be one down and one more to go.)
The Dubs seem to know what they need to set things right, getting the fluid rotation of players working. So another place to look is NBA Rules and Refs aka Free Throw Overkill. The Dubs lost by six points. Superhero Nikola Jokic, 6’11” and 284 pounds, went 4-of-12 from the floor, but 18-for-18 from the foul line.
Hell, I could do that in high school. I just didn’t have much game on the floor. Nor apparently does Jokic, at least not these days. Not to say he doesn’t know how, just that it’s easier. He doesn’t play the game anymore – he plays the refs. He games the rules.
The Dubs players need to stop their own fouling, but also deal with the “Mommy mommy he hurt me!” Best Actor Awards.
Meanwhile, the number of times the whistle blows for any punch/grab/push/pull on Steph Curry that’s not hideously obvious (and sometimes even then) is about equal to the times we see kangaroos hopping in traffic on MacArthur Blvd. (Well, ok, Steph does draw those charges.)
The other part of this is something we really don’t need or want, writers who rip players. Don’t call them vultures – American vultures don’t eat your organs until after you’re dead. These are Keyboard Ghouls. Eat ‘em up, Yum-yum.
Nostradamners who foresee a future that allows them to carp and caper and pick and diss from the safety of the key board. The ones who have already said, “Klay Thompson is done.” “Wiggins never was good.” “Chris Paul won’t play with Steph.” “Trade Kuminga and Looney for…” someone. And of course, kick Draymond when he’s down, try to make sure he never gets up, gets straight, gets healthy.
But the Winner of the Small Time Vicious Hall of Creepiness Award
hoped the Ravens would show everyone Brock Purdy was a fraud.
It’s like those aren’t real people out there playing their asses off in their life’s work, just Fantasy Sports Game names on a list. Cross ‘em off, move ‘em around. Pick an Over-under number, play the spread. It’s not like they’re actual people with lives and families.
In 1980, the Raiders replaced Dan Pastorini with the Jim Plunkett, a QB with see-everything smartness and wobbly knees from being a #1 pick by the Patriots in 1971, to an offensive line barely more than a rumor. And everyone said: “He can’t play – look, he can barely walk.” That was sad, having watched him play for Stanford when he moved around the pocket like Nureyev. But he took them to the Super Bowl, and won it – via the Wild Card game. And did it again in 1983.
I guess it’s one of those things we need to do every generation, tell these people to go F— themselves and the laptops they rode in…for the children.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
With the takeover of sports by Big Money State Licensed Corporate Bookies, coupled with streaming-only delivery systems, watch for a new phenomenon.
To watch a game, you MUST wager on it.
No money, no funny.
Next year's big Bowl Game?
The "Gamblers Only" Bowl
You can BET on it! In fact, you MUST!
(The over/under on free live attendance is
10 ½ years old -- I.D. required.)
The "Gamblers Only" Bowl
Washington Texas
Alabama Michigan
Still free on TV
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Get it while you can!
* * *
Contributed by Robert Moselle
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for
Best Sports Haiku. The winner will be published!
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Stanford Cardinal 98
Morgan State Lady Bears 38
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Sunday, December 31
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Stanford Cardinal All-American Cameron Brink recorded 18 points, five rebounds, and six blocks on her 22nd birthday as the Cardinal closed out 2023 with a 98-38 victory over the Morgan State Lady Bears on Sunday, December 31st at Maples Pavilion. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | Forward Nunu Agara scored 14 points and added eight rebounds as the Cardinal remain unbeaten at home this season. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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Kicking Points in the NFL is still
on my Mind!
Two weeks ago I asked who kicked the most field goals in NFL regular season play...
Who set the record for most consecutive Points After Touchdown (PAT) in NFL regular season play? Hint: The record is 422!
Answer below...
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Advertise in
Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
* Sponsorship opportunities
Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Sales Director
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 60: A Quick Breakdown Of Some Negotiated Contract Terms
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
That's all you're getting this week, which is understandably a slow week as we celebrate the holiday season and a new year.
With a lack of newsworthy items to cover, I figured I'd run through a few key items in a contract that I looked over just yesterday for an athlete client who had been given a draft endorsement agreement from a company that wishes to engage the athlete.
- Make sure all identifying information of the parties is listed. No one enters into a contract with the expectation that there will be a dispute. However, if a dispute arises, you want there to be no question who the parties are, particularly if corporate entities are involved. Make sure the full corporate name (including identifiers such as "LLC" or "Inc.") is identified as well as the laws under which the corporate entity is formed, plus its address. This is also important should a notice be provided in the case of a breach and/or for early termination purposes.
- If the company is providing content, then negotiate for approval rights. Be as specific as possible in this area. The contract I received was vague as to what those approval rights included. An example of how to make this clause more specific is to indicate that proposed and/or sample advertising must be approved by the athlete before the company's use and if the athlete fails to provide such approval within a certain number of days, then the approval shall be deemed denied (companies would prefer a lack of communication to indicate automatic approval).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal Bears 51
Stanford Cardinal 78
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Friday, December 29, 2023
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Stanford Cardinal guard Talana Lepolo hit six three-pointers as the Cardinal opened Pac-12 play with a 78-51 victory over the Cal Bears on Friday, December 29th at Haas Pavilion. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Derek Jeter -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I was fortunate to meet New York Yankee Derek Jeter right after he filmed a Visa commercial with George Steinbrenner in 2003. He came to the Visa HQ to conduct business and I caught him in the lobby as he was leaving. I handed him a baseball to get signed and he jokingly gestated as if he was going to throw the ball across the room.
I laughed and he proceeded to sign my baseball. Today Derek Jeter still signs baseballs at $400 each with the money going
towards his charities.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Check out Season 3 of The Charge
on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The debut of season three for The Charge, San José State's All-Access Show, aired recently on NBC Sports Bay Area. There will be several re-airs throughout January on NBC Sports California.
Season 3, Episode 1
- First segment: Meet the Jenkins twins that helped lead the football team to a second consecutive bowl game and the first Mountain West championship in 2020.
- Second segment: The men's golf team took a global trip to Japan to compete in a world/amateur golf tournament.
- Third segment: Professional women's soccer is back in the Bay Area as Bay FC will partner with SJSU.
- Fourth segment: The men's water polo team captured the inaugural West Coast Conference championship in stunning fashion.
#AllSpartans
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Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
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Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
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California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging
out with friends.
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RELIVE FIVE OF THE TOP MOMENTS
FROM 2023
The 2023 season marked the start of the Luchi Gonzalez era at the Quakes! In his first year at the helm, we clinched a 2023 playoff spot. Continue reading below to check out five of the best moments of 2023!
As we approach 2024, we're excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary and kick off our home campaign in the first-ever California Clasico Home Opener on March 2. From our Quakes family to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year!
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Alex Palou dominates the 2023 Season and is crowned the NTT INDYCAR Series Champion at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey 2023. Photo by Steven Kwon.
2023 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Season is one for the Record Books
MONTEREY, Calif., Dec. 28, 2023—The revitalized Laguna Seca Recreation Area, home to the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca road course, concluded one of the most successful seasons in its 66-year history with strong attendance, completion of major construction projects, an abundance of fundraising and community events, and a new track lap record.
The year started quietly as Granite Construction and WeatherTech Raceway facility teams persevered through record rainfall. Through the support of the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors and County staff, the race surface was completely repaved, and an impressive new Start/Finish bridge constructed, which thanks to the partnership of Mission Foods, is now named the Mission Foods Start/Finish Bridge. Due to the constricted timeframe for construction, once opened, it was an exciting year with superb on-track action.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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New Racing Surface to Greet Drivers at Sonoma Raceway; Bay Cities Paving & Grading
to Repave Iconic Racing Surface
Photo courtesy Brandy Falconer
SONOMA, Calif. (December 5, 2023) – Racers and fans are about to be treated to a newly paved surface at California’s busiest racing facility.
Sonoma Raceway announced today a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing the best racing experience for fans and drivers alike. The world-renowned road course will undergo a comprehensive repaving project in preparation for the June 7-9, 2024 NASCAR race weekend.
“Our racing surface is in use more than 300 days per year,” said Brian Flynn, executive vice president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “While our headline event is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend, our raceway is used by car clubs, automotive enthusiasts, corporate clients and manufacturers on a daily basis. It’s important that we continue to upgrade this first-class facility for everyone who comes to Sonoma Raceway.”
Local area business Bay Cities Paving & Grading of Concord, CA has been awarded the contract for the project.
“We’re thrilled to have our repaving project managed by a Bay Area company,” Flynn said. “This is part of our continuing effort to work within our community while producing world-class events that bring in guests from around the country and the world.”
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.sonomaraceway.com
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Cal Drops Home Contest To Arizona State
Bears Led By As Many As 16 Points In Second Half
Of 71-69 Loss
BERKELEY (AP) – Frankie Collins scored 17 of his career-high 25 points in the second half to help Arizona State rally from a 16-point second-half deficit and beat California 71-69 Sunday night at Haas Pavilion.
Collins, who went into the game ranked fourth nationally in steals per game (2.92), made 10 of 17 from the field, 3 of 5 from 3-point range and finished with six steals for Arizona State (8-5, 2-0 Pac-12), which swept the opening weekend of Pac-12 play.
Grant Newell hit a jumper that gave the Golden Bears (4-9, 0-2) a 14-point lead with 8:59 left in the game but they made just 1 of 5 from the field and committed five turnovers over the next five-plus minutes. Kamari Lands scored all his 11 points, including three 3-pointers, in a 22-6 spurt that gave the Sun Devils a 64-62 lead with – their first since 2-0 – with 3:12 to go. Fardaws Aimaq answered with a three-point play before Collins hit a jumper and Jaylon Tyson made two free throws to put Cal in front 67-66 with 1:25 remaining. Jose Perez had a jumper in the lane blocked by Jalen Celestine but Alonzo Gaffney's put-back dunk with 43 seconds left gave Arizona State the lead for good.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Kelley Cox/klcfoto
www.calbears.com
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Stanford Ends Year In Style
No. 9 Cardinal beats Morgan State, 98-38
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) – Cameron Brink had 18 points, five rebounds and six blocked shots to lead No. 9 Stanford to a 98-38 win over Morgan State on Sunday night.
Elena Bosgana had 14 points and six rebounds, and Hannah Jump added 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting as Stanford (11-1) won its seventh straight home game.
Laila Fair led Morgan State (4-9) with eight points and eight rebounds.
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer won her 1,198th career game, moving five wins away from the all-time record for career victories in college basketball (men's or women's) held by former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
"We had six people in double figures, everyone got to play and no one got hurt," VanDerveer said. "That's a good night."
Stanford took control of the game early, outscoring Morgan State 29-15 in the first quarter.
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Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Supriya Limaye / isiphotos.com
www.gostanford.com
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SPARTANS DROP FINAL GAME OF 2023
TO SAINT MARY'S
MORAGA, Calif. – Jyah LoVett finished with a game-high 15 points as San José State (5-7, 0-0 MW) fell 70-52 to Saint Mary's (7-7, 0-0 WCC) on Friday afternoon in their final game of 2023.
LoVett was also strong on the defensive side of the ball with five steals. Her 32 steals on the season also ranks fifth in the Mountain West. LoVett also had five assists in the game.
Amhyia Moreland finished with 13 points off the bench and was also strong on the defensive side as well with four blocks to bring her team-high season total to 19, which is a tie for fourth in the Mountain West.
Sabrina Ma knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with 11 points.
Semaj Smith finished with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting and a game-high seven rebounds.
The Spartans' five non-conference wins is the most since the 2019-20 season.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB | Gaels Remain Perfect Vs. SJSU
with 70-52 Win
MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Basketball went on a 17-0 run over the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second on their way to a 70-52 over San Jose State on Friday afternoon. The win moved the Gaels to a perfect 12-0 in program history over the Spartans.
The Gaels trailed by two late in the first quarter before pouring it on the Spartans, starting with a three pointer from Ruby Vlahov to give SMC the lead for good at 7-6 in a very defensive-minded first quarter. They would lead 12-6 after the first quarter and went up 21-6 after a basket from Zeryhia Aokuso with 7:36 to go in the first half.
Both team's shooting percentages were in the 20s in the first quarter, but the Gaels would shoot 58% from the floor in the second, including a perfect 4 for 4 from three-point range and 8 for 8 from the free-throw line.
The Gaels would lead by 21 at 38-17 after a three pointer by Aokuso to end the half. After a basket by the Spartans started the second half, Addison Wedin pushed it back to 21 just 30 seconds in to the third quarter with a mid-range jumper.
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For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Saint Mary's Athletics/Tod Fierner
www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Cruise Past Delta Devils on Saturday Afternoon
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Closing out nonconference play with an emphatic win, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (11-4) wrapped up the calendar year in style on Saturday afternoon as the Dons cruised past Mississippi Valley State (0-13), 92-42, at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Kickstarting the offense out of the gates, Ndewedo Newbury scored the first three points of the afternoon for San Francisco as a free throw 43 seconds into play got the green and gold on the board before a layup off a turnover at 18:37 gave USF an early 3-0 lead.
Following a jumper from Mississippi Valley State at 16:57 that knotted things at 5-5, the Dons used a 10-4 run over the next four plus minutes to jump back in front by seven, 15-9, at the 12:50 mark.
Shortly thereafter, USF continued to roll offensively as the green and gold then reeled off a 15-2 run over the next five plus minutes to lead by 19 (30-11) at the 7:50 mark in the first half.
Firing on all cylinders for the remainder of the half, San Francisco kept their rhythm into the halftime break as the Dons led by 30 points, 51-21, following the first 20 minutes on the Hilltop.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Eduardo Garcia
www.usfdons.com
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Broncos Take On Yale in Final
Nonconference Game
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara men's basketball has one just final game on the calendar for 2023. The Broncos will host Yale University for a 4:00 p.m. PT tip inside the Leavey Center on Saturday, Dec. 30, to wrap up nonconference play. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Anthony Passarelli and Henry Caruso on the call.
The Broncos (9-5) are coming off a big neutral-site victory over Duquesne to pick up their ninth victory of the year. Trailing by eight midway through the second half, Santa Clara closed the game on a 17-4 run to come out on top, 81-73. Carlos Marshall, Jr. and Adama-Alpha Bal each scored 19 points while Brenton Knapper, making his fourth-straight start, tallied a career-best 12 points.
Marshall, Jr. and Bal are one of the top scoring duos in the WCC, ranking at fourth and fifth, respectively in the league. Bal is averaging 15.7 points per game while Bal is just behind him at 15.3. The Broncos feature the second-best scoring offense in the league at 78.3 ppg and features the league's top 3-point shooting mark of 38.4 percent (23rd-best nationally).
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Santa Clara Athletics
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
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PACIFIC TOPPED BY COLUMBIA
STOCKTON, Calif. – Pacific women's basketball dropped its final non-conference game of the season to Columbia 93-75 on Sunday at Alex G. Spanos Center.
Junior Elizabeth Elliott led Pacific (8-5) with 15 points. Graduate student Cecilia Holmberg and junior Anaya James both had 14 points apiece. Holmberg grabbed a team-high seven rebounds while James notched a season-high nine assists.
Both teams traded back and forth baskets in the first four minutes of the game. The Lions went on a 15-0 run at the 6:08 mark, taking a 22-9 lead over the Tigers. Columbia (9-4) outscored Pacific 27-11 in the first quarter.
The Tigers were held to .379 from the field in the first half, including .313 in the first quarter.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Norris Records Double-Double; Aggies
Stunned by Cal Poly
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – It came down to the final possession in a hotly contested Big West matchup on the Central Coast, but UC Davis were unable to convert on its last trip down the floor and hosts Cal Poly hung on for the 57-54 win on Saturday afternoon inside Mott Athletics Center.
With the victory, Cal Poly (6-6, 2-0 Big West) snaps a 15-game losing streak against the Aggies (4-8, 0-2 Big West). This is the Mustangs' first win over UC Davis since 2015.
Davis' team was fairly efficient shooting from the floor (43.9%), but a season-high 24 turnovers were what plagued the Aggie offense.
Megan Norris posted her second double-double of the season, pouring in a team-high 13 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant performance from the reigning Big West Freshman of the Year.
Sydney Burns enjoyed her third game in double digits by dropping 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers. Tova Sabel also found her way into double figures for the fifth straight contest, hitting three triples to finish with 10 points on the day.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Leroy Yau
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
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Pioneer Women's Basketball Finishes 2023
With Loss at SF State
SAN FRANCISCO - Cal State East Bay women's basketball played a CCAA game on the final day of 2023 at San Francisco State. Despite falling behind by as much as 19 points in the first quarter, the Pioneers battled back. However, they came up short on Sunday, falling 68-61 to the Gators inside the Main Gym on the SF State campus.
GAME SUMMARY
In the first quarter, the Gators started the game on a 20-2 run. The first field goal of the game for CSUEB was from Kayla Rosemon at the 3:01 mark of the quarter. Ultimately, the Gators led 23-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Pioneers would methodically climbed back into the ballgame in the second quarter starting with a 14-6 run, capped by a Payton Sterk three-pointer with 4:17 left, to trim the Gators' lead to single digits at 29-21. The Pioneers would come as close as three points, trailing 31-28, on an Abigail Cooper jumper with 33 seconds left in the half. SF State led 31-28 at the break.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo/Jeff Kettering
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YEAR-ROUND JUNIOR SAILING AND
SUMMER CAMPS
We teach kids as young as eight years old, in boats sized just for them. For the older and more accomplished, we offer trapeze sailing with spinnakers, keelboat sailing and anything that pops up when opportunity strikes. You do not have to be a St. Francis Yacht Club member for your child to participate in these programs, and we find time for giggles so a kid can be a kid.
New sailors start with the Learn to Sail program and grow into Learn to Race. Sailors ages 8-11 sail our very manageable RS Teras. At about age 12, they grow into the RS Feva and C420, a two-person dinghy that our more ambitious teenagers race in national championships. Our J/22 programs are popular for teens who want to sail with friends, friends and more friends and get a grip on handling keelboats. All of these are excellent training vessels, provided and maintained by the Club.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Matt Stover
kicked 422 consecutive PAT, mostly with
the Baltimore Ravens.
Football is a sport of stats almost as much as baseball. Just so I don't ask any more questions about points after touchdowns, here is the go-to for records involving points scored after a touchdown. For what it's worth, Stover does not have the highest percentage of completions
over a career.
Sadly, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel is coming to an end after this season. The report on NFL kickers tweaked my interest enough to create a couple of questions on the topic. Season 29 segment 9, is available on MAX. I feel confident there is a free version online. I just didn't go beyond page one on my search to find it.
Go Celtics!
My hopes for a championship are higher than usual with the Warriors not playing so well.
Happy New Year!
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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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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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"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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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Stanford Cardinal (WBkB) 98, Morgan State 38, December 31, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 100, Arizona Wildcats 81, December 31, 2023. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, No. 4 Arizona Wildcats 100, December 29, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 51, Stanford Cardinal 78, December 29, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
San Jose Sharks 0, Edmonton Oilers 5, December 28, 2023. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s (MBkB) Gaels 64, Missouri State Bears 69,
December 23, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 77, Fresno State Bulldogs 57, December 22, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 82, Idaho Vandals 64, December 17, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Hoodslam Oakland. December 4, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 76, Nevada Wolf Pack 49, December 9, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita..
Cal Bears (WBkB) 70, Gonzaga Bulldogs 78, December 7, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal (WBB) Bears 74, Saint Mary’s Gaels 69, December 2, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, January 1, through
Sunday, January 7, 2024
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Monday, January 1
Tuesday, January 2
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 3
Thursday, January 4
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 5
Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 6
San Jose Sharks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 4 p.m.
Sunday, January 7
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams, 1:25 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos, 1:25 p.m.
Golden State Warriors @ Toronto Raptors, 5:30 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Ultimate Sports Guide website!
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
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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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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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