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February 12 -- February 18, 2024
Issue No. 524
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Curry's shot with 0.7 seconds left was the game winner | | |
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Warriors
Resurgence
Under Way
by Dave Newhouse
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The play will be a blip on the spectrum of this crazy basketball journey for the Warriors, but it could speak volumes in a season -ending perspective on the franchise.
The Warriors have been in a funk all winter, hovering below the .500 mark until lately, when they appear to be catching fire at just the right time.
They took the court against visiting Phoenix on Saturday with new-found momentum, but found themselves two points down with 3.3 seconds left in the game. Then came the aforementioned blip for the Warriors, but which, suddenly, turned in their favor.
Coach Steve Kerr chose Brandin Podziemski, a rookie, to inbound the pass to — who else? — Stephen Curry for a do-or-die three pointer. Curry had two Suns hovering in front of him, but Podziemski expertly passed the ball to the half court side of Curry to not risk a steal.
Curry backed up to take the pass, faked a shot to draw out one Sun, then stepped forward and hoisted a perfect swish for the victory — perhaps the most monumental shot of the Warriors season, considering its overall viewpoint.
For the Warriors finally pulled themselves even at .500 with their sixth victory in seven games, and a last-gasp win instead of the late game-ending losses that have characterized their season so far.
If Podziemski directed his pass to Curry incorrectly, it would have been picked off. But the rookie aimed it perfectly, and the Warriors recent upsurge continued, suggesting that the rest of the NBA had better take notice, because there could be a post-season surprise in the making out west.
For the Warriors have turned it on, with their players coming alive — and coming together — at the perfect juncture. Gary Payton II is finally healthy, hitting five straight shots against Phoenix. And when Chris Paul returns to the court, the team will be ready for an all-out assault on climbing up the Western Conference standings with an eye on the playoffs. You want to bet against the Warriors getting there?
Everything seems to be jelling. I was hard on Draymond Green in a previous column for TUSG, questioning his value to the franchise, but his playmaking seems to have improved, if that’s possible, since returning from his latest suspension. And Lester Quinones and Gui Santos have come out of nowhere, it seems, to join the versatile Podziemski in making the Warriors a well-rounded unit.
This team is unbelievably deep, even deeper than the Rick Barry-led when healthy, and the Warriors are getting healthy in time for the playoff run. Not only that, Jonathan Kuminga is a budding superstar, while Andrew Wiggins has resurrected his game to a, sometimes, superstar level. Other contributing Warriors — Dario Saric, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis — have made this team even deeper that the Rick Barry-led Warriors' NBA champions of 1975.
I don’t believe the Warriors would be even this close to a potential climactic finish if not for Curry, who, at 34, still reigns as the NBA’s greatest shooter ever. His final-seconds dramatics have kept the team alive this season, even when they needed resuscitation.
The only downside has been Klay Thompson, whose automatic shot-making has disappeared. However, you never want to rule against the great ones, and knowing Thompson’s fierce competitiveness, his game will be felt positively down the stretch.
It’s going to be a fun ride, which just shifted into third gear, and prompted by an inbounds pass in San Francisco on a February evening.
* * *
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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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
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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KICKS!
"Kicks just keep gettin' harder to find
and all your kicks just ain't bringin' you peace of mind
You better get straight, but not with kicks."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLomSaLLSzg
Paul Revere & The Raiders
(With help from the Moody Blues, in an encore performance)
One decent Point-After-Touchdown Kick and the Niners would now
be Super Bowl Champs. It's that simple. But a hearty Thank You to
the 49ers players who gave it all they had.
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Ivy League Workers of the World, Unite!
In September the Dartmouth College men’s basketball team filed a petition to unionize. All 15 players on the team signed the petition to be represented by the Service Employees International Union.
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Their petition is the most recent in a wave of recent efforts by college athletes to assert their rights. A 4.0 GPA isn't enough?
This N.I.L. stuff is gettin' just a little ridiculous. Give it a rest.
Robert A. Moselle, Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Keggy The Keg -- The Dartmouth Mascot
"We created "Keggy the Keg" and snuck him into the homecoming game." To this day, Keggy remains Dartmouth's "official unofficial" mascot.
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 60, UCLA Bruins 61
Cal Bears (MBkB) 83, USC Trojans 77
Saint Mary's College Gaels (Rugby) 74, Boston College Eagles 7
Features & Commentary
Another Crushing Super Bowl Defeat for 49ers, by Bruce Macgowan
Born in Oakland, Planning for Nashville, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Jerry Rice, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
The Day After $uper Bowl 58, by Andy Dolich
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Warriors Resurgence Under Way, by Dave Newhouse
What's Defense? You Know It When You See It, 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 B'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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Another Crushing Super Bowl Defeat for the 49ers
By Bruce Macgowan
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“Never call the Kansas City Chiefs an Under Dog!” said Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes minutes after his team snatched away another Super Bowl trophy from the Niners’ grasp.
Soul crushing, devastating, heart breaking. Any of those accurately describes the agony 49er players, front office members and hard core fans are feeling. Four years ago the Niners blew a 10-point lead in the final eight minutes to Mahomes and the Chiefs in the title game. And now they found a new, even more agonizing way to lose, falling in overtime.
Watching the first half of this game was like the first few rounds of a heavyweight title fight. A defensive struggle with both teams giving a little ground but no big punches being thrown. When the Niners took a 10-3 after clearly outplaying the Chiefs for most of the first half, 49er fans had to be worried. You need more of a lead against the Chiefs going into a second half of a game. Still, the 49ers defense was bottling Mahomes up and the all-world tight end Travis Kelce was only able to catch one pass in the entire first half.
But there were ominous signs. The most alarming was when exuberant linebacker Dre Greenlaw tripped on his way out to the field on a change of possession and fell to the turf with a serious achilles tendon injury. Greenlaw kind of reminds one of Draymond Green of the Warriors; he thrives on emotion, sometimes plays “on the edge” and can be a little over enthusiastic when tackling an opponent.
Even though Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead were in Mahomes' face much of the first three quarters, the KC signal caller must have breathed a sigh of relief that he would not be chased around anymore by Greenlaw. So it was no surprise that midway through the third quarter the Mahomes magic suddenly came to life. While the 49ers defense did a great job bottling up KC’s running attack most of the game, Mahomes finally started to find Kelce open over the middle or near the sidelines a number of times for big gains. And stomach muscles then began to tighten among the thousands of 49er fans who filled the Raiders’ lavish Las Vegas Stadium.
As usual, 49er head coach Kyle Shanahan came up with some imaginative and bold moves, particularly a stunning two-pass play that saw Jauan Jennings complete one to Christian McCaffrey for a 10-yard run and score.
But there are some things you cannot do when you’re facing a Chiefs team that has now won three Super Bowls under head coach Andy Reid. You cannot muff a punt and turn the ball over deep in your own territory. (The Chiefs turned that mistake into a TD on the next play.)
You don’t want to have to stop Mahomes on a critical third down situation because you know this elite athlete is probably going to make you pay. And you CANNOT miss an extra point in a close game. You can’t do any of those things against KC and hope to win.
Give young quarterback Brock Purdy lots of credit for showing poise and using his big play teammates McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel to pick up key yardage. But the major credit should go to the 49ers defense. They read and reacted extremely well to the Chiefs attack for most of the game until it came down to the final minutes of regulation and the overtime. By that time Mahomes had the 49er defenders playing on their heels while their tongues were figuratively hanging out in exhaustion.
Almost everyone figured this would be a GREAT game to watch, but most were surprised that it was much more of a defensive struggle than anticipated. But remember, the Chiefs held the two best AFC teams to just 20 total points in winning playoff games on the road at both Buffalo and Baltimore, while the 49ers scrapped from behind to shut down two inexperienced playoff teams in the final minutes on the home turf of Levis Stadium.
As the 49ers trudged to the locker room afterward, they agonized over missing another chance to grab the NFL’s most coveted prize. Like their stunning loss to the Chiefs four years ago, this one cut deeply
But what really hurts most about this loss? There is no guarantee that the 49ers will get another great shot of winning it all next season. While most of the key players should be back next fall, no one knows what kind of breaks, what kind of big game performances and what up-and-coming opponents will emerge starting next September.
It’s hard to call 2023 a great year for the 49ers. But it certainly wasn’t lacking for drama!
* * *
Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Taylor Swift’s ERA Tour take vs. Travis Kelce’s contract? | | |
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The Day After
$uper Bowl 58
in Las Vegas
by Andy Dolich
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How much money was legally wagered on the game?
* $2 billion (est.)
How much money will be bet on the game off-the-books by 68
million Americans?
* $23 billion, up from $16 billion on last year’s game.
Winners and losers share for players in Super Bowl 58?
* Each Winner -- $157,000
* Each Loser -- $82,000
How much money does the Super Bowl MVP (Pete Rozelle Trophy) receive from the NFL?
* No cash. He will be going to Disneyland, may receive a free car and cash bonus from his team per contract.
Winners and losers share for Pro Bowl 2024?
* Winners -- $88,000
* Losers -- $44,000
Difference in yearly salary between starting QBs in the game?
* Let’s just call it $51 million.
* Patrick Mahomes -- $52,650,000
* Brock Purdy -- $879,003
How much money was (legally) bet in the USA on sports events
in 2023?
* $115 billion (est.)
Taylor Swift’s ERA Tour take vs. Travis Kelce’s contract?
* Kelce --$57.25 million dollars
* Taylor’s ERA Tour take -- $1.04 billion dollars
What is the value of the Lombardi Trophy?
* $10,000
Ballpark number of the total dollars generated from in-game TV
ads in this year’s Super Bowl?
* $500 million dollars. Spots are $7 million per for 30 seconds. (That’s $233,333 bucks per second.)
How much did a ticket cost for the first Super Bowl?
* $12.00
* * *
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Cal Bears 60
UCLA Bruins 61
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Saturday, February 10, 2024
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Fighting back from a 14-point deficit just before halftime, the Golden Bears took the lead with five minutes to play and battled to the end, before losing by one point to the UCLA Bruins. Again the game-scoring leader, Cal's Jaylon Tyson (#20) drives into the lane on his way to scoring 16 points, as the University of California Golden Bears played host to the University of California Los Angeles Bruins, in Men’s Pac-12 basketball at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Saturday, February 10. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Stepping out as the shot clock winds down, Gus Larsen (#31) launches a three-point shot and ignites the crowd midway through the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Saint Mary's College Gaels 74
Boston College Eagles 7
Saint Mary's Stadium, Moraga
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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Saint Mary's Gaels center Dominic Besag scores one of the team's twelve tries as the Gaels defeated the Boston College Eagles, 74-7, on Sunday, February 11th at Saint Mary's Stadium in Moraga.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Love is in the air at Oracle Park!
Plan an early season outing with a companion to a ballgame. Get a ticket plus a Ghirardelli Sundae,
for a limited time, starting at $29.
Select from 30 games, including Opening Day and opponents like the Padres, Mets, Dodgers and Yankees. Get up to 10 tickets with this offer.
Hurry! This offer ends on Valentine’s Day.
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The fan favorites are back and there's
something for everyone!
Heritage celebrations, Nurses Night, Scout Day, Jerry Garcia Night, and so much more. The 2024 schedule is jam-packed with over 30 group themes, special events, and community awareness days this season. Check out the full list and get your tickets today!
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(L to R) Dave Newhouse, Ignacio
De La Fuente, Andy Dolich
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Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dave Stewart is now a part-time owner and seeking to bring Major League Baseball to Nashville, TN | | |
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Born in Oakland -- Planning for Nashville
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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During a time when it seems people are talking about Oakland, Oakland, Oakland, for better or for worse, perhaps no other man currently represents Oakland better than Oakland A’s Hall of Fame pitcher Dave Stewart.
The Oakland A’s are not considered contenders. Still, the eyes of the baseball world are expressively focused on Oakland and this franchise’s trials and tribulations, especially during the 2024 baseball season, which is expected to be their last in Oakland. Dave Stewart is one man with a plan. His plan has been working for years to take an expansion team, minority-owned, to the city of Nashville.
He has been traveling in baseball circles, including the Winter Meetings, where baseball executives gather yearly to discuss trades and other organizational decisions. If you have not heard much about “Mister Smoke” talking about the A’s situation (unless he has to, as a baseball on-the-air commentator), he is not focused on such a thing. He is a proud Oaklander; everybody knows Stewart and his integrity for the game.
We will never forget during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and Dave Stewart, by the old Cypress freeway where most of the damage was done in Oakland, including fatalities. I said to Stew after the earthquake, “You should run for Mayor.” He laughed at the idea.
Nashville is the first of two MLB candidates for expansion and is assumed to be a foregone conclusion. Nashville will have to pay a $2 billion expansion fee, plus the price of a new stadium. The capital of Tennessee, Nashville, has a population of 700,000, 300,000-plus more than Oakland, and 2 million in their metropolitan area, the Capital of Country Music.
Yes, Dave Stewart, born in Oakland, has been working on a real plan for Nashville.
Quote: "Baseball is a public trust. Players turn over, owners turn over, and certain commissioners turn over. But baseball goes on.” -- Peter Ueberroth, Commissioner of Baseball from 1984-1988.
* * *
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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Cal Bears 83
USC Trojans 77
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
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With the last game under the same Pac-12 league banner, the University of Southern California Trojans entered a sold-out Haas Pavilion in Berkeley to face a recently surging Golden Bears squad that took the win in overtime, 83-77. The crowd took note of unexpected halftime entertainment from the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James who attended to watch Bronny, his son and a freshman on the Trojans team. James passed a ball to the Trojan equipment staff, then began to dribble it in place as he held a conversation and mocked a shot. The University of California Golden Bears played host to the University of Southern California Trojans, in men’s Pac-12 basketball at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Fardaws Aimaq (#00) gets recognized by both Jalen Celestine (#32) and Jalen Cone (#15) after scoring a tough shot early in the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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With the crowd still on their feet, Grant Newell (#14) flies in to slam home two more points for the Golden Bears before halftime.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Driving around the defense and putting up a picturesque scoop shot, Keonte Kennedy (#3) adds two points and draws the foul for the plus-one during the second half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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What’s Defense?
You Know It When You See it
by Howard Pearlstein
By the time you read this, the Super Bowl will be yesterday.
But the Dubs’ games can be a lot of tomorrows. I say this with some confidence, because I’m seeing Coach Kerr’s mix-and-match fluid roster moves grow into what he’d imagined, the way the old Disney time-lapse movies showed a plant growing from seed to flower in thrity seconds.
Before the last week or so, they were up to almost, despite injuries and suspensions. You could see it against the Lakers, even though that turned out to be an almost. The team that couldn’t shoot straight held the Lakers to two OTs before Lebron pulled out one of those jive forced fouls and used free throws to overcome Steph’s patented game-winning 3-pointer with five seconds left. (Some people think there’s no difference between getting in place to get a charge and pulling/trapping a player’s arm into contact to invent a foul, but to me there is. A huge difference.)
So the Dubs, still without a full roster, went to Indiana, saw the Pacers, and left them in a heap. I had a flash from an old Furry Freak Brothers comix, how after their chaotic romp through some store the proprietor was looking dazed, wondering what just happened. I thought I saw that, “Who were those guys?” dazed look on Pacers’ faces. What happened was Defense.
Growing up in Philly as a Warriors fan, I was there in 1960 when they got Al Attles. The fans in the stands wondered why.
“He’s only 6 feet tall.”
“So is Guy Rodgers.”
“But can he score?”
“He’s here for defense.”
“Defense? Wilt can block shots and dunk, too.”
“There’s more to it than that.”
So Ok -- I didn’t know what “more than that” meant at the time.
I knew there were things called angles and spacing, but now, seeing Kerr’s fluid rotations actually working, I get a lot of delighted “Oh, THAT’s what it means.”
What it means when they say, “Defense wins games.” And Al Attles’ nickname?
The Destroyer.
The longtime Triangle is back -- Steph and Klay with Draymond as the third point and fulcrum. Add Kuminga and Wiggins and get five points, with an emphasis on Defense. It’s a Quintangle. (A Pentangle?)
But I don’t know what you call one with seven points (Septangle?) because Quinones & Podziemski are in it, definitely all the way in it. Add Dario and Kevon and Moses and Trayce and Gui Santos, and it’s 12-sided, a Dodecahedron. Chris Paul any day now. And GPII is back!
Call it a Team, one helluva good kickass team, a team that’s doing the complex dance together, and barring broken bones, a 7.9 earthquake centered in San Leandro or Prague, a team that can win games.. Can they go all the way? Easy now -- how about just winning tonight’s game?
It’s a fascinating dance, always changing. First you’re yelling, “Wiggins stole the ball!” Then, “Steph threw seven 3-pointers in a row?” Then, “Did Kuminga just leap from the free throw line to dunk it?”
They’re fun to watch again, especially when they piss off the teams that have written them off. (They beat the Suns on Saturday.) And after the All-Star game?
I hate predictions. I’m no Nostradumbass, so I’ll leave it as, “they can be the team the others have to watch out for.”
Last thing: when the games are on network, Doris Burke is as helpful for understanding what’s happening as Miss Frances was for young kids on Ding Dong School in the 50s.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Jerry Rice -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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San Francisco 49ers receiver Jerry Rice made a book signing appearance at San Francisco’s Macy’s and I was there. For the price of the book ($50) he would sign it. I chose a photo page I liked and he signed. I shook his hand and I remembered his hands were huge and he had a solid grip. Unfortunately the Macy’s staff stopped me from getting a jersey signed.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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Now that the NFL football season is over and the better team won, there will be no more NFL trivia questions. I'm not yet interested in the newly merged XFL and USFL, calling itself the United Football League (UFL), which kicks off
on March 30.
Outside of trash talk, basketball and hockey don't interest me that much but MLB Spring Training is not far off. On Thursday, Feb. 22, the Dodgers and Padres will face off in a Cactus League showdown less than a month before the same two teams kick off the regular season in South Korea.
Onto MLB trivia -- Outside of Canada, where was the first international MLB regular season game played?
(answer below)
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Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader | |
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Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.
26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,
6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)
https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/
These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125
Tpmmd@hotmail.com
If you are interested, please contact Mr. Maroney directly via his email or phone. Sports Today does not receive remuneration --
we are simply happy to make these seats available to our readers
and as a favor to a loyal subscriber, Tim Maroney.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 66: NCAA Wins A Battle,
But What About The War?
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought.
In Vol. 65, I wrote about the new litigation initiated by the attorneys general in Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Virginia against the NCAA, which seeks to have the court deem that the NCAA's restrictions on NIL collectives communicating offers to high school athletes and those in the transfer portal should be stricken as unreasonable restraints on trade.
After a very tight briefing schedule, which included some compelling arguments lodged by both sides, the court refused to enter a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would preclude the NCAA from enforcing its NIL guardrails while the case is pending.
The NCAA won a very important battle that would have otherwise provided the plaintiffs with a lot of leverage.
The judge wrote that the plaintiffs "failed to demonstrate, at this juncture, the requisite irreparable harm for the issuance of a TRO."
But what about the war? That's far from over. And some language from the judge may be causing those at the NCAA to have a little bit of heartburn.
But what about the war? That's far from over. And some language from the judge may be causing those at the NCAA to have a little bit of heartburn.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Oakland Roots Sports Club
Media Day
Thursday, February 8, 2024
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Head Coach Noah Delgado of the Oakland Roots Sports Club, United Soccer League Championship, answers questions from the assembled media during Media Day 2024 at the former Oakland Raiders Training Facility in Alameda. Caption and
photo by Ron Sellers.
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Jordan Ferrell, the Roots Technical Director, was first up at the media interview station, fielding questions about the development of the team and how prepared the players came into camp after missing the playoffs last year. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Both new and veteran players go through the Media Day cycle, jumping from video to photography to interview stations, being asked questions, doing product promotions, and the most fun, addressing social media needs. Here the players are being asked to write captions for photos of other players and coaches.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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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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Earthquakes Acquire Goalkeeper Mikołaj Biegański on Loan from Wisła Kraków
Polish youth international shot-stopper
to join goalkeeping corps
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has acquired goalkeeper Mikołaj Biegański from Polish side Wisła Kraków on loan through the 2024 season with an option for a permanent transfer, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“We’re excited to add a young player like Mikołaj, who completes a quality goalkeeping corps,” said Earthquakes general manager Chris Leitch. “He’s a talented keeper with European first-division and youth international experience, so we’re looking forward to seeing him compete at this level.”
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Excitement is brewing as we gear up for an incredible season, and we're thrilled to announce single-game tickets for our first 9 home matchups are
officially on sale!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the passion, pride,
and pure soccer magic that defines Oakland.
Don't miss out on the magic!
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities, and Parks and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Collaborate to Support PG&E Recovery Effort
Story provided by The County of Monterey.
MONTEREY, CA - [February 5, 2024] In the aftermath of the recent severe weather event, commonly referred to as the Pineapple Express, the County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, in conjunction with the management team at Laguna Seca Recreational Area home of the WeatherTech Raceway, announces its pivotal role as the primary staging area for Pacific Gas & Electric's (PG&E) recovery effort in Monterey County. Additionally, the County of Monterey has offered PG&E the use of Toro Regional Park for debris staging in the interest of speedy restoration of services to County residents and businesses.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, renowned for its iconic motorsports’ events, will now shift gears to serve as a central hub for equipment deployment coming from various locations across northern California. This strategic collaboration aims to expedite the restoration of power, inspection of critical infrastructure, and, most significantly, the swift reconnection of over 30,000 customers currently without power in Monterey County.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Endlessly wins the 43rd Running of the El Camino Real Derby.
A $100,000 Guaranteed Stakes for three-year-olds running 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.68 with jockey Umberto Rispoli in the saddle. Michael W. McCarthy training and Amerman Racing LLC is the owner.
Vassar Photography / Ronnie Wackerly
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No. 2 Bears Rally To Beat No. 17 Arizona
Strong Performance In Floor Exercise
Keys Victory
BERKELEY - The No. 2 California women's gymnastics team used a clutch performance in the floor exercise to rally for a 197.125 - 196.850 win over No. 17 Arizona on Sunday at Haas Pavilion.
The Wildcats held a 147.725 - 147.525 advantage heading into the final rotation but all-around winner eMjae Frazier and Kyen Mayhew each posted scores of 9.95 to lead the Golden Bears' floor performance. Cal finished with a team mark of 49.600 in the event with Jordan Kane (9.925), Andi Li (9.90), Ella Cesario (9.875) and Maddie Williams (9.875) rounding out the individual scoring.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Stanford Wins Fifth Straight
Cardinal defeats Cal Poly, 30-9
STANFORD, Calif. – No. 16 Stanford won eight of 10 bouts, downing No. 25 Cal Poly, 30-9, on Sunday in Maples Pavilion.
The Cardinal (10-2), which posted four wins by bonus points, won its fifth consecutive dual and improves to 3-0 in the Pac-12. Cal Poly dropped to 5-5 overall and 1-4 in the Pac-12.
Redshirt senior Jaden Abas registered the biggest win of the day, knocking off No. 5 Chance Lamer at 149 pounds. Ranked No. 21, Abas scored a first-period takedown and notched an escape to start the third to hold off Lamer, 4-3. The San Diego native has won a season-best five consecutive matches, improving to 13-6 overall and 7-1 in duals.
continued...
Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: John P. Lozano / isiphotos.com
www.gostanford.com
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Spartans Dominate Day Two of ASU Invitational
TEMPE, Ariz. - Paxtyn Reihs had 100% shooting accuracy with four goals scored to lead the No. 19 San José State women's water polo team in their 24-3 win over Ottowa University Arizona. Sinia Plotz had a hat trick in the second game of the day to lead the Spartans in their 12-5 win against Marist.
OTTOWA UNIVERSITY ARIZONA
- Renee Fleming scored the first goal of the game less than a minute into the first quarter.
- Darcy Spark and Mackenzy Clark tallied two goals in the first period alone.
- The Spartans led the match 9-0 at the end of the first quarter, keeping the Spirit scoreless.
- Reihs scored the 10th goal of the match off a rebound at 7:41 in the second quarter.
- SJSU led Ottowa Arizona 11-3 at halftime.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MBB |Gaels Pick Up Win Number 20
at Portland
PORTLAND — The Saint Mary's Gaels (20-6, 11-0 WCC) picked up consecutive win number 12 tonight in Portland, downing the Portland Pilots (9-17, 3-8 WCC) 76-51. The Gaels drained more than half of their shots from beyond the arc, en route to a win that kept the nation's longest active winning streak alive. The Gaels have now recorded 20+ wins in 16 consecutive seasons, not including the COVID-19 shortened 2020-21 campaign.
Saint Mary's stockpiled the threes in the first half, draining six of them, en route to a 12 point lead at the halftime break. It was the most threes by the Gaels in a half since their eight in the first half at San Francisco earlier this year. Augustas Marciulionis led the Gaels with 14 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc.
Marciulionis also dished out a team-high three assists with no turnovers. The Gaels out-rebounded the Pilots 23-14 at the break, led by Joshua Jefferson and Alex Ducas, each with five. The Pilots were able to keep the Gaels within striking distance, due to their ball security, as Saint Mary's only forced two turnovers in the first frame.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / SMC Thurman James
#GaelsRise www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Complete Comeback, Outlast Broncos in Thriller
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - In a Saturday night thriller on the Hilltop, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (20-6, 9-2 WCC) overcame a 19-point deficit to beat Santa Clara (15-10, 6-4 WCC) in a raucous War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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San Francisco and Santa Clara exchanged baskets through the first seven minutes of action, with a steal and layup from Malik Thomas at 13:10 putting the Dons in front 14-11.
- Santa Clara turned on the jets following the Thomas layup as the Broncos strung together a 22-0 run over the next six minutes, scoring on all of the following 10 possessions to take over 33-14 at 7:06.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE..
Photo / Darren Yamashita
www.usfdons.com
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Women's Track & Field Concludes
Indoor Season
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's track & field wrapped-up its 2024 indoor season at the UW Husky Invite and the Whitworth Invitational this weekend. Full results can be found here and here.
"This concludes our indoor season, and we got a lot of lessons and racing practice in the past 4-5 weeks. Noah and Olivia had great wins in their heat, and Irene made a lot of progress the past month. I am grateful to see our team step up in spots where we really needed them. They've been great with their team first mentality. We've got some work to do over the next six weeks before we get into the heavy part of the outdoor season, and I'm looking forward to seeing our growth and being at our best in the spring."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Brown Stays Hot in Tight Defeat to
San Diego
STOCKTON, Calif. – Coming off a season-high Tuesday, senior Jalen Brown topped it Saturday with a career-high to lead the Pacific men's basketball program despite dropping an 89-84 outcome to San Diego at the Alex G. Spanos Center.
Brown netted a team-high 17 points for Pacific (6-20, 0-11 WCC) and was 6-of-9 from the field and 5-of-7 from long range. It came after he tallied a team-high 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the team's last game against Saint Mary's.
Brown is 10-of-14 (.714) from the field and 8-of-11 (.727) from beyond-the-arc over the last two games.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — The UC Davis swim and dive team is gearing up for the 2024 MPSF Championships. The multi-week and multi-site event begins on Monday, Feb. 12 in Mission Viejo, Calif. where diving teams from across the MPSF will come together for three days of competition.
In attendance for the Aggies will be Leila Busch, Melina Dimick, Karina Giacomazza, Talia Mickelsen, Priscilla Ngyuen, Allie Robinson, Taylor Schwarz and Mackenzie Young.
The MPSF Diving Championships will run from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14. Swimming competition will begin the following week on Feb. 21 and run through Saturday, Feb. 24.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Baseball Finalizes Sweep of Oaks
HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay finished its three game series against Menlo College at Pioneer Baseball Field. The Pioneers won 5-1 over the visiting Oaks, completing a three-game sweep.
After 3 1/2 scoreless innings, the Pioneers would get on the scoreboard with four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Luke Brown led off the bottom of the fourth with a leadoff single then singles by Matthew O'Mahony and Danelle Daniels loaded the bases. A bases loaded wild pitch allowed Brown to score the first run of the game, Then, Quinn Ayres drew a walk to load the bases again, and Brenden Bell delivered a bases clearing triple to right center, giving the Pioneers a 4-0 lead.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Bob Kupbens / KLC fotos
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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.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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International MLB Games
International MLB games began August 16, 1996, when the Mets and Padres traveled to Mexico to play a
three-game series in Monterrey, Mexico, the largest city in the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon, and since have expanded to other countries like Japan, Australia and the UK. (As well as Puerto Rico, which competes as its own team in international baseball competitions like the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics).
Just so I can't ask any more questions about MLB
games abroad, this link gives you the entire history
of games abroad.
Sadly, to me, MLB has not traveled to the countries responsible for the most non-USA folk in the Majors by birth: Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, or Cuba.
I knew there was diversity in baseball but didn't realize just how diverse. This link provides pie charts reflecting the makeup of the players, by birth. This link will take you to ethnicity statistics...
Go Red Sox!
For comments, write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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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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Are you Web-Savvy and interested in career opportunities in the world of sports? Sports Today/Ultimate Sports Guide may be the place for you!
Shoot us an email and resume and we'll be happy to discuss the possibilities! We've had good times and have helped many a team player move
up the ladder of success!
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.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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Saint Mary’s College Gaels 74, Boston College Eagles 7. February 11, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 83, USC Trojans 77, February 8, 2024. (OT)
Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
Oakland Roots Sports Club Media Day, February 8, 2024.
Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 69, USC Trojans 79, February 4, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 79, UOP Tigers 73, February 3, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 58, UCLA Bruins 78, February 2, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBkB) 82, Santa Clara Broncos 77, January 31, 2024. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WPOLO) 8, UCLA Bruins 9, January 28, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 66, Oregon Ducks 57, January 21, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, Washington State 75 OT, January 20, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 64, Oregon State Beavers 69, January 19, 2024 Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 75, Washington Huskies 77, January 18, 2024. Photos by Ron Sellers.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, February 12, through
Sunday, February 18, 2024
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Monday, February 12
Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 13
Wednesday,February 14
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Winnipeg Jets, 6 p.m.
Thursday, February 15
San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames, 6 p.m.
Friday, February 16
Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz, 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 17
San Jose Sharks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday February 18
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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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