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October 3, 2022
Issue No. 453
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Ambling Toward Oracle
by Bruce Macgowan
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I was on my way to the ballpark this past Sunday for the Giants’ home finale and as I walked south on the Embarcadero, I realized how pleasantly distracting it is to make the one-mile stroll along the San Francisco Waterfront.
After parking my car at a large dock parking lot near Pier 32, I started my short jaunt. As I walked along the promenade, I immediately noticed the clanging trolleys heading down the middle of the Embarcadero, packed with fans. Meanwhile, just in front of me scores of baseball enthusiasts meandered slowly along. The skyline to my right with the ostentatious Sales Force and Millennium Towers provided a striking backdrop, while out to the left I could see numerous sail boats and other watercraft drifting out on the bay. It was a spectacularly beautiful afternoon with just a touch of breeze and not a cloud in sight. I kept thinking to myself: “Wow! Another perfect day for baseball!”
As I got further along, the crowd began to get bigger and it was sometimes difficult to walk between the thick knots of people who were ambling along. Excited little kids wearing their Giants’ hats and jerseys clung to their parents' hands. Young couples chatted and joked loudly as they walked along. Tourists stopped to take selfies with the bay behind them. Older folks moved a little more slowly while numerous groups of families, with kids in tow, glided along like small boats meandering down slow rivers. Young guys, most of whom were wearing all kinds of Giants’ garb, from jerseys to t-shirts, walked alongside gaggles of young women who chatted and laughed at jokes as they moved along with their friends. It was truly a cross section of the Bay Area.
Meanwhile, bicycle taxis carrying two or sometimes three fans cut skillfully between the knots of people while kids on motorized scooters and skateboards, wearing their ear buds and not displaying a care in the world, whizzed by. They seemed to be maneuvering through the crowds like ski racers skillfully slaloming down a hill. Then once in a while you’d be passed from behind or see runners and bikers of all ages approaching. They all seemed to move in an almost meditative state.
Along our walk there were places to sit and enjoy the views as picnic tables were set up here and there. There was also a small, elevated grass park of about 150 yards long and perhaps 20 yards wide adjacent to the walk. Four or five kids were playing catch while other folks threw tennis balls for their dogs to retrieve.
Within about 400 yards of Oracle Park, the crowd size grew dense. One could clearly hear the sounds of the crowd, music and the PA announcer from inside the park drifting out over the bleachers and onto the port walk.
Independent vendors sold hats, t-shirts and jerseys along the sidewalk while others cooked bratwurst and hot links with onions on open stoves which were sheltered by small red umbrellas. The whiff of hot dogs and sauerkraut made it tempting to stop and grab a bite. “Get your brats while you can!”
Perhaps the most intriguing feature on these walks is the street musicians who perform a variety of music. Some are actually very good. I’ve seen one fellow out there every time I’ve been to the ballpark the last two years.
He’s a skinny African American gentleman, probably in his early 40s, and he was banging away on his drums while his boombox played popular Motown hits or blues favorites from the 1960s and 70s. This past Sunday he was accompanied by three friends who either sang, played the harmonica, or strummed their guitars along with the recorded music.
When I passed by, they were in the middle of a James Brown song and one of the guys, a big, round fellow with a deep scratchy voice, was doing a pretty good impression of the ‘Godfather of Soul.’
As I started down the port walk behind the right field arcade I noticed a lot of folks sitting outside or waiting in line to go into Red’s Java House. I understand the restaurant serves a pretty good breakfast and lunch fare. By the time I picked up my press pass at the press window behind the stadium, the crowd was getting even more dense and very noisy. Nearby on the dock adjacent to McCovey Cove were scores of fans disembarking off one of the Golden Gate Ferries which come over from Marin or the East Bay.
Once inside the park, I took a couple flights of stairs up to the press box, grabbed a scoresheet and found a seat.
And then? PLAY BALL!!
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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 Macgowan, published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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Finally a sport with no Jimmy G noise... | |
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Letters to the Editor
To Brent Jones, Bomani Jones and Others with a "Despise
JimmyG" Jones
Get lost! Brent Jones -- your act is old and stale. You're just a jealous former 49er who, of course, never dropped a pass or made a mistake. Presumably you had access to a playbook before the start of a season, were allowed to practice with the team, didn't play with a broken thumb or injured shoulder in the playoffs or have a coach whose W-L record without you was about 30%.
Take your charisma-challenged persona somewhere else. If Jimmy G bothers you so much you cry about him on KNBR, don't watch the game. You can learn all about it from coaches Shanahan and Anthony Lynn, the "Birds of a Feather" masterminds of a now non-existent run game.
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson Win Japan Games 3-Point Contest
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson won the title of 3-Point Champs at the 2022 NBA Japan Games Fan Fest last week, (they were teamed together), and the spectators got a show they will never forget! The Golden State Warriors' global dominance in Basketball was on full display.
Of course, the team also served as goodwill ambassadors as they learned about Japanese culture.
Here is a link to the 3-point contest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKmm2qVAXM
Kristen La Rue
San Francisco, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
San Francisco Giants 4, Arizona Diamondbacks 3
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Minnesota United FC 0
Oakland Roots SC 2, Birmingham Legion 1
Features & Commentary
Consider a Donation
Larry Williams, USF's New Athletic Director's Press Conference, by Darren Yamashita
Dusty Baker -- Hall of Fame Bound?, by Dave Newhouse
Richard Petty, From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Sports Haiku -- San Francisco Giants, by Robert Moselle
The New ABC's of Sports, by Andy Dolich
"The right time...,": Vogt announces plan to retire after '22, by Martin Gallegos, Oakland A's
This Year is Suddenly Last Year, by Robert Moselle
Willie Mac Award, Wilmer Flores, San Francisco Giants
Organizations
Cal Bears
Oakland A's
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Stanford Cardinal
USF Dons
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San Francisco Giants 4
Arizona Diamondbacks 3
October 2, 2022
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San Francisco Giants first baseman David Villar (center) is lifted into the air after driving in the winning run to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-3, in 10 innings on Sunday, October 2nd at Oracle Park.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants’ David Villar, center, celebrates with J.D. Davis, left, and Mike Yastrzemski, right, after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) throws the ball to first base after forcing out Arizona Diamondbacks’ Daulton Varsho during the first inning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Consider A Donation
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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San Francisco Giants infielder Wilmer Flores was selected as the winner of the 2022 Willie Mac Award, the club announced.
The Willie McCovey Award is an annual honor bestowed upon the most inspirational player on the team, as voted upon by Giants players, coaches, training staff, clubhouse staff and the fans. This season marks the 42nd anniversary of the award, which was established in 1980, in honor of legend and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey. Engraved on the plaque that Flores received are the words “Competitive Spirit, Ability and Leadership” to characterize the qualities both McCovey and Flores exemplify.
Flores, who is in his third season with the Giants after signing as a free agent prior to the 2020 season, currently leads the team in games played (146) and extra-base hits (47) while he is tied for the team lead in RBI (70). His 19 home runs, 27 doubles, 117 hits, 56 walks and 69 runs scored are all second-best on the club. The 146 games played, 69 runs scored, 70 RBI, 47 extra-base hits, 19 home runs, 27 doubles and 56 walks are all career bests for Flores, who is in his 10th MLB season.
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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Get ready to pack your bags for sunny Arizona! We are thrilled to announce our 2023 Spring Training schedule is officially out. We will begin Cactus League play when we face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. Our Spring Training slate will conclude with an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Monday, March 27. | |
'The right time': Vogt announces plan
to retire after '22
By Martín Gallegos
OAKLAND -- Stephen Vogt had quite the ideal retirement setup. Finishing the 2021 season a World Series champion with the Braves opened the door for him to ride off into the sunset. Deep down, though, Vogt knew there was only one true perfect ending, and he got it.
Though Vogt played for six teams over 10 seasons in the big leagues, there’s no organization he identifies with more closely than the A’s. That’s why he chose to sign back with Oakland this spring, despite receiving offers from other clubs. Prior to Thursday’s game against the Mariners, the 37-year-old catcher announced that he plans to retire at season’s end.
“It was something I wanted to do while we were in Oakland,” Vogt said of his decision to announce his retirement. “I made up my mind in late July that this was going to be it. I wanted to share it with people in Oakland and have some time before the end of the year to process and just enjoy the last couple of weeks. It felt fitting to do it in Oakland. ... It just felt like this was the right time.”
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.oaklandas.com
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We are thrilled to announce the five newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame. American League MVP Jason Giambi, World Series Champions Carney Lansford and Gene Tenace, Philadelphia Athletic Bob Johnson, and "Voice of God" public address announcer Roy Steele will be enshrined in franchise history forever as members of the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
This historic group will be celebrated during a pregame ceremony at the Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 during our annual
Bay Bridge Series versus the Giants.
www.oaklandas.com
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Astros manager (and former San Francisco Giants manager) Dusty Baker got a surprise when his son, Nationals second baseman Darren Baker and recent Cal graduate, brought out the lineup card before Sunday's game. Darren, a 23-year-old Nationals minor leaguer, was in a major league uniform and smiling as he carried out the lineup card. A few hours later, the younger Baker drove in the run that gave the Nationals a 3-2 win over his dad’s Astros in a game that would have been meaningless under normal circumstances. | | |
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Dusty Baker
-- Hall of Fame Bound?
by Dave Newhouse
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This is another important October for Dusty Baker. In fact, it could be the most important month of his baseball life.
For Baker's Hall of Fame induction to become a certainty, he believes, he needs to win his first World Series as a manager.
“It would be hard then to keep me out,” he said of Cooperstown.
Hard, indeed. He has managed all five of his teams into the post-season — San Francisco, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati, Washington, and Houston — and he is the first African American manager to win 2,000 games.
But his resurrection of the scandalous Astros, in itself, is worthy of Cooperstown consideration.
Houston, winner of 100-plus games, is back again in October thanks to Baker’s steerage. With a rejuvenated Justin Verlander as his ace and improved hitting throughout the lineup, Baker could win his first World Series in 25 years of managing after two failed attempts (San Francisco 2002, Houston 2021).
However, the general public still regards the sign-stealing Astros as the modern-day Chicago White Sox, or those same "Black Sox" who threw the 1919 World Series. Baker, 73, was brought in by the Houston organization in 2020 as a troubleshooter.
“You could tell the amount of hostility and hatred in the stands,” Baker recalled. “(The Astros) are a great bunch of guys who made a mistake. It’s sad for me. People make mistakes. We paid for ours. How many times do you say you’re sorry? I wish (the public) would leave it alone.”
That isn’t possible, and Baker knows it, for fans still remember the Astros using a center field camera feed to pick up a catcher’s pitching signs, and then banging on a garbage can lid in the dugout the correct number of times to inform the batter which pitch was coming.
Baker was hired after the Astros fired disgraced manager A.J. Finch and equally disgraced general manager Jeff Luhnow. The compassionate Baker was the perfect, and really only, choice for this reclamation project.
“They didn’t know me and I didn’t know them,” he reflected, “but I told them that guilt is the worst emotion there is, because guilt won’t let you sleep. It was like being a substitute teacher. The thing I try to remember as a manager was what it was like to be a player — the fears and the joys, what it means to have a shoulder to lean on. So my job was to be firm but fair, honest and understanding, but to be consistent.”
With the toothpick-chewing Baker in the dugout, the reeling Astros held together under his honest leadership, trusting his guidance amidst all the public rancor awaiting this scorned club wherever it traveled. But the Houston players always felt Baker’s arm around their shoulders.
“He saved that organization,” believes Kirk Rueter, who pitched for Baker in San Francisco. “And they’ve thrived since he’s been there. He’s my favorite guy out of everyone I met in baseball. He will always be in your corner. That’s why he’s been successful in baseball wherever he’s been, for it's like family with him. He is like a second dad to his players. I love Dusty.”
The southpaw Rueter pitched from1993 to 2005 with Montreal and San Francisco, finishing with a 130-92 record and 4.27 ERA. Retired in tiny Nashville, Illinois, he still communicates with Baker.
“He's a genuine guy, as genuine as you can find,” noted Rueter, “”He’ll be honest with you, no matter what’s going on. He’s so knowledgeable about baseball, and he's the best motivator and confidence-builder I ever met. You want to run through a brick wall for him.”
Could this be the year that Baker runs through his own brick wall and finally wins a World Series as a manager?
“I want him to get that World Series,” said Rueter, “He’s a Hall of Famer, though, if he wins a World Series or not. But I’m planning to go to his induction."
This October could be Rueter’s future plane ticket to Cooperstown. Baker’s too.
* * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Confounding Sports Acronyms | | |
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The New ABC's of Sports
By Andy Dolich
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I don’t mean what the young ones are learning as they came back to school, “Now I know my ABC's.”
I’m talking about new acronyms, shortcuts, slogans, mashups and other additions to the alphabet soup of sports that even the most immersed fan might not be able to explain to their fellow sportsters.
Let’s start with an easy one about golf. Of course, you know what LIV Golf stands for? I had a recent conversation with a colleague who spent time in the business world of golf. I asked him, "What does LIV Golf stand for?"
“Easy, that’s the new pro golf tour that is paying hundreds of millions to have PGA pros jump to new platinum tees created by the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Saudi Arabia."
He defined the concept correctly, but not the three letters. LIV are Roman numerals for 54. That’s the number of holes played in LIV golf tournaments. PGA events go to 72. Fewer holes, millions more dollars.
Next up, NIL. I questioned a friend who knows his sports. “Easy,” he says, “that’s how they refer to scoreless ties in the English Premier Soccer League. “NIL-NIL,” he said with a wink.
It’s a bit more complicated when it comes to the changing landscape of collegiate sports. NIL stands for Name, Image and Likeness. For more than a century, amateurism has defined the fabric of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). College athletes could not be paid (legally) to play. In 2021 the Supreme Court decided that NCAA athletes can now earn and accept money for commercial endorsements, appearances, hosting instructional camps and performing other commercial activities.
WAR -- No weapons, fatalities, destruction or prisoners involved in this definition. This is a baseball term.
WAR stands for “Wins Above Replacement.” WAR is a statistic showing how many more wins a baseball team gains from an acquired player in the same position. The WAR stat is based on defense, offense, pitching, and base running to create the final figure. The WAR metric measures how skilled (or unskilled) an MLB player is against a regular league average player.
If you find yourself bored watching early season NFL games, see what you can learn about: NVZ (pickleball), EFG (basketball), Naked Bootleg (football), FOGO (lacrosse).
I thought it might be worthwhile to leave you with a jog from sports to TOYS. Pretty much every parent in Northern California and around the world has hands-on experience with ABS. Most of us have spent money buying them, stepping on them and wondering how they hide.
This material builds more structures than anything else in the world. There are around 400 billion of them waiting to turn dreams into reality.
ABS -- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is the building block of Legos.
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently, Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo, What's Your Next Move? For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today!, click HERE.
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Second baseman Wilmer Flores blows a bubble while hitting a double in the first inning of Sunday's game against Arizona.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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This Year is Suddenly Last Year
by Robert Moselle
The last couple of weeks of Giants baseball have been Glorious!
Yaz, Joc, Longo, J.D. Davis blast homers, superb pitching by Rodon, Webb, wiffle-baller Tyler Rogers and the 100-mph man, Camilo Doval, plus steady clutch-hitter and Willie Mac Award Winner Wilmer Flores, Austin Wynns establishing his bona fides as catcher and slugger, and Brandon Crawford as the gold standard of shortstops.
The team may be over a collective PTSD from the unfortunate injuries to The Captain, Brandon Belt, who had started the season sky-high in his new role and lifted the team to some lofty heights as they were fast out of the starting gate.
The G-Men have clawed back to .500, not a pre-season goal, but one which had become almost a dream.
Despite injuries, new powerhouse teams and old rivals, and the weirdness, which is Baseball, last year's G-Men have reappeared now as we head down the home stretch. Perhaps the words of a great poet, in Maud Muller, sum it up best.
For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, “It might have been.” – John Greenleaf Whittier
Robert Moselle, Esq.
Monterey, CA
http://www.cce-mcle.com
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What a Difference Losing an
All-Pro Tackle Makes
by Howard Pearlstein
WOW. What an amazing amount of stuff we take for granted.
Yesterday, with Hurricane Ian in mind, I guess, I stepped in to take the morning shower and thought: “I have electricity and water. I’m grateful.”
SO:
We have a quarterback who stepped in to save a game when the starter went down. Thanks, Jimmy.
And then we see what happens to a guy who was being shopped around since the end of last season, with postponed surgery to his throwing shoulder. He stayed fit, but as for being “football fit” -- No OTA’s, no training camp, no exhibition games. No chance to get up to speed in mind and body with pads and contact, because the team planned to sell him off, so why bother – let the new owner do it.
SO – not really ready for the season
And now the press are getting on his case for not looking upset after a bad game, for still looking handsome, despite the fact that he was the first to come out and say that he thought he stunk up the place. They’re angry that he was still trying to keep a smile on his face.
Maybe it’s just the difference between being a writer and being a football player. I mean when it’s time for me to get to work, I go home, tell my friends: “See you later.” And do my work alone.
I don’t have friends (teammates) who have to be there to supply adjectives and punctuation. I can do that all on my own. But a football player, especially a quarterback, needs other people to supply the equivalent – a block here, separation from a cornerback there, etc. You get the idea.
He’s got an Offensive Line, each of which are good NFL-level players, but together, just past the meet-and-greet level. I mean they know each other to say hello, but KNOW each other well enough as in who does this when that happens, i.e. work together as a single organism the way an O-line needs to do. That takes time.
As does QB knowing a receiver’s speed and moves, and etc etc all that jazz.
Takes time.
So – lighten the f--- up, guys. Think about writing your column with the garbage collector sticking his head in and saying: “NO! Wrong adjective!” And the mailman looking over your shoulder and shouting at you: “NO! You use too damn many adjectives in the first place!”
You get the idea. Those guys on the field are out there for each other. Not for me or you. They’re there for each other. And taking the hits during the game.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
An old friend once said, "Howard, you live your life like you're tying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write
a book that will get published.
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Larry Williams, USF’s New Athletic Director's Press Conference | |
Richard Petty -- From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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Over the years I’ve had the privilege of running into racing legend Richard Petty several times at NASCAR races. It’s easy to spot him with his signature cowboy hat and full mustache. He always enjoyed talking with fans and was one of the nicest guys to meet. Richard Petty has been known to have one of the fanciest signatures in NASCAR.
-- Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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An easy one for y'all!
The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Denver Broncos,
11-10, last weekend. It is only the second time in NFL history a game ended with this score.
What two teams did it first? It was all over the news.
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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!
Thank you for your many entries!
As the season winds down, decoded messages from the G-Men's
Two-pronged Unicorn friends reveal
a variety of thoughts, from the obvious to the spiritual.
"Re-sod the field with more protein-packed grass for the two-pronged herd, do not bunt with two strikes, and turn those frowns upside down.
To win, the Physical, Practical and Mental components of sports must all be understood, embraced and practiced."
'PENSIVE'
Pensive has observed
potential G-Men greatness
in San Francisco
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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!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Minnesota United FC 0
October 1, 2022
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Friends and teammates surround Shea Salinas after the match, honoring his retirement after 15 years of a MLS career. The San Jose Earthquakes blanked Minnesota United, 2–0, in a MLS regular season week 33 match at PayPal Park on October 1, 2022 in San Jose, California. © 2022 Alex Ho. | |
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San Jose Earthquakes striker Shea Salinas (#6) is honored by teammates after his last home match. Salinas also scored a deflected free kick in the
52nd minute. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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San Jose Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell (#44) takes a shot in the
second half. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Minnesota United FC striker Luis Amarilla (#9) with an acrobatic strike against San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski (#1). © 2022 Alex Ho. | |
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Minnesota United FC goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (#97) laments the first goal
of the game. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Oakland Roots SC 2
Birmingham Legion FC 1
October 1, 2022
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After giving up a score just a few minutes earlier and picking up the scraps of a bad defensive clearing header, Roots' all-time leading scorer Ottar Magnus Karlsson (#22, left) drilled in the leveling score in the 24:00 minute of the first half. The Oakland Roots played host to Birmingham Legion FC at Laney College on Saturday evening, Oct. 1, in Oakland. Final score: Roots 2, Legion 1.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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All season long, the Oakland Roots have provided an exceptional fan experience. Above, each pregame is filled with an abundance of street fair activities, including a drum line to whip everyone into a frenzy.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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The Roots' last home game of the season was a sellout and their quest for the USL Championship Playoffs continues on the road against Hartford Athletic on Oct. 8 before finishing the regular season against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Oct. 15. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Preceding the match was a performance of ‘Me, Myself and I’ by Oakland Roots' new owner G-Eazy, the rapper/producer who purchased an ownership stake of the team in September, and the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Rivalry Renewed
Bragging Rights On The Line As Golden Bears Resume Big Match Rivalry With Stanford
By: Gerrit Van Genderen
BERKELEY – Walter Chun noticed that his team's qualifying rounds felt a bit different lately.
That's what happens when school pride, bragging rights – and a win streak – are on the line.
The California men's and women's golf teams will join forces on Thursday afternoon to clash with rival Stanford in the Big Match for the first time since 2019.
"Qualifying has been intense," said Chun, the seventh-year Alex and Marie Shipman Director of Men's Golf. "It's easy to see how much the golfers buy into this event and the Cal-Stanford rivalry that comes with it."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Andrea Lee Wins On LPGA Tour
Stanford's all-time wins leader broke through to claim the AmazingCRE Portland Classic.
Stanford women's golf alum Andrea Lee broke through on Sunday for her first win on the LPGA Tour, with a one-shot victory at the AmazingCRE Portland Classic. Lee began the day tied for the lead, but needed every one of her eight birdies to claim the win at 19-under. Lee earned her first professional win in April at the Epson Tour's 2022 Casino Del Sol Golf Classic.
Her early round was shaky with bogeys on No. 2 and No. 3, but she rebounded nicely with birdies at No. 5, No. 6 and No. 7 to finish the front nine 1-under. Lee then birdied five of the first seven holes on the back nine, before closing with consecutive pars to hold on to the victory.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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Volleyball Begins Home MW Schedule With Boise State & Utah State
San José State returns to Spartan Gym this week to open the home portion of the Mountain West schedule with matches against two of the top teams in the conference. The Spartans face Boise State Thursday night in a battle of 2-0 teams in the conference. The 2021 MW Tournament champions, Boise State defeated SJSU in the first round of the tournament last year. San José State had won both regular season meets.
Saturday, the Spartans will face Utah State who is 1-1 in the MW and tied for fourth in the standings. The Aggies tied with Colorado State last year for the 2021 Mountain West Regular Season Championship.
The Spartans enter the week with an 8-4 overall record and 2-0 MW mark. The team opened the MW season with wins at San Diego State, 3-1, and at Fresno State, 3-2, last week.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans / GoSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
First Practice of 2022-23 in the
Books for Gaels
MORAGA, Calif. — After winning 26 games and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year, it is officially a new season at Saint Mary's. The Gaels men's basketball program hosted its first official practice of the new year on Monday afternoon, with the season beginning in 41 days on November 7. The season officially kicks off with a 7:00 pm game against Oral Roberts inside University Credit Union Pavilion on the seventh day of November, a Monday night.
There is a lot of hype and expectations surrounding the Gaels in 2022-23, after a banner season that ended in the NCAA Tournament. The Gaels were ranked late in the season, as high as No. 16 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, and made it to the second round in the tournament after beating Indiana 82-53. That win was the largest defeat ever handed to the Hoosiers in the NCAA Tournament, and is the sixth win all-time in the dance for the Gaels.
They went a perfect 16-0 at home, the first time inside University Credit Union Pavilion, and defeated No. 1 Gonzaga 67-57 on Senior Night, to close out the regular season, their second-ever win over the top-ranked team in the country. Actively, the Gaels have won 18-straight at home and begin the new season with five-straight home tilts.
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For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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October 27, 2022
6:00 PM-8:15 PM
Sobrato Club
2335 Golden Gate Ave
San Francisco, 94117
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The University of San Francisco Athletics Department will host the Dons' Tip Off Reception on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the beautiful Sobrato Club housed in the Sobrato Center.
This special "night of engagement" will present attendees with the opportunity to visit with the Dons Men's and Women's Basketball Teams and Coaches. The festivities begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. followed by an entertaining program from 7–8:15 p.m. The lively program will feature presentations by Coach Molly Goodenbour, our new Coach Chris Gerlufsen, our student-athletes, and our outstanding leader, Athletic Director Larry Williams. The evening will end with a special presentation of the Jim Brovelli Award to Tom and Gaylene Hoshiyama.
Tickets to the event are only $100 per person. We hope you can join us for a great celebration of our amazing coaches and student-athletes. All proceeds benefit USF's men's and women's basketball programs, who earned respective NCAA Tournament and WNIT postseason bids in 2022.
www.usfdons.com
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Longtime Administrator Bob De Carolis Announces Retirement
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Longtime college administrator Bob De Carolis has announced his retirement after 47 years in the industry. He has been with Santa Clara the last three years after long stints at Oregon State and Michigan.
With the Broncos, De Carolis oversaw internal operations, which include academics, the business office, compliance, sports medicine, sports performance, and student-athlete services.
"To borrow the sentiment of Yankee great Lou Gehrig's 'today I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth,' is not something to toss around lightly," De Carolis said. "For a kid out of South Philly who just wanted a job in sports to become associated in the athletics industry for 47 years, and to experience the multitude of events -- national championship seasons, Heisman Trophy winners, heartbreaking nail-biting Hail Mary-type finishes -- this journey has been amazing and remarkable. To have a job that never really felt like a job, and to work side-by-side with world-class student-athletes, staff, donors and friends of the program to make life in the athletic world was truly satisfying. Now, to have that story play out, you need a special team of great supporters to pull it off. At the top of my list is my spouse, Sandra, who was always there to lend a steady hand, sound advice and an occasional kick in the pants. So I want to give a special shoutout to Sandra and all the support I have received from her and the rest of the team over the years. As I go on in this new journey in life, I wonder if I can mitigate the kicks to feel like take number four."
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.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
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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.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! | |
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | |
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Named Motorsport Event of the Year Finalist by the Historic Motoring Awards
MONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 29, 2022 – The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which this year celebrated the kick-off to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was named a finalist in the Motorsport Event of the Year category by the prestigious Historic Motoring Awards, presented by Octane. The international awards gathering will occur in London on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Leicester Square’s fashionable The Londoner Hotel.
More than 400 entries were received, and panelists had the arduous challenge of poring over entries to narrow it to those deserving of recognition. In the Motorsport Event of the Year category, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is joined by the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco, Oulton Park Gold Cup, Rally the Globe Generations Rally 2022 -- The Generation Game and VSCC Herefordshire Trial.
“We are extremely pleased the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion has been selected as a finalist for the most prestigious awards honoring the collector and vintage car world,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
“This recognition goes out to the Monterey Motorsports Reunion Advisory Council, Laguna Seca Volunteer Association, valued sponsors and Raceway colleagues for their vision and attention to details to ensure a heightened experience. But most importantly, it goes to the 450-plus owners who shared their incredible historic race cars on-and off-the track for a near record number of visitors to enjoy.”
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the San Diego Chargers 11-10 in 2008!
An 11-10 score is rare as reported in the news
found at this link.
Tom Brady missing a two-point conversion to take a game into overtime is nearly as rare. The Packers got lucky last weekend, winning 14-12 against Tampa Bay!
Go Tom!
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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San Francisco Giants 4, Arizona Diamondbacks 3, October 2, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Minnesota United FC 0, October 1, 2022. Photos by Alex Ho.
Oakland Roots SC 2, Birmingham Legion 1, October 1, 2022.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Larry Williams, USF's Athletic Director's Press Conference, September 26, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears 49, Arizona Wildcats 31, September 24, 2022.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Jose State Spartans 34, Western Michigan Broncos 6, September 24, 2022. Captions and photos by Alex Ho.
Oakland A’s 4, Seattle Mariners 1, September 20, 2022.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Muay Thai Boxing, September 17, 2022.
Photos by Ed Jay.
San Francisco Giants 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 4, September 18, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Roots SC 1, New York Red Bulls II 1, September 17, 2022. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Indy Grand Prix, September 11, 2022.
Photos by Rich Yee.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, October 3, through
Sunday, October 9, 2022
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Monday, October 3
(MNF) San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, 5:15 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, October 5
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1 p.m.
Thursday, October 6
(TNF) Baltimore Colts @ Denver Broncos, 5:15 p.m.
Friday, October 7
San Jose State Spartans vs. UNLV Rebels, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 8
Oakland Roots SC @ Hartford Athletic, 4 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Oregon State, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 9
San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers, 1:05 p.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Seattle Sounders, FC 2 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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FIELD OF PLAY
WILL BE PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 4, 2022
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. With unparalleled access—42 Super Bowls, 49 seasons as team photographer for the San Francisco 49ers, and a behind-the-scenes passport to the rest of the NFL—Zagaris takes his aim beyond the field and to the locker room, the bench, the practices, and the training camps. His intimate portraits convey the nerves, the tension, the pain, and the elation with emotional depth and the clarity of a longtime insider.
With contributions from celebrated Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Fred Biletnikoff, as well as text from renowned sportswriter Steve Cassady and sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards, Field of Play highlights Zagaris’s storied career as a photographer, showcasing the irresistible force of football and celebrates its enduring presence.
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But 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 forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and
4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-915-5664
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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