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November 27 -- December 3, 2023
Issue No. 513
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
View as Webpage
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The Oakland Clippers celebrating their championship victory over the Baltimore Bays on September 9, 1967, by a two-game aggregate score of 4-2, in the Oakland Coliseum. The first professional team in any sport to bring a national championship to the San Francisco
Bay Area. Attendance 9,037.
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What's Left
in Oakland?
Why Soccer
by Dave Newhouse
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There was a time in Oakland 60-some years ago when there wasn't much to show in terms of professional sports. The Raiders were in their formative years, the A’s were in Kansas City, the Warriors were in San Francisco (the first time), and there was a soccer team just getting started known as the Clippers.
Today there is even less to show in Oakland’s sports scene. The A’s have joined the Raiders in Las Vegas, barring some unforeseen legal, civic or ownership entanglement involving the A’s, while the Warriors are ensconced once again in San Francisco. And the only pro sports presence left in Oakland are two soccer franchises, the men’s Roots and women’s Soul teams.
What did Yogi Berra say, “It’s deja vu all over again?” Soccer as Oakland’s sports savior wasn’t the intention in the 1960s or 2020s, but here we are again trying to figure out where Oakland is going as a sports city.
Well, Derek Liecty has witnessed this whole transition, which is a lot to include in one’s lifetime, since Liecty now is 91 and thinking what will Oakland sports look like when he is 100, if he’s lucky to hit the century mark. And with his still active life as a Rossmoor resident, he has a decent shot.
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Derek Liecty, general manager of the Oakland Clippers (1967-1969), on August 2, 2014, in Levi's Stadium's at the first-ever sports event featuring the Major League Soccer teams San Jose Earthquakes versus the Seattle Sounders, before a crowd of 48,765 spectators.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tNbuTu9nXs
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So, who is Derek Liecty? He was the general manager of the Oakland Clippers, who were part of the movement to make soccer a part of the American sports scene. And with a quick start, that’s exactly what occurred as the Clippers won the National Professional Soccer League championship in 1967, becoming the first Oakland professional team in any sport to win a national championship.
Those Clipper teams now are a distant memory, partly because they only had a three-year history in Oakland before dissolving, then with their players, mostly Yugoslavs, returning to their native countries with a few exceptions, such as goalkeeper Mirko Stojanovic, who made America his new home.
Liecty was an American by birth, a Stanford soccer star and an alumnus, who has observed the whole thing— Oakland’s evolution and dissolution as a major sport city — and has strong comments about what he has witnessed. And he’s starting from the finish to make some sense about what has taken place from the beginning.
“The inability of (local) politicians on what to do with the Oakland Coliseum, because they wouldn’t spend the money to build a new stadium,” he said. “The Raiders and A’s couldn’t get the stadium they wanted in Oakland, so they found a willing partner in Las Vegas, who will spend the money to build a futuristic stadium.”
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Oakland Clippers logo, 1967-1969 | |
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It’s all so different from what Liecty experienced in the mid-1960s as to what Oakland’s sports future might look like.
“It was a fantasy vision,” he recalled, “that we could develop a franchise that would give us a chance (to demonstrate big-time soccer to mostly naive Americans). We showed on the field that there could be a national soccer league. But the Clippers soccer organization was on a par with other sports teams in the Bay Area. We knew what we wanted to do...winning the first local national sports championship.”
All that came true, but after all that has come and gone in Oakland sports-wise, what is Liecty’s vision for pro soccer the second time around?
“My vision is that the Oakland Roots will do (on the men’s side) what we didn’t do, start with a reasonable budget and not expand too quickly,” he replied.
The Clippers were big from the beginning, inviting major sports clubs from Europe, Mexico and South America to attract Bay Area residents away from their natural sports pursuits — football, baseball and basketball. The highlight in that regard was the match against Santos of Brazil, and the incomparable Pele, who scored twice in a 3-1 victory for the Brazilians before 29,162 fans at the Coliseum.
The Clippers only problem, which capsized the franchise, was that they didn’t draw big against other soccer clubs, local or foreign. Liecty now prefers the low-scale approach the Roots have taken in building their soccer legacy.
“The Roots are playing in a small stadium of around 4,000 capacity and filling it up,” he said. “They’re starting small unlike what we did, building into a financial disaster.”
And if he makes it to 100, does he expects the Roots, and possibly the Soul, to be around for his birthday?
“Absolutely,” he said. “The youth soccer movement in the Bay Area is incredible. The Clippers founded the soccer referee’s association, and now there are hundreds of soccer referees in the area. The full circle is amazing.”
Thanks, Mr. Bay Area Soccer.
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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
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
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Good Gravy!
49ers Devour Seattle
The 49ers looked confident as Tinashe sang the Star-Spangled Banner
for this Thanksgiving football spectacle in Seattle. San Francisco received and got right down to business with a Brock Purdy to Christian McCaffery 20-yard catch-and-run, spectacular open-field runs by CMC, TE Charlie Woerner's first catch ever, passes to Deebo and then a TD run by Deebo. 9 plays, 71 yards, 7-0.
A 61-yard kickoff return by the Seahawks enabled them to kick a field goal to make it 7-3. Despite two 20-yard catch-and-run passes to Deebo, the 49ers had to punt. Geno Smith stumbled and tripped to his own 1-yard line, and Seattle then had to punt. With good field position and a key play by Jauan Jennings to fight for a first down, it was the Brock and CMC show, and CMC powered in for the TD. 9 plays, 91 yards, 14-3, SF.
Total yardage to this point: 49ers 150, Seattle, 0. An Ambry Thomas interception gave SF the ball which resulted in a punt, downed on the Seahawk's 1-yard line by Womack, the former Toledo Rocket.
Seattle would be forced to punt and after passes to Aiyuk, Deebo and Kittle, CMC would twist and power his way into the end-zone. 21-3. Everybody got a piece of the pumpkin pie on that drive. After some
exchanges, SF's punt was muffed by Seattle, recovered by Bell, and the 49ers kicked a 32-yard FG for a 24-3 lead at halftime. Perhaps Seattle's most spectacular play was a body-slam of Javon Kinlaw as time ran out and Seahawks players sniped at each other on the sidelines.
To start the second half the Niners' D-FENCE, led by Charvarius Ward, who ruined DK Metcalf's day, and Nick Bosa forced a Seattle punt which landed on SF's five-yard line. A Purdy pass from the end zone was tipped, intercepted by Jordan Brooks and run in for a TD. 24-10, S.F.
Seattle would later kick a 30-yard field goal to make it 24-13, and they had some momentum as Jaxon Smith-Njigba's one-handed grab became the sole entry for the Seahawks' highlight reel. The Niners' six sacks would be a reason for that, as Bosa, Armstead and Fred Warner combined to stop a determined Charbonnet, in the lineup in place of regular starter Kenneth Walker, behind the line. With the score 24-13, Elijah Mitchell, CMC and Deebo ran like an efficient machine behind Trent Williams. Brock added a picture-perfect TD pass to Brandon Aiyuk and it was San Francisco 49ers 31, Seattle Seahawks 13, as the Final Score.
Fans roared as Kittle left with the entire turkey awarded to the winners and tossed a piece to a grateful fan. Deebo held a turkey leg triumphantly in the air as the headed into the Victor's clubhouse.
Gobble Gobble. HEY! This was a great game!
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Game Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL3AyJvvvcE (13:18)
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Poetry in Motion
After the Warriors-Spurs game on Friday night, I thought back to a poem of many years ago. As John Keats wrote, (Endymion, 1818), 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; It will never Pass into nothingness.'
Neither will the Splash Brothers.
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco, CA
Pac-12 Now A Memory
I could only “Bear” to watch the first half of the Cal-UCLA game last night. (Bruins apparently left their game in the locker room). ESPN play-by-play announcer Dave Flemming was almost verklempt on air from the Rose Bowl press box talking about the conference’s demise. So sad to think that was the final time Cal and UCLA might ever play against each other on the gridiron.
At least there are some great basketball matchups between the two forthcoming.
Kenneth Karst
Lincoln City, OR
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears (FB) 33, UCLA Bruins 7
Cal Bears (WBB) 74, San Jose State Spartans 51
Golden State Warriors 118, San Antonio Spurs 112
San Jose State Spartans (FB) 37, UNLV Rebels 31
Stanford Cardinal (FB) 23, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56
Special Features
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
What's Left in Oakland? Why Soccer, by Dave Newhouse
Features & Commentary
Chris Evert, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Don't Wait to Donate! -- Now At #513! -- Your Support is Welcomed!
Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame Returns to the Spotlight, by Pete Elman
Reality Check? Checked Out, by Howard Pearlstein
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner
Wemby Meets The Warriors, by Robert Moselle
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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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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Golden State Warriors 118
San Antonio Spurs 112
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The Golden State Warriors took on the San Antonio Spurs at the
Chase Center on November 25, 2023. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Wemby Meets the Warriors
by Robert Moselle
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
An enjoyable game, (probably because we won), but some props to the Spurs for their well-balanced playbook and grit. Unfortunately for San Antonio, each time they would come back, Steph would punch in his "Swish Button," or Saric, "The Croatian Sensation" (thanks, Fitz, for the nickname) would hit a clutch shot. JK had a great fourth Q, and the Dubs were the well-oiled machine I remembered.
"Wemby," (Victor Wembanyama), played well, despite CPII's stuff (at 2:08). It's tough to not automatically revile Wemby simply because he is an opponent, as we fans often do, but he has such a multi-faceted game and likable disposition it's easier to just enjoy the show. Plus, with his eight-foot wing-span, he could easily hug my entire Thanksgiving table.
The W's 101-85 lead at 6:13 would dissipate to three points over the fourth quarter, but clutch shots led to a 118-112 Golden State Warriors triumph. Moody continues to look good in all aspects of the game, as does Klay, and this game gives hope the Dubs are back in the groove.
Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs – Full Game Highlights
2023 NBA In-Season Tournament 11/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzkyicI8o9s 7:39
2:08 - GPII stuffs Wemby (Personal favorite highlight)
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Spurs first round pick rookie Victor Wembanyama, at 7'3",
towers over Steph Curry, at 6'2". Photo by Rich Yee.
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Warriors' Gary Payton II aggressively comes up from behind Spurs' Jeremy Sochan. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
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WARRIORS ANNOUNCE SEASON OF GIVING EFFORTS FOR 2023 HOLIDAY SEASON
Events Throughout The Bay Area Planned To Spread Holiday Cheer To Underserved Communities
SAN FRANCISCO – As part of the NBA Cares Season of Giving league-wide campaign, Golden State Warriors players, coaches, and front office staff will host a variety of events this holiday season to brighten the lives of local families and youth.
To tip off Season of Giving, the Warriors will host a Thanksgiving Holiday Market, presented by Starry, at Thrive City tomorrow, November 21, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. During the event, hundreds of Bay Area families will pick up free turkeys and grocery items to use throughout the holiday season. Former Warriors player Festus Ezeli will be on-hand to help families with their shopping.
Additional upcoming Warriors Season of Giving events are listed below. This this schedule is for planning purposes only and not to be pre-promoted.
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Holiday Tree and Toy Express, presented by Kaiser Permanente – The Warriors will host a Holiday Tree and Toy Express at Thrive City on Saturday, December 2, for families from San Francisco community organizations to pick up a holiday tree and new toys while enjoying various holiday-themed stations.
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Generation Thrive Tree Giveaway – On Thursday, December 7, students and families of Willie Brown Middle School, the adopted school of the Warriors Community Foundation, will be invited to pick up a complimentary holiday tree, a box of ornaments, and more.
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Warriors Community Foundation Holiday Auction, presented by Cache Creek Casino Resort – Beginning Monday, December 14, the Warriors Community Foundation will host a Holiday Auction with an array of items including one-of-a-kind experiences, autographed memorabilia, and more, with all proceeds benefitting the Foundation’s annual grants program. To donate, visit warriors.com/auction.
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Swishes for Dishes Event, presented by Kaiser Permanente – Bay Area community groups will be invited to Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland ice skating rink on December 18, 20, and 21 to receive boxed holiday meals and enjoy ice skating, holiday treats, arts and crafts, and more.
continued...
For more information, click HERE.
www.warriors.com
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Multi-Ethnic Hall of Fame
February 24, 2024
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Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame Returns to the Spotlight
by Pete Elman
This coming February 24th is certainly a red-letter day for all sports.
The Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame (MESHOF), founded in 2000 by Arif Khatib, recently announced that it will induct five retired professional athletes at its 24th Bay Area induction and award ceremony to be held at the Oakland Marriott that day.
The inductees for MESHOF are a diverse and worthy group of male and female athletes that has demonstrated through their skill on and off the playing arena selflessness, perseverance and altruism—qualities we cherish in public figures.
They have truly given back.
Also taking place that big day will be an historic ceremony, the inaugural Curt Flood Platinum Award, presenting five MVP-caliber athletes from major league baseball, football, basketball, hockey and the WNBA, celebrating their contributions to sports and society. The Curt Flood Platinum Award recipients will be announced on December 10th.
Curt Flood, an Oakland native who starred in the major leagues from 1956 to 1971, sacrificed his career to fight for the right to play for whom he wanted, a battle that eventually went all the way to the Supreme Court and led to free agency for MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL players. Since then thousands of athletes have used that financial empowerment to create opportunities for themselves and their communities, thus carrying on the selfless legacy of Flood.
The MESHOF inductees are:
Clifford Ray played in the NBA from 1971-81. An unselfish team player, Ray helped the Golden State Warriors win a championship in 1975.
Mohinder Singh Gill is one of the finest athletes ever produced by India. A record-setting triple jumper and brilliant all-around athlete, in 1972 he was set to compete in the Olympics but was injured right before the games.
Lee Lacy spent 16 years in the major leagues. A speedy, slick fielding player who could hit, Lacy appeared in five World Series, winning a title with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979.
Spencer Haywood, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame, turned pro after his sophomore year, but NBA rules, which required a player to wait until four years after his high school class graduated, prohibited him from entering the league. He signed with the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA, eventually prevailing in an antitrust Supreme Court decision allowing him to stay in the league. He has been called the “Curt Flood of basketball” for the stand he took in 1970.
Mia Hamm (not confirmed). This soccer star’s long list of awards and
accomplishments include four NCAA titles, two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles. Her Mia Hamm Foundation encourages people to register in the national bone marrow registry and empowers women through sport.
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MESHOF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring athletes who have made significant contributions to the world of sports, while broadening the public’s understanding of the contributions athletes of color made to professional sports.
This event is significant in that it is the first MESHOF induction ceremony since the pandemic, and it is especially fitting that it will take place in Oakland, where Curt Flood was born and raised, where there is a field named after him, and where he learned life lessons that would cement his place in history. On Sunday, February 25, high school girls and boys will play a four-inning sandlot game that will take place at Curt Flood Field.
Mr. Khatib was a good friend of Mr. Flood, who passed away in 1999. For Khatib, MESHOF and the Curt Flood Platinum Award are labors of love.
“While Curt was still alive, I promised him I would do all I could to let the world know about his sacrifice for other athletes,” Khatib said.
Since Flood’s blackballing from baseball and the baseball Hall of Fame, Khatib has dedicated his energy to getting Curt into Cooperstown.
For more information about the ceremony, visit www.multiethnicsportshof.com
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Pete Elman is the author of an outstanding new book, Insights and Outakes, a collection of sports essays covering Bay Area teams
and sports personalities.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 54: An NIL Title IX Dispute Could Shake Up The Collective Space
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To echo Oprah -- "N.I.L.: YOU GET A TRUCK! YOU GET A TRUCK!"
As recommended by Robert A. Moselle, Darren Heitner's N.I.L. Newsletter is a great source for N.I.L. and related news
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
By Darren Heitner
Are NIL collectives an extension of university?
The question is posed as a sub-headline in Eric Prisbell's recent article that focuses on a prominent Title IX lawyer taking the position that Utah's NIL collective's NIL truck deal (which I wrote about in Vol. 48) is a huge concern for the school.
At the time that the deal was announced, I called the deal, which provides all 85 scholarship members of the Utah football team with Ram 1500 trucks, one of the wildest team-wide NIL deals I have seen. That statement stands.
Now, lawyer Arthur Bryant of Bailey & Glasser, LLP, who, according to Prisbell, has represented more women athletes in Title IX litigation against schools and universities than any lawyer nationwide, says that the wild deal (only offered to male college athletes) is also a "blatant, in-your-face" case of "extraordinary sex discrimination" and should cause Utah concern.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Making an Impact. Nothing Like It.
“My daughter, Kaeleigh, is very shy. One week, her coaches asked the team to compliment each other while they were playing catch. It was the first time I saw my daughter make eye contact with her peers and smile. I cannot thank Junior Giants enough for helping my daughter break through the walls she put up and smile again.”
--Nadine S., Castroville Parent
For us, it’s always been about more than baseball and softball. It’s about being included. Receiving your first glove. Making new friends. Uncovering your confidence. Dreaming beyond the outfield walls.
In 2023, the Giants Community Fund:
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Served over 35,000 youth across California, Oregon and Nevada
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Invested more than $4.3 million into the community
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Supported 166+ partners
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Dedicated 60,000+ service hours
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Awarded $120,000 in college scholarships
- + much more!
You can double your impact! We are pleased to share that The JEM Project will match donations up to $100,000 through our year-end giving campaign.
All proceeds raised will support our free baseball and softball programming, including Junior Giants, Junior Giants Schools and Academy Baseball and Softball. To learn more, please view our
2023 Impact Report.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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We have exercised the club option on manager Mark Kotsay’s contract for
the 2025 season.
Despite the A’s coming off a second consecutive 100-loss season and finishing with the worst record in the Majors, general manager David Forst praised manager Mark Kotsay for his ability to navigate a young and inexperienced team through a challenging year.
On Monday, the A’s reaffirmed their belief in their skipper by announcing that the club option on Kotsay’s contract for 2025 has been exercised, keeping him on board for the next two seasons.
“From our end, it was kind of an obvious decision,” Forst said. “I talked after the year about the job I think Mark has done the last two years in leading this group and managing the clubhouse by really establishing himself as the leader and kind of the face of the franchise on the field. I couldn’t be happier with the work he’s done there, so this was easy from our end.”
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.com
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Author Dave Newhouse, wife Patsy, and fan at the Book Tree in Montclair | |
Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
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Cal Bears 33
UCLA Bruins 7
Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Saturday, November 25
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Cal Bears running back Jaydn Ott returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown as the Bears became bowl eligible with a 33-7 victory over the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on Saturday, November 25th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Linebacker David Reese recorded three sacks, including this one that forced a fumble with under a minute to go in the second quarter. The Bears capitalized with a touchdown before halftime.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Stanford Cardinal 22
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56
Stanford Stadium, Stanford
Saturday, November 25
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Stanford sophomore quarterback Justin Lamson (#8) races for a
49-yard gain during the Cardinal’s first series. Notre Dame defeated Stanford, 56–23, in a non-conference game at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov 25, 2023 in Stanford. © 2023 Alex Ho.
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Notre Dame junior running back Audric Estimé (#7) races 39 yards in the first quarter for the Fighting Irish’s first touchdown of the evening. © 2023 Alex Ho. | |
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Stanford senior running back E.J. Smith (#22) carries a pass for a
53yard gain in the first quarter. © 2023 Alex Ho.
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San Jose State Spartans 37
UNLV Rebels 31
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday, November 25
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Spartans Top UNLV For Sixth-Straight Win To Close Out Regular Season
LAS VEGAS – Kairee Robinson tied the career-touchdown record and set the single-season touchdown record at San José State as the Spartans (7-5, 6-2 MW) knocked off UNLV (9-3, 6-2 MW) 37-31 on Saturday for their sixth-straight win to close out the regular season and a share of the Mountain West regular season title.
The Spartans will know if they made the Mountain West Championship on Sunday following computer calculations.
- The Spartans have back-to-back over .500 seasons for the first time since 1991-92.
- Robinson rushed for 165 yards on 16 carries and two scores to lead the Spartan rushing attack.
- He also tied Deoncé Whitaker's career touchdown record with his 36th.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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Pondering the MLB owners approving the move of the Oakland A's to Las Vegas, but will hold my thoughts until the opening of Spring Training. I'm not so interested in knowing why MLB is considered the only large
industry Monopoly in the U.S. -- that I will research.
Can someone tell me in a Jesse Ventura way,
"Simple and Stupid," why?
An easy question this week:
The Autumn of 2024 will be the 30th anniversary of
the second time a World Series was not played.
What year was the first time and why?
-- Answer below --
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Cal Bears (WBB) 74
San Jose State Spartans 51
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Friday, November 24
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California Bears forward Marta Suarez recorded a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds as the Bears defeated the San José State Spartans, 74-51, at Haas Pavilion on Friday, November 24th.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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California Golden Bears head coach Charmin Smith (second from left) and San José State Spartans head coach April Phillips (second from right) stand with Texas A&M Aggies head coach Joni Taylor (far left) and Winthrop Eagles head coach Semeka Randall Lay (far right) as part of the BAR Invitational Tournament before the game at Haas Pavilion. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Reality Check? Checked Out
by Howard Pearlstein
It was all that and better for both Niners and Dubs after their slumps. There had been a lot of worry about coming back -- if and when or if not -- then what? But a sigh of relief when the Niners came back after three terrible losses in a row, making the slump a fluke (instead of, you know, if being really good was just a fluke).
It got scary. After going 5-0 by showing the Cowboys how they felt about them (42-10), the Niners fell like a turd off the Bank of America building -- fell to the Browns AND the Vikings AND the Bengals. Upsetting at any time, but worse coming after the season where they were one game from the Super Bowl. That is, until Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick ended their run. He hooked Purdy’s arm for the fumble during a sack attempt and destroyed the QB’s elbow, tearing the UCL -- Ulnar Collateral Ligament -- requiring Tommy John surgery and a titanium rod to stabilize the joint.
In the Browns game, Trent Williams, Deebo and McCaffrey were all injured and out. Trent and Deebo were out for the Vikings and Bengals, too. McCaffrey played those games, his oblique sprain ongoing, but not mentioned.
Most talk was about how bad missing the All-Pro left tackle would be, mostly how big and fast Williams was, but nothing about how smart he is, how observant. The previous year, Nick Bosa said Williams had surprised him after a practice session, pointing out a “tell” that Bosa did on certain plays, giving away the play and his intent.
Purdy got a concussion during the Monday night Vikings game, but ran through the protocols in six days as quickly and slickly as if he were escaping from blitz to play the Bengals that Sunday. And that made three losses in a row.
But then a fortuitously-timed Bye Week. REST, recovery, renewing, reviving. After that, the Niners were looking pretty good against the Jaguars, and even better against Tampa Bay. during which Purdy had a “perfect” passing game, a rating of 158.3.
Joe Montana and Steve Young were the only other 49ers who ever got that score. Ok, what does 158.3 mean?
There’s a Formula (isn’t there always?), starting with a minimum of 10 attempted passes, and reaching or passing these levels: CMP/ATT - 77.5% completions; YDS/ATT - 12.5 yards/completion; TD/ATT-- 11.875% of completed passes. And of course, no interceptions Need to get all four.
So how did young Mr. Purdy do? 21/25 passes (CMP/ATT: 84%) for 333 yards; (YDS/ATT:13.3) and 3 TDs (TD/ATT: 12%)12%. Niners win 27-14. And the legends? Steve Young, week 7, 1989 against the Patriots: 1 of 12 for 188 Yards and 3 TDs. Final score: 37-20. Joe Montana, 3 weeks later, demolished Atlanta, 45-3: 16 of 19 for 270 Yards and 3 TDs.
And just last week in Seattle, with all three injured players back, the Niners were back where they wanted to be: Superbowl hopeful. Next week they’ll find out more specifically just how far all the way back they are against the Eagles in Philly. And OLB Haasen Reddick is still there. Not gonna be easy, but it rarely is.
Go Niners.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Earthquakes, Kaiser Permanente to Donate $10,000 to Food Bank of Monterey County
Donation a culmination of the Assists for Food Insecurity program during 2023 season
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced that Kaiser Permanente, on behalf of Pledge 74, has donated $10,000 to the Food Bank of Monterey County on Nov. 21. The donation is a culmination of Kaiser Permanente’s Assists for Food Insecurity program, which prompted a pledge of $200 for every Earthquakes assist made during the season.
Additionally, Earthquakes front office staff volunteers assisted the Food Bank of Monterey County in packing over 1,000 bags of non-perishable food items for their Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Pledge 74 is a community initiative of the San Jose Earthquakes and the Quakes Foundation. The pledge serves as the Earthquakes’ response to food insecurity in the Bay Area, raising money, increasing awareness and promoting volunteerism.
To learn more about the Quakes Foundation and Pledge 74, visit www.sjearthquakes.com/community.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Oakland Roots SC Signs Defender Camden Riley
Oakland, CA -- Oakland Roots SC announces the signing of defender and former local college product Camden Riley ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. Riley was part of University of the Pacific from 2015-2018, leaving the university as the all-time leading goal scorer. The 27-year-old has played in the USL Championship for the past five seasons, most recently with San Diego Loyal.
“Camden is someone we have battled against in the past and know the qualities he possesses and how hard he is to break down,” said Head Coach Noah Delgado. “We can’t wait to have him battling for us in 2024.”
Riley got his professional start when he was selected in the 2019 MLS Superdraft by Sporting Kansas City. He would go on to play for Sporting Kansas City II 37 times between 2019 and 2020 scoring one goal for the USL Championship side. In 2021, Riley remained in the USL Championship playing for Rio Grande Valley, before ultimately joining San Diego Loyal in 2022 where he would be part of the club for two seasons, making 58 appearances.
Welcome to Oakland, Camden.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Chris Evert - from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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In 2005 I attended a book signing by woman’s tennis champion Chris Evert. I had been a fan of hers since the 1980s and had to meet her. As she was signing my book and this photo which I had brought with me I remember saying something to her which made her laugh out loud. She looked at me with a huge smile and said I had just made her day. Here’s the photo she signed for me 18 years ago.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Laguna Seca pays it forward this holiday season with three more charitable events in 2023
As the holiday season unfolds, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is embracing the spirit of giving back. With more than 12 service clubs raking in approximately $80,000 at premier events this season, the inaugural scholarship from the track’s Volunteer Association, and the generation of tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue each season, it's evident that any event at the track is a community affair. Following months of construction projects and a highly successful event season in 2023, Monterey's cherished track is upholding its tradition of community involvement with three additional events before the year concludes.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Chearlene’s Dream wins the Golden Gate Debutante Overnight Stakes for $50,000 in a race of two-year-old fillies. Running 6 furlongs in 1:10.42 with jockey Evin Roman in the saddle and Ed Mogrer Jr. training. Owned by Domeyko Taylor LP. Vassar Photography /
Ronnie Wackerly
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Bears Roll Past UCLA, Become Bowl-Eligible
Cal Forces Four Turnovers In 33-7 Victory
PASADENA - Since Cal fans made the most of their gas money on Saturday night, they figured they would milk it as long as possible.
Several thousand Golden Bear enthusiasts who made the trip to the Rose Bowl stayed well after the end of Cal's 33-7 victory over UCLA, dancing and celebrating in the stands behind the South end zone along with players, coaches and staff. The win made Cal bowl-eligible for the first time since 2019 and gave the Bears a three-game winning streak to close out the regular season.
"I'm just glad they didn't waste their gas," said Cal outside linebacker David Reese, who led a suffocating defensive effort with a three-sack performance. "I was happy we were able to come out and perform and get a win for Bear Nation."
Saturday's win put Cal's final regular season record at 6-6 (4-5 Pac-12), prolonging the season in a bowl game to be determined. The Bears forced four turnovers and held the Bruins scoreless in the second half en route to a lopsided win and their first over UCLA since 2019.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Al Sermeno / KLC fotos
www.calbears.com
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Postseason Starts in Maples
Cardinal earns No. 2 overall seed for NCAA Tournament
STANFORD, Calif. - The Stanford women's volleyball team (26-3) will begin its quest for the program's 10th NCAA title at home this week, as the Cardinal earned the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Stanford is scheduled to play its first round match at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 at Maples Pavilion against Fresno State (19-13). The Bulldogs won the Mountain West Tournament, earning the conference's automatic berth into the postseason.
Houston (18-9) and UC Santa Barbara (27-4) will meet in the other first-round matchup at Maples Pavilion on Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Cougars tied for fourth in the Big 12 Conference, while the Gauchos won the Big West regular season title. Both teams earned at-large berths into the postseason.
The winners of the Stanford-Fresno State and the Houston-UC Santa Barbara matches will meet in the second round on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Mike Rasay / ISIPhotos
www.gostanford.com
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SPARTANS RETURN HOME TO TAKE ON BETHESDA
SAN JOSE, Calif. – After four-straight games on the road, the San José State women's basketball team (3-4, 0-0 MW) returns home for a game against Bethesda (0-8, 0-0 SWS) on Monday before closing out non-conference play on a four-game road trip.
The Spartans are coming off the Raising The B.A.R. Invitational on Friday and Saturday where they dropped games to Cal and Winthrop.
Jyah LoVett scored a new season-high again, this time scoring 19 points against Cal.
Sabrina Ma had back-to-back games pulling down a career-high eight rebounds.
Ma had her breakout game of the season on Saturday, knocking down a season-high four 3-pointers to score a season-high 14 points.
Sydni Summers matched her career highs against Loyola Marymount with four 3-pointers and 12 points against Winthrop.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB | Illinois State Takes Thanksgiving
Classic Finale
MORAGA, Calif. – Game two of the Saint Mary's Thanksgiving Classic went in the opposite direction of the first game for the Gaels, as Illinois State's strong second half led them to a 62-51 win over SMC on Saturday afternoon.
Saint Mary's made just seven field goals in the second half, and unconverted layups and points allowed the other way created swings in momentum and on the scoreboard.
The Gaels trailed by six with 3:38 to go in the first quarter before cutting it to one on an Emily Foy layup after forcing a turnover to finish the first. They led by six via points off a turnover when Hannah Rapp converted a layup with 2:30 to go in the second quarter. But the Redbirds converted a three-point play to finish the half to tie the game at 33 apiece.
The second half opened with a missed layup for the Gaels, followed by a three pointer for the Redbirds, which would be a harbinger of things to come for SMC.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Photo/Tod Fierner
www.smcgaels.com
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Women's Basketball Falls to Colorado State
at Chase Center
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team (2-5) dropped a neutral-site contest to Colorado State (5-0) Sunday afternoon, falling 62-53, in the USF Legacy Game at Chase Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
- San Francisco began the game fast, knocking down three field goals to gain a six-point advantage, 11-5, with 4:14 on the clock in the first quarter. Four players scored for the Dons during the run, with Debora dos Santos posting four points, while Freja Werth, Mia Vuksic and Cami Fulcher provided the team with offensive production.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Christina Leung
www.usfdons.com
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Men's Hoops Suffers First Setback
With Loss To Ohio State
NICEVILLE, Fla. – Santa Clara men's basketball suffered their first setback of the season on Saturday in the championship game of the Emerald Coast Classic, falling to Ohio State, 86-56. The Broncos drop to 6-1 and will look to get back on track on Wednesday, Nov. 29, when they take on Menlo.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Similar to the first half against Oregon, the 3-ball hurt the Broncos early as Ohio State knocked down six treys through the first 11 minutes to mount a 13 point advantage. Jamison Battle accounted for four of those 3s.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
PACIFIC EARNS BACK-TO-BACK WINS IN GOLDEN STATE HOOPS JAM AFTER DEFEATING MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
STOCKTON, Calif. - The Pacific men's basketball team (4-3) went 2-0 in the Golden State Hoops Jam after defeating Mississippi Valley State (0-7) 68-65 in overtime. Three Tigers made the all-tournament team over the weekend, including one taking home tournament MVP.
Junior guard Lesown Hallums, Jr. led the Tigers with 15 points, shooting 6-13 from the floor. He collected three rebounds, two assists and two steals to elevate Pacific to another win at home. For his efforts, he earned the tournament MVP honor.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Justin Gomes
www.pacifictigers.com
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Five Aggies Earn All-Big West Conference Honors
DAVIS, Calif. — Five Aggies have received all-Big West conference recognition, the league office announced Friday afternoon.
Aleix Aznar Beltran and Aaron Wilson were named to the First Team, Logan Anderson and Aaron Voggenthaler are on the Second Team, and Will Nomura earned honorable mention placement.
The Aggies' leader in points, Beltran finished the season with 48 goals, 30 assists, 21 steals and 12 field blocks. Wilson was outstanding in the cage, rounding out the final year of his collegiate career with 224 saves, 10.7 saves per game, .505 save percentage and 30 steals.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Defeat Alaska on Saturday, 76-52
HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay men's basketball defeated Alaska Fairbanks on Saturday at Pioneer Gymnasium, 76-52 in a non-conference game.
In the first half, the Pioneers opened the scoring with a Tyree Campbell 3-pointer with 19:16 left in the half and as the half progressed, would build their lead to 13 on two occasions; the second occasion at 33-20 on a jumper by Dimitrios Klonaras with 3:38 left. The Pioneers led 37-28 at halftime.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo/Rob Edwards / KLC foto
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HIGH SCHOOL SAILING
Race for Your School
At StFYC, High School Sailing brings students from seven San Francisco schools together in a unified training program. It’s athletic, it’s challenging, it’s coed, and it’s about the “team.”
This is a St. Francis Yacht Club program, but in competition our High School Sailing students represent their schools. Across different regions of the US, structures in this discipline vary, but in California we race very simple Flying Junior dinghies, locally and afar. StFYC supports High School Sailing in the fall semester, providing boats, coaching, hot showers, mentorship and reminders.
High School Sailing is not a beginner class. It is a competitive team environment. You don’t have to be the greatest—our coaches are here to help sailors train and improve—but you need to have made a beginning. If you are interested in joining your High School team, we will put you in touch with your school’s representative.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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In 1904 there was no World Series played between the champions of the two major leagues (logos above), the Boston Americans (now the Boston Red Sox) of the American League (AL) and the New York Giants (now the San Francisco Giants) of the National League (NL).
Boston had clinched their second consecutive AL pennant, while New York won the 1904 NL pennant by a wide margin of 13 games."
The full explanation is here. Nothing new under the sun. Of course, it had to do with petty rivalries between club owners, one being the owner of a team in an established league against an upstart league.
(Shades of the, now, NFL?)
P.S. -- Another lame week trying to win a pool betting on NFL games. I went 50/50, losing 3 of 6 picks, 4 of 6 if you remove the spread. The Eagles won 37-34, but Buffalo was given 4 points so I lost that game by a point, 38-37.
I think I'm going back to betting for beers.
Go Celtics!
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
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“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Stanford Cardinal (FB) 23, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56, November 25, 2023. Photos and captions by Alex Ho.
Cal Bears (FB) 33, UCLA Bruins 7. November 25, 2023.
Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Golden State Warriors 118, San Antonio Spurs 112, November 24, 2023. Photos and captions by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (WBB) 74, San Jose State Spartans 51, November 24, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
UC Davis Aggies (FB) 31, Sacramento State Hornets 21, November 18, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBB) 60, Montana State Bobcats 63. November 17, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBB) 57, Weber State Warriors 61, November 12, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (FB) 42, Washington State Cougars 39, November 11, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
2023 California International Air Show – Salinas, October 6-8, 2023. Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (MBB) 71, St. Thomas Tommies 66, November 6, 2023.
Photo and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears 89, CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 56. November 6, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Las Vegas Raiders 30, New York Giants 6, November 5, 2023.
Raider Nation Fans / Photos by Ed Jay.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, November 27, through
Sunday, December 3, 2023
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Monday, November 27
San Jose Sharks v. Washington Capitals, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 28
Golden State Warriors @ Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 29
Thursday, November 30
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Boston Bruins, 4 p.m.
Friday, December 1
San Jose Sharks @ New Jersey Devils, 4 p.m.
Pac-12 Championship Game, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV, 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 2
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers, 1 p.m.
Sunday, December 3
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles, 1:25 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ New York Rangers, 3 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Ultimate Sports Guide website!
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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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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