December 26, 2022
Issue No. 465
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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from the entire Team at Sports Today! | |
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Social Media: Applications invited via email. Please include resume.
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: TheUltimateSportsGuide@gmail.com
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San Francisco 49ers 37
Washington Commanders 20
Saturday / December 24, 2022
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Ray-Ray McCloud III finishes off a 71-yard TD run... | |
Hip Hip Hor-RAY-RAY
The major offensive first-half highlight was Ray-Ray McCloud III's electric 71-yard TD run in the 2nd Quarter, (7-0, SF), on the heels of a valiant goal line stand by the Niners.
On the Niners' first drive, Shanahan's decision to go for a TD instead of a sure FG from the 10 had backfired, as the play was botched from the start. After tough defense by both teams, the Commanders capitalized on an "interception" of a tipped pass, and with 27 seconds left in the half scored on a pass into the back of the end-zone for a TD. (7-7 Halftime score.) Brock Purdy was 4/9 and 55 yards in the first half.
In the 3rd Quarter, in what would be "A Tale of Two Halves," the Purdy we have come to expect emerged and threw a classic, 34-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle, who had an extraordinary
game. (14-7, SF.)
With 5:27 left in the 3rd, the Commanders went for it on a 4th and 1 from their own 35 and once more were stuffed by the Niner-D. Aiyuk and Kittle immediately pounced with key catches, the latter a 33-yard catch/run touchdown. (21-7, SF.) The Commanders came right back, with an impressive long pass to McLaurin, then a 3-yard pass to him for a score. (21-14, SF, end of 3rd.) And we had ourselves a Game!
Washington's kickoff to SF featured one of the many Commanders' "Unnecessary Toughness" penalties, and this one enhanced the Niners' field position. The dynamic Aiyuk turned a short pass into a race to the 6-yard line, which would end with a 49ers field goal. (24-14, SF.)
After the Niners' kickoff, Bosa delivered a body-blow on Heinicke who coughed it up. A mighty Jordan Willis plucked the ball out of the air and #75 outfought a group of Commanders for control. After a Purdy run, it was time for a 26-yard Robbie Gould FG. (27-14, SF.)
The 49ers once more kicked off, and on Washington's first play, pressure from Arik Armstead helped cause an interception, which led to a 25-yard FG to make it (30-14, SF). With 8:47 left in the 4th, Carson Wentz replaced Taylor Heinicke at QB and quickly led them to a score, but a 2-point conversion attempt failed. (30-20, SF.)
As the clock continued to click, Washington's onside kick failed to go the necessary yards. The 49ers took advantage as Purdy and Kittle connected on a pass to the one-yard line and "Run CMC", Christian McCaffery, polished it off with a powerful run for a touchdown.
(Final: 37-20, SF.)
Purdy finished 15/22 and 234 yards, as the 49ers scored on six-of -seven 2nd-half possessions, with Robbie Gould in machine-like mode. Jerry Rice was on patrol on the sidelines -- that's almost unfair! Niners Win!
To watch game highlights on YouTube, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--5-brQiQFg
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
Monterey, CA
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Letters to the Editor
Alas poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio
Hey! How about: "Alas poor Carlos Correa! I knew him, Farhan."
In fact, 'Alas, poor Yorick' is one of the most quoted lines in all of Shakespeare, with Hamlet holding a human skull, dressed in black, with the caption, 'Alas poor Yorick.'
Maybe "G-Man For a Day" Carlos Yorick's BACK hurt, and SF's Shakespeare decided to write him out of the play, but instead of a skull, all there was to hold up was a back brace. Not quite a skull, but for Giants fans, it's the same result.
In San Francisco's own Shakespearean drama, all we know is that Carlos Correa is gone and we did NOT know him. Not only has he been written out of the play, but he never had the role, and won't 'play' at all, at least not in SF. Oh, the good times -- those glorious hours at Oracle.
"Yorick" will open at a new venue, in New York, (well, it's Flushing), but still .... that sure was a remarkably short run in the City by the Bay. Please leave your uniform in the locker room -- by the one which says Judge.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
Monterey, CA
Sweet Justice
Yesterday as I was watching the "Sin City Miracle" win by the Raiders over New England I couldn't help but flash back 21 years to the infamous Tuck Rule game when the Raiders were ruined forever---and the Patriots reign of infamy was launched. That was a black day, tied for worst day of my life as a sports fan with Gibson's homer (at least that one was honest) and the NBA stealing the 2016 title from the Dubs.
I truly believe that miraculous Raiders win exorcised the ghosts of that tragic dynasty-ending Tuck Rule game in the snow that fateful January day in Foxboro, because it resonated--and qualified---on so many levels:
a) It was the Patriots
b) It was Bill Belichick
c) It was 50 years since the Immaculate Reception, another famous NFL screwing of the Raiders.
d) The Raiders won because of a horrible call by the officials which allowed them to tie the game with 32 seconds left.
e) It was a miracle play that won it for the Raiders, with the Patriots done in by their own arrogance, hubris and stupidity.
Pete Elman
Oakland, CA
Praise
As usual, your coverage and editorial is superb. And really, is there anyone or anything out there that can combine the talents of Bay Area sports writers and sports photographers as well as you do with Sports Today!
Ann Cooke
Alameda, CA
The Rumor Mill -- Name Trade
Word is that San Francisco and Minnesota will trade Team names, as part of the deal in which the Giants acquired Taylor Rogers from Minnesota. Taylor is the identical twin of the G-Men reliever and whiffle-baller, knuckle-scraper, Tyler Rogers.
The Minnesota Giants? San Francisco Twins? Somebody needs to have a quick physical so we can get out of another "Deal." Fortunately, there is a Judge available to mediate this, the one who took the phrase, "Yankee Go Home," literally.
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
San Francisco 49ers 37, Washington Commanders 20
USF Dons (MBkB) 97, Arizona State Sun Devils 60
Features & Commentary
Believe It Or Not, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Brock Purdy: NFL Story of the Year? by Bruce Macgowan
Consider A New Year's Donation
Don't Worry About The Warriors, by Howard Pearlstein
Grand Canyon Dories, by Rudi Petschek
Let It Be aka Let Him Be, by Andy Dolich
My Version of the Immaculate Reception, by Jeff Bayer
Yamila Diaz, from the Autograph Collection of Richard Yee
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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"Let Him Be" aka "Let It Be"
-- A British Band Did The Original
by Andy Dolich
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When the Niners found themselves in time of trouble, He came to us
Showing heady play with wisdom, Let him be.
And in a split second Jimmy G was injured right in front of me
Speaking next man up!, Let him be.
There’s George Kittle open, yes it's a TD!
Yes he knows the game plan, Let him be.
And once uncertain Niner fans living in the world agree
There was an answer, Let him be.
For though he may have been chosen last
There was a chance they would see results fast
There was an answer they would cheer with glee
Let him be, Let him be Let him be Brock Purdy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDYfEBY9NM4
(Let It Be)
* * *
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 Commissioner of the Fan Controlled Sports & Entertainment (FCSE) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: Goodbye, Oakland with co-author Dave Newhouse and 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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Kettle and Purdy celebrate | |
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Brock Purdy: NFL Story of the Year?
by Bruce Macgowan
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As absurd as it may sound, is Brock Purdy the next Joe Montana? How is the 22-year-old rookie performing at such a high level?
What a soap opera the Niners have been through this year! But without the startling events, this youngster might have never gotten his chance. In game two of the season against Seattle, San Francisco’s prized quarterback of the future, Trey Lance, went down for the year with a broken ankle. Then Jimmy Garoppolo, the quarterback no one wanted, came in and led SF to seven wins in their next ten games. But then Jimmy G. went down with a severe foot injury.
Enter ‘Mr. Irrelevant,’ the last player taken in this past year’s draft. Purdy trotted onto the field, channeled Montana and sparked the 49ers to a win over Miami. And for the next three weeks, with the help of the leagues’ top ranked defense, Purdy led the Niners to three more victories.
The average score was 31-13. This included a win at Seattle, a house of horrors for the 49ers over the last decade, where the crowd noise is deafening. And in that game, Purdy couldn’t throw the ball more than ten yards as he was hampered by a rib injury. But like Montana, who was renowned for fighting through injuries, Purdy took a pain-killing shot before the game. He went out and did just enough to ensure another win.
That victory followed up his first-ever NFL start which was the stuff of legends. Commanding the huddle and playing as if he were a veteran, Purdy stunningly won his first game as a starter by outdueled the great Tom Brady and Tampa Bay in a one-sided win. Television shots of his dad shedding tears of joy in the stands added a heart tugging element to the story.
“We always knew he had command from the beginning,” remarked Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. “It’s not just the games, we’re all getting used to how he is during the whole routine of the week. Him starting to talk to guys…it’s been fun.”
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Roommates Brock Purdy (#13), Nick Zakelj (#63) and Alfredo Gutierrez (#77) made holiday cards for the entire 49ers team
Purdy has had few distractions as he lives in rather spartan conditions, sharing a condo with two of his young teammates, Nick Zakeji and Alfredo Gutierrez. Purdy took a good natured ribbing when he stuck Christmas cards featuring the three of them in Santa outfits in each of his teammates' lockers. It’s quite apparent that everyone likes the young man.
Look at Purdy closely and he appears to be a fresh-faced youngster just out of high school. He’s generously listed at 6' 1" but might be closer to 5’ 11” tall. But behind that choir boy visage is one of the coolest, most competitive leaders you’ll see. And many seem to forget that Purdy was the starting quarterback at Iowa State for the better part of four years.
The stats tell some of the story: Eight TD passes and only two interceptions in these four starts and an average of over 210 yards through the air, plus a passing rating of 116.2. Pretty darn good!
While he may sometimes have a challenging time looking over those big guys up front, Purdy’s been getting help from a much improved offensive line. Although he’s been sacked almost twice a game, he’s usually been given time to find an open receiver or run out of trouble. A broken play against Miami led to a scramble to the sidelines where he dived for a first down. The play helped insure a win. And two weeks later in Seattle, Purdy executed one of the niftiest plays of the NFL season. Purdy dropped back, faked a screen pass to the left, spun around and snookered the Seahawks’ defense again with another pump fake to the right. Then he went right down the middle to a wide open tight end George Kittle over the middle. Touchdown! The play was labeled “Hollywood” and it got raves from the box office.
After a slow start, partly due to a lingering injury, Kittle has come around and is playing at all-pro form. After catching four TD passes from Purdy in the last two games. Kittle is thrilled by his young teammate’s stunning ascent.
“He’s getting the ball to us,” said Kittle after the Niners ran up 37 points against a Washington Commanders team that featured the fourth-highest rated defense in the league.
“He’s great with the football. He puts it on target. He allows guys to run with it. He’s super savvy in the backfield and makes guys miss. His confidence is through the roof right now and I don’t know why it wouldn’t be."
How far can Brock Purdy take the 49ers? It's way too early to anoint him as the team’s next great quarterback, but it’s fun to compare him to Montana, even though that’s a bit of a stretch.
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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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USF Dons 97
Arizona State Sun Devils 60
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
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San Francisco Dons guard Khalil Shabazz recorded 26 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists to help the Dons cruise to a 97-60 upset of the 25th-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils at War Memorial Gym at the Sobrato Center on Wednesday, December 21st. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Consider A New Year's 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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Donors
Sports Today thanks the following generous donors!
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Steve Chain
Tarzana, CA
Harvey Cohen
Montrose, CO
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Berkeley, CA
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Bill & Nona Hool
San Rafael, CA
Ann McNaughton
Alameda, CA
Chloe Satterlee
Berkeley, CA
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Selina Satterlee
Hanalei, Kauai
Robert Scheer
Los Angeles, CA
Narda Zacchino
Los Angeles, CA
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Two greats we lost this year: Franco Harris and Mr. C.
Mr. C worked many events as a Howard Cosell impersonator. This photo was taken during Super Bowl XLV in Miami where Mr. C performed at Franco's private fundraiser. Photo by Jeff Bayer.
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My Version Of The
Immaculate Reception
By Jeff Bayer
December 23rd was the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. I wrote this narrative prior to Franco’s passing.
RIP Franco!
I was in my 2nd year as a game-day 49ers Public Relations assistant in the Press Box at Candlestick Park. It was about one hour before our kickoff with the Dallas Cowboys in a divisional playoff game. The elevator was on the upper level of the Press Box, directly opposite the coaches and stadium operations boxes.
Above the railing by the elevator was a small black and white television monitor playing the final minutes of the Raiders/Steelers game. I was watching the game as the elevator door opened and out walked the NFL Commissioner, Pete Rozelle. He was alone and without an entourage.
He saw that I was looking up at the game on TV and asked me what was the score and how much time was left. I told him the Raiders had just scored and were ahead by 1 point (7-6) with a little over a minute to play.
He then stopped and began watching the monitor with me. Given the opportunity, I immediately engaged the Commissioner in conversation and began talking about current events. I was asking him if he thought it strange that President Nixon was relentlessly bombing what seemed to be civilian areas in Vietnam and Cambodia, all the while domestically complaining about the Redskins not being on local TV.
Rozelle smiled, laughed a little, and shook his head in agreement and then blurted out, “What the hell was that???” Franco Harris had just scored what would be forever remembered as the “Immaculate Reception.”
There was pandemonium on the field as the referee went to the sidelines and picked up a telephone. I said to the Commissioner, “Is he trying to call you?”
His response was a simple, “He better not be!”
I told that story to Franco decades later and he said, “I always wondered where the Commissioner was.” As a former Press Box assistant, I was proud to deliver the correct answer decades later to Franco!
BTW – The 49ers lost that day to the Cowboys when Roger Staubach engineered 2 touchdown drives with a little over 2 minutes to play to come from 12 points down and defeat the 49ers in arguably the ugliest day in Bay Area sports history.
* * *
During his three decades on the 49ers sidelines, Jeff Bayer photographed countless legends, while also earning two Pro Football Hall of Fame Honorable Mention Awards. He is listed in the 49ers Media Guide as one of five Historical Photographers. Additionally, Bayer collaborated on several books on the 49ers dynasty. He is the lead photographer at the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe where he chronicles the golf and fun of the likes of Steph Curry, Justin Timberlake, Patrick Mahomes and an incredible
field of athletes and entertainers.
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Conforto agrees to 2-year deal with Giants (source)
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- Three days after their megadeal with shortstop Carlos Correa collapsed, the Giants pivoted to the best remaining hitter on the free-agent market, agreeing to a two-year, $36 million deal with outfielder Michael Conforto, a source told MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand on Friday. Bob Nightengale of USA Today was first to report the agreement, which has an opt-out after the first year.
The team has not confirmed the deal.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Make Sense of the Madness:
The Evolving Business of College Athletics
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A six session course in the 2023 Winter Quarter at
Stanford Continuing Studies. The course will be listed in the
SCS Catalog on 11/7 with signups beginning on 11/28: continuingstudies.stanford.edu
Weekly course sessions begin on Tuesday, January 31st
from 7-9 pm. At this time all sessions will be virtual on Zoom.
Stanford Continuing Studies
Winter Quarter 2023 -- BUS 119
Title: Make Sense of the Madness:
The Evolving Business of College Athletics
Instructor -- Andy Dolich
The business of college athletics is booming. Close to 2,000 athletic departments throughout the U.S. generate $25.5 billion in media rights while attracting over 190 million enthusiastic, ticket-buying fans. This industry is evolving real-time in increasingly complex ways. The recent news that USC and UCLA are leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference has created waves of uncertainty and speculation about the future. Just a year ago, college athletes were first permitted to profit from the rights for their Name, Image, or Likeness (NIL) while on the playing fields of their schools. What do these seismic changes mean for college athletes, administrators, and fans now and
in the future?
This course examines the business of college sports past,
present and future.
Session One -- Introduction on the Business of College Sports
Session Two -- Overview of the changes in the Pac-12 and beyond -- Ted Robinson
Session Three -- Economics -- Dr. Dan Rascher
Session Four -- The Media -- Jon Wilner
Session Five -- Athletes and coaches - Ben Braun
Session Six -- Final Round -- Table with representatives of involved
constituencies.
Sessions will include interactive discussions from industry experts.
Students will leave this course with insights into the revolutionary changes affecting the business of college sports.
* * *
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 Commissioner of Fan Controlled Sports & Entertainment (FCSE) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: Goodbye, Oakland; 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 articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today!, click HERE.
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Sean Langeliers. Photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Inbox: Assessing active A's,
looking ahead to 2023
OAKLAND -- The A’s are coming off a busy week, first having traded Sean Murphy to the Braves in a blockbuster three-team deal and later adding needed experience to their roster -- with the signings of Jace Peterson and Aledmys Díaz on the position player side and Trevor May for the bullpen.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE
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Carlos Correa was a Giants, Briefly | |
Within a few hours, Carlos Correa switched his long-term allegiance from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Mets. (Photo: ESPN) | |
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Believe It
Or Not
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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Last week the Giants were a couple of hours away in a press conference at Oracle Park from announcing their new shortstop, two-time All-Star Carlos Correa, and to show everybody they can play with the big boys with a 13-year contract for $350 million. His physical test was not something the Giants liked. There was a disagreement between Correa and his agent Scott Boras about the test by the Giants doctors. Correa and the Giants never signed the contract.
So....the best agent in the world, Scott Boras, called his buddy Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, who has more money than God, and told him, "You want Correa for Christmas"? Cohen said YES, And today Carlos Correa is a New York Met, for around a $315 million multi-year deal.
The Giants struck out this off-season with two of the biggest free agents, first Aaron Judge and now Carlos Correa. So, Brandon Crawford will be playing shortstop again for the Giants, until he needs a wheelchair.
And that's the way the ball bounces...
Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Don't Worry About The Warriors
by Howard Pearlstein
There are several levels to what is happening and all of them are more or less temporary. Just, unfortunately, happening all at the same time. A combination of new players, injuries, a complex on-court system and…well...
OK, first of all, think of any team, any sport, HALF your players are injured, and of those, half of them are starters and the other half are your off-the-bench backups for your starters. Only one of those – Jordan Poole – is still able to play.
OK, also, you have rookies for whom learning the game is the job. Learning, as someone pointed out, to play with Steph (who right now is out with an injury).
It’s not just Steph’s ability to sink 3-pointers, the best in the history of the NBA. It’s the peripatetic and idiosyncratic without-the-ball movements around the court that gets him able to either have a clear shot or pass to someone else (who needs to be aware that shot or that pass can come at any moment, without any giveaway motions to alert the defense).
AND – in all sports, many of the draftees were superstars in high school or college, players on whose performance the win or loss depended. So, in a system where everyone has to be able to carry the weight of the game, the hot talent opens up the game for the other guys to score for the team.
I think of it as Wide Receiver Mind-Set. Consider the 49ers Brandon Aiyuk, or in this instance Jonathan Kuminga, or as in almost all cases taking a track speedster to be a wide receiver, and he fails. It's about players who are singularly talented and whose skill set is to be out there all alone. And especially with the Warriors, the trick is to learn how to team-think, which, to be fair, was not only never asked of them before, it was often told to them as something to avoid as much as possible.
But OK. And we see Kuminga in his second season getting the mind-shift, passing more, moving to set up someone else, learning the game as it is played in these parts. It takes a while to unlearn that thing that caused everyone to cheer for you, and which, in fact, is some or all of what caused you to be signed to the team.
SO – we have half the team off the court with injuries, and those still playing needing those missing players to interact with, learn the game in motion. And if the players drafted or traded for or signed really had the potential which had been assumed, we’ll see the change as injured payers return to the game and get back up to their own standard.
One more thing – even the great ones – Steph and Klay – had some bad games when they were younger and healthier. But with the current system of motion-and-assists in force, we sometimes see stats for what might have once been considered a “bad game,” i.e, low scoring, few 3’s, but might be the veteran trying to help the newbies get up to speed, fulfill their potential.
That’s assuming the people in charge of this multi-championship team knows (and knew) what the hell they were doing.
I think they do, but full disclosure – my late wife did an affectionately kindly diss when she called me an optimist. I tried my best to counter – saying: “No, but I’m hopeful.” But maybe she was right.
Draymond Green put it this way, prior to starting the homestand: “Once the ball is in the air, (who’s out) won’t matter at all.”
* * *
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 trying 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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Hardly Trivial & Drabble!
(A Drabble is a story of exactly 100 words,
not including the title)
by T. Buff
Christmas Monday...
It's a Drabble instead of a question.
As a Christmas gift, you have the day off from a question, but get some thoughts about what I was
thinking of doing.
Christmas is a big sports day, so I was looking to find something dramatic, sports wise, which occurred on Christmas and create a mind-stimulating question to get you going after all the Christmas feasting.
But there are too many answers to the question because all the sports are involved on this list. Enjoy the read and may the rest of your journey to the New Year
be a good one.
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Yamila Diaz -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
Yamila Diaz may not be an athlete but she did grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition twice. In 2002 Sports Illustrated held a magazine signing to promote the annual swimsuit issue by having several of the models tour major cities. I was present at the San Francisco signing. As I approached Yamila at her table she greeted me with her incredible Argentine accent. We chatted for a moment, then she signed my magazine cover. It’s been in my collection for twenty years.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Hermit Rapids in the Grand Canyon,
always thrilling and photogenic.
Steve Reynolds at the oars.
Photo by Rudi Petschek.
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Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox
Cal Announces First 15 Members Of
2023 Recruiting Class
First 14 Revealed Wednesday Followed By Former Tulsa Punter Lachlan Wilson On Friday
BERKELEY – Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox has announced the first 15 members of Cal's 2023 recruiting class during the Early Signing Period that ends on Friday.
"Today is an exciting day for everyone involved with Cal football to welcome a talented new group of Golden Bears that will help us win football games," Wilcox said on Wednesday. "We have a tremendous coaching staff in place that will help them succeed. It's the start of a new chapter for everyone in the group and such an important day for the signees and their families."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Cardinal Beats Cal
Cardinal improves to 13-1, 1-0 in Pac-12 play
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Haley Jones and Hannah Jump, Stanford's two stars who share the same initials. Together they dismantled rival California.
"In the first half we did a good job on Hannah, but Haley was killing us," Golden Bears coach Charmin Smith said.
Then, Jump more than did her part after intermission.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE
www.gostanford.com
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Signing Day Page
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Alexander Cobbs, Jay'Vion Cole, Imari Conley, Quali Conley, Luke Griskey, Vaka Hansen, DJ Harvey, Keynan Higgins, Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole, Noah Mcneal-Franklin, Hunter Nowell, Tavarius Pitts and Isiah Revis all signed National Letters of Intent on Early National Signing Day Wednesday to join SJSU football for the 2023 season. The 13 members of the current incoming class include six transfers and one from a power five school. Nine of the incoming class are from California and also nine come from the defensive side of the ball. The Spartans will increase their 2023 class on National Signing Day on Feb. 1, 2023.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Gaels Win Second Leg of Jerry Colangelo Classic, Beat Wyoming by 12
PHOENIX — Saint Mary's Men's Basketball returned to the Footprint Center on Wednesday night for their second appearance in the Jerry Colangelo Classic this season. Taking on the Wyoming Cowboys, an NCAA Tournament team last year, the Gaels ebbed and flowed their way to a 66-54 victory over the Pokes, getting back on track after a loss on Sunday. Saint Mary's heads into the holidays with a 10-4 record while dropping Wyoming to 5-7.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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Hawthorne, Gigiberia Push Dons Past Hawks
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Cruising to another dominant victory at home, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (11-4) closed out their non-conference schedule with a 32-point win over Hartford (4-11) on Thursday night as the Dons handled the Hawks, 85-53, at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Broncos Dominate Second Half In 73-58
Win Over Boise State
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara men's basketball put a cap on non-conference play on Thursday afternoon by picking up one of their best wins of the season. The Broncos took care of business inside the Leavey Center, using a 22-5 second half run to defeat Boise State, 73-58, and conclude non-conference play with a 12-3 record.
The Broncos' 12 wins are tied for the second most non-conference wins in program history and just one shy of the record of 13 set in 2019-20.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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Editor's Note
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
USF Dons (MBkB) 97, Arizona State 60, December 21, 2022.
Photos by Darren Yamashita
USF Dons (WBkB) 59 vs. Loyola Marymount Lions 68, December 17, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 75, UC San Diego Tritons 61, December 16, 2022.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 83, University of Pacific Tigers 66, December 10, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita
Saint Mary’s College Gaels (MBkB) 68, Missouri State Bears 48, December 7, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 48, Eastern Washington Eagles 50, December 7, 2022. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 56, SMU Mustangs 70, December 4, 2022.
Photos by Darren Yamashita
Cal Bears (MBkB) 51, USC Trojans 66, November 30, 2022.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Stanford Cardinal 26, BYU Cougars 35, November 26, 2022.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s Gaels 53, Kansas Jayhawks 73, November 26, 2022. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
San Jose State Spartans 27, Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors 14
November 26, 2022. Photos by Alex Ho.
Golden State Warriors 129, Utah Jazz 118, November 25, 2022.
Photos by Rich Yee.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, December 26, through
Sunday, January 1, 2023
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Monday, December 26
(MNF) Los Angeles Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts, 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, December 27
Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28
Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 29
(TNF) Dallas Cowboys @ Tennessee Titans, 5:15 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 30
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 31
San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars, 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 1
San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders, 1:05 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks, 4 p.m.
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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.
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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 1949-1853 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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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
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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. | | | | |