September 30 -- October 6, 2024
Issue No. 557
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, James Molgaard,
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 & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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San Francisco 49ers 30, New England Patriots 13 | |
In what would be a test for San Francisco's defense, ranked 30th in yards allowed per play, and with Hufanga and Hargrave out, the 49ers played the New England Patriots and QB Jacoby Brissett in a home game.
In perhaps a show of weakness, the Patriots punted on a fourth and three at midfield, rather than try for a first down. After a 36-yard pass to Brandon Aiyuk and runs by Jordan Mason, the NFL's leading runner, and a nifty scoop-catch by George Kittle, the 49ers kicked a FG (3-0). After a Patriots' fumble caused by Sam Okuayinonu, it was time for another SF field goal, as QB Brock Purdy was under steady pressure (6-0). It was time for All-World LB Fred Warner to intercept Brissett and run 45 yards for a 49er TD (13-0). A pass to "Mr. Clutch," Jauan Jennings and a spectacular, "Jump Ball" catch by George Kittle for a TD made it (20-0) and Brock gave a "Hi Mom" as the camera zoomed in on him. New England managed a 63-yard FG to make it
20-3 at halftime.
The 49ers fumbled the kickoff for the third quarter, which led to a Patriots TD (20-10). A 55-yard gem to Deebo and runs by Mason led to a four-play, 70-yard TD drive (27-10). Another New England field
goal made it 27-13, but a 49er FG made it 30-13. The defense, led by a Bosa sack-and-recovery, with help from Maliek Collins, Kevin Givens, Dee Winters and Malik Mustapha, put an end to any Patriots' chances, with a final score of 30-13, San Francisco.
Steady defensive pressure on Brock Purdy and special teams play remain issues to address, but San Francisco's depth and intensity are impressive and can overcome any deficiencies as those other areas
improve and key injured players return.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21nUexUo3N8 (12:47)
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
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Contents
Games
Oakland A's 3, Texas Rangers 2
Oakland Roots SC 0, FC Tulsa 1
San Francisco 49ers 30, New England Patriots 13
San Francisco Giants 1, St. Louis Cardinals 6
San Jose Earthquakes 0, CF Montreal 3
Features & Commentary
Almost Closing Thoughts on the A's, by RoBear Flammia
Bruce Lee Way, by Ed Jay
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Fisher Kiss of Death for Oakland?, by Dave Newhouse
Jeff Garcia, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Letter from Ballers Co-Founders
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Of Heroes and Villains, by Pete Elman
Sports Business Conversations, Amy Gutierrez and Celeste Gehring, with Dave Almy, ADC Partners
This is sort of what they call Dog Days, which should be over by now..., by Howard Pearlstein
Organizations
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Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
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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FINAL HOME GAME!
Oakland A's 3
Texas Rangers 2
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Thursday, September 26, 2024
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The Oakland Athletics bid farewell to 57 years at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Thursday, September 26th. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Then in a clubhouse interview with Eckersley, he said, “They’re showing it again.” I turned around and saw the iconic Kirk Gibson home run off Eckersley in the 1988 World Series. I asked the Eck, “How can you even watch it?” He replied, “That was my first year of closing, so it was all new to me.” Then he added, “But when I gave up that home run to (Toronto’s Roberto) Alomar (in the 1992 American League post-season), I cried all night.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0toCMwEBwLo
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Fisher Kiss
Of Death
For Oakland?
by Dave Newhouse
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The moment I've dreaded, the most devastating sports loss in Oakland history, reached its inevitable, but stomach-turning, conclusion as A’s closer — the perfect word — Mason Miller closed out the Texas Rangers, 3-2, last Thursday to bring closure to the green and gold’s 57 memorable seasons in Oaktown.
Memorable, and often unforgettable, seasons, which ended with A’s manager Mark Kotsay leading the sellout crowd of 46,889 in a resounding “Let’s Go Oakland” cheer. And Miller said, "It’s my honor to do that” after sealing the franchise’s final victory in its scripted-like, close-out game in Oakland.
Scripts, of course, often are re-written in film rooms, and Oakland needs a Hollywood happy ending to create a surprising re-opening to this perceived closure. The Coliseum was filled in its farewell setting, reminiscent of more glorious times, but stuffing last-minute money in the pocket of the despicable A’s owner, John Fisher, who purposely destroyed the franchise, doesn’t diminish the town’s contempt for him.
Oakland, more than any American sports town, has endured deep loss, the deepest. The Raiders left (twice), the Warriors left, and now the A’s are leaving, they believe. Regardless of the A’s outcome, Oakland has taken it on the chin over and over and over.
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And to think that sports here reached the absolute heights in the aptly named House of Champions -- the Coliseum and its Arena sidekick. They housed some of the greatest teams on the American landscape, while supported by the greatest fans anywhere. Treated fairly, Oakland fans always turned out to support their three teams, win or lose. Oakland’s only fault has been corrupt sports ownerships. Excepting the beloved Haas family, all other Oaktown owners rank as corporate carpetbaggers, those heartless money-grabbers and back-stabbers of Oaktown’s incredibly loyal fandom.
If you don’t build them a facility every 20, 25 years, these corporate carpetbaggers pull up stakes and gravitate to the next highest bidder. Fisher purposely destroyed a great franchise by raising ticket prices while dismantling a potent roster. And this is the fans’ fault? C’mon, look in the mirror, Mr. Fisher, it’s cracking.
I’ve seen it all come together and collapse in major-league sports in Oakland. I came here in 1964, hired by the Oakland Tribune two months before college graduation. The Raiders were just becoming respectable under coach Al Davis, the A’s would arrive four years later, and the Warriors four years after that. Oakland emerged quickly as a viable sports city; in the mid-1970s, it produced world champions in football, basketball and baseball. Oaktown was Titletown.
Oakland’s ascendance was made possible by some of the greatest athletes imaginable. The Raiders had Ken Stabler, Fred Biletnikoff, Jim Otto, Art Shell, Ted Hendricks and Jack Tatum. The Warriors had Rick Barry, Chris Mullin and Sleepy Floyd. The A’s had Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Dennis Eckersley and Dave Stewart.
As a sportswriter and later as a sports columnist, how could I miss looking for interesting material to write about — there was so much greatness, indoors and outdoors.
I’m always asked about my favorite athletes, or favorite people as athletes, but that isn’t what I remember about my career. I’m a storyteller, and I just loved hearing unique stories. One of my favorites was Hendu’s Bad Boys Club. Dave Henderson, while playing center field for the A's, bonded with some bleacher fans, leading to their having beers together after games. Only in Oaktown.
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Then in a clubhouse interview with Eckersley, he said, “They’re showing it again.” I turned around and saw the iconic Kirk Gibson home run off Eckersley in the 1988 World Series. I asked the Eck, “How can you even watch it?” He replied, “That was my first year of closing, so it was all new to me.” Then he added, “But when I gave up that home run to (Toronto’s Roberto) Alomar (in the 1992 American League post-season), I cried all night.”
I’ve witnessed some awesome moments in sports, topped by the Gibson home run. Then there was Dwight Clark’s leaping catch against Dallas, Tom Watson’s chip shot at Pebble Beach, The Play in the 1983 Big Game, the Hagler-Hearns title fight, The Sea of Hands Catch, the Holy-Roller play, etc.
It’s been a long run dating back to the 1940s, when as a kid in Menlo Park, I could pedal over to Stanford football games and get in free because I was under 12. And I could also go on the field after a Stanford Indians win — yes, the Indians — and talk to their players, who’d pat me on the head and ask me my name. How could I not become a sports fan?
I saw Satchel Paige pitch, Hugh McElhenny run, Willie Mays hit, Jack Nicklaus putt, Jerry Rice catch, Joe Montana throw, and Rickey Henderson steal, so I haven’t missed much.
I’m an old man now, and the sports landscape doesn’t look the same to me anymore. College athletes are being paid like the pros, yet still regard themselves as “amateurs." West Coast universities play conference games on the East Coast. Major-league baseball teams start each extra inning by putting a runner at second base. How juvenile.
And Oakland is losing its big-league baseball team, barring a miracle, because of pure manipulative greed. I don’t know how much more of this I can take, and given my age how much time there is left to
take it.
Closure is such an ugly word.
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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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EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
Share your thoughts on the 49ers' Super Bowl chances -- take our Survey!
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San Francisco Giants 1
St. Louis Cardinals 6
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, September 29, 2024
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San Francisco Giants starter Hayden Birdsong struck out 11 batters over 4-1/3 innings as the Giants lost to the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-1, in their last game of the 2024 season on Sunday, September 29th at Oracle Park. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Warriors Unveil 2024-25 NBA
Classic Edition Uniform
Uniform Honors Philadelphia Warriors Era, Which Included Two NBA Championships
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SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have unveiled a new Classic Edition uniform ahead of the 2024-25 season, it was announced today. The new uniform pays tribute to the Warriors’ Philadelphia roots, where the team spent 16 years and won two NBA Championships. The uniforms will be worn for the first time during the team’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, October 29, at Chase Center.
For images of the team’s 2024-25 Classic Edition uniform, CLICK HERE.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Philadelphia Warriors jersey, the new uniform incorporates a modern twist on the classic design, featuring an all-white colorway accented by touches of red, gold, and blue.
The Philadelphia Warriors, founded in 1946 as one of the NBA's charter members, captured a league title in their inaugural season of 1946-47 and again in the 1955-56 season. The 1956 championship team notably featured Jackie Moore, a trailblazer who became the first black athlete to play for both the Warriors and the men’s basketball team at La Salle University, his alma mater.
continued...
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thanks these generous donors!
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A. Nonymous
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Richard Cross -- Founder / San Francisco Nighthawks
Andy Dolich
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Robert Flammia
Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
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Dave Newhouse
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The Roberto Clemente Award...
is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions,
both on and off the field.
Every year, each MLB Club nominates a player to be considered for the Award in tribute to Clemente's achievements and character. This year's list of nominees features players whose various community and philanthropic activities have focused on important issues ranging from awareness and fundraising to support those with cancer and other illnesses or special needs, education for young people, natural disaster relief, outreach to underserved children and communities in the United States and abroad, and more.
Read about all of the nominees
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Vote: Mike Yastrzemski
Named Roberto Clemente nominee
Vote today for Mike Yastrzemski to win the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One. This award is given to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions,
both on and off the field.
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"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Vote: Mason Miller
Named Roberto Clemente nominee
Mason Miller is one of 30 nominees for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player who best represents the game on and off the field.
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"Led by manager Mark Kotsay, a class act who always played the game the right way, they proved their mettle in the second half of the season." Photo by Darren Yamashita | |
Of Heroes and Villains
by Pete Elman
“Dad, this did not need to happen.”
My son is 33 and lives in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Oakland and has only rooted for one team. He flew home to watch his beloved A’s play one last game in Oakland Thursday. I tagged along, and it was one of the most beautiful, emotional-filled and saddest days of my life.
My son was not so forgiving. Throughout his three-night stay he angrily repeated that mantra; that this could have been avoided. And hundreds of thousands of green and gold diehards agree.
“The Coliseum is one of the nation’s final examples of a stadium designed for people to simply watch sports in. It is grungy, unpretentious and cheap. It has fostered one of baseball’s grittiest and most irreverent fan bases.” Jack Nicol, New York Times.
On Thursday the true fans came out and represented. They respectfully played tribute to the Coliseum and the legendary franchise, which for 57 years have symbolized the grit, swagger and soul of Oaktown. They are the heroes. It is not their fault. They have never wavered in their love and loyalty to the A’s.
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Former Oakland A's pitcher and AL Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito sang the national anthem. Photo by Darren Yamashita | |
They came to honor the greats that have graced this gorgeous green field: Vida, Catfish, Rollie and Reggie in the 70’s; Rickey, Jose, Mac, Stew, and Eck in the 80’s and 90’s, and the millennial stars Jason, Miggy, Huddie, Mulder and Barry Zito, who sang the national anthem; and to cheer for their exciting young team.
There is, of course, the bittersweet heartbreaking feeling that will never go away. Oh, and there are villains. The saga of John Fisher’s selfishness is well documented; no need to re-hash that sad story, as is the complicity of Rob Manfred and the other 29 owners; a tale of greed, myopia and ruthless capitalism.
Then there is the team itself, which has shown tremendous heart and hustle this final season, all in the face of impending disaster, a collection of youngsters who just want to play ball, who are friends as well as teammates, who would like nothing more than to stay together and write their own story.
Led by manager Mark Kotsay, a class act who always played the game the right way, they proved their mettle in the second half of the season. And just when they’re getting good, they’re off to who-knows-what in Sacramento, where the next incredible diving catch J.J. Bleday makes might put him on the DL, courtesy of 140-degree heat on the fake turf that will grace that minor-league field.
And thankfully, for the first time, this horrific and unjust debacle has finally made its way into the hearts and minds of the media establishment.
“History will sneer.” Jeff Passan, ESPN
“This is the worst of what sports can be. Heart goes out to you A’s fans.” Scott Van Pelt, Sports Center
“It’s mind-boggling.” Buster Olney
But hope springs eternal. The dysfunction that has followed Fisher for years will continue, as it is becoming increasing possible that the Vegas deal could fall apart.
Perhaps Major League Baseball will get sick of his act and force a sale, and a billionaire angel might step up and find a way to keep the team here. I started rooting for the green and gold in their debut season of 1968, and I’ve never stopped. It didn’t really hit me until after the game, when Kotsay, with tears behind his shades, asked the congregation one more time to proudly, loudly chant “the greatest cheer in all of sports.”
“Let’s Go Oakland!”
And in the stands, thousands sobbed.
Dad, this did not need to happen.
Pete Elman
Rockridge
Monday, September 30, 2024
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Almost Closing Thoughts
on the A's...
by RoBear Flammia,
County Lorin
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At least the A's went out with a win.
Lots of memories at the Coliseum...
My two biggest specific game memories are:
-- A game three walk off home run by Mark McGwire in the
1988 World Series, for their only win. The thunderous roar as
the ball went out will not be forgotten.
-- One out short of a perfect game broken up by the 27th batter,
Ken Phelps' home run in 1990. According to the article at this link, https://tinyurl.com/ah4d5vnj, as of 2023 the event still stands
as the only time a 27th batter ended a perfect game chance
with a home run. Sportscaster Gary Radnich made it
back to the studio and remarked it was the only time he
heard A's fans boo an A's home run...
It is sad the A's are gone. I'll have to go elsewhere
to catch a Red Sox game.
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Letter from Ballers Co-Founders
To our Oakland Baseball Fans:
Oakland has hosted baseball games since 1866. Since then, it’s been home to the Commuters, the Oaks, the A-26 Boilermakers, the Larks, and of course the A’s. Oakland is the birthplace of Rickey Henderson, Dave Stewart, Dennis Eckersley, Frank Robinson, Vada Pinson, and Curt Flood.
Anywhere you look in the baseball history books you see Oakland and Oaklanders. Some of the first integrated games in America were played here, free agency was invented here, and the wave was started here.
Beginning in 1968 the A’s inherited the role of lynchpin of the Oakland baseball community. For the better part of their history in Oakland, they did us proud. For everyone who was part of making that happen—the players, the coaches, the front office, the ushers, and the vendors, we thank you!
We will never forget the 4 World Championships, the Swingin A’s, the steals record, the Bash Brothers, the 20 win streak, and countless other memories both on and off the field. More importantly, we will never forget the role that the A’s played in bringing joy and pride to our community.
However, somewhere along the way it all went wrong. While we have no interest in relitigating the past, we do want to state one incontrovertible fact to Oakland baseball fans: You deserve better. What is happening now should never have been allowed to happen. It’s a tragedy and an injustice.
The Ballers never set out to replace the A’s. Like many of you, we will mourn their loss. Like many of you, the A’s departure feels like a death in the family.
What we intended to do in building our team is to ensure that there would be a welcoming space for baseball fans in Oakland to call home—this year, next year, and forever. Baseball plays a spiritual role in our identity as Americans; it connects us to our past and our shared history. Furthermore, in our increasingly divided society, sports is one of the most powerful levers to bring people together across class and race.
Friday morning we will wake up to the beginning of a new chapter in the rich history of baseball in Oakland. The main difference between this chapter and those of the past is that we are inviting you, the fans, to create that future along with us.
Originally the Oakland Ballers were started by two fans. Then 53 others joined our effort. Recently, we were honored to add over 2,200 fan owners. This is a movement as much as a baseball team. We intend to show the world what Oakland is all about as a fanbase, and to recalibrate the value system of professional sports.
This week hurts. And while we will never forget what we have lost, at the same time we will never underestimate what we can build together. We are sure we will make each other proud.
Sincerely,
Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel
Co-Founders, Oakland Ballers
www.oaklandballers.com
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Quarter: Fall
Duration: 6 weeks
Date(s): Oct. 22--Dec. 3
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Please note: No class on Nov. 26
Tuition: $405
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens Aug 19, 8:30 am
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Instructor(s): Andy Dolich
Format/Location: Live Online
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Time: 6-7:50 p.m.
Refund Deadline: Oct. 24
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Since the team's Oakland debut in 1968, the Athletics have experienced some of the most dramatic fluctuations in fortune among sports franchises. With a controversial move to Las Vegas looming after a protracted negotiation to remain in the East Bay, the Athletics will play their next three seasons in a minor league ballpark in Sacramento. This course immerses students in the history of the rise and fall of this once-revered franchise. Led by an instructor with 14 years of executive experience during the team's heyday, it features insightful conversations with key figures from the Athletics' history in sports, politics, and economics. From the World Series era, featuring icons like Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter, to the powerhouse ’80s and ’90s, led by slugger Mark McGwire and closer Dennis Eckersley, and through the groundbreaking Moneyball era pioneered by general manager Billy Beane, the A’s have taken their fans on a roller-coaster journey of triumphs and setbacks. Join us as we delve into the complex identity of the Oakland Athletics as they continue to grapple with relocation challenges and maintain the unwavering loyalty of their fan base.
Guest Speakers Include:
Dave Stewart, former Oakland A’s starting pitcher
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist
Mark Purdy, former San Jose Mercury News sports columnist
Ted Robinson, national sports broadcaster
Dave Newhouse, former Oakland Tribune sports columnist and co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a
Sports Town's Fight for Survival
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and
a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today.
Textbook for Course:
(Required) Andy Dolich & Dave Newhouse, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival (ISBN 978-1637273401)
For more information
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Earthquakes 0, CF Montreal 3
Montreal pulls away in second half after scoreless first 45 minutes; Quakes head back to Bay Area for season’s final homestand starting with Wednesday clash vs. FC Dallas
MONTREAL — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to CF Montréal 3-0 on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd of 19,619 fans at Stade Saputo.
The first half was marked by Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel’s six saves, with two in particular on Montreal striker Josef Martínez from point-blank range. Late in the half, Quakes midfielder Hernán López drew a foul on the left wing outside the box, but forward Cristian Espinoza’s free kick attempt ricocheted off the post. The game remained scoreless at the break.
After intermission, the hosts broke through when Martínez headed home a Bryce Duke corner kick in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, Martínez added a second when he slotted a Caden Clark low cross from the right wing into the net to double the advantage. Clark scored a third for Montreal in the 72nd minute from a second Duke assist to close the night.
The Quakes now travel back to San Jose for their final homestand of the season, which starts Wednesday, Oct. 2, when they face FC Dallas. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
continued....
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Sports Business Conversations | |
Winner of Sports Podcast Awards' Best Sports Business Podcast of 2024: Silver Medal
In this podcast series, ADC Partners co-founder Dave Almy hosts conversations with sports business professionals who are shaping the future of the industry. With interviews featuring brand representatives, team presidents, sports marketers,
and even mascots, the 1-on-1: Sports Business Conversations podcast has insights for everyone involved in the
sports industry.
ADC Partners is a San Francisco Bay Area based agency specializing in sports business, sports marketing and partnerships.
adcpartners.com
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Amy Gutierrez
& Celeste Gehring
Hosts of the
"Girl, How'd You Get That Gig?" Podcast
(Link for podcast)
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Oakland Roots SC 0
FC Tulsa 1
Pioneer Park, Cal State University East Bay, Hayward
Sunday, September 29, 2024
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Roots Drop Fourth Straight in 0-1 Loss at Home to FC Tulsa
Oakland’s offensive woes continued on Sunday afternoon in the East Bay, as Roots failed to score for the fourth consecutive match, and visiting FC Tulsa emerged victorious in an 0-1 contest.
The visitors got on the board early, when Tulsa’s Stefan Stojanovic sent a low cross from the right side of Oakland’s penalty area in front of the net, finding an unmarked man in Aaron Bibout who leisurely put the ball into the net to give his side a lead.
Oakland looked to bounce back following the goal, and looked better for the remainder of the half, but couldn’t generate any truly threatening offensive pressure.
This lackluster performance continued through the second half as well, and despite Roots locking down on defense for the most part, and coming close to leveling the match on a few late occasions, the scoring drought continued and Tulsa FC emerged victorious at the final whistle.
Oakland will look to turn things around in short order as the playoff push becomes more perilous by the game. Roots now head to Tennessee for their next USL Championship contest to take on Memphis 901 FC on Oct. 5th, and will return to the East Bay for their second-to-last home match to host Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, Oct. 12th.
continued...
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Jeff Garcia -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
In the early 2000s former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia made a shopping mall appearance to promote an event and I was there to meet him. The photo he signed for me was well worth the long wait in line.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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This is sort of what they call
Dog Days, which should be
over by now...
by Howard Pearlstein
We’re in that trough of bored anticipation with not much
happening until the Warriors’ season begins, and the 49ers injury list gets resolved. There’s been some news about McCaffery going to Germany for consultation and/or treatment. And I know it’s not funny but it immediately made me flash on the image of some Eric von Stroheim-esque monocle’d doctor with a thick mittle-European accent in a forest laboratory filled with unrecognizeable devices which have lots of tubes and illuminated dials and which make mad scientist noises. (Ah, too many movies.)
Anyway, last week, Bay FC, the Bay Area’s NSWL expansion team, signed a letter of intent for building a new 8-1/2 acre training facility on Treasure Island which will have a 20,000 square foot clubhouse and three practice fields. (Treasure Island flashback to my Second Armored Amphibious reserve unit, which was based there in the 60s, and to which I haven’t been back since.) They’re currently based in San Jose, training at San Jose State and playing at PayPal Park, which they share with the San Jose Earthquakes men’s soccer team.
The Treasure Island facility is privately financed, with construction beginning next year and expected to be completed in 2027 at which time they will go to full operations there. In addition, they’re planning to build their own stadium, and are looking for a location somewhere in the Bay Area.
Some clarification here might be useful.
NWSL is a professional soccer organization which currently has 14 teams, of which three are in California: Angel City FC in L.A. and San Diego Wave FC, both of which started play in 2022, and Bay FC still in their first year of play. There are more expansion teams planned and coming.
But wait: there’s also MLS (Major League Soccer), founded in 1993 and which has 29 teams, 26 in the USA and 3 in Canada. All of them Men’s soccer teams. (One of them is the San Jose Earthquakes.)
And the USLW, the women’s organization of the USL, includes the Oakland Soul, created by the Oakland Roots (men’s soccer) in 2022 , and their play to begin in 2023. USL has 10 divisions with 80 teams in total. Oakland Soul functions as a women’s training pathway to professional soccer. They went 10-0-2 their first year.
Nothing at which to sneeze.
Bay FC has managed so far to make it above the cutoff line qualifying for the playoffs: Win Loss Tie = 8-12-1, which in the NFL or NBA, would be an unimpressive record.
Playoff standings go by how many points were earned: 3 for a win, 1 for a tie. But also in some way that is beyond me, and, as far as I can tell, is known only to some cognoscenti who could tell you if Schrodinger’s Cat in the box is alive or dead without opening it up, and even whether it’s male or female.
Something to do with how many goals have been scored in home games, so even if you win all your games, your 1-0 home wins wouldn’t count as much as the ones which don’t count (away games) or another team’s 3-4-5 points per home game.
It’s sort of like the Electoral College, i.e., “You can beat everyone you play, but no, doesn’t mean you win.”
Maybe I’m just too tired to have it make sense. There’s a rat somewhere in the walls, and I’ve been up all night trying to run it down, the little bastard being nocturnal.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 99 | |
Going Deep Into The Matt Sluka Situation
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
On September 25, Matt Sluka announced that he decided to utilize his redshirt year and determined that he would not play any additional games this season as the quarterback for UNLV. This came as a surprise to many given UNLV's start to the season with an impressive 3-0 record.
In his announcement, Sluka said that he came to his decision "based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled" and that "it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future."
Sluka's father commented publicly that his son's agents came to terms on an NIL deal with UNLV in February 2024 and that he had "no idea what the hell happened" when payments did not come in. He added that the school "keeps deferring" and told his son that it would be giving him "game checks" but that was not the initial deal, which was that monies would be distributed through a "payment plan." All of a sudden, during a September 19 call, Sluka's agent, Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, was purportedly told by UNLV coach Barry Odom and another staff member that Sluka would not be paid more than $3,000 to cover relocation costs related to his transfer to UNLV. Cromartie was apparently engaged in January but did not reach out to UNLV's NIL collective until late August.
A big wrinkle in this entire ordeal is that there was no written agreement between Sluka and UNLV's NIL collective. As I wrote on X, Sluka’s agent did not uphold his fiduciary duties to his client if he didn’t strongly recommend that Sluka insist on a signed NIL agreement. But it’s easy to blame an agent without knowing the full story. Sluka may have overruled advice and decided to trust UNLV. We don’t know.
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Pro Drifter Matt Coffman Catches Up and Looks Ahead To Next Weekend's GRIDLIFE Laguna. Don't Miss the Action This Year!
If you don’t already know Matt Coffman from the viral video of him drifting down the main straight during 2023 GridLife Laguna, you may know him from his past as a Formula Drift pro up until 2019.
Coffman’s story is one of resilience, passion, and comeback. He was forced to take a break from the sport after an unfortunate non-driving accident in 2019. The pandemic and family matters only extended his time away from the track—until his spectacular return at the 2023 GridLife Laguna Seca event.
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Oakland, CA -- On Monday, September 23, the City of Oakland honored film and martial arts legend Bruce Lee with a commemorative street renaming. The ceremony occurred at the Broadway and Garnet Street intersection, near the martial arts school that Bruce Lee founded and ran with Jimmy Yung Lee (no relation). The school was notable for the martial arts skill taught, Jeet Kune Do, and its inclusive philosophy regarding its students. Well-known personalities such as Kareem Abdul Jabbar and the late Ron Dellums were students.
Photo by Ed Jay.
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ESPN's College GameDay Coming
To Berkeley
ESPN's College GameDay will make its first-ever appearance in Berkeley on Saturday with
Pregame Show on Campus
ESPN's College GameDay Built by The Home Depot pregame show will originate from Berkeley on Oct. 5 before the California football team hosts Miami at California Memorial Stadium. It will be College Gameday's first-ever appearance in Berkeley.
The Bears and Hurricanes will kick off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised by ESPN.
College GameDay, ESPN's wildly popular pregame show, travels to a different college campus or game site each week of the season. It airs on ESPN and ESPNU from 6-9 a.m. PT.
Saturday's show in Berkeley will be staged at Memorial Glade in the center of campus. Fans interested in attending in person are encouraged to arrive early.
"We are thrilled that ESPN's College GameDay will be coming to the Berkeley campus this week," UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons said. "A college football Saturday brings together our community, and we welcome the wonderful opportunity ESPN's College GameDay provides to show what Berkeley is all about."
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Stanford Falls to No. 17 Clemson
Cardinal drops to 1-1 in ACC play after second straight road matchup
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for four touchdowns and ran for another and the Tigers’ defense had three interceptions in a 40-14 victory over Stanford on Saturday night.
The Tigers stopped the Cardinal (2-2, 1-1) three times inside the Clemson 20, two on interceptions and the last when safety R.J.
Mickens forced Emmett Mosley V out of bounds on fourth-and-5 at the Clemson 10 with the Tigers up just 20-7.
Clemson’s defense stopped the Cardinal on downs three times despite giving up 361 yards, 236 of that rushing.
The Tigers held Stanford to 71 yards passing through three quarters with quarterback Ashton Daniels going just 9 of 19 before he was helped off the field in the fourth after Clemson stopped him short on fourth-and-1.
Klubnik put things away a moment later with his final scoring pass, a 34-yard throw to dynamic freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 33-7 lead.
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Spartans Remain Undefeated
With 3-1 Win Over Bulldogs
FRESNO, Calif.—Two Spartans recorded double-digit kills, led by Blaire Fleming with 16, as the San José State volleyball team remained undefeated with its opening Mountain West match victory, 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-15), at Fresno State Tuesday evening.
- Fleming hit .361 for the match with 16 kills on 36 attempts and only three errors and added six digs, three blocks and two aces.
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Nayeli Ti'a recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 11 kills and 12 digs. She also had three blocks in the win.
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Brooke Slusser recorded her fourth double-double of the year with 35 assists and 13 digs. She added four kills, one ace and one block.
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Brooke Bryant contributed six kills and two blocks.
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Kiyana Faupula hit .833 for the match with five kills in six attempts and no errors in three sets played and added two blocks.
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Randilyn Reeves led the Spartans with a season-best 17 digs, while Alessia Buffagni added 11 digs.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MGOLF | Gaels Back in Action at Mark Simpson Invitational in Colorado
MORAGA, Calif. - The Saint Mary's men's golf team will jump into their third event of the 2024-25 season this week and compete in the annual Mark Simpson Invitational hosted by Colorado University. First round action is slated for Monday, September 30th with a shotgun start at 8:15 AM MDT. The Gaels have finished inside the top-10 in each of their first two events and will seek a third straight this week at Colorado National Golf Club.
TOURNAMENT INFO
Dates: Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st
Rounds: Three total rounds, two rounds on Monday (36 holes), one round on Tuesday (18 holes)
Tee Time: Mon: 8:15 AM MDT | Tue: 8:30 AM MDT, shotgun start both days
Course: Colorado National Golf Club | 7,567 yards | Par 72
Live Scoring
Participating Teams: Air Force, Boise State, Central Arkansas, Colorado, Colorado Mines, Colorado State, Creighton, CSU Fullerton, Denver, New Mexico State, Northern Colorado, Saint Mary's, Southern Utah, Tarleton State, Utah, Utah State, UTEP, Valparaiso and Wyoming
STARTING LINEUP
1 Connor Reis
2 Aidan Lee
3 Avery Lazarski
4 Zack Missigman
5 Go Nakatsukasa
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Dons Tame Broncos, Earn Comeback Victory in Conference Opener
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco volleyball team (8-5, 1-0 WCC) opened West Coast Conference play with a win Saturday afternoon, defeating Santa Clara (4-7, 0-2 WCC) 3-2 on the road at Leavey Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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In a competitive start to the opening set, Santa Clara won five of the first eight points to gain an early 5-3 advantage. San Francisco answered with a 5-2 scoring run, led by kills from Hayden Goodman and Maria Petkova, to take an 8-7 lead.
- Following the Dons' run, the Broncos responded with five straight points, regaining the lead for good at 12-8. Santa Clara continued to dominate the first set as it eased to a 25-19 victory, holding the green and gold to just six total kills to take an early lead in the match.
- The Dons responded in the second set, taking control for a 10-4 edge in the early stages. Petkova continued her dominance to guide the green and gold as she accumulated two kills and a solo block during the early scoring run.
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Following two straight points by the Broncos to get within 10-6, the Dons recorded a 6-2 run to extend their advantage to eight, 16-8. In her first action in the match, Lindsay Oldendorf posted a kill and a block assist to lead the team.
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San Francisco continued to build upon its lead in the back half of the frame, as Goodman and Michalina Rola recorded a block assist to put the program up 21-13. A late rally from Santa Clara cut the deficit to two, 24-22, but a kill from Petkova secured the second set and tied the match at one set apiece.
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Photo: Christina Leung
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No. 12 Women's Soccer Posts Convincing 4-0 Win at San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO – West Coast Conference play opened for No. 12 Santa Clara women's soccer with a commanding 4-0 win at San Francisco. The Broncos (7-2-1 1-0 WCC) got on the board right away and kept the pressure on while preventing any truly dangerous chances for the Dons (4-5-1, 0-1-1 WCC) offense.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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Santa Clara got the scoring going right away with a tally in the second minute. Colby Barnett did her thing down the left wing and sent a cross that found the head of Addie Whitehouse who knocked it inside the left post.
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Whitehouse made it a brace in the 32nd. Sally Menti took a corner and sent a pretty ball into the six-yard box that Whitehouse was able to knock in with her right foot.
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Back where she spent the previous four season, Marissa Vasquez scored the third goal of the match in the 51st. A handball from 25-yards out was called and Vasquez took the kick. Her shot skipped on the turf and past the goalkeeper.
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Kennedy Schoennauer made it a 4-0 lead in the 82nd. A long shot from Marisa Bubnis after a corner was sent away was saved but Schoennauer was right there for the rebound.
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Big Second Half Keeps No. 5
Pacific Unbeaten
LA JOLLA, Calif. – Tied 4-4 at the intermission, the No. 5 Pacific men's water program broke away from No. 16 UC San Diego in the second half for a 13-8 win Saturday at the Canyonview Aquatic Center.
The key moment came midway in the third quarter when the Tigers (9-0) scored three straight to go up 9-6. The go-ahead goal came from senior Mihailo Vukazic, and Pacific extended it on scores by graduate Oliver Fodor and senior Reuel D'Souza.
The Tigers, who never trailed in the game, proceeded to outscore UC San Diego (7-7) 3-1 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
"We played a really strong team in a very difficult environment. I'm proud of our effort and championship habits in the third quarter and I'm looking forward to the second half of the season," said head coach James Graham.
Vukazic led the offense with four goals and is up to a team-high 32 on the season. Vukazic has scored 11 times in the last two games.
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No. 14 UC Davis Opens Big Sky With 28-26 Win Over No. 4 Idaho; Secures First Win Over Top Five Program
In History
Score: No. 14 UC Davis 28, No. 4 Idaho 26
Location: Davis, Calif. (UC Davis Health Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 4-1 (1-0), Idaho 3-2 (0-1)
The short story: Behind three takeaways and a complete performance in all three phases, No. 14 UC Davis made history taking down No. 4 Idaho in the Big Sky opener, securing the first win over a top five program in the Football Championship Series era.
FIRST DOWN
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Senior quarterback Miles Hastings led the Aggies in the air, throwing for 248 yards on 25-for-32 passing, tossing three touchdowns to tie a season-high
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Junior Rex Connors, in his first game back, led the Aggies with 12 tackles, 11 solo
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Sophomore Porter Connors, junior Lamont Shamburger and senior Kavir Bains each had an interception in the game
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Senior Lan Larison finished with 54 yards receiving, grabbing one touchdown, and he added 46 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown to finish with 100 all-purpose yards
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Senior Winston Williams added 54 yards and one touchdown on four receptions to tie for the Aggie team lead
- UC Davis finished with 115 kickoff return yards on four returns
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Play to Scoreless Draw
On Senior Night
HAYWARD, Calif. - On Senior Night at Pioneer Stadium on Saturday, Cal State East Bay men's soccer and No. 23 Cal State San Marcos played to a 0-0 draw in non-conference action.
The Pioneers had a 6-1 shot advantage in the first half, while the Cougars had the 4-2 edge in the second half. Despite multiple scoring opportunities for each team, neither capitalized and played 90 minutes to a 0-0 draw.
Prior to the match, 10 Pioneers were recognized in a Senior Night Ceremony, including Gibbons, Eisert, Oscar Avendano, George Binda, Andres Garcia-Diaz, Luis Sanchez, Adrian Sandoval, Aaron Farnan, Marco Antonio Campos and Zavier Hajdukovich.
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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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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, September 30, through
Sunday, October 6, 2024
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Monday, September 30
Tuesday, October 1
San Jose Sharks vs. Utah Hockey Club, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 2
San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 3
Friday, October 4
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Duck, 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 5
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers, 4 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 7:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vegas Golden Knights, 7 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Memphis 901 FC, 5 p.m.
Bay FC @ NJ/NY Gotham FC, 4:30 p.m.
Cal Bears vs. Miami Hurricanes, 7:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Virginia Tech Hokies, 12:30 p.m.
San Jose Sate Spartans vs. Nevada Wolf Pack, 4:40 p.m.
Sunday October 6
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos, 1:05 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.
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 | | |
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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