September 5, 2022

Issue No. 449

For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.

San Francisco Giants

As longtime broadcaster Jon Miller puts it, “Rodon is ‘a bully’ on the mound and is the first pitcher since Madison Bumgarner to have

that aura.” Photo by Darren Yamashita.

What Should the Giants Do In 2023?

by Bruce Macgowan

Will the Giants look better in 2023 than they have this year?

They should, but it’s going to take some major moves to turn this franchise into a playoff contender again.

Last season’s ‘Cinderella’ year was kind of a mirage. Everything went the Giants’ way. But this short-lived success gave the Giants’ ownership the feeling that they could give GM Farhan Zaidi the same budget to work with, and that the team would make the playoffs again.

Zaidi admitted recently that he had hoped for 90-92 wins this year, and that didn’t seem unreasonable. Instead? The Giants fell off the cliff.

Starting on June 19th when they dropped a 4-3 decision at Pittsburgh, San Francisco won only 24 of its next 67 games. Along the way they went from three games behind the rival Dodgers to 29 games behind. As of early September, they have also lost an alarming 20 of 28 games decided by a single run. Terrible.

So first things first: The Giants’ owners should give Zaidi the resources he needs to not only begin to rebuild the team in 2023 but hang onto some ‘foundation pieces.’

Right now, there are really only six or seven ‘untouchables’ on the Giants. One of them is the club’s ace, flame throwing lefty Carlos Rodon. The hulking lefty has pitched nine games in which he has struck out ten or more batters this year, and he’d probably have 16 or 17 wins had it not been for a leaky bullpen or a popgun offense which usually provides little support. Rodon will give the Giants a chance to sign him to a multi-year contract but it will be costly because he will have a lot of suitors. Rodon was scheduled to make 22.5 million dollars next year, but he is coming up on an option year and is sure to want more.

The Giants will probably need to pay him at least 25 million a year for about four to five years to keep him. That’s gonna be tough to do but San Francisco’s ownership needs to step up to the plate and make this move. As longtime broadcaster Jon Miller puts it, “Rodon is ‘a bully’ on the mound and is the first pitcher since Madison Bumgarner to have that aura.”

As of early September, the Giants had drawn just eight sellout crowds, a far cry from the World Series winning teams of 8-12 years ago that routinely brought in packed houses. They need a guy like Rodon to help pump up attendance.

It’s a given that youngsters Thairo Estrada, one of the better second basemen in the National League, and catcher Joey Bart will be back. Bart’s return to the Giants after a near month’s banishment to the minors did wonders as the young man regained his confidence and has not been striking out every other time since returning to the big club.

Also returning will be Logan Webb, who is not as dominating as he was in the second half of 2021 but has All-Star potential if he can shake off the inconsistency that has dogged him over the last month and a half.

Meanwhile, the Giants should hang onto fan favorites Wilmer Flores and Joc Pederson. Flores has been the club’s most consistent everyday player. He can play three infield positions and if necessary, play shortstop if needed in an emergency. His dramatic walk off homer in a recent game against the Phillies gave the Giants a rare three game sweep.

Pederson is the Giants’ leading power hitter, a fan favorite and a Bay Area native who should be the DH.

Meanwhile, veteran first baseman Brandon Belt is probably finished because of recurring knee problems, but multi-time All-Star shortstop Brandon Crawford, while not hitting well, is still one of the best fielders in the game and will probably play another year or two.

The Giants have some good but hardly great outfielders they can continue to platoon next year; Austin Slater, rookie Luis Gonzalez, and if he solves his hitting problems, Mike Yastrzemski, who is one of the game’s better defensive outfielders. Third baseman JD Davis is also a good complementary player.

Young closer Camilo Doval sometimes throws upwards of 100 mph and has been pretty reliable. But most of the rest of the bullpen? UGH!

The Giants probably need to add three veteran position players and two to three good middle relievers.

Finally, as for the rumors regarding a possible signing of free agent super-duper star Aaron Judge? Bringing him aboard would be huge but the cost would be prohibitive; at least 35 million a year for a six to seven year minimum. It would be a shock if the Giants snagged the northern California native, the same way they signed Bay Area native Barry Bonds back in 1993.

* * *

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.

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

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Photo of the Week

Piece of cake!

Quote of the Week

Letters to the Editor

SJSU Spartans Football

I enjoyed SJSU's football game on Thursday vs. Portland State. Each team got its share of lucky bounces, fumbles and calls, and finally SJSU QB Chevan Cordeiro scampered in as time ran down.

Portland State was impressive with an effective QB/receiver attack, but the Spartans managed to weather some storms and mount some attacks of their own, with so many new names and numbers in their first appearances. The coverage was good as well -- knowledgeable announcers and cool camera angles to help watch the play-reviews.

Jacques Diamond

Oakland, CA

p.s. -- Sports Today photographer Alex Ho covered the Spartans vs. Vikings game and to view an annotated photo album, click HERE: Several photos also appear below.

Shanahan Manages to Secure Zero for Nate Sudfeld

Veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld has found a new home with the Detroit Lions as their backup quarterback. Sudfeld will back up QB Jared Goff. Per NFL.com, Detroit had discussed a TRADE for Sudfeld, but instead snagged him when he was released by the Niners after the Jimmy Garoppolo whirlwind of activity.

I thought the song lyrics were The Lions Sleep Tonight. Well, they'll sleep better with their new, free, rock-solid backup QB.

"You're welcome," Detroit.

Jerry Monkman

South San Francisco

The Blame Game

I watched Krueger and Willard's YouTube live show on Thursday -- they averaged about 100 people online most of the time. Krueger started to rag on Kapler, Farhan and "leadership" and a bunch of other BS. That got old, fast. Finally, they ran out of people to blame for the G-Men's woes.

They had taken Kap's post-game comments out of context, as they had with a simple quote from Logan Webb.

That's not a good look, gents, imho.

Kristen LaRue

San Francisco, CA

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Contents

Columns

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games

San Jose Earthquakes 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0

San Jose State Spartans 21, Portland State Vikings 17

Oakland Roots SC 0, San Antonio FC 2

Stanford Cardinal 41, Colgate Raiders 10

Features & Commentary

It Seems as Clear as Yesterday, by Dave Newhouse

Labor Day 2022 -- Serena, Jimbo, Johnnie Mac and me, by Pete Elman

Megan Eisenhard, by ADC Partners

The Growing Legend of Section 334, by Andy Dolich

Thursday Night Football (But Not THAT Thursday Night Preseason Game) by Howard Pearlstein

Your Donation

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

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Stanford Cardinal 41

Colgate Raiders 10

September 3, 2022

Stanford running back E.J. Smith (22) raced 87-yards early in the first quarter to score the Cardinal’s first touchdown of the season. Stanford would end the day victorious, sending the visiting Colgate Raiders down to defeat, 41-10, on The Farm on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson (4) scored twice in the second quarter. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Stanford wide receiver John Humphreys (5) with a long reception at the end of the third quarter. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee (18) completed 22 of 27 passes for a total of 308 yards against the Colgate Raiders. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

The scoreboard reflects a victorious Cardinal team after their first game of the 2022 season. Stanford receives a stern test in their next game versus the 14th ranked USC Trojans on Saturday, Sept. 10 on The Farm. Game time is 4:30 p.m. 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 Rich Yee.

San Jose State Spartans 21

Portland State Vikings 17

September 1, 2022

San José State junior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (#2) rushes for 11 yards in the first quarter. San José State edged Portland State 21–17 in a season opening non-conference game at CEFCU Stadium on September 1, 2022

San José State graduate wide receiver Elijah Cooks (#4) reaches for the pylon late in the fourth quarter but was ruled down at the one-yard line. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. © 2022 Alex Ho.

San Francisco Giants

View full Spring Training Schedule

Get ready to pack your bags for sunny Arizona! We are thrilled to announce our 2023 Spring Training schedule is officially out. We will begin Cactus League play when we face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. Our Spring Training slate will conclude with an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Monday, March 27.

View full Spring Training Schedule

Who do you want to see in the

2023 Athletics Hall of Fame?

Before today's game, we inducted our 2022 Athletics Hall of Fame class, featuring Ray Fosse, Sal Bando, Eric Chavez, Keith Lieppman,

Joe Rudi, and Steve Vucinich.

And with that, it's already time to look ahead at our 2023 class. Alongside a committee of front office personnel, living A's Hall of Famers and the media, you -- the fan -- get an opportunity

to showcase your voice.

From now until September 11, make your vote count and help us induct the final member of the 2023 class of the

Athletics Hall of Fame.

www.oaklandas.com

Vote Now

Rooted In Oakland

Krazy George launched The Wave at the Oakland Coliseum in 1981

The Growing Legend of

Section 334

by Andy Dolich

As has been reported from coast-to-coast, a consenting couple in Section 334 at the Oakland Coliseum are being investigated for a possible sex act during the A’s 5-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners

on Sunday, August 21.

A viral/virile video appeared to show the devilish duo isolated but engaged in the top left corner of Section 334. If the two trysters are charged and convicted, they could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The two are now being investigated for a violation of 647(a) PC. Lewd acts in public. The fans have not been identified, and no one has been arrested at this point.

Section 334 also happens to be the birthplace of an international event that was televised to millions on Oct. 15, 1981. On that night the Oakland A’s season would end with a 4-0 loss to Dave Righetti and the Yankees in the playoffs. A’s resident fanatic, Krazy George Henderson, yelled instructions to confused fans in Section 334 encouraging them to stand, wave and shout in order, section by section.

After a few missed opportunities, most people in the crowd of 47,302

understood the plan. On the third attempt, The Wave included spectators in the upper deck, swept all the way around the stadium and arrived back at its starting point in the upper deck, in left field

in Section 334.

Hall of Fame broadcasters Bill King and Lon Simmons took notice. “Crescendo rising here,” King said on the air, as The Wave moved from section to section. “It’s amazing, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

I can only wonder what Bill King and Lon Simmons would have said about the Canoodling Coliseum Couple in Section 334. On the national telecast, Joe Garagiola said of A’s fans, “They’re just having fun at the old ballpark."

Well, I guess Gargiola was absolutely correct. It only took 41 years for the conjoined couple to have their unique brand of fun in Section 334.

Where can I order a Section 334 Coliseum T-shirt?

Section 334 Syllabus:

SFGate

https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/Oakland-As-sex-act-investigation-17413309.php

New York Post

https://nypost.com/2022/08/23/oakland-police-investigating-as-fans-over-alleged-sex-act/

* * *

Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo, What's Your Next Move? For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today!, click HERE.

A Time To Remember

It Seems as Clear as Yesterday

By Dave Newhouse

Dave Newhouse takes a phone call at his Spartan Daily sports editor’s desk

at San Jose State in 1963

The college football season is just underway, and the official pro football season begins this coming weekend, an autumn coupling which always excited the late touch-football devotee, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, our 35th President.

His assassination on November 22, 1963 had a profound effect on our country, and on the journalism staff of the Spartan Daily at San Jose State, a college newspaper that promptly put out a unique “extra” edition which beat even the city’s Mercury News onto the streets.

Dave Newhouse was the Spartan Daily sports editor at the time, and this is what he wrote in his “The Inside Pitch” column 59 years ago in the sad aftermath of that unforgettable Dallas, Texas shooting.

* * *

The casket was lowered. Military men saluted, chins of dignitaries fell to their chests, and mourning millions clutched their throats in front of television sets.

“Art, I read where historians are calling the president the 20th Century Lincoln.”

“That isn’t enough.”

“My God, how can we replace such a man?”

“We’ll know soon,” was all that Art could say.

Two youngsters came bounding into the room. Upon seeing the solemn looks on their parents’ faces, they quietly sat on the floor. The girl laid her head on her father’s knee. The father had tried hard to keep from explaining the tragedy to his children. He knew it was his responsibility, but his heart had a hold of his tongue. He expected Cindy’s question.

“Daddy, why did they hate the President?”

“It wasn’t ’they’ honey. One man did this horrible thing.”

“Why him, though, Daddy?"

Cindy was persistent. He was glad. She should know.

“Honey, there are some people in this country who have more hatred in them than goodness. The President makes many, many decisions every day. He has to in his job. Some of those decisions make people mad. There are a few who can’t control their madness.

"But, Cindy, there are so few of these hateful people. There are so many good people who make America a wonderful place to live in. The good people have ways of punishing the bad, but sometimes things go wrong.”

How could he really explain? He wasn’t quite sure he understood himself.

“Dad,” son Jeffrey spoke up, “I heard the President was an All-American. That’s what Billy Kite said.”

“Oh, Jeff, Billy might be stretching things. The President was a good football player, but it was on many other fields — not just athletic ones — where he was an All-American. He was a World War II hero. He wanted to help those who couldn’t have the nice home that we are so lucky to own. He wanted every American to have equal rights.”

On television, foreign leaders got out of limousines and moved slowly up the White House steps. Prince Phillip was identified.

“Why couldn’t the Queen come?” Jeffrey wondered.

“Jeff, there are others who, like the President, are faced with problems every day.”

Patsy, the boy’s mother, added, “Sometimes, they can’t leave, but they miss him as much as we do.”

It’s difficult for children to fully comprehend such matters. The father gazed at his children and so appreciated that he could hug them anytime he wanted, and he wanted to now. He got up out of his chair, kissed each child, then stumbled out of the living room. Locking the bedroom door behind him, he fell on the bed and cried heavily into a pillow.

The scene could have been in Trenton, New Jersey, or Cascade, Iowa, or anywhere in the United States. It’s now up to Americans to create an image of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who died before his gift to mankind could be fully appreciated.

Our deepest condolences to a brave widow and her two children. Our strongest support to the new President.

* * *

Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.

Newhouse’s college yearbook graduation photo.

U.S. OPEN Tennis Reflections

Serena Williams meets with Billie Jean King after Williams defeated Danka Kovinic, of Montenegro, during the first round of the U.S. Open. Williams had hinted this Open would be her last major tournament.

Labor Day 2022 -- Serena, Jimbo, Johnnie Mac and me

by Pete Elman

I am on old Cape Cod with my wife, and as the beautiful late summer weather ushers in fall, this week we watched the final three matches of Serena Williams’ remarkable long career, culminating with Friday night’s swan song loss.

It was certainly one of the greatest women’s matches ever, anywhere, anytime. I hope you got to see it—it was truly something to behold— three hours of tennis magic. And the ending was one for the ages.

I never totally appreciated how incredibly awesome Serena is until I witnessed her final match. To be slugging winners and running around at the age of 40 was inspiring, and then staving off five match points against a tough opponent who played arguably the match of her life. What an athlete Serena is! And so classy, too. She went out on top.

Not only is she the G.O.A.T of women’s tennis; Serena Williams is arguably the greatest woman athlete of all time.

I was never one who thought she was full of herself, or displayed bad behavior. The times she complained she usually had a case—and I believe she took undue grief about it because she’s a Black woman. Imagine if she had played in the 1960s, or even the 1980s, and displayed the kind of aggressive, sometimes contentious stance she sometimes took? That said, we still have a long way to go.

Someone else had a big day Friday. That was the day Jimmy Connors turned 70. I have read about his struggles growing up in Belleville, Illinois with an overbearing tennis pro Mom for a coach. He was always the scrappy underdog, and I empathized with and in a small way related to his situation. He was the most competitive player I had

ever seen, and would never give in. The most tournaments ever won—109, and the most matches ever won—1274, and five U.S. Open titles. Say what you will about Jimbo; he was a winner.

But for me, the other feisty southpaw of that era, John McEnroe was, and still is, my favorite player of all time. His fight, his determination, his athleticism, his net game, his whole style, was compelling—I just had to watch. As a player, his numbers are staggering: seven grand slam singles titles, nine in doubles; 82% won-lost for his career in

singles, 84% in doubles. McEnroe won over 1400 matches.

As a television tennis color commentator, he is unmatched. His keen observations, stories and incisive analysis—and wry New York sense of humor —is priceless. A Showtime documentary on his life and career came out yesterday. I intend to see it when I get home.

Of course, like Connors, Johnnie Mac is most known —even more than Jimbo—for his argumentative nature, spawning such part- of-our-lexicon phrases as, “You cannot be serious.”

John McEnroe pleads his case

Yet, interestingly, if you look at the old videos, on his biggest outbursts at the umpires, guess what—he was right about the bad calls virtually every time.

So how is it that baseball, basketball and football players (and coaches!) get to yell and swear and scream all they want at the umps and refs---but it’s uncool for tennis players? I’d like to hear just once these pathetically obsequious announcers castigate Tom Brady the next time he bitches about not getting a roughing the passer call...

* * * * *

As far as my own youth tennis exploits, I was never ranked, and I only won one tournament. My claim to fame was going undefeated in singles and doubles over my high school career, playing for the Maryland state champs all of those years. But I never played above number three on the team.

The most memorable match I ever had was the last one I ever played. It took place at the end of my senior year, when me and my doubles partner won a contentious—featuring a bench-clearing brawl--match in the darkness to beat Georgetown Prep, alma mater of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Cavanaugh. It was quite a way to end my high school

career.

I played for the best teacher or coach I ever had; Hugh Hammett, a soft-spoken Kentuckian who played basketball for the legendary coach Adolph Rupp and then, as a Quaker, was a conscientious objector during WW II. He was staunchly anti-Vietnam war in the late 1960s, and was ahead of his time.

But the highlight of my brief career came when I was 12. I beat an 18-year old prep school kid named Chris to win the Chequesset Neck (Cape Cod) Tennis Club summer junior tournament. That was the day my Mom—who played college tennis at the Univ. of Minnesota --channeled her inner Gloria Connors, exhorting me to leave it all on the court and beat the pants off of this boy. The irony was that Chris, who was about to enter Harvard, was anything but spoiled—in fact, I always remember how gracious he was in defeat.

* * * * *

There is something about the U.S. Open that gets me very emotional. Maybe it’s misplaced nationalism, (I could care less about Wimbledon) or perhaps it’s the glorious time of year back East when summer turns into fall, or maybe because it’s the last major of the year.

Or maybe it’s because that’s when all my favorites have shined. Godspeed, Serena, and may you “evolve” into the next phase of your wonderful life. You have given us 25 years of artistry and brilliance, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Pete Elman

Labor Day, 2022

Cape Cod, MA

* * * * *

From 2000-2011 Elman wrote a column for the Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition and covered sports for the Bay Area News Group. In 2013 he penned an acclaimed children's book and recently co-authored a book on unsung minority athletes entitled In the Shadow of Obscurity; Toiling in a Reluctant Society. He is currently teaching 13 courses on popular music and sports at Bay Area colleges. For earlier articles by Elman published in the Ultimate Sports Guide, click HERE.

Thursday Night Football

(But Not THAT Thursday Night

Preseason Game)

by Howard Pearlstein

Well, as far as I can see, playing any sport is an art. Of course, there’s always the physics, whether it’s how a football travels through air and against gravity or a golf ball gets into a little hole in the ground a couple hundred yards away.

But HOW a person deals with the physics – that’s the art of it – a QB throws a ball as he is being grabbed and knocked down by a larger man or two and the ball lands in the outstretched hands of another man 20, 30, 40 yards away while he’s on his back. If it weren’t art (or magic, as some might say) anyone could do it.

And then there’s the NFL and the TV Networks – we’ve come to accept Monday Night Football as more than it was originally designed to be – a big audience game, unlike Sundays’ games which were more regional viewing. Audience numbers equal how much money can be charged for commercial time. But they got away with it and we liked it and it became tradition. One “extra” game a week, usually two top teams. Players got one extra day before the game, one less the week after, and they tell us that the pain from a Sunday game rarely goes away before Wednesday. But the NFL and the Networks don’t want to hear that.

Thursday Night Football is all about nothing but more money for them – lots of extra bucks from TV rights and commercials, and the art of the game and the health of the players be damned – shortens players’ recovery time by several days and their careers by a bit or more.

And let’s not have a “whaddabout” point of how much the players get paid. Their focus is on the game, the physics of it and the art – the analytical and the instinctual. Money is a way of showing how well they do that.

Besides, the numbers we see in the press are like the old, “One pound of pot is worth $42,500 street level” crap. Take half off the top for Federal taxes, and more for state taxes, plus (or actually minus) another 10-20% for management. And a million is now $400K – another 5 – 10 – 20% for managers, and it’s $200K. And like politicians (even though football players actually do honest work for their living) they usually are paying for two residences – one where they play and one where they live off season.

But as long as the networks and the ad agencies make their loot, they figure, “So what?” Always more kids in college who love the game and want to play pro football.

Thursday Night Football. Not football, just a high level mugging of people who spent their lives learning and loving the game.

William Blake, the 18th century English poet and one of history’s greatest observers of virtue and corruption, made the astute observation: “Where there is a view to money, art cannot exist but war only.”

Go 9ers.

* * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things. An old friend once said, "Howard, you live your life like you're tying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write a book that will get published.

Presented By

For our 1-on-1 podcast series, in association with Sports Today,

over the next few weeks we will bring you a few of our latest podcasts, which cover topics ranging from cryptocurrency, brand marketing, college conference realignment, women's sports, the Oakland A's, Boston accents, how to get a good night's sleep, and so SO much more. Enjoy!

Dave Almy & Andy Dallin / Principals

ADC Partners

Megan Eisenhard, Sr Vice President, LEARFIELD

Megan Eisenhard began her sports business career working at the bottom of a football

stadium stairwell.

Listen

1-on-1: Sports Business Conversations, the ADC Partners podcast is available on your preferred podcast platform.

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

On a recent vacation the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY was one of my destinations.

For the next few weeks, my visit to the Hall

will be my resource for trivia.

Only three members of the MLB Hall of Fame did not have to wait the mandated five years of retirement before being inducted! Who are they?

Knowing one is good, two is better and three

makes you a genuine genius...

Your Donation

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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Honors Armed Forces, Veterans and First Responders for September 11 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 2, 2022 – As fans look forward to celebrating with the winner of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey and the crowning of the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season champion on Sept. 11, there is another group of individuals to recognize who are on the front line every day: The men and women who comprise the United States military and first responders.

September 11 is a date forever etched in history. Yet through tragedy, stories of hope and optimism take over through the selfless work of unseen heroes.

In recognition of their efforts, all members of the Armed Forces, veterans and first responders who comprise the police, fire and emergency medical fields will receive a 50 percent discount off general admission tickets to the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Sept. 9-11. Children 15 and under are admitted free with an adult, making it a weekend for entire families to enjoy. Purchases may be made by calling the tickets and accommodations specialists at 831-242-8200.

“We hope that as many people as possible will take advantage of this 50 percent discount ticket offer and spend a fun family day at beautiful WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca,” commented John Narigi, president and general manager of the County of Monterey-owned facility. “It is important to provide support to those who readily dedicate their lives to help others. Plus, you don’t need to be a race fan to enjoy all the activities offered, such as go-karts, Ferris wheel and games, autograph sessions, local dining options, and a wide-open race paddock where everyone can get close to see the teams in action.”

The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey is the season finale for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. It will air live September 11 on the NBC Network to bring all the thrills of the Monterey weekend to homes worldwide. Advance general admission ticket pricing is available to the public through Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT. Tickets can still be purchased at the admission gates daily, but prices will rise slightly.

For the race schedule and additional information, visit WeatherTechRaceway.com or call 831-242-8200.

www.weathertechraceway.com

San Jose Earthquakes 2

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0

September 4, 2022

San Jose celebrates Jeremy Ebobisse's game-winning goal

Earthquakes 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0

Quakes earn second straight victory at PayPal Park; Rodrigues makes MLS debut in shutout

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 on Sunday evening at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. Center back Rodrigues made his MLS debut and led the Quakes to their first shutout victory since May 5.

San Jose jumped out to a very early lead, scoring in the fourth minute. Cade Cowell dribbled past two defenders before playing a lateral pass towards the center of the penalty area. An onrushing Jackson Yueill redirected the ball towards Jeremy Ebobisse, who curled his first-timed shot into the back of the net.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.sjearthquakes.com

Oakland Roots 0

San Antonio FC 2

September 3, 2022

Roots Drop Three Points to League-Leaders

San Antonio FC

On a balmy Saturday evening in front of a sold out Laney College, Oakland fell 2-0 to San Antonio FC, the league-leaders of the USL. With tonight’s result, Roots are four points off of the last playoff spot in the USL western conference.

The house was packed and brought plenty of energy but it was San Antonio who started off on the front foot early when ex-Ghana international Mohammed Abu played a long ball over the top to ex-Seattle Sounders striker Samuel Adeniran, who controlled and dispatched with relative ease.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.oaklandrootssc.com

Autograph Stories Invited!

Have an autograph with a story behind it?

Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity

to share a sports moment with our readers.

Send to: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Cal Bears

The Cal Women’s softball team, by Catharyn Hayne

Cal Athletics raises $8 million for women’s teams

by Elizabeth Costello

Cal Athletics is celebrating the successful completion of its $8 million Gender Equity Campaign, which was brought to the finish line with a generous gift from the Banatao family. The campaign — the first of its kind at Berkeley to focus solely on elevating women’s sports facilities and programs — supports the development of new facilities for softball and beach volleyball.

As campus leaders honor Title IX — the landmark federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving any type of federal financial aid — the campaign’s success is particularly timely.

“As we launch our yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the implementation of Title IX, we are incredibly excited to surpass this milestone,” said Chancellor Carol T. Christ, who has made the Gender Equity Campaign a priority. The capital project process is ongoing and both facilities are currently in the environmental review stage.

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.calbears.com

Stanford Cardinal

Montoya’s Brace Upends No. 8 Penn State

Freshman Allie Montoya scored her first two career goals in a 2-0 victory

STANFORD, CALIF. – A different Cardinal player has recorded a brace in each of the first four matches on the year for the Cardinal. This time it was freshman Allie Montoya whose first two career goals handed No. 12 Stanford (4-0-0) a 2-0 victory over No. 8 Penn State (3-1-1) on Thursday night from Cagan Stadium.

Montoya joins Samantha Williams, Lumi Kostmayer and Amy Sayer as Cardinal with a brace this year.

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By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE .

www.gostanford.com

San Jose State Spartans

SJSU's Carl Corpus Joins Team Philippines for 2022 World Amateur Team Championships

GUYANCOURT, France - San José State men's golfer Carl Corpus will tee off as a member of Team Philippines at the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) this week in Guyancourt, France. A native of Quezon City, Philippines, Corpus will be representing his home country at the 32nd edition of the WATC which is the largest amateur team competition in the world for a chance at the Eisenhower Trophy.

The men's portion of the event takes place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 at Le Golf National (Albatros Course) and Le Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche (Red Course). Teams of two or three players per nation will play each course twice for individual stroke play and the best two scores from each team are added together over four rounds.

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For a full report, click HERE

#AllSpartans / GoSpartans

Saint Mary's College Gaels

Saint Mary’s Drops Home Opener to

Sacramento State

MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Volleyball opened up the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday night, with their home opener against Sacramento State. Inside an energized crowd inside University Credit Union Pavilion, the Gaels continued to show improvements as the match went along, but failed to secure a set win on the evening. The Hornets were able to leave Moraga with wins of 25-12, 25-18, and 25-20 on Wednesday, improving Sacramento State to 2-2 while dropping the Gaels to 0-3.

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For a full report, click HERE.

#GaelsRise

www.smcgaels.com

USF Dons

Larry Williams Named New USF Director of Athletics

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Following a national search, the University of San Francisco has hired Larry Williams as the new Director of Athletics, the university announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Williams comes to the Hilltop with a diverse athletics background and a proven track record. He has had a long career in higher education as athletic director at three Division I institutions: University of Portland, Marquette University and most recently, University of Akron. At Marquette, he was actively involved in that university's achievement in competing in the Big East intercollegiate athletic conference, particularly in basketball.

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For a full report, click HERE

www.usfdons.com

Santa Clara Broncos

Men's Cross Country Opens Season

at USF Invitational

MEET INFO

USF Invitational: Live Stats
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2021 | 8k at 10 a.m.
Where: Golden Gate Park | San Francisco, California

SANTA CLARA ENTRIES

Dominic Baciocco, Brendan Mulvany, Alex Miley, Dion Dupree, DeVon Dupree, EJ Odocayen Cruz, Sam Hatfield

NOTES

Zach Litoff was named Preseason All-WCC.
Santa Clara finished 22nd at Pre-Nationals, ahead of Power 5 schools Tennessee, UCLA, Florida, Arizona State, Ohio State, Georgia, Auburn, and Illinois.
The Broncos finished fourth at the 2021 West Coast Conference Championships.
Zach Litoff finished eighth overall with a time of 23:46.4 to pace the Bronco men. Nicholas Russell (18th, 24:12.3), Ian Twyman (22nd, 24:21.2), Jorge Estrella (36th, 24:58.8), and Spencer Fischer (41st, 25:15.2) rounded out the scoring for Santa Clara with Kyle Johnson, Ishaan Singh, Henry Raymond, and Ian Kirk also racing. All runners return except Johnson and Kirk.
The program's top-10 lists can be found here.
Santa Clara welcomes 10 new runners this season that includes seven freshmen, two undergrad transfers, and one grad transfers. Read more about them here.
SCU in WCC Preseason Poll: 4/9

QUOTABLE

" I'm really looking forward to getting this season going and seeing some of the new guys compete." -- Head coach Felipe Montoro

For a full report, click HERE.

www.santaclarabroncos.com

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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Lou Gehrig was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1939 and had retired the same year. Gehrig famously was on the down slope of ALS, which forced his retirement. The requirement was waived due to his illness -- he died less than two years later.

Babe Ruth was inducted in 1936 as part of the initial class. He had been retired only one season, but was of such importance to the game, he was allowed among the first five players inducted.

Roberto Clemente. Clemente was killed in a plane crash in December of 1972. At the time, he was on a charity flight to help people affected by an earthquake in Nicaragua. The league held a special vote for Clemente in light of his obvious talent and the circumstances of his death, and he was inducted

in 1973.

The MLB Hall of Fame was a great take...

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