Monday, Apr. 26 through Sunday, May 2, 2021
Issue No. 378
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Golden State Warriors 118
Denver Nuggets 97
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San Francisco Giants 4
Miami Marlins 3
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Oakland A's 7
Baltimore Orioles 2
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A's, Giants, Warriors,
Kings & Sharks Schedules
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Were Ross and Rachel on a break? Find out what San Francisco Giants infielder and 'Friends' expert Wilmer Flores thinks in this all-new 'Catchin' Up. |
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A's fan,
Oakland is our home. Together, we've shared so many memories at the Coliseum, but the Coliseum is at the end of its useful life. We need a new, modern, fan and player friendly ballpark.
We have a bold vision for a waterfront ballpark at Howard Terminal, and we've spent the last three years in pursuit of this goal. This project means more than just a ballpark for us and for Oakland: public access to the waterfront, greenspace and parks, housing for Oaklanders, union jobs, and countless community benefits. We've held more than 200 meetings with the community as part of a first-of-its-kind race and equity driven community benefits process.
We are prepared to make even more significant investments in Oakland, for the residents and community. Today, we publicly released our financial offer to the City and Community and now we respectfully ask that the Oakland City Council take a vote on our project before summer recess.
Our Development Agreement Term Sheet provides that:
- The Oakland Athletics will privately finance a $1B+, architecturally significant and state of the art ballpark on Oakland's waterfront at Howard Terminal.
- The Oakland Athletics will fully fund all on-site project costs through private financing and project-generated revenues, including public parks, protection against sea level rise, and environmental remediation.
- The Oakland Athletics will commit to using unionized labor in the construction of the Ballpark Project and the operation of the ballpark.
- The Oakland Athletics will earmark $450M of project-generated revenue to be used for community benefits, such as affordable housing. The City of Oakland and the community will direct how those funds are spent.
- The Ballpark Project will be the most environmentally sustainable project of its kind in California history, and will meet the environmental mandates of AB 734, which include local greenhouse gas reduction measures.
- At full build out, the Ballpark Project will bring approximately $955M to the City of Oakland's General Fund.
Let's keep this project momentum moving forward. Please join us in urging the City Council to review and take action.
Play ball,
Dave Kaval
Oakland A's President
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Last week we found out that 13 is the record for the longest win streak to open an MLB season, held by two teams...
Which team holds the less-than-honorable record of starting a season with 21 straight losses?
(See answer below...)
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One of the most famous moments in the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers rivalry came in 1965 when Dodgers catcher John Roseboro (center) threw a ball past the ear of San Francisco Giants batter and pitcher Juan Marichal. Marichal came up swinging the bat at Roseboro’s head. Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax (center) tried to intervene.
(ESPN file photo)
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Is the Giants vs. Dodgers rivalry being replaced?
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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With the recent ascent of the San Diego Padres, who fully reloaded their team and spent big bucks during the off-season, it should be asked, “Is the Giants vs. Dodgers rivalry still tops in the National League?”
The San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers rivalry is one of the oldest in major league baseball, second only to the New York Yankees versus Boston Red Sox and in between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, and continued when both teams moved to California in 1958.
From the early 1960s Candlestick Park in the Bayview-Hunters Point, to the current Oracle Park, something very interesting has been happening. When the Giants host the Dodgers, Giants fans come out in droves to root their team with the “Beat LA” chant you hear all the time at Oracle.
However, when it is the other way around, when the Giants play at Dodger Stadium Dodger fans are just there to root for their team and don't show much passion against the Giants. The Giants become like any other team playing at Dodger Stadium.
Obviously there is a contingency of Giants fans which make the trips to LA as well as Dodgers fans who reciprocate. Maybe it is because Giants fans are more passionate or is envy a factor? The Dodgers have won six World Series since they moved from Brooklyn to LA, while the Giants have win three since they moved from the Polo Grounds in the Big Apple.
Could envy of success be the main factor for Giants fans who hate the Dodgers with a passion? It is all good, competition and passion should be part of the game. It is true that Dodgers fans usually leave games earlier at Dodger Stadium. It is the culture, LA is a car culture with long commutes and millions of cars in the freeways all the time. It is understandable.
Most of the time the Giants vs. Dodgers rivalry has been a great one from New York to California. With some rare exceptions of violence among fans, most of the time it has been a healthy rivalry. Today the San Diego Padres, who have never won a World Series since they became a major league franchise in 1969, are considered one of the elite clubs in the game.
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The Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates a third-inning homer on Friday night. Left, Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes. Tatis homered twice in San Diego’s 6-1 win. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
All because, this past winter the Padres were the busiest team in baseball, acquiring great talent and the ownership opening their check books. They are definitely a team looking to go all the way and win that elusive first World Series. Padres' shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the great talents in the game today and a franchise player who generates emotion and passion with his flair and style of play.
Yet with all that talent the Padres have the pressure now to perform and win, because although on paper they look very solid, you do not play on paper. You play on the field. The Padres could replace the Giants as the ‘Número Uno’ rivalry against the Dodgers in the next few years.
Things evolve. There is a new generation of fans in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. The tradition of the rivalry still remains, while San Diego is soon becoming a hot bed for baseball. Yet the Padres have not won the hardware they need to brag a little, like the World Series trophy.
This 2021 season the Padres are going for it and the Giants are trying to compete inside a division the Dodgers have owned for eight consecutive years. No, the Giants are not rebuilding, per say, but in a couple of years guys like Posey, Crawford, and Belt could be gone and then they will have to work on a system where they can contend with the Dodgers.
The Padres look much stronger than any other team in the Western Division, except the Dodgers. There is a re-alignment of rivalries starting this 2021. One is the Dodgers vs. the Padres and in the American League the old Yankee vs. Red Sox is more now the Yankees vs. Rays. My grandfather, Armando, used to tell me, “Amaury, time changes things. Nothing stays the same.” He was correct.
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzaelz is the Spanish lead play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s on 1010 KIQI LaGrande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Cal Bears 3
Saint Mary's Gaels 6
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Cal second baseman Darren Baker (2) takes to the air to avoid the slide of Saint Mary’s outfielder Jacob Talamante (8) on a successful steal of second. The California Golden Bears hosted the Saint Mary’s Gaels in a non-conference game on Wednesday evening, April 19 at Evans Diamond in Berkeley. The Gaels would prevail, 6-3. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Cal's outfielder (39) attempts to catch a long fly ball by Saint Mary’s outfielder Blake Mann. The loss was Cal's fourth straight and dropped the Bears to 18-17 overall heading into a weekend's home series against Pac-12 foe Washington State. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Senior pitcher Reuben Drogin (36) came in the game to shut down the Gaels' offensive momentum by striking out the side in the fifth inning.
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Cal's Darren Baker, son of former Giants manager Dusty Baker, stands on second base after his third hit of the game. California cranked out 12 hits, including three by Baker, but could not produce with runners in scoring position. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Altea (right, green saddle cloth) with jockey Kyle Frey win the Golden Poppy $75,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:43.18. Trained by Michael W. McCarthy.
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Stalking Shadow (outside, #5) with jockey Evin Roman win the California Derby $100,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:45.22. Trained by Jonathan Wong.
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Whisper Not with jockey Giovanni Franco win the San Francisco Mile (Grade III) $250,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:35.94. Trained by Richard Baltas.
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Steph Curry, the league's MVP? Photo by Rich Yee |
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The Nullifier says "No!" to the Nuggets
by Pete Elman
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By all reasonable metrics, Steph Curry should be the MVP of the NBA this year. He is leading the league in scoring (at 33!) and is without question the most valuable player to his team. What do you think the Dubs’ record would be without him? Just look at their record with and without him during his illustrious career and you’ll have your answer. The misguided notion that he should not be awarded this honor because he is on a .500 team is patently absurd; it does not diminish his accomplishments—it enhances them.
In a game that brought up the memory of the Oakland Athletics’ historic 20-game winning streak, the Warriors’ loss in Washington on Wednesday night—a heroic comeback from a 19-point deficit, only to blow an 11-point lead with six minutes left in the game—was a needed off night for Curry. He hit the wall hard, was out of gas, pick your cliché—so maybe he is human (although I am not so sure).
The 2002 A’s, during their streak, were winning in all sorts of crazy ways and I felt in my gut at the time that they needed to lose one, just to get back to earth before the crucible of the playoffs arrived to knock them down, as always. We all know the epic disaster that followed as they went down to the Twins, an inferior team. Think Billy Koch—not just the gopher ball to A.J. Pierzynski, but his defensive lapse that followed, thus negating what would have been Mark Ellis’ game-tying home run. Perhaps if the streak had topped out at 12, or 15, hell, or even 19, that postseason might have unfolded differently for the green and gold.
So what does Steph do in his very next game Friday against the Denver Nuggets? In the first fans-allowed-in-the building game in over a year, Curry, after a gracious, inspiring and heartfelt pregame speech to the crowd welcoming them back and expressing his feelings about being able to play the game he loves in front of people again, promptly hurts his foot (or ankle) in the first few minutes. He comes out of the game, goes back in, and plays the rest of the first half looking like someone who should be in the locker room getting treatment, not on the court trying to win a game.
The Nuggets, like the Warriors, are beat up, missing their spark Jamal Murray and their Warrior-killer Will Barton, whereas we are merely without the services of most of our bench. It is close at the half but Steph has only seven points and is barely a decoy in Steve Kerr’s offense because of his injury. But you doubt the Nullifier at your own peril. Never has there been a more competitive player. Play through the pain, the voice inside his head says. And win the game.
And play he does, like it is game seven of the NBA finals, a place he has been before. Shaking off the injury, he scores 25 points in the second half, inspiring his teammates, mainly Kelly Oubre and the indomitable Draymond Green (19 assists, 12 rebounds, remarkable defense on Nikola Jokic) as the Warriors crush one of the best teams in the league by 21 points.
What is left to say about Wardell Stephen Curry II that has not been said? During the streak of 11 games where he averaged 40 points—while being double-teamed most of the time—the superlatives could hardly keep up with the records he was breaking nightly. It is now 12 seasons with the same team and counting. Many years from now, when Steph is playing with his grandchildren, they will tell Alexa’s granddaughter that they want to see “Steph highlights” and she’ll say, “Which year?” And he’ll smile.
The man is a treasure. You are the MVP in my book, Steph. On behalf of the collective heart of millions of Warrior faithful--in advance--thanks for the memories, number 30.
Pete Elman
Oakland, California
April 24, 2021
* * * *
From 2000-2005 I wrote a column for the late great Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition (OAFC) entitled Elman Swings, a play on the fact that I'm a musician. Some of you may remember the OAFC, an East Bay organization that at its peak had several thousand members devoted to keeping the A's in Oakland and guess what?
They succeeded!
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In the Shadow of Obscurity |
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Author Arif Khatib (above left)
As a person who has traveled the world and chronicled his journey, and recently completed his memoirs for his family, Arif Khatib set out to create a book that would combine three of his passions: sports, history and social justice, while shining a much-needed light on the contributions of forgotten and unheard-of athletes of color. The Shadow of Obscurity: Toiling in a Reluctant Society realizes his vision.
Author Pete Elman (above right)
Pete Elman is a musician, journalist, author and teacher. Originally from Washington, D.C., he grew up loving rock and roll, sports and history. His father, a Justice Department lawyer who argued cases in the Supreme Court—most notably Brown vs. Board of Education—imbued in young Peter a strong sense of social justice.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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San Jose Earthquakes 3
FC Dallas 1
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Seventeen-year-old Cade Cowell celebrates after scoring his first goal
of the 2021 MLS season
Earthquakes 3, FC Dallas 1
Quakes win 2021 home opener; host D.C. United next Saturday
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated FC Dallas 3-1 in their 2021 home opener at PayPal Park on Saturday afternoon. The Quakes got goals by Oswaldo Alanis, Cristian Espinoza, and Cade Cowell to jump out to a 3-0 lead before conceding a late consolation goal.
The Quakes had an early opportunity to score in the 18th minute when Espinoza was granted a penalty kick, but his attempt was saved by goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. San Jose would later earn a second penalty in the 45th minute, which was successfully converted by Alanis.
In the 37th minute, a shot attempt was deflected by Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski and continued goalward. Midfielder Carlos Fierro sprinted back and made a miraculous goal-line clearance to keep San Jose up 1-0.
Early in the second half San Jose doubled their lead. Cowell played an inch-perfect through ball to Espinoza, who chipped the onrushing keeper. The Earthquakes then added another goal in the 59th minute when Cowell juked two defenders inside the box and tucked his left-footed shot inside the far post.
FC Dallas would pull one back in the 79th minute, altering the score line but not the result.
The Earthquakes will now turn their attention to D.C. United next Saturday, May 1 against FC Dallas, presented by PayPal. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 8:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes now hold a 1-1-0 record (3 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season.
- The Quakes played at the newly named PayPal Park for the first time.
- Defender Oswaldo Alanis scored his first goal of the season and third of his MLS career. He has now scored in each of the Quakes' two home openers since joining the team.
- Midfielder Cristian Espinoza scored his first goal of the season and sixth of his MLS career.
- Forward Cade Cowell scored his first goal of the season and fourth of his MLS career. Cowell also tallied an assist on Espinoza's goal, his first assist of the season and second of his MLS care
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Oakland Roots Sports Club and East Bay Community Energy have teamed up to celebrate Earth Day, because community is about more than where you come from, it's the sum of our collective actions. Let's protect our home for future generations to enjoy. |
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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The 1988 Baltimore Orioles hold this record.
This was only the start to the Orioles THIRD worst season in franchise history. https://bit.ly/3gyiSFj will take you to the woeful tale of the Orioles season.
The lucky O's manager, Cal Ripken, Sr., (above) was fired after starting the season 0-6! Ripken served the Oriole franchise for a total of 35 years. Frank Robinson finished the 1988 nightmare.
Suggestions? Caught me off-base for misinformation?
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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For the best real estate listings homes and property on
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Consider!
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The Ultimate Sports Guide needs people (as in more than one) familiar with basic social media technology and e-marketing. Utilize your technical skills to advance your career, add to your resume and learn from sports industry professionals. Send a note and resume to sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, Apr. 26 through
Sunday, May 2, 2021
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Monday, April 26
Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Tampa Bay Rays, 4:10 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Arizona Coyotes, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 27
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks, 6:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Tampa Bay Rays, 4:10 p.m.
Wednesday, April 28
Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Tampa Bay Rays, 4:10 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Arizona Coyotes, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 29
Golden State Warriors @ Minnesota Timberwolves, 5 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Tampa Bay Rays, 10:10 a.m.
Friday, April 30
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers, 7:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 7:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:40 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Colorado Avalanche, 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 1
Golden State Warriors @ Houston Rockets, 4:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 5:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:07 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Colorado Avalanche, 5 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. D.C. United, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 2
Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:07 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without your logo.
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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
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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 lends his sharp eyes and marketing savvy.
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