Monday, July 19 through Sunday, July 25, 2021
Issue No. 390
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Sports Profile
Andy Dolich, Part III
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From Beale Street to the Yellow Brick Road
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Andy Dolich is the brains behind some of the most successful promotions in sports history
By Liam Isola
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Andy Dolich, a long-time Bay Area sports marketing executive, was the subject of a feature article in OSDBSports.com recently which traced his long career as a marketing savant, starting from his early days with the Philadelphia 76ers to his present position as EVP of the Fan
For Part I and Part II, click here and here.
After starting his career with Philadelphia in 1972, Dolich moved to the Maryland Arrows, Washington Capitals, Washington Diplomats, Oakland A’s and Memphis Grizzlies. Dolich credits his network from teaching at the Stanford School of Continuing Studies and his children, who have also worked in sports, for keeping him in touch with a younger demographic and which led to a new opportunity.
“One guy said ‘Hey, you need to meet my friend Sohrob Farudi.
He’s got this idea called Fan Controlled Football,’ and I said, ‘Well yeah, what is it?’ And he explained it and I go, ‘Yeah, I’ll talk to Sohrob.’ And that was an absolute terrific conversation, which led to me being hired as a consultant and then coming onto his team, which was just a few people before anybody knew about FCF.
“And we told people ‘We’re gonna be the first [fan-controlled] professional sport live. It’s not a game, it’s not a video fantasy. It’s real players playing arena ball.’ And voila, we go into the IFL, (spell out “IFL”) through the Salt Lake City Screaming Eagles and it works and it was the ultimate laboratory experiment.”
After the initial experiment with fans calling plays for the Screaming Eagles, Fahrudi and others, with Dolich as COO, became serious about implementing the idea as a full league. It was initially slated to launch in 2018 but the group didn’t have enough financial resources at the time. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, presented a unique opportunity with fans barred from arenas and stadiums all across the world.
“Clearly we didn’t have to worry about fans so I think COVID helped us at that time to get the kind of national ink that we got,” Dolich said.
“Because there were some investors that went ‘You know, I don’t think we see this as gaining traction,’ and as soon as what I call the Rudy Gobert domino fell, we heard from a lot of those people because they saw that fans were not gonna be allowed. But through the technology of FCF, yes they are and it could be from any place.”
It is impressive that FCF was able to get so many high-profile people on board with the idea.
“It came from a lot of their [the FCF founders] personal connections and then as we started adding people, somebody said ‘What are you doing, tell me about that again. How does this work?’” Dolich said. “You know, the Marshawns or Joe Montana, they’re diametrically different people but in the same market. It’s like, ‘Oh yeah, I see that. I’m managing my life through the windshield and not the rearview mirror.’”
With a few million fans watching live on Twitch, Greg Miller’s Wild Aces defeated Quavo’s Glacier Boys 46-40 in the title game. The fans shrewdly called a QB run for Ed Crouch which won the fan-named “People’s Championship” for the Wild Aces.
As Dolich described the first season as a “laboratory experiment,” the formula worked. There were no COVID-related issues and the technology held up.
Instead of competing with the NFL, FCF started its season the weekend following the Super Bowl. Ex-NFL players Josh Gordon and Johnny Manziel participated and FCF players have drawn NFL interest.
With a growing fan base and list of sponsors, which includes Champion and Progressive Insurance, FCF is looking toward the future, and other sports too.
“To create momentum in any sport is not easy, so the momentum definitely moved in the right direction and because of the fact that the technology worked so well gave us the ability to look at Season 2 and make a decision that Season 2 is absolutely going to happen with enough financial resources, in the spring of next year,” Dolich said.
“We'll be back in Atlanta and we’ll be bigger and have more teams and more games. We’ll have more owners, opportunities and fans.
“Fan Controlled Football has an opportunity in other sports. It’s not gonna work in every sport, probably wouldn’t work in soccer and hockey because you can’t necessarily decide where the player is going. Where, let’s say baseball is clearly our next target. It is more predictable.”
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A's bring home fourth World Championship in 1989
In the time of fan protests due to the anti-competitive European Super League proposal in soccer, it’s revolutionary for FCF to involve the fans to the extent that they do. Dolich’s favorite part of sports has always been fan engagement and it’s what he has and will continue to make his living on as long as he can.
“The fan is the engine of all sport. If you don’t have the fan,” he said, “if you’re not building that network, now and in the future, you’re ultimately not gonna have a business. If you’re not thinking about fans, then in my view, you’re going to run into serious trouble. In many instances you look at the business decisions a franchise may make and you can tell it didn’t have any input from the fans and to me that just is illogical and is an easy way to destroy your business.
“People would say, ‘Andy, you got a World Series ring and you’ve been here and you’ve done that and what’s the most significant event or moment’ and I say, ‘Well, this is probably gonna disappoint you but for me it’d be walking around any of the venues I’ve been to and see the amount of fun and interaction and energy that is ongoing in the venue, that’s what I’m most proud of and why I’ll try to keep doing it as long as I can keep doing it.' ”
The next frontier Dolich sees in improving the fan experience? Virtual reality, which he wrote about in 2015.
“How many people from China want to be at the NBA Finals?,” he asked.
“A whole bunch, and each year it will get better and better that the virtual opportunity will put them in seats in the arena to experience the game exactly as someone who’s sitting there. That is coming. That’s what I saw, that’s what I’d love to see and other people are seeing it because the technology is catching up.
“Some of it’s right around the corner where you and I will be able to experience everything that the person sitting next to us who’s actually sitting in the seat [at the Olympics] in Tokyo and when you just think about that as a monetizable opportunity, it’s an untold story that is starting to be told.”
Despite not being a “technology guy,” Dolich still runs towards chaos and is at the forefront of fan engagement and innovation, fifty years into his career.
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Liam Isola is a writer for OSDBSports and BetUS and is a graduate of Northwestern University.
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Andy and the "King" of Bobbles |
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Letters to the Editor
One more thing about the deal/no-deal with Oakland
Just a guess based on my impression: The insistence on an ironclad
45-year promise to stay seems totally absurd -- and seems more like a poison pill put in from someone who wants to see them leave.
Buildings, especially high use buildings like sports stadia, might last 45 years, but it's not a sure thing, not a thing anyone would bet a billion or more on it being an accurate prediction. Even more so a stadium on the estuary with its tidal connection, even lower, given conservative estimates of water levels rising -- ocean, bay, tidal lake and estuary.
Howard Pearlstein
Still in Oakland with the A's
Oakland, CA
Dispirited Over A's
Loved the Golf stories and photos! I’ve discovered that good writers LOVE their craft. Bruce Macgowan for sure!
Living mere minutes from the Oakland Coliseum sports complex, I have loved being on the periphery of Bay Area sports for over four decades. I only wish that we were not on the cusp of losing our third team. I am almost glad to be 70 as I had three teams in my life for a long time! Younger generations will need to root from afar. A sad realization.
Ann Cooke
Former Sales Executive, A's & Raiders
Alameda, CA
Fan Support
Thanks! Great coverage of our sports – lot's happening right now. Always looking forward to people’s comments, great pictures and the great editorials. Hope you have a good week and stay cool and safe! “Carpe Diem.”
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
Anything On Your Mind?
Tell the Ultimate Sports Guide @ theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland A's 2, Cleveland Indians 3
San Francisco Giants 7, St. Louis Cardinals 2
San Jose Spiders 20, Dallas Roughnecks 23
Features
A Personal Olympic Journey, by Barbra Irene Higgins Arana
A's New Ballpark?, by Jonathan Siegel
Andy Dolich is the brains behind some of the most successful
promotions in sports history, by Liam Isola. Part III
Grandstand Perspective, by Mitch Juricich
Organizations
San Jose Earthquakes
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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San Francisco Giants 7
St. Louis Cardinals 2
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Oakland A's 2
Cleveland Indians 3
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Oakland pitcher Frankie Montas struck out seven over six innings as the Athletics fell to the Cleveland Indians, 3-2, at RingCentral Coliseum on Saturday, July 17. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Indians pitcher Cal Quantrill reacts after working out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning. The ex-Stanford Cardinal earned the victory to even his record at 2-2. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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49ers, A's & Giants Schedules |
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Return to Full Capacity
The return of fans to fill Oracle Park was a landmark moment, as it didn’t only represent the opportunity for the Giants faithful to see baseball. It also represented a societal return to normalcy, making it an emotional experience in addition to an entertainment experience. President and CEO Larry Baer, right fielder Mike Yastrzemski, and broadcaster Dave Flemming all discuss what a full Oracle Park looked like and felt like from three distinct Giants perspectives.
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A's Select SS Max Muncy in 1st Round of
2021 MLB Draft
With their first pick in the 2021 Draft, the A's selected high school shortstop Max Muncy at No. 25 overall. The 18-year-old from Thousand Oaks High School in California is the second straight high school hitter taken by Oakland in the first round, after the A's picked Tyler Soderstrom 26th overall in 2020.
Muncy, an Arkansas commit, has drawn comparisons to Dansby Swanson, with scouting reports giving him the potential to be an Ian Kinsler type of player. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitter was ranked the No. 38 prospect in this year's
Draft by MLB Pipeline.
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USF Player Drafted by Oakland A's |
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SAN FRANCISCO - University of San Francisco fourth year junior Jack Winkler was selected by the Oakland A's on the second day of the Major League Baseball First Year Player draft. Winkler, a native of Littleton, Colo., was selected in the 10th round with the 308th pick.
The four-time letter winner was one of seven players from the WCC drafted on Monday, and the one of three players from the WCC selected by the A's. Gonzaga's Brett Harris and San Diego's Shane Harris were also drafted by Oakland on Draft's second day.
The Dons' shortstop had a tremendous campaign in 2021, taking home First Team All-WCC accolades. Winkler played and started all 53 games for the Dons, hitting .307 with a .505 slugging percentage. He clubbed 17 doubles and hit a career-high seven home runs.
In four seasons on the Hilltop he played in 184 games, making 180 starts. A career .276 hitter he totaled 186 hits, 43 doubles, 14 home runs, and 104 RBI.
According to BaseballReference.com, Winkler becomes the 116th player in USF history to be selected in the draft. He is just the fourth USF player selected by the A's.
Under Giarratano, the Dons have seen 55 players selected to the draft. USF has now had a player drafted in 16 of the last 17 seasons, dating to 2004.
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Author Jonathan Siegel and his wife, Aixa, and his daughter, Lea, attended the Oakland A's vs. San Diego Padres spring training game at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, AZ on March 8, 2019
Sell, John, Sell
by Jonathan Siegel
I’m an OG A’s fan. I was there when Jeremy didn’t slide. I cheered from the stands when Rickey held the base over his head when he set the record. Mom being out of town, her daughter and I celebrated Mother’s Day with great seats for Dallas’ perfect game. I’m a labor lawyer. I want jobs in Oakland. So, you would think I would be panicked over John Fischer and Dave Kaval’s moving threats. I’m not. I’m insulted and pissed off.
With the exception of the Haas family, the A’s have been “blessed” with a series of penurious and disrespectful Oakland owners: Charlie Finley (at least he was colorful), Steve Schott and Ken Hoffman, Lew Wolff and John Fisher and now just Fisher. I have no idea why Billy Beane and David Forst have stuck around so long, but they have consistently held my loyalty as they manage to put a competitive and appealing team on the field despite the obstacles. Nonetheless, this latest $12 billion gambit has put me over the edge.
I have no idea how serious this project or these threats are, but you have to doubt Fisher’s capability under the best of circumstances. How can you have faith in a guy who couldn’t come up with an $18.9 million qualifying offer for hometown hero (and current Blue Jays all-star) Marcus Semien, being able to pull off a 12 billion project of this complexity? The Gap? Is that still a thing? I’ve lived in Oakland long enough to see these kinds of proposals come and sink without a trace.
When he was hired, I gave Dave Kaval the benefit of the doubt, but lately his high pressure sales routine plays like he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Who else would propose 3000 units of housing with none of it affordable? The other day, he complained that Oakland had been given “five years” to come up with their responsive term sheet, when it was really more like less than three months. I remember when Lew Wolff demanded full control of the Coliseum site for a ballpark project (Victory Court?). Now the A’s own half of it and who doubts the city would cut a very favorable deal for the other half if they were really going to build on it? So Kaval (backed by the MLB commissioner no less) complains its not “urban” enough. And flies off to tour parking lots in Henderson, Nevada.
It doesn’t escape notice that they want $855 million from the city and that the ballpark will cost not much more than that. So, if the ballpark is all that gets built (not unlikely), guess who paid for it? And they want tax revenue not just from the area around the ballpark (arguable, I guess), but from Jack London Square which is already generating revenue. Why not throw in Uptown and Rockridge while you are at it?
So, I call bullshit. I love Oakland for a lot more than the A’s. I would love to see a fair deal worked out, but if not, we’ll survive. If Fisher can sucker another place to come up with a billion for the ballpark and another billion for the “relocation” fee, go ahead.
I keep reading about other groups who think the A’s are a great opportunity. Who don’t think moving from the wealthy and booming sixth largest media market to the 40th is so brilliant. I’d love to see another Dave as team president. Dave Stewart, A’s president, works for me. So, I say, sell, John, sell.
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Jonathan Siegel is a partner at Siegel LeWitter Malkani in downtown Oakland where he represents unions and unfairly treated employees in between refreshing his browser for the latest A's scores and transactions.
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Collin Morikawa, 2021 British Open winner |
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Grandstand Perspective
by Mitch Juricich
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The British Open has always seemed like Christmas in July, even more so now in my semi-retired state. The first magical aspect is that arising at 4:00 a.m. has never been easy. For the Open, not a problem. The fact that I get to stay in my 49ers jammies for the next few hours is pretty cool, too.
The foul weather took a sabbatical this year, and the guy on the first tee who called out the players names, Ivor Robson, has always been a favorite. I especially love the way his voice goes up about three octaves when he gets to the player’s name. It’s almost like at that precise moment his genitals get kicked by two guys from Manchester United.
There is also something about the fact you are watching golf in the arena(s) where the God-given game got started.
This year produced a sensational winner, Collin (two l’s) Morikawa, he of Cal Bear fame. His stirring victory meant he was the youngest player to win two major championships before the age of 25, and the first player to win two majors on his first attempt in that major.
As remarkable as those accomplishments are, his post-match comments to the crowd at Royal St. George’s were as wonderful. He is a poised and courteous young man and we get to watch him for many years to come. His parents and coaches at Cal applied just the right amount of polish.
Cheap Shots
Jordan Spieth
I really like Jordan Spieth. Great player, award-winning smile and great character. He seems like the kid that every father would pray to have come calling at the front door for his daughter. But I would love to say just two words to him: SHUT UP!!
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, do you have to say something after EVERY SINGLE SHOT?
If it’s not the wind, it’s a bad bounce. If it’s not the wrong club, it’s a poor strike. If it’s not a camera clicking, it’s a bird chirping. Or it’s the commands; “Go left,” “Get right,” “Miss the bunker,” “Bite,” “GO,” “Please stop.” C’mon man, stuff happens to everyone.
Seriously, if I caddied for him I would not want to be paid a percentage of his winnings. I’d want a buck for every word that came out of his mouth during a round, from the opening tee shot the the last putt. At the end of the year I bet I’d finish about 29th on the money list.
The Match
Did you happen to catch that well publicized match play event between the teams of Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady and Bryson DeChambeau/Aaron Rodgers? If not, don’t bother waiting for a rerun. This thing stinked, stank, stunk…….pick one. It turned out to be a 5 hour + pitch for Montana, which is breathtakingly beautiful and if I ever develop a need to live among the bears, moose and really big snakes, I’ll send for a brochure.
But what really sank this thing was poor play, not such great trash talk among the participants, and a couple of things that seemed ‘forced’ into the broadcast, like Rob Gronkowski calling in from his nephew’s baseball game or former President Barack Obama apparently checking in from the bottom of a really big tin can.
Two guys tried to serve as a life preserver for this farce: Charles Barkley and Aaron Rodgers. Barkley is Barkley. He could be funny at a root canal. But Rodgers surprised me.
First, he made a handful of very impressive putts that ultimately lead to his teams victory. Note here: DeChambeau is not cut out for this type of format. But it was Rodger’s zinger he threw at Mickelson that won me over.
All of the players were on the green and Phil was pontificating, as only he can. He seemed to go on and on and on about Lord knows what. Suddenly, along comes Aaron, doing his strut. As he walks by the three guys he quietly chimes in, “Shut up, Phil.”
Now….if we could only get him to caddy for Spieth.
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Mitch Juricich is the co-host and creator of Hooked on Golf and Hooked on the Niners. He lives on the Peninsula with his wife of 50 years and has two children and two grandchildren.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Did you know the answer to the trivia question of last week, that the Atlanta Braves were at one time named the Boston Beaneaters?
Here's one I never would have guessed. A Baltimore Orioles franchise, circa 1903, moved to a different city and adopted a different name. Double points if you know both names the 1903 Orioles became.
Hint: The name that stuck came into being in 1913...
(See answer below...)
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1984 Olympic Fencing Memories |
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Ms. Higgins holding the Olympic Torch at the Olympic committee in Panama in January of 2020
A Personal Olympic Journey
By Barbra Irene Higgins Arana, ’84 Olympic Fencer
Barbra Irene Higgins Arana is an Olympic fencer born in Panama and fenced in the 1984 Olympics representing Panama. Ms. Higgins lives in Oakland and is on the board of directors of the Northern California Olympians (NorCal Olympians) which works to "inspire and inform the communities and people of our region and to promote sport, health and the Olympic ideals." Ms. Higgins is on the board of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and President of the Panama Olympian Association. She is a major supporter of the Bay Area Senior Games and also works with various groups to further interest in
fencing and youth sports.
With the Olympic Games right around the corner, I am filled with anticipation. It is hard to explain this sensation -- it feels like a burst of energy coming from my chest, a mixture of excitement, nervousness and anticipation as if I were getting ready to compete all over again.
As an 1984 Olympic athlete from Panama in the sport of fencing I am, of course, looking forward to the fencing competition. However, it doesn’t seem to matter what sport it is, I still get the same feeling in my chest when I watch the athletes compete to see who is the best athlete on that given day.
Much has changed since 1984 in women’s fencing; for instance women may now fence using all three weapons (foil, epee and saber). In 1984, I fenced foil, but the fierceness is the same!
For those of you who want to catch some exciting competition, tune into the Men’s foil competitions. The USA team is ranked 1st in the world, and two of the team members (Alexander Massialas and Gerek Meinhardt) are from San Francisco, along with the USA Olympic coach Greg Massialas, a fellow 1984 Olympian and long-time friend.
We’re just a week away and most of the athletes, under normal circumstances, would have already arrived at the Olympic Village. Things are a little different at these games because of COVID, however. At the ‘84 games in Los Angeles, we were allowed access to the Olympic Village two weeks prior to the games to acclimate.
Prior to arriving at the Village, all Team USA athletes usually go to one main processing area like Colorado Springs or, for example San Jose when the games were in Beijing, to get outfitted and receive their suitcase full of uniforms; one for opening ceremony and closing ceremony, warm-up suit for competition and their podium uniform to wear if they are a medalist, among other goodies. This year the suitcase will be in their rooms in the Village.
Then each sport federation or country arranges for a training camp somewhere near the host city to train prior to the games to get used to the conditions and time difference. But this year in Tokyo, which is under a government-mandated state of emergency with ever-changing travel requirements, these pre-Olympic training camps in Japan are scarce. Nevertheless, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee found a training center in Setagaya which is very close to Tokyo for athletes to use for pre-Games training.
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Barbra Irene Higgins Arana's medal from the
1984 Olympic in fencing
In 1984 the organizers had an entire annex to LAX where one went upon arrival for processing and receiving credentials that dictated which venues we were allowed to access. Going through this process was the first glimpse into the Olympic world we were about to enter! The Olympic rings and host city logo were everywhere and the excitement and momentum were building each step we took; once we got our credentials which proudly stated we were an Olympic athlete, we were on top of the world!
Everywhere we went people would look at our credentials to see what country we were from and our sport, and then smile, give us two thumbs up and offer to trade pins!
Next stop: the assigned room in the Olympic Village which in our case were the dorms at USC. There were issues with security following the Munich Games tragedy, and of course my bag full of foils would set off the alarms every time, requiring a thorough check each time even after they got to know me!
Now, in contrast, back to the Tokyo Olympic Village, in order to minimize athletes’ time in the country and limit face-to-face interaction, athletes are allowed to check into the Village just five days before their scheduled events. This definitely changes the way one experiences the games, especially since sports like track and field can’t even show up until the games are on the way after opening ceremonies.
There’s something so special about being at the Olympic Games. Each athlete has tremendous respect for other athletes because we know what it takes to get there, no matter the country represented. Political differences aside, we wanted to compete and have the best athlete on that day win!
At the end of the day, all participants received a participation medal, since for many it is the experience one takes away. In my case I was selected to carry the flag for Panama in the closing ceremonies. That is a story for another time. Enjoy the games!
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2021 Team USA: (l to r) Gerek Meinhardt, Alexander Massialas,
Greg Massialas, Nick Itkin, Race Imboden
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps with a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room.
Why not bring those memories to life?
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Midfielder Chofis scored his third goal of the season in the road draw
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 1
Quakes earn a point on the road, Chofis scores third MLS goal
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Midfielder Chofis scored his third goal of the season, while 17-year-old forward Cade Cowell tallied his team-leading fourth assist. Saturday's result saw the Quakes earn their second consecutive road draw against a team in good form, with Colorado entering the match on a 6-2-1 run in their last nine matches.
San Jose jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. Cowell passed the ball to Chofis just outside the 18-yard box and he sent a left-footed strike past goalkeeper William Yarbrough. With the assist, Cowell became the first player in MLS to tally at least four goals and four assists this season.
Colorado then found the equalizer early in the second half. Cole Bassett cut onto his left foot from the edge of the penalty area and scored on a low shot just out of the reach of JT Marcinkowski's outstretched arms.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose before playing their third consecutive away match against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, July 21. The match kicks off from Children's Mercy Park at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes now hold a 3-7-3 record (12 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference.
- The Quakes are now 30-23-19 all-time vs. Colorado, including a 13-15-10 away record.
- Midfielder Chofis scored his third goal of the season and of his MLS career. All three of his goals were scored in the first 15 minutes of matches.
- Forward Cade Cowell tallied his fourth assist of the season and fifth of his MLS career. He leads the Quakes in both goals (4) and assists (4). He became the first player in MLS to tally at least four goals and four assists this season.
- Midfielder Shea Salinas wore the captain's armband for the first time in 2021.
- Forward Benji Kikanovic made his first MLS start, playing 45 minutes.
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San Jose Spiders 20
Dallas Roughnecks 23
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Tie goes to the runner? In this case Wesley Meaw of the Dallas Roughnecks (on the ground) retains the disc after accidental contact with a pair of Spiders, including Thompson Sawyer (#18) who tries to make a case that he had possession. The San Jose Spiders played host to the Dallas Roughnecks in an American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) West Division conference game on July 17 at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, CA.
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In a very competitive match, bodies were flying everywhere. Here Jordan Kerr of the Spiders just missed blocking the reception by a wounded Dallas Roughnecks Kyle Henke who played with a cast on his left wrist. The visiting Dallas Roughnecks defeated their hosts, the San Jose Spiders, 23-20 on the summer evening, July 17 in Oakland. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Halftime came with a dramatic long huck into the end zone where several players from each side were positioning themselves for the disc. It was Keenan Laurence (#51) of the Spiders who came down with the score, bringing the Spiders to within two points. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Sawyer Thompson hauls in a catch late in the third quarter in front of Chris Larberg (#17) of the Roughnecks. The Spiders return to Oakland Technical High School on Saturday evening, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a match against Los Angeles Aviators. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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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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(L-R) Arif Khatib, Dr. John Carlos, Jeff Wilson in Atlanta for Mr. Khatib’s
book and film screening tour
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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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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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AHRMA Brings Vintage Motorcycles to Life When it Roars into WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., July 13, 2021 – The AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey will invade WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca July 16-18, making it the place to be for fans of vintage motorcycles.
AHRMA creates a distinctive retro flair with its event, which features road racing, vintage motocross, observed trials, cross country, dirt track racing and even sidecars. The event will include a swap meet, bike show, cycle corral (which includes a track walk and parade lap) and much more.
The AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey includes classes for motorcycles spanning pre-World War II up to modern single, twin and triple-cylinder and electric-powered racers. It’s more common to see some of these bikes in museums, but AHRMA events are a unique opportunity for moto lovers of all ages to watch and enjoy.
“We are looking forward to welcoming AHRMA to our wonderful venue,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “This event creates a family-friendly atmosphere at both our race track and camping sites, and is something everyone can enjoy.”
In addition to all the great activities an AHRMA event is known for, this year’s event will feature something special. On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a classic motorcycle display in honor of the late Dick Mann.
Mann was a two-time winner of the American Motorcyclist Association Grand National Championship. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1993, and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. He was one of the few riders to ride motocross as well as dirt flat tracks, TT (tourist trophy) and road racing.
The display will be in garages 23 and 24 of the Paddock and will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, there will be Laps of Honor taken to celebrate the life of Mann.
On Saturday night at 7 p.m., entrants and fans can sit back, relax and enjoy the movie “On Any Sunday” that will be shown in the Paddock, accompanied by a food truck dinner.
Gates open at 7 a.m. all three days, with various practice sessions, races and autograph sessions taking place throughout the day. A full schedule of events, along with a helpful map for fans, can be found here. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy all the festivities and get some fresh air and sunshine.
A full array of affordable tickets that start as low as $20 for Friday are on sale and can be found here. Children 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
For information on camping at the beautiful Laguna Seca Recreation Area, call the Tickets and Accommodations Office at (831) 242-8200 from Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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In 1913 the Baltimore Orioles first became the New York Highlanders and then the New York Yankees.
https://bit.ly/2UQEy6I will take you to the history of the Baltimore Orioles name. If you fully read my question, you will spot another question. The answer to that is the current Orioles franchise was once named the Milwaukee Brewers. They became the St. Louis Browns (St. Louis, MO) before moving
to Baltimore in 1953.
Suggestions? Caught me off-base for misinformation? Copy and paste One.T.Buff@gmail.com is where you can find me...
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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!
ARE YOU A GEEK?
Or a techno-wizard/sports fan who wants
to help Bay Area sports? The USG
needs an Influencer!
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, July 19 through
Sunday, July 25, 2021
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Monday, July 19
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, July 20
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 12:37 p.m.
Wednesday, July 21
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Sporting KC, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 22
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.
Friday, July 23
San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, July 24
San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 25
San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 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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Become A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and
4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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