Monday, Dec. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021
Issue No. 361
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San Francisco 49ers 20
Arizona Cardinals 12
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The San Francisco 49ers (6-9) carousel of running backs capable of game-changing performances struck gold again as third-year running back Jeff Wilson, Jr. shredded the Arizona Cardinals (8-7) for a career-high 183 yards in a 20-12 win on Saturday. (With the loss, the Cardinals now need a win and help in Week 17 to make the playoffs.) Third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard filled in admirably, with 13 completions on 22 throws good for 182 yards and three touchdowns and only one turnover. In his return to the field, tight end George Kittle played 28 snaps and hauled in four of his five targets for 92 yards. The Niners next opponent are the Seattle Seahawks (11-4) on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 1:25 p.m. on FOX. (Wilson is pictured above against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.) Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco 49ers Schedule |
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Warriors & Kings Schedules |
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Josh Rosen, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
by Kenny Karst
"California, here I come; right back where I started from." After two years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins, former UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen (3) is returning to the Golden State. The San Francisco 49ers announced on December 23 they had signed the Southern California native from Bellflower to back up third-string and now starting quarterback C.J. Beathard. With both Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens sidelined with season-ending injuries, the Niners picked up Rosen off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad and signed him to a one-year contract. Seen above in the grasp of Stanford Cardinal outside linebacker Joey Alfieri (32) at the Rose Bowl in 2016, Rosen's attributes as a down-field passer and scrambling quarterback are well-suited to compliment San Francisco's offense for the last two regular season games against division rivals: the Arizona Cardinals, whom the Niners defeated last Saturday, 20-12, on three Beathard touchdown passes, and the Seattle Seahawks. Following an outstanding college career at UCLA, "Chosen Rosen," so nicknamed by his Bruins teammates, was drafted 10th overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. After a dismal 3-13 season, Arizona drafted quarterback Kyler Murray of Oklahoma as the number one overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, and Rosen was subsequently traded to the Miami Dolphins where he backed up starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. The NFL Draft of 2020 proved to be equally hard on Rosen's stature, when Miami chose Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall, and then ultimately waived Rosen after failing to secure a trade partner. In 20 career NFL games, Rosen has thrown for 2,845 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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The vast majority of us have not had a good year in 2020. Hopefully, to make you feel a little better, I am making the last T. Buff entry for 2020 easy...
The NFL season is winding down with many of the Super Bowl contestants determined. Your 49ers and Raiders are out. My Pats are out! I'm still holding a torch for Brady pulling down Super Bowl ring #7 with the wild card Buccaneers. With all that said, which NFL team scored the most points in a single Super Bowl?
(See answer below...)
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A Sportscaster's Memories |
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Marv Hubbard was a three-time NFL All-Pro for the Oakland Raiders and helped lead the team to four consecutive AFC Western Division titles from 1972 to 1975 and three consecutive AFC championship games from 1973 to 1975. Hubbard is ranked third in NFL history for highest yards per carry (4.82) for a fullback, behind only Hall of Fame fullbacks Jim Brown and Joe Perry |
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Marv Hubbard – Classic Raider of the 1970s
by Bruce Macgowan
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Bruce Macgowan, Bogey, wife Colette and daughter Molly
Covering the Oakland Raiders during some of their amazing years was a thrill
for a young broadcaster just getting his feet wet as a TV sports anchor in the backwater coastal town of Eureka.
The first Raider I ever interviewed was bruising fullback Marv Hubbard. Standing about 6’2” and weighing about 240 pounds, Hubbard emerged out of Colgate, a small eastern school which also produced another great running back of later years, Mark Van Eagen.
When I sat down to talk to Hubbard after a late season win over the rival Kansas City Chiefs, he had removed his shoulder pads and jersey and was unspooling tape which had been cushioning his arms and a banged up shoulder.
Outgoing, smiling and very bright, Hubbard exemplified the fun-loving and sometimes wild exploits of the NFL’s most colorful team of the 1970s. There was a story that Hubbard had once ridden his motorcycle through a bar in Santa Rosa, and in fact, it really happened. There was another story about how he took on three Hells Angels, beat two of them almost senseless, but then got knocked down himself. The skirmish ended and the stunned participants then got off the floor, shook off the dust, smiled grudgingly at each other and bought beers for everybody in the bar.
Hells Angels president Sonny Barger and Huey Newton and many of his Black Panthers were frequent visitors to Raiders games. As with Oakland and the rest of the surrounding East Bay communities, the Raiders had a close relationship with their fans that was unlike any other sport team. For hard core football fans, the Raiders were like family.
And Marv Hubbard was one of the favorites. Perhaps they loved him so much because he really enjoying running over people. Hubbard exemplified the ‘three yards and a cloud of dust’ kind of runner of an earlier era. Just give the bruising fullback the ball and let him pile-drive his way into the opposing team’s defense for 4-to-6 yards a carry. And that’s exactly what Hubbard usually did. He doled out the punishment, pile-driving his way over defenders.
After retiring from the game at the age of 30 because both of his shoulders were wrecked from the brutal contact of eight years in the NFL, Hubbard told me a story that typified what he was all about as a football player
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Hubbard's special pleasure was taking on the division rival Kansas City Chiefs
“We had a great rivalry with Kansas City and I always seemed to play my best games against them. I especially loved it when we went into Kansas City and those hardcore Chiefs fans let me have it. I’d be introduced, run out on the field and the beer cans would start raining down on me and you couldn’t hear yourself think because the booing was so loud!
The Chiefs had one of the biggest and most intimidating defenses in football. They were also really nasty and mean. Buck Buchanan, Aaron Brown and Curly Culp averaged about 6’5” and 270 pounds each, and then behind them you had great linebackers Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier and Jim Lynch. I used to love lining up behind Daryl Lamonica and Ken Stabler, knowing I was going to get a chance to hit those guys.
‘I’m coming at ya!’ I used to yell at them across the line. Buchanan and Lanier would be spitting and snarling and pawing the ground. Our offensive line stars such as Jim Otto, Gene Upshaw and Art Shell always gave me a few feet of opening, but I loved hitting those guys on the other team.
One time I remember running into Bell, Buchanan and Lanier simultaneously. They stood me up and I remember thinking it was like running into a brick wall. They hit me and I was falling backward, almost as if it were in a slow motion. It was 240 pounds of me against about 800 pounds of them. My head hit the turf and I blacked out for a second. When I awoke I was seeing stars. They began to clear up and when I looked up, there was Lanier lying on top of me, facemask-to-facemask. I just smiled up at him. He snarled something like: ‘What are you smiling about, sucka!?’ Then I laughed and told him: ‘Hey Willie, can’t you guys hit any harder than that?!’ Willie’s face just broke out in a grin. He helped me to my feet, patted me on the butt and we got ready for our next play.”
From 1971-74 Hubbard might have been the toughest fullback in the game. He played every game and averaged just under 1,000 yards rushing per season while scoring 20 TDs. Hubbard made All-Pro in three of those seasons and the Raiders won three division titles.
In 1975 both of Hubbard’s shoulders were either separated or broken, so he told coach John Madden not to have the quarterback throw him any passes because he couldn’t lift his arms above his shoulders.
“I’m not gonna have anyone throw to you, don’t worry,” said Madden. “Just carry the ball like you always do.”
Marv Hubbard certainly did.
Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly.
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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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"It's an ocean planet. As the oceans go, so goes the planet."
-- Bill Carvalho, Wild Planet founder and president
Wild Planet Foods has been honored with TWO awards by Whole Foods Market -- Global Supplier of the Year AND Environmental Stewardship! The annual awards recognize suppliers who embody Whole Foods Market's mission and values through a proven commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, and partnership.
More Awards and Counting!
Prevention -- 100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards
Men's Health -- 125 Best Foods for Men
Prevention -- Eat Clean Best Packaged Foods
Every Day with Rachael Ray -- Brand New Buy
Better Homes and Gardens -- Catch of the Day
Clean Eating -- Clean Choice Awards
Natural Health -- 3rd Annual Good Food Awards
Runner's World -- Good Catch
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Earthquakes Sign Chris Wondolowski to new contract
Major League Soccer's all-time leading scorer to remain with San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed forward Chris Wondolowski to a one-year contract for the 2021 season. Wondolowski scored a team-high seven goals during the 2020 regular season to extend his career goals record to 166.
"2020 will certainly be a year we never forget. And while the pandemic has caused so much pain throughout the world, it's also given me an opportunity to reflect on the things I value the most," said Wondolowski. "I was fully committed to making 2020 the final year of my career, but I've reconsidered and can't wait to join my teammates one more time as we look to bring an MLS Cup back to San Jose. The fans have consistently supported me through the ups and downs and I'd always regret not properly saying goodbye."
Wondolowski, 37, owns nearly every scoring record in Major League Soccer history, including career regular season goals (166), goals for one club (162), road goals (75), game-winning goals (45), goals in 1-0 victories (14), and consecutive seasons with 10+ goals (10; 2010-19). He also ranks first in Quakes history in appearances (344), starts (304) and minutes played (27,555).
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BUS 106 — Professional Sports in the Pandemic: Searching for a Future
That Works
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Quarter: Winter
Date(s): Jan 20—Feb 24
Drop Deadline: Jan 22
Tuition: $470
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Day(s): Wednesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Unit: 1
Instructor: Andy Dolich
Status: Open
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On March 11, 2020, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. NBA games were immediately cancelled. In rapid succession, much of the country sheltered in place and daily routines drastically changed, including the sports world. Get ready for the “New Different.” From games played in “the bubble” to fanless venues, sports executives have been experimenting with ways to keep their businesses running while also trying to keep fans, players, and staff safe. The business of sports has often been a trailblazer in creating innovative business models, crafting improved customer experiences, and widening community engagement. The “New Different” in sports has seen some winners and a number of “what were they thinking?” failures. This course will focus on the latest developments in the spectator sports business and what lessons they have learned—and continue to learn—during the ever-changing dynamics of COVID-19. Students will hear from thought leaders from major Bay Area teams and sports organizations who are shaping the “New Different” for the future of sports. Tentatively scheduled are Rick Welts, Golden State Warriors; Al Guido, San Francisco 49ers; Sohrob Farudi, Fan Controlled Football; Mindi Bach, Oracle Sports; and Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway. Sports fans and business managers of all industries interested in restructuring how they go to market should find this course valuable.
Andy Dolich, President, Dolich Consulting; Chief Operating Officer, Fan Controlled Football League
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. (COO of FCF Fan Controlled Football) He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, a co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office, and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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On behalf of the Communications team here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
We hope you and your family stay safe, healthy and happy as we enter a promising 2021.
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Hardly Trivial answer by T. Buff |
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) chats with wide receiver Jerry Rice late in Super Bowl XXIV on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1990 in New Orleans, LA against the Denver Broncos. Rice caught three of Montana’s
five touchdown passes.
When the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV (1990), they set
a number of records.
Their 55 points remains the most ever scored by a team in a Super Bowl and the 45-point winning margin is the most lopsided Super Bowl victory of all time... If you think that's bad, take a look at some of these scores, http://bit.ly/34PhIhV ...
May the New Year bring better times for all...
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The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
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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, December 28 through
Sunday, January 3, 2021
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Games for most major and minor league sports, including collegiate and high school teams,
have been cancelled.
Monday, December 28
USF Dons (WBB) @ BYU, TBD
Tuesday, December 29
Golden State Warriors @ Detroit Pistons, 4 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) vs. Sacramento State, 7 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) vs. Pacific, 1 p.m.
USF Dons (WBB) @ San Diego, TBD
Thursday, December 31
San Jose State Spartans (7-0) vs. Ball State University (6-1), 11 a.m.,
Arizona Bowl, CBS
Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) @ Oregon Ducks, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) @ Oregon State Beavers, 3 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) vs. Boise State, 6:30 (MT)
USF Dons (MBB) vs. San Diego, 2 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) @ Boise State, 1 p.m.
Friday, January 1
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) @ Arizona State, TBD
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) @ Arizona, TBD
Saturday, January 2
Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets, 2 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) @ Oregon State Beavers, 3 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) @ Oregon Ducks, 7 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) vs. Boise State, 6:30 (MT)
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) vs. Pepperdine, TBD
USF Dons (MBB) @ Gonzaga, 7 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) @ Boise State, 12 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) @ Gonzaga, TBD
USF Dons (WBB) vs. Pepperdine, TBD
Sunday, January 3
San Francisco 49ers (6-9) vs. Seattle Seahawks (11-4), 1:25 p.m., FOX
Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) @ Denver Broncos (5-10), 1:25 p.m., CBS
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 5:30 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) @ Arizona, TBD
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) @ Arizona State, TBD
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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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Need a website designed or tuned up?
We can help!
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Join Us As A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
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, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
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