Monday, August 2 through Sunday, August 8, 2021
Issue No. 392
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San Francisco Giants third baseman Kris Bryant (23) signs autographs before the game against the Houston Astros at Oracle Park.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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New Giant Arrives for Stretch Drive
by Bruce Macgowan
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After a frantic, zany, almost unbelievable flurry of trades last week, the Giants ended up with one of the big prizes, and he made a major impact in his first game in San Francisco.
Cubs’ GM Jed Hoyer has practically torched a team that won the World Series just five years ago by shipping off several of Chicago’s foundation pieces for mostly a collection of unproven prospects. The Giants were certainly one of the teams that benefited.
Their acquisition of former MVP and National League Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant seems out of character for team President Farhan Zaidi, who has been determined to rebuild the team’s farm system while letting journeymen and backup players hold things down until a new and better team emerges.
But that has all changed as the 2021 Giants have stunned everyone by surging to the top of the baseball world, at least in terms of winning percentage. So Zaidi, realizing that this might be that kind of magical season fans dream about, decided to make a bold move.
Some star players look strange when they put on a different uniform for the first time. I never could get used to seeing Will Clark in a Rangers’ uni, Madison Bumgarner looks out of sorts wearing Arizona’s togs, and back to the early 1970s, no Giants fan could handle watching the great Willie Mays patrol centerfield wearing the blue and orange of the NY Mets.
But Bryant’s impact on the Giants has been strong and immediate. After taking batting practice and then fielding grounders and running the bases before the game, San Francisco’s new 29-year-old star walked over to the stands to chat with the fans and sign autographs.
And when he was swinging bats in the on-deck circle in the first inning, the guy looked like Roy Hobbs out there. And as Giants’ broadcaster Mike Krukow noted after a 5-3 win over Houston, “Doesn’t the guy look like he’s always been wearing a uniform that says ‘Giants?’"
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Third baseman Kris Bryant hits a home run in his first game for the San Francisco Giants to help his new team to a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Sunday, August 1st at Oracle Park. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
Bryant may be the only batter I’ve ever seen in a game who got two standing ovations in one at bat; the first as he was being introduced and another when he headed back to the dugout after swinging and missing on a 3-2 pitch from young Astros’ righthander Luis Garcia.
But in his second plate appearance in the bottom of the third inning, Bryant introduced Giants’ fans to something that they might be seeing a fair amount of in the days ahead.
Bryant timed a fastball and hit a laser-shot halfway up into the bleachers in leftfield. The crowd came apart at the seams and suddenly, just like that, the momentum of the game turned dramatically in the Giants’ direction.
Bryant’s homer reminded me of some dramatic moments longtime Giants’ fans might remember from back in 1987. Then-San Francisco GM Al Rosen had just made a ‘blockbuster’ seven player deal with the Padres and one of the players he got in the deal was a young veteran slugger by the name of Kevin Mitchell.
All Mitchell did in his first two at bats as a Giants was slam long home runs beyond the ivy-covered walls at Wrigley Field as the Giants stunned the Cubs. The Giants went on to win their first divisional title in 16 years and two seasons later, Mitchell was the MVP of the league as San Francisco won its first pennant in 27 years.
Will Bryant have a similar effect on the Giants? Well, the guy is in his prime at 29, he loves hitting at the San Francisco park, (he batted well over .300 here with the visiting Cubs,) and he and his wife have reportedly been smitten with the Bay Area. Plus, he can play just about every position in the field.
Outside of trading for pitching ace Max Scherzer, this might have been the best deal that Farhan Zaidi could have made.
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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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An Exciting Stretch Drive Is Ahead |
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July 27, 2021; San Francisco, CA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski (5) eludes a tag attempt by Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Max Muncy (13) during the eighth inning at Oracle Park.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Giants-Dodgers Rivalry Stays Revelvant
by Bruce Macgowan
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You really can’t call it a true ‘rivalry’ between two long-time opponents unless both teams are playing well.
And now that we’re heading into August, perhaps the best rivalry in all of sports has heated up again. The defending World Series champions and the most surprising team in baseball continue duel at the top of the NL West standings.
The last two series between these two clubs was full of excitement as fans on both sides watched four straight games decided late, (the Giants won three of those four as well as five of the seven games.)
Manager Gabe Kapler welcomed Brandon Crawford back to active duty and the All-Star shortstop set the tone in Thursday afternoon’s 5-0 shutout by ripping a two run double into the left field corner in the first inning to set the tone.
Johnny Cueto pitched into the sixth inning and then with bullpen help, the Dodgers were shut out for the rest of the afternoon as San Francisco pitchers struck out 11 LA batters while allowing just four hits.
The Giants have had to deal with injuries, mostly to their infield, but not only is Crawford now back, but veterans Brandon Belt, Evan Longoria and Tommy La Stella will all be returning soon. In the meantime, backup players such as Donovan Solano, Wilmer Flores and LeMonte Wade Jr continue to come up with the big hits. The Giants have been fortunate to have players such as these fill in and not miss a beat, but it’s pitching that wins pennants and right now the Giants have plenty of that.
The starting rotation has been healthy and steady all season and the bullpen, which was shaky earlier with mostly young and rather obscure pitchers, continues to get better over time.
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July 27, 2021; San Francisco, CA; Actor Danny Glover laughs with San Francisco Giants chief executive officer Larry Baer during the fifth inning of the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
But the Giants will probably need to continue to play at the crackling pace that has seen them win about 2/3rds of their games if they hope to hold off LA and the San Diego Padres.
Heading toward the Dog Days of August, LA’s starting pitching rotation remained a huge question mark. Ace Clayton Kershaw is hoping to pitch soon after being on the DL since July 7th with elbow tightness, Dustin May is out until next year because of Tommy John surgery, while Trevor Bauer is still under suspension.
But LA gave its fans a huge boost late Thursday, making a blockbuster deal which brought in Washington Nationals star hurler Max Scherzer and All-Star shortstop Trea Turner. The Dodgers had to give up a package of four top prospects, but they’ve made it clear that they’re “going for it,” by trading for two elite players.
There had been reports that Scherzer was possibly going to the Padres but the hard throwing right hander, who had a 7-4 record and a sparkling 2.83 earned run average to go with his 142 strikeouts, has to be thrilled he’s getting another chance to go to a World Series this fall with the other National League team from Southern California.
If Kershaw comes back and is effective, Scherzer, Kershaw, Walker Buehler and Julio Urias would make up a formidable foursome. Even without Kershaw, the Dodgers have been holding their own against first place San Francisco, which had a three-game lead going into Friday’s game against powerful Houston. Now adding Scherzer to the mix has made things a lot more interesting.
But the acquisition of shortstop Trea Turner might be almost as important as getting Scherzer. Turner fills a gap defensively and will provide another dangerous hitter in the LA lineup. He is batting .322 with 18 homers while driving in 49 runs going into the weekend.
As a long time reporter and fan, I’ve been witness to all the great duels these rivals have engaged in since they arrived on the West Coast over six decades ago. In 1959, 1965 and 1966 LA nosed out San Francisco in the final days for pennants. The Giants won a NL Pennant in 1962 and took the NL West Title 1971, with LA finishing second both times. SF again turned back their rivals in 1997.
There were also spine-tingling stretch drives as LA shoved the Giants out of the race, spoiling their chances in the final days of the 1993 and 2004 seasons while the Giants pushed LA out of the picture in 1982, (remember Joe Morgan’s epic three run homer that beat LA?) and again in 1991.
Both teams have major question marks, however. Will the Dodgers have enough after this blockbuster trade to wrest first place away from the Giants? And will San Francisco continue to ‘overachieve’ by getting timely contributions from a group of unproven youngsters and career journeymen while the pitching remains consistent?
One thing is certain: the September stretch drive should be a lot of fun to watch.
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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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July 27, 2021; San Francisco, CA; A fan hangs a K sign after a strikeout by San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62, not pictured) during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Letters to the Editor
Concurs with Dave Newhouse
I have to agree with Dave Newhouse. Oakland has it all in terms of workable infrastructure and fan support, but the greed of the team owners who hold host cities hostage has killed our Golden Goose.
Several years ago the monied interests that drive Las Vegas decided they wanted this abomination in the desert to become the dominant sports center in the U.S. -- a perfect fit for the gambling industry. And they’re almost there: after reeling in the Raiders with a new multi-billion-dollar stadium and already hosting NHL and WNBA teams (as well as a number of minor-league organizations), all they need now to complete their dominance are MLB and NBA teams (and look out San Francisco). And maybe a world-class soccer organization (and look out Manchester United -- money trumps fandom, always). Then, too, with large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago hosting multiple teams playing the same sport, maybe half the big league pro teams in the country will eventually wind up in Las Vegas.
Money talks, the owners walk, and screw the fans. Ain’t capitalism great?
Former East Bay fan
Berkeley, CA
Moving On
Regarding "Good Luck," if you are referring to the Las Vegas Raiders, sorry, the love I once felt is gone. Time to move on or as I feel, dismiss football altogether as a barbaric sport.
Robert Scheer
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Los Angeles, 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 8, Los Angeles Angels 3
Oakland Roots 0, Orange County SC 3
San Francisco Giants 5, Houston Astros 3
San Francisco Giants 2, Los Angeles Dodgers 1
San Francisco Giants 0, Los Angeles Dodgers 8
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Seattle Sounders FC 0
Features
Andy Dolich is the brains behind some of the most successful
promotions in sports history, by Liam Isola. Part I, II and III
Because They Believed Delivers a Timeless and Timely Message,
by Pete Elman
Giants-Dodgers Rivalry Stays Relevant, by Bruce Macgowan
New Giant Arrives For Stretch Drive, by Bruce Macgowan
Organizations
Sonoma Raceway -- NHRA Sonoma Nationals
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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San Francisco Giants 5
Houston Astros 3
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San Francisco Giants 2
Los Angeles Dodgers 1
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Giants catcher Buster Posey smiles after scoring the go-ahead run on a throwing error in the bottom of the eighth inning in their 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on Tuesday, July 27.
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Starting pitcher Logan Webb gave up one run over six innings, striking out five.
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San Francisco Giants 0
Los Angeles Dodgers 8
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The San Francisco Giants suffered one of their few lopsided losses this season, 8-0, at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday evening. Max Muncy, who feasts on Giants pitching, had a double and three hits, driving in two runs. Photo by Rich Yee.
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San Francisco Giants assistant coach Alyssa Nakken has broken down many barriers since being named the first female baseball coach in Major League Baseball history. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Oakland A's 8
Los Angeles Angels 3
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49ers, A's & Giants Schedules |
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A's Acquire C Gomes and IF/OF Harrison from Washington for Three Minor Leaguers
A's Send RHPs Guasch and Shuman and C Millas
to the Nationals
The Oakland A's have acquired catcher Yan Gomes, infielder/outfielder Josh Harrison and cash considerations from the Washington Nationals for minor league right-handed pitchers Richard Guasch and Seth Shuman and minor league catcher Drew Millas.
Gomes is batting .271 with nine home runs and 35 RBI in 63 games with Washington. He has thrown out 16-of-44 (36.4%) attempted base stealers and is tied for second in the majors in most caught stealing. The 34-year-old right-handed hitter is batting .340 with runners in scoring position, .333 in July and .365 against left-handed hitters. Gomes is a .248 career hitter with 112 home runs and 399 RBI in 842 games in 10 seasons in the majors with Toronto (2012), Cleveland (2013-18) and Washington (2019-21). He was a National League All-Star in 2018, a Silver Slugger in 2014 and has played in the postseason five times, including 2019 for the World Series Champion Nationals.
Harrison is batting .294 with 23 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 38 RBI in 90 games with Washington. He is tied for fifth in the National League in hit by pitches (12), ranks sixth in plate appearances per strikeout (7.18) and tied for 10th in doubles. The 34-year-old right-handed hitter is batting .304 with runners in scoring position and .412 since the All-Star Break. Harrison has started 61 games at second base, 12 in left field, eight at third base, two in center field and one in right field and has played every position except catcher in his career. He is a .275 career hitter with 62 home runs and 329 RBI in 1,001 games in 11 seasons with Pittsburgh (2011-18), Detroit (2019) and Washington (2020-21). Harrison was an NL All-Star for the Pirates in 2014 and 17.
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August 1, 2021; San Francisco, CA; Houston Astros manager (and former Giants manager) Dusty Baker Jr. and San Francisco Giants first base coach Antoan Richardson talk on the field before the game at Oracle Park. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Sonoma Raceway
NHRA Sonoma Nationals
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Pro Stock Motorcycle win went to Karen Stoffer as she rode her Ray Skillman Auto Group/Big St. Charles Motorsports Suzuki to over 197 MPH for the win at Sonoma. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 23-25, 2021. Sonoma Raceway.
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Sports Profile:
Andy Dolich, A Three Part Series
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FCF executives with the Legend.
Left to right; FCF Co-Founder Ray Austin, EVP Andy Dolich,
CEO and Co-Founder Sohrob Farudi, NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana
(Investor/Chief Strategic Advisor) and Co-Founder Grant Cohen
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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
Controlled League. Mr. Isola's article was reprinted in Sports Today, courtesy of OSDB Sports. For Part I, Part II and Part III,
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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I'm confident there are more than two notable differences between the gymnasiums of ancient Greece and those in play today.
Name one of two profound differences, regarding public gymnasiums, which would NOT be tolerated
in current times.
(See answer below...)
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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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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Seattle Sounders FC 0
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The Quakes celebrate Cristian Espinoza's game-winning goal
moments before halftime
Earthquakes 1, Seattle Sounders FC 0
Quakes defeat top team in Western Conference,
extend unbeaten streak to five
SEATTLE, Wash. - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Lumen Field. The win sees the Quakes extend their unbeaten streak to five, tied for the second longest active streak in MLS. Seattle had lost just one of their previous 15 home matches prior to today's result.
Moments before the halftime whistle, San Jose opened the scoring. Florian Jungwirth won a header, feeding a pass to Cristian Espinoza. Espinoza took on multiple defenders before striking a low shot with his left foot to beat goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland at his near post.
Earthquakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made several important saves to keep Seattle and the league's leading goal scorer Raul Ruidiaz from equalizing.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose before hitting the road again to face the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, Aug. 4. The match kicks off from Providence Park at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes now hold a 4-7-5 record (17 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 9th place in the Western Conference.
- The Quakes extended their unbeaten streak to five matches (1-0-4). It marks the club's first unbeaten stretch of 5+ matches since July/August 2019 (4-0-1).
- San Jose earned their first victory since May 7, snapping an 11-game winless run (0-6-5).
- The Quakes earned their first win over Seattle since June 20, 2015, snapping a 14-game winless streak in the series (0-8-6). Today's win is also the first at Lumen Field since June 20, 2015, where San Jose was winless in their last seven (0-5-2).
- Saturday's result was Seattle's second loss in their last 16 home matches (vs. SKC, 7/25/21).
- The Quakes are now 11-14-8 all-time vs. Seattle Sounders FC, including a 6-10-2 record on the road.
- Midfielder Cristian Espinoza scored his second goal of the season and seventh of his MLS career.
- Defender Florian Jungwirth tallied an assist on Espinoza's goal, marking his first assist of the season and 10th of his MLS career.
- Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made three saves to record his second shutout of the season and seventh of his MLS career.
MLS Regular Season: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 San Jose Earthquakes
July 31, 2021 - Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. Attendance: 32,704
Michelob Man of the Match: Cristian Espinoza
Scoring Summary: SJ - Cristian Espinoza (Florian Jungwirth) 45+1.
Misconduct Summary: SEA - Jimmy Medranda (caution) 31; SJ - Luciano Abecasis (caution) 49; SEA - Joao Paulo (caution) 53; SJ - Cade Cowell (caution) 62; SEA - Josh Atencio (caution) 90+3; SJ - Nathan (caution) 90+4.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Cleveland; Xavier Arreaga, Shane O'Neill (Danny Leyva 70), Yeimar Gomez Andrade; Joao Paulo, Alex Roldan, Reed Baker-Whiting (Fredy Montero 55), Kelyn Rowe (Will Bruin 83), Josh Atencio, Jimmy Medranda (Alex Villanueva 83); Raul Ruidiaz.
Substitutes not used: Ethan Dobbelaere, Spencer Richey, Andrew Thomas, Obed Vargas
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 17; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Luciano Abecasis (Andy Rios 86), Oswaldo Alanis, Nathan, Tanner Beason; Judson, Florian Jungwirth, Shea Salinas (Eric Remedi 86), Cristian Espinoza, Chofis (Chris Wondolowski 71); Cade Cowell (Marcos Lopez 64).
Substitutes not used: Siad Haji, Paul Marie, Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega
SHOTS: 5; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 3
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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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Because They Believed Debuts
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(L-R) Film participant Rosie Bonds, aunt of Barry Bonds, and filmmaker Arif Khatib at the premier of the film, Because They Believed in Oakland in July. Photo by Rich Yee. |
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Because They Believed Delivers a Timeless and Timely Message
by Pete Elman
July 21, 2021
Wednesday evening at the recently reopened Grand Lake Theater in Oakland an audience of over 300 was treated to that rare and special event—a red carpet premier of an important new documentary, produced by a man who has spent a lifetime fighting for and educating people about social justice, and how sports has played a huge role in the delivery of that message.
Longtime Oakland entrepreneur, radio station and record company owner, music and boxing promoter, and all-around influencer Arif Khatib founded the African-American (now Multi-Ethnic) Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. The mission of the Hall is to broaden and enhance the public's understanding of multi-ethnic history and the role that diversity and cultural tolerance plays in the growth of professional sports, by recognizing and honoring pioneers in professional sports who have contributed to furthering equality, diversity, and cultural humility.
Khatib’s new film, Because They Believed, is a revealing look at the remarkable yet forgotten stories of minority athletes who changed the face of sports in America. It represents a history of personal struggles, perseverance, and accomplishment that spans more than 100 years.
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(L-R) Filmmaker Arif Khatib and Oakland District 6 Councilmember Loren Taylor. Photo by Rich Yee.
Over the course of 16 interviews this film looks at a select group of athletes who believed in their dream and fulfilled their destiny, providing us with a template we can follow so as to educate ourselves about the importance of diversity in the story of our heritage; the unvarnished past that we are so desperately trying to come to grips with. This film is an unfiltered look at that history, told by those who lived it, athletes who were courageous in the face of prejudice and great odds.
The film begins with Olympic legend John Carlos vividly and emotionally recalling his experience as a young controversial Olympic athlete whose struggles with racism and intolerance seem almost incomprehensible to people today, but were very real in 1968, and later in the film Dr. Tommie Smith describes his journey from that podium in Mexico City through a life of activism.
The Olympics are happening right now in Japan, not without controversy. But in 1964, Native American distance runner Billy Mills achieved one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history, winning the 10,000-meter run in Tokyo. In this compelling and emotional segment, Mills remembers the prejudice he endured and how it nearly drove him to take his own life, only to be rescued by the spirit of his father, who saved him from the brink and drove him to achieve the ultimate victory.
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Left, (L-R) Carl Chan, President, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce and filmmaker Arif Khatib; Right, (L-R) Ryan Monaghan, Chief of Police, Tiburon, CA and filmmaker Arif Khatib. Photos by Rich Yee.
Along the way we meet two trailblazing athletes of the 1940s who gave back a lot after their athletic feats. Mal Whitfield was a Tuskegee airman during WWII and Olympic champion in the 800 meters at the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics, and part of the gold medal relay team at the 1952 games. As a goodwill ambassador for the USA, he conducted sports clinics in Africa. In his 47 years there, Whitfield trained dozens of athletes who represented their countries as Olympians.
Canadian hockey legend Herb Carnegie, a member of the famed Black Aces line, recounts how, when he was 18, he was told by the Toronto Maple Leafs owner that he would have been signed on the spot if he were white. Carnegie went on to a rich life as a businessman, coach and civic leader.
Among other subjects in the film are super-agent Leigh Steinberg, Rosie Bonds (aunt of Barry), and Dr. Tae Yun Kim, Tae Kwon Do great grand master.
Fittingly, the film ends with Harry Edwards; author, educator, sociologist and civil rights activist. Edwards' career has focused on the experiences of African-American athletes, and he is an advocate of black participation in the management of professional teams. His unique perspective on the relationship of race and power in both collegiate and pro sports is fascinating and informative.
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Left, (L-R) MESHOF board member Al Hops, Diane Wilder-Hall and former Globetrotter Nate Branch; Right, Janet Johnson, founder of Sistas On The Links golf club. Photos by Rich Yee.
Because They Believed also features a beautiful theme song, written and performed by East Bay artist Skyler Jett, formerly of the Commodores. After the film, Khatib and filmmaker/director Steve Bernier, who deftly helped to bring this labor of love to completion, spoke and took a few questions. Khatib, elegant and soft-spoken, was clearly moved by the event; not so much for what he had accomplished—he is far too modest for that—but by the appreciation of the people who came and the opportunity he has been given by the “spirit” that has guided him throughout his life. His goal, he said, was “not to make money, but to educate.”
By that measure, Mr. Khatib has succeeded.
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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.
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(L-R) Filmmaker Arif Khatib, Angelica Perez, sales and services manager for Visit Oakland and Sabrina Duenas, digital marketing manager for Visit Oakland. Photo by Rich Yee. |
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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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Oakland Roots SC 0
Orange County SC 3
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Oakland Roots Fall to Orange County in Final Match Before Return to Laney
Oakland Roots fall to Orange County in a game that saw ten players receive cards. While possession was split evenly, Roots struggled to find rhythm after several players rejoined the team having spent several weeks away from the field. Roots were on the front foot early in the second half before a red card to defender Max Ornstil forced Oakland to play a man down. Roots now focus all efforts on the long-awaited return to Laney College on Wednesday.
Oakland Roots SC vs Orange County SC
USL Championship | July 31, 2021
Venue: Las Positas College, Livermore, California
Kickoff: 5:30 PM; Weather: 84 degrees, sunny
SCORELINE: 1 2 FT
OAK 0 0 0
OC 1 2 3
SCORING SUMMARY:
OC: Kobi Henry 31’
OC: Ronaldo Damus 36’
OC: Aidan Apodaca 76’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Kai Greene (Yellow 15’),OC: Thomas McCabe (Yellow 21’), OC: Brent Richards (Yellow 43’), OAK: Memo Diaz (Yellow 51’), OAK: Max Ornstil (Red 55’)
OC: Brian Iloski (Yellow 55’), OC: Christopher Wehan (Yellow 57’), OAK: Tarek Morad (Yellow 65’), OAK: Jeremy Bokila (Yellow 81’), OAK: Emrah Klimenta (Yellow 82’)
OAKLAND ROOTS SC LINEUP:
Paul Blanchette, Memo Diaz (Saalih Muhammad 74’), Soya Takahashi, Kai Greene (Tarek Morad 45’), Max Ornstil, Emrah Klimenta, Joseph Restani (Yohannes Harish 71’), José Hernández (Wal Fall 74’), Luis Flores, Tarn Weir, Brandon Allen (Jeremy Bokila 70’)
Unused Substitutes: Zeus de la Paz, Akeem O’Connor-Ward
Shots: 12 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corner Kicks: 10 | Fouls: 17 | Offside: 2 |
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Patrick Rakovsky, Brent Richards, Michael Orozco, Kobi Henry, Rob Kiernan, Eric Calvillo, Mikko Kuningas (Sean McTague 90+1’), Thomas McCabe, Brian Iloski (Raymond Drai 83’), Christopher Wehan (Aidan Apodaca 71’), Ronaldo Damus
Unused Substitutes: Abraham Romero, Darwin Jones
Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corner Kicks: 2 | Fouls: 13 | Offside: 3 |
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Bonhams to Preview its Monterey Auction Cars at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
The Premier Auction House Will Be On-site
at the Aug. 7-8 Monterey Pre-Reunion
MONTEREY, Calif., July 26, 2021 – Bonhams is a premier auction house for the finest collectible cars, so it would only make sense that it would partner with an event that celebrates equally collectible race cars in the race paddock and on track.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has partnered with Bonhams, making it the official and exclusive auction sponsor for the Monterey Pre-Reunion weekend, Aug. 7-8. The Pre-Reunion will have approximately 300 historic and authentic race cars competing for the pure sense of enjoyment, with nothing to win.
Bonhams will feature a vehicle display in the Champions Plaza on both days of the Pre-Reunion, allowing a chance to preview many of the remarkable automobiles before they go to auction. It will also be entertaining Pre-Reunion race participants with a delicious lunch both days.
“Bonhams has earned a reputation of high quality and first-class service, so this is a perfect partnership for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Monterey Pre-Reunion,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “We look forward to having Bonhams at our beautiful track and displaying their impressive group of cars before a collector takes one to the automobile’s next home.”
Then, on the final day of the Aug. 12-15 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Bonhams will present The Passion Spirit and Conduct Award to a race participant driving a small bore race car in the Category up to 1500cc.
“We are delighted to be back on the hallowed ground of Laguna Seca,” said Mark Osborne, global director of motorsport for Bonhams. “This year especially – after all we have had to bear – we look forward more than ever to wandering around the paddock amidst that wonderful sporting camaraderie that we all enjoy so much. To our clients and friends and friendly on-track rivals, we look forward to greeting you and to a terrific time while always seeking that perfect line through the Corkscrew.”
Bonhams is a privately owned international auction house. Founded in 1793, it is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, cars and jewelry. Bonhams is the sole remaining international auction house that is privately owned and in British hands. It holds more than 400 specialist sales a year, in 60 different categories, at its flagship salerooms in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
For more information about Bonhams, click here. To purchase tickets for the Monterey Pre-Reunion, click here, and for Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion tickets, click here.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Pompeii gymnasium, from the top of the stadium wall
Two notable differences between the gymnasiums of ancient Greece and those in play today:
No. 1 -- No females were allowed and...
No. 2 -- Competing nude are the short answers!
The gymnasium (Greek: γυμνάσιον) in Ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public game(s).
The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked." Only adult male citizens were allowed to use the gymnasia. The answer and photo, with much more interesting info, can be had at this wiki link, https://bit.ly/3yhekcq
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
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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, August 2 through
Sunday, August 8, 2021
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Monday, August 2
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, August 3
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, August 4
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. San Diego Padres, 12:37 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 5
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:40 p.m.
Friday, August 6
San Francisco Giants @ Milwaukee Brewers, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, August 7
San Francisco Giants @ Milwaukee Brewers, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 1:07 p.m.
Sunday, August 8
San Francisco Giants @ Milwaukee Brewers, 11:10 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. Texas Rangers, 1:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Football Club, 4 p.m.
Oakland Roots @ Tacoma Defiance, 1:30 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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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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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 is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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