Monday, July 25, 2022
Issue No. 443
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Pictured above -- seconds before Giants rookie Will Clark would launch a Nolan Ryan fast ball deep into center field. Clark was the 53rd player ever, at that time, to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat
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Enjoy
Will Clark's Retirement
by Dave Newhouse
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Will Clark retired as a major league ballplayer in 2000, but his image still remains: One of the sweetest swings the game of baseball has produced.
From the greatest opening act in baseball history — a first-at-bat center field home run off strikeout king Nolan Ryan in Houston's Astrodome — Clark accomplished many things with a bat in his hands, including a lifetime .303 batting average.
As the San Francisco Giants prepare to retire his uniform number, 22, this Saturday at Oracle Park, that .303 mark takes on a historical perspective, because a career .300 hitter is becoming more difficult to appreciate, and even harder to find.
Buster Posey retired with a .302 average in 2021, but the Giants as well as the cross-bay Oakland A’s presently view .300 as something akin to a mirage. Only one regular on either team, Giants outfielder Austin Slater, was hitting .300 (.303) at the All-Star Game break, when San Francisco’s team batting averages were .238, while the A’s collective batting average at that same juncture were .211.
It’s no wonder that the Giants, who won 107 games a year ago, are struggling to stay in the post-season picture, while the woeful A’s are a last-place team eyeing a 100-loss season.
But it’s not just the Bay Area teams which are coming up empty in the batter’s box, for baseball itself is swinging and missing, or grounding out and popping up, at an alarming rate.
Take the batting leaders in either league at the All-Star Game halfway point: Paul Goldschmidt of St. Louis at .330 and Luis Arraez of Minnesota at .338. With the dog days of summer about to bark louder in 100-degree-plus heat, those two averages most certainly will decline, to where baseball will have two batting champions under .328 for the first time in 59 years, or when Carl Yastrzemski batted .321 for Boston and Tommy Davis hit .326 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963.
And Yastrzemski and Davis didn't have to put up with the more recent scientific approach to baseball that have made batting averages less significant. Hitters are dissected in computers, and pitchers are hand-picked to face certain hitters after reading through computer printouts of batters’ strengths and weaknesses. Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby never had to put up with this; that’s because relief pitchers were a scarcity 100 years ago. No computers and little bullpen activity is surely why Cobb batted .366 and Hornsby .358 lifetime.
There are added factors as to why we won’t see, even more currently, career hitters like Tony Gwynn (.338) and Rod Carew (.328). And it’s all because of another factor: Infield shifting. Stacking infielders on one side of the infield isn’t necessarily new, but what is more original is placing the second baseman in short right field. So many base hits are taken away in this manner. If left-handed hitting Ted Williams, the best pure hitter ever for average and power, were playing today, he’d go crazy witnessing this ploy, because he was a dedicated pull hitter.
You no longer have to be a 20-game winning pitcher to be effective, as that once heralded number has become a dwindling statistic in itself. Dave Stewart won 20 games four consecutive years in Oakland, and never won the Cy Young Award. Pitchers have won fewer than 20 games and won the Cy Young Award. With calculated pitching changes, and infield re-arranging, pitchers can be effective regardless.
If you require further evidence, last year’s batting champions were Yuli Gurriel of Houston (.319) and Trea Turner of the Dodgers (.328), and both their teams made the playoffs, Houston reaching the World Series. The Home Run now rules the game.
So let’s enjoy Will Clark on Saturday, for if the .300 hitter isn’t a dying breed, he’s certainly in sick bay.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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Edwin Donald Snider, called "Duke" by just about everyone, including his parents, was one of the best baseball players of the 1950s.
He swatted more home runs than any other player in that decade.
Snider is also the only slugger to hit at least four homers in two separate World Series. He started with the Dodgers in 1947 and stayed with the team for the next 15 seasons, then played for the Mets and the Giants his final two seasons in the Majors. He was the last person to knock it out of the park at Ebbets Field before the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.
Above, Snider appeared in The Rifleman and retired as a
San Francisco Giant.
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"To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music,
no choreography, and the dancers hit each other."
-- Jack Handey
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Letters to the Editor
Ah, Will the Thrill!
Them was 'Da Good Old Days.' One-flap down, one-handed catches
My title: "Shuttin' down Mitch 'Wild Thing' Williams and the Cubs for the NLCS."
A You remember where you were, moment in Giants' history.
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
This college realignment business is in Full Disaster mode. Cal and other Pac 10-12 schools, other conferences, like the ACC, and schools from around the country, now suddenly face major financial issues. A whole panoply of sports for which scholarships are offered is at risk. With increased travel costs to absorb and extra hours away from class for students, many sports scholarships and programs could face elimination. Teams may be forced to change conferences or be left out in the cold.
And what about rivalries and tradition? Twenty team Mega-Conferences -- seriously? What about all the other colleges who don't "make the grade?" This isn't Fraternity Rush Week -- the current system has been a basic fabric of society for students, families and educational institutions for years.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
Executive Director
Monterey, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
GAA Football Hurling
Oakland Spiders 22, LA Aviators 19
Oakland Roots SC 0, Las Vegas Lights FC 2
San Francisco Giants 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 7
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Portland Timbers 2
Features & Commentary
Enjoy Will Clark's Retirement, by Dave Newhouse
Remember Your First Time? by Andy Dolich
Sports Haiku -- Coach Shanahan, by Robert Moselle
Sports Illustrated Cover from the Autograph Collection of photographer Rich Yee
Organizations
Cal Bears
Oakland A's
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Stanford Cardinal
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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San Francisco Giants 4
Los Angeles Dodgers 7
July 24, 2022
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San Francisco Giants first baseman Darin Ruf hit his 11th homer of the season in the Giants' 7-4 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodgers Stadium on Sunday, July 24th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Starting pitcher Alex Cobb struck out six Dodgers over 5-2/3 innings.
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Sit Down with a Giant - Will Clark
Ahead of Will Clark's jersey retirement ceremony on Saturday, July 30, “The Thrill” shares memories of how he became #22, his magical career and what it means to have his number and name join the best and most revered Giants to play the game.
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Join us for the Will Clark #22 Retirement game on July 30
Ceremony starts at 5 p.m.
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It's official! We have selected a total of 21 players in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, including 17 from the college ranks and four high school athletes. The breakdown includes 11 pitchers, one catcher, five infielders, and four outfielders.
Daniel Susac from the University of Arizona was our first pick and went 19th overall. The Roseville, California, native hit .366 with 12 home runs and 62 RBI in 64 games with the Wildcats this season. The 21-year-old right-handed hitter was named Pac-12 All Conference, Baseball America Second Team All-American, and ABCA Second. Last season, Daniel was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and was a semifinalist for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.
Keeping it local in the second round, we selected center fielder Henry Bolte from Palo Alto High School. The 18-year-old hit .441 with 29 walks, 13 home runs, and 42 RBI in 33 games as a high school senior this season. The right-handed hitter led the state of California in runs scored and home runs, and his 48 stolen bases were third in the state. He was named Most Valuable Player for the De Anza Division and the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Baseball Player of the Year.
Click below to learn more about Daniel, Henry, and the rest of our 2022 draft class!
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The mesmerizing image of a ballpark |
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Remember
Your
First Time?
by Andy Dolich
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For me, it was Ebbets Field in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn in 1953. I was a six-year-old following my dad and two older brothers through the turnstyle that changed my life.
Do you remember the first time you walked into a ballpark, stadium or
arena for the very first time to see a professional sporting event. Is it
indelibly etched into your memory or only a wisp?
While watching the Major League Baseball All-Star game it hit me that the naming of sports venues has become an ongoing Cusinart of Corporations, both in business and not.
The Brooklyn Dodgers became the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 when
they switched coasts to play at the LA Memorial Coliseum in front of 78,672 fans at their first game. Dodger Stadium opened in 1962. It is the oldest baseball park in the MLB west of the Mississippi and one of the oldest three with Fenway and Wrigley.
Dodger Stadium has been Dodger Stadium for Sixty Years without
any naming rights partner.
Take a look at these ballparks, stadiums and arenas in the Golden State to see how many logos have been splashed across their homes and taken down over time. How many of these corporate entities are in business?
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San Francisco
Stadium
Old
Kezar Stadium
Candlestick Park
3 Com
SF Stadium at Candlestick Point
Monster Park
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New
Pacific Bell Park
SBC Park
AT&T Park
Oracle Park
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Arena--Old
Kezar Pavilion
San Francisco Civic Auditorium
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
California State Livestock Pavilion
Cow Palace
Just in case you many have forgotten which sports with two legged athletes played in the building named after four legs:
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Oakland
Stadium
Oakland Alameda County Coliseum
Network Associates
McAfee
Overstock.com
O.co
Ring Central
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Arena
Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Arena
Arena in Oakland
Oracle Arena
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San Jose
Arena
San Jose Arena
Compaq Center
HP Pavilion
SAP Center
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Santa Clara
Stadium
Levis
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Sacramento
Old
Arco
Power Balance
Sleep Train
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Los Angeles
Stadiums
Dodger Stadium
Angels Stadium
So-Fi Stadium
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Arena
Forum
Staples Center
Crypto.com Arena
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San Diego
Stadium
San Diego Stadium
Jack Murphy
Qualcomm
Ballpark
Petco Park
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Arena
San Diego International Sports Center
San Diego Sports Center
iPayOne Center
Valley View Casino Center
Pechanga Arena
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I still get confused calling the Giants ballpark Oracle after Oracle traveled over the Bay Bridge and grew from an Oakland Arena to a
San Francisco ballpark.
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo,
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Sports Illustrated Cover: From the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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They may not be athletes, but they did make it onto the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Tyra Banks, Valeria Mazza and a few of the other models did a signing appearance right after the issue came out in 1996, and I was there.
What I remember most was their entrance. All the models walked past me to get to their tables and with heels on they were all well over six feet tall. Tyra was nice and greeted me. As she was signing my magazine, I remember asking her what perfume she wore. I don't recall what she said, but it smelled incredible. Valeria looked even nicer in person than in the magazine. She was super nice and even signed a few of her photos inside the magazine for me.
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Autograph Stories Invited! |
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Have an autograph with a story behind it?
Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity
to share a sports moment with our readers.
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Sports Today has launched the careers of many
web-savvy people with the opportunity to apply their skills to the sports world's hottest e-zine. Bring along your Website and Facebook talents and let’s have some fun! Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Visit:
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Manager ejections are on my mind.
My Sox were blown out 28-5 in a game this past week. How a manager having 28 runs scored against his team, with four of the runs occurring because of an 'inside the park GRAND SLAM' most likely caused by a dozing outfielder, did not go off the deep end and get ejected is beyond me.
With that said, what manager holds the modern day record for most ejections in their career?
Hint: Tony La Russa is fifth with 90 and
Bruce Bochy is ninth with 77...
(See answer below...)
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
Thank you for your many entries!
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Coach Shanahan:
This is Your Playbook
It's almost here. Talk of Jimmy G. and Deebo
fills the airwaves. The cotton is high
and the livin' is easy.
We don't have to decide,
"Does he stay, or does he go?"
Or, "Do we pay, or does he go?"
That's why there is a Coach Shanahan
-- to make those decisions.
Coach, all you need to know is in this Haiku.
We hope you can achieve your dream of a
49ers Super Bowl win this season.
* * *
For Coach Shanahan
It's all so easy if you
just look to your soul
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* * *
Contributed by Robert Moselle
As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for "Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
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Three Bears Earn All-American Honors
Ahyi And Faralisch Earn First Team; Cassidy
Takes Second Team Honors
BERKELEY – Cal women's rowers Lucine Ahyi, Juliane Faralisch, and Issy Cassidy all were named to the Pocock Racing Shells All-American Team as announced by the voting committee on Thursday afternoon. Ahyi and Faralisch took home first-team honors, while Cassidy was named to the second team.
This is the second All-American honor for Faralisch, a senior from Heidelberg, Germany. Previously she was named a Second Team All-American by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association in 2019. The senior earned All-Pac-12 honors this season after rowing in the varsity eight that placed sixth at the NCAA Championships this spring.
Ahyi earns All-American honors for the first time following a tremendous senior campaign. The native of Nantes, France earned All-Pac-12 Honors after guiding the Bears V8+ to a third-place finish at the Pac-12 Championships and a sixth-place finish in the Grand Finals of the NCAA Championships. She also advanced to the semi-finals in the coxless pairs with teammate Fien van Westreenen at the Henley Royal Regatta.
For Cassidy, this is her first All-American honor. The senior rowed in the stroke seat for the Bears varsity eight at the NCAA Championships. She also competed in the Bears V8+ boat that won its head-to-head race on the opening day of the Henley Royal Regatta, the program's first-ever victory in the historic event.
STAY CONNECTED
For a full report, visit HERE.
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Bill Walsh Legacy Game Returns
Stanford and San Jose State will renew long-time
Bay Area rivalry.
STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford and San Jose State will renew a long-time Bay Area football rivalry with a four-game series beginning in 2025.
The Cardinal and Spartans will play two games in San Jose (2025, 2035) and two games at Stanford (2026, 2028), replacing four games in Stanford's previously scheduled agreement with BYU, who is set to join the Big 12 Conference in 2023.
Stanford will still host BYU on Nov. 26 of this year at Stanford Stadium and travel to Provo on Aug. 30, 2031, for a nonconference matchup.
Stanford and San Jose State have played 67 times, a series which began in 1900. The Cardinal owns a 52-14-1 record against the Spartans, a matchup which has not taken place since 2013. The 2025 matchup will be just the fifth played in San Jose in the long history of the rivalry. The game was renamed the Bill Walsh Legacy Game following the passing of the legendary Stanford coach, and SJSU alum, Bill Walsh in 2007.
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, visit HERE.
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SJSU's Stiles Earns BCGCA
All-America Honors
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State's Kristopher Stiles was named to the inaugural Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) All-American team, announced last week by the organization. Stiles tallied 12 rounds of par or better, including a career-low 64 in the opening round of The Godwin at the Stanford Golf Course.
The Black College Golf Coaches Association and Golf Coaches Association of America have partnered to present the inaugural BCGCA Awards. The awards honor black college golfers from all backgrounds and across all divisions of college golf. Honors include the Adrian Stills Award (Black College Golfer of the Year), HBCU Golfer of the Year, BCGCA All-America Team, BCGCA and HBCU Outstanding Freshmen of the Year, BCGCA All-Freshmen Team, and BCGCA and HBCU Coaches of the Year.
- Stiles competed in 11-of-12 tournaments this season
- Stiles posted a scoring average of 73.27
- The sophomore carded five rounds in the 60s
- Stiles tallied a pair of top-20 finishes
- at the Amer Ari Invitational (T-15/67-73-67=207)
- at the 75th Western Intercollegiate (T-17/71-79-68=218)
2021-22 Black College Golf Coaches Association Awards
Adrian Stills Award presented to the Black College Golfer of the Year
Kieron Van Wyk, College of Charleston
HBCU Golfer of The Year
Gregory Odom Jr., Howard
BCGCA All-America Team
Jeffrey Cunningham, Drexel
Javan Johnson, Taylor
Steve Kibare, Dalton State
Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Drexel
Gregory Odom, Howard
Quinn Riley, Duke
Troy Taylor II, Michigan State
Kieron Van Wyk, College of Charleston
Everett Whiten Jr, Howard
BCGCA Outstanding Freshman
Kieron Van Wyk, College of Charleston
HBCU Outstanding Freshman
Kci Lindskog, Texas Southern
BCGCA All-Freshmen Team
Camron Jones, Chicago State
Kci Lindskog, Texas Southern
Tyler Partee, Florida A&M
Miles Taylor, Florida A&M
Kieron Van Wyk, College of Charleston
BCGCA Coach of The Year
Andy Walker, VCU
HBCU Coach of the Year
Gary Grandison, Texas Southern
#AllSpartans
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Saint Mary's College Gaels |
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Bowen, Kuhse Recipients of NABC Honors Court
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced their annual recipients of the NABC Honors Court, and Saint Mary's has two players landing on the list. Kyle Bowen and Tommy Kuhse qualified for this year's NABC Honors Court by meeting the academic and athletic qualifications.
The NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards recognize men's basketball programs that completed the 2021-22 academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. The NABC Honors Court, meanwhile, includes junior, senior and graduate student men's basketball players who finished the 2021-22 year with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. The NABC's academic awards include honorees from all levels of college basketball.
Kyle Bowen lands on the list with a 3.76 grade point average as a business administration major. The junior out of Perth, Australia started all 34 games for the Gaels during the 2021-22 season, and set career-bests in minutes per game (29.4), points per game (5.6), and three-point field goal percentage (39.2%) to name a few. He set a career-best in points on four different occasions, and was the team's second-best shooter from beyond the arc.
Tommy Kuhse ends his Saint Mary's career with a 3.45 grade point average, with a Master's in Business Administration. Kuhse was named to the All-WCC First Team as well as taking home Sixth Man of the Year award honors after his best season to date. He shot 49.4% from the floor, 45.0% from beyond the arc, and averaged 12.2 points per game while breaking the 1,000-point mark late in the regular season.
Both Bowen and Kuhse were also named to the West Coast Conference All-Academic First Team, giving the Gaels two on the list for the first time since 2016.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Men's Basketball Honored by NABC for
Academic Excellence
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced recently the recipients of the 2021-22 NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards and NABC Honors Court, representing outstanding achievement in the classroom by collegiate men's basketball teams and student-athletes.
The NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards recognize men's basketball programs that completed the 2021-22 academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. The NABC Honors Court, meanwhile, includes junior, senior and graduate student men's basketball players who finished the 2021-22 year with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. The NABC's academic awards include honorees from all levels of college basketball.
"Academic success is a core value of the NABC and a priority shared by men's basketball programs across the country," said NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson. "Excellence in the classroom requires hard work and dedication, and the NABC considers it a privilege to honor these deserving student-athletes and the coaches and staff who support them."
Over 2,000 players earned spots on the NABC Honors Court and over 300 programs received NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards for 2021-22. A full list of Honors Court recipients is available by clicking here.
For more information and updates on the University of San Francisco basketball program, be sure to follow the Dons on Twitter @USFDonsMBB, @USFDonsMBB on Instagram and @USFDonsMBB on Facebook.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Trio Earns WGCA All-America Scholar Honors
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Santa Clara women's golf sophomores Lauren Shew and Inara Sharma, as well as freshman Borina Sutikto, have been honored as 2021-22 Women's Golf Coaches Association All-America Scholars. The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics. The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.50.
Shew was honored for the second-straight season while Sharma and Sutikto each made their first appearance on the team.
Shew appeared in six events this season with a pair of top 10 finishes. Sharma was one of three Bronco golfers to play in all 10 events and led the squad at the WCC Championship with an eighth-place finish. Sutikto had a freshman campaign to remember as she posted a team-best eight top-20 finishes en route to tallying the fourth-lowest stroke average in program history (74.07) and garnering All-WCC honors.
Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
For a full report, click HERE.
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Sports Today has launched the careers of many
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps 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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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Empire House with jockey Brayan Pena win the California Governor's Cup $75,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:10.67. Trained by Jonathan Wong.
Owned by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds LLC.
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Portland Timbers 2
July 23, 2022
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Portland Timbers 2
Quakes return home to face RSL on July 30
PORTLAND, Ore. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Portland Timbers 2-1 on Saturday night at Providence Park.
The Quakes nearly scored on two separate occasions in the first 30 minutes – one on a curling effort by Cristian Espinoza and one on a header by Marcos Lopez – but were denied by spectacular saves from goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic both times.
Benji Kikanović got the Earthquakes on the board just before halftime. A clever set piece by San Jose played Espinoza through on goal. His low shot was saved but the clearance by a Timbers' defender was misplayed and found Kikanović alone at the back post for the tap-in.
Portland equalized eight minutes into the second half when a shot from distance was incidentally redirected by Jaroslaw Niezgoda past goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski. The Timbers then took the lead in the 71st minute on a header by Dairon Asprilla.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose to host Real Salt Lake on Saturday, July 30. The match will kick off from PayPal Park at 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
MEDIA ASSETS
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes currently hold a 5-9-7 record (22 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
- San Jose is now 9-17-4 all-time vs. the Portland Timbers, including a 0-12-4 record on the road.
- The Earthquakes are now 5-5-4 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.
- The Quakes led at halftime of a road match against the Timbers for just the third time in 16 visits to Portland.
- Benji Kikanović scored his third goal of the season and seventh of his MLS career. Kikanović has scored or assisted in four of the team’s five matches thus far during the month of July.
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season, Portland Timbers 2 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes, Saturday, July 23, 2022 – Providence Park in Portland, Ore., Attendance: 23,795
Scoring Summary: SJ (1-0) – Benji Kikanović (unassisted) 42’, POR (1-1) – Jaroslaw Niezgoda (Diego Chara, Eryk Williamson) 53’, POR (2-1) – Dairon Asprilla (Santiago Moreno, Yimmi Chara) 71’
Misconduct Summary: POR – Josecarlos Van Rankin (caution) 39’, POR – Yimmi Chara (caution) 40’, POR – Claudio Bravo (caution) 41’, SJ – Nathan (caution) 49’
POR – Dairon Asprilla (caution) 67’, SJ – Jackson Yueill (caution) 7
PORTLAND TIMBERS: Aljaz Ivacic; Josecarlos Van Rankin (Bill Tuiloma 76), Clausio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Larrys Mabiala; Eryk Williamson (Santiago Moreno 59), Diego Chara ©, Yimmi Chara, Dairon Asprilla (Felipe Mora 76), Marvin Loria (Cristhian Paredes 46); Jaroslaw Niezgoda (David Ayala 90+5). Substitutes not used: David Bingham (GK), Zachery McGraw, Pablo Bonilla, Nathan Fogaca.
SHOTS: 19; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 18; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 6
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Tommy Thompson (Paul Marie 61); Eric Remedi (Judson 61), Jamiro Monteiro, Jackson Yueill ©; Benji Kikanovic (Cade Cowell 77), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza. Substitutes not used: Matt Bersano (GK), Oskar Ågren, Ousseni Bouda, Jan Gregus, Jack Skahan, Niko Tsakiris.
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 9; SAVES: 3
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On the first half vs the second half:
“We had a very good first half. We had our chances to score here which is not easy. At halftime we were talking about that point, a critical point where the opponent is trying to push and pass that moment, and we needed to be ready to hold that part and control the game. They were going to press more and find more balls in behind. When we were going through that moment, they scored off a rebound and then we started to suffer a little bit. We were still able to create a couple chances to win the game with Cristian [Espinoza] and Cade [Cowell].”
On Benji Kikanović’s contributions:
“I think that Benji is doing very well the last few games so that’s why he keeps playing. He helps us by defending, he’s committed with the team, he’s a good header of the ball, he connects well between lines. That’s why he’s playing. That’s why we made that decision the last few games.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD BENJI KIKANOVIC
On what’s needed to reach the playoffs and competing for that MLS Cup:
“I just think as a whole group we need to stop leaking goals left and right, that starts from up front because we start the defense all the way to the back. If we are going to keep leaking goals like this then it’s not going to happen, playoffs are not going to happen. It sucks to say and I’m being blunt but it’s the honest truth, we can score, that’s not the problem. We can score but sometimes defensively I don’t know if we don’t concentrate enough, I couldn’t tell you what it is but it’s on every single one of us. We need to tighten up everywhere really, not just the back. It sucks for JT [Marcinkowski] because he’s making saves doing what he can, we’re all trying to do what we can, but we’re giving up goals. We just need to come together and figure it out.”
On if he has to expel too much energy defensively:
“It’s always tough but my job as winger is to go up and down so I can’t really complain, and I’ll do whatever I need to do for the team. If I need to be back more, I’ll be back more. If I need to be up more then I’ll be up more. Obviously I get tired, I can only run so much and wish I could not get tired, wish I could be like a horse just keep going up and down. It’s tough but you have to do it and help out your team in any way you can.”
www.sjearthquakes.com
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
RC Celta de Vigo 1
July 20, 2022
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Earthquakes head coach Alex Covelo watches as Celta defender and captain Hugo Mallo (#2) controls a pass. RC Celta de Vigo tied the San Jose Earthquakes 1–1 in an international friendly at PayPal Park on July 20, 2022 in San Jose, California. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Earthquakes defender Tommy Thompson (#22) leaps for the ball.
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Celta forward Iago Aspas (#10) falls after colliding with Earthquakes forward Ousseni Bouda (#25). © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Earthquakes goalkeeper Emi Ochoa (#41) with a comfortable save.
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Oakland Roots SC 0
Las Vegas Lights FC 2
July 23, 2022
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10-Man Roots Drop Three Points at Laney
In front of a 3,500+ crowd at Laney College, a 10-man Oakland Roots squad fell 2-0 to the Las Vegas Lights on Saturday night.
Roots probed against the Lights’ defense early and often; winger Edgardo Rito was particularly dangerous but the best chance of the half went to Darek Formella, who had a full volley saved by the Lights keeper in the 24th minute.
Roots made it an uphill battle in the 43rd minute when goalkeeper Paul Blanchette took down streaking Lights forward Caleb Jennings, and received a red card for the infraction. Roots coach Juan Guerra also received a red card in the moments after the red card was given to Blanchette.
Momentum shifted slightly in the Lights’ favor with its man-up advantage, but Roots’ defense held until the 53rd minute when forward Caleb Jennings found strike partner Daniel Trejo with a cross field pass, and the former Cal State Northridge forward buried the finish.
Twenty minutes later, the Lights doubled their lead when center back Tony Leone scored a header on the far post.
Oakland pushed on, but couldn’t find an answer against Las Vegas. Roots continue their playoff push at Laney College on Wednesday night, when they face Phoenix Rising FC.
Talking to First Assistant Coach Marcos Reina Torres
What are your thoughts on how the red card affected the match?
Yeah, it was another good game from the team when it was 11 vs. 11. But the red card changed everything — we had to defend and we didn't defend until they scored one. At 0-0 you can still be alive and then you can try and fight for at least a tie or a goal. It was difficult to manage. We switched to a 3-4-2 formation to press more and it kind of worked because we were playing near their goal. Not the way we like to play but a way that allowed us to be near their goal.
Heading into Wednesday without Juan at the helm, what do you do to prepare?
We will prepare for it as usual. Juan will be there at training so he will train us well — at the game he won't be there but we'll prepare the way we normally do, for an 11 vs. 11 game and we'll get a result.
Oakland Roots SC at Las Vegas Lights FC, USL Championship | July 23, 2022, Venue: Laney College, Oakland, California, Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT, Weather: 67 degrees, clear
SCORELINE: OAK: 0, LV: 2
SCORING SUMMARY: LV: 53’ Daniel Trejo, LV: 73’ Tony Leone
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: OAK: 43’ Paul Blanchette (red card), OAK: 44’ Juan Guerra (red card)
OAk: 65’ Jose Hernandez (yellow card), OAK: 79’ Alejandro Fuenmayor (yellow card), LV: 81’ Alejandro Lara (yellow card), LV: 81’ Jorge Almaguer (yellow card)
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Danny Barbir (Johnny Rodriguez), Emrah Klimenta, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Edgardo Rito (Memo Diaz), Matías Fissore (Tarek Morad), José Hernández, Juan Azocar, Mikael Johnsen (Taylor Bailey), Darek Formella (Charlie Dennis), Óttar Magnús Karlsson
Unused subs: Ariel Mbumba, Jesús Enríquez
Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 7 | Offside: 0 |
LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC LINEUP: Abraham Romero, Mohamed Traore, Alejandro Lara, Morten Bjørshol, Tony Leone, Alvaro Quezada, Daniel Crisostomo (c), Frank Daroma (Christopher Jaime), Daron Iskenderian (Jorge Almaguer), Daniel Trejo (Nathan Ordaz), Caleb Jennings (Dekel Keinan))
Unused subs: Tomas Romero, Chase Bromstedt, Christian Torres
Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 9 | Offside: 5 |
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Danny Russo Joins WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as Communications Manager
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is proud to
announce Danny Russo has joined as the
Communications Manager
Danny grew up in car-crazy Southern California and has been immersed in the world of car culture and racing since he was 10 years old. After graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Communications in 2008, Danny built a successful career in sales and marketing, where he honed his writing and communication skills. After marrying in 2012, Danny and his wife Michelle lived all over the West Coast with their three rescued terriers, in epic locations like Monterey, Portland, and Southern California.
While building his career in sales, Danny also wrote blogs and website copy for automotive clients worldwide. In 2018 he took his passion full time, and he struck out on his own with Michelle and started an automotive freelance writing business. Over the course of hundreds of blogs and articles, Danny began to make a name for himself as an automotive and motorsports enthusiast, who could also craft compelling yet informative copy for automotive companies. This expertise allowed the business to thrive and organically grow to include some of the best brands in the industry.
Danny’s passion for motorsports, the Monterey Peninsula, and preserving America’s racing heritage pushed him to apply for the Communications role at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. As a passionate fan of events like the Monterey Historics, Indycar, and more, Danny will bring his passion for telling compelling stories and his sales and marketing skills together with his love of automotive culture to tell Laguna Seca’s story to journalists, and race fans from all over the world.
“It’s a dream to work for a track with the historic pedigree of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. From playing racing simulators as a teenager to visiting the track as an adult, Laguna Seca has always lived in my mind as a place where dreams are made. I’m proud to tell the story and be part of the team that helps Laguna Seca grow and thrive in this pivotal role.”
As part of the Marketing and Digital team, Danny will work closely with Barry Toepke, director of heritage events and public relations, and John Narigi, president and general manager. “We are very pleased to welcome Danny to the dynamic team where we will greatly benefit from his expertise and passion,” Narigi said. “His first day coincided with the opening day of MotoAmerica racing and he jumped right in.”
For all media inquiries, please contact Danny at RussoD@Laguna-Seca.com.
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Oakland Spiders 22
LA Aviators 19
July 23, 2022
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Looking to be out of position, but with size and most importantly the reach advantage, Max Williams (#87) comes down with the scoring disc late in the second quarter, as the Oakland Spiders hosted the Los Angeles Aviators at Fremont High School in Oakland, CA on Saturday, July 23.
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Always on the field having played 22 points in the game, co-captain Keenan Laurence (#51) uses his size and position to block out the defenders to take in the throw midfield, keeping the offensive momentum going. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Team general manager and sometime player Jackson Stearns (#21) has taken to the mic to be the master of ceremonies, announcing all the home games this season. His witty banter and insight to the game made the guest experience very entertaining. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Leading the cheer to appreciate the home team crowd after the game,
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GAA Football Hurling
July 23, 2022
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Tipperary (blue) edged St. Peter's Hurling of San Diego (red) 7–15 (36) to 6–17 (35) in a friendly match earlier this afternoon at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on July 23, 2022 in San Francisco, California. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Culver City Cougars (white) over Eire Og (orange) 3–10 (19) to 0–12 (12) in a Gaelic football match earlier this afternoon at San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on July 23, 2022 in San Francisco, California. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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St. Peter's Hurling of San Diego vs. St. Joseph's Hurling in a friendly match earlier this afternoon at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on July 23, 2022 in San Francisco, California. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox
was ejected 162 times
https://bit.ly/3J2nO1x will take you to a list showing the top 15 managers for ejection. Six of the top 10 are
Hall of Famers.
That reminds me, Red Sox player xtraordinaire
David 'Papi' Ortiz was inducted into the Hall of Fame
this past weekend.
Go Red Sox!
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, July 25, through
Sunday, July 31, 2022
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Monday, July 25
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, July 26
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, July 27
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks 12:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 12:37 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 28
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 6:45 p.m.
Friday, July 29
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 7:15 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Chicago White Sox, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland Spiders @ LA Aviators, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 30
San Francisco Giants v. Chicago Cubs, 6:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Chicago White Sox, 4:15 p.m
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 7 p.m.
Oakland Spiders @ San Diego Growlers, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 4:08 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Chicago White Sox, 11:10 a.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
4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
with questions or to order.
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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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