Monday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021
Issue No. 407
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Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today!
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: Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez,
T. Buff
Contact us at: TheUltimateSportsGuide@gmail.com
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Letters to the Editor
Attention 49er Fans: It's Our Fault!
They finally figured it out. With no more players to criticize, and even a rare "D" GRADE handed out to Shanahan in the most recent "49er postgame" or whatever this 30-minute package was called, they finally reached the only possible answer. It's the FAN'S FAULT! We don't make enough noise, we don't arrive on time, we go indoors for food, the stadium doesn't work, blah, blah, blah.
Just a big "JE NE SAIS QUOI" from the two "experts" on their LA-Z-BOY
Lounge chairs, so it must be THE FANS.
The 49er postgame shows get a D-. (I'll save the F for the make-up exam after Monday Night Football.) Otherwise, the only conclusion, to use their own logic, is it must be THEIR fault. It's either Groupie Day after a win, or OCD after a loss, with a hearty, "Everybody stunk, from the O-Line to the secondary."
At least they finally let Shanahan into that club. How observant! Meanwhile, just kick back, relax, continue to Shill Out for Trey, and we, the FANS, will try and do better.
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
From A Non-Sports Nut
Ok. I’m a fully (non) paid up subscriber. Honestly, I've never really been a sports fan, but I still enjoy good journalism and creative writing. Very comprehensive! I did like the haikus. And, the article about Rodgers. What an a**hole. I heard that State Farm is sticking with him. Sad.
Les Bennis
Boynton Beach, Florida
Praise
I love the good read that is the Ultimate Sports Guide. Always good even though I disagree on beards. I never bought Rock Hudson’s beard. Danny Kaye and his librettist spouse Sylvia Fine were each other’s beards even adopting a kid for perception’s sake.
Patric Mayers
Rancho Mirage
Impressed
I cannot put into words how much I appreciate your publishing vision. This guide just gets better and better. Great stories in the last one and I don't know where you will go next, but knowing you, you'll come up something. Can't wait until next week to check back.
With respect.
Arif Khatib
Founder and President Emeritus
Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Author: In the Shadow of Obscurity
Film Producer: Because They Believed
Oakland, CA
(See Letters to the Editor continued below...)
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears 67, UC San Diego Tritons 80 (Men's Basketball)
Cal Bears 70, USF Dons 41 (Women's Basketball)
Cal Bears 1, Stanford Cardinal 1 (Men's Soccer)
Oakland Roots SC 0, Orange County SC 0, PK
San Jose State Spartans 17, Utah State Aggies 48
USF Dons 65, Davidson Wildcats 60 (Men's Basketball)
Features
Sports Haikus©️
Wardell the Warrior, by Pete Elman
Warriors Off To A Great Start, by Bruce Macgowan
With Andy Dolich on the Fraser River, British Columbia
Organizations
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
San Francisco Giants
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Farhan Zaidi named MLB's 2021
Executive of the Year
San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, whose Club posted the best record in the game during the regular season, has been named the recipient of MLB’s 2021 Executive of the Year Award, MLB announced during the annual General Managers Meetings. The official Award bestowed by MLB resulted from voting among the 30 Clubs, each of which cast a vote prior to the start of the Postseason. The runner-up for the 2021 honor was the 2019 recipient, Tampa Bay Rays President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander, while Milwaukee Brewers President of Baseball Operations
David Stearns finished third.
Zaidi just completed his third season as head of the franchise’s baseball operations. With a 107-55 record, the 2021 Giants assembled the best regular season in franchise history – spanning 139 regular seasons of play –surpassing the 1904 New York Giants (106-47-5). San Francisco edged out the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who were 106-56, for the National League West crown. Their 107 wins were the most by an NL team since the 1986 New York Mets won 108 games, which tied the 1975 Cincinnati Reds for the most wins in the NL in the divisional era (1969-present). The Giants became the first NL team with a .600 or better winning percentage in every month of the season since the 1942 Brooklyn Dodgers.
The Giants hit 241 homers in 2021, the most in franchise history for a single-season and the most in the NL this season – including 111 that either gave the Giants the lead or tied the game (88 go-ahead and 23 game-tying), the most in the Majors. Ten different players hit 10 homers or more this season, the most in MLB, and a Major League record 17 different players hit at least five home runs. The Giants’ pitching staff finished the season with the second-best ERA (3.24) in the Majors, including an MLB-best 2.99 ERA in relief, and issued the fewest amount of walks of any team in the Majors (416). As a team defensively, the Giants registered 27 outs above average this season (per Statcast), tied for fifth most in the Majors. Zaidi acquisitions who contributed to the Giants’ success included All-Star pitcher Kevin Gausman, fellow starting pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood, closer Jake McGee, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, outfielder/first baseman Darin Ruf, infielder Wilmer Flores and All-Star infielder/outfielder Kris Bryant, who came to the Giants in a trade at this year’s July 30th deadline.
MLB began its official Executive of the Year Award at the conclusion of the 2018 season, with Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics earning the inaugural honors, followed by Neander in 2019 and Andrew Friedman of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
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Giants extend contract for Manager Gabe Kapler through 2024
San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi announced that the team has extended the contract of Manager
Gabe Kapler through the 2024 season. Terms of the agreement
were not disclosed.
Kapler, 46, completed his second season as the manager of the Giants after joining the organization prior to the 2020 campaign. The team has posted a 136-86 (.613) record in his two seasons at the helm. Kapler, who guided the Giants to a franchise-record 107 wins in 2021, is one of three finalists for NL Manager of the Year, joining Milwaukee’s Craig Counsell and St. Louis’ Mike Shildt. Kapler has already been named the 2021 NL Manager of the Year by The Sporting News.
“Gabe has done an extraordinary job in his role as Field Manager over the past two seasons, is a key contributor to our front office, and the Giants organization takes great pride in his active engagement with the community,” said Zaidi. “Coming off a season in which his work and leadership were instrumental to our success, it was a high priority for us to provide a level of stability and certainty to our continued partnership. We’re thrilled about this announcement.”
Widely projected to finish behind the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West this past season, Kapler led the 2021 Giants to a 107-55 record, their best regular season mark in franchise history, spanning 139 regular seasons of play. The Giants earned their sixth NL West title and first since 2012, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers by 1.0 game.
“I’m honored to work for the San Francisco Giants and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to build on the work of the last two years,” said Kapler. “There is nowhere I’d rather be, and I am excited to continue preparing with the entire organization.”
Prior to joining the Giants, Kapler spent two seasons as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies (2018-2019) and before that was the Director of Player Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers from November 2014 until he was named the Phillies manager in October 2017.
As a player, Kapler played in parts of 12 seasons in the Majors from 1998-2010 with Detroit (1998-1999), Texas (2000-2002), Colorado (2002-03), Boston (2003-2006), Milwaukee (2008) and Tampa Bay (2009-2010). A former 57th-round pick by Detroit in 1995, Kapler batted .268 over 1,104 career games with 176 doubles, 82 home runs and 386 RBI. In 2004, Kapler played in a career-best 136 games while hitting .272 for the eventual World Champion Boston Red Sox. His playing career also included a 38-game stint for the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional League in 2005 before returning to
Boston later that season.
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Posey ends career with a Silver Slugger win
Buster Posey earned his fifth career Silver Slugger Award as one of the NL's best offensive players this season, one last piece of hardware to close out a stellar career.
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Crawford's superb season nets 4th Gold Glove
Brandon Crawford, who won three straight Gold Glove Awards from 2015-17, was again named the NL's top defensive shortstop, tying him for third-most Gold Gloves in franchise history.
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A's to Induct Ray Fosse into Athletics
Hall of Fame in 2022
Two-time Major League All-Star catcher and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ray Fosse will be enshrined in Athletics history forever as a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Fosse joins four-time All-Star "Captain Sal" Bando, Gold Glovers Eric Chavez and Joe Rudi, Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman, and A's Clubhouse Manager Steve Vucinich as members of the Class of 2022.
In 1971, Fosse was named starting catcher for the American League All-Star team and received his second Rawlings Gold Glove. He was traded to the Oakland A's in 1973 and played for the 1973 and 1974 World Champions in Oakland.
From 1986 to 2021, Fosse served as a color commentator for the Oakland A's and occasionally on the A's radio broadcast. He won an Emmy Award for Broadcasting in 2003, and he was nominated for the Ford C. Frick Award in 2004.
Ray and his wife, Carol, were married on April 4, 1970, and celebrated their 51st anniversary in 2021. They have two married daughters and four grandchildren. Ray passed away on Oct. 13, 2021, after a 16-year battle with cancer.
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Chapman and Murphy Named Rawlings Gold Glove Winners
It's official! Huge congrats to third baseman Matt Chapman and catcher Sean Murphy who have been named Rawlings Gold Glove
Award winners.
Chapman, 28, led Major League third basemen with a .987 fielding percentage (440-for-446), ranked first in total chances (446) and putouts (166), ranked second in double plays (38), and was fourth in assists (274). The putouts are the most by a third baseman since Darrell Evans had 185 for Atlanta in 1974 and the third most in Oakland history (Sal Bando had 188 in 1968, 178 in 1969). His .9865 fielding percentage fell just shy of the Oakland record of .9872 (386-for-391) set by Eric Chavez in 2006.
Murphy, 27, tied for third among Major League catchers in defensive runs saved (10) and ranked fourth among American League catchers in ERA (3.99) and games started (104). His 17 home runs are the most by an A’s catcher since Stephen Vogt also hit 17 in 2015 and are the sixth most in Oakland history while playing catcher.
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Curry is presently averaging over four rebounds a game |
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Warriors
Off To A Great Start
by Bruce Macgowan
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The Warriors have the best record in the NBA. Really?
While it may seem hard to believe, that’s the reality as the team plays its first extended road trip this week with a four-game eastern swing.
Yes, the Warriors have benefited from a weak early season schedule. Home games against lesser lights such as New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Houston helped them build an 11-2 record and turn a lot of heads.
The central figure in this success has once again been star guard Stephen Curry. A virtual magician on the court, Curry looks as good as ever. It’s true, Curry is 33, a time when most NBA stars are on the downside. But this guy is at the top of his game. Recent explosions that featured games of 50 and 40 points respectively were prime exhibits of that.
The man’s terrific court vision, his deadly outside shooting, his deft passing and his solid defense make him one of the best all-time. But perhaps what sets Curry apart from other guys is his work ethic and his constant motion on the court. Focus your eyes on Curry for a minute during a game and you’ll see him always on the move, looking for a good scoring opportunity, trying to find a teammate who has a good shot, slithering his way between much bigger defenders for a cross-under layup, or helping on defense.
Curry reminds one a bit of the great Hall of Fame star John Havlicek of Boston. ‘Hondo’ used to tell reporters that much of his success had to do with the fact that he was constantly moving about the court. The dizzying pace at which Havlicek played wore down opposing players. Curry seems to have taken a page from Havlicek’s playbook.
Curry may have also benefited by missing much of the Covid-shortened 2019-2020 season and playing in a shortened schedule last year. After perhaps some much needed time off, Curry’s career was rejuvenated as he came back hungrier and more determined than ever. The results show. One might draw a parallel between Curry’s situation and what the Giants' recently retired Buster Posey experienced this past year, after Posey took the 2020 season off to help his wife raise two adopted twins.
But the Warriors are hardly a one-man team, and coach Steve Kerr has a terrific group of players he moves into and out of the lineup each night.
As usual, Draymond Green is the vocal leader, and he keeps his Warrior cohorts in line. Draymond won’t hesitate to ream out a teammate for making a foolish mistake. The other night he snapped at guard Jordan Poole for not getting back on defense.
Green is a grinder and a tough defender who muscles his way inside to get rebounds and block shots. But he’s more fun to watch in the open court where he will sometimes take the ball end-to-end for a layup.
We mentioned Jordan Poole earlier, and his sudden development into a fine outside shooter and backcourt mate for Curry should be noted. Poole’s play has helped ease the sting of Klay Thompson’s absence, and it will also give Kerr the luxury of bringing Thompson along more cautiously when the brilliant defender and perimeter shooter returns, probably around Christmas time.
Andrew Wiggins meanwhile, finally seems to be living up to the hype of top draft pick. His season high was 35 the other night against his former Minnesota team, including 24 points in the first half. Wiggins has also exhibited amazing athleticism as he has shown by flying high over defenders for awe-inspiring dunks.
In addition to these players, there is the hard working and often overlooked Kevon Looney, who seems to have finally shaken off an early career injury bug and has become the ‘enforcer’ inside. Looney routinely does the dirty work, blocking shots and scrapping for rebounds underneath.
The Warriors have also developed a terrific rotation of bench players, something that has been missing since their title winning years.
Andre Iguodala has returned and has blended leadership skills with flashes of his former on-court brilliance that made him a key player in the title-winning years.
Yugoslavian Nemanja Bjelica, a muscular 6’9 forward, is another ‘blue collar’ defender and facilitator, much in the same mold as former Warriors center Andrew Bogut.
Gary Payton II, after a sojourn around the league, seems to have found a home and is occasionally reminding older fans of his father Gary, one of the game’s premier defenders.
Otto Porter Jr. is another guy who adds size and experience off the bench and Damion Lee continues to quietly improve and earn more minutes.
And 19-year-old rookie Jonathan Kuminga may have earned more time after a breakout performance in the home stand finale vs. Chicago.
With Thompson and young center James Wiseman not far from returning, how good will the Warriors be? If they stay relatively healthy it certainly isn’t far-fetched to predict a return to the NBA Finals.
* * *
Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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San Jose State Spartans 17
Utah State Aggies 48
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A video tribute to San José's SID Lawrence Fan, who has worked 500 games for the University. Utah State defeated San José State, 48–17, in a Mountain West Conference game at CEFCU Stadium on November 13, 2021 in San Jose, California. © 2021 Alex Ho.
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San José State cornerback Kenyon Reed (#18) returns an interception 58 yards and a touchdown to open the scoring in the contest. © 2021 Alex Ho.
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San José State cornerback Kenyon Reed (#18) celebrates his interception and touchdown with linebacker Rico Tolefree (#16). © 2021 Alex Ho.
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Utah State cornerback Michael Anyanwu (#22) slows down San José State running back Kairee Robinson (#32) during a 20-yard kickoff return in the second quarter. © 2021 Alex Ho.
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Cal Bears 67
UC San Diego Tritons 80
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Letting loose a no-look pass to feed Andre Kelly near the basket, Cal guard Joel Brown (#1) delivered on target, as the Golden Bears hosted the UC San Diego Tritons on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. Cal suffered its first loss of the season, 67-80. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Taking aim for a long two point shot, fifth year forward Grant Anticevich (#15) casts away. Anticevich finished with four points. Caption and photo
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Who is the only NBA player (a Warrior!) to retire with more career blocked shots than points scored?
(See answer below...)
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California Golden Bears freshman guard Jayda Curry scored 27 points to lead the Bears to a 70-41 victory over the USF Dons at Chase Center on Saturday, November 13. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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USF guard Ioanna Krimili scored 15 points to lead the Dons.
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"Good things come to those who wait"
and we have decided we don't want to wait any longer. The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Reopening October 1st. We will be open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, 3pm til close. Friday through Sunday 12pm til close. Look forward to seeing all your smiling faces once again.
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Cal Bears 1
Stanford Cardinal 1 (2OT)
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In pregame activities Cal seniors were honored by family members (L to R): Lucas Churchill (#12), Alonzo Del Mundo (#17), Christopher Grey (#16), Chris Gustini (#1), Dylan Penn (#5), and Ian Lonergan (#4). Cal played host to the Stanford Cardinal on Thursday afternoon, November 11 at Edwards Stadium
in Berkeley. The Big Clasico would end in a 1-1 tie after two overtimes.
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Using his head, Stanford defender Keegan Hughes (#5, center) has an excellent scoring opportunity in the first half but is denied by the Cal goalkeeper Chris Gustini. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Scoring his first NCAA goal as a senior in his last home game, Christopher Grey (#16) gave Cal the lead at the 19th minute of the game.
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Stanford midfielder Keegan Tingey (#3, left) gets a close shot off in front of the Cal goalkeeper Chris Gustini who blocked the attempt and kept the score knotted at 1-1. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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With Andy Dolich on the Fraser River, British Columbia |
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To celebrate the reopening of the Canadian border for us Yanks,
I decided to head to British Columbia recently and go fishing. I was lucky enough to live in Vancouver in 1999-2000 when I worked for the Vancouver Grizzlies, before the team relocated to Memphis.
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Heading out on the Fraser River on October 22 from Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia. Photo by Dave Doroghy.
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Andy and guide Jordi Williams with a six foot white sturgeon on the Fraser River in British Columbia moments before releasing him.
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Dave, Brian and Andy with a teenage white sturgeon For more information contact: BC Sportfishing Group at info@bcsportfishinggroup.com. 977-796-3345. Photo by Dave Doroghy.
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USF Dons 65
Davidson Wildcats 60
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USF Dons guard Jamaree Bouyea tallied 14 points, five rebounds, and four steals as the Dons defeated the Davidson Wildcats, 65-60, at Chase Center on Saturday, November 13. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Senior guard Khalil Shabazz registered six of the Dons' 13 steals on the night.
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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 entry will be published!
Congratulations to AMIR ALAMI, Senior Manager of Treasury
at Ripple, San Francisco
for his Haiku entry for this new issue of Sports Today! As promised, as winner, Mr. Alami's Haiku entry, which uses Golf as a metaphor for our global society, is published below. Thank you, Amir, for your participation and your words of wisdom.
Bryson DeChambeau
and Brooks Koepka are friends now
Can we have world peace?
(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.
To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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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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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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Stanford Business School
Winter, 2022
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High-Performing Teams:
Lessons from the Sports World
According to basketball legend Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Without organization-wide teamwork, leadership, and trust, sustaining a championship level of performance—in sports or business—is highly unlikely. How do leaders of the most successful sports franchises overcome the hurdles of free agency, arcane rules, injuries, egos, salary battles, operational challenges, and the human element? How can these lessons be effectively applied to every type of business?
In this course, we will look at how sports organizations achieve smooth and superior transitions from year to year, especially after the rigors of championship seasons. Difference makers in the world of sports, including team executives, general managers, athletic directors, coaches, media observers, and athletes, will discuss the elements necessary to create and maintain elite-performing organizations, and reveal how a prevailing commonality among all of them includes a powerful culture. Students will leave the course able to apply broad relevant concepts to their challenges, such as alignment of goals, adherence to culture, and pervasive interactive communication, as well as numerous operational pearls of wisdom from guest experts.
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting; EVP, Fan Controlled Football
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won’t Go Pro and LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
BUS 209
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:50 pm (PT)
10 weeks, January 12 – March 16
2 units, $640
Refund Deadline: January 14
Course Format: Live Online
Registration begins 11/29
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Curry scores 50 points to go with 10 assists in the Warriors win over the Atlanta Hawks, 127-113, on November 8 at Chase Center
Wardell the Warrior
by Pete Elman
They drafted him out of Davidson in 2009, taking a chance on a kid, who despite his small stature and baby face had a most impressive set of collegiate stats. But it was also his DNA that attracted the Warriors. Son of an NBA player and a strong, God-fearing athletic Mom, Wardell Stephen Curry II had the bloodlines.
He had a slow start, with ankle issues that seemed to have resolved, in no small part thanks to his disciplined workout regimen. The first few years under Mark Jackson were shaky, but there were positive signs. Then in 2011 Klay showed up, and the next year Draymond to solidify the nucleus, one that has been strong enough to withstand seven years of being the hunted; the team that every other team circles on their calendar.
When Steve Kerr took over, everything changed. The first title was a revelation, although not entirely unexpected. But then the 2016 finals debacle happened, with LeBron earning an Oscar for impersonating someone with character. The league decided that they needed a villain, so they chose Draymond, a move that will hopefully torment them for decades, as Dray moves up the ladder from probable Hall of Famer to possibly a head coaching job, maybe a GM job, and perhaps along the way a TV analyst who has forgotten more about basketball than Shaq, Chuck and Kenny put together ever knew.
On Independence Day, 2016, the “Hijack in the Hamptons,” when, as Kerr, Steph, Klay, Dray and Andre Iguodala were leaving after making their pitch to free agent Kevin Durant, Green looked back at the house and hollered, “You comin’ Bob?” to Bob Myers. The GM turned to Durant, who was standing at the door. “One more thing, Kevin,” he said, “Would it be okay if Mr. West called you?”
With those nine words the die was cast and two more titles were easily secured—and it would have been three without the injuries to KD and Klay in the 2019 finals against Toronto. In other words, the Warriors should have won five in a row.
For a dozen years now there has always been one constant; Steph. Naysayers say he’s washed up, that his brilliant season in 2020-21 was an anomaly, the last hurrah of a once-great champ on a once-great team—how can this 6’3” guy be worth 46 million a season? Maybe they should come over to my house and watch him play a few games before asking that stupid question. Moreover, it’s a bargain.
"No NBA athlete has a larger contingent of fans at every arena, lining up hoping for a glimpse, if not an autograph,” wrote Monte Poole, “and why 9-year-old girls feel comfortable enough to write letters asking for his help – and actually get it."
We saw how last season ended; eight guys suited up each night for the last 20 games and yet they barely missed the playoffs, thanks to Steph’s late-season heroics. Fast-forward to Monday, November 8, 2021, in S.F., against Atlanta: This was a night to remember: I’m back and I’m ‘bout to go nuclear on yo’ ass.
Curry’s stat line: 35 minutes: 14-28 from the field; 9-19 on treys; 10 assists; 7 rebounds; 3 steals; 1 block; 2 turnovers; 0 fouls; a plus-minus of +31; 50 points. Swarming defense, no-look passes, dunk-lobs,
37-footers, you name it. The guy was unstoppable. The Hawks never saw the punch coming. In the words of Barack Obama, Steph was clownin’.
In the future, when they read off the local honor roll; Mays, Marichal, McCovey, Bonds and Posey; Catfish, Reggie, Rickey and Eck; Montana, Rice, Young and Lott; the Snake, Tatum, Upshaw and Woodson; and Wilt, Rick, Nate and Mully, there will be one who will stand above all of them.
One whose praises the poets will sing, not just years or decades from now, but centuries from now. Who do you pick first for your playground dream team? Oscar, Kareem, Larry, Magic, MJ, Kobe, LeBron? Up until 2015 my answer would have been Pistol Pete Maravich. But now, there is no question. I’ll take number 30, the greatest shooter and the most exciting team player of all time.
How about this 11-2 team? And they should have won the only game they lost. How many people a month ago could have seen this coming? Seven wins in a row in which they outscored their opponents by 150 points. It’s starting to look like 2015. Curry’s mission? To get that fourth ring. It isn’t about stats, or awards, or money for him. It’s about winning. He is no longer the “baby-faced assassin” for whom the fans chant “MVP!” He has given notice to the NBA that he means business--so get outta the way.
We are witnessing the power and the glory that is Wardell the Warrior. The Nullifier is 33 and on the loose, and he’s got that look in his eyes. Watch out.
Pete Elman
Oakland, the real home of Dub Nation
November 15, 2021
* * * * *
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. For earlier articles by Elman published in Sports Today!, click HERE.
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Curry scored 45 points as the Warriors held off the Los Angeles Clippers,
115-113, on October 21
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Dr. Pescado with jockey Pedro Terrero with the Golden Nugget $65,000 Added with a time of 1:11.51. Trained by Felix Rondan. Owned by Ruben Arechiga or Felix Rondan. Photo: Shane Micheli/ Vassar Photography. |
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Letters to the Editor cont... |
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More Fortunate Than Others
We live in a place (San Francisco Bay Area) where EVERY major league/major sport team that was here won all the marbles, at least once, in recent years --- Giants, A's, 49ers, Raiders, Warriors. (I think the only other place in the USA where maybe that's true is Boston, and it took a century for them to close the circle with the Red Sox.)
AND I come from a place where two of our Bay Area teams played and never won it all, a city about which I once told a guy from Chicago (with factual accuracy, if added humor), "Yeah yeah -- our team cheer for ALL teams in Philly -- from the first game of each season -- was 'Wait till next year.' " (That was before the Philly Fliers.)
AND THIS -- the Chron calls the 49ers-Arizona game a "disappointment." Yeah, well you only call something a disappointment when you have reason to expect for better.
Teams win and teams lose, it's natural, but our teams, even in bad years, most often win than lose. And when you're winning, every bad team sets their sights on making the season okay if they can just beat the top dogs once.
That was, in retrospect, my point. We've gotten to enjoy championship years with every one of our teams. (And with a lot better weather than Boston.)
Howard Pearlstein (not afraid of being an optimist)
Oakland, CA
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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American Legion Riders District 28 volunteer at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Local organization raises funds to help those in need
MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 2, 2021 – As fans and guests entering the beautiful Laguna Seca Recreation Area pass through the entry gate or drive along Perimeter Road toward their designated parking area, they’re met with the smiling faces of volunteers.
Many local organizations volunteer directing traffic to ensure everyone from families to race competitors to campers can safely enter and exit the property. One such group is the American Legion Riders District 28.
These people aren’t paid, they’re volunteers. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca makes a donation to their organization as a thank you for their hard work, but these individuals are here because they love giving back to the community.
“It’s a way for us to bring money into our organization to help out our local veterans,” said ALR District 28 President Greg Martin. “We started out doing tickets, and then the last couple of years we’ve done traffic control and helmet check (during the GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey). We take pride in everything we do as a group. We really like going out there, and we want to make sure we’re doing it right.”
ALR District 28 are members of the American Legion who are also avid motorcycle enthusiasts. They are committed to supporting U.S. military veterans and their families, as well as veteran oriented causes. ALR members can be found conducting honor escorts and flag lines, participating in parades, partaking in a vast array of motorcycling events, and supporting the community.
2021 was the fourth year the ALR has volunteered at WeatherTech Raceway during large events. Anybody who has driven into the facility during race weekend knows how challenging it can be to keep the traffic running smoothly. On event days, you can usually find the ALR team volunteering from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“There are definitely some race fans in our group, but our number one goal is to support the community,” Martin said. “Our experiences at Laguna Seca have been very good – this year was better than the year before, and it just keeps getting better every year we go out there. I would encourage anybody to go volunteer there – it’s a great opportunity to give back and it’s a lot of fun.”
ALR Treasurer Sean MacMillan – like Martin – is in the third and final year of his term serving in that position. Although new members will take over as president and treasurer next spring, Martin and MacMillan have cultivated a successful relationship with WeatherTech Raceway since 2018.
“Volunteering at Laguna Seca is extremely important because it’s the source of a lot of revenue for the different projects we have for our veterans,” MacMillan said. “Volunteering at Laguna Seca has increased what we’re able to bring in, multiple times over. That extra revenue has allowed us to do things that we haven’t been able to do before and has increased the amount we can give to our regular projects.”
The number of projects ALR District 28 helps to fund is astounding. Their proceeds from volunteering at WeatherTech Raceway go to several important causes.
This fall, they will donate time and money to the Food Bank For Monterey County to help feed those in need during the holidays. They will also contribute to the KSBW Share Your Holiday Fundraiser with the Salvation Army to collect donations of gifts, food, and cash for the community, while also supporting Wreaths Across America, which assists with placing wreaths at Monterey Cemetery.
Each February, the ALR organizes a Veterans Suicide Awareness Run, which aims to raise awareness and fights to end suicide among veterans. Their last run collected more than $10,000 that went to local veteran funds.
“This is an outstanding group of people who selflessly volunteer their time to help their community and fellow veterans, and we couldn’t be happier to have a partnership with them,” John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, said of the ALR. “They do a great job for us at the track, and we know our donation to their organization helps people in need.”
MacMillan has enjoyed volunteering at WeatherTech Raceway and urges other service clubs and individual volunteers to join in on the fun.
“There’s nothing like volunteering at Laguna Seca – it’s the place where we devote the most days and hours when volunteering,” he said. “I would wholeheartedly recommend other clubs and groups volunteer at Laguna Seca. In fact, I’ve tried to help find other groups to come out to Laguna Seca so that they too can receive donations which can positively impact the community.”
For more information on ALR District 28, click here.
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Oakland Roots SC 0
Orange County SC 0, PK
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Roots Fall to Orange County in Penalty Shootout
Oakland Roots traveled down to Southern California for the Western Conference Semifinal and their fifth game against Orange County SC in the 2021 season. Roots had lost the four previous meetings but coming off their win against the top seed in the Mountain Division last week, anything is possible. Both sides played somewhat conservative in the first half for fear of conceding the opening goal. Chances were slim, but Memo Diaz had a great strike in the thirtieth minute that was just off target. Orange County led in possession going into the half, certainly something Head Coach Jordan Ferrell would look to change to start the second half.
The second half was a much different story as Roots came out looking to control the game and found themselves constantly in the attacking third and more than doubling their shots on goal. This forced Orange County to sit back and play more conservatively, midway through the half they looked to bring on some more offensive firepower but it wasn’t enough against the strong defensive front of Oakland. Even with four minutes of stoppage time, both teams were unable to find the game-changing goal, forcing the Western Conference Semifinal into extra time.
The first half of stoppage saw both teams doing their best to keep the pressure up and attack the ball. In the 97th minute the game saw its first yellow card of the game off a tackle from Akeem Ward. The intensity continued to grow and just a few minutes later tempers flared as both Roots and Orange County players got into a short shoving match after a foul from Orange County. Fatigue started to set in at the start of the second half of extra time as the teams exchanged fouls and free kicks without much cohesion from either side. After 120 minutes of play, the season was on the line with a penalty shootout.
This was to be the first penalty shootout in Oakland Roots history. Yohannes Harish was subbed on with just seconds left to play in extra time, surely he was to be one of the selected few to take a kick. Roots were first to shoot, with Tarek Morad easily finding the back of the net. On their next turn, Jeremy Bokila did the same. Throughout the shootout, goalkeeper Paul Blanchette would guess the correct side but was unable to come up with a stop. Veteran Joseph Nane, as well as Ariel Mbumba and Yohannes Harish all would score, bringing things to sudden death. Akeem Ward took the sixth shot and was blocked by OC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky. OC striker Ronaldo Damus was up next, he pulled a classic stutter step but was blocked by Paul Blanchette. Unfortunately Blanchette was called for coming off his line too early. On the rekick, Damus would score, ending the Roots inaugural season in the USL Championship.
Oakland Roots SC vs Orange County SC, USL Championship | November 13, 2021, Venue: Championship Stadium, Irvine, CA, Kickoff: 7:00 PM PST,
Weather: 72 degrees
SCORELINE: 1 2 ET FT PK
OC. 0 0 0 0 6
OAK 0 0 0 0 5
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: OAK: Akeem Ward (Yellow 97')
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Matias Fissore (Max Ornstil), Jesus Enriquez (Jeremy Bokila), Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez (Ariel Mbumba), Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz (Travian Sousa) (Yohannes Harish), Quincy Amarikwa, Kai Greene, Johnny Rodriguez (Tarek Morad) Unused Substitutes: Taylor Bailey
Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 18 | Offside: 3 |
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: Damus, Mines (Enevoldsen), Iloski (Kuningas), Calvillo (Caspile), Mccabe (Okoli), Powers, Smith (Jones), Richards, Orozco, Alston, Rakovsky; Unused Substitutes: Romero, Apodaca
Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 29 | Offside: 4 |
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Manute Bol
At 7 feet 6¾ inches, Manute Bol was among the best shot-blockers in the history of the sport, but he was extremely slender, which limited his offensive capability. In his first season with the Golden State Warriors, Bol attempted a career-high 91 three-pointers, making only 20. During this time, he may have helped popularize
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11 years since he died at age 47.
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Monday, Nov. 15 through
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Monday, November 15
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, November 16
Golden State Warriors @ Brooklyn Nets, 4:40 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, November 17
Thursday, November 18
Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ St. Louis Blues, 5 p.m.
Friday, November 19
Golden State Warriors @ Detroit Pistons, 4:30 p.m.
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San Jose Sharks @ Washington Capitals, 7:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Cal Bears, 4 p.m.
Sunday, November 21
San Francisco 49ers @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 10 a.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:05 p.m.
Golden State Warriors v. Toronto Raptors, 5:30 p.m.
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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.
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