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Monday, Apr. 12 through Sunday, Apr. 18, 2021
Issue No. 376
Letters to the Editor

Asian Winners
How wonderful to see two tournaments in a row at what is the most storied real estate in golf, have two Asian athletes winning within one week of each other. Hideki Matsuyama won in a thrilling finish to claim the 2021 Masters title. Just a week ago, 17-year-old Tsubasa Kajitani from Japan won the Women's Amateur hosted by Augusta National. How great for this to happen in the deep South, within our current political climate. Congratulations to all!

Jeff Bayer

Pac-12 Revival
I think there has been a major power shift in collegiate sports to the West Coast, hopefully enough to neutralize the blatant East Coast bias by the usual panelists who consistently (and smugly) pick Midwest and other schools and teams.

An all Pac-12 women's college basketball final, large numbers of Pac-12 and other western U.S. teams, from Colorado to Boise State, BYU, San Jose State and others who do well, should hasten this shift, as will the new rules which allow easy transfers.

As many on UCLA's team said: "Kentucky? I'm outa here!"

Robert Moselle
Counselor at Law
Executive Director, Center for Continuing Education
Monterey, CA

Pleased
Thanks! I have been disappointed this past week with our local teams but so happy about our Stanford women! I guess we can’t win everything all the time? Have a great week and thank you for keeping us informed. Stay safe and ”Carpe Diem.” 

Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
OPENING DAY!
San Francisco Giants 3
Colorado Rockies 1

After a hiatus of missing fans, which lasted much too long, the San Francisco Giants returned to action at Oracle Park on Friday afternoon, April 9, 2021 as they hosted the Colorado Rockies for a three game series. Photo by Rich Yee.
 Longtime Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was accorded the honor of starting the game and did not disappoint, pitching well into the ninth inning and allowing only one run. Cueto rewarded his team with an Opening Day 3-1 victory and improved his early season record to 1-0 with an ERA of 2.51.
After a single in the bottom of the eighth inning, Giants catcher Buster Posey advanced to second base on a single by Alex Dickerson, avoiding the tag of the high-flying Trevor Story, Colorado's shortstop. Photo by Rich Yee.
With the final out recorded, Giants outfielders jog toward the dugout to celebrate their first home win of the 2021 season. Photo by Rich Yee.
Fans proudly sport Giants colors and garb and take in the day's closing moments. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.netPhoto by Rich Yee.
Golden State Warriors 125
Houston Rockets 109
Steph Curry continued his march on Saturday night to eclipse former Golden State Warriors great Wilt Chamberlain as the Warriors' all-time leading scorer. The Dubs played host to the lowly Houston Rockets and Curry scored 38 points, raising his total to 17,724 and only 59 behind an earlier legend.
Forward Andrew Wiggins (22) contributed 25 points along with six rebounds and three assists. The Warriors led by 17 points at half time and were not seriously threatened in the second half. Photo by Rich Yee.
Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson (#95) was not left off the score sheet, adding eight points on his birthday night. Photo by Rich Yee.
The Warriors coaching staff modeled a unified look. (Left to right) Jarron Collins, head coach Steve Kerr, and Mike Brown. Photo by Rich Yee.
The scoreboard at game's end reflects a satisfying result. The Warriors are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference and part of a group of teams fighting for seeding for the upcoming Play-In Tournament. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Rich Yee.
Oakland A's 1
Los Angeles Dodgers 5
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw struck out eight over seven innings as the defending champions dealt a 5-1 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, April 6 at RingCentral Coliseum. Caption and photo
Designated hitter Mitch Moreland played first base in place of the injured Matt Olson and turned in a diving play for an out in the second inning.
Second baseman Jed Lowrie had two hits for the Athletics, who fell to 0-6 on the season. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
Starting pitcher Chris Bassitt struggled through six innings, giving up four runs on nine hits. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo
A's, Giants, Warriors,
Kings & Sharks Schedules
Welcome Back! Opening Day comes to Oracle Park

We are strong.
We are brave.
We are #ResilientSF
Snag an A's Mask presented by Kaiser Permanente next Saturday and Sunday when the A's take on the Tigers. Tickets start at just $19!
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
The basketball season isn't over yet so let's take a break
from an easy baseball question and go with a little harder basketball question... Which famous player almost quit basketball in college to become a garbage man but went
on to win three NBA championships and MVPs?

(See answer below...)
Cal Bears 3
San Diego State Aztecs 1
Getting Cal’s scoring started, freshman midfielder Evan Davila (#27) punched in a goal at 25:58 to tie the score. The California Golden Bears played host to the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday night, April 10, and emerged with a 3-1 victory. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
Team captain and junior defender Ian Lonergan (#4) directs a header into the crossbar midway through the first half. The Bears put on a shooting clinic in the first half, outshooting SDSU 13-3 and forcing Kadono to make five saves. But the score remained 1-1 at halftime. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
On a penalty kick, junior forward Jonathan Estrada (#10) gave Cal an early lead in the second half. The Bears improved their record to 4-4-1 (4-4-1 Pac-12) with their second win of the year over San Diego State. Caption and photo
With time running out, the Aztecs applied pressure on the Cal defense. Above, red-shirt freshman goalkeeper Collin Travasos (#24) punches away a crossing shot. Cal next plays at UCLA in the last game of the regular season on April 17 at 2:30 p.m. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo
Cal Bears 37
BYU Cougars 28
Cal wing Nick Bloom steps around the BYU Cougar defense. 
Cal flankers Garrett Key (L) and Jason Severance (R) celebrate a defensive stop.
Golden Bear Nathan Zylstra (L) leaps into the arms of Marcus Shankland (R) after the latter's try in the 78th minute sealed the California victory.
The crowd on Tightwad Hill enjoyed the game. California over BYU 37–28 in a men's rugby match at Witter Rugby Field. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
Santa Clara Broncos 9
San Francisco Dons 7
Santa Clara right fielder Mike Bowes hits a three-run, game-winning home run in the ninth inning as the Broncos defeated the USF Dons, 9-7, at Stephen Schott Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday, April 11.
Broncos players celebrate at home plate. Bowes went 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
Pitcher Brandon Buckley recorded three scoreless innings to keep the Broncos in the game. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
Dons center fielder Nick Yovetich (36) celebrates with right fielder Jacob Westerman after making a diving catch to end the fourth inning. At the plate, Yovetich hit a pair of doubles and drove in two runs. Caption and photo
BUS 180 — Technology and Innovation
in the Year of Empty Arenas
Quarter: Spring
Course Format: Live Online
(About Formats)
Date(s): Apr 13 - Jun 1
Drop Deadline: Apr 15
Tuition: $545
Day(s): Tuesdays
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 7:00 - 8:50 pm (PT)
Unit: 1
Instructor: Andy Dolich
Status: Registration opens Feb. 22, 8:30 a.m. (PT)
Stanford Continuing Studies  

Many of the 140 million fans who would have attended live sporting events in the last year have taken a seat in front of the television and other digital devices as the pandemic has kept arenas and stadiums empty or with greatly reduced in-person spectators. The same is true for cultural and arts entertainment venues. Despite the physical divide, fans and audiences are getting involved because innovators are exploring new strategies of engagement. Focusing on spectator sports, this course will explore the creative realities of fan-immersive experiences based on new sports platforms such as FCF (Fan Controlled Football) along with fantasy sports, avatars, video streaming, virtual ticketing, and more. We also will look at the future long-term interplay of business economics and fan engagement, and how—if and when live spectators can physically re-enter venues, even at reduced capacity—industry innovators will be exploring new technologies to enhance the experiences for the virtual and live spectators of the world of sports and entertainment. Scheduled as guest speakers for this course are Jamie Pardi, co-founder and CEO, FanCompass; David Yorke, co-founder, Umpires Media; Sohrob Farudi, co-founder and CEO, Fan Controlled Football; Mindi Bach, senior director of sports PR, Oracle; and Ted Griggs, former executive
at NBC Sports Group.

Andy Dolich, President, Dolich Consulting; Chief Operating Officer, Fan Controlled Football League

Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, a co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office, and a columnist
for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
In the Shadow of Obscurity
359 - Arif
359 - Pete
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.
Where The Bay Comes To Play!
The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa 
San Jose Earthquakes
Earthquakes Announce Local Broadcast Information for
2021 MLS Season
Select matches to move from KNBR 1050 to 680

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced their local television and radio broadcast schedule for the 2021 Major League Soccer season. NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California will televise 26 matches in 2021. The Quakes also welcome back KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF 'La Kaliente' for radio coverage during the season, with select matches moving to KNBR 680.

TELEVISION
Many marquee matches will air on NBC Sports Bay Area or NBC Sports California in 2021, including the season opener against Houston Dynamo FC (April 16; 5 p.m. PT), a mid-summer showdown against LAFC (Aug. 8; 4 p.m. PT), Austin FC's first-ever trip to San Jose (Oct. 20; 7:30 p.m. PT), and the Decision Day season finale vs. FC Dallas (Nov. 7; 3 p.m. PT).

The broadcast crew of Anthony Passarelli, Chris Dangerfield and Danielle Slaton will continue to provide exciting play-by-play and provide insightful color commentary throughout the season.

RADIO
KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF will continue serving as the club's radio broadcast stations in English and Spanish, respectively. KNBR 1050 will be the English radio home of the Quakes for the fifth consecutive season, while 1370 KZSF "La Kaliente" will be the team's Spanish-language flagship for the 11th season in a row.

KNBR maintains one of the strongest reputations in American sports radio and also serves as a radio partner for both the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers. KNBR's broadcast team will include the familiar voices of Ted Ramey and Joe Cannon.
Oakland Roots SC

With the 2021 season just around the corner, the squad’s next preseason game is this morning against the San Jose Earthquakes. Make sure to tune in for your first live look at the 2021 USL Championship squad. 
Sonoma Raceway
During the week Sonoma Raceway to Welcome Fans
to Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Weekend, June 5-6

SONOMA, Calif. (April 8, 2021) – We’re baaaack!

After a one year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sonoma Raceway will welcome fans back to the grandstands for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR race weekend, June 5-6.

“We are thrilled to be able to open our gates and welcome fans back to the raceway for our annual NASCAR race weekend in June,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Jill Gregory. “We are fortunate to have a beautiful, outdoor facility that is perfect for social distancing and will provide a safe and memorable race-day experience for our guests. We look forward to welcoming the greatest fans and drivers in motorsports back to Northern California.”

The NASCAR weekend in wine country will feature the 90-lap Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday as well as the ARCA Menards Series West General Tire 200 50-lap race on Saturday. Fans who wish to attend the Toyota/Save Mart 350 weekend are encouraged to purchase tickets and camping packages soon as availability is limited due to social distancing requirements. 

Sonoma Raceway provides some of the best racing action on the NASCAR circuit and fans, as well as competitors, look forward to returning to the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course. Martin Truex Jr. will attempt to defend back-to-back race wins in wine country in addition to his visit to Sonoma’s Victory Lane in 2013.

"I’ve been waiting for a while to go back to Sonoma and try to get the three-peat,” said Truex, Jr., driver of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. “I’m excited to hear that we’ll have fans in attendance. Sonoma is such a fun track and it’s a great part of the country. It’s beautiful and always great weather. I can’t wait to get there in June and see all of our fans in California that we haven’t seen in quite a while.”

Sonoma Raceway continues to work with local health officials and is dedicated to following all state, local and CDC health guidelines. COVID-19 safety protocols, including face mask requirements, social distancing and cashless transactions, will remain in place for the June race weekend.

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series event was relocated to Charlotte Motor Speedway. For tickets and more information, visit www.SonomaRaceway.com, call 800-870-RACE and follow on social media @RaceSonoma.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Ragtime Racers Celebrate Pre-1920 Achievements On and Off the Track at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

MONTEREY, Calif., April 8, 2021 – The need for speed abruptly began when the second automobile was built. To help celebrate these early beginnings of motorsports, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will celebrate the early days of racing with a lively interactive exhibit of pre-1920 racers that helped cement motorsports’ place in history. The annual historic race will be held August 12-15 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as one of the central events of Monterey Car Week.

The Ragtime Racers will not be a static display of antique race cars. Owners and riding mechanics will don the racing gear of the day, fire up their cars’ engines and run daily race exhibitions to show fans these old cars are not for show, but can still come alive to tackle the hills of Laguna Seca.
 
Affectionately known as the Ragtime Racers, group organizer Brian Blain explains it is about educating guests about the rich motorsports history of the time period. “We encourage entrants to spend time sharing the history of their cars, allow photos behind the wheel and display tools and equipment from the period as well,” Blain said. “We want it to be a time warp for spectators to see and enjoy.”
 
When not on track, the cars will still be revving in their pit, crews will be conducting pit stop demonstrations, engine rebuilds and providing guests tours each day. “Our reward is engaging with fans and in knowing that we shared a piece of history with someone new,” Blain added.

“The Ragtime Racers exhibition is one of several new features added to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion weekend,” commented Barry Toepke, director of heritage events and public relations. “Our entire team is determined to wow everyone who enters WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Safely enhancing the guest experience is our top priority.”
 
For those looking to enjoy more of Laguna Seca Recreation Area, premier campsites are still available. For complete advance pricing and availability for ticket packages, VIP hospitality, and preferred parking, please visit WeatherTechRaceway.com or call the Tickets and Accommodations Office at 831-242-8200. 
The range of the cars in the display will be a treasure trove of history. Among the invited cars are:
 
1908 Chalmers-Detroit – This is in rare original condition, as found five years ago, and has been mechanically restored for racing but retains its original 112-year-old paint and rust. It is the only surviving Chalmers-Detroit race car in existence and has not been seen in public for 100 years. It was driven by L. B. Lorimer in the Savannah Races in 1908 and later competed in the Cobe Trophy Races in Crown Point, Indiana.
 
1909 Locomobile - This car is one of only two Model “I” racers built by the Locomobile factory. It finished 3rd in the Cobe Trophy race driven by George Robertson. It is powered by a 4-cylinder engine cast out of bronze, and power is transferred to the rear wheels by large roller chains and sprockets.
 
1911 National - This car was a participant in the first Indy 500 in 1911 where it finished 7th driven by Charlie Merz. It is one of three factory-built racers entered in that race and is powered by a huge 4-cylinder engine displacing 450 cubic inches. It has been clocked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 100 mph. 
 
1913 Bugatti T-22 - Possibly the oldest Bugatti race car running in the United States, this Bugatti is one of only 10 ever built and capable of 4000 rpm and 75 mph. It is powered by a revolutionary (at the time) 4-cylinder motor with overhead cam and 4 valves per cylinder. It had not run since 1920 until recently undergoing a 1,900-hour restoration.
Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff
The Boston Celtics Larry Bird
was talked into continuing to play while in college.  https://bit.ly/3d4x3jh is a good piece about it and https://bit.ly/3sgDsfL is an entertaining take on the story, telling what may have been if he had quit! 

Suggestions? Caught me off-base for misinformation?
One.T.Buff@gmail.com is where you can find me...
Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy
Montrose, Colorado
For the best real estate listings homes and property on
Colorado's Western Slope, visit www.montrosecoloradorealestate/PropertySearch.html
In the House!
The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704. Write theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
or call (510) 845-2035. Cover photo: Rich Yee. 
Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles


Click here for 2019 editions.

Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, Apr. 12 through
Sunday, Apr. 18, 2021
Monday, April 12
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans, 6 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks, 7:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, April 13
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:40 p.m.
Wednesday, April 14
Golden State Warriors @ Oklahoma City Thunder, 6 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks, 7:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 12:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 15
Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 5 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:40 p.m.
Friday, April 16
San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, April 17
Golden State Warriors @ Boston Celtics, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins, 3:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:07 p.m.
Sunday, April 18
Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins, 10:10 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:07 p.m.
Enjoy the
 Ultimate Sports Guide website!

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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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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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, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.