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Oakland Ballers executive vice president of baseball Operations
Don Wakamatsu speaks during a news conference Tuesday at
Laney College in Oakland
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Oakland Ballers – Rooted in Oakland
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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OAKLAND–As the sign “Rooted in Oakland” is scheduled to be removed from the west wall of the Oakland Coliseum before the beginning of the 2024 season, another team has been rooted in Oaktown. They are the Oakland Ballers or the Oakland B’s.
The group says they have raised $2 million from investors and pledged to the community that they “will never leave Oakland.” Anybody can become a part owner of the team by contributing to this initial push. Like the NFL Green Bay Packers, the Packers are owned by more than 500,000 community shareholders. Owned by the city’s fans.
Last Tuesday, the independent Pioneer League announced it will add a new expansion team, the Oakland Ballers, to the newly planned Pacific West Division. The Pioneer League is an independent baseball league that operates in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States.
Its teams are not directly affiliated with Major League Baseball. It is designated as an MLB Partner League. So, Oaklanders can now claim: “We already have an expansion team.”
Starting in 2024, the Oakland Ballers will play in the Independent League. There are two types of professional minor league systems: Independent and Affiliated. The Ballers will be Independent and, therefore, not affiliated to any of the 30 major league teams.
This league is considered a Rookie-level league. And the teams are Missoula PaddleHeads, Ogden Raptors, Rockey Mountain Vibes, and Billings Mustangs.
The Oakland B’ s are scheduled to begin their season in May 2024 and will play their home games at the Laney College baseball field in Oakland, with a capacity of approximately 800.
Throughout the season, each team plays in 96 games, from May to September, in a split schedule between the North Division (Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Glacier, and Idaho Falls) and the South Division (NoCo, Rocky Mountain, Grand Junction, Boise and Ogden. (This was before the recent announcement of the Oakland Ballers.)
Some might consider this some kind of a joke, but it is not. People who like organized baseball can enjoy a new team in Oakland since the: “old team, the one that won four World Series in Major League Baseball since 1968, has decided to tell Oakland fans, “Adiós, nos vamos a Las Vegas.”
Ballers Rooted in Oakland? As Yogi Berra would say, “Déjà vu all over again.”
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, 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, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Somebody's Elbow Feels Better:
49ers 42, Eagles 19
Lots of trash talk all week and pre-game, either by or about Deebo, whose video clips in which he called Philadelphia "Trash" was shown to the Eagles players by their coach to "motivate" them. When I heard the announcers state that, I knew we would win. If the Eagles needed "motivation," they were not focused on the task at hand --The GAME!
And while the Eagles started with a 6-0 lead, from two field goals after long drives, the pre-game psychology wore off and San Francisco scored SIX straight Touchdowns.
A huge Javon Kinlaw sack kept Philly out of the end zone, forced to settle for a momentary 6-0 lead after a tremendous amount of effort. It was Kinlaw's first sack in three years, and was worth the wait.
The 49ers had six total yards in the first quarter, (credit a tough defense), but would then have six consecutive touchdown drives (credit a Better Offense). Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffery were all involved, and Brock Purdy would roll to his left and toss a TD pass to Brandon Aiyuk: 7-6, SF. 11 plays, 85 yards. "Yards after Catch" were remarkable as Kittle shed would-be tacklers and McCaffery waltzed in from the Two. 14-6, S.F., at halftime.
The beatdown would continue. Big passes to Jauan Jennings and CMC moved the Niners quickly up field, and Deebo would run it in on a sweep-right to make it 21-6. Some sideline entertainment would be included when Greenlaw picked up and body-slammed DeVonta Smith, and was disqualified when he touched the Eagles' head of security, Dom, in the mug and was disqualified, as was Dom. The Eagles managed to get near the goal line, so it was time to showcase their best play, "The Push," 1,200 pounds of players who push like a crowd of Black Friday shoppers. 21-13, S.F.
At 6:51 of the third, after a pass to Aiyuk and a 16-yard run by CMC, Deebo broke loose and bolted 48 yards for a TD. 28-13. The D-FENCE of the 49ers continued to pressure Hurts and the Eagles punted. After passes to J.J. and solid runs by CMC and Elijah Mitchell, it was time for a TD pass to the elusive J.J. who snaked his way in for a TD. 35-13, S.F.
Marcus Mariota came in for the possibly concussed Hurts and, after a pass interference call moved the ball to the One, a pass to Smith made it 35-19. Fred Warner blocked the 2-point conversion attempt. An onside kick by Philadelphia failed, and CMC grabbed it on the 48. Seconds later, Deebo turned a screen pass into another TD. 49ers 42, Eagles, 19. Final!
Memo to Philadelphia: Stick to Cream Cheese, especially Whipped!
Brock finished 19 of 27 for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
2023 Week 13 Game Highlights (13:23)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG7LbR6jwe4&t=636s
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal (WBB) Bears 74, Saint Mary's Gaels 69
Special Features
Paul 'The Wall' Blanchette's Roots Heal Oakland, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Features & Commentary
Curmudgeonly Update on John A. Fissure, by Howard Pearlstein
Oakland Ballers -- Rooted in Oakland, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Spread Christmas Cheer -- Your Support is welcomed!
Summer Sanders, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Paul "The Wall" Blanchette with Jackie Cook Angelo Geist (left),
his grandmother and Lisa, his mother.
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Paul "The Wall"
Blanchette's
Roots
Heal Oakland
by Dave Newhouse
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Writing about sports often involves exploring athletes’ backgrounds to dissect their ascendance as heroes. But their stories haven’t coincided with me, the writer, until just now with Paul “The Wall” Blanchette.
Blanchette is the grandson of Jackie Cook Angelo Geist, whom I graduated with from Menlo-Atherton High School in — yikes! — 1956. Blanchette’s late grandfather, Jerry Angelo, and I were teammates on the track team — he ran hurdles, I put the shot — and Jerry also was an end on the football team. His twin brother, Jimmy, was the nose tackle, though they were the most dissimilar-looking twins: Jerry weighed 175, Jimmy 250. They also graduated from Menlo-Atherton High in ’56.
At a recent class reunion, Jackie, now married to Joe Geist, told me her grandson, Paul The Wall, was goalkeeper for the Oakland Roots professional soccer club, now in its third year in the United Soccer League Championship organization.
The dissolving of Oakland as a sports city is unlike any other USA municipality, for the Raiders have departed twice, while the Warriors and A’s also have left town. What’s left in Oaktown are the men’s Roots and women’s Soul soccer teams, plus its newest addition, the Oakland Ballers, or B’s, a minor-league baseball team.
The Roots have made the postseason two out of their three years of existence, while raising more than a million dollars from 1,200 investors considered as minority owners, making them the Green Bay Packers of soccer.
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Paul "The Wall" Blanchette with a save. Photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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My fascination with this story, partly, is the grandmother-grandson relationship. Take it away, grandma.
“Paul stays after games and signs his name until people leave,” said Jackie, a Palo Alto resident. “He’s very kind and considerate, a gentle, sweet soul. These are the overworked words from a grandmother, but he makes me very proud. He has the most saves in the league. He’s very quick and he’s darting his eyes everywhere.”
Like a coach on the field, though Blanchette is confined to a goalie’s net. He is equally effusive about his grandmother. “She’s one of the best people in the world,” he said. “I love her.”
Jackie and Jerry Angelo attended the University of Colorado together. He became an architect, but the marriage ended after 18 years and two daughters: Lisa, who is Paul’s mother, and Amy.
“Jerry was a really fun, nice person,” said Jackie, "but we didn’t agree on things and sort of outgrew each other.” Jerry would marry twice more before passing away a few years ago.
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Paul "The Wall" Blanchette (left) on the Oakland Roots practice field. Photo by Ron Sellers.
Paul Blanchette, 29, grew up in Palo Alto, “not far from grandma’s house,” and graduated from Gunn High School before attending Loyola-Marymount University. He played a year of soccer in high school, where he also was the football team's placekicker. However, his development as a goalkeeper happened primarily with club teams and at LMU. Paul The Wall? Like grandma said, he doesn’t give up many goals.
Blanchette said of grandfather Jerry: “We were very close. I hung out with him all the time. He taught me about working hard: His favorite quote was ‘practice, practice, practice.’ He always pushed me to be my best, not just in sports, but in life, too.”
The Roots missed the playoffs this season, but Blanchette gauges the future of local, modern-day soccer as promising.
“It means everything in the world to Oakland,” he said, “and I think Oakland is gravitating that way, too. Soccer’s great, but the (Roots) organization has done special things.”
Edveece Arghandiwal, a Roots and Soul executive, said of Oakland’s attitude toward soccer, “The Town will show up for you if you show up for them. Oakland is absolutely a sports town, and it will continue to be for generations to come.”
The Roots have drawn capacity crowds of 4,500 playing at California State University, East Bay in Hayward, with plans to build a larger soccer facility near the Oakland Coliseum.
“Oakland has a very rich sports history, and it’s so sad that these teams leave,” said Blanchette. “But Oakland is looking forward to testing these new (soccer) boundaries. It’s been pretty cool what Oakland’s been able to do, with the community getting behind us as well.
"It’s growing, growing, growing."
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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. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. 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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Dear Reader --
Xmas Cheer is Welcome!
Donate Today And Add Your Name
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or send to: Christopher Weills, Publisher,
Sports Today, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704
or theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
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A.Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
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Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
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Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Narda Zacchino
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Marco Luciano, photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Analyzing Shortstop Options for the Giants in '24
Maria Guardado @mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to receive it regularly in your inbox.
The 2022-23 free-agent class was deep on star shortstops, and the Giants came agonizingly close to landing one before their megadeal with Carlos Correa fell apart over medical concerns.
With Hot Stove action expected to pick up at next week’s Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., one of the more intriguing questions for San Francisco will be how active it might be in exploring shortstop help again this offseason.
Brandon Crawford is a free agent for the first time in his career, though the Giants have a potential heir apparent in No. 2 prospect Marco Luciano, who is expected to get the chance to seize the everyday shortstop job next year.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
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A's Look for Better Results in 2023 Draft Lottery
Martín Gallegos @MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter.
To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to receive
it regularly in your inbox.
As the A’s front office contingent arrives in Nashville next week for the Winter Meetings, it’ll do so hoping for better luck after what transpired for the club a year ago.
With the MLB Draft shifting last year from the traditional order determined solely by records from the previous season in favor of a lottery system, the A’s were in a three-way tie for the best chance to land the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, they were the only team to fall out of the top three, while the Pirates and Nationals -- the other two clubs in that group -- secured the top two picks.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.com
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Author Dave Newhouse, wife Patsy, and fan at the Book Tree in Montclair | |
Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
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Cal Bears 74
Saint Mary's Gaels 69
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Saturday, December 2
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The California Golden Bears bench reacts after a three-pointer by guard Lulu Laditan-Twidale (10) during the third quarter at Haas Pavilion. The Bears would defeat the Saint Mary's Gaels, 74-69, at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Saturday, December 2nd.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
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Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
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California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging
out with friends.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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What things one can find out when trying to create a trivia question! What NFL player went on to become
a Supreme Court Justice?
To help you with the time frame, know he was
appointed to the Supreme Court by JFK.
-- Answer below --
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Curmudgeonly Update
on John A. Fissure
by Howard Pearlstein
First of all, a tip of the hat to Dave Newhouse and Bob Moselle, whose writings appear in this journal, both of them more experienced than I am, but whose sustained objection to the low-rent selfishness of John A Fissure I enjoy. I appreciate their refusal to let him off the hook for his disregard of both the fans and the tradition of the A’s. Even his original ownership of the A’s was reportedly the result of a corrupt favor-granting by the MLB Commish to an old pal, who was also a pal of Mr. Fissure, who bought it with the money he inherited from his parents who made it selling cheaply made but fashionable clothing. (Actually, credit where it’s due – fashions change so fast, there’s something market-clever about selling clothes that will fall apart in a year.)
I grew up in Philadelphia with two Major League teams: the A’s and the Phillies. And there was such a thing as loyalty, especially for the fans. Because in Philly in the 50s whether it was the Eagles or the Warriors or baseball, the team cheer seemed to always be a slightly cynical “Wait till next year.”
The Philadelphia Athletics (pronounced with three syllables in Philly proper-talk: Ath-uh-letics) were created in 1901 for the new American League to compete with the Phillies, who were in the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs.
The majority owner, Cornellus McGillicuddy, aka Connie Mack, (shortened as a child the way family and other kids often do) managed the A’s for 50 years.
He was a notorious cheapskate, but managed to find enough talent to win three World Series in their first dozen years, followed by a dozen or so years of famine.
Then coming back with an all-star team featuring future Hall of Fame players like Jimmy Foxx, Lefty Grove, Mickey Cochrane and Al Simmons, won the World Series in 1929 and 1930, meaning Moneyball wasn’t as much of an innovation as it was Billy Beane’s homage to the founder.
Incidentally, Connie Mack was the first catcher to set down right behind the plate, where he could mutter vicious remarks to needle the batters, and occasionally touch his glove to the bat on a swing which he admitted). All that earned him the local title that I first heard from my father, who was born shortly after the founding
of the A’s and grew up with the team’s successes. He referred to Connie Mack as “a gold-plated sonofabitch, tight-fisted, nasty…” and would then mitigate it adding: “BUT he loved baseball.”
He more than loved baseball, he believed in it the same way some people believe in a stint doing military, that it taught young people decency, fair play and sportsmanship – taught children how to work with each other and grow up to be Americans. And he put his money where his mouth was – keeping the ticket price for children under 12 insanely low as long as he was in charge. (“So every kid in Philadelphia can ride the trolley and watch the game.”)
And that’s the difference between Connie Mack and John A. Fissure,
a man who doesn’t respect the game or the fans, and whatever he’s plated with doesn’t look like gold but more like something a person should have scraped off his shoes before coming into a room with decent folks. I think he belongs in Las Vegas with the whores and hustlers.
But the A’s most definitely do not.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Summer Sanders - from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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1992 Barcelona Olympic Swimmer Summer Sanders was making an in-store appearance at San Francisco Macy’s to promote the Speedo brand. I went to the event hoping to meet her and get an autograph.
I remember her as being very friendly and took the time to chat with everyone that showed up. She signed this photo for me and I’ve had it in my collection for years. Summer Sanders attended Stanford University and won two gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Earthquakes Announce Roster Moves
Ahead of 2024 MLS Season
Contract options exercised on six players for
2024 campaign
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes today announced their roster decisions ahead of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.
The club has exercised 2024 contract options on six players: defenders Carlos Akapo and Daniel Munie ; midfielders Michael Baldisimo and Jackson Yueill; and forwards Ousseni Bouda and Will Richmond.
The Earthquakes have exercised their purchase option on defender Rodrigues from Brazilian side Grêmio. The club will not exercise the purchase options on forward Ayo Akinola and Matthew Hoppe.
The Quakes will not exercise 2024 contract options on eight players: defenders Oskar Ågren, Nathan , Keegan Tingey, and Miguel Trauco; and midfielders Cam Cilley , Judson, Jamiro Monteiro, and Tommy Thompson.
Defender Jonathan Mensah and midfielder Jack Skahan are out of contract following the 2023 season. Mensah is eligible for free agency. The Quakes have made a bona fide offer to Skahan to maintain his MLS rights for 2024.
The following 16 players hold guaranteed contracts for the 2024 season: goalkeepers Daniel, JT Marcinkowski , and Emi Ochoa; defenders Tanner Beason, Paul Marie , Oscar Verhoeven, and Casey Walls; midfielders Carlos Gruezo , Cruz Medina, Edwyn Mendoza, and Niko Tsakiris ; and forwards Cade Cowell, Chance Cowell, Benji Kikanović , Jeremy Ebobisse, and Cristian Espinoza.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s Turkey Trot Sets New Donation Record for Food Bank for Monterey County
MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 27, 2023—Families began arriving before sunrise Thanksgiving Day eager to venture onto Monterey County’s iconic 2.238-mile WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for exercise, family photos and to raise valuable funds for the Food Bank for Monterey County. In four hours, a record total $10,185 in cash donations was received, along with two overflowing donation barrels with non-perishable food items. This surpassed the previous cash donation record of $6,100.
According to Melissa Kendrick, CEO and executive director of the Food Bank for Monterey County, every dollar donated has the power to distribute five dollars of food. The non-profit organization feeds one in three children and one in four residents in Monterey County and is the largest and most comprehensive provider of emergency supplemental food in the community.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE..
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Wild Jewels wins the Gold Rush Stakes for a Guaranteed $75,000 running 1 mile in 1:39.90 with jockey Catalino Martinez in the saddle and Steven Specht training the 2 Y.O. Owned by Mr. & Mrs. Larry
D. Williams. Vassar Photography / Ronnie Wackerly
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Cal Downs USC, Returns To NCAA Title Game
Bears One Win Away From Three-Peat
LOS ANGELES – For the third consecutive year, the Golden Bears are going back to the NCAA Championship game.
The California men's water polo team edged out USC 10-9 in the Trojans' (16-7) home pool on Saturday behind a late go-ahead goal by Marci Szatmary. The Bears advance to face top-seeded UCLA Sunday at 3 p.m. PT with a chance to three-peat for a record third time.
"We knew we were going to be in for a battle. I felt like our guys really made plays that we needed to make and handled the adversity and pressure that USC was putting on us consistently," Cal head coach Kirk Everist said. "We weren't afraid of the moment."
Szatmary's lone goal of the day couldn't have come at a better time. After USC erased a two-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to tie it at 9-9, Szatmary fired in a decisive and confident shot from the right wing right over the head of USC goalkeeper Bernardo Herzer with 1:47 remaining.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Catharyn Hayne / KLC fotos
www.calbears.com
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Angel’s Career High Guides Stanford
Over San Diego
The senior from San Diego tallied 25 points
on just 13 shots.
STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford men's basketball continued its high scoring start at Maples Pavilion in an 88-64 win over San Diego. The Cardinal improves to 4-1 at home on the season.
Brandon Angel scored a career-high 25 points on 9-for-13 shooting, while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing a trio of assists. Michael Jones scored 19 points, including four makes from 3-point range, while Spencer Jones pitched in 16 points, six rebounds and three steals. The Cardinal offense shot 53.4 percent from the floor while the defense recorded a season-best 11 steals.
Stanford led from wire to wire after Angel's 3-pointer opened the scoring, and the Cardinal quickly led by double digits, 17-7, after 7:35. Angel scored 15 of his 25 in the opening period, and the Cardinal led by as many as 17 over the first 20 minutes after an alley-oop dunk by Maxime Raynaud off the feed from Jared Bynum. The Cardinal led at the half, 43-27.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Scott Gould / ISIPhotos
www.gostanford.com
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SPARTANS TRAVEL TO HAWAI'I TO TAKE ON RAINBOW WAHINE
HONOLULU, Hawai'i – The San José State women's basketball team (4-5, 0-0 MW) is on the island of Oahu to take on the University of Hawai'i (2-5, 0-0 Big West) on Sunday in their second-straight road game.
The Spartans are coming off a 71-64 loss at Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday in the first of four-straight road games to close out 2023.
Semaj Smith is coming off a career performance, scoring a career-high 16 points off the bench.
Freshman Maya Anderson, in her sixth start of the season, tied her career high with nine points on three 3-pointers.
Anderson also pulled down a game-high seven rebounds, which is also a career high.
Freshman Sydni Summers also had three 3-pointers and had 13 points.
The Spartans have four players averaging double-digit points (Jyah LoVett, Amhyia Moreland, Sabrina Ma and Marisa Davis-Jones).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MBB | Early Woes Doom Gaels to 63-60 Loss
to Boise State
IDAHO FALLS, ID — Saint Mary's shook off a slow start to hang tough with the Boise State Broncos, but could never pull ahead, falling 63-60 at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. An early 11-0 run for the Broncos put momentum in their hands early, and while the Gaels closed out the game on a 60-52 run, it wasn't quite enough to best the Broncos in front of a raucous crowd dressed in blue and orange.
It was a nightmare start in Idaho Falls for the Gaels, who fell behind 11-0 in the first four minutes and change to the Broncos. It wasn't until the 13 minute mark that Aidan Mahaney buried a triple, the first field goal of the game for the Gaels. Turnover plagued the Gaels throughout the half, but the Saint Mary's defense would shape up in the latter part of the first half, as after the tough start, they would outscore the Broncos 24-23, and trailed by 10 at the halftime break. Playing the entire 20 minutes of the first half, Aidan Mahaney led the Gaels with eight points and a pair of assists, knocking down all three of his attempts at the free throw line. Unfortunately for the Gaels, Aidan was the exception at the charity stripe, as the Gaels went 7-16 from the free throw line in the first frame.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Photo/Thurman James
www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Fall at Washington
Washington jumped out to an early lead to start the first quarter, scoring the game's first eight points. The Huskies continued the pressure, extending their advantage to 10 before Jasmine Gayles put the Dons on the board with two free throws as the team trailed 10-2 at the 4:55 mark of the opening period.
The Dons closed the quarter and cut the deficit to single digits, trailing 16-7 after Freja Werth knocked down a three-point basket with 44 seconds on the clock.
- San Francisco continued to trim Washington's lead in the early stages of the second quarter when Mia Vuksic connected on a three-point basket, cutting the deficit to six, 16-10, at the 8:40 mark.
- The Huskies ended the second quarter on a 12-3 run and led by 15, 28-13.
- Washington dominated the second half of play, extending its lead to 20 points in the third quarter, going up 41-21 at the 3:37 mark. San Francisco tallied 14 points in the third quarter, with points coming from Vuksic, Werth, Gayles, Aya Keita, Debora dos Santos, and Cami Fulcher.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Annie Karich Signs Pro Contract in Germany
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Another Bronco is going pro. Santa Clara women's soccer's Annie Karich has signed a professional contract with SC Freiburg in Germany and will join the team after the fall quarter.
Karich was an impact player in her two years at Santa Clara. After moving from midfielder to center back this season, Karich was named the 2023 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year as well as First Team All-WCC and First Team All-West Region. She had a pair of goals to go with two assists while starting all 21 games.
She made her presence felt right away, being named the 2022 WCC Freshman of the Year while also taking home First Team All-WCC and WCC All-Freshman honors that year. Karich was selected Second Team All-Region. She led the team as a freshman with eight assists.
Karich is now one of seven Broncos playing overseas with another seven playing in the NWSL.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
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PACIFIC SURVIVES TEMPLE COMEBACK FOR FIFTH VICTORY
ELLIOTT POSTS SECOND STRAIGHT DOUBLE-DOUBLE
TEMPE, Ariz.—It was one of the tensest games this season for Pacific women's basketball (5-3), but it hung on to prevail over Temple (3-5), 79-78, in its second game of the Briann January Classic on Saturday.
Senior Liz Smith matched her season-high 21 points. Junior Elizabeth Elliott earned her second straight double-double this week, racking up 19 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. Senior Kadie Deaton finished with 12 points.
The Tigers had an 18-15 lead after the first quarter and built on it during the next 20 minutes.
Pacific was up by double-digits for most of the game and led 60-47 entering the fourth quarter. The double-digit lead held until the 6:02 mark in the fourth quarter. Temple went on a 7-0 run to cut the score within five, 65-60. Smith and graduate student Cecilia Holmberg combined for three-of-four from the free-throw line to keep the Tigers atop, 68-62, with under five minutes to go.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Turner Secures Double-Double; UC Davis falls to Washington State
PULLMAN, Wash. -- Evanne Turner posted a double-double in what was her best performance of the season, but it wasn't enough, as last season's PAC-12 tournament champions Washington State remained unbeaten inside Beasley Coliseum in its 77-52 win on Friday night.
Evanne Turner poured in a season-high 20 points while grabbing a team-high boards in an excellent night for the senior. She netted four of her eight attempts from deep and went 8-of-19 from the field.
In addition to Turner's impressive performance, the Aggies (2-5) were led by Megan Norris, who totaled five points, nine rebounds and two blocks, and by Tova Sabel, who added six points. Sydney Burns notched nine points while making three of her six shots on the night.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
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Pioneer Men's Basketball Defeats CSUMB in Overtime, 82-76 for Third Straight Win
SEASIDE, Calif. - It took overtime, but the Cal State East Bay men's basketball team battled for its third straight win on Saturday, defeating Cal State Monterey Bay 82-76 in CCAA action from The Kelp Bed.
GAME SUMMARY
Cal State East Bay started the game on a 13-5 run, capped by a Dimitrios Klonaras jumper with 14:53 left. The Pioneers expanded their lead to 19-9, on a Grady Lewis jumper with 12:47 left. But CSUMB answered with a 13-6 run, capped by a Jordan Archie three-pointer with 8:55 left in the half,trimming CSUEB's lead to 25-22. The lead grew back to double digits, as much as 12 points in the first half. And although the Otters were within seven points late in the half, a jumper by Ramsey Huff game CSUEB a 48-39 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Pioneers would gain their largest lead of the ballgame at 14, at 61-47, on a free throw by Daeshawn Eaton with 12:43 left. CSUMB battled back to tie the game late at 73-73. Although the Pioneers had a chance to finish regulation with a win, a missed shot led to overtime.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo/Rob Edwards / KLC foto
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ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB
From its home on the shores of San Francisco Bay, the St. Francis Yacht Club conducts one of the most active regatta schedules in the world, serving a leadership role in competitive sailing. Its 140+ race days per year invariably include regattas of national and international significance.
A strong seabreeze prevails from March to October on San Francisco Bay. Combined with a setting of great natural beauty, and environs rich in attractions, that reliable breeze makes the bay uniquely attractive for competition under sail.
Much like the city of San Francisco—a young city with a rich history—St. Francis is a young club with a rich history. Founded in 1927, the club was only three years old when the schooner Zaca carried its burgee around the world, and only nine years old when the yawl Dorade, flying StFYC colors, became the first boat to sweep a Transpac.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White
(June 8, 1917 – April 15, 2002)
White was an American lawyer and professional football player who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1962 to 1993.
Born and raised in Colorado, he played college football, basketball, and baseball for the University of Colorado, finishing as the runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 1937.
White was selected in the first round of the 1938 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and led the National Football League in rushing yards in his rookie season. He played only one year with the Pirates before signing with the Detroit Lions. (Prior to the 1940 season, the Pirates renamed themselves the Steelers.)
https://bit.ly/2INeALX for a quick Wikipedia history.
* * *
Any Given Sunday was a good movie!
For me, this season it has been every given Sunday
with 3 wins and 3 losses. Really?
This week Green Bay over Kansas City and a 6-0 game between New England and the Chargers with the point spread of 6 making it a tie, meaning all lose!
I really am going to bet only beers.
Go Celtics!
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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
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
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“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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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.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Cal (WBB) Bears 74, Saint Mary’s Gaels 69, December 2, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (FB) 23, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56, November 25, 2023. Photos and captions by Alex Ho.
Cal Bears (FB) 33, UCLA Bruins 7. November 25, 2023.
Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Golden State Warriors 118, San Antonio Spurs 112, November 24, 2023. Photos and captions by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (WBB) 74, San Jose State Spartans 51, November 24, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
UC Davis Aggies (FB) 31, Sacramento State Hornets 21, November 18, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBB) 60, Montana State Bobcats 63. November 17, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBB) 57, Weber State Warriors 61, November 12, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (FB) 42, Washington State Cougars 39, November 11, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
2023 California International Air Show – Salinas, October 6-8, 2023. Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (MBB) 71, St. Thomas Tommies 66, November 6, 2023.
Photo and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears 89, CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 56. November 6, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, December 4, through
Sunday, December 10, 2023
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Monday, December 4
Stanford Cardinal (WS) vs. Florida State Seminoles, NCAA Championship, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5
San Jose Sharks @ New York Islanders, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 7
San Jose Sharks @ Detroit Red Wings, 4 p.m.
Friday, December 8
Golden State Warriors @ Oklahoma City Thunder, 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 9
Sunday, December 10
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:05 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:05 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vegas Golden Knights, 7 p.m.
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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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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
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 foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
* Sponsorship opportunities
Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and 4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and
Spanish versions, too!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
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 helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq. is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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