Monday, May 9, 2022
Issue No. 432
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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Willie Mays with his birthday cake on his 37th birthday, given to him by Judge Roy Hofheinz just before the game with his Houston Astros.
The 569-pound cake represented one pound for each of
Mays' home runs on May 6, 1968
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“Nobody in football should be called a genius.
A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.”
— Joe Theismann
Theismann spent 12 seasons with the Washington Redskins where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and helped the team to consecutive Super Bowls. Theismann is also a sports commentator, corporate speaker and restauranteur.
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Letters to the Editor
Urgent
Here is a message I channeled from Foreigner's song, "Tooth and Nail," when I saw Gary Payton II get bludgeoned and injured by one of the Memphis Grizzlies in a flagrant hatchet job. I watched Curry's stare as he surveyed the situation and understood what this series would entail. The message of that gaze was evident on Saturday night as the Warriors won by 30.
Well let's see who backs down when the trouble starts.
I will fight tooth and nail. Count on me, I will not fail you.
I will fight tooth and nail. Right now, tooth and nail.
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
(For anyone interested, here is a link to the song, which is rough and tumble but was not about basketball until now.) Songwriters: Lou Gramm / Mick Jones (1:32)
Buster Posey Day
Saturday I watched another San Francisco Giants' event, this one Buster Posey Day, produced with typical grace and style, with many former teammates and his family present. Buster joined Kruk and Kuip for some more baseball conversation and personal reflections.
What a treat -- a true Giant through and through, as he repeated often. All I can say, after his remarks, is: BUSTER IS A MENSCH!
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco
Kentucky Derby
After four (4) hours of pre-race buildup, it needed to be a special race, and this one was. Rich Strike, the 80-1 shot, ran the fastest closing 1/4 in history. Everybody congratulated themselves (ad nauseam) as Kentucky Derby winners, but none mentioned the actual winner, Rich Strike. Even Andy Beshear, Kentucky's (D) Governor, who wedged in a
political speech, congratulated everybody except the winning horse, Rich Strike. Time for a new speech writer.
Let's hope no funny stuff turns up later, but on the surface it appears that some fine folks from outside the "inner circle" of Turf World happened to have formed a team, with a good owner, trainer and jockey...and a GREAT horse! Rich Strike! $2 got back $162 -- a rich strike indeed, for the whimsical bettors.
Robert Moselle
Sports Today Marketing Director
Thank You Coach Shanahan!
Just a quick note to say thanks for the opportunity for the Detroit Lions to draft Derrick Deese, Jr.! The Lions have signed the former San Jose State TE as an undrafted rookie free agent. You know, Coach, many health experts recommend a good walk as a way to stay fit, and as you have been so generous to the Lions, we wanted to share this piece of advice with you. You can easily walk to Spartan Stadium, get in some cardio and maybe even find some new talent. Keep us in the loop!
Detroit Lions Fan
& Shanahan Skeptic
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland A's 1, Tampa Bay Rays 6
Oakland Spiders 16, San Diego Growlers 18
San Francisco Giants 4, St. Louis Cardinals 3
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 0
Features & Commentary
Getting Mr. Mojo Back to the Dubs' Games...by Howard Pearlstein
Sports Haiku ©️ -- Loser's Hall of Fame, by Robert Moselle
Organizations
Golden State Warriors
San Jose State Spartans
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
USF Dons
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San Francisco Giants 4
St. Louis Cardinals 3
May 8, 2022
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San Francisco Giants center fielder Mike Yastrzemski hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning as the Giants earned a split of their series with the St. Louis Cardinals with a 4-3 victory on Sunday, May 8, at Oracle Park.
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Oakland Athletics 1
Tampa Bay Rays 6
May 2, 2022
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The Oakland Athletics bats were quiet on Monday, May 2, collecting just two hits in their 6-1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rays at RingCentral Coliseum.
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Reliever Sam Moll struck out two during his hitless inning of work, keeping his scoreless streak intact after nine appearances this season.
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Getting Mr. Mojo Back to the
Dubs’ Games…
by Howard Pearlstein
The question had been, would the Mojo follow the Dubs across the Bay from Oracle to Chase Center. It sometime seems Mojo, like some fine wines, doesn't travel well, but given the Dubs record in away games, maybe (we hoped) that wouldn't be a problem. Because as we know, the presence of Mojo also includes the frequency and downtime of injuries.
The only thing about mojo (aka magic) that we think we know is this: you can’t make it come to you. It appears when it wants to or it doesn’t. The only thing you can do is keep doing what you’re doing.
Magic is, as has been said, “is a word for things that happen in which we have no idea how the technology works.” One of those metaphysical things we celebrate when we know it’s in the house, but when it's not...
Maybe the personification of the magic -- Mr. Mojo is akin to El Senor -- who is said to sometimes appear to a person after a Shaman-led peyote ritual. Maybe even the same fellow in different clothes.
And perhaps the Kumbaya relationship of the Dubs players on the court – "we’re all in this together" -- not much ego, what sports writers call "unselfish" but it's beyond that --- it's "If you make the great shot instead of me, fine. It's not about me.”
And maybe that's part of it.
Way back in the 60s, a friend who had gone to the desert and convinced a native American Shaman to allow him to join the Peyote Circle, told me about it and found it funny how often he was asked about the taste of the cactus. (“Like bitter string beans,” he said.)
But he made the point that the bitter entry aspect of the adventure was integral to it -- whether you call it spiritual or magical or metaphysical. It was, as he said, laughing and meaning more than flavor with his intonation:
“A man’s gotta have NO PRIDE to eat that stuff.”
And so, while I was pondering this, my favorite local sportswriter, Ann Killion, put it in print, reporting Steve Kerr’s description of Steph Curry as “Arrogant on the court, humble in his life.” In other words, none of the egocentric I/Me/Mine type of pride when he’s in the game.
There's the New Death Lineup -- The Trifecta -- Steph, Draymond, and Klay -- and whenever possible, Andre, plus Jordan Poole and/or whoever is wearing the Dubs' uniform...
It may appear that Mr. Mojo showed up in the closing seconds of Game One against the Grizzlies, and maybe so.
But it was, of course, also the result of work and study and experience. Jacob Rubin, the Warriors' Player Development coach, pointing out what the Grizzlies would most likely do with that inbound pass with only 3.6 seconds left. And Klay, seeing it was happening, moved over to Ja Morant and slid his foot to the side, just enough so Ja had to go around instead of making his usual layup, and missed the winning basket. (As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle by Connor Letourneau.)
Of course none of this can be proved or disproved, not what we call “real,” but that doesn’t discount the possibility that Mr. Mojo was actually there, sitting courtside like Jack Nicholson used to do at Lakers games in the old days. And like Mr. Nicholson (and El Senor) Mr. Mojo only shows up when he wants to – and often it’s when he’s most needed.
Who knows? No one knows.
But sometimes I just think maybe Mr. Mojo is like the rest of us. He shows up because the Dubs are more fun to watch. (Especially when Andre is playing.)
One thing to keep in mind, even when feeling you have your mojo working -- always remember the other guy might have his working too.
In which case, the way it's going so far, the lineup for the next round might consist of whichever players are not in traction, on crutches, or wearing slings.
Howard Pearlstein
Oakland, CA
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Gary Payton II Named Finalist for Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award, Presented
by Kaiser Permanente
Vote for Payton on Jebbit and Twitter through May 14
SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has been named a finalist for the 2021-22 Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award (CAA), presented by Kaiser Permanente, in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to his community over the course of the season. Payton is one of 10 finalists for the award, which honors players who have upheld the league’s values of teamwork, respect, and inclusion since its inception 75 years ago.
Fans can vote for Payton on Jebbit and Twitter through Saturday, May 14, at 8:59 P.M. PT. On Jebbit, fans can view player vignettes highlighting the impact on their communities and cast votes directly on the platform. Votes can be shared on Twitter to count as a second vote. Using Twitter, fans should send a tweet using #NBACommunityAssist and #GaryPaytonII. Retweets will count as votes.
For video highlights of Payton’s work in the community during the 2021-22 season, CLICK HERE. For more information on Payton’s nomination, CLICK HERE.
The 2021-22 Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award will be determined by fan vote and an NBA executive panel. The winner of the award will receive a $75,000 donation to the charity of his choice, paying homage to the league’s 75th anniversary year. Should Payton win, his charity of choice to receive the $75,000 donation is the GPII Foundation.
The NBA Cares Community Assist Award, presented by Kaiser Permanente, honors the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece-by-piece. To learn more, please visit nba.com/communityassist.
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Gary Payton II. Photo by Rich Yee. |
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Deese and Snyder signed NFL contracts
Quarterback Nick Starkel has minicamp invites with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys.
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Derrick Deese, Jr. from La Palma, Calif.
- Honorable Mention All-Mountain West (2021, 2020)
- Mountain West All-Academic team (2020, 2019)
- Started all 12 games at tight end (2021)
- Finished No. 6 in the nation at tight end for receiving yards (723) (2021)
- Led the Spartans in touchdowns (4), catches (46) and yards (723) (2021)
- Had four 30-plus yard receptions (202)
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11th ranked tight end in nation according to profootballfocus.com (2021)
- Career-best season of 20 catches for 240 yards and five touchdowns (2020)
- One of eight national semifinalists for the John Mackey National Tight End Award (2020)
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Jack Snyder from Mill Valley, Calif.
- NFF Hampshire Honor Society (2022)
- Second-Team All-Mountain West (2021)
- First-Team All-Mountain West (2020)
- ProFootballFocus.Com Mountain West Player of the Year (2020)
- Honorable Mention All-Mountain West (2019)
- Five-time Academic All-Mountain West
- Mountain West Scholar-Athlete (2018 and 2020)
- San Jose State University Dean's Scholar (2018)
- SJSU record holder for most starts (52) and most games played (57)
- Started all 12 games for the Spartans at left tackle (2021)
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Nick Starkel from Argyle, Texas
- 26 touchdowns with 3,819 passing yards in two seasons with the Spartans
- Hula Bowl All-Star Game participant (2022)
- Second-Team All-Mountain West (2020)
- Named the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week (10/31/20)
#SpartanUp
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New USF assistant coaches Jay Duncan (left) and Kyle Bankhead
Duncan, Bankhead Named New Assistant
Men's Basketball Coaches
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The University of San Francisco men's basketball program and head coach Chris Gerlufsen are proud to officially announce the hiring of two new assistant coaches to the staff: Jay Duncan and Kyle Bankhead.
"We are extremely excited to have both Jay and Kyle join us here on the Hilltop," said head coach Chris Gerlufsen. “Both coaches bring an enormous amount of experience and expertise to their craft and I believe both have all of the qualities to be future head coaches one day."
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Which starting pitcher holds the MLB record for
the most consecutive wins?
(See answer below...)
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
Thank you for your many entries!
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This week's Sports Haiku takes you to a place you
may wish to visit, but not to become a member. Our first inductees into Sports Today "Loser's Hall of Fame" (LHOF) are "slam dunks," yet are not from Basketball. Rather, GOLF!
Phil Mickelson reportedly lost $40 million in gambling between 2010-2014. Sergio Garcia is the petulant crybaby who cracked under the pressure of fans at Bethpage, New York's Black Course in the 2002 U.S. Open when he took so many practice back-swings that fans counted them out loud in ridicule.
But the LHOF requires exceptional infamy, humiliation, and disgrace. Not a problem. Both inductees have voiced intentions to jump to the Saudi-backed rival golf tour, the LIV Golf International Series, orchestrated for the Saudis by Greg Norman, and leave the PGA which made them millionaires.
"I can't wait to leave this tour," said Sergio, after a recent dustup with a referee over a lost ball. Good. Maybe you and Comrade Phil can bet on who leaves first and stays away the longest.
LOSER'S HALL OF FAME
Birds of a Feather
The Biggest Losers in Golf
Phil and Sergio
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THE BUDDAH IS AMUSED BY DEFECTS OF THE SOUL
* * *
Contributed by Robert Moselle, Esq.
Executive Director, Center for Continuing Education
As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for
"Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
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Autograph Stories Invited |
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Do you have an autograph with a story behind it?
Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity to share
a personal sports moment with our readers.
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DO YOU LOVE SPORTS?
And are you a techno-wizard who would like
to be involved in Bay Area Sports?
The USG/Sports Today needs an "influencer."
We need You!
The Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today needs people with social media savvy, website technology knowledge and
e-marketing skills. Advance your career, add to your resume, and learn from sports industry professionals!
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales |
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Colorado Rapids 0
May 7, 2022
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The Quakes celebrate Nathan's game-winning goal
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 0
Quakes win second consecutive home match; Nathan scores
game-winning goal
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Colorado Rapids 1-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park. San Jose is now 3-1-0 in all competitions under interim head coach Alex Covelo, including a 2-1-0 record in MLS play. The Quakes also extended their home unbeaten streak in all competitions to six (3-0-3).
After a scoreless first half, San Jose took the lead through Nathan in the 64th minute. A corner kick taken short was driven into the box by Cristian Espinoza. Nathan beat his man to the ball and volleyed it past goalkeeper William Yarbrough.
The Earthquakes will now prepare for two away matches this week, first facing Seattle Sounders FC in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday, May 11 in Tukwila, Wash. Kickoff from Starfire Sports Complex is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+.
MEDIA ASSETS
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes currently hold a 2-5-3 record (9 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
- San Jose is now 3-1-0 in all competitions under interim head coach Alex Covelo, including a 2-1-0 record in MLS play.
- The Quakes now hold an 31-24-18 overall record against the Colorado Rapids, including a 18-9-9 record at home.
- The Earthquakes won 1-0 for the first time since July 31, 2021 at Seattle, and for the first time at home since July 6, 2019 vs. Real Salt Lake.
- Defender Nathan scored his first goal of the season and third of his MLS career. His goal also marks the first game-winning goal of his MLS career.
- Midfielder Cristian Espinoza tallied an assist on Nathan’s goal, marking his fourth assist of the season and 34th of his MLS career. He is now one assist away from tying Eddie Lewis (35) for fifth-most in assists in club history.
- Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski recorded his first shutout of the season and 11th of his MLS career. He made five saves during the match.
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season, San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 0 Colorado Rapids, Saturday, May 7, 2022 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., Attendance: 14,077, Man of the Match: Nathan
Scoring Summary: SJ (1-0) – Nathan (Cristian Espinoza) 64’, Misconduct Summary: SJ – Francisco Calvo (caution) 74’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Francisco Calvo, Nathan, Paul Marie (Tommy Thompson 76); Jackson Yueill (C), Jan Gregus; Cade Cowell (Benji Kikanović 77), Jamiro Monteiro (Eric Remedi 77), Cristian Espinoza; Jeremy Ebobisse. Substitutes not used: Oskar Ågren, Matt Bersano, Tanner Beason, Ousseni Bouda, Jack Skahan, Niko Tsakiris.
SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 9; SAVES: 5
COLORADO RAPIDS: William Yarbrough (C); Keegan Rosenberry, Auston Trusty, Lalas Abubakar (Drew Moor 53), Lucas Esteves; Max (Michael Barrios 65), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Nicolas Mezquida 80), Bryan Acosta, Collen Warner (Gustavo Vallecilla 52); Jonathan Lewis, Gyasi Zardes. Substitutes not used: Sebastian Anderson, Steven Beitashour, Clint Irwin, Anthony Markanich, Darren Yapi.
SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 3
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On tonight’s performance and comparisons to the last home game vs. Seattle:
“In the last match against Seattle, it went to the last moment due to a penalty. Emotionally, [tonight] was a little bit different, but we knew that we needed this victory, to be stronger at home, to confirm what we are doing during the week, and I think the players deserve it. I think we deserved to score a couple more [goals], but now we celebrate and keep working tomorrow because we have two important games next week.”
On the contributions from every player:
“The contribution was fantastic. We got a clean sheet at home, won against Colorado, created chances against Colorado who was [the top seed] of the Western Conference [in 2021]. I think the players gave it their all. Obviously, we can talk about certain moments of the game where we could be better offensively and defensively, but in general we are happy.”
On the team’s adaptation and his coaching run so far:
“I feel very good, just like all of our staff: [Chris] Wondolowski, Steve Ralston, Luciano [Fusco], and the rest of the guys. I think the guys are responding very well. During training sessions many of them are very different, it’s going to take a little bit more time to memorize those concepts, but the guys are working hard. They are improving step by step and memorizing the concepts that we want for the team.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JT MARCINKOWSKI
On if tonight is a sign of things to come:
“Yeah, absolutely. I think the guys have done a great job during the transition. It’s definitely not easy. We owe a lot to Matias [Almeyda] and his staff. A lot of the way that we pressure and the way that we defend can be credited to them for teaching us over the past three and a half, four years. But, with [Alex] Covelo’s system, I think it’s a little more structured, a little more less-is-more approach, I would say. I think this is a good indication of how we’ll play moving forward. I think every game presents a different challenge, so it’s not going to be exactly the same thing every single time, but just adjusting on the fly. We’ll look back on the film and there’s plenty of things to correct and there’s plenty of things to work on, and we’ll get right back on it tomorrow.”
On the team’s first shutout of the season:
“I think the clean sheet is a great representation of how well the team defended. I thought we really worked together tonight, and we clicked on a lot of cylinders that we’d kind of been missing. I think having a zero in the back is just a culmination of all the effort the guys put in in front of me. I’m just out there to try and help the team in any way that I can, whether that’s a clean sheet or whether that’s a 4-3 victory, doesn’t really matter to me as long as we get a win.”
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Oakland Roots SC 2
Orange County SC 2
May 7, 2022
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Roots Grab a Point Deep in Stoppage Time
in Orange County
Orange County were on the front foot early forcing a save from Benny Diaz inside of 10 minutes. They found the opening goal in the 22nd minute through Sean Okoli as he snuck his way behind Roots back line. The home side continued to attack and found a second from a free kick when Albi Skendi’s header hit the back of the net to make it 2-0 in the 35th. Oakland had one chance late in the half when a Charlie Dennis free kick was headed wide by Tarek Morad as Roots went into the half down two.
Oakland Roots fought back in the second half with early chances from an Edgardo Rtio cross and then a Charlie Dennis strike off the crossbar. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Mikael Johnsen on his debut for Roots, slipped in Edgardo Rito for the goal to make it 2-1. Oakland continued to battle and found a late set piece at the top of the box that Óttar Magnús Karlsson stepped up and buried to give Roots the point in stoppage time and complete the two goal comeback.
Roots have one more on the road next Saturday at Las Vegas Lights, before returning home to Laney to host LA Galaxy II on Saturday, May 21.
Orange County Soccer Club vs Oakland Roots SC, USL Championship | May 7, 2022, Venue: Championship Stadium, Irvine, California, Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT, Weather: 78 degrees, clear
SCORELINE: OC: 2, OAK: 2
SCORING SUMMARY: OC: 22’ Sean Okoli, OC: 35’ Albi Skendi, OAK: 68’ Edgardo Rito, OAK: 90’+ Óttar Magnús Karlsson
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: OAK: 14’ José Hernández (yellow card), OC: 55’ Michael Orozco (yellow card)
OAK: 88’ Tarek Morad (yellow card),
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Benny Diaz, Tarek Morad, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Danny Barbir (Johnny Rodríguez), Juan Azocar (Mikael Tørset Johnsen), Edgardo Rito, Joseph Nane (Memo Diaz), José Hernández, Charlie Dennis, Darek Formella (Jesús Enríquez), Óttar Magnús Karlsson, Unused subs: Wolfgang Prentice, Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta
Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corner Kicks: 2 | Fouls: 11 | Offside: 2 |
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: Rakovsky, Villanueva, Orozco, Richards (Kiernan), Casiple (McCabe), Skendi, Pedersen, Iloski (Osundina), Erick Torres, Okoli (Kuningas), Rocha (Partida), Unused subs: Shutler, Gorskie
Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 15 | Offside: 2 |
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Bay Area Panthers 34
Northern Arizona Wranglers 65
May 1, 2022
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The Bay Area Panthers dropped their May 1 game at SAP Center in San Jose to the Northern Arizona Wranglers, 65-34. This loss dropped their record to 1-6, putting them in last place among Western teams. The game was never in doubt as the Wranglers effectively responded to any Panthers score. Their next home game is Saturday, June 4 against the Arizona Rattlers at SAP Center. Above, Pio Vatuvei (#17) has a clear field. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.
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An eager fan receives an autograph -- to be shared with Dad as well?
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Racing Schools are the heartbeat of
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., April 26, 2022 – Race fans attend all of the major, premier events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and see what the finished product looks like on the track. However, every driver in a professional series gets their start somewhere.
That start for many includes one of the driving schools that WeatherTech Raceway partners with for various track day rentals throughout the year. In 2022, three major racing schools will inhabit the track, teaching the next generation of drivers everything from the basics to fine-tuning advanced racing skills.
Allen Berg Racing School, Skip Barber Racing School and Hooked on Driving will account for more than 60 track days during the 2022 calendar year.
“These racing schools are vitally important to the present and future of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway. “They serve as an important connection between the community and the race track, and are crucial in broadening the track’s brand to new audiences and racers of all levels. These schools also provide safe driving programs for all skill levels, from novice drivers who are learning to experienced people looking for added comfort behind the wheel.”
Allen Berg, whose racing experience spans six decades, including competing in Formula One races in the 1980s, has trained thousands of drivers at WeatherTech Raceway over the years. He says his customers can be broken down into two groups – serious racers and bucket listers.
“For the serious racer who is usually making the jump from karting to race cars, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s 11 corners in a low downforce, carbon tub open-wheel race car on slick tires is the perfect platform to identify and benchmark where he or she is at, and what they need to work on,” Berg said. “For the bucket listers, we’ve had the good fortune of training thousands of racers fulfilling a dream of driving one of our open wheel cars around the world famous WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.”
Much like Allen Berg Racing School, Skip Barber Racing School has also been setting novice drivers up for success since its inception in 1975.
Skip Barber Racing School touts that their alumni have taken the podium in all facets of motorsports including NASCAR, INDYCAR, SCCA, World Challenge and IMSA. Those alum include Juan Pablo Montoya, Josef Newgarden, Danica Patrick and many more.
Skip Barber Racing School has a national footprint and has taught more than 300,000 people how to drive competitively. It is a fully integrated system of driving schools, racing schools, and corporate events.
“The combination of 40 years of experience and the best coaches in the industry allows us to provide drivers with individualized training to ensure they are prepared for their professional careers,” said Joe Monitto, chief revenue officer of SBRS. “With a racing school, in-house race series and our own professional race team, we are able to develop drivers from the very beginning of their career and take them all the way to pro-racing with unparalleled access to training and coaching opportunities.”
But for aspiring racers who aren’t ready to hop into an Allen Berg formula car or a Skip Barber GT Mustang, there’s an option for someone who’s just starting out.
Hooked on Driving, created in 2004 by founder David Ray, promotes its racing school by explaining they are a performance driving program with a focus on safety, fun and learning, in that order. HOD serves tracks up and down the East and West Coasts of the U.S., with a very special connection to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, going back to its founding year in 2004.
“We see performance driving as very different from racing – where some programs blur the distinctions,” Ray said. “We are teaching skills that lead to spirited driving within safe limits, that allows a fun, friendly atmosphere at our events. We focus on everything from skills progression all the way to highly advanced driving. Cooperation among HOD drivers on track, rather than competition, is our trademark distinction.”
Berg says the onboard cameras capture the look in the eyes of a racer who is experiencing an open wheel car on the famed WeatherTech Raceway track for the first time, and that look makes all the work worthwhile.
“Their first time through the famous, daunting, exhilarating Corkscrew, and boom, the eyes get even bigger,” Berg said. “The only thing bigger than their eyes is the smiles when they pull the helmet off after each session on the track.”
Monitto explained why track days at WeatherTech Raceway are simply different than other places. “The combination of location, heritage, and the track itself make it an ideal place for us to train our drivers and provide amazing driving and racing experiences,” he said.
Anybody can be a part of the exhilarating racing experiences at WeatherTech Raceway.
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Oakland Spiders 16
San Diego Growlers 18
May 7, 2022
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Oakland Spiders’ team captain Justin Norden (#3) just gets his toe into the end zone for an early score in front of Growlers’ team captain Keenan Laurence (#51). Under heavy winds, the Oakland Spiders hosted the San Diego Growlers at Oakland Tech High School on Saturday evening, May 7.
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Partick Xu (#9) strayed away from his mark to poach a defensive block and create another turnover midway through the second quarter.
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Captain Justin Norden (#3) took to throwing a challenging hammer throw in heavy winds to reach an open player across the field.
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New season, new players -- Ah, Youth! The youngest Spider, Robin Vickers Batzdorf (#2), at 19 years old, had just scored his first AUDL goal in the second quarter. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Late in the third quarter the Spiders Matthew Kissmann (#3) went from Handler to Cutter in just a few passes to catch a score that was nearly blocked by the Growler defender. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Carl Hubbell
On July 18, 1936, New York Giants pitcher Carl Hubbell won a
10-2 blowout against the Cincinnati Reds and then kept on winning, closing out the season with 16 straight victories.
He went on to win his first eight games in 1937, notching a
MLB record 24-consecutive wins before finally losing
to the Brooklyn Dodgers on May 31.
Hubbell is perhaps best remembered for his performance in the 1934 All-Star Game, when he struck out five future Hall of Famers – Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin – in succession. https://bit.ly/3vUDWwY
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 9, through
Sunday, May 15, 2022
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Monday, May 9
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Detroit Tigers, 4:10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Detroit Tigers, 10:10 a.m.
Oakland A's @ Detroit Tigers, second game to follow
Wednesday, May 11
Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies, 6:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 12:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Detroit Tigers, 4:10 p.m.
Thursday, May 12
Oakland A's @ Detroit Tigers, 10:10 a.m.
Friday, May 13
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, TBD
San Francisco Giants @ St. Louis Cardinals, 5:15 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, May 14
San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 11:15 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:07 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Vancouver Whitecaps, 4 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Las Vegas Lights, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 15
San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4:08 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:07 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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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!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-915-5664
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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