SHARE:  

August 19 -- August 25, 2024

Issue No. 551

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski

Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, James Molgaard,

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

Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor

WEEKEND POTPOURRI


San Francisco 49ers Defeat New Orleans Saints, 16-10

Brock Purdy returned and in limited action managed to scramble and live to fight another day. Devoid of key players, neither team showed much offensively, reflected in the 0-0 first quarter score. New Orleans scored first after an eight minute, 16-play, 95-yard possession in the second quater. In at 49er QB, Joshua Dobbs showed some good moves and Moody hit on a couple of field goals to make it 7-6. A Dobbs run with a few seconds left in the first half made it 13-7 49ers, after T.Y. McGill had taken the ball away from Saints QB, S. Rattler. The third quarter saw Brandon Allen come in for S.F., and then a New Orleans FG made it 13-10, S.F. 


The fourth quarter saw the arrival of two new faces: Tanner Mordecai, a QB out of Wisconsin for the 49ers, who looked good, and for New Orleans, the local product and son of KTVU personality Julie Haener, Jake Haener, at QB. Defense was the story for the balance of the game. 


Another Moody FG made the final score 16-10 in favor of San Francisco. Some key 49ers were RB Cody Schrader plus Ricardo Green, George Odum and Malik Mustapha. The Niners of course miss star players who have not yet suited up, and also Kinlaw and Armstead, who have moved on, but alas, that's show business. 


Highlights: (10:01) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I09oKxu8sCo


Bristol Open Pickleball Championships: PPA Women's Doubles

Semi-finals

When we rolled out Pickleball on Sports Today a couple of years ago, it generated laughter and disbelief. Now, the battle is between Tennis and Pickleball players as to who gets the rights to the Court.


In this semi-final contest, three of the four players are top International stars. The Finals ran long with no winners as of time of publication. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkeWZgi2ezU (25:31)


Golf: Hideki Matsuyama Battles for Victory at FedEx St. Jude

Hideki Matsuyama and his caddie had been robbed at an airport in London (!) on the way to Memphis. He found a local substitute and started the final round with a five-shot lead. Xander Schauffele started behind by nine, and as both he and Victor Hovland took advantage of shaky play by Hideki, a three-man playoff appeared imminent. On the final two holes, however, Hideki righted the ship with two birdies, to squeak to a one-shot victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDt9QjxK_JE (8:52)


Personal favorite Eric Cole made the cut (at #46) for the Top 50 players' exemption for next season. Not a long hitter, but a cool cat who may surprise.

https://www.pgatour.com/player/47591/eric-cole


Robert A. Moselle

Marketing Director, Sports Today!

https://www.cce-mcle.com/


What An Electrifying 360 Degree Round Up!


Your highlights didn't just capture the excitement—they practically bottled and bonded it! You are hitting home runs in all of your coverage. (Sports Today!, Issue #550.)


The Ultimate Sports Guide is where Bay Area sports scenes come alive: a pulse of passion and play--that is, a passion play of Bay Area sports activity! And, specifically, as a special point of national pride, the victory for the USA in the Summer Olympics! 


Thanks for serving up such a 'killer' mix of 'ultimate' sporting moments!


Carl Macki

Mill Valley, CA

Donate Today -- Click Here!

Contents

Games

Oakland A's 2, San Francisco Giants 4, (10 innings)

Oakland A's 2, San Francisco Giants 0

Oakland Roots SC 1, Rhode Island FC 1

San Jose Earthquakes 1, LAFC 4



Features & Commentary

Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!

Hakeem Olajuwon, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Hardly Trivial, by T. Buff

My Favorite Bay Coaches, Mangers, by Dave Newhouse

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.

You Can't Make This One Into Chicken Salad, by Howard Pearlstein



Organizations

Bay Area Falcons

Bay Area Panthers

Bay FC

Cal Bears

Cal State University East Bay

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

Oakland Ballers

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul SC

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Nighthawks

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose State Spartans

Santa Clara Broncos

SF City

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

Stanford Cardinal

UC Davis Aggies

University of Pacific Tigers

USF Dons

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca

Subscribe Now -- FREE!!!

Oakland A's 2

San Francisco Giants 4

(10 innings)

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Sunday, August 18, 2024

San Francisco Giants designated hitter Jerar Encarnacion hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning as the Giants salvaged a series split with a

4-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics in the final edition of the Bay Bridge Series on Sunday, August 18th at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Starter Blake Snell continued his hot streak, striking out ten while surrendering one run over seven innings of work. Caption and

photo by Darren Yamashita.

Athletics starting pitcher JP Sears matched Snell with one run and nine strikeouts over 7-2/3 innings. Caption and photo by

Darren Yamashita.

Brent Rooker uses a bat dedicated to his newborn daughter, Blake Eloise. Players used custom bats and cleats as part of Major League Baseball's Player's Weekend. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

San Francisco Giants shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald (sliding) is doubled off of first base as Oakland Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof (20) catches a throw during the fourth inning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler (4) wears specially-designed cleats as part of MLB Player’s Weekend before the game against the San Francisco Giants. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics left fielder Miguel Andujar (22) wears special cleats as part of MLB Player’s Weekend before the game against the San Francisco Giants. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

An Oakland Athletics fan receives an autograph from former pitcher Tyson Ross (left) as part of Alumni Sundays before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Fans in the upper deck participate in the wave during the seventh inning of the game between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. 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 Darren Yamashita.

Oakland A's 2

San Francisco Giants 0

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Rickey Henderson Field logo behind home plate.

© 2024 Molgaard Photography

Dennis Eckersley acknowledging the fans on his way to the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony. © 2024 Molgaard Photography

Ken Korach introducing Bill King into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame.

© 2024 Molgaard Photography

Oakland A's Osvaldo Bido (#45) pitching early in the game.

© 2024 Molgaard Photography

Oakland A's Miguel Andujar (#22) makes a lunging catch at the warning track to prevent the base hit. © 2024 Molgaard Photography

Oakland A's Zack Gelof (#20) slides across home to give the Athletics a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. 

© 2024 Molgaard Photography

Bridging The Gap



My Favorite Bay Coaches, Managers



by Dave Newhouse


What’s there not to like about Steve Kerr? He is as perfect a coach

or manager as this writer has seen in the Bay Area. What sets Kerr apart is his amazing self-control. Yes, he is smart, prepared, understanding, perceptive, tough but kind, and successful.


All of these qualities add up to an impressive resume, but what really makes Kerr unique is that he never seems to do or say the wrong thing, though Donald Trump might disagree. Yet, Kerr carries himself so beautifully that he seems flawless.


But I can’t include him on my personal list of favorite local professional coaches and managers, because I never covered him as a journalist. It’s the same thing with Dick Williams, Bob Melvin, Bruce Bochy and Kyle Shanahan.


I started full time sportswriting in 1964 with the Oakland Tribune, encountering hundreds of Bay Area head coaches and managers over nearly 50 years, pro and college, and involving thousands of games. 


What follows, then, is my top 20 list of coaches and managers I’ve interviewed, with a cautionary note: Their winning percentages are secondary. I’m more interested in their character, including a decency factor. So here they are in order:



Dusty Baker

Bill Walsh

Tony LaRussa

Dusty Baker: I can’t imagine anyone better. So thoughtful, yet so tuned in to what made his players tick. And his paternalistic leadership led to cohesion, multiple manager of the year awards, and, eventually Cooperstown.


Bill Walsh: A multi-faceted football coach, lapping the field in preparedness, clearly out-thinking his opponents.


Tony LaRussa: The hardest-working baseball manager, thus second only to Connie Mack in wins. Tightly wound, but caring. Right, Fido?



Roger Craig

Al Attles

George Seifert

Roger Craig: Hum Baby lifted the entire Giants organization with his off-the-chart positiveness and split-fingered pitching approach.


Al Attles: His playing toughness — The Destroyer — masked his kindness and generosity. That’s why he is a lifetime Warrior.


George Seifert: The finest of men, who kept the 49ers on top after Walsh departed.

Frank Robinson

John Madden

Felipe Alou

Frank Robinson: No one to mess with, but sometimes a softie behind that freezing glare.


John Madden: Somewhat guarded as a Raiders coach, he then grew as a dual media and commercial figure into a national treasure.


Felipe Alou: The sweetest man I encountered in baseball, who proved that you don’t have to manage angrily to win.



Alex Hannum

Jon Gruden

Art Howe

Alex Hannum: He coached the Oakland Oaks to an ABA title with guile. He was a coach’s coach. No adversary was too big.


Jon Gruden: Despite what’s said of him now, I loved his coaching style: Intense — Hello, Chuckie! — yet highly accomplished.


Art Howe: Physically imposing, but a gentle soul of a manager who kept the A’s winning.



George Karl

Steve Boros

Don Nelson

George Karl: Wound tightly, but he managed to keep the Warriors winning even while dealing with Joe Barry Carroll.


Steve Boros: Perhaps too cerebral to manage the A’s, but the most decent of men in baseball or otherwise.


Don Nelson: As manipulative a coach or manager as I’ve ever encountered. Sneaky, sometimes snarky, smart.

Dick Nolan

Billy Martin

Steve Mariucci

Dick Nolan: He turned the 49ers around ahead of Walsh. A forgotten Bay Area coaching figure.


Billy Martin: Yes, I know, too low, but a load to deal with despite his winning, and so utterly self-destructive.


Steve Mariucci: Let’s not forget that Mooch coached the 49ers to any number of big wins.

Monte Clark

Tom Flores

Monte Clark: He coached the 49ers one season, 1976, but an incredible turnaround. Then it was: So long Joe (Thomas).


Tom Flores: He won huge as a Raiders coach, but mostly in Los Angeles.

* * *

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.

Advertise in Sports Today!

Special Rates Available!

Ann Cooke, Sales Director

Or call (510) 414-5394

acooke3495@aol.com

Don't Overlook!!!!

NEW Sports Today Issue link

https://conta.cc/4dymvFv


NEW Facebook Link

https://conta.cc/4fPoUh4

  

NEW Autograph Link

https://conta.cc/4ccLOvP


NEW Sports Haiku List

https://conta.cc/3RrEhlj

US Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Finals

Treasure Island and Balboa Park, San Francisco, CA

August 16-18, 2024

This last weekend was the US Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Finals. The San Francisco GAA were the hosts and matches took place at Treasure Island and at Balboa Park.



Gaelic Football and Hurling/Camogie are played on the same field (pretty convenient) about twice the size of a soccer field. Men play hurling and women play camogie. The goal is a cross between a soccer goal at the bottom with football uprights attached.


If you get the ball in the goal below the crossbar, it's a goal (three points), and if you get it between the uprights above the bar, it's a point (one point). 


Above: San Francisco Clan na Gael (brown) 4-8 (20) over Charlotte James Connolly's (green) 0-3 (3) in an Intermediate Ladies Semifinal match during the 2024 USGAA Finals at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on August 17, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

Caption and photo by Alex Ho.

St. Louis (red) 7-12 (33) over Pittsburgh Na Laochra (brown) 0-3 (3) in a Junior A Camogie Round 2 match during the 2024 USGAA Finals at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on August 17, 2024 in San Francisco, California. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.

Houston Gaels (white) 1-14 (17) over the Cayman Island (red) 0-4 (4) in a Men's Jr C Gaelic Football Semifinal match during the 2024 USGAA Finals at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on August 17, 2024 in San Francisco, California. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.

Cincinnati (red) 4-7 (19) over Denver Gaels 'B' (black) 4-6 (18) in a Men's Junior D Gaelic Football Semifinal match during the 2024 USGAA Finals at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on August 17, 2024 in San Francisco, California. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.

Charlotte James Connollys (green) 1-12 (15) over Setanta San Diego 'B' (red) 0-11 (11) in a Men's Junior B Gaelic Football Semifinal match during the 2024 USGAA Finals at the San Francisco GAA, Treasure Island on August 17, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

Caption and photo by Alex Ho.

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee?

Add Your Name To The List Below!

Your Support Is Appreciated!


Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry, media professionals, avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans and

colleges and universities.


Our contributors are highly respected journalists, authors and photographers providing a wide array of in-depth articles and images, and our Letters to the Editor delights readers.

 

Contest!

Guess who these two gentlemen are and win

a FREE subscription to Sports Today!

Oh, wait! It already is FREE!

Please help us keep it this way and DONATE via PayPal.


(If you don't know who these gentlemen are, DONATE and we'll send you the answer! Clue: One was a President and one a King.)

To make a contribution, 

CLICK HERE!

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!

A. Nonymous

Elisabeth (Betty) C.

Steve Chain

Harvey Cohen

Richard Cross -- Founder / San Francisco Nighthawks

Andy Dolich

Robert Flammia

Bill & Nona Hool

Sheila Jordan

Arif Khatib

Mitchell Kim

David Larson

Ann McNaughton

Timothy Maroney

Dave Newhouse

Timothy Palacios

James Reynolds

Ross & Vicki Robinson

Chloe Satterlee

Selina Satterlee

Robert Scheer

Narda Zacchino

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants 2025 Spring Training schedule was announced today, beginning with play on Saturday, February 22 against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. The Giants will open their home schedule on Sunday, February 23 against the Cincinnati Reds at Scottsdale Stadium.


The Giants’ spring schedule features 16 games at Scottsdale Stadium, including eight weekend games along with 15 Cactus League

road games.


The Giants will play a traditional double header on Saturday, March 15, when they host the Seattle Mariners followed by a Spring Breakout Prospect Game. The Spring Breakout game will feature the Giants and Rangers top prospects as part of MLB’s new initiative aimed at showcasing exciting young talent across the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues.


Single game tickets will go on sale later this winter. Fans can visit sfgiants.com/spring to sign-up to receive ticket sales information and purchase Spring Training ticket gift cards.

2025 Spring Training Schedule
Spring Training Information

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time." 


We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!


www.thechieftain.com

Our 2025 Spring Training schedule is officially here! We'll kick off Cactus League play against the San Diego Padres in Peoria on Saturday, Feb. 22, before hosting the Colorado Rockies at Hohokam Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 23. Spring will also feature home games versus the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and more. We look forward to seeing you in sunny Arizona!

Spring Training Information
See Full Schedule

Interested in ticketing products for 2025 Spring Training? Fill out this form to learn more.

Fill Out Form

Winning and Wanderlust:

The History of the Oakland Athletics

Quarter: Fall

Duration: 6 weeks

Date(s): Oct. 22--Dec. 3

Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays

Please note: No class on Nov. 26

Tuition: $405

Unit(s): 1

Status: Registration opens Aug 19, 8:30 am

Instructor(s): Andy Dolich

Format/Location: Live Online

Class Recording Available: Yes

Class Meeting Time: 6-7:50 p.m.


Refund Deadline: Oct. 24

Since the team's Oakland debut in 1968, the Athletics have experienced some of the most dramatic fluctuations in fortune among sports franchises. With a controversial move to Las Vegas looming after a protracted negotiation to remain in the East Bay, the Athletics will play their next three seasons in a minor league ballpark in Sacramento. This course immerses students in the history of the rise and fall of this once-revered franchise. Led by an instructor with 14 years of executive experience during the team's heyday, it features insightful conversations with key figures from the Athletics' history in sports, politics, and economics. From the World Series era, featuring icons like Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter, to the powerhouse ’80s and ’90s, led by slugger Mark McGwire and closer Dennis Eckersley, and through the groundbreaking Moneyball era pioneered by general manager Billy Beane, the A’s have taken their fans on a roller-coaster journey of triumphs and setbacks. Join us as we delve into the complex identity of the Oakland Athletics as they continue to grapple with relocation challenges and maintain the unwavering loyalty of their fan base.


Guest speakers include:

Dave Stewartformer Oakland A’s starting pitcher

Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist

Mark Purdyformer San Jose Mercury News sports columnist

Ted Robinsonnational sports broadcaster

Dave Newhouseformer Oakland Tribune sports columnist and co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a

Sports Town's Fight for Survival


Andy Dolich

President, Dolich Consulting

Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and

a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today.


Textbook for course:

(Required) Andy Dolich & Dave Newhouse, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival (ISBN 978-1637273401)


For more information

Donate Today! -- 10th Anniversary! Click Here!

San Jose Earthquakes 1

LAFC 4

BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

San Jose’s thrilling Leagues Cup run ends in Round of 16; Quakes return to MLS play Aug. 24 vs. Real Salt Lake


LOS ANGELES – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Los Angeles Football Club 4-1 on Tuesday night in front of 14,911 fans at BMO Stadium in the Leagues Cup 2024 Round of 16.


The hosts got on the board first in the 17th minute when Ryan Hollingshead won an aerial duel near midfield and pushed the ball ahead to Cristian Olivera, who converted a one-on-one opportunity past goalkeeper William Yarbrough. In the 25th minute, the Quakes almost equalized when forward Jeremy Ebobisse lofted a ball from the right wing into the box for an in-stride Amahl Pellegrino, but the ensuing shot on frame was parried away at the last moment by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The answer would come the 41st minute, a Benji Kikanović floating cross from the right wing was deflected right to a sliding Hernán López, who poked it past Lloris to make it 1-1. However, in the second minute of stoppage time, LAFC midfielder Eduard Atuesta broke free in the box and drew a penalty from a diving Yarbrough. Denis Bouanga converted the subsequent penalty kick to give LAFC the lead once more heading into halftime.


After intermission, the Quakes remained dangerous. In the 57th minute, Cristian Espinoza found a streaking Jackson Yueill to his right in the box, and while the captain’s one-timer for the far post beat Lloris, it was just wide. But LAFC would score again in the 61st minute when Mateusz Bogusz unleashed a shot from a deep, deceiving angle that bounced off Yarbrough’s gloves into the net. Down 3-1 now, San Jose pushed forward but were beaten by a counterattack when Olivera lifted a long ball for Bouanga who extended the advantage to close the scoring.


continued...

Click Here

Oakland Roots SC 1

Rhode Island FC 1

Beirne Stadium, Smithfield, Rhode Island

Saturday, August 17, 2024

oOakland Roots Hold on for Point in Rhode Island 

 

The home side, Rhode Island FC, controlled most of the opening half hour, putting a lot of pressure on the visiting Oakland Roots defense.

 

It was Oakland, however, who found the net first when captain Neveal Hackshaw headed home from close range off a corner to give the visiting Roots a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute.

 

Following the goal, the hosts from Rhode Island returned to the front foot, controlling possession and the run of play through to halftime, but they were unable to convert that control into a goal as the halftime whistle blew with the score 1-0 in favor of the Roots.

 

Oakland had their backs against the wall as Rhode Island's pressure began to mount in the second half. The hosts' relentless attacks forced a red card on the goal scorer Neveal Hackshaw for preventing a clear scoring opportunity, leaving the Roots with 10 men for the remainder of the game.


continued...

Photo Credit: Oakland Roots SC

Click Here
Visit our Website

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

-- On July 14, 1942 --



The Pride of the Yankees: The Life of Lou Gehrig,

a movie about 'Iron Horse' Lou Gehrig was released.  


Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig

died of ALS, now known as Lou Gehrig's disease,

on June 2, 1941. Gary Cooper played Lou Gehrig! 


Who played Babe Ruth in the movie? 



-- answer below --

Hakeem Olajuwon -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

This 1996 Team USA jersey, signed by Hakeem Olajuwon, was given to me as a gift from my uncle who attended the Olympics. The men's national basketball team won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in AtlantaGeorgia. Led by Basketball Hall of Fame head coach Lenny Wilkens, the team won gold for the

second straight Olympics.


Rich YeeSports Today Photographer

Sports Precis

You Can't Make This One Into Chicken Salad


by Howard Pearlstein


Jordan Chiles’ Bronze Medal hullaballoo: the all-important thing to know is that her score is not in question and it puts her into a solid third place. To put it politely, this is what my high school science teacher referred to as “undigested residue.”


And it’s not part of any recipe for chicken salad.


That actual story: Jordan Chiles was graded at 13.666 for her Floor Exercise and needed 13.7 to pass two other gymnasts. Her coach Cecile Landi then requested a review based on the level of difficulty having been set too low. The judge watched the tape in slow motion and agreed, adding one point and resetting the score to 13.766, putting her ahead of two Romanian gymnasts.


That much is fact.


Then the Rumanians challenged showing their tape to say, “The USA coach missed the one-minute window, was too late by 4 seconds.” And the judges changed the Bronze medal winner back to Rumanian Anu Barbosu.


So now we’re getting deep into the world of chicken doodie, but hang on -- it gets even deeper. Because the USA coach went to the more detailed accurate clock of the networks to prove his appeal was, in fact, within the deadline, filed only 47 seconds after scores were posted. The CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) said, “so what,” and blathered some jargon that its rules “do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered.”


Oh, the other Romanian gymnast had been penalized for stepping out of bounds, but later review showed she hadn’t. Too bad. The judges and the officials had circled the wagons. And the higher levels of IOC said, essentially: “Enough. We’re sticking with our decision, regardless.”


Many years ago, a man I regarded as my mentor told me a difficult fact I needed to know about the way the world works. He said: “If your boss is wrong and you’re right, the only way that he can deal with the embarrassment is to be MORE WRONG than you are right.”


Well then.


If rules are merely guidelines invented and established by humans to provide criteria that are standardized for every country and competitor across the board, then they should have some mutability.


On the other hand, if rules are absolutes, lines drawn by god as some judges’ attitude suggest, then, when any performance is proven to be within the rule, the conclusion must always be the one decided by facts.


Unless of course we ride the Wayback machine to 1966, when a lot of poses and postures were exposed, and remember Dino Valente’s “Children of the Sun” in which he sang:


“It’s not a game to be played by rules,

it’s made by men to be played by fools.”


And then the picture of Olympic judges more resembles the description someone made about them: “Malcontent has-beens, wanna-be’s, never-was’es, resentful envious nitpickers and bean counters.”


Reminded me of a movie I saw years ago, Missy Peregrym’s starring vehicle about amateur women gymnastics, titled Stick It, which refers both to making the landing as well as being a suggestion as to what the judges can do with their petty rules.


In it, a gymnast does a damn near perfect vault but is penalized when her bra strap shows from behind the leotard on her landing.


And despite the logical argument about how it couldn’t be prevented because of the physical movement involved, the intractable judge says she should buy a better bra.


Whichever, Olympics or movie, both stories sound like the same old mean-spirited chicken sh't to me.

 

  * * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

 Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader

  Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.


26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,

6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)

https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/


These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125

Tpmmd@hotmail.com

 If you are interested, please contact Mr. Maroney directly via his email or phone. Sports Today does not receive remuneration --

we are simply happy to make these seats available to our readers

and as a favor to a loyal subscriber, Tim Maroney.

Vol. 93: Time To Keep Some NIL

Agents In Line

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought


by Darren Heitner

Founder of HEITNERLEGAL


Words matter. I say it all the time.


This week, an agent representation agreement was sent to me for review. It is between a notable athlete and a newly licensed agent whom I have never heard of before.


The agreement says that the athlete must pay the agent a certain percentage of the gross monies from any endorsement or marketing agreement signed by the athlete that was procured by the agent. This specifically included any NIL collective deals.


Setting aside the fact that the athlete says he never actually signed the agreement, which is a much bigger issue, this agent has a big problem. He didn't procure the deal.


To procure is to obtain something by particular care and effort.

Here, the agent did not obtain the NIL collective deal. That is quite typical. And this is not the first time that I have seen an agent try to commission a deal that he did not procure. The NIL collective was engaged with the athlete before the agent's involvement and the agent only came into the picture after the fact.


But here, the agent also limited his right to collect a commission with his language. The athlete did not negotiate in the procurement language into the NIL representation agreement. Instead, this was the language that the agent selected on his own volition.


Ethically, if the agent didn't do anything to negotiate the deal, then he probably shouldn't be demanding a commission. Legally, if the agent has negotiated into his agreement with his client that he will only be entitled to a particular commission if he procures the deal and the facts make clear that there was no procurement by the agent, then it is improper for the agent or his hired legal counsel to make such a demand.


States have long regulated the agent profession even in ways that professional players' associations have not, particularly because not all agents are bound by pro sports union regulations. But it feels like states have been pretty quiet in regulating a lot of these new NIL agents since July 1, 2021. Perhaps that changes. In the meantime, I'll try to keep some of these rogue agents honest.

continued...

Click Here

10th Anniversary

Donate Today -- We are Appreciative!

Click Here!

Friends of Laguna Seca Enters New Era for the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Home of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca


Executives from Friends of Laguna Seca (Friends) and A&D Narigi,

as well as officials from the County of Monterey, celebrated a new beginning for the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area on Thursday, August 15.


continued...

Click Here

continued...

Click Here

Ferrari Challenge North America Stampedes into Sonoma 


Race cars on track and exotic supercars in the paddock will delight fans, with proceeds benefiting Sonoma County non-profits

 

Ferrari Challenge North America, the largest and longest running single-marque racing series in North America, brings Italian passion and pageantry to Sonoma Raceway, Saturday, August 24. Open to the public, this exciting racing event features various classes of cars and the opportunity for fans to get up close to some of the most luxurious supercars in the world, all set in a backdrop of Ferrari Red. 


The Italian manufacturer will showcase some of their newest models and owners and VIP guests will also have their Ferraris on display for all to enjoy. With an open garage layout, guests can watch teams fine tuning the 296 Challenge and 488 Challenge Evo race cars for the weekend’s events. 


“We are thrilled to welcome Ferrari and fans for another one-of-a-kind event here at Sonoma Raceway,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “Year in and year out, Ferrari Challenge North America puts on an absolute show.”


A great event for families and fans of all ages, the open paddock and pre-race grid walk allows fans to feel like they are part of the action. Below are scheduled highlights of race day events:       


8:15 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. - Qualifying 

12:00 p.m. - Autograph Session at Podium

12:20 p.m. - Fan Grid Walk and National Anthem 

12:50 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Races

3:10 p.m. - Podium celebration for all classes

 

Adult tickets are available for $35, with FREE parking. Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE with a ticketed adult. All proceeds go to Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, benefitting Sonoma County non-profits dedicated to children and families in need. To purchase, or for more information visit SonomaRaceway.com or call 800-870-7223 (RACE).


 continued...

Click Here

Donate Today! -- 10th Anniversary!

Click Here!

Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Babe Ruth Played Himself! 


(Lifted from Sports Illustrated.)

Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig pose in their ''Bustin' Babes'' and ''Larrupin Lous'' uniforms from their 1927 barnstorming tour.


The teams, which consisted mostly of local amateurs and minor leaguers, played 21 games across the country immediately after the Yankees swept the Pirates in the World Series.  https://bit.ly/3Op8W0j 


https://bit.ly/3O38GDR will take you to an image of Babe Ruth with Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig in the movie. The movie received 11 Oscar nominations. 


https://bit.ly/472L3Eg will take you to the wiki

entry about the movie. 


Go Celtics

Go Red Sox

Cal Bears

Cal Tops UCSD 2-1 In Season Opener


Lema Earns Brace In Comeback Victory


BERKELEY – After falling behind in the first half of its season opener, the California women's soccer team scored a pair of second-period goals to top UC San Diego 2-1 Thursday night at Edwards Stadium. Both Golden Bear goals came off the boot of senior Karlie Lema who earned her second career brace.


The season-opening victory marked a successful start to Cal's (1-0-0) new era as an ACC institution.


The early minutes of the match were quiet with neither team getting a shot off until the 17th minute. Cal's starting goalkeeper Teagan Wy picked up a pair of saves in the first half including a highlight-level play made on a shot taken within the six-yard box.


The scoreless tie was broken by UCSD (0-1-0) in the 34th minute on a well-executed corner kick. Ellie Trevino played a perfect ball to Courtney Hilliard who redirected it straight through to give the visiting team a 1-0 lead at halftime. The Golden Bears won the first-half shot battle 6-3 and that aggressive play carried into the next period.


continued...

Photo: Peter Fukumae

Click Here

Stanford Cardinal

Glozman Receives USTA National Junior Scholar Athlete Award


Incoming freshman also earned a U.S. Open qualifier for the third straight year by virtue of her runner-up finish at last week’s USTA National Championships


STANFORD, Calif. – Incoming freshman Valerie Glozman was named a recipient of the 2024 USTA National Junior Scholar Athlete Award, the organization announced as last week’s USTA National Championships.


Glozman is the No.1-ranked 18-and-under player in the country, a distinction she has held at various times over the past two years. She has won numerous junior titles, including back-to-back singles titles at the FILA Easter Bowl and helped lead the U.S. team to the Junior Billie Jean King Cup title in 2022. She earned a U.S. Open qualifier for the third straight year by virtue of her runner-up finish at the 2024 USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships.


In the classroom, she holds a 4.0 cumulative GPA and has earned over a dozen college credits from a dual-enrollment program. She is a member of the Key Club and Sustainability Club and has served as a volunteer tennis coach in her community.


continued...

Click Here

San Jose State Spartans

Sugai and Mayo Lead as Spartans Fall Against Santa Clara Presented by Habana Cuba


SAN JOSE, Calif. - Shayla Sugai made five saves and Kennedy Mayo fired off three shots to lead the San José State women's soccer team (0-1, 0-0 MW) in a 4-0 loss against No. 22 Santa Clara (1-0, 0-0 WCC) in the first game of the season on Thursday night at Spartan Soccer Complex presented by Habana Cuba.




continued...

Click Here

Saint Mary's College Gaels

WSOC | UC Irvine Defeat the Gaels

3-0 in Home Opener


MORAGA, Calif. - UC Irvine put up two goals in the first half, and quickly scored another three minutes into the second half to defeat Saint Mary's 3-0 in Moraga. 

 

The Anteaters' Clara Samson put the first shot of the match in the back of the net just 47 seconds into the game. UC Irvine continued to attack before Gaels Alessandra Towle shot high of the goal in the 17th minute. 

 

Trailing by one did not stop SMC from attacking the Anteater territory with Tessa Salvestrin and Emma Barthel both putting up shots. With a quick shift in momentum, UC Irvine scored their second goal of the match in the 29th minute. This fueled the Anteaters to keep attacking the Gaels as they attempted four more shots before the half ended, resulting in an SMC red card. In these final minutes of the first half, Saint Mary's goalkeeper Kate Plachy made her first save of the night. 

 

Gaels outshot UC Irvine in the second half five to four; however, the Anteaters broke through the Saint Mary's defense in the 48th minute for their first shot of the second half to make it a 3-0 UC Irvine lead. 


continued...

SMC Athletics / Tod Fierner

Click Here

USF Dons

Bracken Serra + Roberts Named to All-WCC Men's Soccer Preseason Team


SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The West Coast Conference officially announced the 2024 WCC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll and All-WCC Men's Soccer Preseason Team on Friday morning.

 

For San Francisco, Gabriel Bracken Serra and Reid Roberts were named to the Preseason Team while the Dons were picked to finish fifth out of nine teams in the Preseason Poll. Last season, both Bracken Serra and Roberts earned WCC All-Conference First Team and United Soccer Coaches West All-Region Third Team honors.

 

Returning from a season-long injury the year before, Bracken Serra led the charge offensively for the green and gold in 2023 as he led the team with six goals on the year, which also tied him for the sixth-most in the conference. Additionally, his 35 shots were good for seventh in the WCC while his 14 shots on goal tied him for eighth against his conference opponents. Aside from finding the back of the net, the Berkeley native also finished seventh in the WCC with five assists. Overall, his 17 points last fall placed him sixth in the conference rankings.


continued...

Click Here

Santa Clara Broncos

Barnett and Menti Named to Hermann Trophy Watch List


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A pair of Santa Clara women's soccer seniors have been named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List ahead of the 2024 season. Midfielders Colby Barnett and Sally Menti were the Broncos honored. They were both named Midfielders To Watch by United Soccer Coaches and to the Preseason All-WCC Team.


Barnett was named First Team All-West Region and Second Teal All-WCC in 2023. The then-junior started 20 matches and scored three goals with six assists.

 

Menti was First Team All-West Region and First Team All-WCC a season ago while scoring four goals and leading the team with nine assists. She is back for her fifth year.


The Broncos have two previous winners of the most prestigious honor in college soccer. Mandy Clemens won the award in 1999 and Aly Wagner took home the hardware in 2002.


continued...

Click Here

University of Pacific Tigers

MEN’S SOCCER PICKED EIGHTH IN PRESEASON POLL


STOCKTON, Calif. - The West Coast Conference released its 2024 Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll and Preseason Team Friday morning.

 

Pacific came in eighth place in the poll with 16 points. WCC newcomer Oregon State received the most votes with four first-place tallies and 56 points. Portland (55) and (48) round out the top three. 

 

The Tigers look to build off a 5-8-4 record in 2023 under sixth-year head coach Adam Reeves. With the addition of the Oregon State men's soccer team into the WCC, nine teams will be vying for the WCC title this year.

 

Pacific kicks off the regular season next week, hosting UC Davis at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Knoles Field. 


continued...

Click Here

UC Davis Aggies

Aggies Take Down Hornets with Commanding 2-0 Win in

Season Opener


Score: UC Davis 2, Sacramento State 0

Location: Davis, Calif.

Records: UC Davis, 1-0-0, Sacramento State 0-1-0

 

The short story: A first-career goal for Ava Coverdale gave the Aggies an early lead, while preseason All-Big West selection Sam Tristan put the rival Hornets away in the second half as UC Davis pulled away with a commanding 2-0 win in the season opener.


continued...

Click Here

Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Academic Awards Earned by Cal State East Bay Student-Athletes

Throughout 2023-24


The 2023-24 academic year was outstanding for many Cal State East Bay student-athletes and teams. Below is a list of the deserving teams and student-athletes of various academic awards sponsored by the CCAA, WWPA, PCSC, D2 ADA and various coaching associations nationwide.


continued...

Click Here

St. Francis Yacht Club

LAST CALL FOR 2024 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES

Registration closes August 31.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2024

Contact: communications@stfyc.com


For sailors who’ve competed in Rolex Big Boat Series over its 60-year history, “It’s the most fabulous event there is, period," according to Chris Perkins, who’s raced it since the 1980s and is the 2024 Commodore of event host St. Francis Yacht Club. 


What makes it fabulous? Epic, breeze-on conditions over four days of racing, dynamic racecourses managed by a world-class race committee and outstanding parties hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club. Perkins hasn’t committed to a boat yet, but he’s fired up for the full schedule of events, on and off the water. “I just love the event. You know it’s time for Big Boat Series because the weather starts changing,” says Perkins, a multi-year winner in the J/105 fleet who, last year, served as helm on Shepard Kett’s Santa Cruz 50 Octavia, which won the St. Francis Perpetual Trophy and a Rolex timepiece. 


It's not too late to join the party on San Francisco Bay, September 11-15, 2024, at this legendary racing destination. To be a part of celebrating its iconic 60th year, sign up before entries close at 2100 hours on Saturday, August 31.

Click Here

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/

Donate Today! -- Click Here!
Dan - final
Subscribe Now! FREE!
Sports Today logo

Sponsors

Dan Siegel; The Chieftain Irish Pub;

The Yankee Way, Baseball's Greatest Dynasty;

Center for Continuing Education (www.cce-mcle.com)

Weekly Bay Area

Sports Calendar


Monday, August 19, through

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Monday, August 19

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:45 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, August 20

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:45 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Northern Colorado Owlz, 5:15 p.m.

Wednesday, August 21

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:45 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Northern Colorado Owlz, 5:15 p.m.

Thursday, August 22

Oakland A's vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:37 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Northern Colorado Owlz, 5:15 p.m.

Friday, August 23

San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders, 7 p.m.

San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Northern Colorado Owlz, 5:15 p.m.

Bay FC @ Utah Royals, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 24

San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Northern Colorado Owlz, 12:05 p.m.

San Jose Earthquakes @ Real Salt Lake, 6:30 p.m.

Oakland Roots SC vs. Memphis 901 FC, 7 p.m.

Sunday August 25

San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Northern Colorado Owlz, 3:05 p.m.

Sports Today's Book Shelf

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/

Now Available!

Insights and Outtakes,

Excerpts and Epiphanies from

the World of Sports

written by Pete Elman


Essays Recently Shared:

Do They Have Greatness in Their Future (#493)

Rocket -- Or Flawed Star? (#472)

Just Win, Baby (#473)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door (#474)

It Was More Than Just A Game (#475)

Looking Over The Ledge (#476)

The Slider That Saved Baseball (#478)

Is This The Last Dance? (#480)

The Heart of a Champion (#483)

The Warriors: An Appreciation (#485)

“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."

-- Andy Dolich, prominent Bay Area sports executive



To order: $18.50

(includes shipping)

Visit Pete Elman at  https://www.peteelman.com/insights-and-outtakes

"An invaluable and inspiring compilation that shines a light on unsung athletes of color."


To order:

https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Their-Sacrifice-Unheralded-Athletes/dp/153817197X


377

 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.

To Order
To Order

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

To Order
Contact Information:

Ultimate Sports Guide

P.O. Box 4515

Berkeley, CA 94704

510-915-5664

theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  

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.

X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email