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April 10 - April 16, 2023
Issue No. 480
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Giants Are A Mixed Bag In 2023
by Bruce Macgowan
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The last two seasons have been a roller coaster ride for Giants’ fans.
In 2021 the Giants surprised everyone by snatching the NL West title while setting a record for the greatest number of wins in San Francisco Giants’ history.
But that was unfortunately followed by a maddeningly inconsistent 2022 season that saw the Giants lose dozens of games by two runs or less as they fell out of contention during an awful two months of mid-season play.
General manager Farhan Zaidi and the Giants’ ownership group were heavily criticized for not signing any big-name free agents in the off season and the Giants of 2023 are another mostly anonymous group of veteran journeymen and promising youngsters.
The Giants’ first nine games of the season are probably an indication of what we’ll see this year: more hot and cold play. The club improved its less than overwhelming hitting a bit with the additions of slugging outfielders Michael Conforto and Mitch Haniger. As of this past weekend Haniger had yet to play because of a core muscle injury but Conforto showed what kind of power he’s going to generate this season as he belted three homers, including a 429-foot shot into the bleachers in right centerfield which provided the winning blow in the finale of a three game set with the lowly Kansas City Royals.
If you look at the Giants’ everyday lineup, the names hardly overwhelm you. Youngsters Thairo Estrada, David Villar and LeMonte Wade Jr. could generate some excitement, but it’s too early to tell just how much. Young vets such as Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater give the Giants outfield some excellent defense, and Bay Area native Joc Pederson will provide a big bat in the middle of the lineup as the club’s designated hitter.
The key additions are the two veteran free agents; Haniger and Conforto. Haniger has had a tough time in recent years staying healthy, but just a few years ago he belted 39 homers for the Mariners while Conforto is hoping to return to prominence after missing the entire 2022 season due to a shoulder injury. If the Giants can get something like 50 homers and 150 RBIs from these two, the SF pitching staff might be able to relax a bit.
Logan Webb has been anointed the club’s ace, but based on Webb’s slow start, Anthony DeSclafani could claim that role. DeSclafani pitched very little last year due to an ankle injury, but his arm appears very healthy, and he’s allowed just one run in two outings thus far while striking out 12 batters in 12 innings.
The rest of the Giants’ starting rotation is a mixed bag. Righthander Ross Stipling, another free agent acquisition, has put up some good numbers in the past, but his Giants stint got off to a rocky start when he blew a 4-1 lead to Kansas City this past Saturday, serving up a game-tying three run homer to Royals’ catcher Salvadore Perez. Bay Area fans are quite familiar with lefty Sean Manaea, who struggled last season in San Diego but who was a solid member of the rotation during his time in Oakland. Manaea pitched brilliantly in his first start in Saturday’s galling loss, as he struck out eight batters and gave up only a run in six innings before manager Gabe Kapler yanked him out of the game after he threw only 78 pitches.
The two Alexes, Cobb and Wood, are both serviceable and hardly top quality but they should help fill out the rotation along with Ross Stripling, who will double as a long reliever. The bullpen is adequate but hardly spectacular. The Rogers twins, righthander Tyler and lefty Taylor should anchor the middle innings, along with newcomer lefty Scott Alexander and holdover John Brebbia.
The Giants’ bench also gives the club a little punch with Slater, the versatile JD Davis and clutch hitting Wilmer Flores, along with outfielder-catcher Blake Sobol. Youngster Heliot Ramos, who was considered a top prospect, will also get some playing time, and so too could power hitting Darin Ruf, who was recently picked up and will probably be joining the team soon after getting back into the swing at Triple A Sacramento.
Veteran Brandon Crawford, the best shortstop in Giants history, is 36 but still strong defensively. The big concern is how durable he’ll be and whether he can still supply some hitting. Last year his numbers dropped off alarmingly. The most glaring weakness on the Giants remains their catching. Roberto Perez has been lost for the season with a shoulder injury and Joey Bart is still hurt, so at the moment the uninspiring duo of Austin Wynns and Sobol will have to do. Buster Posey’s retirement after the magical 2021 season continues to leave a gaping hole in the club, as the Giants miss his leadership and productivity on and off the field.
Look for another .500 season and probably a third place finish behind the Dodgers and Padres this year. The Giants are not a bad team, just not very good or exciting to watch.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Macgowan, published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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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
Social Media: Jenny Kim
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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The Ultimate Sports Guide proudly announces the release of Insights and Outtakes, Excerpts and Epiphanies from the World of Sports, a compendium of Pete Elman essays which have appeared
in Sports Today.
Crafted to perfection, talented sports writer Elman covers the Warriors, A's, Raiders and
Bay Area sports.
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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Highly recommended by:
Dave Newhouse, former Oakland Tribune sports journalist
and author of 19 books
Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
Arif Khatib, author, filmmaker, founder of the African American Sports Hall of Fame
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Bonus for Sports Today Readers!
A new Pete Elman essay is included
for your enjoyment
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Letters to the Editor
Warriors in the Playoffs: I Have Three Points to Make
With an NBA-record 55 points in the first quarter on Sunday, the highest first-quarter total in NBA history, and Klay a human buzz saw, I think the DUBS have secured the title as "the team we'd least like to play" in the playoffs.
Sac'to is a good challenge, and there are many relationships between the teams (as in their coach, a Dubs alumnus), but with Two-Way Wigs, JK and GP2 ready to clamp down on D-Fence, and everyone from #30 to PBJ bombin' away, I'd say the planets appear favorable to S.F. Let's watch other teams pound each other and earn some frequent flier miles while we rest, strategize and reload our weaponry.
Robert Moselle
Monterey, CA
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
Sports Today's 30-1 Non-Profit Final 4 Tournament
Just a note to thank readers of Sports Today who were kind enough to
visit the selected non-profit winner of your recent "30-1 shot Final Four Tournament," the Bali Children's Project, and to donate. BCP is
dedicated to help children in Bali escape poverty and build better futures through education.
Thank you for this innovative way to channel sports enthusiasm into a worthy cause. You are to be commended!
The BCP Team
https://balichildrensproject.org/
Memories Revisited
Reading the Dave Newhouse piece about the Oaks and Seals reminded me of going to Seattle Rainiers games as a kid. I couldn’t go to many, because we lived way out in the country, but it was fun and exciting. I listened to the games on radio. Seattle had a legendary announcer named Leo Lassen. He would announce away games from a studio via teletype feed and used sound effects for bat striking ball, etc. Pretty crazy.
Jim Reynolds
Berkeley, CA
Tribute
I look forward to Sports Today Mondays as I know I will find amazing photography of recent sports contests and inspiring editorial from a host of truly talented contributors! One such contributor to Sport Today is Dave Newhouse, a gentleman with over 50 years chronicling Bay Area sports.
Dave possesses keen insight that can only come from his years of interaction with Bay Area sports stars, family members of same, and his physical presence at thousands of events. I recently spent a lovely morning at breakfast with Dave and his wife, Patsy. It was there I learned that Dave has written 19 books, with the most recent one, a poignant history called Goodbye, Oakland.
This book will be a best seller as interviews with many well-known athletes are recounted within and are priceless. It is co-authored by Andy Dolich, a local renowned sports marketing guru, and I encourage readers to buy Goodbye, Oakland. You will be happy you own this book!
Ann Cooke
Former Sales Executive
Oakland Athletics
Alameda, CA
Pleased Fan
Hello. I am enjoying the newsletter.
Diane Rames
Oakland, CA
Appreciative
Thank you for all your work for all of us Sports FANS! “Carpe Diem” as always!
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
Joyful Monday!
What a blessing to be able to read this publication every Monday and know the publisher!
Arif Khatib
Founder and President Emeritus
Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Author: In the Shadow of Obscurity, Toiling In A Reluctant Society
Remember Their Sacrifice, Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color
Film Producer: Because They Believed
Cultural Ambassador for Indian American Hindu Community
www.becausetheybelieved.com
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Brutus Hamilton Invitational
Oakland Roots 3, Indy Eleven 0
San Francisco Falcons 13, Los Angeles Astra 15
San Jose Earthquakes 1, New York Red Bulls 1
Stanford Cardinal vs. Ca Bears, Beach Volleyball
Features & Commentary
Buster Posey, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Consider A Donation
Giants Are A Mixed Bag in 2023, by Bruce Macgowan
Is This The Last Dance? by Pete Elman
Mark Madsen Takes The Helm, by Dave Newhouse
Over the Last Big Hurdles before the Bigger Hurdles, by Howard Pearlstein
Organizations
Cal Bears
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Falcons
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Dynamic Coach Lands At Cal | |
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Cal’s new men’s basketball coach Mark Madsen was introduced by Cal Athletic Director Jim Knowlton and Cal Chancellor Carol Christ.
Photo credit: Kelley Cox/KLC Fotos
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Mark Madsen Takes The Helm
by Dave Newhouse
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Press conferences occur all the time in sports, but the one on the UC Berkeley campus on Monday, April 3 will have historical significance, starting with Mark Madsen changing colors.
Madsen switched from Stanford cardinal and white to Cal blue and gold in becoming the Golden Bears new men’s basketball coach, arriving at the lowest point in Cal hoops history.
Madsen, 47, the Stanford alum and Danville native, showed up in a blue suit and blue-and-gold necktie at a gala event unlike most press conferences. Besides the Cal cheerleaders and the truly iconic Cal Straw Hat Band, there was The Axe, representing Cal’s recent Big Game victory. Even Oski, the Cal mascot, had more pep in his peppy step. The excited feeling inside Haas Pavilion was this was a transformative moment that needed to be celebrated.
Cal Chancellor Carol Christ hurried home from a trip to Singapore to be there, referring to Madsen as “a winner in every sense of the word,” capturing Madsen’s overall character perfectly.
Cal Athletic Director Jim Knowlton, speaking next, spoke of Madsen as a “wonderful, principled individual…a coach who will lead us to the promised land.” Most press conferences aren’t that optimistic.
A magical Monday was happening even before Madsen seized the microphone with more optimism than most coaches demonstrate in their first press conference. But, then, Madsen is optimistic to the bone; it’s in his DNA from birth, it seems.
“The history at Cal is winning, winning at a high level,” he started off. “We will restore Cal to that level of rich tradition.”
Applause rippled across the basketball court, where faculty, friends and former Cal players gathered, hopeful that six straight losing seasons, including the school's 3-29 nadir this winter, will be resurrected with Madsen’s brilliant hiring.
Leon Powe, perhaps Cal’s greatest scorer-rebounder, flew in from his current role as Boston Celtics "ambassador” to be there for this event, calling Madsen “a really good pick who brings a lot of passion, and who will hold players accountable. He’s hard to say ‘no' to because of his compassion and his caring for his players. But you’ve got to give him two, three years.”
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New coach Mark Madsen’s exuberance was on full display.
Photo credit: Kelley Cox/KLC Fotos
Knowing Madsen, taking two, three years to rebuild a program is unthinkable, because his positiveness is unshakable. He just finished taking Utah Valley University to the NIT semifinals, losing in overtime to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His wife, Hannah, gave birth to their fourth child, a girl, the day before the Cal press conference. And Madsen had already met with the Cal basketball team before he stepped on the podium with his eternal enthusiasm.
“I’m excited about a lot of the players on the current roster,” he said with a straight face. “We’re going to create a family environment. Every player’s pathway is different. We’re going to do it the right way. It’s not going to take as long as people think. This thing will turn around quickly, and it WILL.”
He finished that sentence with emphasis, but because he’s Mark Madsen, there is no limit to his confidence. He won two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he took Utah Valley to new heights. Hey, so why not resuscitating Cal?
“I want to play up-tempo; very few players want to play slow,” he continued. “If you can bring in three or four key players….”
With the transfer portal, an immediate turnaround is possible, although anything from 3-29 is a step up. But Cal also needs toughness on the court, like it had with Powe, and with forward Bill McClintock when Cal won its only NCAA hoops title way back in 1959. And with Madsen, a forward known as “Mad Dog,” Stanford reached its last Final Four in 1998.
"Toughness on both sides of the ball is the way I played, and it’s a priority,” he emphasized.
Press conferences have been part of my journalistic life. I’ve attended as many, it seems, as Cal alum Aaron Rodgers has thrown touchdown passes. But I hadn’t attended one in a dozen years, and I don’t foresee attending another.
However, I had to be there April 3, to see a Stanford man wearing blue and gold, and to witness the rebirth of Cal basketball.
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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 on amazon.com. 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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San Francisco Falcons 13
Los Angeles Astra 15
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The San Francisco Falcons women's ultimate team lost a 15-13 decision to the Los Angeles Astra in a Western Ultimate League game at Fremont High School in Oakland on Saturday, April 8th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Consider A Donation
Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry and media professionals, colleges and universities and avid San Francisco and Northern California sports fans.
FREE of charge since 2014, each issue provides extensive professional and collegiate team coverage, unmatched photo essays, schedules, scores, humor and much more. Our contributors are highly respected journalists and authors who provide a wide array of in-depth articles, and our Letters to the Editor delight readers.
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Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
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Steve Chain
Tarzana, CA
Harvey Cohen
Montrose, CO
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San Rafael, CA
Ann McNaughton
Alameda, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Selina Satterlee
Hanalei, Kauai
Robert Scheer
Los Angeles, CA
Narda Zacchino
Los Angeles, CA
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Brutus Hamilton Invitational
Edwards Stadium, Berkeley
Saturday, April 8, 2023
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A beautiful day for a track meet, with cool temperatures, hazy sun, no wind, which made for great conditions to set personal bests and stadium records at Edwards Stadium for the Brutus Hamilton Invitational in Berkeley. A large contingency of participating schools, including California, Academy of Art, Cal State Los Angeles, Coach Will Elite Track Club, CSUMB, Dominican (Cal.), Laney, Monterey Peninsula, Nevada, Oregon, Phoenix Track Club, Sacramento State, San Francisco, San Francisco State, San Mateo, Santa Cruz Track Club, Sonoma State, St. Mary’s (Cal.), Stanford, Strawberry Canyon Track Club, UC Davis, and Verde Track Club. Starting the day off with a Cal victory in the men’s hammer Kegan Schroeder won with 67.86m/222-7.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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For the Women’s 4x100m relay it was junior Jada Hicks bursting from the blocks, on her way to leading the Cal squad (including Jordyn Grady, Jaclyn Shearer, and Aisha Shaheed) to first place with a time of 45.97.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Running the final leg of the men’s 4x100m relay, David Foster crosses the line taking first place for his team (including Gavin Schurr, George Monroe, Samir Thota) with a 40.44 time. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Back on familiar grounds, former Golden Bear standout and now representing Canada as she continues to train at Cal in the hammer throw, Camryn Rogers launched her professional career with a meet best 77.30m/253-7, just 15” short of her personal best and shattered the Edwards Stadium mark. Here she makes a face with the judge in seeing the results on paper.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Cal Bears
Sanford Cardinal
Beach Volleyball
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No. 10 Stanford split its second day of action hosting the 2023 Pac-12 North Invitational, sweeping Oregon but falling to Bay Area foe No. 9 California
3-2. By Stanford Athletics. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Call (510) 414-5394
or write acooke3495@aol.com
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales | |
Mic'd Up in the Dugout - Alyssa Nakken | |
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Dave Newhouse and Andy Dolich invite you to join them for a discussion and book signing for Goodbye, Oakland from Triumph Publishing.
Tuesday, April 11 in Alameda
at Books Inc.,1344 Park Street, Alameda 7-8pm
Saturday, April 22 in Orinda
at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda 2-3pm
They look forward to seeing you.
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For Purchase:
Books are available at either location or
wherever books are sold:
Books Inc / Orinda Books
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A’s fans can support the community during Community Impact Wednesdays
Five dollars from Treehouse Plaza tickets for Wednesday home games will benefit the Oakland A’s
Community Fund
OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland A’s fans are invited to make a positive impact in our community while enjoying A’s baseball this season through the A’s Community Impact Wednesdays. Tickets in the Treehouse Plaza are $10 for every Wednesday home game, and $5 from each ticket purchase will benefit the Oakland A’s Community Fund. Fans can purchase Community Impact Wednesday tickets now at athletics.com/value.
The Oakland A’s Community Fund takes an innovative and dynamic approach to support education, promote youth sports, and provide economic opportunity to help make Oakland and the East Bay a more equitable and inclusive community.
To learn more about the Oakland A’s Community Fund, visit athletics.com/community.
www.oaklandas.com
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For great advertising rates call: APG Sports,
P.O. Box 3164, Fremont, CA 94539. Dir tel: 510-579-0682
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
Happy 50th Anniversary, DH!
I didn't like it when it first came out and still don't.
It's year-two of the position being universal with both leagues. Instead of a virtual Easter Egg, I'm going to give you a really easy trivia question:
Who received credit for being the first
DH in MLB history?
Answer below...
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Over the Last Big Hurdles Before
the Bigger Hurdles
by Howard Pearlstein
The regular season has ended, and before going on, one more item to mention in the list of pressures that surround the Dubs -- the fans’ expectations that they will win it all every season. Expectations and even insistence.
Last Tuesday, bright and sunny and taking a neighborhood walk wearing my old Warriors Town Oakland t-shirt. And a fellow fan, also looking forward to the OKC game that night, said: “Well, maybe a tornado will hit Oklahoma City and they’ll be distracted.” I said: “Isn’t that a little extreme? Calling on the tornado gods? We beat them twice this season without disaster help.” “Yeah, but they won the last one a month ago. Maybe just a little tornado – no one gets killed.”
So we’re that desperate?
And we have so little confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion?
I have been and still am confident they have been rising, sometimes steadily, sometimes in starts and stops, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, but going through the changes each time and getting better in the system, each player new to the starters getting better, more intuitive, more able to be where each and every player can work with any and all of the others.
Meaning – I know they CAN win it all. Whether or not they will, is another thing. We always have to take into account that they played till June 16 last year, playing the toughest games against the best teams in the NBA while other teams went home to rest and recuperate on April 10 -- and same thing up ahead again.
But despite that, and aside from floods, fire, tornadoes, or a 7.9 on the Hayward Fault, they have all the elements they need, maybe some of those elements are even better than last time around.
They showed it last week against the Thunder -- Moses Moody!– 26 minutes and 13 points! Who would have thought Moody could come in and do that? Well, Steve Kerr did.
As to nay sayers, most of their doom/gloom comes down to: “The Dubs are too small.” As if that made a difference.
Many years ago – oh wow, feeling old at how many MANY years ago -- a Recon Marine Sergeant taught me a couple of things. You know, Recon -- the guys who play all of their games on the road, teams of two jump into the other guy’s home court, then find their way home when they’re done.
He put it this way: It ain’t the size of the man in the fight but the size of fight in the man...
AND
the little man can always beat the big man if the little man keeps on coming. e.g., Steph Curry, Gary Payton II, Ja Morant.
As to the size of the fight in the man? Kevon --16 rebounds and Draymond and Donte and Jordan Poole and Kuminga, and Klay who is better than ever .. and … and … et al.
So now it’s postseason and ready or not…
Thinking about what Krishna said to Arjuna as the two of them faced the armies of the plain in the Bhagavad Gita: “Time to get it on -- us against all of them. But don’t worry – the Splash Brothers are hitting threes, Kuminga is killing it and Wiggs is back.”
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
An old friend once said, "Howard, you live your life like you're trying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write a book that will get published.
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Buster Posey -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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This is one of three Buster Posey autograph balls I currently own. I believe this one was obtained from him during a Christmas Toy Drive years ago where he signed for people who donated toys
to his charity.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
New York Red Bulls 1
Saturday, April 8
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Earthquakes 1, New York Red Bulls 1
Espinoza scores fourth goal of the season; Quakes
extend unbeaten streak to three
HARRISON, N.J. – The San Jose Earthquakes and the New York Red Bulls played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. The Quakes extended their unbeaten streak to three with the result (1-0-2).
Neither team was able to break the deadlock in the first half. The best chance for San Jose came in the 43rd minute when midfielder Jackson Yueill attempted an audacious chip from long range that beat goalkeeper Carlos Coronel but caromed off the crossbar.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Oakland Roots SC 3
Indy Eleven 0
Saturday, April 8
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Oakland Take All Three Points Away in Indy
Oakland Roots had control of the game early as striker Anuar Peláez had a couple of chances for Oakland inside the first 15 minutes of the game. Indy Eleven built their way into the game over the next quarter of an hour as two Oakland center backs picked up yellow cards. After a balanced first half, Darek Formella picked out Lindo Mfeka who headed the pass beyond the Indy keeper, setting himself up to give Oakland the 1-0 lead just moments before the half time whistle.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.oakland rootssc.com
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Bears Place First In NCAA Regional Semifinal
No. 43 Cal Topples No. 28 UCLA 4-0
Kikuchi Clinches Win In His Penultimate
Regular-Season Home Match
BERKELEY – Playing in his second-to-last regular-season home match, Yuta Kikuchi clinched the No. 43 California men's tennis team's 4-0 win over 28th-ranked UCLA on Friday evening at the Hellman Tennis Complex. Kikuchi also partnered with Philip Hjorth to clinch the doubles point.
The victory snapped a four-match losing streak and improved the Golden Bears' record to 10-7 (2-2 Pac-12). UCLA's record is 9-6 (1-2).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Card Impresses in Sarasota
No. 2 Stanford earned all but one first-place finish in its racing at the 2023 Big Ten Invite in Sarasota, Fla.
SARASOTA, Fla. – No. 2 Stanford had a successful weekend racing at the 2023 Big Ten Invite, finishing first in all but one race throughout the two-day event in Sarasota, Fla.
The Cardinal raced nine times Friday, first meeting No. 13 Michigan, No. 15 SMU and No. 20 Indiana in the morning. Stanford swept all four races, highlighted by a six-second victory over Michigan in the third-varsity eight race and a four-second margin over the Wolverines in the varsity eight race.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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Watch SJSU's Spring Football Game at
Brewfest on May 6
Purchase Tickets Here
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State's spring football game will be part of Brewfest on Saturday, May 6, beginning at 3 p.m. inside CEFCU stadium. The Spartans will have numerous breweries and wineries on the field and head football coach Brent Brennan will address the group before the spring game kicks off just after 4 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for $100 apiece ($25 for ages 20 and under) ahead of time, or price of admission will raise to $125 the day of the game (credit only). The ticket includes food and beverage and fans can be close to the action on the field.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#AllSpartans
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Saint Mary’s Survives Rain, USD to win
First Conference Game
MORAGA, Calif. — The forecast said that Friday's afternoon of softball was supposed to be clear of rain, after it came down overnight. That turned out not to be the case, as a steady rain created dreary conditions for Saint Mary's and San Diego as they opened West Coast Conference play. A 2:42 rain delay in the fifth inning erased the chance of playing a doubleheader, but the Gaels were able to storm back and beat the Toreros 8-4 in game one of the series. With the weather impact, the final two games of the series will be played on Saturday beginning at 10:00 am
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise
www.smcgaels.com
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Stapleton's Career Night Leads Dons
Past Cougars
PROVO, Utah - Exploding for a season-high 15 runs, the University of San Francisco baseball team (13-12, 4-7 WCC) was firing on all cylinders offensively on Friday night as the Dons raced past BYU (10-19, 4-7 WCC), 15-5, at Miller Park to even their series with the Cougars.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Beach Volleyball Wins Twice at
Sacramento State
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Santa Clara University beach volleyball team stretched its winning streak to four matches Saturday with two wins on the road at Sacramento State's "Beach Bash," beating Concordia, 3-2, in a neutral site contest and topping host Sacramento State, 4-1, at Hornet Beach.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Softball Opens Conference Play, Drops Doubleheader to LMU
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific softball team dropped a pair of contests Friday afternoon, falling to LMU, 2-1 and 4-1 in a West Coast Conference doubleheader at Bill Simoni Field.
"I thought we did a great job competing," Head coach Brian Kolze said after the doubleheader. "Our pitchers threw well enough to keep us in these games, but we still have to hit better and score more runs."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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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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Poster Art Unveiled for Motul Course de Monterey, Powered by Hyundai N for Round Five of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
MONTEREY, Calif., March 30, 2023 – You can almost hear the roar of the world’s best sports cars that will be racing in the Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N, through the event artwork that was unveiled today by WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series returns to the scenic Monterey track May 12-14.
Skillfully capturing the breadth of manufacturers competing this year, the poster is a collaborative effort between the famed artist Bill Patterson and Racer Studio, the new creative agency for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Mike Joy Will Race Historic Trans Am at Toyota/Save Mart 350
From the booth to behind the wheel at NASCAR
Cup Series weekend
SONOMA, Calif. (April 5, 2023) – Legendary NASCAR on FOX Broadcaster Mike Joy will be racing in the Historic Trans Am Series during NASCAR weekend in Sonoma alongside his son Scott. Equally as comfortable in the driver’s seat as the broadcast booth, Joy will go from behind the wheel on Saturday to in front of the camera on Sunday June 11 for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race which airs at 12:30 pm PT.
Joy, who does the play by play for NASCAR on FOX each weekend will be wrapping up FOX’s series coverage for the season when the race is broadcast on the FOX network.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.sonomaraceway.com
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REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE 59TH EDITION OF ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES AT ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 2023 Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California.
Considered the most prestigious regatta on the West Coast and a premier event since 1964, Rolex Big Boat Series brings competitors from around the country and the world to San Francisco Bay for four days of racing. Scheduled for September 13-17, 2023, when conditions are optimal for big breeze, the regatta attracts the highest level of competition, with perpetual trophies and Rolex timepieces awarded to select fleets.
continued...
rolexbigboatseries.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Ron Blomberg
Ron Blomberg, according to the current MLB
piece found here. Maybe because the game at Fenway started earlier is why.
This link will take you to the list of first DH, by team and date, Tony Oliva is the first DH to hit a home run. I must not have been paying too much attention to baseball in 1973, because I cannot remember the great Orlando Cepeda being the first DH for my Boston Red Sox.
San Francisco outfielder Glenallen Hill was the first designated hitter used in a regular-season game by a National League team in a game against the Texas Rangers. For the complete story for the NL, go here.
Only because it's the 50th anniversary of the DH will I show such interest in a position I dislike. This Sporting News article is about 10 outstanding DH of which one is the incredible David Ortiz, the only true
DH in the Hall of Fame.
Go Celtics!
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Bonus for Sports Today Readers!
A new essay from Pete Elman, author of a compelling new book, Insights and Outtakes
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Stephen Curry, four time NBA champion: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022
Is This The Last Dance?
By Pete Elman
Act Three begins. As I watched the Warriors cruise into the playoffs, finally, with one of the most efficient offensive first quarters in NBA history; 55 points, 12 three-pointers, 18 assists and one turnover, I thought to myself, “this means nothing, after all they are playing against a depleted Portland squad without its top seven players—what did you expect?”
But what also ran through my mind was that this season has been perhaps the most up-and-down, dramatic and schizophrenic campaign in the history of the franchise. From Draymond’s infamous punch, to the abysmal road record, to the matador defense, to the slew of injuries, to the bizarre trade-and-sit of James Wiseman for Gary Payton, and ending the regular season with the welcome return of the prodigal, dutiful son, soft-spoken Andrew Wiggins, who made the tough decision to miss 25 games to be with his ailing father up in Canada.
Act One of this NBA passion play began in the pre-season, when Draymond Green impulsively punched out the future of the franchise when he decked young upstart Jordan Poole, a reckless act that some thought would sink whatever chances the Warriors had for another title.
Unfortunately, this shocking start to the season lingered—for months. But there were signs sprinkled throughout the season that the Dubs were not done, despite their horrendous road record, boatloads of turnovers, blown leads and impossible-to-watch defense, which featured an uncanny inability to keep opponents out of the paint, resulting in a .500 record until these past few weeks.
The constants were the stars. Despite the auspicious beginning, Green had a tremendous year. His defense was outstanding and offensively he was consistent, racking up assists while controlling the flow. He said during the year that his voice was not as strong due to the incident, but vowed to make it right and return to his rightful role as the heart and soul of the team. And he did.
In his first full year after the twin injuries that caused him to miss 900 days, Klay Thompson, in a season-long display of grit, fortitude and determination, calmly led the league in three-point shots made—over 300--and showed why he is a Hall of Fame player. Once again Iron Man Kevon Looney never missed a game, was consistent from the bell and led the league in offensive rebounds.
But more than anyone it was Steph Curry, who never for a minute doubted his team’s championship DNA and ability to compete. At the age of 35 he has had one of his best seasons, his shot-making, playmaking, leadership and love for his teammates is off the charts. Count him out at your own peril.
The bench, much maligned the first 2/3 of the season, has come together with the return of Gary Payton II, the continued unselfish two-way brilliance of newcomer Donte DiVincenzo, and 20-year-old Jonathan Kuminga, who threw down arguably the dunk of the year on Sunday.
Jordan Poole drives fans, teammates and coaches crazy with his recklessness, turnovers, frequent poor decisions and dubious defense. But would you rather see him on the other team? The guy is unbelievably watchable, scores in bunches, his teammates love him, and so does Kerr. And that’s good enough for me.
Act Two began in March, just when Draymond Green told us it would. You could see the defensive effort ramp up, the poor games become less frequent, and the focus returning to the players’ eyes.
Saturday is round one of the playoffs and brings with it a compelling story line that nobody saw coming, pitting Kerr against longtime right-hand man and likely coach of the year Mike Brown, who has resurrected the Sacramento Kings into an offensive powerhouse after 16 years away from the playoffs.
Steve Kerr knows that the key to victory is to play with joy, laughter, passion and intensity, and embrace the moment. For this year’s Warriors, with basically the same roster as last year, it must feel like an out-of-body rebirth. Anything is possible--which is exactly why nobody wants to face this team in the post-season.
The “Last Dance” of course refers to the Chicago Bulls of the 90s who won six rings and was torn apart in one fell swoop. This Warrior team should really have six rings; they do have four. The goal? To get one for each finger.
And now, Act Three. Draymond Green said Sunday, “Now the real season begins.” He ought to know.
This last dance, if it is one, will hopefully be a long, slow, romantic yet exciting deep dance, one in which all the partners can take one long, loving look at each other, stare into each other’s eyes, and speak softly, “we will always remember.”
What a beautiful trip it’s been, and it is not over until you-know-who sings.
Pete Elman
Rockridge, Oakland
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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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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?
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! | |
Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Stanford vs. Cal Beach Volleyball, April 8, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
San Francisco Falcons 13, Los Angeles Astros 15, April 8, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Brutus Hamilton Invitational at Edwards Stadium in Berkeley, Saturday, April 8. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears 5, Utah Utes 4. April 2, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Roots SC 1, New Mexico United 0. April 1, 2023.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Houston Dynamo 1, April 1, 2023.
Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita
Oakland A’s 2, Los Angeles Angels 1, March 30, 2023.
Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland A’s 12, San Francisco Giants 6, March 27, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
Golden State Warriors 130, San Antonio Spurs 115, March 31, 2023, Photos by Rich Yee
Bay Area Panthers 47, Arizona Rattlers 46, March 26, 2023
Photos by Ed Jay
San Francisco Giants 9, Oakland A’s 5, March 26, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, April 10, through
Sunday, April 16, 2023
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Monday, April 10
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Baltimore Orioles 3:35 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Winnipeg Jets, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 11
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Baltimore Orioles 3:35 p.m.
Wednesday, April 12
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Baltimore Orioles 3:35 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames, 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 13
Oakland A's @ Baltimore Orioles 10:05 a.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Edmonton Oilers, 6 p.m.
Friday, April 14
San Francisco Giants @ Detroit Tigers, 3:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. New York Mets, 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, April 15
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings, 5:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Detroit Tigers, 10:10 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. New York Mets, 1:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting KC, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Hartford Athletic, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 16
San Francisco Giants @ Detroit Tigers, 10:10 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. New York Mets, 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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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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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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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. | | | | |
