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July 1 -- July 7, 2024

Issue No. 544

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski

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 & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor

Warriors Fans: It Is Now POST-TIME!


The Warriors drafted a Dutch Master: No, not Rembrandt, Vermeer or Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. 


The W's drafted The Post who will be IN the Paint: Quinten Post,

The Pride of Amsterdam! QP is a 24-year old, 7'0", 244 lbs., Power Forward/C, Dutch professional player, who averaged 17 PPG at Boston College, 8.1 RPG, has extended range as a shooter, 1.7 blocks per game, only 2.9 fouls per game, and is now the Warriors biggest player.

Rembrandt Van Rijn

Quinten Post

Quinten Post YouTube Highlights: (1:02) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiCWyH1UO0w  (10:10)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCXm5KmRQUM 30-minute interview


In the interview, Rembrandt, I mean Post, was asked why he attended college for four years (Mississippi State, then Boston College) rather

than play in a European league. The response was one I had never heard in an interview with a draft pick: "For the Education!" 


Steve Kerr will be glad to oblige that noble request. 


Robert A. Moselle

Marketing Director, Sports Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/ 


What Rocks? Try The Olympics!

Santa Cruz native Natalia Grossman earned her way onto Team USA for the Olympics in Rock Climbing, as she finished first in the Pan American Games in Santiago. Check this "Athlete of the Week" YouTube clip for an idea of this incredible challenge and accomplishment and to learn more about Rock Climbing, an Olympic sport. TOUGH STUFF!

Olympics ROCK STAR! Natalia Grossman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3VzPsYLyqQ (2:01)


Robert A. Moselle

Marketing Director, Sports Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/ 

Donate Today -- Click Here!

Contents

Games

Oakland Roots SC 2, Orange County SC 0

San Francisco Giants 10, Los Angeles Dodgers 4

San Francisco Giants 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 3

San Francisco Giants 3, Chicago Cubs 5

San Francisco Giants 4, Chicago Cubs 3


Features & Commentary

Curry Most Unique Bay Athlete Ever, by Dave Newhouse

Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!

Orlando Cepeda, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

The Craven, by Andy Dolich

The Greatest is Gone -- Willie Mays, RIP, 1935-1924, by Bruce Macgowan

The Reaper Cometh, by Pete Elman

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

"You Don't Mess With A Valkyrie," 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

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

Stanford Cardinal

UC Davis Aggies

University of Pacific Tigers

USF Dons

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca

Lamentable

The Craven

(with apologies to Edgar Allan Poe)


by Andy Dolich

Once upon the A’s final season dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,

Over many celebratory decades of Oakland A’s lore --

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of someone gently rapping, rapping at the Coliseum’s front door.

Tis some visitor tapping his Old Navy encased sleeve as he had before --

“Only this and nothing more.”

 

Ah, distinctly I remember it was this coming bleak September 26th

And each separate 9th inning ending wrought its ghost of 56 years at 66th.

From my scorebooks surcease of sorrow -- for the loss of A’s baseball and so much more --

Gone from Oakland! “Evermore!”

 

Deep into that Coliseum peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, unspoken --

Doubting, dreaming no A’s mortal ever dared this nightmare dream before;

But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,

And the only words there whispered by the Craven, “Oakland A’s Baseball, no more.”

 

“Profit is my goal,” said the Old Navy Nabob, Craven or devil’s peccadillo

Desolate yet undaunted, onto this Las Vegas desert land for a Spherical Armadillo.

This Dumb Dome of hot air haunted, tell me truly, what else do you have in store?

Will there be Palm trees as foul poles, and slot machines at the locker room door?

Tell me, we implore!

Quoth the Craven, “Forevermore!”

 

Then the GAP Craven reviling my sad face wasn’t smiling

By the grave and stern decorum of countenance from the Craven

Though his ball cap’s hidden scalp is shorn and shaven, thou sure ain’t no A’s ballclub ownership maven.

19 years the Craven thoughts were wandering from Oakland’s door

Tell me what were you thinking when you went all in at Howard Terminal’s shore?

Quoth the Craven, “Nevermore.”

 

But wait, there was echo from a Kavalcade who was always explaining the inexplicable Craven Fisher Parade --

“We are Rooted in Oakland,” he often spoke and now onto SactoVegas so that this empty slogan was proven only a maddening charade.

 

Much I marveled next this ungainly Manfred Macaw. He discourses so inanely

Though his answers have little meaning, the move to Vegas was passed insanely

Ever yet cursed with seeing the Craven Commish stalking about his 245 Park Avenue, New York Baseball HQ floor

With such a name as Rob (Your Franchise) for “Evermore.”

 

Then the air grew denser from an unseen head of Oakland’s city

Thy Council hath done no more than what you failed to explore, what a pity

You, as a ranked-choice selected Mayor had absolutely no clue on what to do

You were perfectly played by two Cravens who hardly ever spoke to you

And now with the FBI and a recall vote at your door you have lost the third team as the two before who went

Quoth the Mayor, “No Comment!”

 

And John Fisher, never caring, still is sitting, still is staring, never caring

On the storied history of the Oakland A's with “Celebration” from the PA blaring

And the Coliseum’s lights o’er him streaming throws a blanket over all those who once did roar.

And our Oakland A’s Baseball Team’s Soul Shall be Lifted in Oakland,

“Nevermore!”

Nevermore!


* * *

Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.

Subscribe Now -- FREE!!!

San Francisco Giants 10

Los Angeles Dodgers 4

Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA

Sunday, June 30, 2024

The Giants take the rubber game of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 10-4 victory on Sunday. Spencer Bivens, in his first career start, baffled the Dodgers for five innings, allowing only one run, four hits and striking out three to earn the win. 

Photo and caption by Ed Jay.

 Matt Chapman homers in the bottom of the fourth off Dodgers starter James Paxton. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.

Chapman’s home run scores catcher Patrick Bailey, giving the Giants

a 9-0 lead. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.

 Reliever Tyler Rogers comes in the game to seal the victory. Earlier in the game his twin brother Taylor Rogers pitched one inning.

Photo and caption by Ed Jay.

Shohei Ohtani went 0-5 with three strikeouts, including the game ending out shown above. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.

San Francisco Giants 5

Los Angeles Dodgers 3

Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA

Friday, June 28, 2024

Fireworks night at Oracle Park. Photo and caption by Rich Yee.

Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is ready to head to third base.

Photo and caption by Rich Yee

Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (above) pitches for seven innings and is replaced by Tyler Rogers. Photo and caption by Rich Yee.

Giants Brett Wisely celebrates his winning homer with teammates.

To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Rich Yee.

Incomparable



Curry Most Unique Bay Athlete Ever



by Dave Newhouse

Stephen Curry is The Most Extraordinary Bay Area Athlete of All-Time.


There, I said it, and I’m not taking it back. I didn’t say The Greatest Bay Area Athlete, because Willie Mays played here, but let’s remember that Curry is 36, and he could be 40 before he retires. Thus The Greatest Ever hereabouts still is in the conversation.


But The Most Extraordinary? There’s nobody even remotely close to Curry in that regard. He is the nearest thing to perfection when considering all aspects of who he is and what he represents. He is, dare I say, God-like.


Curry arrived here from Davidson, an academically demanding college from which he eventually graduated. Not many NBA players earn a degree nowadays. With the Golden State Warriors, who drafted Curry seventh overall in 2009, he not only has dominated basketball, he has changed the way we look at the sport. For he has turned the three-point shot into a gimme in becoming the greatest shooter of all-time.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors 2022 Championship Parade. (Click on photo to review Parade.) Photo by Rich Yee.


That’s right, the greatest ever, and it’s not just his launching accurately from Hayward. Curry can score inside, too, deftly with either hand, plus he’s also a deadeye at the free-throw line. A miniature Rick Barry. Only Curry, not Barry, has the highest NBA career free-throw percentage at 91.0.


Curry's other accolades: four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Most Valuable player (and the only unanimous MVP in history), 10 NBA All-Star Games, four-time All-NBA first team, Associated Press Athlete of the Year (2015), twice Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2022, and 2018 as part of the Warriors championship team), twice gold medalist at the FIFA World Cup (as part of the USA team), and now being selected to the USA’s 2024 Olympic team.


Yes, he has led the NBA in three-pointers eight times, but there is so much more to Steph Curry than just basketball. What’s really Extraordinary about him is how he compacts his life into a seven-day, 24-hour schedule. His non-stop lifestyle suggests an eight-day, 30-hour work day would be more appropriate.


Curry and his restaurant entrepreneur wife Ayesha have four children, two boys and two girls. As ultra-busy as the parents are, they find time for the kids. Steph not only works out religiously, but as a man of faith, he also works at his religion.


And, astonishingly, he shows up all the time in places you might not think of, to help people who really need it, providing friendship, food and other needed goods. His “Eat. Learn. Play.” Foundation in Oakland works to end child hunger, increase access to quality education, and provide safe spaces for children. The Warriors moved from Oakland back to San Francisco, but Curry hasn’t forgotten Oaktown. As my wife said of Curry, “He is a great example for kids to look up to, for he is a great American.”


His three-point shooting made us look at basketball differently, especially since he doesn’t always look at his own distant shots, turning back down court before the ball swishes through the net. But he has also made us look at heroes differently, because of his Extraordinary versatility.


He took up golf not so long ago, then shot a hole-in-one and sank an eagle putt on the last hole to win a Tahoe golf tournament. He has led the NBA in jersey sale five times. He is kind to fans and the media alike. Though ultra-busy, I’m told he even sleeps.


Popular? The White House leans on Curry from time to time, and now he even has his own production company, working in television and the cinema. He could become the first NBA MVP to win an Oscar.


Can you name another Bay Area athlete who’s more Extraordinary? Ever? Didn’t think so.

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry took part in pregame ceremonies commemorating African-American Night on May 31 as the San Francisco Giants played host to the New York Yankees at Oracle Park. Photo by Rich Yee.

* * *

Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.

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Many Warm Memories



Orlando Cepeda, Rest In Peace, Baby Bull



by Bruce Macgowan


The writers called him the ‘Baby Bull’ but his teammates called him Cha-Cha. Orlando Cepeda got that name because he was a jazz enthusiast who especially loved Latin Jazz.

 

“I used to take some of the players, like Willie McCovey, to the Blackhawk,” (a famous nightclub that featured some of the greatest names in jazz) Orlando once explained to me.

 

“We’d see Miles Davis, John Coltrain, Cal Tjader. Lots of great jazz in San Francisco in those days.”

 

But Orlando’s greatest passion was for Latin Jazz. And he LOVED the great Tito Puente, the superstar who played the timbales and made some 100 albums over the course of a half century career.

 

Cepeda enjoyed the music so much that he brought a portable record player and many of his records into the Giants ' clubhouse. Orlando  would gyrate, sing and even beat out the rhythms with his hands or sometimes on a bongo drum he brought with him. He enthused and encouraged his fellow teammates, especially the players from his home country of Puerto Rico, such as Jose Pagan and Ruben Gomez, or the Dominican players like Juan Marichal and the Alou brothers to join in the fun.  

Orlando Cepeda at the 2023 Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Gala.

Photo by Ed Jay


But manager Alvin Dark, a former star infielder for New York Giants in the 1950s, was an “old school manager” from Alabama. Dark once made an infamous comment to Giants’ beat writer Harry Jupiter of the San Francisco Examiner back in the early 1960s that while guys such as Cepeda and Mays and Marichal were star players, “they lack some of the essentials.” 


Although he was a very good manager, Dark was not the most enlightened man around. But this was also during a tumultuous period in our history as proposed Civil Rights legislation was facing stiff resistance from conservatives and racists.

 

Orlando and his teammates were well aware of what was going on in those days. How could they not be? Every night, it seemed, there was TV news footage of another peaceful demonstration in the south being disrupted by dreadful violence perpetrated by the local police, state troopers, as well as private citizens.  

 

Unfortunately, much of that toxic behavior spilled over into virtually every part of America, even baseball.  

 

“Alvin Dark told me to turn off my music. He also told us that we couldn’t speak Spanish in the clubhouse. He was not fun to play for,” said Cepeda.

 

A native of Santruce, Puerto Rico. Orlando’s father had been a star player in the 1930s and 40s in the Caribbean so Orlando inherited not only his dad's athletic genes but also his pride.

 

Dark clashed with Cepeda from time to time because Orlando stood up for himself. Of course it didn’t hurt that Orlando was also one of the game’s greatest hitters in the 1960s. He captured the hearts of Giants fans because he won the National League Rookie of the Year award in the Giants’ first season on the West Coast, 1958. 

Oracle Park, San Francisco Giants. Photo by Ed Jay


The story was told many times by Bill Rigney, the San Francisco Giants’ first manager: “I was hanging out at the batting cage with one of our coaches, Whitey Lockman, during spring training and we watched Orlando hit."

 

“Too bad this kid is still a year away,” Lockman told Rigney in an almost serious tone. That perked up Rigney’s ears.  

 

“What do you mean? A year away from what?” the surprised Rigney answered. Lockman continued to keep a poker face and then said very casually, “A year from the Hall of Fame.”

 

Teaming up with Mays and a young Willie McCovey, who won the Rookie award in 1959, the middle of the Giants lineup became the most formidable in the game. And finally one day in the 1990s, Orlando got the call from Cooperstown and joined the two Willies in the baseball Hall of Fame. 

 

It was such a pleasure to watch all three of these amazing ballplayers many times in person when I was a kid, then later getting to know and become friends with all three fellows during their ‘sunset years’ when they’d come visit the ballpark. Farewell Orlando!  

* * *

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 Magowan published in

Sports Today, click HERE.

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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.

 

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San Francisco Giants

A Public Celebration of Life for San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays will be Held on Monday, July 8 at Oracle Park


The San Francisco Giants and the family of Willie Mays will remember the tremendous talent, keen intellect, remarkable showmanship and boundless joy of the Giants Legend and Hall of Famer who passed away peacefully on June 18 at the age of 93. The public celebration of life is open to all fans and friends of Willie Mays - the “Say Hey Kid.”


WHEN: Monday, July 8 at 4 p.m.

WHERE: Oracle Park - 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco*

  • Gates Open: 3 p.m.
  • Celebration of Life: 4 - 6 p.m.

*Fans should plan ahead and take transit, bike or walk to Oracle Park if possible. For parking, the Giants encourage reservations to be made in advance via SpotHero. Learn more.

NOTE: For those wishing to offer their condolences, the Mays family kindly encourages fans to make a donation to the Say Hey Foundation in honor of #24. Fans can also visit sfgiants.com/mays to post their tribute digitally. Letters may be sent to: The Mays Family - Care of the San Francisco Giants, Attention: Forever 24, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107.

* * *

* * *

The San Francisco Giants are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer and San Francisco Giants legend Orlando Cepeda. Cepeda was 86.


“We lost a true gentleman and legend,” said Giants Chairman Greg Johnson. “Orlando was a great ambassador for the game throughout his playing career and beyond. He was one of the all-time great Giants and he will truly be missed. Our condolences go out to the Cepeda family for their tremendous loss and we extend our thoughts to Orlando’s teammates, his friends, and to all those touched by his passing.”


“This is truly a sad day for the San Francisco Giants,’’ said Larry Baer, Giants President and Chief Executive Officer. “For all of Orlando’s extraordinary baseball accomplishments, it was his generosity, kindness and joy that defined him. No one loved the game more. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Nydia, his 5 children, Orlando, Jr., Malcolm, Ali, Carl and Hector, his 9 grandchildren, his one great granddaughter as well as his extended family and friends.”

Read More

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

Friday, July 5 vs. Orioles | 6:40 p.m.

Rex Foundation

Don't miss out as the A's pay tribute to legendary Bay Area musician Jerry Garcia on Friday, July 5. A special ticket purchase includes exclusive access to enjoy a pregame concert featuring Stu Allen and Mars Hotel beginning at 5 p.m., a one-of-a-kind corduroy hat giveaway, and a ticket to the game later that night against the Orioles. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold through this special event link will be donated to the Rex Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by the Grateful Dead family and friends in 1983.

For more information and to secure discounted group tickets that include the special ticket giveaway item, contact groups@athletics.com.

Learn More

Goodbye, Oakland

Authors Dave Newhouse and

Andy Dolich sold out at Oakland's Fans' Fest

Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story

For purchase through Triumph Books

https://www.triumphbooks.com/goodbye--oakland-

products-9781637272152.php

The Reaper Cometh


by Pete Elman


In early 2020, the world faced the kind of existential crisis that comes around perhaps once a century in the form of a global pandemic; one that is arguably still with us, but fortunately not as lethal as it was when it first appeared.


This has happened before. 700 years ago, on the continent where many of our ancestors originated, millions were dying from what was then the world’s worst pandemic, the Black Death, a plague that killed over 30% of the population.


It was during that time that the myth of the Grim Reaper appeared. In a society consumed and controlled by Christianity, the Bible was the last word. “One sows and another reaps,” said the book. And we know what that dude looks like—skeleton scary, with a lengthy scythe to match, ready to snatch souls.


And here is where I segue to something more pleasant—the beauty of baseball. Twenty-four-year old Chris Caray is from a long line of baseball broadcasting royalty, the son of Chip, the grandson of Skip, and the great-grandson of Harry, who worked a major league mic for 53 consecutive years; for the Cardinals, the St. Louis Browns, the White Sox, the Cubs, and for one year, 1970, the Oakland A’s.


This season is Chris’s debut as an MLB TV play-by-play announcer for the green and gold, and he’s doing a fine job. Paired with the Delta Dirtbag, former A’s lefty Dallas Braden, the two have great chemistry. Caray is bright, quick, and knowledgeable about the game. He is also literate, respectful, insightful, and possesses a wealth of baseball knowledge for someone so young. And he is clever.

Oakland Athletics former pitcher Rollie Fingers (left) and relief pitcher Mason Miller (19) talk during the 1974 World Series Championship team reunion before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 23, 2024.

Photo by Darren Yamashita.


Following Athletics’ pitcher Mason Miller’s two scoreless innings in a game against the World Series champion Rangers on May 8, Caray spontaneously dropped a nickname for the A’s remarkable must-see rookie closer.


“The Reaper!” Caray shouted, “continues to haunt Major League hitting!” The following week, when Miller smoked a game-ending 103-mph heater past Ezequiel Tovar in a 5-4 win over Colorado, Caray formally minted the nickname when he proclaimed, “The Reaper freezes the Rockies!”


Miller, 25, looks the part. At 6’5” and 210 lbs, the steely-eyed young man from Pittsburgh, PA, possesses a thunderbolt of a right arm, and a filthy, nasty, slider to boot. He is unquestionably not only the best save artist we’ve seen in these parts since the Eck (my favorite player) but just may be the best closer in baseball.


Miller’s stats are ridiculous. His strikeout per inning ratio is historic, as is his average fastball speed—101. But for me it is the eye test that transcends all those gaudy numbers. I record every game just to see if Miller will pitch.


This is a kid who was pitching for Division III Waynesburg University when he discovered that he had Type 1 diabetes, something surely no twenty-year old wants to hear. He had to overcome a lot to get to where he is. He’s calm, articulate, and confident, with just the right amount of humility. And the last guy you want to see on the mound if you’re on deck.


And when it’s the eighth inning and the A’s have a lead—which is not that often—Chris Caray will ask his partner, “Dallas, what time is it?” And Braden will say, in a low ominous voice, “It’s Miller time.” Braden has his own nickname for Mason Miller—the “soul snatcher.” And remember, that is what they called the original Grim Reaper.


The Reaper Cometh.

* * *

Pete Elman is the author of an outstanding new book, Insights and Outakes, a collection of sports essays covering Bay Area

teams and sports personalities.

San Francisco Giants 3

Chicago Cubs 5

Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA

Thursday, June 27, 2024

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks gave up three runs but also struck out seven across five innings against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, June 27th at Oracle Park. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Maya Kuraki.

Third baseman Matt Chapman hits a single, putting himself on first and Austin Slater on second base during the sixth inning. 

Photo and caption by Maya Kuraki.

Designated hitter Jorge Soler continues the momentum in the sixth inning, during which the Giants scored three runs. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit  www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Maya Kuraki.

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Orlando Cepeda-- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

I once met the Giants' "Baby Bull," Orlando Cepeda, at a Giants FanFest. I waited in a long line to see him and when we finally meet we shook hands and he signed this photo for me. He has always been one of my favorite Giant players and always will be. Orlando sadly passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024. I was photographing the Giants vs. Dodgers game that day when his passing was first announced. The sellout stadium held a moment of silence in his honor.


Rich YeeSports Today Photographer

San Francisco Giants 4

Chicago Cubs

Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Hayden Birdsong makes his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, June 26th at Oracle Park.  Photo and caption by Maya Kuraki.

First baseman David Villar hits a back-to-back home run following Conforto during the second inning. Photo and caption

by Maya Kuraki.

Outfielder Luis Matos puts the Giants into the lead after hitting a home run during the fifth inning. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Maya Kuraki.

Sports Precis

“You Don’t Mess With A Valkyrie”


by Howard Pearlstein


Last week I wrote about the Valkyries, and what it might mean to choose such a powerful name for the team. The Valkyries were super-beings in the original sense of the word. From the Latin "super," meaning "above, over, beyond" – coming to mean, over the centuries, “unique, excellent, wonderful, incomparable.” They were revered and feared, which was not unusual since these were women who were able to fly and deal with both living and dead on a battlefield.

 

But I didn’t go on to explain how they managed to overcome their enemies. And since our cultural history has been molded by movies, well, we’ve got to realize we’ve had 120 years of most movies with interaction between a man and a woman reduced to, “Oh baby, oh baby, look at those…uh…legs." I’ve watched a lot of movies and off-hand, the only man-woman relationship I can recall that rose above

that level was between Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. I’m sure there must have been others.

 

And for the same 120 years movies went from westerns to urban noir, but six-gun justice was always the law of the land. There was competition between studios and directors to make killing more original and took them through swords and spears to baseball bats, automatic weapons, throwing stars, garroting and more. Motion picture technology improved more and more and allowed them to film the most realistically, graphic, stunning and innovative ways to end someone. The underlying principle of it all being, “just kill it” if it’s scary. Action movies even got reviews that included the number of dead.

 

Which is why I was concerned people would assume the Valkyries just killed them. They were warriors, but not that. They went a more elegant way. I recently read about this, that they defeated their enemies by dropping the glamour, showing their true death stare faces, and neutralizing their foes with crippling DOUBT.

 

Yeah, DOUBT.

 

I didn’t think it was that powerful, but I remembered something told to me by a former AFC linebacker who was a student in an evening class I was teaching.

 

We’d go out for a beer and a burger after some classes. (I wrote about this in a column a year or so ago, so it might seem familiar.) I asked him once about the scariest thing that ever happened in a game. He said, “Joe Namath,” and he could see I was surprised that it wasn’t some 300-pound O-line monster.

 

He went on, explaining how he’d faked a lineman out of position and had an open path to the quarterback and... “and Namath looked me right in the eyes, held my stare and threw a 40-yard-pass…never looked away from me, not for a second. And the rest of that game, I lost a step or two when I was going for him. I felt like there was nothing I could do to stop him.”

 

And remembering that, I realized that was what an ability to make someone doubt himself could do. And I realized how much that was used against people to sell stuff for at least those same past 120 years – advertising asking, “Does your bad breath offend others?” “Uh-Oh-B.O.” Bullies kicking sand in your face at the beach while your girl admires the bully’s big muscles. There are as many examples of “Maybe you’re not good enough…so buy this” as there are whatever – stars in the sky, commercials during the Super Bowl.

 

And the quote I remembered from Lost Girl:

 

“People never seem to learn, you don’t mess with a Valkyrie.”

  * * *

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 --

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Vol. 86: A Long Way To Go Before An NCAA NIL Settlement Is Secured

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought


by Darren Heitner

Founder of HEITNERLEGAL


Last Sunday, I woke up early to fly to Atlanta and spend the day at The NIL Summit .


On my way, I started thinking about a recent comment made by the co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the House v. NCAACarter v. NCAA, and Hubbard v. NCAA cases.


In response to Houston Christian University challenging the validity of the purported settlement of those cases, Berman stated, "There is no settlement that has been finalized" and added that it's "not done."

So, I looked back at what he and his firm published at the end of May, which is when the celebrations began surrounding an alleged settlement. The following is taken from a press release on Berman's law firm's website.


continued...

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San Jose Earthquakes 0

LA Galaxy 3

Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA

Saturday, June 29, 2024

San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse (#11) fires a shot around LA Galaxy defender Jalen Neal (#24) in the first half. LA Galaxy defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 3–0, in a MLS Matchday 23 game at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on Saturday, June 29, 2024

in Stanford, California. © 2024 Alex Ho 

San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper William Yarbrough (#25) leaps for a save in the first half. © 2024 Alex Ho 

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Cristian Espinoza (#10) dribbles around LA Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida (#4) in the second half.

© 2024 Alex Ho 

A fireworks show ended the evening. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net

© 2024 Alex Ho 

Oakland Roots SC 2

Orange County FC 0

Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Roots Blank Orange County SC 2-0

in SoCal


Oakland defeated Orange County SC for the second time this season on Saturday night, this time a 2-0 finish down south in Irvine, CA.


The match began with both sides looking dangerous, trading prime scoring chances and good attacking pressure through the first 10 minutes of play.


Both clubs looked intent on wasting no time on offense, pushing the ball quickly up the field after gaining possession.


This attacking style earned Oakland a corner kick in the 15th minute. A perfect service found Miche-Naider Chéry on the far post, who headed it back across the face of the goal to find Camden Riley, finishing the easy tap in to put Roots ahead 1-0.


Despite Oakland taking the lead, momentum remained even for both sides through regulation time in the first frame.


Orange County began to look extremely dangerous in added time, but Roots were able to shut the door and head into the locker room at the half still holding a 1-0 lead.


continued...

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A Successful Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Delivers Unforgettable Weekend of Racing and Entertainment for Crowds of Fans


Casts Positive Energy on County of Monterey


MONTEREY, Calif., Jun 28, 2024 — The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, held June 21-23 was a resounding success, marking an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. The event, hosted at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, brought together thousands of racing enthusiasts for a weekend filled with high-octane action, entertainment, and community engagement.


The earlier summer date was a success as ticket sales were up 9 percent over 2023 with a total of 40,000 in attendance. Friday attendance was higher than normal likely due to the event falling during school’s summer break and Mission Foods partnering with local grocery stores to offer a free Friday ticket. Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez was the Grand Marshal of the event and was there to greet fans and start the race on Sunday.


The campgrounds were also bustling with over 350 campsites reserved. While locals enjoyed one of the first hot summer days in weeks, the nights and mornings stayed cool and out-of-towners reveled in the marine layer as temperatures soared across the country.


continued...

Photo by T.M. Hill

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Cal Bears

Bell Wins British 1500m Title To Book Olympic Spot


Kaukolahti, Leko Also Take Gold; Akinduro

Earns Silver


California track & field closed out its two-week slate of competition at several national championship meets around the world on Sunday as four Golden Bears – three alumni, one newcomer – each earned medals in their respective events, with one earning her first-career spot in the 2024 Olympic Games.

 

Alumna Georgia Bell, who decided to quit running seven years ago but returned to a full competition schedule this season, continued her outstanding comeback campaign with a decisive victory at 4:10.69 in the 1500m at the UK Athletics Championships in Manchester, England. The win, combined with her reaching the Olympic Standard in the event earlier this year, officially clinched Bell's trip to Paris as part of Great Britain's Olympic team. Bell is not only the first British athlete to represent Cal track & field in the Olympics, but the first Cal woman to do so in the 1500m and the program's first overall competitor in the event since Don Bowden in 1956.


continued...

Photo: Athletics Weekly

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Stanford Cardinal

STANFORD SENDS THREE TO PARIS


Asher Hong and Brody Malone both earn spots on Team USA, while Khoi Young is selected as a traveling alternate


MINNEAPOLIS - Olympic dreams were realized following the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Saturday afternoon, as sophomore Asher Hong and alum Brody Malone each earned bids to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 


Hong and Malone join Fred Richard, Paul Juda, and Stephen Nedoroscik on the five-man team. Junior Khoi Young will also head to Paris as a traveling alternate for Team USA alongside Shane Wiskus.

For Malone, it is his second trip to the Olympic Games after placing fifth with Team USA in the team final in the Tokyo Olympics. After winning the all-around crown at the U.S. Championships just four weeks ago, Malone followed it up with another stellar performance, finishing second in the all-around with a 170.300, just 0.200 points behind winner Fred Richard. 


continued...

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San Jose State Spartans

SJSU We Mourn The Loss of Yoshihiro "Yosh" Uchida, A Beloved Spartan


Dear Spartan Community, 


Today we mourn the loss of Yoshihiro “Yosh” Uchida, a beloved Spartan who passed away on Thursday at the age of 104. 


Yosh, as many affectionately called him, earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 1947 and an honorary doctorate in 2004 from SJSU, and is one of the most renowned and accomplished Spartans in the history of the university. 



Born on April 1, 1920, in Calexico, Calif., Yosh was named San José State's first judo coach in 1940, when he enrolled as a student, and again in 1946 after he returned from four years in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1964, he coached the U.S. judo team at the Tokyo Olympics, the first time judo appeared in an Olympics.  


continued...


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Saint Mary's College Gaels

WBB | Day 4: “Bel Gioco” Gaels Roll to Victory In First Foreign Tour Game


MONTECATINI TERME, Italy — After four days getting acclimated to Italy, the Saint Mary's women's basketball team was finally able to hit the hardwood and show their new look roster in its first game of their Foreign Summer Tour of Italy on Friday night in Montecatini Terme.

 

Saint Mary's had a strong balanced performance and cruised to a 99-34 victory over Basketball Sisters of the Florence area.

 

In Jeff Cammon's second season leading the Gaels, eight newcomers joined the roster this offseason. Many of those newcomers stood out on Friday night. The backcourt duo of Jada Hunter and Mauriana Hashemian-Orr caused havoc all night on defense and pushed the tempo on offense.


continued...

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USF Dons

Jonathan Mogbo Selected By Toronto Raptors in 2024 NBA Draft



NEW YORK, N.Y. - For the first time since 1982, a student-athlete from the University of San Francisco has been selected in the NBA Draft as 2023-24 West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year and All-WCC First Team selection Jonathan Mogbo was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 31st overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

"Our entire USF basketball family is so proud of Jonathan being selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft," said head coach Chris Gerlufsen. "Getting drafted is a testament to all his hard work and dedication during his time here on the Hilltop. He is a prime example of taking full advantage of his opportunities. We can't wait to root him on at the next level!"


continued...


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Santa Clara Broncos

Men’s Tennis Signs World Top-375 Junior Ranked Player from France


SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Santa Clara men's tennis program signed a top world junior ranked player, Valentin Faure, from Strasbourg, France who will join the team for the 2024-25 season with four years of eligibility.

 

Faure finished runner-up in singles at the French National Championships under 18 in 2022 and has reached a career-high ITF Junior World ranking of 374. 

 

"I am excited to join Santa Clara University, a choice driven by the academic excellence of the institution and the quality of its tennis program," said Faure. "Coach Niall's positive and encouraging approach towards my potential has reinforced my decision, as well as the California climate that supports outdoor tennis practice throughout the year. Convinced that Santa Clara is the ideal place for my academic and athletic development, I look forward to contributing to the team and achieving my ambitions."

 

continued...

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University of Pacific Tigers

Pacific Swimming Adds Fourteen Newcomers Ahead of 2024-25 Campaign


STOCKTON, Calif.- The Pacific swim team finalized its roster depth ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season by welcoming 14 newcomers, including four women and 10 men, to its ranks, as announced by head coach Katelyne Herrington.

 

"This is the largest and most diverse recruiting class we've had in over 5 years, being our most talented recruiting class in that time," head coach Katelyne Herrington shared. "This class is going to have an immediate impact in the pool, paired with our very experienced returning team. This will be a standout year for us, and I am very excited to get the season started in the fall!"

 

Having graduated only two seniors in 2024, the women's team reload and sharpen their sprints and mid-distance as Christina Agiomamitou, Lilliana Noriega, Whitney Wilkalis and Josie Fields are brought into the fold.

 

continued...

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UC Davis Aggies

Acosta's Aggie Pride Shines

On The Diamond


DAVIS, Calif. - Aggie Pride is not a one-size-fits-all sentiment; it's deeply personal and resonates differently with each Aggie. Riley Acosta's Aggie Pride is embodied in his remarkable perseverance, and since first setting foot on campus Acosta's Aggie Pride has been an innate part of his identity.


The story begins in the fall of 2021, when Acosta, a computer science major from Redondo Beach, Calif. stepped onto Phil Swimley Field for an open tryout, eager to earn a spot on the Aggies' roster.


Reflecting on his decision, Acosta said, "I got to Davis and my plan was to play on the club team just to play baseball and get ready for the tryout with them for a month. Worst comes to worst, I knew I could keep playing with them and still be able to play baseball."


continued...

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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Gabe Tanner Garners ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Honor


GREENSBORO, N.C. - The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced its 2024 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Region Teams this week. Junior pitcher Gabe Tanner from Cal State East Bay was named to the ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II West All-Region Second Team. 


Before the most recent regional honor bestowed upon Tanner, was named to the NCBWA All-Region Second Team, D2CCA All-West Region Second Team and the All-CCAA First Team. For April 2024, Tanner was named Pioneer of the Month. 


continued...

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St. Francis Yacht Club

Careers At St. Francis Yacht Club


Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club is steeped in nearly a century of yachting traditions. From the beginning, St. Francis Yacht Club’s membership has included many of the Bay Area’s most prominent citizens and greatest sailors. The Club’s annual regatta schedule is one of the most active in the world and it has been consistently rated the #1 Yacht Club in America. Career opportunities at StFYC are many and varied—with three dining facilities, private party and event spaces, docks and small boat fleets, a robust 2,400+ membership, and a private island in the Delta—the club requires a talented staff to meet the needs of members and guests and to maintain its top-notch facilities.


continued...

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Weekly Bay Area

Sports Calendar


Monday, July 1, through

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Monday, July 1


Tuesday, July 2

San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:20 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Yolo High Wheelers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 3

San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:20 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Yolo High Wheelers, 4:30 p.m.

San Jose Earthquakes @ St. Louis City SC, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 4

San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:20 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Yolo High Wheelers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, July 5

San Francisco Giants @ Cleveland Guardians, 4:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers vs. Yolo High Wheelers, 6:35 p.m.

Saturday, July 6

San Francisco Giants @ Cleveland Guardians, 1:10 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers vs. Yolo High Wheelers, 1:05 p.m.

Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit, 7 p.m.

Oakland Roots SC vs. Louisville City FC, 7 p.m.

Sunday July 7

San Francisco Giants @ Cleveland Guardians, 10:40 a.m.

Oakland A's vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers vs. Yolo High Wheelers, 1:05 p.m.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire, 5:30 p.m.

Bay Area Panthers vs. Northern Arizona Wranglers, 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

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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

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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.

Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.

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