July 10 - July 16, 2023

Issue No. 493

For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.

San Francisco Giants

Infielder J.D. Davis, pictured at bat against the Seattle Mariners earlier in the week, provided the winning margin against Colorado in Sunday’s game. His long home run in the fourth inning lifted the Giants to a 1-0 win over the Rockies. Photo by Rich Yee.

Giants in Relatively Good Shape at

All-Star Break

by Bruce Macgowan

Even though the Giants are a slightly better than .500 team, will they make a run at a wildcard playoff spot in September?

San Francisco busted out after a crappy start in June with a ten-game winning streak. The Giants hitting suddenly roared to life, sparked by a couple of rookies named Luis Matos and Casey Schmitt. The team averaged nearly nine runs a game during that stretch. And although the injury bug deprived them of outfielder Mitch Haniger and pitchers Ross Stripling and John Brebbia, among a number of others, the club’s depth helped to make up for it.

The first half of the season concluded with a brilliant complete game on Sunday with a shutout by the Giants’ ace, Logan Webb. The 1-0 win over Colorado wouldn’t have been possible unless the defense turned in several key gems, including a couple of timely double plays and an impressive throw from right fielder Mike Yastrzemski which nailed Colorado’s Jurikson Profar trying to stretch a single into a double to lead off the game.

J.D. Davis, who has finally earned a full-time spot at third base after being a part-time player with the Mets and also the Giants until early this year, provided the big hit. His booming 425-foot blast to the leftfielder bleachers proved to be the only support Webb needed. Webb finished the game with a flourish, striking out the side. It felt like a playoff win as 36,000 fans were on their feet cheering wildly for most of the ninth inning.

Still, all of the recent good vibes really doesn’t mean much. All you have to do is remember last year’s awful second half when the Giants lost practically two of every three games over the better part of two months.

And as with last year, the Giants everyday lineup seems to change week-to-week, even day-to-day. It’s hard establishing continuity with that kind of uncertainty. Yes, Davis, Michael Conforto and Joc Pederson are all ‘bashers.’ Yes, LaMonte Wade Jr. is healthy after missing most of last season and has been doing a nice job replacing Brandon Belt at first base while hitting a respectable .275. And yes, the rookies and newcomers such as catcher Patrick Bailey have added some electricity at the plate and in the field as well as youthful enthusiasm in the clubhouse. It should also be noted that Thairo Estrada has become one of the best second basemen in the game while flamethrowing Camilo Doval, a National League All-Star, has turned into a lights-out closer.

Manager Gabe Kapler has had to be creative but he’s also been blessed to have a bunch of young pitchers chew up innings and occasionally to start. This includes Tristen Beck, Ryan Walker and Keaton Winn. Webb is joined by All-Star righthander Camilo Doval as a solid one-two combo, but Kapler has also had to use Jakob Junis, Alex Wood, (when he is not on the DL,) and even Sean Manaea as starters.

Outside of the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers, there really are no dominant teams in the National League. Miami is a VERY good young team, and so is Arizona. But will they stumble in August or September? The Padres will probably get their act together and Milwaukee and the Phils are both teams to watch. But the Giants should at the very least remain the classic ‘dark horse’ team in the playoff chase. The results of a four-city road trip through Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Washington and Detroit to start the second half should give us a better indication of what to expect.

* * *

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.

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke

Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).

Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,

Shelia Young

Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Contents

Columns

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games

Oakland Roots SC 0, Tampa Bay Rowdies 3

Oakland Soul 1, San Francisco Glens 5

Oakland Spiders 25, Portland Nitro 10

San Francisco Giants 5, Colorado Rockies 2

San Jose Earthquakes 1, Los Angeles FC 1

Features & Commentary

Alameda 4th of July Race

Do They Have Greatness In The Future? by Pete Elman

Giants in Relatively Good Shape at All-Star Break, by Bruce Macgowan

Heading Toward Issue #500, Now At #493; Your Support is Welcome!

Inflated Rewards? by Dave Newhouse

Memories of Oakland, No. 6 in a Series, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Michelle Wie West, by Ed Jay

Neither Here or There, by Howard Pearlstein

Warrior Screening at the Asian Art Museum, by Ed Jay

Organizations

Cal Bears

Golden Gate Fields

Oakland A's

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

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

Astronomical Playing Field

When Babe Ruth earned $80,000 in 1930, he was criticized for being paid more than the American President. Babe’s response:

“I had a better year.”

Inflated Rewards?

by Dave Newhouse

The greatest imbalance in sports, in bridging the past with the present, are player salaries. It’s like comparing a Model T Ford to a Maserati.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors just signed a four-year contract worth $80 million. Speaking of NBA forwards, Larry Bird was the first player at any position to earn $5 million for a season. Bird is an NBA icon; Green hasn’t ever been named All-Pro.

Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors, hardly a marquee name, earns $525,000 per game. Wilt Chamberlain never made more than $250,000 a season, and Bill Russell topped out yearly at $100,000. And their names are high on the marquee.

The highest paid baseball players are both New York Mets pitchers, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, each paid $43.3 million per season, just ahead of New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge at $40 million. And to think that Ted Williams topped out at $135,000, Sandy Koufax at $130,000, Willie Mays at $105,000, and Stan Musial and Joe DiMaggio at $100,000.

There’s a huge financial gap between those legends of yore and the current crop of baseball stars, recognizing that times have changed, but should they have changed that much?

Certainly with network television contracts nowadays, money is in abundance in sports, divvied out to athletes who are deserving, but how deserving? In the NBA, Tre Jones of San Antonio will make $10 million next season, Dennis Schroeder of Toronto will earn $13 million, and Bruce Brown of Indiana will take home $22.5 million. My guess is that none of them will start in the next NBA All-Star Game.

Beyond TV money, sports fans are gouged in general in order to pay these stratospheric salaries, whether it's luxury boxes or court-side seats, VIP parking or even general parking, and let’s not even get into hot dog or beer prices. The disparity at NBA games between the sky box champagne sipper and general seating, beer-chugging Joe Six Pack hasn’t ever been greater, and there is no closure forecast.

When Babe Ruth earned $80,000 in 1930, he was criticized for being paid more than the American President. Babe’s response: “I had a better year.”

Well, it was the Depression, but numerous athletes today make more money than our President. And when these same athletes top even Fortune 500 members, the scales are tipped even further toward jockland.

I’m not denying athletes their fortunes, deserved or otherwise, if team owners are willing to pay them, brilliantly or mindlessly. But I’m nonetheless staggered at the amount of lifetime security that’s guaranteed at such a young age.

Magic Johnson’s ceiling was $3.1 million a season. Now here are the current top five NBA yearly salaries: Steph Curry of the Warriors, $48 million, Russell Westbrook of Utah, $47 million; LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, $44.4 million; Kevin Durant of Phoenix, $44.1 million, and Bradley Beal of Washington $43 million. Bradley Beal?

Take a look at the NFL’s top three salaries: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams, $31.6 million; Tyreek Hill, Miami, $30 million, and T.j. Watt, Pittsburgh, $28 million. Excuse me, where are Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers?

And here are the NHL’s highest annual salaries: Tyler Sequin, Dallas, $13 million; Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers, $12.5 million, and Connor McDavid, Edmonton, $12 million. Now digest this: The greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky, was paid $6.5 million a season.

It’s a different time, of course, thus one thing is certain: The financial gap between past and present athletes is only going to widen. But should it?

* * *

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.

San Francisco Giants 5

Colorado Rockies 2

Oracle Park, Saturday, July 8

Sanrio mascot Hello Kitty throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park on Saturday, July 8th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBT-Mcj9psA

San Francisco right fielder Michael Conforto is congratulated by designated hitter Joc Pederson after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning as the Giants defeated the Colorado Rockies, 5-3, at Oracle Park on Saturday,

July 8th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Alex Wood came on in the third inning to pitch five shutout innings to earn the win. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey (14) rounds third base against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning at Oracle Park.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Austin Slater rounds the bases after hitting a pinch-hit home run in the fifth inning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

San Francisco Giants players celebrate on the field after defeating the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park. To view an annotated game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

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Oakland A's

Above, logo from the 1987 All Star Game hosted by the Oakland A’s

at the Oakland Coliseum

Memories of Oakland, No. 6 in a Series --

1987 All-Star Game at the Coliseum

by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

On July 14, 1987, the Oakland Coliseum hosted the 1987 MLB All-Star Game. There were two Oakland Athletics in this game, representing the American League, and both were in the reserves; first baseman Mark McGwire and relief pitcher Jay Howell.

A’s legend Rickey Henderson was in the starting lineup but for the New York Yankees. McGwire won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1987 and went on to establish the current record for a rookie of 49 home runs.

The A’s had three consecutive Rookies of the Year, José Canseco in 1986, Mark McGwire in 1987, and Walt Weiss in 1988. In attendance were 49,671 at the Coliseum for that night’s game, won by the National League All-Stars, 2-0, over the American League All-Stars in 13 innings; Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos was named the Most Valuable Player. This was the only time since the A’s arrived in Oakland that the Oakland Coliseum hosted an MLB All-Star game.

Named by the Oakland A’s ownership as part of the Clout Committee, I was privileged to meet with various civic personalities, including the mayor of Oakland, Lionel Wilson, as well as others in the community. The All-Star Gala is always a special gathering of community and baseball people; my wife Gail and I sat at a table which included two Twins greats, Kirby Puckett and Tony Oliva.

Prior to the game at the Coliseum, Bay Area media personality Rich Lieberman introduced me to the one and only Larry King, who was said to have conducted over 50,000 interviews on radio and television, from Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Paul McCartney to Margaret Thatcher and thousands in-between.

The Walter Haas ownership of the Oakland A’s did a wonderful job organizing this big event together with the city of Oakland and Major League Baseball. It was a classy, well-organized event which made Oakland proud.

There was a time when Oakland was a proud city. As a matter of fact, Oakland was once called “City of Champions,” with the A’s winning three consecutive World Series in 1972-73-74, the Warriors winning the NBA title in the 1974-75 season and the Raiders winning in 1976, the first of their three Super Bowl titles.

It is said that Gertrude Stein, who was raised in Oakland and became an American novelist, playwright and art collector, and moved to Paris in 1903, where she lived for the rest of her life, once said about Oakland; "... what was the use of my having come from Oakland it was not natural to have come from there yes write about it if I like or any-thing if I like but not there, there is no there there."

Two years later, after the 1987 MLB All-Star Game, the Loma Prieta earthquake shook the A’s vs. Giants World Series, which the A’s swept in four games. It was felt that it would be inappropriate to have a parade in Oakland for the World Series champion Oakland Athletics.

They did celebrate, though with this subdued celebration (a victory rally) at the Jack London waterfront and broadcast live by local San Francisco CBS affiliate, KPIX. It would be the last civic celebration by a professional sports franchise in Oakland until 2015 when the Warriors won the NBA title.

I always remember 1987 as a good year for Oakland and a “departing point” for what came later for the Oakland Athletics during the great Tony La Russa years.

* * *

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors

Newly acquired Dario Saric played with Chris Paul for two seasons

Do They Have Greatness In

Their Future?

By Pete Elman

After the second-round loss last May against the Lakers, one might have expected them to be visibly down. But rather than act as if the dynasty was over, the core players were quite the opposite; in fact they sounded downright defiant.

Draymond Green: “We lost this year—we’ll be back next year. I want to ride out with the same dudes I rode in with.”

Steph Curry: “We have the confidence that we can come back next year.”

Klay Thompson: “It stings, but I believe we have greatness in our future.”

Steve Kerr: “We didn’t get there---but this is not the end of the road.”

Let’s take a look at the past, the present, and the future of this once buried, but now mighty--$7.6 billion worth—franchise.

The past: The narrative that the Warriors have fallen on recent hard times because they don’t have a big man? That may have been the truth between 1980 and 2014. They did not have an effective center since that fateful 1980 trade with the Celtics, who got Kevin McHale along with Robert Parrish —for Joe Barry Carroll, a trade Warrior fans will never forget or forgive.

But they have won four titles since 2015— it should have been six—without a big man. Please don’t mention Andrew Bogut; he did not even play in the 2015 finals and was not a factor in the 2016 finals.

In the four titles they have won, they have not had a traditional big man. Kevon Looney, to his credit, at 6’9” has provided a winning presence in the paint, improving every year. But they still don’t have that prototypical center; and it probably will not make a difference.

The present: They have the same starting five for the third year in a row, and the bench consists of three returning players: a hopefully improved Jonathan Kuminga, 20, Moses Moody, 21, and veteran defensive stopper Gary Payton. And two new veterans with 26 years of NBA experience between them.

Let’s just say it: they are the oldest, shortest team in the NBA. And also arguably the smartest, with four Hall of Famers available for crunch time in the playoffs.

Chris Paul is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a legendary pure point guard and a close friend of fellow North Carolinian Steph, and he desperately wants to win a ring before he retires. In his 18 years, he’s averaged 18 points and 9 ½ rebounds/game. A few of his career awards and highlights:

* 12× NBA All-Star

* 4× All-NBA First Team

* 7× NBA All-Defensive First Team

* 5× NBA assists leader

* 6× NBA steals leader

The other acquisition, Dario Saric, is a likable 6’10” journeyman who played with Paul two seasons on the Suns, and has averaged 11 points/game in his eight-year career. He is a nice fit off the bench, a floor-spacing big man who keeps the ball moving and can shoot a little.

They might get some help from their two draft picks-- but more likely it will come from two guards: Two-way player Lester Quinones, who had a cup of coffee last season and has impressed in summer league, and 31-year old vet Cory Joseph. And Hall of Fame coach and nine-time champ Steve Kerr returns for his 10th year, with most of his staff intact.

The future: The future is NOW. The local media has made a huge deal about the “two timelines,” i.e. playing the young guys (for the future) vs. playing the old guys (to win now.)

But there have never been two timelines. The Warriors have always been about winning the past ten years, which is why they got veterans like Iguodala, Barbosa, Livingston, Durant, West, et al, and now Paul and Saric.

Sure, there’s a lot on the line. Bob Myers left and Mike Dunleavy’s a—is on the line. Jordan Poole had to go and Draymond had to stay. And Denver is lurking…

But as long as number 30 suits up, I will pay close attention.

Pete Elman

Rockridge, Oakland

July 10, 2023

* * *

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. For more information, see below.

San Francisco Giants

Alex Cobb has been named an All-Star for the first time in his career and will join fellow Giants pitcher

Camilo Doval in Seattle.

Be sure to watch the 2023 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard® on FOX Tuesday, July 11 at 5 p.m. PT.

Complete Coverage!

Oakland A's

Avengers Assemble! Get your super hero squad together and join forces as we take on the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, July 15. All fans can enjoy Marvel Super Hero™ Day at the ballpark with fun photo opportunities, character appearances from Spider-Man and Captain Marvel, trivia, video board specials, and more. Get there early and grab your very own Captain Marvel Bobblehead

presented by ExtraMile.

Buy Tickets!

Goodbye, Oakland

Scheduled book signings with authors Andy Dolich and Dave Newhouse

Wed. 8/23 -- Montclair Library, Montclair, 6 p.m.

For purchase at bookstores or

through Triumph Books

https://www.triumphbooks.com/goodbye--oakland-products-9781637272152.php

For great advertising rates call: APG Sports,

P.O. Box 3164, Fremont, CA 94539. Dir tel: 510-579-0682

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

"The only bad thing about winning the pennant is that you have to manage the All-Star Game the next year.

I'd rather go fishing for three days."

--Whitey Herzog, three-time All-Star Game

losing NL Manager, 1983, 86, 88

So many surprising little factoids can be found trying to create Hardly Trivial questions. The Home Run Derby has been an integral part of the All-Star break since 1985. Home Runs are exciting. GRAND SLAMS are King.

Factoid: In all of All-Star Game history, only one

GRAND SLAM has been hit. Which of these

four players did it?

Multiple choice again: Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth,

Fred Lynn or Lou Gehrig?

Answer below.

Sports Precis

Neither Here nor There

by Howard Pearlstein

I’m in that space of time between basketball and football when I have to care about baseball, but, just a personal thing, I really don’t. And all the writing is either about the encouraging and historically impressive things happening with women’s sports – a topic amply covered by Ann Killion, or Golf, this being the best time of year for it.

Other than that, just nothing much, wondering what’s going to happen with the NBA and NFL teams who are in their more-or-less private time -- fixing, planning, and healing.

But watching NBA Summer Team games, I picked up some ideas about the Dubs future, which, based on the amazingly tiny sample I took, are totally unfounded, an extrapolation made from momentary “Wows.”

The new draft picks? Well Trayce Jackson-Davis is getting his hamstring healing on, so no-show thus far, but given the solid four year contract the Dubs have given him, I would think they’ve seen as much as they need to KNOW.

As to Brandin Podziemski, given the random chock-a-block assortment of semi-amateur, semi-pro players, hard to say. Summer league all drafted, undrafted, auditioning for a home, and as awkward as a pick-up game in a new neighborhood, players new to each other, like very tall first dates -- with minimal knowledge of tendencies and minimal time to practice and learn. But watching him, all I could say right now, is that anyone in sports reporting will need to learn to spell and pronounce his name.

Lester Quinones – second season, on a two-way contract, seeming in sync with Podziemski, leading one announcer looking for a tag to say that they look like “a new pair of Splash Brothers.” I would have more confidence in that prediction if the Summer Game announcer wasn’t consistently unable to pronounce his name, repeatedly making it rhyme with “cojones.”

But to be fair to the announcer, I’ve gotta admit the wow factor – seeing Quinones having done the neatest over-the-back single hand ball slap for a steal since Andre Iguodala’s MVP days. Lightning quick hands.

Still, by Friday night's game against the Lakers, it looked like Gui Santos is the Dub who could have the Splash Brother mind-meld connection with Quinones, both of them scoring via eyepopping gymnastics on the way to the hoop. And Santos has the single most important intangible that characterizes the Warriors – he’s fun to watch. Also, along with Quinones and Podziemski, the true mark of the Dubs – lots of constant moving, 3-pointers, steals and turnovers.

Friday’s game against the Lakers was made more watchable because the announcing was done by the wonderful Doris Burke (along with Mark Jones), her calm strong mezzo voice leading us through an even-handed detailed analysis of the action and reasons behind them.

Doris Burke seems to me to embody something I said years ago about why it was so enjoyable to watch women’s college basketball – their unalloyed love of the game. There was no pot of gold for them in the pros, no fame, no parades. Just loving the game. The WNBA started in 1996, and the financial rewards were scanty, mostly just enough to pay for the league to exist.

Doris Burke came up during that time, and her real-time ability to see the facets of the game and connect dots to influences and abilities and difficulties the coaches and players have overcome fills in the details and context of what we’re watching/hearing, in a way, as far as I know, no one else does. Her delight in aspects of the game and players’ lives is more contagious than COVID.

Here’s a great hour-long candid podcast interview with Doris Burke and Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love made during COVID days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmCcaxQ0Wbs

AND I’ve been waiting for this one – Dubs signed 6’10’ forward Dario Saric to a one-year contract.

* * *

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.

Warrior Screening

at the Asian Art Museum

Pictured above (left to right): Panelists Justin Hoover, actress Olivia Cheng, executive producer Shannon Lee and Naz Cuguoğlu, assistant curator of Contemporary Art & Programs, Asian Art Museum. A capacity crowd of enthusiastic fans were on hand for the Warrior screening at the Asian Art Museum on June 29. The event coincided with the third season of the TV series and a screening of the first episode. Warrior is inspired by the writings of Bruce Lee over 50 years ago as a possible TV show for him to star in. Lee also developed a new martial arts style and has influenced generations of fans over the decades. Kareem Abdul-Jabarr, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant have all cited Bruce’s influence in their professional careers. Lee died in 1973. He was named no. 15 of the top 50 athletes by Sports Illustrated. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

Michelle Wie West

Michelle Wie West, 33, retires after the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach. Her 18-year career was capped with her draining a 31-foot monster putt on the 18th hole. Wie’s career included a handful of LPGA Tour wins, including the U.S. Open in 2014. Always a fan favorite and drawing the largest gallery, her retirement means that she will spend time with her family, which includes husband Jonnie West, son of Jerry West, and their 3-year-old daughter, Makenna.

Photo by Ed Jay.

San Jose Earthquakes 1

Los Angeles FC 1

BMO Stadium, Los Angeles. Saturday, July 8

Earthquakes 1, Los Angeles FC 1

Quakes survive playing down a man,

earn a point on the road

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. A goal from Cristian Espinoza sees the Quakes earn a crucial point on the road.

The Quakes opened the scoring in the 30th minute from forward Cristian Espinoza. Jack Skahan found Espinoza behind the back line to out dribble the defender and fire the ball into the bottom corner. Los Angeles equalized from a penalty kick converted by Denis Bouanga to end the first half 1-1.

San Jose earned a red card in the 56th minute and played down a man for 30+ minutes to earn a point on the road in Los Angeles for the first time since 2020.

The Earthquakes will now return home to prepare to face Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, July 12, presented by PG & E. Kickoff from PayPal Park is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, as well as on local radio via 810 AM The Spread (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).

continued...

For a full report, click HERE

www.sjearthquakes.com

Oakland Roots SC 0

Tampa Bay Rowdies 3

Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersbrg, FL. Saturday, July 8

Oakland Drop All Three Points in Florida

The Tampa Bay Rowdies controlled the match from front to back, securing a 3-0 victory at home. In the 8th minute, Cal Jennings scored the first goal of the game after a well-executed set-up, giving the Rowdies a 1-0 lead. Oakland was mostly on the defensive in the first half, relying on their goalkeeper Paul Blanchette and defender Danny Baribir to make crucial saves and prevent further goals. However, their efforts were not enough to stop Cal Jennings from scoring again in the 41st minute, extending Tampa Bay's lead to 2-0 going into halftime.

The second half began similarly to the first, with Tampa Bay displaying their dominance. Yet another cross from the right side resulted in Cal Jennings completing his hat trick and giving his team a commanding 3-0 lead in the 57th minute. Despite Oakland making attacking substitutions in the second half and applying pressure, they were unable to find a goal to narrow the deficit. In the end, the Rowdies maintained their strong performance and emerged with a 3-0 victory, earning all three points in the match.

Oakland Roots will now return home to host Memphis 901 FC at Cal State University, East Bay on Wednesday, July 12th at 7:00 PM PT.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.oaklandrootssc.com

Oakland Soul SC 1

San Francisco Glens 5

Skyline College, San Bruno Friday, July 7

Soul Fall In Playoffs

Glens scored quickly in the first half, taking advantage of the strong wind at their backs. The home side swiftly made it 2-0 in the 9th minute of the game. Despite a slow start, Oakland settled into the match and closed out the first half more comfortably. However, in first-half stoppage time, the Glens struck again, extending their lead to 3-0.

In the second half, the Glens continued their strong start, making it 4-0 as soon as the game restarted. Oakland, undeterred, began creating chances and came close to scoring on multiple occasions. However, the Glens added a fifth goal in the 80th minute, securing the victory for the home side. Oakland scored one late through Jordan Geis to make the final score 5-1.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.oaklandsoulsc.com

Oakland Spiders 25

Portland Nitro 10

Fremont High School, Oakland. July 8, 2023

Under brisk winds and strong defensive play, the Spiders pulled away early and kept the pressure up, building a 10+ point lead by halftime, then extending the lead to 15 by the close of the game. But what is more interesting is there were four Callahans scored, three by Oakland and one by Portland. This was a rare feat to see. (A Callahan is a defensive play when the defense catches the disc in the opponent's own end zone for a score. Think of a Callahan like throwing a no-hitter in baseball -- it's possible but hardly achieved.) Above, walking the tightrope that is the sideline and with the winds blowing across the field, Morgan Sommer (#28) does his best to keep his feet in-bounds and the drive alive. The Oakland Spiders hosted the Portland Nitro, AUDL West Division, at Fremont High School in Oakland.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Under intense pressure in the first quarter, in the back of their own end zone, the Nitro threw an errant pass which was intercepted by Rafael Castro (#1) to log the first of four total Callahans in the game.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Going upwind, Matt Burke (#26) snags the disc late in the game.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Capitalizing on the challenging winds and horrible offensive position on the field, Brendan Fein (#8) watches the disc sail over the Nitro player. Fein would catch the disc for the second Callahan score before halftime. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Alameda 4th of July Race

Sr. photographer Ed Jay has been the official photographer for the Alameda 4th of July Race for over 15 years. The 5k race is run on the same route as the longest distance 4th of July Parade in the U.S. Race proceeds go to support the work of Building Futures which provides shelter and meals for homeless adults and children. Ed can be spotted (above) in the drone shot, provided by Maurice Ramirez, standing in front of 1,100 runners for the ground level shot.

Cal Bears

Purchase Takes Silver At UK Championships

Godbehere Wins Shot Put Bronze At USA U20s

MANCHESTER, England – California track & field throwers competed on two different sides of the globe on Saturday, continuing a busy summer season for the Golden Bears as they aim to once again make their mark on the international stage.

Alumna Anna Purchase started off the day in Manchester, England, at the UK Athletics Championships, finishing second in the hammer throw at 68.53m (224-10) for her first career senior national medal. She currently ranks 20th on World Athletics' "Road to Budapest" list, which determines which individuals are selected to the upcoming World Athletics Championships; should Purchase remain among the top-36 athletes this summer, she will make an appearance at the most prestigious international track & field competition next month.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.calbears.com

Stanford Cardinal

2023 College Baseball Freshman All-American Teams

By: Teddy Cahill

Charlie Condon is Baseball America’s 2023 Freshman of the Year. Condon hit .386/.484/.800 with 25 home runs in 56 games for Georgia. He led all freshmen in OPS (1.284) and slugging, while tying for the most home runs among freshmen.

Condon highlights the Freshman All-America teams. He is joined by Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella, the ACC freshman of the year, and Stanford catcher Malcolm Moore, the Pac-12 freshman of the year.

TCU placed two players on the first team and had three honorees in total, leading all teams in both categories. Northeastern was the only other team with more than one player honored.

continued...

By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.

www.gostanford.com

San Jose State Spartans

MOORE SIGNS WITH MILWAUKEE, BEGINS SUMMER LEAGUE PLAY FRIDAY

By: Amy Villa

MILWAUKEE, Wis.—Former San José State guard Omari Moore begins play at the NBA 2K24 Summer League later this week after he signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks as an undrafted free agent.

The two-way contract means that Moore will be on an NBA team roster and its G League affiliate. Players with this contract are only eligible to be active in a maximum of 50 games with their NBA team. The players spend the rest of the season with the team’s G League affiliate.

NBA 2K24 Summer League play starts this Friday in Las Vegas, and Spartan fans will get to see Moore, who will wear 18, show the league his talents as Milwaukee plays Denver at the Thomas & Mack Center at 2 p.m. PT. The game will be shown live on ESPNU.

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For a full report, click HERE.

#AllSpartans

www.sjsuspartans.com

Saint Mary's College Gaels

ROW | Gaels Land 13 Honorable Mentions on WCC All-Academic Team

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Another season of rowing is in the books, and the West Coast Conference has announced its Women's Rowing All-Academic team, with 13 Gaels included to the honorable mentions list.

At the conclusion of each athletic season, the WCC selects an all-academic squad for each WCC-sponsored sport. To be considered, a student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average, while also being a significant contributor to his team and in at least their second year at their school.

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

#GaelsRise

www.smcgaels.com

USF Dons

Dons Add Skilled Goalkeeper Alexia Estrada

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Head coach Jim Millinder and the University of San Francisco women's soccer program officially announced the addition of goalkeeper Alexia Estrada on Saturday evening.

As a local product out of South San Francisco High School, Estrada spent time at nearby City College of San Francisco before suiting up for Stanislaus State in 2022. While at CCSF, the skilled keeper was a two-time Coast Conference First Team All-League Selection as she was also named the conference's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019. Overall, Estrada was named a team captain in her final year with the Rams (2021) as she guided CCSF to a conference championship (2021) and two quarterfinal playoff appearances.

Additionally, Estrada also has proud roots with her home country of Guatemala as she has made three appearances for the Guatemalan National Team in World Cup qualifiers throughout her career.

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.usfdons.com

Santa Clara Broncos

Bal, Ensminger Set For U20 European Championship

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Bronco fans have not yet had the opportunity to see Jake Ensminger and Adama Bal suit up for the red and white just yet, but they will have the chance to watch them play against each other. The duo is set to compete in the FIBA U20 European Championship in Herkalion, Crete, which takes place July 8-16. Ensminger will suit up as a member of Team Germany while Bal is playing for Team France.

Coincidentally, both teams are set to square off in Saturday's opening round. Tip-off between Team Germany and Team France is slated for 6 a.m. PT. The game can watched live on FIBA's Youtube page here.

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.santaclarabroncos.com

University of Pacific Tigers

PACIFIC SWIMMING SIGNS EIGHT IN 2023-24 RECRUITING CLASS

By: Alex Leroux

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific men's swim team welcomes two new athletes, and the women's team welcomes six for the signing class of 2023-24.

"Very excited about our incoming class," said Head Coach Katelyne Herrington. "We graduated one senior on the women's side and have six coming in to help us round out our roster."

Four of the five incomers for the women's team are freshmen.

From Visalia, Calif., Kate Geiger will compete in the 50 free, the 100 free and the 200 free for the Tigers. She's coming to Pacific from Immanuel High School, where she lettered all four years. Her current best times are 24.48 in the 50 free, 53.28 in the 100 free and 1:58.95 in the 200 free. She was the 2021 Division II CIF Champion in the 50 free, the 2022 CSL Champion in the 100 free and the 2023 TCC Champion in the 200 individual medley. Outside of high school, Geiger competes for the Tule Nation Tritons. The former Eagle was the valedictorian for her high school graduation and maintained a 4.0+ throughout her high school career. Geiger will study criminal justice at Pacific.

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.pacifictigers.com

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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Shines by Reopening After its Multi-Million Dollar Improvement Projects

Monterey, Calif., July 7, 2023—WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca celebrated the completion of the most extensive capital improvement project in more than two decades after a $20 million and eight-month renovation and beautification project concluded. Elected officials, county staff, invited business leaders and WeatherTech Raceway staff participated today in the celebratory inauguration and bridge cutting ceremony to mark the occasion. The celebration kicks off the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey, which is the first Premier Event for the fresh new race surface and all-new Start/Finish bridge.

Speaking at the ceremony were County of Monterey Supervisors Luis Alejo and Mary Adams, whose board approved funding the extensive projects.

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Click HERE.

www.weathertechraceway.com

(Photo by T.M. Hill)

St. Francis Yacht Club

Skippers have one month to register to race in the 2023 Rolex Big Boat Series before a late entry fee of $250 is assessed. Considered the most prestigious regatta on the West Coast with a history of legendary competition since 1964, Rolex Big Boat Series draws sailors from around the country and the world to StFYC for four days of high-test competition and highly fun social events. Scheduled for September 13-17, 2023, the following are invited to compete in this year’s regatta:

One-design boats of the J/105, J/88 and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum number of boats can be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.

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For a full report, click HERE.

Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Fred Lynn

On July 6, 1983, California Angels slugger Fred Lynn came to bat in the third inning against San Francisco Giants pitcher Atlee Hammaker and hit a grand slam. It remains the only

All-Star Game grand slam to have been hit and led to a 13-3 American League victory. The first and only grand slam

can be watched at this link.

Grand Slams? More (interesting) info than I will ever use

can be found here.

Go Red Sox!

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