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November 20 - November 26, 2023
Issue No. 512
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
View as Webpage
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A's owner John Fisher, 'We did everything we could'
to stay in Oakland...
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A's to Vegas --Fisher Rejects
Truth Serum
by Dave Newhouse
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Editor's note: Dave Newhouse, a sportswriter-columnist for the Oakland Tribune for 45 years (now retired), is applying his considerable editorial skills and passion to battling the
Oakland A's relocation to Las Vegas.
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Did the Major League Baseball owners have time to sip their morning coffee in their haste to strip Oakland of its athletic heritage? Did they even sit down before the vote was taken, perhaps just walking into the meeting room, slapping one another on the back, and chortling, “Let’s get this done fellows, so we won’t miss our tee times?”
The vote seemed so quick, and it was unanimous. Not one of the 30 MLB owners demonstrated an ounce of sympathy for Oakland. Did they light up cigars to celebrate their unanimity? Did someone call for champagne to honor A’s owner John Fisher, who was in the room, gloating with his heartless, fat-cat brethren?
The weather was brisk this Texas morning, but mild compared to the snow job the demonic Fisher has pulled on his fellow owners, and their puppet-like commissioner. Fisher convinced them that he is innocent of all charges for the demolition of Oakland as a baseball town. They likely sang, “For he’s a jolly good fellow….”
One, two, three: Oakland now has nothing remaining of its big-league sports image, which produced 10 national championships in football, basketball and baseball, plus record attendances when Oaktown fans were treated decently. Fisher produced no such championship, instead devaluing the A’s to such a point that they were the worst team in baseball this year, with the worst attendance. Yet the other owners held him blameless.
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Fervent A's fans were passionate and vocal | |
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A unanimous vote. Weren’t the other owners paying attention, or do they even care? I keep repeating the phrase “corporate carpet bagging," only because I can’t think of a better description of franchises leaving town if they aren’t gifted with a new sports palace every 20, 30 years. And so Oakland has lost the Raiders, the Warriors, and now the A’s because its Coliseum and Arena were considered archaic.
So why hasn’t MLB’s hierarchy come down equally hard on Boston and Chicago, since Fenway Park and Wrigley Field were built more than 100 years ago? Yes, they’ve been renovated, but so has the Coliseum Complex. Still, Oakland is the town found unworthy. It’s so blatantly unfair.
Well, Oakland still has soccer, which has come and gone — does anyone remember the Clippers and Stompers? — and now has come again with the Roots men’s side and the Soul women’s team. They’ve received tremendous support financially from fans excited about their arrival, and they’ll have a new playing field, or pitch in soccer, next to the just abandoned Coliseum.
Oh, there is conjecture that the fight to save the A’s for Oakland isn’t over with, that the Schools Over Stadiums movement in Nevada will derail the team’s effort to relocate in Las Vegas. I wish that effort well, but I keep thinking how eminent domain was once offered as a counter move to the Raiders shifting to Los Angeles, and how that counter move imploded. I’m of the mind that once a team has left, nothing will bring it back, and history supports that reasoning.
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Little time was lost envisioning the new home | |
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What hurts mostly in Oakland’s triple sports abandonment is the disgrace it is continually shown for no good reason. The Coliseum Complex didn’t prevent its tenants from winning all those titles before all those fans, regardless of showing its age. I do believe that Gertrude Stein was right when she said of her native Oakland, “There is no there there.” Oakland never seems to catch a break, regardless of its emergence nationally as a progressive municipality.
A prediction: The Raiders won’t achieve in Las Vegas what they accomplished in Oakland, because Davis the younger doesn't have the moxie of Davis the elder, who lost that moxie eventually. The Warriors have achieved glory in San Francisco, but it will be short-lived compared to their heyday in Oakland. The A’s barely are a Triple-A team presently through Fisher’s malevolence, and Las Vegas shouldn’t expect a turnaround.
But in chatting with high-level Nevadans, which I’ve shared with you readers recently, winning is expected in Las Vegas or else. That wasn’t the case in Oakland which had its share of champagne-popping. Davis the younger and Fisher the incompetent are in for the rudest awakenings.
I’ll pull for soccer, just like I did way back when with the Clippers in the 1960s. But a big part of me just died with the A’s leaving. Holy Rickey! I know all of us who cared deeply about Oakland sports are having a difficult time now, and that feeling is….
Unanimous.
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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 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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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
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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A Work of Art
A Perfect 153.8 Brock Purdy QBR and a 27-14 Victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, always a tough team with a good defense.
This was the first Perfect QBR for the 49ers since 1989, when Montana/Young did it. Brock Purdy was 21/25, 333 yards, 3 TDs (to three different receivers), no interceptions and some nifty runs.
The game started slowly, but at 10:30 of the 1st Q, Purdy hit Deebo for 14 yards and a first down, then CMC with a four-yard TD pass --
7-0. Tampa Bay moved the ball well, but Bosa knocked the ball away from QB Baker Mayfield and the 49ers recovered. Elijah Mitchell stepped in with some solid runs, and an 18-yard pass to Brandon Aiyuk led to a 25-yard FG by Jake Moody. 10-0. The Bucs came back and scored on a one-yard TD pass to Mike Evans after Devin Thompkins had made some impressive runs -- 10 plays, 75 yards.
10-7. An electric pass/catch to Aiyuk for 38 yards and some Kittle Korn led to a 49er 19-yard FG and a 13-7 halftime score.
Tampa Bay received and punted to the 49ers two yard line. A pass to Kittle, from the end zone, and a spectacular 76-yard TD pass to Aiyuk made it 20-7 at 10:54. On their next possession CMC and Deebo led the charge downfield, capped by a TD pass to Kittle. (27-7). By now, Aiyuk had five catches for 156 yards and Brock was 19/22.
The Bucs came back with a 75-yard drive, and when a penalty on Fred Warner in the end zone moved the ball to the one-yard line, White ran it in to make it 27-14. Tampa Bay's drive downfield featured a good pass game, but on fourth and four the Niners took over after an attempted TD pass from the nine-yard line was tipped.
Purdy was sacked a couple of times and SF punted. After a 49-yard punt return by Devin Thomkins, another unsuccessful attempted TD pass ended that drive. The 49ers took over but despite runs by
CMC and Brock, they were stopped. As they watched a fruitless TD chuck, the Niners could claim the Victory.
The Bucs fell to 4 and 6, and the Niners stand at 7 and 3.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Highlights
NFL 2023 Week 11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEvX-CDxROY
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Crazy Courts
What's up with all these psychedelic basketball courts all of a sudden? Weird swirls and colors - first I had flashbacks. Now some of them make me feel nauseous. How do you play basketball on this? With dramamine?
I know, it's part of the NBA's gimmicky new In-season Tournament but broadcasts should come with a notice about possible viewership side effects. I call a Time Out on this whole ridiculous Tournament.
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
Rich Yee Fan
The photos of the air show by Rich Yee are fabulous. Worth the price of admission. Thanks!
Penny Matson
Nevada City, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears (FB) 27, Stanford Cardinal 15
Cal Bears (MBB) 60, Montana State Bobcats 63
San Jose State Spartans (FB) 24, San Diego State Aztecs 13
UC Davis Aggies (FB) 31, Sacramento State Hornets 21
Special Features
A's in Wanderlust, by Andy Dolich
A's to Vegas -- Fisher Rejects Truth Serum, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Features & Commentary
Don't Wait to Donate! -- Now At #512! -- Your Support is Welcomed!
Dubs and Niners -- Winning Strategies...by Howard Pearlstein
Lou Ferrigno, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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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
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A's in Wanderlust
by Andy Dolich
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On Thursday, November 16th, Major League Baseball owners unanimously approved the Oakland A's request to relocate the franchise to Las Vegas. There are numerous complicated hurdles before this abandonment of Oakland becomes a reality. Please read through the enclosed letter which expresses my views of what's next along with the baseball hearts, minds and souls of the millions of A's fans who have supported the franchise since 1968.
November 20, 2023
Mayor Sheng Thao
City of Oakland
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA 94612
Mayor Thao:
Serving as Mayor of any major American city has to be one of the most challenging and important jobs that any public servant could imagine. I simply ask that you take a few moments to read through this proposal to fight back on a much greater unified strategic level against those that want the Athletics franchise to turn their back on Oakland and head to Las Vegas.
Save the A’s Task Force
Oakland, the East Bay and the rest of Northern California has seen 80 million A’s fans pass through the turnstiles of the Oakland Coliseum to celebrate the team winning four World Series, six American League Pennants and 17 AL West titles while becoming an essential part of the hearts, minds, souls economies and philanthropic programs of the community. You can add in Billy Ball, Krazy George, Charlie O the Mule, Stomper the Elephant, Colorful uniforms, White shoes, Moneyball, Dot Racing, Drummers, a Press Box possum and multiple Hall of Famers.
We have seen the incredible work from the leaders of the Reverse Boycott who brought close to 30,000 fans to the Coliseum on Tuesday evening, June 13th, and more than 65,000 on August 5 and 6.
The magnificent grassroots organizing efforts of the Sell/Stay and Reverse Boycott movements have rightfully gained national attention. SOS (Save Oakland Sports) have done all they could to work with elected officials over the years to keep the Raiders, Warriors and A’s in Oakland.
continue with this link...
https://conta.cc/3umd1ff
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Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
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Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
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California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging out with friends. | | |
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Forever Giants have been named to Skipper Bob Melvin’s coaching staff.
Joining the Giants are Matt Williams as Third Base Coach and Pat Burrell as Hitting Coach. Williams, who played 17 big league seasons, returns to the Giants after having played 10 seasons in San Francisco from 1987-1996. Burrell joined the Giants in 2010, helping the club win its first World Championship in San Francisco. The 12 year veteran played two seasons with the Giants, 2010 and 2011.
Ryan Christenson joins the Giants as Bench Coach, following two years with the San Diego Padres and 16 seasons with the Oakland Athletics.
Continuing with the Giants, Mark Hallberg moves to First Base Coach for his fifth season in San Francisco. Justin Viele returns for his fifth season as the Hitting Coach. Pedro Guerrero returns for his third season as the Assistant Hitting Coach. J.P. Martinez enters his fourth season as the team’s Assistant Pitching Coach. Alyssa Nakken begins her fifth season as Assistant Coach and Taira Uematsu embarks on his third season as Assistant Coach as well.
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Jakob Junis
A's could target these free agent
pitchers in offseason
Martín Gallegos@MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it
regularly in your inbox.
The A’s knew they were taking a risk by relying heavily on a pitching staff low on Major League experience, and that danger reared its head often in what was a historically bad 112-loss season. Entering 2024, they’ll hope to avoid a repeat of that situation.
The A’s have some reason for optimism that their pitching will be improved based on the progress made by young starters such as JP Sears, Ken Waldichuk and Luis Medina. But this can’t be the sole reliance to improve a rotation whose 738 innings were the least by a staff in the American League.
During a call with reporters from the General Managers Meetings in Arizona last week, A’s GM David Forst intimated that the club is looking to bring in an experienced veteran-type starting pitcher who could potentially help ease the burden on its younger pitchers.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.com
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Ann Cooke, author Andy Dolich, Bettina Flores and Doris Messina at book signing at Books Inc in Alameda | |
Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
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WARRIORS AND ROCKET LAWYER ANNOUNCE SEASON-LONG HOOPS FOR TROOPS ACTIVATIONS
Activations Include A Coast Guard Basketball Clinic And Picnic, A Veterans Wellness Fair, In-Arena
Activations, And More
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors and Rocket Lawyer today announced Hoops for Troops activations for the 2023-24 NBA season, with a variety of events and in-arena recognitions planned to honor United States military service members and veterans at home and abroad. Throughout the year, the Warriors and Rocket Lawyer will partner with local military groups to develop programming that ensures military members, veterans, and their families are supported within the Bay Area community.
Hoops for Troops activations will tip off on Veterans Day, this Saturday, November 11, as the Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center. Hoops for Troops Night activations include a National Anthem performance by the 191st Army Band of the Wild West, a game ball rappelling segment with service members from the 131st Pararescue Squadron, in-arena recognitions, and a postgame meet-and-greet for veterans and their families with Warriors TV analyst Kelenna Azubuike. Additionally, families from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will participate in a special game day experience including a behind-the-scenes tour of Chase Center.
Additional Hoops for Troops activations include:
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Moffett Field Drill Weekend: A surprise appearance will take place at the Moffett Field base aimed to uplift service members through a chalk talk covering topics including resilience and conquering challenges.
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Veterans Wellness Fair: The Warriors and Rocket Lawyer will host a Veterans Wellness Fair at Thrive City to help veterans boost their careers and embrace mindfulness. The event will feature a variety of activations including resume and interview resources, professional headshots, a yoga session, a Paws for Purple Hearts activation, and more.
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Warriors Basketball Academy Coast Guard Clinic and Picnic: The Warriors and Rocket Lawyer will host a basketball clinic and picnic for active members of the United States Coast Guard. The event will feature giveaways, a trophy appearance, a surprise appearance, and more.
continued...
For more information, click HERE.
www.warriors.com
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Cal Bears 27
Stanford Cardinal 15
Stanford Stadium, Stanford
Saturday, November 18
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The Stanford Cardinal enters Stanford Stadium before the 126th Big Game on Saturday, November 18, against their long-time Bay Area rival, the California Golden Bears. The Cardinal leads the Bears with a 65-49-11 over-all record but in the last few years, Cal has claimed victory in four of their past five matchups, prior to today's game. The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 52,972.
Photo by John Lozano/ISIPhotos.com.
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Senior kicker Joshua Karty (#43) lines up for a field goal attempt. Karty went 3-for-3, with makes from 44, 50, and 53 yards.
Photo by Bob Drebin/ISIPhotos.com.
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Cardinal freshman wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier (#24) snags a
40-yard pass from quarterback Ashton Daniels for the Cardinal's lone touchdown. Photo by Bob Drebin/ISIPhotos.com.
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Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) celebrates a successful offensive play. Daniels was 18 of 35 for 188 yards passing and one touchdown and added 68 rushing yards.
Photo by John Todd/ISIPhotos.com.
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The Stanford Axe Committee and Cal Axe Committee stare each other down in the fourth quarter with Cal retaining the Stanford Axe for the third straight season. With their victory, the Bears kept their bowl hopes alive. A victory next week against UCLA in Pasadena, in their final Pac-12 game ever, would make Cal bowl-eligible.
Photo by Karen Hickey/ISIPhotos.com.
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UC Davis Aggies 31
Sacramento State Hornets 21
UC Davis Health Stadium, Davis
Saturday, November 18
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The game recap listed the weather as Sunny. Ah, nope! There was rain throughout 75% of the game, at times heavy and unrelenting, but the action on the field aligned with the UC Davis Aggies, who honored their Seniors during pregame ceremonies. The Aggies would jump out to a quick 14-0 lead and held on to it through the various weather conditions to win the Corridor Classic, 31-21, in front of a soggy fanbase. Above, senior Evan Tattersall (#7), the game’s tackle leader with 11, plus a sack and two break-ups, gets recognized during the pregame ceremonies. The University of California, Davis Aggies hosted the Sacramento State University Hornets at UC Davis Health Stadium in Davis. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Aggies quarterback Miles Hastings (#7) would total 175 passing yards, with one touchdown in the game. Here he flicks a short pass to his crossing running back, Lan Larison (#3), early in the first quarter.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Under heavy rain, linebacker Teddye Buchanan (#15) holds up two fingers to show everyone how many interceptions he has while still in the second quarter. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Catching a crossing route and heading up the sideline on his way to a 47-yard touchdown, Lan Larison (#3) deflects the hit from the would-be Hornet tackler early in the fourth quarter to extend the Aggie lead. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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San Jose State Spartans 24
San Diego State Aztecs 13
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose
Saturday, November 18
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Spartans Earn Bowl Eligibility With 24-13
Win Over San Diego State
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Quali Conley led the way on the ground with 155 yards and a score, while Chevan Cordeiro threw for 174 yards and a score to lead San José State (6-5, 5-2 MW) in a 24-13 win over San Diego State (3-8, 1-6 MW) for their fifth win in a row to become bowl eligible in their final regular season home game on Saturday night, presented by Alaska Airlines.
- The Spartans have now earned bowl eligibility for the third time in the last four seasons and in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2012 and 2013.
- It is the first time in SJSU history where the Spartans have had six wins after starting the season 1-5.
- The five-game win streak is the longest for the Spartans since 2020.
- The Spartans have outscored opponents 108-25 in the second half during the win streak.
- SJSU has run for 150 or more yards in every game during the win streak and seven times overall this season.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Cal Bears 60
Montana State Bobcats 63
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Thursday, November 16
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Coming back from the win Monday night against Cal State Bakersfield, the Golden Bears lost two of their premier players with injuries as Devin Askew and Jalen Celestine both sat on the bench. The Golden Bears lost the lead midway through the first half and would never pull even again. Jaylon Tyson, Cal's scoring leader with 27 points, kept the score close. Above, in the opening minutes of the game new head coach Mark Madsen yells defensive instructions.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Dubs and Niners – Winning Strategies
by Howard Pearlstein
Watching the Niners return to their true form against the Jaguars in a 34-3 win (aka “This is what you get when you diss our D!”) made me think about the Warriors’ strategic plan. And after the fracas that opened the Timberwolves game in which grown adults – professional athletes – started acting like idiotic, emotionally unbalanced children, i.e., acting like members of congress, I was convinced I had actually seen a flash of something.)
First: the NBA officials and the rest all throwing crap at Draymond using the previous game with that weird flagrant “because he did blah blah two plays before.” I get the impression of some sort of a bounty on Draymond. Not a conspiracy, just seeing him as a good target for throwing flagrants and T’s.
Mitigated a bit because of Rudy Gobert’s smug smarmy boast that with Steph out, he KNEW he could fake Draymond into going over the line. So Gobert put his arm around Klay’s neck. And Draymond did the same to Gobert because that’s how you take down a bigger man, with an arm around his neck.
In the Pistons game with Draymond suspended and Steph still out, CPII got injured, further depleting the inventory of stars and starters. I watched them play with a different point of view.
The Dubs are developing a working strategy of continual motion and assists and players, an energy burning system with players getting tired at different rates. That makes using fixed times for starters and backups ineffective. It demands a more fluid basis for player interchangeability with playing and resting minutes given on an ad hoc basis of need and variability rather than pre-determined blocks of minutes.
The focus on assists keeps defenders following the moving ball, but increases likelihood of turnovers. To that end, the fluid ad hoc basis to interchange players has an added benefit of increasing the number of in-game minutes helping players become more familiar with the tendencies of others when slotted into the lineup for one or more plays.
It's a complex dance with changing personnel, each with a specific set of talents and abilities. And it’s different every game.
BUT when it works, it can achieve the intended goal, confusing defenders, limiting their ability to know whom to cover and when. But that’s when all or most players are playing (scoring) up to their own standards.
It happened with the Niners’ post-injury return of Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams. The Jaguar D had to cover Deebo even when he wasn’t getting the ball, allowing Purdy to pick them apart, completing passes to Aiyuk and Juszczyk and the return of a nostalgic favorite play: third-and-Jauan for a first down.
In the same way, the first three quarters of the Thunder game, the Dubs had them wondering who to cover. They could figure Kuminga and Looney and Chris Paul and even Moody. But Saric? Who’s Cory Joseph? Podziemski? WTF? Not just points, but rebounds. And who’s this guy Santos? Don’t know. Cover him?
It can work. The Dubs’ Defense is often stellar, same as the Niners’. But the Niners also have scoring power. It will work when the Dubs start making those three-pointers again, hitting their shots. Wiggins is putting up some amazing defensive plays, but taking time to get back to his own scoring standards. Klay the same. But in the Thunder game, more scoring, with seven players in double figures.
That’s good. But having watched the Kings and Spurs game, I believe a lot more scoring is gonna be needed. A lot more.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Cade Cowell, Alex Covelo to Join U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team for November Matches
USA to face Iraq, Morocco as preparations
continue for Paris 2024
SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell has been called to the U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team for training camp in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain, as preparations continue for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Cowell was one of 20 players named by head coach Marko Mitrović to the roster. Additionally, Earthquakes Director of Methodology, Alex Covelo, will join the coaching staff for the camp.
The United States will face Iraq on Saturday, Nov. 18 (8:00 a.m. PT), and Morocco on Tuesday, Nov. 21 (6:00 a.m. PT) , at Pinatar Arena. The Men’s Olympic Soccer Tournament is restricted to players under the age of 23, with an allowance for three overage players. For this camp, Mitrovi ć selected eight players born in 2001, seven born in 2002, two born in 2003, one born in 2004 and two born in 2005. Eight players on the roster, including Cowell, have been capped by the full U.S. Men’s National Team, and 15 players return from the squad ’s first camp on the road to Paris last month in Phoenix.
The U.S. secured its first Olympic berth since Beijing 2008 by defeating host Honduras 3-0 in the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship semifinals.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Roots SC Signs Haitian Striker
Miche-Naider Chéry
November 17, 2023 -- Oakland, CA - Oakland Roots SC announces the signing of Miche-Naider Chéry ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The Haitian forward grabbed all the headlines in March when he scored twice for Violette Athletic Club in the Concacaf Champions League against MLS side Austin FC, knocking them out of the tournament.
“We have watched Miche in training now and know the impact he can have for us in 2024,” said Head Coach Noah Delgado. “We believe he will be a great fit to our style of play and team culture.”
The 25-year old went on to score twice more in the 2023 Champions League against León of Liga MX in a second leg match where León was already up 5-0 as Violette Athletic Club would go on to get knocked out by León.
Welcome to Oakland, Miche.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Lou Ferrigno -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I have seen Lou Ferrigno at more sports and celebrity shows than anyone else. He always has a large selection of photos for sale ranging from bodybuilding to the Hulk and as Hercules. He’s always a nice guy to talk with and willing to share his stories with his fans.
He signed this Hulk photo for me.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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John Von Neumann in the (11) Ferrari TR takes pole against Carroll Shelby (98) in a Maserati 450S, while eventual race winner Pete Lovely (125) in a 2-litre Ferrari TR sits in third for the start of the inaugural race in November 1957. Note how close spectators are to the racetrack.
A 1.9-Mile Race Track Built into Fort Ord Opened 66 Years Ago Today; Continues to Thrive as an International Motorsports Destination
MONTEREY, Calif., November 9, 2023 —The green flag waved twice on November 9, 1957, on the freshly paved asphalt. Once for the christening of the new Laguna Seca Raceway and once for the start of its first sports car race: the 8th Annual Pebble Beach National Championship Sports Car Road Races.
The 8th Annual event was a first for Laguna Seca, as the name was a carryover of the races that began in 1950 racing through the Del Monte Forest of Pebble Beach, which had also added a Concours d’Elegance to bring a social atmosphere to its race weekend. Six years later in 1956, the Pebble Beach Road Races showed the imperative need for a safer, larger racetrack to host what had become one of the most famous competitions in North America. Following Ernie McAfee’s crash, it was decided that the current Pebble Beach course was “not enough track” to house the rising horsepower.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Star Racer wins the $65,000 Oakland, ridden by Assael Espinoza and trained by Angelo Tekos, Jr. The 6-furlong race ran in 1:09.02.
Photo Credit: Vassar Photography
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Cal Divers Have Strong Showing At Ohio State Invitational
Four Bears Advance To Finals, Record Three Top-3 Finishes
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Five members of the California men's and women's diving team had a strong showing at the Ohio State Fall Invitational at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion. Over three days, Cal had four divers advance to the finals in three events, with three individual divers earning top-3 finishes.
Sophomore Joshua Thai had a stellar weekend, improving his NCAA Zone qualifying mark in the 3-meter dive and platform dive. He opened the meet advancing to the finals of the 1-meter dive with a preliminary score of 317.95 before taking ninth in the finals with a score of 301.15. In the 3-meter dive, he took seventh with a season-best dive of 371.20 – an improvement on his previous season high set during the Golden Bears' dual meet against Pittsburgh in October. In his first platform dive of the season, Thai captured third out of 20 divers with a career-best score of 357.20, an NCAA Zone qualifying mark.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Evans’ Early Goal Holds Up
Elise Evans scored in the 11th minute and No. 3 Stanford held on to defeat No. 18 Mississippi State
STANFORD, Calif. – Sophomore Elise Evans headed home the game-winner in the 11th minute as No. 3 Stanford (18-0-4) held on to defeat No. 18 Mississippi State (12-6-5) 1-0 on Sunday in the third round of the NCAA Tournament from Cagan Stadium.
Evans was in the perfect position to bury her second goal of the season after Maya Doms' original header off a Stanford corner hit the crossbar and rebounded out. The corner was the first of six on the day for the Cardinal.
Stanford's defense once again proved stingy, allowing just seven Bulldogs shots, with the bulk coming from distance.
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By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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SPARTANS KNOCK OFF LOYOLA MARYMOUNT FOR FIRST ROAD WIN
LOS ANGELES – Jyah LoVett scored a game-high and new career-high 17 points, and Sydni Summers knocked down four 3-pointers off the bench to lead San José State (3-2, 0-0 MW) 61-53 over Loyola Marymount (1-3, 0-0 WCC) on Sunday afternoon for their first road win.
LoVett went 3-of-6 from behind the arc and added six free throws to lead the team with 17 points.
Amhyia Moreland had a strong game from the post, going 7-of-10 from the field to score 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds.
Summers made four 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the game.
Her fourth 3-pointer of the game put the Spartans up five points with 29.4 seconds remaining as time expired on the shot clock.
Semaj Smith came off the bench to score seven points, her most in a San José State uniform.
Maya Anderson knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to finish with six points.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
BVB | Gaels Add Pacific Transfer
Sedona Sherman
MORAGA, Calif. — A familiar face is coming to Moraga, as Pacific transfer Sedona Sherman has signed on to play her grad year at Saint Mary's. The 6-3 senior starred on both the hardwood and the sand, and will focus on beach volleyball in her time as a Gael.
"SMC Beach is excited to welcome Sedona Sherman to our roster." noted Head Coach Janice Harrer. "Not only will she elevate our roster at 6-3, but will also bring experience and maturity as a Graduate Student. During the recruitment process it was clear that Sedona has a passion for the game and a desire to continue her career on the sand!"
In 83 matches between 2019 and 2022, Sherman tallied 480 kills and 139 blocks on the hardwood. She was part of Pacific's back-to-back trips to the National Invitational Volleyball Championships in 2021 and 2022. On the sand, Sherman split time between the number one and number two flights for the Tigers in 2020 and 2021. She played in a total of 19 matches during her two year beach career at Pacific.
A prep standout at Millennium High School, Sherman led her team to a 45-1 record and a 5A state championship in her senior season, earning All-Region honors in the process. She played club volleyball for Arizona Storm Elite.
Sedona will be eligible to compete for the Gaels this Spring. The season will kick off on February 24 at Cal.
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For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Photo/Piper Westrom
www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Down Blue Demons in Glendale
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Back in the win column with a double-digit victory, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (3-2) took down DePaul (1-4), 70-54, in the third-place game of inaugural Arizona Tip-Off tournament on Sunday afternoon.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Getting off to a good start, the Dons got on the board first with two consecutive baskets, both which came courtesy of Jonathan Mogbo, to open the contest.
Shortly thereafter, DePaul responded with a 7-0 run to jump in front, but a three-pointer from Josh Kunen kept San Francisco within one, 7-6, at the 16:47 mark.
Matching each other to begin the ballgame, the Blue Demons maintained their advantage in the minutes to follow, but a jumper from Mike Sharavjamts at 13:42 knotted the score at 13 all.
After DePaul regain control and stretched their lead to five, 18-13, near the midway point of the first half, the green and gold answered with an 8-2 run of their own to retake the lead, 21-20, following an emphatic dunk from Marcus Williams at 7:35.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
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Women's Hoops Stuns Oregon With Blowout Win In Eugene
EUGENE, Ore. - Santa Clara women's basketball put the college basketball nation on notice on Saturday afternoon with a monster 39-point victory over previously unbeaten Oregon at Matthew Knight Arena. The Broncos shot the ball lights-out, especially in the first half where they knocked down 12-of-15 shots from beyond the arc (80 percent), and finished with 16 made treys - the second-most in program history - to pick up their first win over the Ducks since Dec. 15, 2003.
The 39-point margin of victory was Santa Clara's largest-ever over a Pac-12 opponent. It was also career win No. 300 for head coach Bill Carr.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Broncos (4-1) entered the game as 19-point underdogs, but came out swinging right out of the gate with 31 points in the first quarter. Santa Clara knocked down an incredible 8-of-10 attempts from beyond the arc during the period with Marya Hudgins leading the charge with a perfect 3-for-3 mark.
Santa Clara knocked down four more treys in the second quarter (4-for-5) as Olivia Pollerd scored 10 of her own on 4-of-5 shooting, to make it a 55-30 affair at the halftime break.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
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TIGERS TO HOST NORTH DAKOTA ON MONDAY EVENING
STOCKTON, Calif. - After a thrilling win on Saturday afternoon, the Pacific men's basketball team (2-2) returns to take on North Dakota (2-1) on Monday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. The two teams are currently splitting a home-away series, which started in the fall of last season. The Tigers took the win on the road by thirty.
The Tigers are 2-0 in their most recent history against the Fighting Hawks, earning a 93-76 decision in the 2013-14 season. They beat North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D. 93-63 a year ago.
North Dakota is averaging 82 points per game through three contests, shooting 46.2 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Fighting Hawks have pulled in 40.7 rebounds and dished out 14.3 assists a game. They have allowed their opponents 80.3 points per game, with their opponents shooting 45.3 percent from the floor.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Aggies’ Comeback Falls Short,
Drop Final Fall Meet 11-9
DAVIS, Calif. — Down 7-3 after jumping seat competition, the UC Davis equestrian team (2-3, 2-0) rallied in the second half, pushing the No. 2 SMU Mustangs (4-2) to the final ride of the afternoon at the UC Davis Equestrian Center on Saturday morning.
The meet opened with just Fences competition as stormy weather forced teams to complete all four events in the covered arena.
Lauren Kolbe (85) and Emma Jolly (86) scored points for the Aggies, but SMU the other three, including the Fences MOP to build a 3-2 lead early on.
The Mustangs had a very strong showing in Flat, picking up four points to Davis' one. Margaret Franke scored a 76 to bring the deficit to four, 7-3.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
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More Records and First Place Finishes for Pioneers on Saturday at La Verne Winter Invitational
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – On Saturday, the second day of the 2023 La Verne Winter Invitational took place at East Los Angeles College Swim Stadium. No. 24 Cal State East Bay women's swimming won 3 scheduled women's swimming events on Saturday. One of the first place performances set a new Pioneer record.
Through two days of events, the Pioneers are currently in third place for team scoring and have the top point total among NCAA Division II teams entered into the meet.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
To start the evening competition, Monica Beltran achieved a lifetime best mark of 57.81 seconds in a swim off for the 100 yard backstroke.
The 200 yard medley relay first place finishing team included Lily Caraway, Delaney Carlson, Tehani Kong and Brooklyn Dressel with a time of 1:43.12.
Winning another individual medley was Kylie Beaudet, placing first in the 400 yard IM with a time of 4:27.89, meeting an NCAA 'B' Standard.
Kong set a new Pioneer record for the 100 yard butterfly of 54.73 seconds. The previous record (54.78) was held by Caitlin DeNise at the PCSC Championships in February 2014. The record was the oldest active record for any event going into Saturday not to be broken.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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HIGH SCHOOL SAILING
Race for Your School
At StFYC, High School Sailing brings students from seven San Francisco schools together in a unified training program. It’s athletic, it’s challenging, it’s coed, and it’s about the “team.”
This is a St. Francis Yacht Club program, but in competition our High School Sailing students represent their schools. Across different regions of the US, structures in this discipline vary, but in California we race very simple Flying Junior dinghies, locally and afar. StFYC supports High School Sailing in the fall semester, providing boats, coaching, hot showers, mentorship and reminders.
High School Sailing is not a beginner class. It is a competitive team environment. You don’t have to be the greatest—our coaches are here to help sailors train and improve—but you need to have made a beginning. If you are interested in joining your High School team, we will put you in touch with your school’s representative.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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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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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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“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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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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UC Davis Aggies (FB) 31, Sacramento State Hornets 21, November 18, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBB) 60, Montana State Bobcats 63. November 17, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBB) 57, Weber State Warriors 61, November 12, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (FB) 42, Washington State Cougars 39, November 11, 2023. Photos by Ron Sellers.
2023 California International Air Show – Salinas, October 6-8, 2023. Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (MBB) 71, St. Thomas Tommies 66, November 6, 2023.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears 89, CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 56. November 6, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Las Vegas Raiders 30, New York Giants 6, November 5, 2023.
Raider Nation Fans / Photo by Ed Jay.
Las Vegas Raiders 30, New York Giants 6, November 5, 2023.
Photo by Ed Jay.
Cal Bears 1, San Diego Aztecs 0, November 5, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Te Tai Tokerau Natives vs. Berkeley All Blues, November 5, 2023. Photos by Alex Ho.
Cal Bears 81, Westmont Warriors 62, November 2, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, November 20, through
Sunday, November 26, 2023
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Monday, November 20
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, November 21
Wednesday, November 22
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Seattle Kraken, 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 23
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks, 5:20 p.m.
Friday, November 24
Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Montreal Canadiens, 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 25
San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears @ UCLA Bruins, 7:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 4 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans @ UNLV Rebels, 12 p.m.
Sunday, November 26
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1:25 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Ultimate Sports Guide website!
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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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
Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and 4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and
Spanish versions, too!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
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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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