May 13 -- May 19, 2024
Issue No. 537
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
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, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Go Sharks!
With playoff races now on in many professional and college sports, let's take a look at a team which, inevitably, will climb out from hockey's basement, make it into their playoffs and become more than a guaranteed win for opponents: the San Jose Sharks.
Will this team continue to be a perennial cellar-dweller? The answer is "No."
With the #1 pick in the recent NHL Draft, the Sharks snagged Macklin Celebrini, the highest rated college hockey player of the year and winner of the Hobey Baker Award, the annual award to the top NCAA's men's ice hockey player. Experts give Macklin high marks for shot power and accuracy. (Coincidentally, his father, Rick, is director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors.)
The Sharks are owned by San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises (SJSEE), a privately-held company based in San Jose.
SJSEE's majority owner is Hasso Plattner, whose net worth has been valued at $17.9 billion, so money should not be an issue.
A German businessman and philanthropist, Plattner also serves as the team’s representative on the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasso_Plattner#
In the current NHL playoffs, for the glory of Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers will win the Stanley Cup.
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
Tommy Hart Fan
Reading the article by Dave Newhouse in your last issue (#536 --
https://conta.cc/4bn5ugn) brought back many pleasant memories of the several 49ers we have inducted into our Hall of Fame.
Although Tommy Hart is the subject of the article because of his record setting effort, I would like to add Tommy is one of the nicest people I have inducted. He is not a self-promoter, but rather a person you would not believe was a professional athlete. Tommy is one of the most down-to-earth persons I know as a professional athlete. And we are proud to have him as a member of our Hall of Fame.
We have inducted several 49ers mentioned in the article, including Skip Vandebundt, Cedrick Hardman, and George Atkinson. For more 49ers and a list of many other professional athletes we have inducted, visit our website: www.multiethnicsportshof.com.
Arif Khatib, Founder and President, Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Publisher: African American Sports Magazine
Author: In the Shadow of Obscurity...Toiling In A Reluctant Society
Remember Their Sacrifice....Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color
Film Producer: Because They Believed
Cultural Ambassador Indian American Hindu Community
www.multiethnicsportshof.com www.becausetheybelieved.com
Earning High Marks
I thought Howard Pearlstein’s column was terrific.
And thanks for another great issue!
Penelope Matson
Nevada City, CA
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Contents
Games
Bay Area Falcons 18, Arizona Sidewinders 7
Oakland A's 2, Texas Rangers 4
Oakland Roots 1, New Mexico United 2
San Francisco Giants 6, Cincinnati Reds 5 (10 innings)
San Jose Earthquakes 3, Colorado Rapids 2
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Oakland Roots SC 0
Savannah Bananas 4, Party Animals 5
Features & Commentary
BASHOF, by Ed Jay
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Dwight Clark, from the Autograph Collection of Andy Dolich
Hardly Trivial, by T. Buff
On Doing The Bad Thing For Which I Criticize Other People, by
Howard Pearlstein
The 49ers Greatest Cornerback, by Dave Newhouse
The Last (Best) Baseball Game, Recuerdos de High School, by Howard Pearlstein
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
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Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
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San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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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San Francisco Giants 6
Cincinnati Reds 5
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, May 12, 2024
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San Francisco Giants shortstop Casey Schmitt celebrates after hitting a walkoff double in the tenth inning of the Giants' 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, May 12th at Oracle Park.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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BASHOF
Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Monday, May 6, 2024
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The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Class of 2024 Enshrinement was held on Monday, May 6 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. Inductees included Brian Sabean (Distinguished), John Taylor (Football), Patrick Marleau (Hockey), Jenny Thompson (Swimming) and Chris Wondolowski (Soccer).
The Class of 2024 represents a diverse range of Bay Area sports, and each inductee reached an elite level of success within their field. www.bashof.org
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(Left to right) Inductees Chris Wondolowski, Jenny Thompson, John Taylor, Patrick Marleau, Brian Sabean | |
Joe Montana congratulates Inductee John Taylor | |
Chris Berman, of ESPN, introduced Brian Sabean | |
In earlier comments, Mario Alioto, Board Chair of BASHOF, said,
“We are extremely excited to induct the 2024 class. Each of these individuals has achieved a rare level of success during their careers and helped bring worldwide attention to the Bay Area. It’s especially gratifying that this class also recognizes athletes in several sports that have been historically underrepresented in BASHOF relative to their positive impact on the greater Bay Area community.”
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Larry Baer, San Francisco Giants CEO, and friends | |
Karen Dunn and Dan Rusanowsky, Voice of the San Jose Sharks | |
Sportscaster Ted Robinson. | |
Jimmy Johnson, San Francisco 49ers Hall of Famer, dies at age 86 | |
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The 49ers
Greatest
Cornerback
by Dave Newhouse
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When Jimmy Johnson was 38 in 1976, he still was playing cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers. He was beaten that season on only one touchdown bomb, by Mel Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals, and in his final NFL game, gave up only a nine-yard pass to Don Hermann of the New Orleans Saints.
There are shutdown corners, but Johnson more closely resembled a shutout corner, so difficult was it to even catch a pass against his tight coverage. And to remain a starting corner at 38, this made him a rare commodity in NFL history.
Johnson died last week at 86, leaving a legacy to be admired by teammates and opponents alike, for he was truly one of a kind.
“He was such an icon,” said former 49ers linebacker Skip Vanderbundt, “that he didn’t have to promote himself.”
Johnson was a reserved individual who wasn’t often quoted while building a Pro Football Hall of Fame career with the 49ers from 1961-76. He was a first-string corner on the NFL’s Team of the Decade in the 1970s, and the 49ers retired his No. 37 jersey in tribute to his remarkable, ageless career.
“We’ve lost a fantastic human being,” said Vanderbundt, who played on the same defense as Johnson. “I hate this part of life. I admired J.J. for his athletic abilities, but more for being a great person. I miss him already.”
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San Francisco 49ers 31, Philadelphia Eagles 3, Oct. 3, 1971, with 49ers defensive back Jimmy Johnson. Photo: Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports
I was fortunate enough to be the 49ers beat writer for the Oakland Tribune in the early 1970s, when Johnson was an All-Pro corner and the 49ers had finally become an NFL postseason team (1970-72) after launching the franchise in 1946 in the All-America Football Conference, before joining the NFL in 1950.
The 49ers drafted Johnson with the sixth overall pick of the 1961 NFL Draft. He then shuttled between cornerback and wide receiver before settling permanently at corner in 1963. He was gifted with speed as an NCAA champion in the 110-meter high hurdles, almost making the USA’s 1960 Olympic team, the same year his older brother, Rafer, won the Olympic decathlon gold medal in Rome. Rafer and Jimmy both attended UCLA after growing up in the Central California town of Kingsburg.
The 49ers have been blessed with great corners, including Abe Woodson, Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Deion Sanders, But with Lott switching to safety, his natural position, Johnson stands as the greatest of 49er corners (Sanders only spent one season in San Francisco, so he hardly qualifies).
Though seldom challenged, Johnson ranks second in Niner career interceptions (47) and interception return yardage (615) behind Lott, and second in games played (213) behind Jerry Rice. Johnson was a three-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He won the George Halas Award for courageous play in 1971, and twice received the 49ers’ Len Eshmont Award, the team’s highest honor.
Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Johnson, Leo Nomellini, Bob St. Clair, Dave Wilcox, Bryant Young and Patrick Willis are PFHOF members who spent their entire careers as a 49ers (Willis will be formerly inducted this summer).
Johnson was exceedingly private. He and I met after his career ended for an oceanside walk in Marin County followed by lunch in Stinson Beach, when I asked if I could interview him for a book I was writing on the 49ers. He turned me down, politely, and returned to his seldom-seen, rarely-quoted private life.
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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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Savannah Bananas 4
Party Animals 5
Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA
May 11, 2024
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Banana Ball returned to Sacramento's Sutter Health Park (home of the Sacramento River Cats) as the Savannah Bananas played the final game of a series -- all sell outs -- against the Party Animals on Saturday evening, May 11th. The Party Animals came away with the 5-4 victory which required two rounds of the Banana Ball's extra inning "showdown tiebreaker" rule. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Bananas center fielder Reese Alexiades (center) tosses the ball to right fielder Noah Bridges (far right) after a walk during the third inning against the Party Animals at Sutter Health Park. A player that draws a walk can continue to run the bases until all players in the field touch the ball. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Catch the best rivalry in baseball as the Dodgers come to Oracle Park May 13-15. See Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman and the Giants battle Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and the Dodgers.
There's nothing like this rivalry.
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Oakland A's 2
Texas Rangers 4
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Monday, May 6, 2024
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Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Alex Wood threw two-hit ball over six shutout innings during the A's 4-2 defeat to the Texas Rangers on Monday, May 6th at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Rooker rakes! Outfielder Brent Rooker has been named the American League Player of the Week presented by Chevrolet. He went 7-for-16 (.438) with six runs scored, a double, three home runs, four walks, a stolen base and seven RBI to combine for a .550 on-base percentage and a 1.063 slugging percentage across five games from April 29-May 5.
Entering today, he is tied for seventh among Major League hitters in home runs on the season (8) and is tied for 14th in the American League in RBI (20). On Saturday, Rooker connected for two home runs in one inning against Miami, joining Mark McGwire (Sept. 22, 1996 at Seattle) as the only players in our history to hit two homers in a single inning and becoming the first Athletic since McGwire to collect
five RBI in an inning.
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Authors Dave Newhouse and
Andy Dolich sold out at Oakland's Fans' Fest
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Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
San Jose Earthquakes 1
Oakland Roots SC 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
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Sunny skies and heavy winds were present as the San Jose Earthquakes played host to the Oakland Roots SC in a match as part of the US Open Cup. Both teams battled for control and in the 76th minute it was the Quakes who found the back of the net and would hold on for the 1-0 win. One of the few Oakland Roots offensive threats came by way of a header attempt by Gagi Margvelashvili (#4) just before halftime. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Dwight Clark -- from the Autograph Collection of
Andy Dolich
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I was lucky enough to work with Dwight Clark during my time with the 49ers. This iconic Sports Illustrated cover is in my
memorabilia Hall of Fame.
Please take a look at the information below on the Dwight Clark Legacy Series event taking place this Thursday evening.
-- Andy Dolich
2024 Dwight Clark Legacy Series
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
There have been 24 perfect games pitched in MLB history
Two of the games were before 1900.
1901 is looked at as the start of the
Modern Age of MLB.
My Question: Who was the first pitcher,
post-1900, to pitch a Perfect Game?
See Answer Below...
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The Last (Best) Baseball Game, Recuerdos de High School
by Howard Pearlstein
No way around it, we just stunk. We were the worst baseball team in the P.I.A.A. (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.) Not just the Division in which we played (Delco), but the entire state.
1960, the school year was ending and we were 0-and-11 going into the last game. None of those games had even been close. We were the easy win every team loved. Our coach was terrible, Jacques A---, and the only technique he ever taught us was how to slide into
second with spikes up. Our players were disorganized and we were bad. (Not “bad-ass,” just Bad as in “not good.")
I was no longer a player. I could hit, and played second for a while, but a growth-spurt trick knee added to being an already slow, flat-footed, overweight smoker ended that. Running laps would have killed me. I stayed on as manager, sitting on the bleachers and smoking,
sometimes hitting grounders for fielding practice.
It wasn’t about baseball any more, but getting out of homeroom on sunny days. The most exciting thing that happened that season was the day Vic Moll came up and handed me a paperback copy of Allen Ginsburg's Howl. (“I saw the worst players of my generation…”)
We had one more game and the season would finally be over. We were playing away at...Springfield? Ridley High? Don’t remember. I just remember they were going for the state championship at 11-and-0 and we were watching ourselves circling the bowl.
20 minute bus ride. They were smiling. We were sighing.
And then – it’s such a B-movie cliche I almost hate to say it, but it’s true: As they say in history books -- mirable dictu. We won.
Really. 3-2.
No one was more surprised than we were.
We had come in without ambition in a state of "wottahell boss" resignation. They were appropriately confident. Overconfident.
We won and then it all hit the fan.
They came at us with bats swinging, roaring at us about how we stole their undefeated season. “You sonsofbitches weren't supposed to win! You cheated! You're going to pay for it! We'll kill you!”
I believed them. I remember thinking: this is what it looks like when the lynch mob comes for you.
Flat-footed smoker or not, I ran with the rest of the team faster than I could have imagined, running for the bus. On one hand, I felt like I was breaking speed records. On the other hand, it was like running though deep mud, legs barely moving, and it wasn’t a straight run.
It got medieval, with bats instead of swords and axes. The many local cops were standing around, no interest in protecting us. We had to fight our way to the bus, which was surrounded once we were inside, smashing windows, headlights taillights.
The local cops weren’t interested in protecting us. We later realized they were only there to watch their own kids play.
But the state troopers were there, and they had to fire shots in the air to get the mob's attention. The bus driver was turning the ignition key again and again, cranking to get the engine going until it caught after a long forever.
We were a few miles away before we caught our breath. We won and were still alive! But they were right, we didn’t deserve it.
Still, “Even a blind pig can bump into an acorn once in a while.”
I don’t often watch MLB games. Sometimes they’re interesting, but exciting? Not so much. Been there, survived worse.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader | |
Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.
26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,
6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)
https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/
These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125
Tpmmd@hotmail.com
If you are interested, please contact Mr. Maroney directly via his email or phone. Sports Today does not receive remuneration --
we are simply happy to make these seats available to our readers
and as a favor to a loyal subscriber, Tim Maroney.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 79: Should Congress Consider Creating A Special Status Class For College
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
Can there be collective bargaining without classifying college athletes as employees?
Jason Stahl, who created the College Football Players Association (CFPBA), believes it is possible and that it would provide athletes with important protections without full employee classification.
He, and some others, have argued this possibility through the creation of a "special status" class for college athletes and admits that it would require Congressional involvement. As I've said before, don't hold your breath.
Stahl spent this week on Capitol Hill trying to convince members of the Senate and House of Representatives that this is a fight worth fighting. In his newsletter, he acknowledged that this is a concept that outgoing Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick advocated for, which would mirror the collective bargaining that occurs in pro sports without making college athletes employees.
My colleague Michael McCann sees a potential issue with Stahl's proposal.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE
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San Jose Earthquakes 3
Colorado Rapids 2
Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO
Saturday, May 11, 2024
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Earthquakes 3, Colorado Rapids 2
San Jose erases two-goal deficit to earn
first road win of season
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The San Jose Earthquakes came back from an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Saturday night at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park in front of 15,557 fans for their first road win of the season.
Returning to Major League Soccer play after a victorious midweek tilt in the Lamar U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, the Earthquakes continued to display their fine form to avenge their 3-0 home loss in April. With the win, they expanded their unbeaten streak in all competitions to four games.
The hosts started strong and were rewarded in the 33rd minute when Rafael Navarro scored off a set piece to give Colorado the early lead. Nine minutes later, the Rapids doubled their advantage from an Omir Fernández goal. However, the Quakes would emphatically answer with a pair of goals from Amahl Pellegrino off a rebound, and subsequently, from Hernán López off a Cristian Espinoza corner kick and Vítor Costa assist before intermission.
In the 66th minute with the match knotted 2-2, the Quakes would take control when Costa notched his second assist of the night, finding Cristian Espinoza for the go-ahead and game-winning goal.
The Quakes continue their road trip against the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, May 15. Kickoff from Providence Park is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as on local radio via AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
continued...
Click HERE
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Oakland Roots SC 1
New Mexico United 2
Isotopes Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Saturday, May 11, 2024
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New Mexico Capitalize On Oakland Roots Mistakes to Win 2-1
Oakland was behind within two minutes on the road as Paul Blanchette’s giveaway at the back gave Greg Hurst the opportunity to give the home side the 1-0 advantage. Hurst chipped Blanchette to give New Mexico United the lead.
New Mexico continued to pressure Oakland, forcing Blanchette into multiple saves to keep the score at 1-0.
The home side went into the locker room for the halftime break with just the one-goal advantage despite having two-thirds of the possession.
Oakland got on the scoresheet almost immediately in the second half as Neveal Hackshaw had his deflected shot trickle into the New Mexico goal, leveling the game at 1-1.
Oakland’s captain Neveal Hackshaw would concede a free kick with less than 20 minutes to go, which ultimately resulted in a goal for Mukwelle Akale, who beat Blanchette to restore the one-goal lead for New Mexico at 2-1.
Roots battled to the final whistle, using all their substitutions, but were unable to find the equalizer as they left Albuquerque with no points following the 2-1 loss.
Roots now return to the East Bay to host Orange County SC on Saturday, May 18th at Cal State University, East Bay.
continued...
Click HERE
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Bay Area Falcons 18
Arizona Sidewinders 7
Fremont High School, Oakland, CA
May 11, 2024
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If catching the disc means taking to the air, here Elsa Winslow (#46) just misses out on the reception midway through the first quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
As the sun sets on the day, the Falcons relish the game’s conclusion as they book their tickets to the Championship weekend.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Getting some special pre-Mother’s Day Love and postgame Mom Time, the Falcons have five moms on the team. (L-R) Malina Weibe (#10), Amanda Leahy (#6), Sarah Carnahan (#1), Alden Fletcher (#20) and Gina Schumacher (#47). To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption
by Ron Sellers.
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Country Star George Birge to Headline June 22 Concert at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey
Abby Leigh Anderson Opens NTT INDYCAR SERIES Weekend
MONTEREY, Calif., May 09, 2024—The Monterey summer kicks off with country star George Birge performing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race weekend. The first-ever concert held during the INDYCAR weekend is a festive addition that is included in the ticket price for fans to enjoy the racing action, and then the hand clappin’ music in the festive race paddock beginning at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.
During the day, visitors can watch their favorite INDYCAR drivers in the all-important and intense qualifying session as each athlete vies for pole position for Sunday’s race. The party continues with guests able to enjoy locally-sourced food vendors, craft beer, wine and refreshments while the stage lights brighten for an evening of country entertainment unlike any seen at Laguna Seca.
“INDYCAR is a blending of America’s fastest cars with skilled international drivers like Christian Lundgaard who broke the track record last year, Scott Dixon and Alex Palou,” says John Narigi, president of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “It is the pinnacle of motorsport entertainment, so we wanted to add an entirely new layer of family entertainment by welcoming guests with fast cars and foot-stomping country music.”
continued...
Click HERE
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Acclaimed Lefty Guitarist Malina Moye to Rock National Anthem
Before Toyota/Save Mart 350
The first African-American woman to play the anthem on guitar at a professional sporting event will kick off Sunday’s NASCAR event
SONOMA, Calif. (May 9, 2024) – Get ready for a dose of rock ‘n’ roll energy as world-renowned lefty guitarist, singer and acclaimed songwriter Malina Moye takes center stage to perform the National Anthem for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on June 9.
Lauded as a musical pioneer and one of the world’s top guitarists by Guitar World Magazine, she is a singular presence in the rock world and has received critical acclaim across the spectrum for her contributions to music culture. Moye's musical narrative boasts an impressive and unique resume bolstered by her making history as the first African-American woman to play the National Anthem on guitar at a professional sporting event.
Her latest album “Dirty”, which landed at the top of Billboard’s Blues chart, was listed among the top five albums of the year on Guitar World Magazine’s Greatest Guitar Albums of 2023 list and in March, Moye was featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Revolutionary Women in Music: Left of Center exhibit, marking a first of its kind showcase at the famous museum. Moye’s last album, Bad As I Wanna Be, spent two weeks at No. 1 on the same chart. Her meteoric rise has resonated with fans, with over 70 million impressions across social media platforms and streams.
Known for her electrifying performances, Malina Moye is set to kick off the racing action with an exhilarating rendition of the National Anthem that will prepare fans for the thunder about to erupt from the track. With her unique blend of rock, blues, and funk, Moye promises to deliver a performance that will inspire and captivate fans from start to finish.
Tickets and camping are available for NASCAR weekend at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223].
www.sonomaraceway.com
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No. 10 Cal Tops Tigers, Advancing To 33
Bears Earn Second Straight Postseason Bid
The California softball team will begin its 2024 postseason road in Louisiana, competing in the Baton Rouge Regional on May 17-19 along with the host No. 9 seed LSU, Southern Illinois and Jackson State.
The Golden Bears are making their second straight postseason appearance and 35th in program history.
See the full NCAA Tournament selections release here.
Cal begins the four-team, three-day event with the opening game on Friday at 12:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+ vs. Southern Illinois, the Missouri Valley Conference champions. The Salukis enter the tournament 42-9 overall.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE
Photo: Andrew Madsen / KLC fotos
www.calbears.com
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No. 4 Card 8+ Tops No. 3 Boston
Stanford Lights Wrap Final Duel Before IRAs
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. - The No. 4 Stanford Lights raced No. 3 Boston today, with the varsity 8+ topping the Terriers at Redwood Shores.
The eight finished over 10 seconds ahead of Boston to take a fourth-straight win after sweeping WIRAs two weeks ago and topping No. 6 Wisconsin before that.
Next up for Stanford is the IRA Championships beginning on May 31 in Mercer, N.J.
continued...
Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
www.gostanford.com
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Spartans Earn Two Golds and Meet Record on Day Two at MW Outdoor Championships
CLOVIS, Calif. – Ajamu Reed and Emilia Sjostrand each won gold in the Men’s and Women’s Long Jump, while Malachi Snow set a new meet record in the Men’s 110m Hurdles for San José State Track & Field after the second day of competition at the Mountain West Outdoor Championships in Clovis on Friday from Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.
Reed won the first gold medal of the weekend for the Spartans in the Men’s Long Jump and he is the first SJSU athlete to win the Men’s Long Jump at the Mountain West Outdoor Championships. Sjostrand on her last attempt of the night, set a new lifetime best with a jump of 6.50 meters to win the gold medal in Women’s Long Jump and broke her own school record. Snow set a new record for the Mountain West Outdoor Championships in the Men’s 110m Hurdles with a time of 13.43. In addition, Snow qualified for three finals on Championship Saturday and was amongst 10 other Spartans on day two of competition to qualify for at least one final.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
SB | Gaels Down LMU 8-0 to Secure First WCC Title in Program History
MORAGA, Calif. — For the first time in program history, the Saint Mary's Gaels (30-22, 10-6 WCC) are WCC Softball Champs! The Gaels did so by downing the LMU Lions (28-25, 9-7 WCC) 8-0 in an inspired senior day effort! The Gaels will now head back to the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 2010!
With their backs against the wall in a must win game, the Gaels opted to toss their veteran Avrey Wolverton in the circle. Wolverton tossed 6.1 innings of one run softball a day ago, but looked fresh in the circle, not allowing a hit until the third inning. The redshirt sophomore was locked in as ever, using her rise ball to induce weak contact all game long. She did allow six hits and a pair of walks, but stranded every Lion runner that made their way onto the basepaths. Wolverton tossed a complete six innings, while her offense rallied behind her.
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For a full report, click HERE
Photo: Tod Fierner / Saint Mary's Athletics
#GaelsRise www.smcgaels.com
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USF Track and Field’s Men’s Team Sweep Indoor and Outdoor Conference Championships; Team wins 10 events
For the first time since 2019, An AAC Men’s team sweeps indoor and outdoor conference championships. Women finish third for best finish since 2013.
Tampa, Fla. May 12, 2024 – The University of South Florida track and field men's team won their first conference championship in February at indoors, and followed by winning the outdoor championship with 217 points.
The women finished third in indoors and tied that mark in this outdoor championship, for their best finish since third in 2013 as part of the Big East.
"I am very happy with the performances of both programs. The women battled through a lot of adversity to finish third in a highly competitive women's championship," Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Erik Jenkins said.
"The men battled to the bitter end to solidify their outdoor title. They showed poise and determination throughout the meet. The end result was a victory that they all could be excited about."
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For a full report, click HERE
www.usfdons.com
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Kim, Broncos Take Third At Golfweek NGI
MARICOPA, Ariz. - Kelsey Kim capped her outstanding freshman campaign with her best finish of the year, finishing in third place at the Golfweek NGI with a three day total of 2-under 71-71-72--214. The WCC Freshman of the Year was just one stroke shy of tying for medalist honors. As a team, Santa Clara also finished in third with a final tally of 17-over 293-296-292--881.
- ROUND HIGHLIGHTS:
- Kim opened the round with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 2 and 3 before bogeying three of the next four holes. The freshman locked in on the back nine, tallying one birdie and making par on the remaining eight holes.
- Kim was just one stroke shy of tying UNCW's Victoria Levy (71-72-70--213) and Jacksonville State's Jinger Heath (70-72-71--213) at the top of the leader board for medalist honors.
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For a full report, click HERE
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
DEGREES AWARDED TO 75 STUDENT-ATHLETES DURING SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT
STOCKTON, Calif. – The department of athletics at Pacific celebrated 75 student-athletes who earned their degrees Saturday at the Spring 2024 commencement ceremony.
The 75 student-athletes represented 16 different sports. It included nine from men's soccer, seven from men's water polo, six from women's water polo, six from men's swimming, six from softball, six from men's basketball, six from women's basketball, five from baseball, five from volleyball, four from men's tennis, four from golf, four from women's soccer, three from cross country/track & field, two from women's tennis, one from women's swimming, and one from beach volleyball.
"We are tremendously proud to have such a large, accomplished group of graduates who put in countless hours on and off the field for this University," said director of athletics Adam Tschuor. "One of our main goals at Pacific is to assure that all of our student-athletes are prepared to compete at the highest level in the next chapters of their lives."
The university awarded 12 master's degrees to student-athletes.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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Local Products Join Forces at UC Davis
DAVIS, Calif. – In the realm of Division I softball, it's a rarity to witness three athletes hailing from the same town come together as teammates. Yet, Grace Kilday, Leah Polson, and Caroline Grimes defy the odds.
Their journey began in their formative years, and now, as UC Davis Aggies, they continue to share the field, a testament to their enduring camaraderie and shared passion for the game.
"I'm just super grateful that we ended up at the same place," Kilday said.
Kilday and Polson, once high school teammates at Oak Ridge High School in nearby El Dorado Hills, have forged a lasting bond on the softball diamond. Their journey began with the California Breeze, a prestigious travel softball organization that has produced some of the state's finest talent. It was there that Grimes joined forces with Kilday, forming a formidable trio.
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For a full report, click HERE
Photo: Leroy Yau
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
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Quintero and Garcia Add to Award Collections With NFCA All-Region Honors
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced its Division II All-Region teams on Thursday. From Cal State East Bay softball, Marissa Quintero and Annelise Garcia were recognized by NFCA.
Marissa Quintero – Fr. – P – Whittier/Whittier HS
NFCA DII All-Region West Second Team
Already named CCAA Freshman of the Year and to the All-CCAA First Team, Quintero had an outstanding regular season in the circle with a 15-9 record and a 1.72 ERA, which was the second lowest in the conference during the regular season. She accumulated 99 strikeouts. She earned one CCAA Pitcher of the Week Honor following an outstanding performance against Sonoma State on March 26. She pitched a five-inning no-hitter on March 15 vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills. In the Pioneers' run toward the NCAA Division II West Regional, Quintero was named to the CCAA All-Tournament Team.
Annelise Garcia – Jr. – UTL (non-pitcher) – Sacramento/Inderkum HS
NFCA DII All-Region West First Team
Garcia added to her 2024 and career collection of awards on Thursday. Garcia helped guide the Pioneers offensively in 2024 to the program's first NCAA Division II Regional appearance as a CCAA member. Garcia had an outstanding season with the bat. Her .390 batting average in the regular season was fifth highest in the conference and she led the Pioneers in home runs with 10 and stolen bases with 12. She was named CCAA Player of the Week for the week of March 11-17. Garcia also was named to the All-CCAA First Team in 2023 and 2024.
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For a full report, click HERE
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The History of St. Francis Yacht Club
Becoming St. Francis
There is a tide that flows through the Golden Gate. There is a tide in the affairs of men.
In 1927, San Francisco Bay sailors crossed both in a single tack. The Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915 had reimagined the waterfront to the east of the Army’s Presidio, and one of the developments was a harbor. After the fair, the harbor remained. With that, it became possible to imagine placing a yacht club on the San Francisco city front, and there were visionaries with that in mind. They believed the city was “the” place for a great yacht club on San Francisco Bay.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
Cy Young
Boston Americans vs. A’s
May 5, 1904
"At 37 years old, the great Young was still great, leading the AL and NL in shutouts (10), WHIP (0.94) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.9). This game was a rematch between Young and A’s star Rube Waddell, who had outdueled him 10 days earlier. This time Young got the upper hand, striking out eight in a 3-0 victory that was
0-0 until the bottom of the sixth."-- lifted from
this site that has a very brief account of
every perfect game.
How incredible was Cy Young? Never to be matched,
he holds the most wins and most losses for a pitcher in baseball history. The Wiki entry is more than enough to give you the scope of what he accomplished.
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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 | |
San Francisco Giants 6, Cincinnati Reds 5, 10 innings. Sunday, May 12, 2024. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Savannah Bananas vs. Party Animals, Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Bay Area Falcons 18, Arizona Sidewinders 7, May 11, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Oakland Roots SC 0, May 7, 2024.
Captions and photos by Alex Ho.
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Oakland Roots SC 0, May 7, 2024.
Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
BASHOF, May 6, 2024. Photos by Ed Jay.
Oakland A’s 2, Texas Rangers 4, May 6, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Bay FC 1, Chicago Red Stars 2. April 5, 2024.
Caption and photos by Alex Ho.
San Jose Earthquakes 3, LAFC 1, May 4, 2024.
Captions and photos by Alex Ho.
Oakland Spiders 21, Seattle Cascades 22, May 4, 2024.
Captions and photos by Julien Dagan.
Oakland A’s 5, Pittsburgh Pirates 2, April 30, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
San Francisco Giants 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 2, April 28, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Spiders 21, Los Angeles Aviators 17. April 27, 2024. Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
Bay Area Falcons 18, San Diego Superbloom 11, April 27, 2024. Photos by Ron Sellers.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 13, through
Sunday, May 19, 2024
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Monday, May 13
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 16
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
Friday, May 17
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:15 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Kansas City Royals, 4:40 p.m.
Bay FC vs. San Diego Wave FC, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 18
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Kansas City Royals, 4:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Orange County SC, 7 p.m.
Bay Area Panthers @ Arizona Rattlers, 6:05 p.m.
Sunday May 19
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Kansas City Royals, 11:10 a.m.
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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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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
www.sereankimmel.com
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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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