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August 5 -- August 11, 2024

Issue No. 549

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski

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

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

Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor

G-MEN: NOBODY, NOBODY (X9)


This Letter and song are dedicated to Blake Snell, who has a question for the Cincinnati Reds: Who can get a base hit off me? (The video below answers the question and is a timeless classic.) After a one-hour rain delay before Friday's game vs. Cincinnati, I tuned back in just in time to watch a big whiff on Blake Snell's first pitch and decided I had time for a two-hour, phone-free power nap. It was THAT obvious -- Blake would be unhittable. When I awoke I heard the score and then read the scroll: "BLAKE SNELL HAS JUST THROWN A NO-HITTER."


What they should have added was: SAN FRANCISCO SCORED THREE RUNS! Now That's News! Farhan had just broken up the G-MEN Band with his unexplainable trade of bona fide home run hitter, Jorge Soler, who had finally found his groove. Logan Webb had also gotten lucky with his 1-0 win. Not exactly a power-lineup. Sure, 'keep the rotation intact' states Farhan -- but even the greatest rotations need runs, and fans also appreciated Soler as the player who had hit the longest home run in the Majors this year, (478'), as a reason to watch the team. Now Soler has returned to Atlanta, where he had been MVP on their World Series team. Does anyone know who San Francisco got in return? Maybe a skilled bunter or minor league rehab project?


Regardless, CAPS OFF to Blake Snell for his master performance! Enjoy this, Redlegs, and if you're in a hurry, the last 20 seconds of the video have the answer, if you haven't already figured it out.


Who Can Get a Base Hit off Me?

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjwTJsAHkDg 


Robert A. Moselle

Marketing Director, Sports Today!

https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus



USA GOLF GOLD!

 

Nobody ran at supersonic speeds or performed high-flyin' acrobatics,

but USA GOLF ROCKED! Like a champion thoroughbred, America's 

humble golf superstar, Scottie Scheffler, came from the back of the pack with five birdies on the back nine to overtake the leaders. It was RAHM A LAMA BYE BYE, as Spain's superstar, Jon RAHM, cracked under the pressure. Great Britain's Tommy Fleetwood and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama hung in there to claim silver and bronze 

respectively, but it was USA's Scottie Scheffler on the podium where he proudly held the GOLD MEDAL as he sang the Star-Spangled Banner.


Like Xander Schauffele had done in the Tokyo Olympics, Scheff won GOLF GOLD for the USA! 


Robert A. Moselle

Marketing Director, Sports Today!

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

Donate Today -- Click Here!

Contents

Games

Oakland A's 0, Los Angeles Dodgers 10

Oakland Ballers 3, Northern Colorado Owlz 2

San Francisco Giants 2, Oakland A's 5

San Jose Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 2



Features & Commentary

49ers Patrick Willis Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame, by Ed Jay

Buster Posey, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!

Hardly Trivial, by T. Buff

How Olympics, Military Changed Me Overseas, by Dave Newhouse

Proprioception, by Howard Pearlstein

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

Three Rookies In A Row, by Andy Dolich



Organizations

Bay Area Falcons

Bay Area Panthers

Bay FC

Cal Bears

Cal State University East Bay

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

Oakland Ballers

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul SC

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Nighthawks

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose State Spartans

Santa Clara Broncos

SF City

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

Stanford Cardinal

UC Davis Aggies

University of Pacific Tigers

USF Dons

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca

Subscribe Now -- FREE!!!

Oakland A's 0

Los Angeles Dodgers 10

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Saturday, August 3, 2024

A view of the main scoreboard before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

A statue of an elephant sits in the Stomping Grounds area before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (center) talks to media members before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics starter Mitch Spence struck out six over 5-2/3 innings as the A's were defeated 10-0 by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, August 3rd at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Right fielder Lawrence Butler reaches out to snag a sinking fly ball during the sixth inning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with Oakland Athletics shortstop Max Schuemann (left) and second baseman Darell Hernaiz during the ninth inning.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

The A's bats were quiet, producing only five singles and their only extra-base hit being a double off of Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernandez, who pitched the ninth inning for Los Angeles. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. 

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

2024 Olympics



How Olympics, Military Changed Me Overseas


by Dave Newhouse


Can you believe it, archery? But it’s Olympics archery, which gives

it priority. Because nothing in sports holds my attention like the Summer Olympics, a two-week hibernation from other sports and, really, life itself.


I’m fixed at the moment on all things France, yet archery, you moan? Whoa, hold it. Today’s archers can aim scientifically modernized bows and arrows and score bullseyes on targets 70 meters away. Not even Robin Hood and William Tell were that accurate.


But France and the Olympics have a special hold on me, because, coupled, they impacted the person I am today. If I could, I would award France a gold medal for turning my life in the right direction.


In 1959, I was serving a three-year Air Force tour of duty in Laon, France, roughly 90 miles northeast of Paris. I was in my early 20s, a college dropout, with no idea of what I wanted to become.


I worked in the base gymnasium, running sports programs for airmen a long way from home. However, we had very good sports teams, nicknamed the Laon Rangers (get it?), and a weekly newspaper that recorded their Europe-wide accomplishments.


The Laon Sentinel’s editor, Jack Wendell Jones, needed someone to write sports for the weekly, and asked me to take on this additional load. I turned him down twice, but on the third request, I thought: What will I do when I leave the military in two years?

 Wilma Rudolph won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the

1960 Rome Olympics 


Jones pushed harder. “You even get to write a column,” he said. I replied, “What’s a column?” I had read columns, I just didn’t know the terminology.


And so I started this side job — for free. I wrote about our successful base teams, our intramural teams, plus writing a column titled Riding With the Rangers. I kept up this double life for two years, and it led to a career which continues today.


In 1960, the Summer Olympics were held in Rome, and I traveled by train to be there, although not to watch archery. Some swimming, mostly track and field. And then another life-turning incident occurred, my meeting Fred Hock. We both grew up on the Peninsula, and would become lifetime friends, in fact, marrying housemates.


Fred was in the Army in Germany, and we became seat mates, through military ticketing, in the Rome track stadium. And we watched sprinter Wilma Rudolph, the most graceful athlete I’ve ever watched, win three gold medals.


I saw something else which caught me by surprise. Back in those days, unlike today, Americans swept Olympic events. And in that stadium, 7,000 miles from home, I watched three American flags raise up simultaneously. I became a lifetime patriot at that precise moment.

Patsy Lewis, a schoolteacher from Ely, Nevada, and Dave Newhouse celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week


Returning home in 1961, newly motivated by a career choice in journalism, I then graduated from college. And Fred introduced me to Patsy Lewis, a schoolteacher from Ely, Nevada. No one could have guessed back then that Patsy and I would celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary last week, but we did.


So those Rome Olympics brought staying power to my life, though I lost Fred a few years ago. But I remain fixated on the Olympics, and I simply can't believe Simone Biles. I can’t believe a tiny gymnast can flip that high, but I’m convinced Biles could dunk a basketball.


And as I write this, I’m impressed how the Americans have amassed so many medals. I take pride in their success, a collective achievement which hits me personally unlike other sports events — the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA finals, etc.


Only the Olympics, for me, can score….


A bullseye.

* * *

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.

49ers Patrick Willis

Enshrined into Hall of Fame

Canton, OH

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Patrick Willis played only eight pro seasons but his career was so dynamic that the 49ers linebacker made five All-Pro teams and the NFL Team of the Decade for the 2010s. He is now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Photo by Ed Jay.

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Oakland A's 5

San Francisco Giants 2

Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Oakland A's right fielder Lawrence Butler homers in the third inning with a fly ball to center field. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Oakland A's designated hitter Brent Rooker homers to left field in the fifth inning. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Rooker is congratulated as he crosses home plate.

Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

The A's winning pitcher, JP Sears, ended the night with an 8-8 record and a 4.53 ERA. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Giants losing pitcher Robbie Ray is now 1-1 with a 4.82 ERA.

Caption and photo by Rich Yee.

Giants manager Bob Melvin argues with umpire Chris Segal for ejecting Heliot Ramos. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and

photo by Rich Yee.

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Our contributors are highly respected journalists, authors and photographers providing a wide array of in-depth articles and images, and our Letters to the Editor delights readers.

 

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thanks the following generous donors!

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San Francisco Giants

LEARN MORE ABOUT BLAKE SNELL’S NO-HITTER

ON SFGIANTS.COM

Tyler Fitzgerald has been named National League Rookie of the Month after batting .321 with eight home runs in July.

Learn More!

Here’s a great math equation -- get 2 tickets for $20, all fees and taxes included, with the Back 2 School Flash Sale. Enjoy any late summer game with your family

through September 29.


Finish off the summer with fun at Oracle Park. Get 

2-for-$20 tickets to August and September games, including matchups against the Braves,

Diamondbacks, Brewers and more.


This special offer is thanks to Visa®, a proud partner of the San Francisco Giants. This offer ends Monday, August 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!


www.thechieftain.com

The hottest deal of the summer is officially here!

Buy one premium game, get a second game for just $5*!


That's right, you can buy one Dodgers ticket, then come back to the ballpark in August or September for only $5. This offer includes the Bay Bridge Series, bobblehead games, 

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Three Rookies In A Row



by Andy Dolich


During my years with the A’s (1980-1994) I collected a number of items. Fifty-six years at the Coliseum will come to an end on September 26th. Over the next few months I’ll be sharing some of my favorite pieces of Oakland A’s Memorabilia in the pages of the Ultimate’s Sports Guide’s Sports Today.

Jose Canseco

Mark McGwire

Walt Weiss

The Athletics are the only team in MLB history to have three consecutive Rookie of the Year winners: Jose Canseco in 1986, Mark McGwire in 1987 and Walt Weiss in 1988. That talented trio took the team to three World Series appearances in 1988, 1989 and 1990, with a sweep of the Giants in the 1989 Earthquake Series.


The A’s also took Rookie honors with Ben Grieve in 1998, Bobby Crosby in 2004, Huston Street in 2005 and Andrew Bailey in 2009. (The Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers have the most Rookies of the Year in MLB history with 18.)


I always smile thinking back to what Jose, Mark and Walt contributed to those magnificent A’s teams.

* * *

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


Winning and Wanderlust:

The History of the Oakland Athletics

Quarter: Fall

Duration: 6 weeks

Date(s): Oct. 22--Dec. 3

Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays

Please note: No class on Nov. 26

Tuition: $405

Unit(s): 1

Status: Registration opens Aug 19, 8:30 am

Instructor(s): Andy Dolich

Format/Location: Live Online

Class Recording Available: Yes

Class Meeting Time: 6-7:50 p.m.


Refund Deadline: Oct. 24

Since the team's Oakland debut in 1968, the Athletics have experienced some of the most dramatic fluctuations in fortune among sports franchises. With a controversial move to Las Vegas looming after a protracted negotiation to remain in the East Bay, the Athletics will play their next three seasons in a minor league ballpark in Sacramento. This course immerses students in the history of the rise and fall of this once-revered franchise. Led by an instructor with 14 years of executive experience during the team's heyday, it features insightful conversations with key figures from the Athletics' history in sports, politics, and economics. From the World Series era, featuring icons like Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter, to the powerhouse ’80s and ’90s, led by slugger Mark McGwire and closer Dennis Eckersley, and through the groundbreaking Moneyball era pioneered by general manager Billy Beane, the A’s have taken their fans on a roller-coaster journey of triumphs and setbacks. Join us as we delve into the complex identity of the Oakland Athletics as they continue to grapple with relocation challenges and maintain the unwavering loyalty of their fan base.


Guest speakers include:

Dave Stewartformer Oakland A’s starting pitcher

Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist

Mark Purdyformer San Jose Mercury News sports columnist

Ted Robinsonnational sports broadcaster

Dave Newhouseformer Oakland Tribune sports columnist and co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a

Sports Town's Fight for Survival


Andy Dolich

President, Dolich Consulting

Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and

a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today.


Textbook for course:

(Required) Andy Dolich & Dave Newhouse, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival (ISBN 978-1637273401)


For more information

Oakland Ballers 3

Northern Colorado Owlz 2

Raimondi Park, Oakland, CA

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Oakland Ballers right fielder Drew Woodcox hit a home run for his first professional baseball hit as the Ballers defeated the Northern Colorado Owlz, 3-2, in a Pioneer League game at Raimondi Park in Oakland on Wednesday, July 31st. Caption and photo 

by Darren Yamashita.

Designated hitter Jaylen Smith preceded Woodcox's homer with one of his own in the third inning. Caption and photo 

by Darren Yamashita.

Starting pitcher TJ Czyz made his Ballers debut, striking out four over three innings of work. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Ballers shortstop Josh Leslie (24) throws the ball to first base against the Northern Colorado Owlz during the second inning.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Northern Colorado Owlz catcher Reece Yeargain (left) and Oakland Ballers third baseman Dondrei Hubbard talk during the sixth inning.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

An Oakland Ballers ball boy hands baseballs to home plate umpire Ricardo Rodriguez (right) during the third inning. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

The Dreaded Foul Ball!

There's no refuge!

Donate Today! -- 10th Anniversary! Click Here!

San Jose Earthquakes 1

LA Galaxy 2

PayPal Park, San Jose CA

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the LA Galaxy 2-1 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park in 2024 Leagues Cup West 2 Group Stage play.


The 102nd California Clásico across all competitions almost began with a Galaxy goal in the ninth minute, but goalkeeper William Yarbrough’s spectacular double save prevented two dangerous shots from crossing the goal line. In the 18th minute, Amahl Pellegrino unleashed a low shot in the box that required a kick-save from LA goalkeeper Novak Mićović to keep the match scoreless. In minute 21, San Jose had two sizable opportunities to score. However, Jeremy Ebobisse’s left-footed strike sailed above the bar, and moments later, Carlos Gruezo’s attempt in the box was turned away by Mićović, while Hernán López’s shot off the rebound bounced out of play. In the 41st minute, the visitors finally broke the deadlock when Diego Fagundez curled a shot from the left wing at the edge of the box into the back of the net.


continued...

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Buster Posey -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Over the years I’ve had several opportunities to work with

Buster Posey at various events such as Buster Bash, ProCamp, Body Armor, etc. He was always very approachable and glad to meet with fans. On one occasion I was to photograph Buster for a Body Armor ad. That day I brought a World Series jersey and baseball with me which he signed for me after the photo shoot. Buster remains the most photographed athlete I’ve ever covered.


Rich YeeSports Today Photographer

Hardly Trivial

The Days Are Dwindling Down

To A Precious Few


The A's Oakland MLB franchise is nearly done.

It has been a pretty good run. It's not trivial the A's are leaving. It will be incredible to see how much trivia I can use next year is being created in the next few weeks.


The drama of the A's leaving has been going on for a bit. Before I ask today's trivia question, know that next week's question will be based on something in this 

New York Times piece.


Today's question is a no-brainer: 

What A's character was the first Athletic to be

inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown? 

(Hint: It was not an Oakland A's person!)


answer below...

Sports Precis

Proprioception


It’s the word for the neuromuscular sense that describes what gymnasts and others have – the ability to know where all the parts of the body are in relationship to each other and the environment, rotating upside-down in a vault-leap, even changing the routine mid-jump as needed as Olympian Jade Carey did on Saturday. “Twisties” is the shorthand Simone Biles used to describe when it’s not working, not knowing up or down or where your body is relative to that.

 

That must be terrifying.

 

Consider proprioception as used by poet Charles Olson to mean the relationship between poet and reader and between people in general, a society as a functioning organism.

 

Proprioception can be the necessary essence of team sports in which each player knows where he or she and the others are, what they’re doing, going to do, and which way they’re moving. That’s the ideal, as in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution: “to form a more perfect union,” i.e. not perfect, just “more perfect,” an ideal that may never be achieved but always moving toward it.

 

Eleven players in a soccer match, continually in motion, all trying to reach a goal (an actual GOOAAALL!) and sometimes, for moments, it all works as it should.

 

I prefer women’s soccer. Don’t ask: “Why women’s soccer?” The reason is a complex amalgam consisting of personal history, philosophy, psychology, even mythology. I don’t want to destroy it by pulling the pieces apart to explain why.

 

I began learning watching last year’s playoffs. The USA team looked like a bunch of clueless tourists wandering around a soccer pitch. I figured that since “millions of people love this game, it has to get better than that.”


I found myself watching England playing, I think, Australia. And there was England, proprioceptive, players close to being totally aware of all the others. Each kick found another player in place as they moved together in the fluid tactical structure forming itself to set up the next attempt at a goal. A thing of beauty.

 

With that in mind, I’ve spent this year watching Bay FC come along as a new expansion team. Their strategic plans were upset in the first half of the first game when the extraordinary top draft pick Alex Loera went down with a season-ending injury. A lot of high hopes had been placed on her presence. But they adapted, and I could see the team getting stronger, growing together even despite losing some starters to the Olympics.

 

And then, Friday night there they were in the 2024 NWSL vs LIGA MX Feminil Summer Cup Playoffs. They were playing Mexico City’s championship Club America at PayPal Park and winning. Club America started in 1916, then owned in the modern era since 1959 by Televisa.

 

That made Bay FC the new kids on the block.

 

But Bay FC beat them 2-1. Yippee and all that. Except in Soccer, the W-L record doesn’t cut it. It’s about how many total points they’ve scored. Something like the damned Electoral College.

 

That didn’t matter. They overcame injuries and losing good players. One of them, Scarlett Camberos, left a month ago for Club America, and scored their only goal in the 2-1 game.

 

What that tells me is that Albertin Montoya is one hell of a coach, blending new and experienced players into a team that hits flashes of the ideal. Who knows? Maybe some time we might look back at these first years the way we 49ers fans look back at the Bill Walsh years. Fantastic!

 

Hey, as the late great Judy Tenuta useta say: “It could happen!”


  * * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

 Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader

  Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.


26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,

6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)

https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/


These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125

Tpmmd@hotmail.com

 If you are interested, please contact Mr. Maroney directly via his email or phone. Sports Today does not receive remuneration --

we are simply happy to make these seats available to our readers

and as a favor to a loyal subscriber, Tim Maroney.

Vol. 91: The Good, Bad, And Ugly of the House v. NCAA Settlement

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought


by Darren Heitner

Founder of HEITNERLEGAL


I'll begin by noting that there is still no enforceable settlement ending the HouseHubbard, and Carter antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA until/unless Judge Wilken approves the long-form settlement agreement. That said, we finally have a very lengthy document to review and it is worthwhile to look at it in case it receives approval and withstands any potential appeal.


The Good


A lot of money will potentially flow to athletes, who played college sports from 2016 to now, in the form of "damages." This is a known amount -- roughly $2.78 billion -- which is in part based on athletes having been denied compensation for the use of their names, images, and likenesses in television broadcasts, video games, and other lost opportunities before July 1, 2021. While this is a lot of money (albeit it is to be paid over 10 years), and thus under "The Good" bucket, some argue that this could have and should have been a lot more money and perhaps would have been if the cases were fought through at least summary judgment arguments

continued...

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10th Anniversary

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Bill Warner Named Grand Marshal of Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion


Historian, Author, Photographer and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Founder Brings Passion and Expertise to Monterey August 14-17


MONTEREY, Calif., July 25, 2024—To usher in the 50th anniversary of historic racing in Monterey will be automobile impresario Bill Warner, who today was named Grand Marshal of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 14-17 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mr. Warner was an early advocate of the original Monterey Historic Automobile Races, which for 36 years altered the vintage racing landscape. Since 2010, when the historic race was rebranded as the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, he has championed the gathering from multiple perspectives.


“My entire life has been dedicated to racing, cars, and the people who share my passion,” Warner explained. “To be named Grand Marshal of the most important race of its kind in North America is an honor that is hard to absorb. Honestly, I never expected nor pursued this recognition and responsibility. Being Chief Steward among my peers is great, but Grand Marshal is beyond my dreams. Words escape me and for those who know me, that is a rarity.”


Co-chair of the Reunion Advisory Council and Vice President of Friends of Laguna Seca Bruce Canepa said Bill is the perfect person to lead the Golden Anniversary celebration. “Bill has participated in nearly every event since 1988 as a journalist and photographer, racer and advisor. He has uniquely seen the event from every point of view to ensure it improves for all audiences each year,” Canepa said. “He richly deserves to be recognized this year for his invaluable input, knowledge and, of course, his frequent wit.”


continued...

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Get Tickets for Pre-Reunion & Hillclimb
Get Tickets For Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

DENSO NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS ROAR AGAIN IN SUMMER 2025

 

SONOMA, Calif. (July 10, 2024) – NHRA fans will get to hear, smell and feel the nitro-booming 22,000+ horsepower drag racing machines again in beautiful wine country next Summer as Sonoma Raceway will retain its July date in 2025. NHRA announced today their return to Sonoma July 25-27, 2025, marking the 37th year of this thunderous event at one of the most coveted locations on the schedule.


Sonoma Raceway, known for its picturesque surroundings and high-octane action, will host the best in the business at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals as top NHRA drivers compete for glory at the racetrack’s quarter-mile drag strip. This is more than just a race weekend - it’s a celebration of speed, horsepower, and the vibrant community of drag racing fans who have made this event a staple of the summer. 


“There’s nothing quite like the energy and excitement of NHRA drag racing against the backdrop of beautiful Sonoma,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “This event has become a cherished tradition, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for our fans and drivers.”


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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Connie Mack


Connie Mack's Hall of Fame entry is here.

He managed the A's for another 13 years after his induction. This link will take you to a history of inductions and a cool picture of the true

greats of baseball.


I should have been able to guess Connie Mack was a fellow member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts... 


Go Celtics!

Go Red Sox! 

Donate Today! -- 10th Anniversary!

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Cal Bears

Ryan Murphy (second from right) and Hunter Armstrong (far right) with Caleb Dressel (far left) and Nic Fink (second from left) after winning silver in Paris


Murphy, Alexy, Armstrong Win Silver In 4x100 Medley Relay


PARIS – Ryan MurphyJack Alexy and Hunter Armstrong helped the United States capture a silver medal in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay Sunday at the Paris La Defense Arena. Cal swimming alumnus Murphy led off the relay in a split of 52.44 and Armstrong, who trains with the Cal postgraduate squad in Berkeley, swam the anchor leg as the as the U.S. posted a time of 3:28.01 to take second behind China. On Saturday, Alexy – a current Golden Bear – joined Armstrong in swimming the medley relay heats, as the U.S. posted a time of 3:31.62 to advance to the final.


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Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY Sports

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Stanford Cardinal

THREE GOLDS FOR TORRI


Torri Huske captures her third gold medal in the final race of the Olympics as the anchor leg of a World record-breaking 4x100

medley relay.


PARIS - In the final race of the Olympic Games, Torri Huske captured her fifth medal of 2024 with another gold in the women's 4x100 medley relay.


Huske anchored the relay with a 52.42 split, helping Team USA shatter the World record with a 3:49.62. The Cardinal junior won gold alongside Regan Smith, Lilly King, and Gretchen Walsh. 


It closes out an incredible run in Paris for the Arlington, Va., native, as Huske earned a medal in each event she competed in, bringing home three gold medals and two silvers. 


Capturing 17 medals at the Olympic Games as a program, Stanford women's swimming and diving extends a streak of winning a medal at each Olympic Games participated in since 1976 (Did not compete in 1980 due to U.S. boycott). 


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San Jose State Spartans

SHETLER AND LUO EARN COBALT GOLF ALL-AMERICA SCHOLAR HONORS


NORMAN, Okla. – Caleb Shetler and Xuan Luo were named 2023-24 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars as announced by Cobalt Golf and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). 


To be eligible for Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar nomination, an individual must be a sophomore, junior or senior both academically and athletically in NCAA Division I. In addition, they must participate in 50% of their team’s competitive rounds, have a stroke average under 76.0, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and in good standing at their college or university.


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Saint Mary's College Gaels

MBB | Boomers Move Onto Knockout Stages of Olympic Play


PARIS, France — In a grueling preliminary stage, the Australian Men's Basketball team, a team that features three Saint Mary's alumni athletes and two former Gaels as coaches, is moving on to the knockout stage. The Boomers were one of three teams in the group that finished with a 1-2 record, defeating Spain before falling to Greece and Canada, but earned the second place bid into the knockouts on a tiebreaker to extend their stay in Paris. 


Over the three preliminary games, Jock Landale has been a seemingly unstoppable force. The 2018 Saint Mary's graduate has led his squad, averaging 17.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per contest, while shooting 67.6% from the field. Playing the most minutes of any Boomer in the tournament thus far is elder statesman Patty Mills. The now five time Olympian is currently the third leading scorer for the Boomers, averaging 13.3 points per game, and has buried a team high seven three pointers. Rounding out the group of Gael athletes, Matthew Dellavedova buried his first bucket of these Olympic Games against Greece this morning, hitting a deep three late in the third quarter to start an eventual 8-0 run, as the Boomers turned a 15 point deficit into seven in the fourth quarter. 


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SMC Athletics / Piper Westrom

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USF Dons

Jordan Carpenter Named Cross Country/Track and Field Head Coach


SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Following a national search, Jordan Carpenter has been named head coach of the University of San Francisco cross country and track & field teams, announced by Director of Athletics Larry Williams Friday afternoon.

 

"I am very excited to welcome Jordan to the Hilltop as the new leader of our men's and women's cross country and track and field programs," Williams said. "The historic success of our program and the great foundation set by the previous staff yielded a deep pool of candidates internally and from institutions and organizations nationally. Jordan brings great energy, a rock-solid plan, a wonderful history of success, and a deep appreciation for the development of our student-athletes."

 

Carpenter comes to the Hilltop following a stint at Boston University, serving as the associate head coach of the cross country and track and field programs. Upon arrival for his first cross country season in 2021, Carpenter helped guide the Terriers to top finishes in the Patriot League Championship, with the women's program taking second place and the men earning third.


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Santa Clara Broncos

ITA All-Academic Team Recognition

for Women's Tennis


TEMPE, Ariz. – For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association recognized Santa Clara women's tennis as an All-Academic team while two Broncos were named ITA Scholar-Athletes. 

 

To be considered, All-Academic teams must have a team GPA of 3.2 or higher while ITA scholar-athletes maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the current academic year and be listed on the institutional eligibility form. 

 

JennaMarie Gordon and Varya Zlotnik were named scholar-athletes and it is the third time each of them have been honored.  


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University of Pacific Tigers

PACIFIC ADDS AIKI KITAMOTO TO MEN'S BASKETBALL STAFF AS DIRECTOR OF VIDEO ANALYSIS AND SCOUNTING


STOCKTON, Calif. – Another staff member was added to the 2024-25 Pacific men's basketball team as Aiki Kitamoto was hired as Director of Video Analysis and Scouting.

 

Kitamoto worked with head coach Dave Smart previously after spending last season at Texas Tech. Kitamoto worked as a graduate assistant with the Red Raiders and was part of a program that advanced to the NCAA Tournament after posting a 23-11 record.

 

"I am thrilled to continue working with Coach Smart and to do everything I can in elevating the men's basketball program here at Pacific. I am excited for school to begin and for the 2024-25 season to get underway shortly thereafter," Kitamoto said.


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UC Davis Aggies

UC Davis Men's Basketball Finalizes 2024-25 Roster with Trio of Transfers


DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis head men's basketball coach Jim Les has finalized his 2024-25 roster with the addition of three transfers: guard Carl Daughtery Jr., forward Derek Sangster, and forward Jamaal Unuakhalu.


Daughtery Jr. joins the Aggies as a junior after spending the past two seasons at the University of Central Arkansas. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged nearly 10 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season, finishing third in scoring for the Bears. Over two seasons, he appeared in 52 games and started 10 during his sophomore campaign. Daughtery Jr. was a reliable player on both ends of the floor, finishing ASUN play this past year with top-20 rankings in usage rate, steal rate, and offensive rebound rate.


"Carl is an explosive guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. We love that he is an aggressive, physical, and disruptive defender. He is also a 'microwave' on the offensive end with his ability to score in a variety of ways," said Les.


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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Anne Whipple Named Interim Head Women's Soccer Coach


HAYWARD, Calif. Anne Whipple, who has served as Assistant Women's Soccer Coach at Cal State East Bay since 2022, has been named Interim Head Women's Soccer Coach for the upcoming 2024 season for the Pioneers. 


Whipple will take on her second role as a collegiate head women's soccer coach in NCAA Division II, as she served in the same role at Holy Names University for the 2021 season.


Before East Bay and Holy Names, Whipple served as Assistant Women's Soccer Coach at Saint Mary's College of California from March 2019 to February 2020. At SMC, Whipple was the program's recruiting coordinator, monitored academics, coordinated travel, oversaw budgeting, set pieces, organized equipment and oversaw video analysis. At SMC, Whipple was Director of Soccer Operations prior to being named as an assistant coach. She also served as Assistant Women's Soccer Coach at Central Washington University from July 2017 to February 2018.  


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St. Francis Yacht Club

The Club Buys an Island


With San Francisco summers often foggy, windy and cold, StFYC members started a search for a warmer option in the mid-1950s. In 1958, that destination was secured when a small group of members pooled personal funds and purchased a 21-acre, overgrown island in the Delta for $10,750. Our little slice of heaven on the San Joaquin River, Tinsley Island, was founded. A plaque commemorating those generous visionaries may be found in the lighthouse on Tinsley Island.


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Weekly Bay Area

Sports Calendar


Monday, August 5, through

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Monday, August 5

San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 3:45 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6

San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 3:45 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Idaho Falls Chukars, 6:05 p.m.

Wednesday, August 7

San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 3:45 p.m.

Oakland A's vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:37 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Idaho Falls Chukars, 6:05 p.m.

Thursday, August 8

San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Idaho Falls Chukars, 6:05 p.m.

Friday, August 9

San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 7:15 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Toronto Blue Jays, 4:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Idaho Falls Chukars, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday, August 10

San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:05 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Toronto Blue Jays, 12:07 p.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Idaho Falls Chukars, 6:05 p.m.

Oakland Roots, SC vs. Loudoun United, FC, 7 p.m.

Sunday August 11

San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:05 p.m.

Oakland A's @ Toronto Blue Jays, 10:37 a.m.

Oakland Ballers @ Idaho Falls Chukars, 1 p.m.

Sports Today's Book Shelf

FIELD OF PLAY

For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.

To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/

Now Available!

Insights and Outtakes,

Excerpts and Epiphanies from

the World of Sports

written by Pete Elman


Essays Recently Shared:

Do They Have Greatness in Their Future (#493)

Rocket -- Or Flawed Star? (#472)

Just Win, Baby (#473)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door (#474)

It Was More Than Just A Game (#475)

Looking Over The Ledge (#476)

The Slider That Saved Baseball (#478)

Is This The Last Dance? (#480)

The Heart of a Champion (#483)

The Warriors: An Appreciation (#485)

“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."

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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.

To Order
To Order

More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented.

The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author).

To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704

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

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

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