|
March 11 -- March 17, 2024
Issue No. 528
| |
|
Cal's 1959 NCAA Basketball Tournament championship team front row: Al Buch, Denny Fitzpatrick, Bernie Simpson, Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, coach Pete Newell, Jack Grout, Bob Dalton. Back row: Bill McClintock, Darrall Imhoff, Dick Dougherty, and Jim Langley.
(Barney Peterson / The Chronicle.)
| | |
|
|
Cal Champs Criticize the
Pac-12's Ending
by Dave Newhouse
| |
|
Sixty-five years ago, the University of California — in Berkeley, not Los Angeles — won the NCAA men’s basketball championship, defeating West Virginia and the great Jerry West, 71-70, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Though Cal, 25-4, finished 11th in the final 1959 Associated Press poll, Pete Newell’s perfectly executing team defeated Cincinnati and the great Oscar Robertson, 64-58, in the NCAA semi-finals en route to Cal's only national hoops title. Cal reached the championship game again the following year, but lost to hot-shooting Ohio State and the equally great Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek, 77-55, at the Cow Palace in Daly City.
The Pacific-12 Conference will dissolve at the end of this school year, and observing its shredding with disappointment and disgust are five members of that ’59 Cal basketball team, who can’t comprehend how Pacific Coast schools will soon play conference games on the Atlantic Coast.
“That screeching against the moneyed anarchy of the dying Mafia-called NCAA is hopeless,” said Ned Averbuck, a retired college educator. "Life, as we know it, goes on permanent hibernation. These arrangements, filthy and foul, will self-destruct.”
Averbuck, a sophomore forward in ’59, is the acknowledged wordsmith of those long-ago Golden Bears, but teammates Bill McClintock, Denny Fitzpatrick. Earl Shultz and Bob Dalton all joined in, equally upset, over the Pac-12’s impending breakup.
“For student-athletes, it’s absolutely stupid,” McClintock said of a most-demanding travel schedule, with Cal and Stanford joining the Atlantic Coast Conference. “You’re going to be traveling across the country how many times a season? How much class time are you going to miss? I know the decision is all about money, which kind of runs everything these days. But if that had happened to me, I would have transferred to one of the local schools, like USF.”
Which would have been sad, because McClintock, a physical presence back then as a sophomore, recently was inducted into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame.
| |
|
Fitzpatrick, a senior guard, was Cal’s leading scorer in ’59 with a 13.3 average, followed by the late Darrall Imhoff at 11.3, plus the latter's 11.0 rebounds as an All-America center.
“It’s a real shame,” Fitzpatrick said of the Pac-12’s approaching doom. “I’m really unhappy about it. I guess the athletes can make some money now, but the whole atmosphere of college athletics has changed a lot. It’s all silly."
Shultz, a backup sophomore guard in ’59 with an eye on medical school, called the new disoriented look of college conferences, “Stupid, crazy. Just because they didn’t make a lot of money due to bad TV contracts…but who cares? The ACC is a pretty, tough basketball conference, so it will be interesting to see how well Cal will compete. And how will (Cal) parents watch their sons with all those games on the East Coast? In my humble opinion, (the ACC) is not as good as it was before, and less interesting. I don’t care about Cal playing someone in the East. It just doesn’t have an appeal.”
Dalton, a starting senior forward on those national champs, termed the Pac-12’s disappearance, “Very distressing. College sports have taken a left turn. When we played, it wasn’t about the money; money wasn’t a factor. Now it’s all about the money. I don’t have a real positive outlook about it.”
The above interviews weren’t entirely negative. There was positiveness about first-year coach Mark Madsen. Cal won a historic-program-low three games last season, and Madsen had 13 wins entering this week’s final conference tournament in Las Vegas.
Dalton: “Mark reminds me of Pete Newell with his sternness, like ‘I’m doing the talking, you do the listening.’ Mark has that tough look, though I’ve heard from Bill that he’s a great guy."
Shultz: “I think Mark Madsen has done a phenomenal job. They’re playing good defense, but with too many ball-control errors.”
Fitzpatrick: “I think it’s remarkable. I watched them earlier (on TV) and they were just awful, so the turnaround has been amazing. I really applaud him. I’d like to see a different offense, but the team plays hard, good defense. He must be a great coach."
McClintock: “Cal’s basketball program has been in such a sad state of affairs. It’s going to take some time, but there’s no question that Madsen is the right man for the job. I hope he sticks around, because if I were the athletic director at Stanford…I hope the Cal athletic department will keep him. Someone once said: ‘Cal never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.’ I hope that doesn’t happen with Mark. He’s a great fit.”
Averbuck: “Coach Madsen, as long as he chooses to stay, is a magic man on many levels.”
So how will Cal look next school year athletically on two coasts, with continued improvement in men’s basketball, and with the same coach? No Old Blues will have greater interest in these outcomes than those champs from ’59.
| |
|
* * *
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.
| |
|
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
| |
|
Women's Basketball Fan
Just received Sports Today! – thank you. It’s amazing and remarkably long! But what, no coverage of Iowa Women’s Basketball?
Ha! As you probably know, I grew up in Western Iowa, where girls’ basketball was queen. It’s my favorite sport, and my high school won the state championship when I was in junior high school, so it’s been fun to watch the national excitement about Caitlin Clark. Of course, I only played it in PE.
Karen Bird
Berkeley, CA
America's National Pastime
Thanks for the new journal for the week. I was so sad about Brandon Crawford! He was one of my favorites, of course. He was from our area, a great man and a great player as well!
I was so sorry about the Warriors game against the Celtics. That was a disaster! However, we had some good news about Chapman joining the Giants. Chapman was such a great loss for the A’s! On the other hand, the Giants also had good news for us – with Jung Hoo Lee. It is so good to have baseball back!
Have a grand time and stay well – “Carpe Diem.”
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
| |
Chicago White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik can attest. | |
|
Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 58, Stanford Cardinal 80
Stanford Cardinal (WGYM) 196.725, UCLA Bruins 197.175
Oakland Roots SC 2, Indy Eleven 1
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Features & Commentary
24th Annual Induction Ceremony & Inaugural Curt Flood Award
Cal Champs Criticize the Pac-12's Ending, by Dave Newhouse
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Dynasties and Smartasses, by Howard Pearlstein
Gene “The Dream,” a Doug Harris film
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Stanford Women's Gymnastics Team, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
The Sports Today Pollster, by Robert Moselle
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
| |
|
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
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
| |
|
Add Your Name To The List Below!
Your Support Is Appreciated --
and Necessary!
Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry, media professionals, avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans and
colleges and universities
Our 10th Anniversary!
FREE of charge since 2014, each issue provides
extensive professional and collegiate team coverage, unmatched photo essays, schedules, scores,
humor and much more. 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.
Your support is vital to our ability to deliver the most comprehensive, fan-friendly sports news available Anywhere! Thank you!
| |
|
Or send to: Christopher Weills, Publisher,
Sports Today, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704
or theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Sports Today!
thanks the following generous donors!
| |
|
A.Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
Andy Dolich
Robert Flammia
Bill & Nona Hool
| |
|
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
Mitchell Kim
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
Dave Newhouse
| |
|
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Ross & Vicki Robinson
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Narda Zacchino
| |
|
Cal Bears 58
Stanford Cardinal 80
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Thursday, March 7, 2024
| |
Stanford Cardinal center Maxime Reynaud scored 20 points with eight rebounds as the Cardinal defeated the Cal Bears in the final Pac-12 regular season game for both teams, 80-58, at Maples Pavilion on Thursday, March 7th. Cal and Stanford will move to the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2024-25 season. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Advertise in Sports Today! | |
|
* Reach thousands of readers on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
* Sponsorship opportunities
Special Rates Available for
a Limited Time!
Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Sales Director
Ayiko Konopaski, Associate
ayiko.konopaski@gmail.com
| |
San Francisco Giants Fan Fest | |
|
San Francisco Giants fans enjoy field access while the main scoreboard broadcasts the Spring Training game against the Oakland Athletics at Scottsdale Stadium during the annual Fan Fest event held at Oracle Park on Saturday, March 9th. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
| |
|
Vegas 2028
Today we have unveiled the design for our new ballpark project in Las Vegas on the Tropicana site.
Bjarke Ingels Group will serve as the design lead and HNTB as the sports/hospitality designer and architect of record.
The 33,000-person capacity ballpark provides an outdoor feel with views of the city's skyline. The tiered design will split upper and lower seating bowls to bring fans closer to the action than traditional ballparks and provide clear sight lines from every seat.
| |
|
The outfield features a cable-net glass window, facing the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevards. The ballpark is currently designed to feature an 18,000-square-foot jumbotron, which would make it the largest screen in MLB.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.oaklandas.com
| |
|
Authors Dave Newhouse and
Andy Dolich sold out at Oakland's Fans' Fest
| |
Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
|
Gene Ransom was a 5'9" guard out of Berkeley High School (1973-1975) who became a three-time All TOC All Star, 1974 Northern California Co-Player of the Year, 1975 high school All American, and three-time All Pac-8 guard for the Cal Bears (1976-1978).
Gene was killed in a freeway shooting on I-880 in February 2022,
and this documentary is my personal tribute to honor his great legacy here in the East Bay.
Gene "The Dream" A Bay Area Hoop Story
is on my YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTmyCgHKCH8
“The greatest point guard in the history of the Pac-8 and Pac-10.
-- Cornel West, Philosopher, Professor, Writer
“…a tremendous force of nature.”
-- Larry Baer, San Francisco Giants President
Doug Harris, Filmmaker
www.dougharrismedia.com
| |
|
UCLA Bruins -- 197.175
Stanford Cardinal -- 196.725
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Friday, March 1, 2024
| |
|
Are you Web-Savvy using SquareSpace?
Sports Today!/Ultimate Sports Guide would
love your help. If interested, shoot us an email.
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| |
Sports Today Pollster Results! | |
|
As the inescapable television ads say, if you don't vote, the other side wins. Such is the case in Sports Today's newest Pollster question:
"Do the Giants have a Paul Bunyan on the team?"
The lack of any player to earn enough votes to claim the moniker of "Paul Bunyan" means the Giants do not have a Paul Bunyan on the team!
Will anyone even have 20 or more home runs (not exactly "Bunyanesque")? Possibly Wilmer Flores, but most potential Bunyan Lumberjacks are either new and untested or simply so injured they'll be lucky to
get in the lineup.
Thanks to those who voted, as well as those non-voters whose disinterest or prescience helped produce the result for The Pollster.
| |
|
Dynasties and Smartasses
by Howard Pearlstein
After the debacle against the Celtics, there were a variety of smartass articles (smartass meaning “I know what’s what and you don’t”). Same ones we’ve seen all season: “Trade Wiggins and Kuminga,” “Time for Klay to go,” “Can we get LeBron NOW?” “Steve Kerr’s contract shouldn’t be renewed.” And a new one: “Are the Celtics taking away the Warriors’ Dynasty?” But there’s no dynasty.
In other words, Keyboard Sociopaths who think players are nothing more than names on their list of Fantasy Whatever.
Here’s a clue – when being smartass (full disclosure: me, too), try knowing what you’re talking about. Like knowing what that word “dynasty” means. If you don’t, you lose your Smartass status, get demoted to Dumbass. Or maybe Horse’s Ass. You talk trash, you gotta back it up. Smartass is trash talk plus intelligence, like
facts.
The Warriors don’t have the multiple good runs we mislabel as dynasty. Real dynasties mean multi-generational ruling power. The Chinese had a couple. Ming Dynasty: 276 years (1368 to 1644). Qing Dynasty: 268 years (1644 – 1912).
But ok – basketball dynasties have shorter generations. And the Celtics had some good runs.
The Dubs: 76 Seasons, 35 playoffs, 10 Finals -- 6 wins, one in the 50’s, one in the 70’s, and 4 since 2014.
The Celtics, 76 seasons, 59 playoffs, 21 Finals -17 wins, 11 between 1957 and 1969, 5 more between 1974 and 1986. Since then, one in 2008. But their rosters! Hall of Fame names we all know 50+ years later: Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, both played 13 years. Tommy Heinson, Bill Sharman, Frank Ramsey, Jim Loscutoff, Sam Jones, K.C. Jones, Gene Conley.
I call people who try to predict the future Nostradumbasses. but for now, even they should be able to see that Steve Kerr’s plan is getting/has gotten together, approaching the equivalent of two highly talented starting lineups with anyone able to rotate in and out and play with anyone else according to need and situation, all
smooth as silk. And the meta-version: all the players being aware of where the others are at any time.
So here I join the Nostradamned and think what the future might be … maybe. But remember, a dynasty is multi-generational.
Here they are with their ages: the All-Star core: Steph(35), Klay(34),
Draymond(34), Looney(28), Gary Payton II(31), Chris Paul III(38). And the future All-Stars working with them: Podziemski(21), Jackson-Davis(24), Quinones(23), Wiggins(29), Kuminga(21), Moody(21), Dario Saric(29), a multi-generational mix all working more or less seamlessly, most of them looking to be among the next flock of All-Stars.
It’s looking good and working better all the time, e.g., someone goes for a three shot, someone else is there to dunk the miss or rebound. Same with lobs. And on defense, whether moving the shooter off his favorite angle or blocking shots or grabbing rebounds, there’s Jackson-Davis and Podziemski and GPII or Draymond in the mix with Wiggins and Kuminga – even a new player-made rule: “If the guy
who blocked the shot gets to the basket, he gets the lob.”
Everyone working with everyone else, whenever.
They’ve become/are becoming a truly tight-knit team – a potential dynasty. Everyone can be anyone everywhere. Which means they CAN win them all. That doesn’t mean they WILL, but barring injury and a cranky San Andreas fault, no game is beyond possible. Without needing LeBron.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
| |
24th Annual Induction Ceremony & Inaugural Curt Flood Platinum Award | |
Arif Khatib, president of the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, accepts awards from martial arts great grandmaster Dr. Tae Yun Kim (center). The presentation took place at the Annual Induction and Inaugural Curt Flood Platinum Award ceremony at a star-studded event at the Oakland Marriott City Center hotel in Oakland on February 24. The event was emceed by Juliette Goodrich of CBS/KPIX News and Vern Glenn, also of Channel 5. Sports stars paying tribute to Curt Flood, a three-time MLB All-Star, were former Oakland A's stars Dave Stewart and inductee “Bip” Roberts, former Golden State Warriors star Rick Barry, and NFL's Ryan McBean. Clifford Ray, basketball All-Star Alexis Gray Lawson, and track and field star Mohinder Singh Gill were also inducted. Bay Area sports columnist Monte Poole received an Outstanding Media Award. Special guest and martial arts great grandmaster Dr. Tae Yun Kim said, "Arif works so hard helping others I am going to help him with the next ceremony." For more information about this annual ceremony, visit www.multiethnicsportshof.com. | |
Rick Barry (left) with son Scooter, delivering his Curt Flood Award acceptance speech. | |
Dave Stewart delivering his Curt Flood Award acceptance speech. | |
(L-R) Co-emcee Vernon Glenn of CBS, Dr. Tae Yun Kim, and co-emcee Juliette Goodrich of CBS. | |
(L-R) John Stote, Dr. Tae Yun Kim, Mohinder Singh Gill, inductee. | |
Front row: Mrs. Dick D’Oliva, Dick O'Oliva. Back row: former Golden State Warriors stars Rick Barry (left) and Clifford Ray. | |
|
Stanford Gymnastics Team -- from the Autograph Collection
of Rich Yee
| |
|
This is my most recent autograph I have received. After the Stanford vs. Arizona Women’s Gymnastics meet on February 9th the Stanford team gathered and signed autographs for all the fans. I waited until the very end and went thru the line last. All the girls were very nice and as a bonus, I received coach Tabitha Yim’s signature as well.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| |
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.
| |
Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 70: NCAA Halts Investigations Related To Boosters/Collectives
| |
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought.
In January 2024, the world learned that the University of Tennessee was under investigation surrounding NIL-related activity that focused on whether improper inducements were offered or provided to athletes from boosters and/or NIL collectives.
This followed reports that the University of Florida was concurrently under investigation for similar activities as well as Florida State agreeing to a negotiated resolution (non-precedential) related to an assistant coach who was claimed to have facilitated a meeting between a booster and a player who considered transferring to FSU.
It appeared that, after years of the NCAA shouting that it planned to enforce its NIL rules without any action taken, the NCAA was finally putting its money where its mouth was.
And then came the order on a motion for preliminary injunction, where Judge Clifton L. Corker, presiding in the Eastern District Court of Tennessee, determined that the NCAA cannot take any punitive action against athletes or schools based on boosters/collectives negotiating NIL deals with athletes who are not yet enrolled at a college or are in the transfer portal (see Vol. 69).
The NCAA just can't win, whether it be concerning unsuccessfully lobbying Congress for an antitrust exemption or now being able to enforce its own rules, after failing to even attempt to do so for years.
The NCAA immediately came out in the wake of the order on injunction, acknowledging that it would refrain from initiating any new investigations and pause existing investigations related to what it views as improper inducements offered by boosters and collectives to high school athletes as well as athletes considering transferring from one institution to another.
"In response to this latest order, the Division I Board of Directors directed NCAA enforcement staff to pause and not begin investigations involving third-party participation in NIL-related activities," wrote NCAA President Charlie Baker. "There will be no penalty for conduct that occurs consistent with the injunction while the injunction is in place."
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
| |
Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
|
Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This coming 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
| | |
|
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.
| |
|
San Jose Earthquakes 0
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, March 9, 2024
| |
San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel (#42) clears the ball in the first half. The Vancouver Whitecaps FC blanked the San Jose Earthquakes 2–0 in a MLS Matchday 4 game at PayPal Park on Saturday, March 9 in San Jose, California. © 2024 Alex Ho | |
San Jose Earthquakes defender Rodrigues (#26) rises to take the ball. © 2024 Alex Ho | |
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jack Skahan (#16) dribbles around Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Javain Brown (#23) in the first half. © 2024 Alex Ho | |
|
Oakland Roots 2
Indy Eleven 1
Cal State University, East Bay, Hayward
March 9, 2024
| |
|
OaOakland Roots Victorious in Home Opener, beat Indy Eleven, 2-1
Oakland got off to a blazing hot start in their season opener at Pioneer Stadium, scoring their first goal of the season less than three minutes after the opening whistle courtesy of Jeciel Cedeño en route to a 2-1 victory over visiting Indy Eleven.
Cedeño got the sold out crowd roaring just moments into the game when he found a fortuitous bounce off of an Indy player right in front of the net. Cedeño made the most of the early opportunity, slotting an easy ball past the Indy keeper just inside the right post.
Indy nearly had the equalizer in the 21st minute after a perfectly placed free kick from just outside the box. But while the shot was good, the save was great, as Paul “The Wall” Blanchette continued to earn his nickname with a diving save to keep the sheet clean for the time being.
The run of play started to turn in Indy’s favor for much of the remaining first half, and the visitors capitalized on this pressure with an equalizer in the 43rd minute when a cross from the right side found Jack Blake in perfect position in front of Blanchette. Blake made no mistake with the strike and leveled the match at 1-1 in the waning moments of the first frame.
continued...
Click HERE
www.oaklandroostsc.com
| |
|
Ballers Go AAA & Are Taking BART to Get There!—Announcing Sponsorship with AAA Northern California and BART
Team Unveils 2024 Season Jersey Sponsors
& Jersey Design
(Oakland, CA) — Today the Oakland Ballers announced AAA Northern California, which has proudly called Northern California home for more than 100 years, will be Oakland Ballers jersey sponsors for the 2024 season.
“Yesterday’s announcement said we were going AAA, and some thought that meant we were announcing our promotion to AAA. What we meant to say is that we’re proud to announce our promotion of AAA Northern California, via our newly unveiled jerseys, which they will be sponsoring for our inaugural season. Not sure we managed to fool anyone, as Oakland fans are not only resilient, they’re pretty clever as well! Appreciate you all taking our dad joke in good faith All joking aside, we are excited to announce this new sponsorship with AAA Northern California and BART and excited to see folks rock our new jerseys this spring,” said Paul Freedman, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers.
AAA Northern California has a proud history of serving Members for more than 100 years. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto, and life insurance, travel, and home security services.
“We’re delighted to sign up such an iconic brand as our first sponsor. AAA is one of the most trusted brands in North America. AAA Northern California’s decision to partner with us is a testament to the power of our efforts to build a sports team for the people of Oakland. We’re proud to rep Oakland and that’s why the back of our home and away jerseys clearly say “Oakland.” The Ballers are always carrying Oakland on our back,” said Bryan Carmel, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.oaklandballers.com
| |
|
(Photo provided by Ken Manfred)
Ferrari Racing Days at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: Exclusive Showcase of All Five Unique Programs in North America
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb 23, 2024 — Ferrari aficionados and racing enthusiasts alike are gearing up for an exhilarating weekend as Ferrari Racing Days makes a triumphant return to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from May 17–19. The third of back-to-back-to-back race weekends in May this iconic event promises an unparalleled experience, featuring a lineup unlike any other. This will be the only event in North America and one of only four events worldwide to feature all five of these unique Ferrari programs.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness the famous precision of Formula 1 Clienti Cars as they roar down the legendary Laguna Seca track. These high-performance machines, once piloted by some of the greatest drivers in the world, will showcase the pinnacle of Formula 1 engineering and tell the story of the only manufacturer to have competed in every F1 Season in history.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
| |
|
Paving is Complete at Sonoma Raceway!
Charity event lets participants break in the new asphalt on the newly-repaved road course.
After 61 days of work, crews from Bay Cities Paving & Grading and ABSL Construction finally removed their hard hats to celebrate the completion of the Sonoma Raceway road course repave project. In honor of the first complete repave in 23 years, the track is offering to be one of the first to drive the newly repaved road course, and support local kids and families in need at the same time.
The transformation started to take shape after the Christmas holiday with crews milling the old surface of the track as the calendar flipped to a new year. Over the course of two months, the track was ground down, cracks were repaired and brand-new, long-lasting asphalt was put down to enhance the racing surface at Sonoma Raceway. With paving complete, the 2.52-mile road course is once again ready to host some of the fastest cars and most talented racers in the world.
To start, the Drive For Charity – First Laps event March 11 from 9am – 4pm will give participants the opportunity to take three laps around the track in their own car and experience the smoothest surface the track has seen in decades. All proceeds benefit Speedway Children's Charities Sonoma, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, which supports local children and families in critical need.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.sonomaraceway.com
| |
Lomavita, Bears Sweep Bruins In Walk Off
Junior Hits 3-Run Walk-Off Home Run For 6-5 Win
BERKELEY – For the second straight day junior catcher Caleb Lomavita delivered in the clutch for the California baseball team. In the bottom of the ninth, he smashed an 0-2 offering for a three-run walk-off home run to complete the three-game sweep over visiting UCLA, giving the Golden Bears a 6-5 win on Sunday at Stu Gordon Stadium.
Cal (11-3, 3-0 Pac-12) has won nine straight at home, matching the best start since 2018. The Bears have now swept the Bruins in back-to-back seasons. The late-inning heroics started in the bottom of the sixth when Cal scored its first run of the afternoon. The Bears scored six runs on 11 hits – scoring a run in each inning to chip away at the UCLA lead until Lomavita sent the fans home happy.
UCLA (5-9, 0-3) looked poised to take the finale. Not only did the Bruins collect three home runs, two from first baseman Mulivai Levu. Defensively, the Bruins had the Bears' number with left fielder JonJon Vaughns robbing Matthew Thomas of a would-be three-run home run in the sixth that would have given Cal a 4-3 lead.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Rob Edwards / KLCFotos
www.calbears.com
| |
|
Cardinal Falls in Final
No. 5 USC beats No. 2 Stanford for Pac-12 Tournament title, 74-61
LAS VEGAS (AP) – McKenzie Forbes scored 26 points and No. 5 Southern California beat No. 2 Stanford 74-61 on Sunday to win the Pac-12 Tournament championship and earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Trojans (26-5) played in the championship game for the first time since 2014, when they also defeated Stanford. That was their only other tournament title.
Forbes, who came in averaging 13.1 points per game, found success whether she was attacking the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers or firing 3-pointers. The senior finished 11 of 21 from the floor, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range, and was named the tournament's most outstanding player.
Rayah Marshall had 18 rebounds and 10 points for the Trojans, while Kayla Padilla scored 13 points.
continued...
Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: powers imagery llc
www.gostanford.com
| |
|
Jenna Jagielski Travels to NCAA Zone E Diving Championships
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State diver Jenna Jagielski will compete in all three events at the NCAA Zone E Diving Championships in Flagstaff, Ariz. from March 11th - 13th.
Jagielski set a school record and finished third in the 1-meter springboard with a score of 323.40 on the first day of the Mountain West Championships. She broke the old record of 315.45 set by Cari Reiswig in 2017 by nearly 8 points.
She is the first SJSU diver to finish in the top 3 of the 1-meter springboard since joining the conference in 2013-14.
She broke the school record in the 3-meter dive with a score of 349.60 to place third on the second day of the Mountain West Championships. She was named Mountain West Diver of the Week after her performance against Fresno State.
This is Jagielski's second time competing at the Zone E Diving Championships.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
| |
Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
BVB | Gaels Finish in Fourth out of Six at the Heineken Queen's Cup
HONOLULU – After a 3-1 start at the Queen's Cup, the Gaels (7-5) dropped both their semifinal and bronze medal match to Boise State (11-6) and Pepperdine (6-6) respectively, 3-2 and 3-2. Saint Mary's fought hard in each of these contests, but were narrowly edged out by both the Broncos and Waves. The Gaels finished in front of Nebraska and Chaminade in the tournament.
The semifinal matchup featured a rematch from the tournament opener between the Gaels and Boise State Broncos. Head Coach Janice Harrer made a wrinkle in her lineup for the first time this season, pairing Paola Peralta with Cameron Martinez for the latter's season debut. The Broncos rattled off three quick victories in the 1, 4 and 5 flights, securing the victory early on, but Hawley Harrer/ Hannah Couch and Allie Cataldo/Angie Bour were already locked in a pair of tight matches that they indeed were able to finish off. Both of the Gaels duos mentioned above won their first set before each dropping a tight second set. Both pairs were able to regroup and respond, winning their third sets, with Cataldo/Bour taking theirs 15-12 and Harrer/Couch taking theirs 15-11.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / Neal Iwamoto/Hawaii Athletics
#GaelsRise www.smcgaels.com
| |
San Francisco, Gonzaga Ready For
Third Meeting
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Advancing to the WCC Championship semifinals for a third straight year, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (23-9, 11-5 WCC) will look to clinch a spot in the Credit Union 1 WCC Championship final for the first time in 26 years as the Dons will face Gonzaga (24-6, 14-2 WCC) in an 8:30 p.m. contest on Monday night at Orleans Arena.
DONS AT A GLANCE:
Bouncing back from a short skid to wrap up the regular season, San Francisco comfortably took down six-seed Portland, 72-51, in the quarterfinal round of the Credit Union 1 WCC Championship.
Dominating all 40 minutes, USF never trailed in the contest as the Dons led by as many as 30 points in the win. Notably, four Dons scored in double figures, including All-WCC First Team selection Marcus Williams, who paced the USF offense with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond-the-arc. As a team, the green and gold shot 28-of-53 from the field (52.8 percent) and 11-of-24 from distance (45.8).
Saturday night's victory gave the Dons a victory in the WCC Tournament for a fifth consecutive season, which marks the green and gold's longest streak since the adoption of the WCC/WCAC Tournament in 1987.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Kyle Terada
www.usfdons.com
| |
Women's Tennis Downs Utah State
at Home
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Santa Clara women's tennis team completed a successful weekend at home with a 4-3 victory over Utah State on Sunday afternoon at the Degheri Tennis Center, a day after defeating Jessup University.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Santa Clara (4-6) won two of three doubles matches to secure the point and won three of the first four singles matches to clinch the match over Utah State, 4-3.
In doubles action, the Broncos came back to pick up the point after dropping the first match. Kacey Feng and Gabriela Tevez evened things out at one match apiece with their 6-4 victory over Niyati Kukreti and Indya Nespor on court three. Then on court one, JennaMarie Gordon and Velizara Fileva beat Laura Fernanda Eugenio De Hilario and Savannah Johnson 7-5 to clinch the doubles point.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
| |
University of Pacific Tigers | |
TIGERS DROP SERIES FINALE TO TRITONS
LA JOLLA, Calif. – On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Pacific baseball team found its offensive groove late, but ultimately fell to UC San Diego, 9-4, at Triton Ballpark.
The Tigers (2-13) were swept for the first time in a series this season while the Tritons (12-3) earned their third series sweep at home on the year.
A six-run spot in the third inning by the Tritons proved to play a pivotal role in the contest as the Tigers could not solve the starting pitcher from the onset and could not climb out of the early deficit.
Freshman Gabe Camacho put together a nice performance at the plate, launching his second home run of the season, which puts him in a tie for the team lead. Camacho also drew a walk in his final at-bat of his 1-for-4 day. Sophomore Jack Metcho extended his on-base streak to a season-long 15 games, going 1-for-4 with a single and a walk.
Junior starter Jakob Guardado made his fourth start of the season, going 2.1 innings and allowing seven runs on seven hits while collecting two strikeouts.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
| |
 |
Aggies Fall to Revolutionaries
DAVIS, Calif. -- UC Davis took an early lead in the second game of the three-game set with George Washington, but the visitors rallied from behind to even the series at a game apiece following their 6-2 victory on Sunday afternoon at La Rue Field.
Ashley Sawai got the nod to make her fifth start of the year. The freshman was tagged with her second loss of the season after allowing three earned runs in her 4.1 innings of work.
At the plate, the Aggies were paced by sophomore Gia Felice, who went 1-for-2 on the day with an RBI. Senior Leah Polson put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-4 with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Sawai ran into some trouble in the top of the first inning, allowing the visitors to load the bases with no outs. However, the freshman showed some great resilience to maneuver her way out of the jam unscathed. Sawai induced two pop-ups before Maddie Taylor came up with a fantastic diving play to keep George Washington off the board and complete the escape for Davis' team.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Leroy Yau
| |
Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
 |
Pioneer Baseball Swept in Saturday Doubleheader
POMONA, Calif. – Cal State East Bay played the second day of their CCAA series against Cal Poly Pomona. The Broncos won game one 12-6 and game two in seven innings, 6-0.
GAME SUMMARIES
Game One – Cal Poly Pomona 12, Cal State East Bay 6
The Broncos took a 2-0 lead in bottom of the second inning and added two runs in the bottom of the third inning for a 4-0 lead, then added one more in the fifth inning, jumping out to a 5-0 lead.
The Pioneers' offense would explode in the top of the sixth inning with four runs. Luke Brown and Jacob Froess led off the inning with back-to-back walks, then Luke Novitske singled to load the bases. Danelle Daniels drove in Brown for the first Pioneer run of the day, then Matthew O'Mahony hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Froess. Later in the inning, Brenden Bell and Niko Mollat hit RBI singles, as the Pioneers trailed 5-4 in the middle of the sixth inning.
Daniels hit a two-run home run down the left field line in the top of the seventh, giving CSUEB its first lead of the day, 6-5.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Justine Willard / KLC Fotos
| |
|
RACE COMMITTEE
The St. Francis Yacht Club Race Committee is renowned for running some of the best sailboat, kiting and windsurfing races in the world. Comprised of over 200 member and non-member volunteers, our Race Committee's dedication to the sport shows in the 140+ days they spend on the water each year.
Sign up to Volunteer
All of the Race Committee races, trainings and events utilize the online volunteer registration program called CERVIS. Everyone is welcome to create an account and start volunteering or attending trainings at any time! Click LOG IN below to access your account. Please do not hesitate to call the Race Office with questions at 415-655-7756.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
| | |
|
|
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/
| |
|
Are you Web-Savvy using SquareSpace?
Sports Today/Ultimate Sports Guide would
love your help. If interested, shoot us an email.
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| |
|
Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
| |
|
“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
| |
|
"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/
| |
Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
|
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Vancouver Whitecaps 2, March 9, 2024. Captions and photos by Alex Ho.
San Francisco Giants Fan Fest, March 9, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (MBkB) 80, Cal Bears 58, March 7, 2024
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (SB) 8, Boise State Broncos 2, March 3, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (SB) 6, Boise State Broncos 4, March 3, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 68, Gonzaga Bulldogs 86, Thursday, February 29, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 68, Arizona Wildcats 87, February 25, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 69, Oregon Ducks 64, February 24, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, Oregon State Beavers 73, February 22, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBkB) 70, USF Dons 66. February 20, 2024. Caption and photos by Darren Yamashita
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBB) 11, Oakland Golden Grizzlies 8,
February 18, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Spiders Tryouts, February 18, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
| |
|
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, March 11, through
Sunday, March 17, 2024
| |
|
Monday, March 11
Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12
San Jose Sharks @ Philadelphia Flyers, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 14
San Jose Sharks @ Pittsburgh Penguins, 4 p.m.
Friday, March 15
Saturday, March 16
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Columbus Blue Jackets, 4 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Sporting Kansas City, 5:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Charleston Battery, 7 p.m.
Sunday March 17
| |
|
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/
| |
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 | | | |
|
5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
