August 17 -- August 23, 2026

Issue No. 655

Junior Bryant -- from the

Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

During one of the San Francisco 49ers fan fests I had the opportunity to meet defensive lineman Junior Bryant. I waited in line at his table and when I finally got to him, I shook his hand and he signed this promo photo for me. Junior is a

Super Bowl champion who played with the 49ers

from 1993 - 2002.

Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer

Credit: Carl Macki

Natalie Coughlin

August 23, 1982 --

Note: Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net

Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Contents

Games

Athletics 5, Texas Rangers 2

Golden State Valkyries 91, Chicago Sky 71

San Jose Earthquakes 1, St. Louis CITY SC 3

Features & Commentary

Caitlin Clark -- The Savior of the WNBA, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Junior Bryant, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain

Sports Haiku, by Carl Macki

Sports Trivia, by Andy Dolich

Athletics 5

Texas Rangers 2

Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Athletics left fielder Zack Gelof broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run home run in the seventh inning as the Athletics took the weekend series against the Texas Rangers with a 5-2 victory on Sunday, August 16th at Sutter Health Park.

Right fielder Lawrence Butler celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting his 11th home run of the season. Butler has four home runs in his last five games.

Third baseman Tommy White receives the silent treatment from teammates after hitting his first MLB home run.

Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) catches a fly ball during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park.

Athletics broadcaster Dallas Braden (left) talks with first base coach Ryan Christenson before the game against the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

All photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.

Golden State Valkyries 91

Chicago Sky 71

Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries and Chicago Sky tip off on August 12th at Chase Center in San Francisco. After overcoming a slow start, the Valkyries would pull ahead for a 91-71 victory, winning for the 14th time in 16 starts.

Valkyries' Gabby Williams guards Sky's Natasha Cloud.

Tiffany Hayes was the team's high scorer with

22 points for the night.

The Valkyries' mascot Violet celebrates a Disco Birthday

with the another Bay Area team mascot.

Valkyries' Veronica Burton drives past the Sky's Courtney Vandersloot in the first quarter. She would contribute

13 points.

Valkyries' Kaitlyn Chen is all smiles after sinking her second

3-pointer for the night.

Bay Area team mascots gather for Violet's Disco Birthday party. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

All photos and captions by Rich Yee.

I Knew That!

by Andy Dolich

During a recent quiet coffee on the Mean Streets of Siliconia my easily distracted brain suggested that I create some Useless or Useful sports information for the Dog Days of Summer.

If you are a Sports Trivialist who likes to win bar bets with hard to answer questions, go right ahead and use any of these.

You can keep 100% of your winnings!

Teams with the same last names in North American

Pro Sports:

Cardinals -- St. Louis, Arizona

Giants -- San Francisco, New York

Jets -- New York, Winnipeg

Kings -- Sacramento, Los Angeles

Panthers -- Carolina, Florida

Rangers --Texas, New York

Teams Who Have Changed Names for Political Correctness:

Washington Commanders from Washington Redskins

Cleveland Guardians from Cleveland Indians

Washington Wizards from Washington Bullets

Houston Astros from Houston Colt .45s

Tampa Bay Rays from Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Pro Teams Names After Animals

Bears, Blue Jays, Bruins, Bulls, Cardinals, Cats, Diamondbacks, Dolphins, Ducks, Eagles, Elks, Grizzlies, Hornets, Jaguars, Lions 2,

Marlins, Lynx, Panthers, Penguins, Raptors, Red Bulls, Sharks, Tigers, Timberwolves

Highest Pop Fly in MLB History

565 feet by Ted Williams in 1941 (est.)

Longest Home Run (since Statcast)

Nomar Mazara (505 feet): Hit on June 21, 2019, for the Texas Rangers against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park.

Shortest Home Run (Really?)

It was a 2-foot home run hit by Andy Oyler of the minor league Minneapolis Millers in 1905. Oyler hit the pitch straight into thick mud in front of home plate but nobody saw what happened. They were looking up trying to find it and he ran around the bases.

Has a player ever been impaled by a broken bat?

Yes. On September 19, 2010, Chicago Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin was accidentally impaled in the upper chest by the sharp, jagged barrel end of a broken maple bat. The freak incident happened when Colvin was jogging back to the dugout after scoring a run and a teammate shattered his bat on a play right next to third base. The shard punctured his chest and

missed his heart and major arteries by inches, requiring a temporary chest tube. He fortunately made a full recovery.

Note: Another famous near-fatal incident occurred on September 6, 1976, when Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager was throat-pierced by John Milner's jagged broken bat, though Colvin's 2010 event is the most direct, modern case of literal chest.

Pitcher who gave up the most consecutive bases loaded walks in one inning?

Four by the Reds, Connor Phillips vs. the Pirates on 5/2/26

Most consecutive base hits in an inning?

Eleven by the Colorado Rockies vs. the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning on 7/30/10

Largest Crowd at an MLB Game?

115,300 fans watched a preseason exhibition game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox at

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on March 29, 2008

Stomper on Mother's Day

Mesmerizing Mascots

American League

Baltimore Orioles -- The Oriole Bird
Boston Red Sox -- Wally the Green Monster and Tessie
Chicago White Sox -- Southpaw
Cleveland Guardians -- Slider
Detroit Tigers -- Paws
Houston Astros -- Orbit
Kansas City Royals -- Slugger
Los Angeles Angels -- None official (historically the Rally Monkey)
Minnesota Twins -- T.C. Bear
New York Yankees -- Not in New York City
Oakland Athletics --Stomper the Elephant
Seattle Mariners -- Mariner Moose
Tampa Bay Rays -- Raymond and D.J. Kitty
Texas Rangers -- Rangers Captain
Toronto Blue Jays -- Ace

Lou Seal versus the New York Yankees, June 4, 2024.

Photo by Darren Yamashita

Mesmerizing Mascots

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks -- D. Baxter the Bobcat
Atlanta Braves -- Blooper
Chicago Cubs -- Clark the Cub
Cincinnati Reds -- Mr. Redlegs, Gapper, Rosie Red, and Mr. Red
Colorado Rockies -- Dinger
Los Angeles Dodgers -- Nada
Miami Marlins -- Billy the Marlin
Milwaukee Brewers -- Bernie Brewer
New York Mets -- Mr. Met and Mrs. Met
Philadelphia Phillies -- Phillie Phanatic
Pittsburgh Pirates -- Pirate Parrot
San Diego Padres -- The Swinging Friar. Let’s not forget the San

Diego Chicken

San Francisco Giants -- Lou Seal
St. Louis Cardinals -- Fredbird
Washington Nationals -- Screech

Enjoy asking your brilliant baller buddies some of these

Trivial pieces of Trivia...

# # #

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 of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.

San Jose Earthquakes 1

St. Louis CITY SC 3

PayPal Park, San Jose, CA

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Centre forward Preston Judd, #19, of the San Jose Earthquakes heads the ball in a struggle with right centre back Lukas MacNaughton, #5, of St. Louis CITY SC. St. Louis CITY SC defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 3–1, in a MLS Matchday

20 game at PayPal Park on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026

in San Jose, California.

Left centre back Dante Polvara, #21, of St. Louis CITY SC clears the ball in front of central attacking midfielder Niko Tsakiris, #10, of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Goalkeeper Roman Bürki, #1, of the St. Louis CITY SC,

leaps for a save in the first half.

Left midfielder Tomas Totland, #14, of St. Louis CITY SC trips up Jack Skahan, #16, of the San Jose Earthquakes

in the second half.

Fans cheer as the Quakes score in the forty-seventh minute.

To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

All photo and captions by Alex Ho.

WNBA Musings

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark versus the Golden State Valkyries on June 19, 2025. Photo by Darren Yamashita

Caitlin Clark -- The Savior of

the WNBA

by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Historically, the WNBA was an obscure basketball league; it received little media coverage, few people attended its games, and even the Poker championship on ESPN had higher TV ratings; in other words, nobody followed the WNBA. Compared to the NBA, the WNBA was like an “afterthought.” By the way, Australia and China also have similar leagues of lesser caliber; nonetheless, they are professional women’s leagues.

If you are of age, you can remember Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), who brought boxing back from the dark days of obscurity, making professional boxing a huge mainstream sport with multi-million-dollar fights/contracts and television like never before. I am not comparing Caitlin Clark to Muhammad Ali, who became a world figure, an iconic cultural figure who, during his boxing years, was much more recognized worldwide than U.S. presidents. Ali definitely changed boxing; he was the main promoter. The “Thrilla in Manila,” the Ali vs Frazier fight in 1975, had a global audience estimated at up to 1 billion.

Before Caitlin Clark played in the WNBA, the average player salary was around $60,000; today, it’s around $600,000. A’Ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces earns $1,400,000, and she is not alone; other players have similar contracts in a league that was once barely mentioned, if at all, in sports newsrooms across the country. I know because I was there.

Some WNBA teams are owned by high-profile owners, like the Golden State Valkyries, owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber (co-owners of the NBA Golden State Warriors), and the Las Vegas Aces, owned by Mark Davis, owner of the NFL Las Vegas Raiders, and partial owner Tom Brady. The Aces won the championship last season.

Players’ unions do not build statues for their players; that is left to team management to do for their biggest stars, who are their employees, but a case could be made that a statue would someday be built for Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever because she made this league what it is today.

I know the “Savior” label isn’t popular with existing players, because some veterans feel they aren’t recognized for the work and talent they also brought to the league, and let’s face it, jealousy exists. But considering where the WNBA was when they were founded in 1996 and where it is today, in my opinion, Caitlin Clark saved this league because it is true, like it or not.

Quote: “Go after things people say you can’t do because more times than not, you can.” -- Caitlin Clark

* * *

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.

Published August 5, 2026 by Sports Radio Service

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Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust,

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San Francisco Giants

Giants host 2028 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard

The All-Star Game Returns to Oracle Park.

Become a 2027 Ticket Member for All-Star Week Ticket Opportunities.

The 2028 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard is returning to Oracle Park for the first time since 2007. All-Star Week will bring the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, All-Star Futures Game, All-Star Village and Midsummer Classic itself to the most beautiful ballpark in baseball. A Giants Ticket Membership is the best way to guarantee your access.

Place a deposit toward a 2027 Ticket Membership to unlock eligibility for these exclusive All-Star events. Fans who plan ahead get rewarded.

continued...

San Francisco Giants

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

"Join us for Great Food,

Great Beer and a Great Time."

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

Athletics

Leo De Vries, the A's No. 1 prospect

De Vries leads dynamic trio atop

A's re-ranked Top 30

by Martín Gallegos

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

WEST SACRAMENTO – Any conversation about the Athletics’ farm system begins with Leo De Vries, the club’s No. 1 prospect and now the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball following MLB Pipeline’s midseason re-rank.

De Vries rightfully remains the organization’s shining star, but he’s not the only promising young player with star potential. The system got deeper in talent with a 2026 MLB Draft widely regarded as a strong class for the A’s, headlined by slugging outfielder Drew Burress, their first-round selection out of Georgia Tech with the No. 8 overall pick. Burress joins De Vries and left-hander Jamie Arnold, already performing well at Double-A Midland and knocking on the door of Triple-A Las Vegas after he was the 11th overall selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, as a trio of A’s farmhands on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list.

COMPLETE ATHLETICS PROSPECT COVERAGE

“I think we’re in a good spot,” A’s director of player development Ed Sprague said of the state of the club’s farm system. “Obviously, we’ve graduated a lot of players over the last couple of years. We’ve made some trades to bolster the system. … We’ve got some pitching and young position players on the come up. I think we’re in a good position.”

continued....

Athletics

Oakland Ballers

Ballers knock out Coast on Saturday to snap losing streak

Abe-Arias nearly goes distance to snap

five-game skid

By Gareth Kwok

LONG BEACH, CA (August 15, 2026) – The Oakland Ballers (14-15, 36-41) survived a late push from the Long Beach Coast (19-10, 56-21), winning 4-4 on Saturday night at Blair Field to snap the team's five-game losing streak.

Rookie Conner Smith needed just one homer in the first knockout round to defeat last night's hero Cuba Bess, who failed to homer.

The Ballers broke the scoreless deadlock in the fourth against Long Beach's starting left-hander and the Pioneer League's Pitcher of the Month for July Matthew O'Brien. Brendan O'Sullivan hit an RBI double to bring home Nick Leehey, giving Oakland its first lead of the series.

In the fifth, Oakland recorded four straight two-out hits off O'Brien, including a two-run double from Jeter Ybarra and an RBI double from Leehey to give Oakland its largest lead of the game.

Starting right-hander Ren Abe-Arias delivered an outstanding performance in just his second start as a Baller. The 24-year-old from Japan allowed just one run on six hits and one walk with four strikeouts through his first eight innings pitched. He went back out for the ninth in search of his first professional complete game.

continued...

# # #

A Classic -- Enjoy!

Chef Myke's Musings are Priceless...

Oakland Ballers

Out With Crackerjacks!

Big Red Sandwich

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City offers a Super Bowl level of food varieties commensurate with its fame at winning football games, newly added additions to the Arrowhead Stadium menu include:

Big Red Sandwich: Sliced prime black Angus brisket and

coffee-brined pulled pork on a toasted brioche bun

with pickles and BBQ sauce

Bacon Cheeseburger Fries

Bacon Cheeseburger Fries: Crinkle-cut fries topped with

ground beef, chopped pickles, bacon, diced tomatoes, white cheese sauce and drizzles of fry sauce.

-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic

San Francisco 49ers

Day 12 of 2026 Training Camp: Offensive Line Competition Continues, Evans and Cowing Return

Watch!

Brooke Evans -- Digital Editor

Less than 48 hours after their preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, the San Francisco 49ers were back on the practice field Saturday for Day 12 of Training Camp presented by Visa.

The session marked the team's first practice since Thursday night's 19-13 loss and featured several players returning to action, movement in the competition along the offensive line, and a handful of standout plays on both sides of the ball.

Saturday also marked Military Appreciation Day at the SAP Performance Facility, with service members in attendance as part of the team's Community Corner.

Here are my top observations from Day 12 of 49ers Training Camp:

NEW INJURY/PARTICIPATION UPDATES

WR Jacob Cowin g: Returned after missing the past few practices with a hip flexor strain.
WR Mike Evans: Returned as a full participant.
CB Jack Jones: Returned after injuring his hand Thursday vs. Tennessee.
S Marques Sigle: Returned after dealing with an oblique injury from Thursday.
QB Kurtis Rourke: Did not participate after exiting Thursday with a rib injury; was present on the sideline watching practice.

Did not practice:

Several players remained sidelined, including running backs Christian McCaffrey (soreness), Jordan James (rib), and Kaelon Black (adductor), as well as WR Christian Kirk (calf), S Malik Mustapha (hamstring), DL Keion White (adductor), OL Vederian Lowe, FB Kyle Juszczyk (finger), LB Luke Gifford (hamstring), DL Nick Bosa (soreness), Brett Toth (concussion), WR KhaDarel Hodge (undisclosed), CB Nate Hobbs (groin), and LB Dre Greenlaw (soreness).

continued...

San Francisco 49ers

Sports Haiku

Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to

submit your own. Top entries will be published!

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

Gold and red gleam bright

Quest for victory begins

Football fans’ delight

Contributed by Carl Macki

carlmacki@gmail.com

We invite entries for Best Sports Haiku.

The winner will be published!

Send to: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Sports Haikus copyright USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation

Golden State Warriors

Warriors Announce 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

Golden State To Make 28 National

TV Appearances

The National Basketball Association announced that the Golden State Warriors’ 2026-27 season, presented by Kaiser Permanente, will feature 28 national television appearances. As previously announced, the Warriors will open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. (PT) on ESPN. Golden State will host the Memphis Grizzlies in its home opener, presented by Chase Freedom, on Friday, October 23, at Chase Center at 7 p.m. (PT).

Download: Printable Version | List View

Schedule Wallpapers: Desktop (16x9) | Tablet | Phone

Of the team’s 28 nationally televised games, eight are scheduled to air on NBC, seven each on Amazon Prime and ESPN and three each on ABC and Peacock. The Warriors’ local broadcast schedule on NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game will be announced at a later date.

continued...

Golden State Warriors

San Jose Sharks

Bystedt, Musty aiming to take next step, join Sharks' young core

Forwards impressed in AHL, excited for chance to support Celebrini, Misa, Smith

By Tracey Myers

@Tramyers_NHL NHL.com Staff Writer

August 10, 2026

CHICAGO -- Filip Bystedt and Quentin Musty like the direction the San Jose Sharks are headed.

The forward prospects enjoy watching 20-year-old center Macklin Celebrini dazzle on a seemingly nightly basis. They see Celebrini and other young players like forwards Michael Misa, 19, and Will Smith, 21, and defenseman Sam Dickinson, 20, working to accelerate the Sharks’ rebuild.

Bystedt and Musty want to be among the next to help them.

"It's exciting," Bystedt said during the NHLPA Rookie Showcase on July 29. "They took a good step last year and picked high again. Now with Ivar (Stenberg, No. 2 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft) and Macklin, 'Smitty,' all those guys coming up, the future's bright for the upcoming years and you really want to be part of that."

The Sharks had 86 points last season (39-35-8), four points behind the Los Angeles Kings (35-27-20) for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference. Celebrini, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, finished fourth in the League with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists), behind Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (138 points), Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (130) and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (127).

continued...

San Jose Sharks

Golden State Valkyries

Valkyries Postseason Picture: Magic Number to Clinch is 1

Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 10:16 AM

Kalyb Champion

The Golden State Valkyries’ magic number to clinch a spot in the 2026 WNBA playoffs is down to one game, meaning they will confirm their place in the postseason with a Valkyries win, or a loss by the Portland Fire. The Fire face the Storm in Seattle on Friday and the Mercury in Phoenix on Sunday, all before the Valkyries’ next matchup against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center on Monday.

Golden State is currently in second place in the WNBA standings, having won five straight games and only trails the first-place Minnesota Lynx by three games. They have surpassed their win total from their historic inaugural season and are currently at 24 wins. Two teams have already clinched their spot in the 2026 WNBA playoffs, the Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces.

Standings Watch:

1. Minnesota Lynx 28-7 (Valkyries 3.0 games behind)

2. Golden State Valkyries (24-9)

3. Las Vegas Aces 24-11 (Valkyries 1.5 games ahead)

4. Atlanta Dream 21-12 (Valkyries 3.0 games ahead)

5. Indiana Fever 21-12 (Valkyries 3.0 games ahead)

Notable Season Series Standings:

Valkyries TRAIL season series vs. Minnesota Lynx 0-2 (2 games remaining)

Valkyries LOST season series vs. Las Vegas Aces 0-3 (0 games remaining)

Valkyries WON season series vs. Indiana Fever 2-1 (0 games remaining)

WNBA Tiebreaker scenarios:

IF TWO TEAMS FINISH WITH THE SAME RECORD

1. Whichever team has the better head-to-head win percentage finishes higher.

2. Whichever team has a better winning percentage against all teams with a .500 or better record gets the edge.

3. If the teams are still tied after tiebreakers 1 and 2, whichever team has a better point differential in head-to-head games gets the edge.

4. If the teams are still tied after tiebreakers 1-3, whichever team has a better total point differential for the regular season gets the edge.

continued...

Golden State Valkyries

San Jose Earthquakes

Saturday, Aug 15, 2026, 09:56 PM

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to St. Louis CITY SC 3-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in Major League Soccer regular-season play.

The visitors opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Conrad Wallem took the ball in the box, cut back and delivered a pass for a sliding Daniel Edelman, who finished the play for a 1-0 St. Louis lead. In minute 27, Eduard Löwen’s corner kick was headed home by Simon Becher to give CITY SC a 2-0 advantage.

After intermission, the Quakes answered in minute 47 when Beau Leroux eyed a floating clearance from just outside the box and blasted a volley past St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki to make it 2-1. However, the visitors got an insurance goal in the 55th minute when Tomas Totland tracked down a long ball in the box and lifted a cross for a streaking Becher, whose scissor kick found the back of the net to make it 3-1.

The full “Quakes Replay” of tonight’s match will air Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 8 p.m. PT on KTVU Plus. For highlights, analysis and features, fans can also watch the new half-hour magazine show “Quakes Exclusive” on Friday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m. PT on KTVU FOX 2 and the FOX Local app, as well as an encore presentation on KTVU Plus at 8 p.m. PT.

The Black and Blue will continue MLS regular-season play on the road against the LA Galaxy in the 106th California Clasico across all competitions on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Kickoff from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT with the match to be broadcast on Apple TV (English/Spanish), FS1 (English) and FOX Deportes (Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).

continued...

San Jose Earthquakes

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Roots Tie Monterey Bay

at Home 1-1

WATCH!

Monterey Bay and Oakland both came out of the blocks looking for a much-needed win, with each side looking to create chances early. While Monterey controlled the early possession, the best chances fell to Roots in the first 20 minutes of the game. The best came off the foot of Bruno Lapa, who struck the crossbar following three early Oakland shots on target.

Oakland continued to apply pressure, dominating much of the rest of the first half. That pressure led to a deflected goal off the foot of Bertin Jacquesson to give Roots the 1-0 lead just as the half came to a close.

Roots came out of the locker room in the second half full of confidence from the late first-half goal, forcing Monterey to sit deep in their own half despite being down a goal.

As the second half progressed, Monterey was slowly able to build some momentum as the game pushed into the final 15 minutes of play, but Oakland looked in control, creating chances of their own throughout the second half.

Monterey, through their building momentum in the game, were able to equalize in the 76th minute as Paul Gindiri fired a shot that deflected off Roots defender Jesus De Vicente and into the net, making it 1-1 with just over 10 minutes to play.

Following the equalizing goal, both teams battled for the winner, but in the end, the teams shared the points.

Roots now return to the road as the team heads to Texas to take on San Antonio FC next Saturday, August 22nd.

continued..

Oakland Roots SC

Bay FC

Match Recap: Bay FC Falls 3-2 in Eventful Contest at Utah Royals

SANDY, Utah (Aug. 14, 2026) – Bay FC fell to the Utah Royals Friday night in a 3-2 result at America First Field. An eventful first half saw four goals scored between the two clubs, including the first pro goal for Bay FC defender Heather Gilchrist. A hard-fought second half proceeded to the final ten minutes deadlocked at two goals apiece, but Utah broke the tie from the penalty spot to take all three points.

“Sometimes football can be a very love-hate relationship, and we can’t beat ourselves up on the outcome because actually, in the balance of play, we gave a really good account of ourselves,” said head coach Emma Coates. “I don’t want the players to beat themselves up too much because I do feel we’ve gone toe to toe and lost on such fine margins. There’s absolutely positives we can take.”

Action got going quickly after the opening whistle as Bay FC netted the first goal of the match just six minutes in. Utah attempted to cycle play through goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, whose attempt to clear the ball away was blocked by a pressing Karlie Lema and over the line to give Bay FC the lead. Utah would respond nearly immediately after the ensuing kickoff, however, as defender Miyabi Moriya corraled a tough-luck bounce for Bay FC and slotted a shot attempt into the back of the net from close range.

continued...

Bay FC

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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought

ESPN published its annual position-by-position price survey this week, and buried inside the quotes from a dozen general managers and a dozen agents is the most honest document college football has produced about its own economics in the two years since the House v. NCAA settlement supposedly fixed them. Everyone polled just answered a question about things like what a starting offensive tackle costs. Stack their answers next to each other and run the math, and every big school athletic department is actively engineering around the cap. I'm sure this shocks few readers of this newsletter.

What the Market Is Actually Telling Us

Per the piece, Power 4 starting quarterbacks are averaging north of $2 million, with the SEC and Big Ten floor closer to $2 million to $3 million before you get to "plus, plus, plus for the elite." Jeremiah Smith is purportedly drawing $5 million to $6 million in value from Ohio State on top of NIL money he could have taken elsewhere. Offensive tackles who can actually block at the Power 4 level are commanding $600,000 to $1.2 million, with a first-round talent like LSU's Jordan Seaton able to "name his price" well north of $2 million. Edge rushers start at $900,000 in the portal and top out near $1.5 million. Even long snappers, the most anonymous job on the roster, are pulling $10,000 to $50,000.

That's big money, and Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham said the quiet part out loud: "With NIL rising 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent a year, it's not sustainable if we stay on the path we're on right now."

The Math Is Or Ain't Mathin'?

Take the midpoint of the ranges ESPN reported and price out a bare-bones Power 4 starting lineup: one quarterback, one running back, three wide receivers, one tight end, five offensive linemen, two edge rushers, two defensive tackles, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, two safeties, and a kicker, punter, and long snapper. That is twenty-five players. Using nothing but the middle of the reported ranges, not the outliers, that lineup costs approximately $16.2 million.

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Darren Heitner

WeatherTech Raceway

Laguna Seca

Featured in the group photo are: Honda Williams FW11, Honda ARX-01, Mazda 787B, Mazda 767B, BRE Datsun 240Z, BRE Datsun 510, Nissan GTP ZX-T “Elvis,” Toyota “Dome” 85CL, Toyota TS050, Toyota Celica ST185, Toyota IMSA GTO, Toyota 7 Can-Am, Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Travis Pastrana), Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Ken Block), Yamaha TZ750 (Kenny Roberts), Suzuki TM/RH67, Honda RC 174, and Yamaha YZR500 (Wayne Rainey). Photo by Marc Miramontez

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Kicks-Off Japanese Motorsport Celebration with Unprecedented Collection in Group Photo

MONTEREY, Calif., August 13, 2026 — A never-before-seen gathering of some of the most dominating race cars and world championship-winning motorcycles from Japan took center stage for the annual Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion group photo. The renowned historic racing event continues through Saturday, Aug. 12 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Taking the front row in the photo is Alex Palou’s Honda-powered Dallara IndyCar flanked by the historic rotary-engined Mazda 767B and 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050 Hybrid.

The field represents pinnacle moments in Japanese motorsport, and was curated from museums, private collections and automakers to showcase years of innovation. The cars and motorcycles are part of an even larger exhibition in the Paddock Heritage Display where enthusiasts can see and read about their racing histories.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is renowned for bringing historic race cars back to the track exactly as they were intended to be driven. This year, that experience expands to two wheels as six of America’s greatest motorcycle racing champions return to the place where they once competed.

For this memorable weekend, the six living American World Champion GP riders will be back where they belong, on the track at Laguna Seca. Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr. – six riders whose names are synonymous with an era of American dominance in Grand Prix motorcycle racing – return to Laguna Seca to ride their iconic motorcycles in exhibition laps alongside legendary Japanese race cars.

History will be made as iconic Japanese race cars and motorcycles ridden by the World Champions will be together for exhibition laps. Le Mans-winning prototypes, a Honda-powered Williams Formula 1 car, IMSA-winning GTOs and a NASCAR Toyota Camry will be among the cars surrounded by the MotoGP championship bikes to create a truly unique experience that will bring fans to the fences to witness.

Daily, multi-day and VIP experience packages are available at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling 831.242.8200. Tickets are also available at the admissions gates on South Boundary Road and the main Highway 68 entrance.

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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Sonoma Raceway

Sears Point Challenge at

Sonoma Raceway 2026

This is our signature event, with over 250 entries, spectators, car club displays, vintage aircraft flyovers and more. This is a full three-day event, with practice and some qualifying on the optional Friday session. Since the first Charity Challenge in 2004 our charity rides program has raised over $1M for Sonoma Children's Charities. Racers can offer to give rides to spectators and fans of vintage racing while helping raise funds for local children’s charities. A highlight of the weekend is our Saturday night social where we come together and celebrate the shared passion of racing. In addition to our standard race groups, we will also have the Hoosier 2.5 B/C sedan challenge and Club Wheelhouse Classic Cup group as guests.

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

TEST YOUR BEST AT THE 2026 ROLEX

BIG BOAT SERIES

After a long summer of tuning up the boat, solidifying the team and locking in race maneuvers, sailors are now preparing to test their best at Rolex Big Boat Series on September 16-20, 2026.

“All the competitors in the Express 37 fleet, they bring their best—the best crew, the best sails, everything’s the best and everyone has their A game, and that’s really exciting for us,” says Michael Laport, owner and skipper of Express 37 Golden Moon.

A relatively new owner in a relatively old fleet—Express 37s have been lining up at this event for over 30 years—this year will be Laport’s third Rolex Big Boat Series at the helm. He just missed the podium last year, so sustaining an excellent performance over four days of racing is what he, co-owner Mike Spitz, and their team have been focused on in the lead-up to the race.

“Big Boat is the place that it all comes together and we can test our mettle against people who’ve been sailing Express 37s and sailing the Bay longer than we have, and we see that as a good measure of our competitiveness.”

If you race an Express 37, or any of the other boats eligible to enter, it’s not too late to turn your tiller toward San Francisco Bay and register for the 2026 Rolex Big Boat Series on September

16-20.

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St. Francis Yacht Club

Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Bob Gibson

Bob Gibson was inducted into the

Hall of Fame in 1981.

Unlike Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and other Black Hall of Famers who made their MLB debuts in the 1940s or 1950s, the Cardinals’ pitching legend did not get his start in professional baseball with

a Negro League club.

As noted in his wiki entry, Gibson was the

wrecking machine, three times defeating the

Boston Red Sox in the 1967 World Series.

Go Red Sox!

Go Celtics!

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Universities & Colleges

Cal Bears

Bears Draw Against Santa Clara

On The Road

Draw In This Years Battle Of The Bay

SANTA CLARA, Calif.– The Bears battled the Broncos in a defensive 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon. Soleil Dimry opened the scoring for Cal at the 10:08 mark of the first half. In the 56th minute, the Broncos tied the match on a penalty kick goal from Schoennauer. Neither side found the back of the nest the rest of the way.

Alyssa Savig recorded three saves in the match, highlighted by key stops at the 27:31 and 54:05 marks. The Bears finished with eight total shots, including six on goal. The Bears moved to 0-0-2 on the season.

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Cal

Stanford Cardinal

Top-Ranked Cardinal Opens Season with Shutout Win

No. 1 Stanford recorded a 1-0 shutout victory at Cal Poly

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Junior captain Charlotte Kohler’s goal in the 33rd minute proved to be the difference as No. 1 Stanford (1-0-0) recorded a 1-0 shutout victory at Cal Poly (1-1-0) on Sunday afternoon to open the 2026 season.

Kohler, who finished with seven shots in the contest, controlled a Cal Poly goal kick just shy of midfield, cut the ball to her left to evade a defender, and dribbled toward goal where she unleashed a left-footed shot from about 15 yards outside the goal. Her shot bent toward the back post and beat Mustang goalkeeper Shannon Porubski for the game-winner.

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Stanford

San Jose State Spartans

Diane and Chris Gordon Establish Lasting Legacy with Largest Estate Gift in San José State History

SAN JOSE, Calif. — San José State Athletics announced today a transformational multimillion-dollar estate gift commitment from longtime Spartan supporters Diane and Chris Gordon. The commitment represents the largest estate gift in San José State history, creating an enduring legacy that will provide transformative support for generations of Spartan student-athletes.

The future gift, made through the Gordons’ estate plans, will support women’s athletics at SJSU, with half of the commitment designated for the women’s golf program and the remaining half dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Spartan women’s sports.

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San Jose State Spartans

Saint Mary's College Gaels

MBB | Gaels Down Under:

Day 5 & 6

MELBOURNE, Australia – The Saint Mary's men's basketball team arrived in Melbourne for their second leg of the Australian Foreign Tour on Friday night. After spending the first four days of the trip in Sydney, the first full day in Melbourne involved recovery and an AFL game Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Gaels faced their third straight NBL team to start the tour, this time against the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix at the State Basketball Centre.

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Saint Mary's College

USF Dons

San Francisco Adds Forward

Žiga Daneu

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Head coach Chris Gerlufsen and the University of San Francisco men's basketball program announced today the signing of forward Žiga Daneu (Ljubljana, Slovenia).

"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Ziga Daneu to our basketball family here at USF," said Gerlufsen. "His size, skill and high level of experience will be an immediate boost to our frontcourt. Ziga has multi-positional versatility and a sharp basketball IQ that will translate well to our system. We can't wait to get him to the Hilltop!"

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USF

Santa Clara Broncos

Women's Soccer Battles

to Draw With California in

Home Opener

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Santa Clara women's soccer drew 1-1 against California on Sunday at Stevens Stadium. The Broncos (1-0-1) goal came in the second half, leveling the score after the Golden Bears (0-0-2) took an early lead.

The first half began with Santa Clara establishing its defensive presence, as Ally Harrison saved an early shot from California's Soleil Dimry. Despite the strong start, Dimry found the net in the 11th minute after a save off the line, putting the Golden Bears ahead 1-0. The Broncos Kennedy Schoennauer attempted to equalize with multiple shots, but Alyssa Savig of California made a crucial save in the 28th minute. The half concluded with Santa Clara trailing 1-0.

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Santa Clara

University of Pacific Tigers

Pacific Drops Season Opener at Sacramento State

SACRAMENTO – The Pacific women's soccer program rallied to get within a goal in the second half, ultimately coming up short in its season-opening 5-2 loss to Sacramento State on Thursday night from Hornet Field.

Despite facing an early deficit, the Tigers (0-1) kept their composure, scoring a pair of second-half goals and showing flashes of offensive abilities in its 2026 debut against the Hornets (1-0).

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Pacific Tigers

UC Davis Aggies

Men's Soccer Set for Cal, Chico State Exhibitions to Begin 2026

DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis men's soccer opens its 2026 campaign with two ticketed exhibitions at Aggie Soccer Field, hosting Cal on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Chico State on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Sunday's exhibition begins a soccer doubleheader in Davis with the UC Davis women's soccer team hosting Sacramento State at 8 p.m. in its regular-season home opener.

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UC Davis

Cal State University East

Bay Pioneers

Pioneers Place 11 on NABC Honors Court, Earn Team Academic Excellence Award

HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay men's basketball program was recognized for its success in the classroom as the Pioneers earned the 2025-26 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award. The honor recognizes programs that posted a team GPA of 3.0 or higher during the academic year.

In addition, 11 Pioneer student-athletes were named to the 2025-26 NABC Honors Court, which recognizes junior, senior and graduate student-athletes who maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

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Cal State East Bay