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June 15 -- June 21, 2026
Issue No. 646
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The Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy --
Awarded by the NBA to the New York Knicks, winners of the 2026 NBA Finals
Without President Richard M. Nixon there would be no Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy (or Title IX).
How is this possible?
It was O'Brien's office which was the target of the Watergate burglars, as he had been elected Chairman of the Democratic Convention in 1970, and had received an office in a Washington D.C. hotel called "The Watergate." The investigation of the Watergate break-in eventually unraveled Nixon's presidency and forced him to become the only president in American history to resign the office.
Post-Watergate, O'Brien took the job vacated by Walter Kennedy as Commissioner of the NBA, a position he held from 1975 until 1984. During his tenure the league saw many changes, most notably the merger with the American Basketball Association and the first major TV contract, hence the name of the trophy. So, as you watch one of the new NBA champions claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy, remember old Tricky Dicky, who by modern day standards, would be considered a paragon of virtue.
Richard M. Nixon, 1973: The Good Old Days: (:37) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh163n1lJ4M
New York Knicks: 2026 NBA Champs - Go NY Go!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml9mF9Gc7ZA
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
| | 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 | | |
Contents
Games
San Francisco Giants 5, Chicago Cubs 1
Features & Commentary
6/10/2026 -- Historic Victories
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, Part II & III, by Ed Jay
Giants Young Star Bryce Eldridge Brings Hope For The Future, by Bruce Macgowan
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Ken Norton, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heiter, Esq.
Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain
| | 6/10/26 -- Historic Victories! | |
San Francisco Giants &
New York Knicks
Incredible Comeback Wins for the
Two Greatest Cities in the World
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San Francisco Giants -- Bryce Eldridge capped a wild Giants rally from a 9-1 deficit with a walk-off grand slam to stun
the Washington Nationals, 11-10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raSelxcmKM8
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New York Knicks -- OG Anunoby's tip-in to complete the
Greatest Comeback Win in NBA Finals History.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/de9oOu-6k4s
Footnote: Zodiac moon sign was Aries on 6/10/2026
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San Francisco Giants 5
Chicago Cubs 1
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, June 14, 2026
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San Francisco Giants infield coach Ron Washington (left) and new third base coach Gary Pettis (right) talk before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park. Photo and caption
by Darren Yamashita.
| San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal and Hello Kitty hug before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | |
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (center) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning as the Giants defeated the Chicago Cubs, 5-1, at Oracle Park on Sunday, June 14th. Photo and caption
by Darren Yamashita.
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Starting pitcher Logan Webb recorded seven strikeouts over eight innings, surrendering just one unearned run. Photo and
caption by Darren Yamashita.
| San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (right) reacts as a throw gets past him as Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (second from right) slides into third base during the eighth inning. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | |
Shortstop Willy Adames (back) sneaks up behind Matt Chapman as he is being interviewed after the game. Photo and caption
by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is doused after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park. For a full album of San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs photos, click
www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption
by Darren Yamashita.
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Escape from Alcatraz
Triathlon -- Part II
San Francisco, CA
Sunday, June 7, 2026
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With Alcatraz Island in the background, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon begins with a 1.5 mile swim to San Francisco's shore, ending at the St. Francis Yacht Club. Then begins an 18-mile bike ride and an 8-mile run to Baker Beach, culminating in a 400-step sand ladder before returning to the Marina Green finish line.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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The moment before the start as athletes point to the spot on the shoreline where they will reach land.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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The beginning of the Triathlon begins with a cold plunge into the San Francisco Bay for the 1.5 mile swim to shore.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Kayakers serve as safety observers and navigate for swimmers not headed in the right direction. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
One of the main reasons the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is among the world’s most popular triathlons is the swim portion starts in the backdrop of Alcatraz Island. In addition to qualifying times, there is still a lottery system for athletes.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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A cyclist begins the 18-mile ride and admires swimmers as they
jog to the bike transition area. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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The bike portion is in full motion as cyclists take over the Marina Green with some swimmers still jogging to the bike transition
area (right). Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Giants Young Star Bryce Eldridge Brings Hope For The Future
by Bruce Macgowan
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This 21-year-old “kid” appears to be, as we like to say, “the Real Deal.”
Bryce Eldridge, at 6’7”, is getting a chance to play every day and the results have been extremely heartening. Touted as the next great prospect by Giants team president Buster Posey and his GM Zach Minasian, Eldridge is delivering, giving San Francisco fans some hope for the future.
You might remember Will Clark, who broke in back in 1986 with a home run in his first at-bat off of the ageless Nolan Ryan. Older fans can still recall Willie McCovey’s big-league debut when he slammed two triples and two singles off Philly ace and another future Hall of Famer, Robin Roberts back in 1959. Barry Bonds’ dad Bobby hit a grand slam in his first big league game against the Dodgers back in the summer of 1968. And of course more recently, Madison Bumgarner proved to be an ace in his early 20s, combining with Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong, to lead the Giants’ three title winning teams from 2010-2014.
Team President Buster Posey, a future Hall of Famer who was also a youngster when he starred behind the dish for those great teams, has to be encouraged by Eldridge’s emergence. After all, it’s been one of the few bright spots for San Francisco during this increasingly crappy season.
The thing that sets Eldridge apart from his fellow rookies is his maturity, confidence and swagger. While he’s not a chest thumper like other young stars can be, Eldridge knows he can be the centerpiece of future Giant teams.
“I want to be in that moment, I want to be that guy, so having my first big moment like that is very special,” he said, moments after that surreal game-winning grand slam last Wednesday afternoon against Washington.
If you follow baseball or any other sport for that matter, that kind of heroic moment usually rockets a young athlete’s confidence like nothing else. Clark became one of the cockiest, confident hitters in the game after his first big league swing and the homer off of Ryan.
The much quieter and modest McCovey was, like Eldridge, just 21 when he too had his four hit debut at old Seals Stadium. But the modest "Stretch" told me years later in an interview that he knew he was a big league player after that game.
Eldridge’s teammate Matt Chapman was effusive in his praise for Eldridge following the big moment last week, remarking that the Giants players know that Eldridge is special.
“I’ve been super impressed with the way he carries himself and his confidence, but it’s not like arrogance,” Chapman remarked.
| Bryce Eldridge recorded his first Major League hit on September 20, 2025, hitting a bases-clearing three-run double off Tyler Glasnow at Dodger Stadium. Eldridge became the youngest Giants player with multiple RBIs in a game since Jack Clark recorded three on September 12, 1976 (20 years, 307 days). | |
Interestingly enough, Bryce Eldridge is not a West Coast product, although his somewhat laid-back persona seems very Californian. Eldridge grew up in a suburb of Washington DC, so he had a chance to watch a lot of Nationals and Orioles games nearby at Camden Yards in Baltimore and Nationals Park in DC.
A prep star at James Madison High School just outside of our nation’s capital, Eldridge was not initially on the radar of the Giants’ scouting department. Initially they were more interested in an older teammate who went on to be drafted by the Cubs.
But San Francisco’s amateur scouting director Michael Holmes and his staff kept a close watch on the young star’s development and pushed for him to be signed in the summer of 2023.
Now one of the top rookies in baseball in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage, Eldridge's hard work at becoming a disciplined and dangerous hitter seems to have paid off.
So for now, the tall, lanky kid from DC has given Giants’ fans a ray of hope that is beginning to burst through the clouds of a grim 2026 season.
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* * *
Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Escape from Alcatraz
Triathlon -- Part III
San Francisco, CA
Sunday, June 7, 2026
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The long finish chute which athletes will run through to finish
their successful escape. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Kyle Berg celebrates with his supporters at the finish area. Berg won with a time of 2:13:49. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
Lindsay Nickel (center, right), the first female finisher at 2:35:06, poses with her fellow Olympic Club participants and supporters
at the finish area. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Volunteer Steve Ashbaker holds the medal which he will drape over each finisher. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
(Annie bought 12!)
Click here!
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Web designer Medhavee Upadhyaya recently received an award for her design of the Ultimate Sports Guide's new website: www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Fresh off her newly-minted Masters Degree in Computer Science, Mehdavee now seeks full-time employment with a compatible, energetic company. She has been invaluable to the USG/Sports Today and is the ultimate team player and a joy to work with. If you may have an opportunity by which she can expand her horizons and share her experience, please contact her directly at upadhyayamedhavee@gmail.com. Mention USG/Sports Today to introduce yourself but before you do, visit www.medhaveeupadhyaya.com
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-- Christopher Weills, Publisher
Awards:
Awarded Best Use of Claude – Cal Hacks 12.0 (Anthropic Claude AI) for ELDA.AI mobile Voice Assistant
President's List Honors – San Francisco Bay University 2024 for achieving 4.0 GPA
Photo by Ann Cooke
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Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times once wrote:
“Jerry West was born in a town in West Virginia
that was so small, Baskin Robbins
only had vanilla.”
-- Submitted by Nick Curran
Director of Public Relations, National Basketball Association, New York City, 1969-76
Have a Memorable Quote to submit? Send to: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Our Mission:
Weavery's mission is to provide data and ai strategy advice, training, and innovative solutions to high impact humanitarian organizations. Weavery leverages artificial intelligence to enhance operations and amplify impact to serve a world in need.
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The 77-year-old Giants balldude was not afraid to put his body
on the line for this foul ball
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Was Giants' historic win fueled by Balldude's epic play?!
View here!
By Max Ralph
The Giants pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks you’ll see Wednesday, with Bryce Edridge’s walk-off grand slam bringing San Francisco all the way back from an eight-run deficit in the eighth inning. Perhaps the Giants gained the momentum they needed because of one of the best plays you’ll see that didn’t count.
Wednesday’s Balldude, a 77-year-old with “Lefty” written across his uniform, ranged to his right for a Jorbit Vivas foul ball down the first-base line in the top of the eighth inning. Lefty moved quickly, snagging a roller that looked at first like it might get past him.
He tumbled to the ground afterward but held on. Lefty punctuated it with an excited fist pump before going to deliver the ball to the stands. What a play!
With the Nationals leading, 9-1, at the time, the Giants then scored five runs in the home half of the eighth and five more in the ninth for the W. Let’s hope Lefty got a well-deserved game ball for his efforts.
continued...
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"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
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A's No. 1 prospect Leo De Vries
Leo De Vries rocks number 12. Naturally, he can't stop homering
on the 12th!
View here!
By Jesse Borek
Baseball and magic numbers go hand in hand. But this run from Leo De Vries has nothing to do with clinching a playoff spot. Rather, it’s a bit of celestial happenstance that seems fitting for one of the game’s youngest rising stars.
The Athletics’ No. 1 prospect crushed his sixth homer of the year Friday night for Double-A Midland, a towering drive that logged a 44-degree launch angle per Momentum Bank Ballpark's Trackman device. The RockHounds went on to fall, 17-8, to the Corpus Christi Hooks.
But here’s where the fun with numbers begins. The roundtripper marked De Vries’ first homer in exactly a month, when he went deep for Midland on May 12. Home runs were coming much more flush during the season’s first month, including April 12, when he slugged his first two long balls of the year.
He’s done all of this wearing … you guessed it, the number 12.
Surely, that’s where this runaround with the 12s ends, right? Wrong! MLB’s No. 2 prospect also homered last Sept. 12, making it four consecutive Minor League months of game action in which he’s launched a homer on the 12th day of the calendar.
continued....
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Texas Twinkie-bacon-wrapped, brisket-stuffed jalapenos with bbq dip
If you were fortunate enough to have seen the first FIFA match
for the US team you would have a myriad of food choices.·
Concession areas at SoFi Stadium feature chef-crafted
menus curated based on LA’s most iconic streets:
Fairfax Avenue: This area features sub, deli, and
a popular pastrami cheeseburger.
Olvera Street: Features Mexican-inspired street food
such as beef barbacoa tacos, Al Pastor Torta,
and chile relleno burritos.
Sawtelle Boulevard: Offers Asian-inspired dishes
like Korean chicken loaded tots, pork char siu,
and loaded chicken fries.
San Vicente Boulevard: Focuses on classic
Italian fare including meatball subs and
Stromboli dogs.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
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Sharks to hold annual Prospect Scrimmage July 2 at Tech CU Arena
June 09, 2026 -- The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) announced today that the organization will host the annual Sharks Prospect Scrimmage at Tech CU Arena, home of the San Jose Barracuda, on Thursday, July 2 at 11 a.m. PT.
The scrimmage will be the first opportunity prior to the 2026-27 season to see several high-level prospects within the Sharks system compete against one another. For the second consecutive season, the Sharks are slated to select second overall after winning the second draw in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery to jump from the ninth spot. Additionally, San Jose owns the 20th overall selection, previously acquired from Edmonton, and have eight total selections in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft starting on June 26.
Several of the players selected in this year’s draft will debut in Teal during the team’s Development Camp.
Tickets for the Prospect Scrimmage will be available in an exclusive pre-sale for Sharks365, Sharks Premium and Barracuda Battery members as well as Global Partners starting on Wednesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. and will go on sale to the general public the following day on Thursday, June 11 at 10 a.m. PT. Sharks 365 members and Youth Hockey groups will receive information on how to purchase in the respective presale windows.
Seats along the glass will be available for $25 each. Seats in the second row and above can be purchased for $11 by the general public, $9 for Youth Hockey teams, and $8 for members of the presale group. General on-sale tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, with net proceeds from ticket sales benefitting the Sharks Foundation.
For those who cannot attend the game in person, the Sharks will also stream the game via the Sharks digital platforms, and the call can also be heard on the Sharks Audio Network.
All fans in attendance will receive a rally towel and can enjoy live music pregame, in addition to in-game tunes from a DJ.
Sharks365 is a flexible full-season membership that provides unmatched access to a team with young stars headlined by players such as Yaroslav Askarov, Macklin Celebrini, Sam Dickinson, William Eklund, Collin Graf, Michael Misa, and Will Smith, exclusive member events discounts on food, beverage and merchandise as well as custom benefits that fit your needs. More information on Sharks365 is available here.
More details surrounding the Sharks development camp, including the full schedule, roster and prospect scrimmage format will be announced at a later date.
For more ways to stay connected to the Sharks and stay up to date on the latest team news, updates and events, click here.
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Ballers Fam,
We’ve got six games in six days at Raimondi Park this week, and this homestand has something for everyone. From Celebrating Cal to Celebrating Dad, the whole week is packed with festivals, block parties, giveaways, and hard-hitting baseball against our California rivals.
Let’s get into it.
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Tuesday, June 16 at 6:35 PM
Long Beach Coast vs. Oakland Ballers
Scrappy & Oski Drawstring Backpack (first 750 fans)
On Tuesday, West Oakland turns into Bear Territory as Cal takes over Raimondi Park. Cal students, alumni, and fans, this one’s especially for you. Come rep the blue and gold and be one of the first 750 fans through the gates to score a Scrappy & Oski Drawstring Backpack. We’re also dropping a limited-edition Blue & Gold Ballers hat, inspired by the #1 public university in the country.
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Wednesday, June 17 at 1:05 PM
Long Beach Coast vs. Oakland Ballers
Presented by Caltrans
Championship Belt Pin (first 750 fans)
Afternoon baseball, summer energy, and a chance to celebrate the people who help keep Oakland’s parks and community spaces moving. Parks and Rec Day is our shoutout to Oakland’s parks, recreation programs, and the community builders who show up for this city every day. We’re grateful for the people who make our shared spaces feel alive, welcoming, and full of possibility.
And if you need a reason to sneak off to the Ballpark, Dr. Scrappy will write you a note this one last time, but you really should see a specialist.
The first 750 fans through the gates receive a Championship Belt Pin.
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San Jose Earthquakes Announce El Camino Health as Presenting Partner of Soccer Celebration; Togethering™ Zone to Open June 15
SAN JOSE, Calif. — With almost one week away until the largest sporting event on the planet comes to the Bay Area, the San Jose Earthquakes announced that starting June 15, El Camino Health will be the official Presenting Partner for Soccer Celebration during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Soccer Celebration presented by El Camino Health will take place at San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose and will be the setting for the largest viewing party series in the Bay Area, with fans enjoying free admission for every single game of the tournament. The extravaganza will feature multiple viewing screens—the largest of them being nearly 500 square feet—along with dynamic soccer activities, a vibrant fan atmosphere with pre-match festivities and opportunities to honor the sport during a momentous summer of soccer.
Among the activations will be the Togethering™ Zone, which will go up on June 15 jointly hosted by the Earthquakes and El Camino Health, Official Healthcare Partner and Jersey Partner of the Quakes. The Togethering™ Zone will serve as a gathering space to experience all the World Cup action featuring a community mural, fan prizes, daily health-forward giveaways, as well as autographed Quakes memorabilia along with VIP ticket packages and experiences at future games, and even Quakes player appearances.
continued...
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Roots Earn a Point at Home in 0-0 Draw Versus Miami FC
Watch Highlights
It was perhaps one of Oakland’s most dominant performances of the 2026 season thus far, but in the end Roots could not find a game winner, eventually drawing 0-0 with visiting Miami FC on Saturday night at the Oakland Coliseum.
Roots took control of the match in the early phase of play, maintaining possession and asking questions of Miami’s backline.
In the 20th minute of the match, Oakland nearly capitalized on this momentum when an inswinging corner service from Florian Valot found Michael Edwards on the far post nearly poking it home. But the Miami keeper recovered his position just in time to make the save and clear it from danger.
Both sides went on to trade massive scoring chances for the remainder of the half, with Roots holding a slight edge in the number of opportunities they generated, but the halftime whistle blew without either side finding the back of the net.
Oakland dialed up the pressure in the second half even further, testing the Miami keeper regularly with quality finishing attempts.
Despite looking as if they deserved to take the lead after holding constant pressure for the better part of the second half, Roots had to be content with earning a point in an eventual 0-0 draw.
The club will be back in action in short order as Roots return to the Oakland Coliseum this Wednesday, June 17th for a league fixture versus Birmingham Legion at 12 PM PT.
continued...
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Summer of Football: Bay FC to Support Fan and Community Activations Throughout the Bay Area this Summer, Including SocceristaFest with Founding Partner Sutter Health
Bay FC is partnering with community organizations and local leaders to bring global soccer energy to neighborhoods across the Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO (Jun. 10, 2026) – Bay FC announced today a series of fan and community activations across the Bay Area in celebration of the global soccer tournament taking over North America, expanding the club’s presence throughout the region. As the Bay Area prepares to welcome fans from across the world, Bay FC will partner with organizations and community groups to host viewing opportunities, events, and youth programming throughout the summer.
Bay FC and Founding Partner Sutter Health are partnering with Girls Soccer Network for SocceristaFest, a one-day, premier live soccer experience designed for girls and their parents, blending soccer culture, education, inspiration, and community—both on and off the pitch. The full-day event will take place on Saturday, June 13 at COPA Soccer Training Center in Walnut Creek. Fans interested in signing up can do so here. Bay FC will also support activations at The Crossing at East Cut in downtown San Francisco. Every weekend from June 12 through July 19, pickup soccer will take place before each match, followed by a community viewing opportunity. These events are free and open to attendees of all ages.
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Janelle Salaün and Gabby Williams speak to the media following Friday's win over the
Seattle Storm,
76-72
continued...
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On June 23 & 24th the 80th NBA draft will be held at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York
(Until the draft, my questions will be draft related.)
In this better than anticipated New York Knicks/
San Antonio Spurs series, there was one overall
#1 NBA draft pick playing.
Who was it?
Answer below...
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SEATTLE ORCAS JOIN SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS AS PRESENTING PARTNERS OF THE CRICKET IMPACT LUNCH
West Coast Major League Cricket Franchises Unite to Accelerate the Growth of Cricket in America
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Cricket Impact Group (CIG) has announced that the Seattle Orcas have joined the San Francisco Unicorns as presenting partners of the 2026 Cricket Impact Lunch, creating a unique collaboration between three organizations committed to accelerating the growth of cricket across the United States.
The partnership brings together two of Major League Cricket's leading franchises alongside Cricket Impact Group, the organization dedicated to advancing the business, educational, and social impact opportunities surrounding cricket. Together, the organizations share a vision of strengthening cricket's commercial ecosystem, expanding participation opportunities, and creating meaningful connections between the sport, business leaders, investors, brands, and communities.
The collaboration is particularly significant on the West Coast, where cricket continues to experience rapid growth among participants, fans, and commercial stakeholders. By bringing together two leading Major League Cricket franchises around a shared business and impact initiative, the partnership signals a collective commitment to supporting the long-term development of the game in one of cricket's most important growth markets in North America.
The Cricket Impact Lunch, taking place at Eve’s Waterfront, Oakland on Saturday, July 18 ahead of the Major League Cricket Championship Final at the Oakland Coliseum, has quickly established itself as one of the leading business and leadership gatherings in American cricket. The event will feature an exceptional lineup of speakers including former India international Harbhajan Singh, former England captain Michael Vaughan, and former England World Cup winner and Cricket Impact Group
Co-Founder Liam Plunkett.
The event is expected to attract senior executives, investors, entrepreneurs, sponsors, sports industry leaders, and cricket stakeholders from across the United States and around the world.
For more information about the Cricket Impact Lunch including sponsorship details visit: https://www.cricketimpact.com/lunch
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SPECIAL LINKS TO BACK ISSUES
Years of Back Issues, Facebook Albums,
Autographs and Haikus
Immediately below is a link to over 350 issues of
Sports Today! which bring to life memories of Bay Area sporting events and the stories behind them. Reclaim memories of titles won and lost and championships reclaimed and slipped away.
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Ken Norton -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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I was able to meet former boxing champion Ken Norton at a memorabilia store public signing in Las Vegas shortly before he passed away in 2013. The one thing I remember the most was his big hands. Ken Norton is best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in a 12 round match in 1973.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 188: What Sports Leaders Knew And When They Knew It
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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A new class action filed this week in the Northern District of California does not challenge the House v. NCAA settlement. In fact, the lack of a challenge is repeated throughout the complaint with deliberate care. But it will still likely be the subject of debate in future expected motion practice.
So, what is this new case with the caption of Talanoa Ili and Charlie Mirer v. NCAA et al., Case No. 3:26-cv-05562? It was filed on behalf of a proposed class of Division I football and men's basketball players in 17 states whose NIL laws prohibit exactly what the College Sports Commission has been doing since June 6, 2025. Upon review, the complaint really doesn't appear to be a challenge to the terms of the Injunctive Relief Settlement. Instead, it is a challenge to the defendants' decision to implement those terms uniformly across states whose own legislatures told them they could not. That alleged distinction is likely to determine whether this case survives a motion to dismiss or becomes another major antitrust reckoning for college athletics in this generation.
When Judge Claudia Wilken approved the House settlement on June 6, 2025, she wrote that the settlement "does not require that this Court find that the SA preempts state laws regarding student-athlete compensation, nor is the Court making such a finding." The SA was the settlement agreement. The Injunctive Relief Settlement (referred to throughout as the IRS) itself, in Article 7, Section 1, required class counsel to use "reasonable efforts" to support federal or state legislation to achieve the uniform NIL framework the defendants wanted, which is, as the complaint correctly observes, an admission baked into the settlement document that congressional action was necessary before the NIL restrictions could lawfully apply in states like California.
Everyone knew this, including the defendants named in the new litigation. They said so publicly, on the record, before, during, and after settlement approval. NCAA President Charlie Baker (a defendant) told member institutions on the day of settlement approval that only Congress could address the states "undercutting one another" on athlete compensation. Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti (a defendant) submitted written responses to the Senate Judiciary Committee in November 2023 in which he described, with precision, the operative mechanism of California's Fair Pay to Play Act, including its prohibition on conference enforcement of NIL restrictions extending to third-party collectives. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark (a defendant) said weeks before approval that "the settlement is one thing, but it needs to be codified on the Hill." SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey (a defendant) publicly called the patchwork of state laws "the most ineffective way" to handle NIL as far back as July 2023 and acknowledged that only Congress could resolve the underlying conflicts.
Newsbreak: Congress has not acted. The defendants proceeded anyway.
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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INDYCAR: The Race to Championship Week Heats Up
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Three drivers had a very good week in the IndyCar Power Rankings. Eric Smith has these drivers making the biggest moves:
↑ 4. Josef Newgarden jumps five spots from 9 to 4 this week. No surprise there after he earned his sixth victory at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday night. He also moves up to sixth in the points tally. With three top-10 finishes in the last four races, Josef is on a hot streak. He is also the only driver, besides Alex Palou, with multiple wins in 2026.
↑ 6. Scott McLaughlin finished fifth at World Wide Technology Raceway, which helped propel him to 6 from 10 last week. It’s his third top-five finish this year and second in the last three races. This is his highest Power Ranking since March.
↑ 10. Marcus Ericsson, who wasn’t even ranked last week, breaks back into the Power Rankings at 10, thanks to his second-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway.
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain meets and shakes the hand of General Manager of Stanford Football Andrew Luck in advance of the June 26-28 Toyota/Save Mart 350 tripleheader
weekend at Sonoma Raceway.
NASCAR Cup Series Driver Ross Chastain visits Sonoma County & Bay Area Ahead of Toyota/Save Mart 350 Weekend at Sonoma Raceway
- Ahead of Sonoma's race weekend, Ross Chastain experienced the best of Sonoma Valley with a scenic tour aboard the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, followed by a tour and tasting at The Donum Estate. Chastain later brough his signature celebration to Sonoma Raceway, performing his well-known watermelon toss from the grandstands. Lastly, he met with a homegrown, local farmer and cheesemaker at Valley Ford Creamery.
- Chastain also visited Stanford University, known as "The Farm." There, he met with Andrew Luck, Stanford Football General Manager and former Indianapolis Colts quarterback, for a tour of the athetic facilities and a bike ride through campus.
- Chastain returns to Sonoma Raceway June 26-28 for the General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series West race, Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race, and Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race.
Photo Credit: Sonoma Raceway/Sophia Siotos
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Registration Opens for 2026 F4 Foils Summer Wingding US Wingfoil Championship
St. Francis Yacht Club & US Sailing welcome High Performance and Recreational fleets to compete
on July 30-August 2.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Registration is now open for the 2026 F4 Foils Summer Wingding U.S. Wingfoil Championship, to be held at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California, July 30-August 2, 2026.
Co-hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club and US Sailing, with title sponsor F4 Foils, this is the third national championship for the fast-growing sport of wingfoiling. This year’s competitors can register for the competitive High Performance Wingfoil fleet or the Recreational Wingfoil fleet, and organizers are anticipating the country’s best foilers will come join the strong contingent of Bay Area sailors who wingfoil daily at Crissy Field, which is located adjacent to St. Francis Yacht Club and has been one of the world’s hotspots for board sport innovation.
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| Hardly Trival Answer by T. Buff | |
Solomon Williams Accepts Rudy Scholz Award, given to the nation's best collegiate rugby player on Saturday night
Williams Awarded National Player
of the Year
Cal Rugby Senior Officially Accepted Award
Saturday Night
SEATTLE- Senior scrumhalf Solomon Williams was officially awarded the Rudy Scholz Award, given to the nation's best collegiate rugby player on Saturday night at the Washington Athletic Club during the annual awards dinner.
"I am very honored and grateful to receive the Rudy Scholz award," Williams said. "I am humbled by this individual award and I believe it reflects my team, my university, and my community throughout my journey."
Williams had a standout senior season for the Golden Bears, starting in 13 games, and scoring nine tries this season. Recently named to his third All-American honors, Williams is the first Cal player to receive the prestigious award. The Carlsbad, Calif. product has played in 48 total XVs matches throughout his four year Cal career, and has scored 27 tries in XVs action.
This year marks the 11th annual Collegiate Rugby Player of the Year Awards ceremony. The Scholz Award is voted on annually by members of the rugby community.
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Fourth Round Unlocks for Card
Stanford has two cracks at an individual
national championship
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Top-ranked Stanford women’s golf has started to find its stride at the 2026 NCAA Championship, and that’s scary for the rest of the field. On the third round of the championship course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Stanford once again put up the best round of the day to take the overall team lead heading into the final round of stroke play.
Stanford survives the first cut of the tournament, from 30 to 15 teams, by posting an 843 as a team (-21), five strokes better than No. 2 USC in second and 11 strokes better than No. 21 Oklahoma State in third. It’s the second day in a row where Stanford shot the best round of the day, with the team’s 9-under 279 the lowest round of the tournament to this point.
While the race atop the team leaderboard might not be the tightest, it’s a wide-open race to crown an individual national champion, with two Stanford Cardinal in the mix. Seven golfers are in within three strokes of the lead, currently held by Farah O’Keefe of Texas and Catherine Park of USC at 10-under. Meja Örtengren (-9) and Megha Ganne (-8) hold third and fourth place outright, both primed to become Stanford’s fourth individual national champion and the program’s first since 2023.
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Spartans Land Tulane Sharpshooter Scotty Middleton
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Scotty Middleton, a 6-6 small forward transfer from Tulane, will join the San José State men’s basketball team for the 2026-27 season, as announced by head coach Tim Miles.
Scotty Middleton, 6-6, Small Forward, Miami, Fla. / Tulane
- Joins the Spartans for his senior season
- Appeared in all 33 games for Tulane last season, starting in 19 of them
- Averaged 6.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.7 minutes per game
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MWP | Saint Mary’s Announces 2026 Inaugural Schedule
MORAGA, Calif. — Just a few months ahead of the start of the first season in program history, the Saint Mary's men's water polo program has officially released its inaugural schedule for the 2026 campaign. The Gaels are set to begin competition at the end of August, led by head coach James Lathrop and assistant coach Jamie Steingraf, as they look to make an immediate impact in the inaugural season.
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Men's Basketball Inks Elite Scorer Abdul Bashir
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Head coach Chris Gerlufsen and the University of San Francisco men's basketball program announced today the signing of guard Abdul Bashir (Omaha, Neb./Auburn).
"The Dons family is very happy to welcome Abdul Bashir to San Francisco," said Gerlufsen.
"Abdul is a gifted scorer who has the ability to put points on the board in a variety of ways, especially shooting off the dribble. He joins us from Auburn and Casper College, where he averaged over 27 points per game. We believe Abdul's all-around skill set will be a great help to our team this upcoming year. We look forward to helping him continue to grow and make an impact here on the Hilltop."
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Volleyball Announces 2026 Schedule
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara volleyball has unveiled their full 2026 schedule, featuring a total of 30 contests and 13 set to be played inside the Leavey Center.
The Broncos, entering their eighth season under the direction of head coach Erin Lindsey, will open up the year Aug. 28-29 in Dayton, Ohio, at the Flyer Invitational, and will remain in the Buckeye State for a true road game against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Sept. 1. The east coast road trip will continue into the weekend as SCU takes part in the Yale Tournament, Sept. 4-5, with matches against Manhattan University, Hofstra and Yale over two days of action.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Women’s Soccer Eyes Inaugural Conference Tournament in
2026 Slate
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific women's soccer program has unveiled its 2026 schedule on Thursday morning, as announced by head coach Jeff Freeman.
Under the second-year leadership of Freeman and his staff, the Tigers will look to fight for a spot in the inaugural West Coast Conference women's soccer tournament, taking place Nov. 11-14. The regular season kicks off on Aug. 13 at Sacramento State, while the nine-game conference schedule starts Sept. 26 and will feature WCC newcomer Denver.
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Holly Ensoll Joins Women’s Basketball Program Ahead of
2026-27 Season
DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis women's basketball has added frontcourt depth with the signing of England native Holly Ensoll ahead of the 2026–27 season, Aggies head coach Jennifer Gross announced Tuesday.
Ensoll spent the 2025–26 season with Endeavour Ipswich in the United Kingdom's Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), where she impressed in her debut semi-professional campaign. The 6-foot-6 post averaged 8.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game while recording eight games with 15 or more points.
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
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Tyree Campbell Named CCAA Male Athlete of the Year
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Sports Information Directors from around the California Collegiate Athletic Association have selected Cal State East Bay's Tyree Campbell as the 2025-26 CCAA Male Athlete of the Year.
The 2025-26 NABC Player of the Year had an outstanding senior season while helping Cal State East Bay become the first team ever to go 22-0 in the CCAA regular season. The Pioneers would earn the CCAA regular season and Tournament Championships before winning the NCAA West Regional and advancing to the program's first NCAA Elite Eight. CSUEB finished the season 33-1 and 22-0 in the CCAA.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, June 15, through
Sunday, June 21, 2026
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Monday, June 15
Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:40 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:40 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings, 7 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland Roots vs. Birmingham Legion FC, 12 p.m.
Oakland Soul @ Marin FC Siren, TBD
Thursday, June 18
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, June 19
San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins, 4:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx, 7 p.m.
Oakland Ballers v. Modesto Roasters, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 20
San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins, 1:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 7:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roasters, 4:35 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Phoenix Rising FC, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 21
San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins, 10:40 a.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:05 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Las Vegas Aces, 1 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roasters, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland Soul vs. Monterey Bay FC, 3 p.m.
| | |
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young. Dave Newhouse (dec.)
Software Engineer / Sports Today! Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Technology Advisor: Silas Everett
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
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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. | | |
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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