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May 11 -- May 17, 2026
Issue No. 641
| | 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
Bay Area Falcons 20, Los Angeles Astra 13
Bay FC 0, Utah Royals FC 0
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1
Features & Commentary
Arnold Palmer, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Biking Japan from Kagoshima to Sapporo, by Jeff Bradt
Can Tony Vitello Survive His Maiden Season, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, May 9, 2026
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Quakes forward Preston Judd (#19) of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates his goal in the fourth minute of the match with fans. The San José Earthquakes tied the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 1–1, in a MLS Matchday 12 game at PayPal Park on Saturday,
May 9, 2026 in San Jose, California
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| Central attacking midfielder Ousseni Bouda (#7) of the San Jose Earthquakes battles midfielders Sebastian Berhalter (#16) (L) and Andrés Cubas (#20) (R) of the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first half. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | |
Centre forward Preston Judd (#19) of the San Jose Earthquakes reacts to a missed shot in the second half.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| Left attacking midfielder Jamar Ricketts (#2) of the San Jose Earthquakes controls the ball in front of right back Édier Ocampo (#18) of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | |
Left centre back Mathias Laborda (#2) of the Vancouver Whitecaps tries to control the ball in front of right attacking midfielder Paul Marie (#3) of the San Jose Earthquakes. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Bay FC 0
Utah Royals FC 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Sunday, May 10, 2026
| Bay forward Karlie Lema (#5) leaps over Utah Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn (#1) in the first half. Bay FC drew with the Utah Royals FC, 0–0, in a NWSL match at PayPal Park on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in San Jose, CA. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | |
Bay midfielder Claire Hutton (#8) beats Utah Royals forward Mina Tanaka (#11) to a high ball in the first half.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Bay forward Racheal Kundananji (#9) and Utah Royals midfielder Narumi Miura (#10) battle for the ball in the first half.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Bay defender Sydney Collins (#16) throws the ball in to forward Caroline Conti (#23) in the second half.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Bay forward Racheal Kundananji (#9) charges towards the ball in the second half. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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San Francisco Giants Tony Vitello argues with umpire David Rackley (right) after getting ejected in the seventh inning in a game against the New York Mets Sun Apr 5, 2026 (AP News photo)
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Can Tony Vitello Survive
His Maiden Season
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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The San Francisco Giants are rich in managerial experience, talent, and advisors; under their 2026 team’s payroll there are Bruce Bochy, Dusty Baker, and Ron Washington. All managers at the Major League level with extensive and successful resumes; two of the three are future Hall of Fame material. Except for Washington, the others are finished managing.
The Giants hired Tony Vitello in late 2025 primarily because Buster Posey, as the President of Baseball Operations, (with higher management support), sought a high-energy, moderate leader who would change the team’s culture and develop young talent. Vitello was ‘all that’ at Tennessee where he was intense and competitive and won but in Major League Baseball, where egos are plentiful, you need to be an effective manager with on-the-field strategy and a psychiatrist in the locker room to win in the end. By the way, you also need the horses to win the race.
So far, during this young season heading into May, the Giants do not look like a team with the fire to win. The question is, can Vitello change this culture? The same culture that ended with a mediocre 81-81 last season under Bob Melvin, can they improve?
Tony Vitello might be able to do it, maybe or not. I do not believe the Giants can tell this early in the season; they have to be evaluating as they go. After all, with all respect to Vitello, a man who played college baseball but never played professional baseball at any level, in the minor or major leagues. He was a good infielder at the collegiate level and head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee for seven years.
Stephen Vogt, of the Cleveland Guardians, was named American League Manager of the Year in both of his first two seasons. Prior, Vogt never managed or coached at any level, professional or otherwise, and owns the record of going from player to Manager of the Year in 297 days. Vogt played in the major leagues for 11 seasons.
I am not asking for Vitello to be fired this early. I know fans are quick to react, but they are the team’s prized customers who attend their games, follow the team, and spend money. (Since 2018, the average tenure of a team manager has been between three and four years.)
A good friend of mine told me about Vitello, “Give him this year and next.” OK, but we live in different times; fans paying good money to attend games might have a shorter patience span for Vitello, which is why they’re called “fans.”
Oracle is not Dodger Stadium; there is not a sellout here every game. Why can’t the Giants develop, draft, or acquire athletic players like the Reds Elly De La Cruz, the Pirates O’Neil Cruz or the Royals Bobby Witt Jr.? These are exciting, talented, winning players, and that is what changes your culture.
The phrase “Managers are hired to be fired” is a long-standing baseball adage used by everybody.
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Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Pi-Gonzalez began as the Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977, ending in 2024 (with 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.
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Bay Area Falcons 20
Los Angeles Astra 13
Fremont High School, Oakland, CA
Sunday, May 10, 2026
| Playing a rare evening game, the Bay Area Falcons played host to the Los Angeles Astra at Fremont High School in Oakland. Seven on the line, the first team offensive line prepares to receive the pull early in the game. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | Making a huge defensive play just moments into the game, Olivia Goss (#21) swats away the disc. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | Breaking upline, Bridget Wipfler (#39) is about to collect the pass for another Falcon score midway through the second quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Basking in the sunset light, the Falcons celebrate with a cheer as they defeated the Los Angeles Astra, 20-13, at Fremont High School in Oakland, CA. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| | Biking Japan from Kagoshima to Sapporo | | |
Adventuresome cyclist Jeff Bradt recently completed a ride from Japan’s southern tip, Kagoshima, to Sapporo in the far north, a distance of 2,284 kilometers (over 1,463 miles). En route for 45 days, Jeff chronicled his extraordinary travels with a journal and photos which can be enjoyed at https://bikingjapan.fitat50.net/
Jeff's Intro prior to start: This blog chronicles my cycling adventure across Japan, sharing my experiences, discoveries, and the vibrant culture encountered along the way. The route spans approximately 2,284 kilometers and is expected to take about 45 days. I will travel through national parks, charming small towns, busy cities, scenic coastal roads, and mountainous terrain.
While this promises to be an exciting adventure, I want it to serve a greater purpose by raising awareness and funds for Nova Ukraine, a nonprofit organization providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. This trip has been a dream for decades, and now that it’s happening, I’m committed to making it meaningful. Since the Russian invasion, I have supported Nova Ukraine with every eBay sale, and through this journey, I aim to deepen that support and promote their mission in the U.S. and beyond. Want to help? Visit Support
-- Jeff Bradt
https://bikingjapan.fitat50.net/
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Don't Miss Out!
As of Monday, May 11, 2026
over 13,000 guests have visited our remarkable new site for enthrallment.
Don't be left out!
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| | San Francisco Giants Jesus Rodriguez | |
Rookie Rodriguez a bright spot for scuffling Giants
By Michael Wagaman
SAN FRANCISCO – On a day when so much went wrong -- again -- for the Giants, rookie Jesus Rodriguez injected a bit of life into an otherwise slumbering offense at Oracle Park on Wednesday.
One day after recording his first hit and first home run in the Majors, Rodriguez showed that his big game wasn’t a fluke.
The 24-year-old rookie provided fans at Oracle Park with some of the few highlights that the Giants had during a 5-1 loss to the San Diego Padres in the series finale, rapping out two more hits to raise his batting average to .444 after three games in the bigs.
Small sample size for sure, but one that the Giants are more than willing to embrace.
“I’m not surprised,” Giants third baseman Matt Chapman said. “I got a glimpse of him a little bit last year here and in Spring Training. He’s got a good swing.
“The impressive part is the fact that when you do get called up to the big leagues and get to make your debut and do things, it can go fast and it can be a lot of emotions. It seems like he’s got it under control. He takes solid at-bats every time. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the lineup every day.”
That would be no surprise to anyone if it did happen.
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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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Athletics Henry Bolte
Bolte out of the blue: A's prospect's 479-foot homer is the longest at
any level in 2026
By Michael Avallone
Henry Bolte has been known to launch a ball over a fence on occasion.
Or in this case, over just about everything.
The A's No. 5 prospect hammered a 479-foot long ball, the longest on record by Statcast at any level -- in the Majors or the Minors -- this season. The titanic blast was a bright point in Triple-A Las Vegas' 11-2 loss to St. Paul on Wednesday night at Las Vegas Ballpark.
The Ruthian-like roundtripper was the only hit of the game for Bolte, whose production has risen steadily over the past few weeks, and in particular, since the calendar flipped to May. The 22-year-old had collected six multihit games in the previous seven contests before taking an 0-fer on Tuesday.
COMPLETE ATHLETICS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Bolte's eye-opening clout came in his second at-bat during the third inning. With Las Vegas trailing by two, the San Francisco native unloaded on a 2-2 curveball and sent it soaring to left field at 112.8 mph.
St. Paul right-hander Mike Paredes (MIN) served up the home run, which easily eclipsed the 466-foot jack hit by Indianapolis' Rafael Flores Jr. (PIT No. 9) on April 21.
But get this: the pitcher who gave up Flores' long ball -- the second-farthest recorded in the Minors this year -- was none other than Paredes.
continued....
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It’s probably not a coincidence that after signing two of the best Japanese players in baseball to decade-long deals, the Dodgers added a slate of Japanese foods. And this one, made by a popular restaurant chain from Tokyo, is our clear favorite. Here crispy octopus-filled fritters are smothered in sweet-savory Takoyaki sauce, mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes. Gindaco also has
LA-inspired versions topped with salsa or guacamole, but, eh, better to stick with the OG — a.k.a. the Shohei Special.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
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Sharks close out season with $251,000 raised through Goals for Kids
Though the final horn has sounded on the 2025-26 season, the impact of every goal lives on. Through the Sharks Foundation’s Goals for Kids program, the San Jose Sharks turned 251 goals into $251,000 in support of Bay Area youth, reinforcing the power of the game to create meaningful change beyond the ice.
Presented by Taube Philanthropies, SAP, and Tech CU, with additional support from Swenson Foundation and Credo, Goals for Kids remains a cornerstone Sharks Foundation initiative advancing youth education, youth wellness, and access to hockey. To date, the program has raised over $2.8 million and impacted more than 1.35 million lives.
Through this season’s support, Goals for Kids funding will directly impact thousands across the Bay Area. Access Books Bay Area will transform a San Jose elementary school library and expand community literacy efforts, reaching more than 1,100 youth. Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley will support 200+ teens through its Leaders in Training program, building leadership, career-readiness, and life skills. KABOOM! Will construct a new community playground in the San Jose area, creating a space that will serve an estimated 7,500 youth over its lifetime. One Step Beyond, Inc. will host the inaugural Fin-Classic Special Hockey Tournament, providing more than 500 athletes of all abilities the opportunity to compete and connect. Sunnyvale Community Services will deliver critical seasonal support including food, school supplies, and holiday assistance, to over 5,000 individu als and families across the region.
“Goals for Kids is a true team effort, and we’re incredibly grateful to our program partners and beneficiaries whose work makes this impact possible. The Sharks Foundation is proud to support organizations creating meaningful change for youth across the Bay Area,” said Kevin Brown, Executive Director, Sharks Foundation and Head of Community Impact, Sharks Sports & Entertainment.
This season’s beneficiaries include: Access Books Bay Area, Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, KABOOM!, One Step Beyond, Inc., and Sunnyvale Community Services. These nonprofits will use the funds to expand programs, provide services and resources to low-income Bay Area youth and deepen their impact across the community.
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Ballers Fam,
We are doing something we have never done before, and we could not wait to let you in on it early. The 2026 season is stacked with championship giveaways that are genuinely special, and we want you to have enough time to plan ahead. Show up early. Bring your crew and help us continue to make history.
Here is a taste of what is coming your way:
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Baller Bling Chain
May 20, 2026 | Ring Night
Oakland Ballers vs. Missoula PaddleHeads
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We are kicking off the giveaway season right. This is a full-on chain dripping in green, gold and silver bling. And it has some championship weight to it. No plastic. Walk in wearing this and you become the vibe. First fans through the gate get one, so don’t think about being late to the gate.
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Too $hort Bobblehead
May 21, 2026 | Too $hort Night
Oakland Ballers vs. Missoula PaddleHeads
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What's Scrappy’s favorite word? Bobblehead, obviously. The Godfather of Bay Area Rap is getting his flowers, and his very own bobblehead. $hort is not just a legend on the mic, he is one of our owners, one of the Bay Area's all-time icons and a living symbol of what Oakland has always represented: hustle, authenticity, and never apologizing for who you are. This bobblehead is a full tribute to that legacy. It belongs on your shelf, on your desk, somewhere it can be seen and respected every single day. These go fast, so arriving early is not optional. It is mandatory.
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MATCH RECAP:
Earthquakes 1, Vancouver
Whitecaps FC 1
Preston Judd scores fifth goal in four league games as Quakes increase unbeaten streak in MLS play to eight games and extend club-record 9-1-2 start to retain top spot in West; Black and Blue now travel to Pacific Northwest next Wednesday aiming to avenge lone
loss to Seattle Sounders FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1-1 on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 at PayPal Park to extend their unbeaten streak to eight league games—10 across all competitions—and retain sole possession of first place in the Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield tables.
San Jose opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Ronaldo Vieira pushed the ball ahead in transition to the right wing for Paul Marie, who curled a low cross around the back line for a streaking Preston Judd to tap it in and give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
After intermission, Vancouver assailed the net and found the equalizer in the 76th minute. Emmanuel Sabbi found Sebastian Berhalter in the box and the latter hammered home the pass to knot the score 1-1. San Jose searched for a late game-winner, but the teams would split the points following the final whistle.
Quakes fans can also watch game highlights, analysis and features on the newest episode of “Quakes Exclusive,” the club’s new half-hour prime-time magazine show, on KTVU FOX 2 on Friday, May 15, at 8 p.m. PT. All episodes of “Quakes Exclusive” are available on demand on the FOX Local app .
The Black and Blue now head to the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, May 13, to face Seattle Sounders FC. Kickoff from Lumen Field is set for 6:30 p.m. PT and will air globally on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
Watch Game
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Roots Keep Climbing, Topple El Paso Locomotive FC 2-1 at Home
Oakland found a late winner from Tucker Lepley just 28 minutes into his club debut, as Roots defeated visiting El Paso Locomotive FC 2-1 at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday night, earning all three points and moving into a tie for second place on the USL Championship Western Conference table.
While Oakland eventually earned the win, the beginning of the match was far from what the club was looking for, as El Paso netted a goal that was disallowed for offsides in just the 2nd minute, and followed it up with an official tally just seconds later in the 3rd when Alvaro Quezada played a pass into the six-yard box to Rubio Rubin who netted it to make it 1-0.
Following the goal, Oakland began to find their footing in the match, testing Locomotive’s back line with deep lobs into the attacking third and maintaining more possession with cleaner passing.
Things changed drastically in the 18th minute when one of those long balls, off the foot of Neveal Hackshaw who made his 100th appearance in an Oakland kit, found Wolfgang Prentice alone in behind the defense. El Paso’s Palermo Ortiz made contact with Prentice, causing him to lose his balance. Because it was a denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity, Ortiz was shown a straight red card, forcing Locomotive to play the remaining 70+ minutes down a man.
Oakland immediately began to pester El Paso’s defense, finding plenty of space to work with and maintaining possession while looking for openings to exploit.
After nearly 30 minutes of constant pressure, Roots finally broke through with an equalizer after an outlet pass to the left side from Hackshaw found Jesus De Vicente who curled a cross into the six yard box to find reigning USL Championship Player of the Week, Peter Wilson, taking an acrobatic touch to deposit his team leading 5th goal of the season to make it 1-1 in added time of the first half.
Oakland continued to dominate the pitch with the benefit of being up a player, finding a go-ahead goal from their newest addition Tucker Lepley, who shook two defenders near the top of the El Paso box before striking an absolute rocket into the top left corner less than 30 minutes into his club debut to give Roots a 2-1 lead in the 83rd minute.
Roots had a few opportunities to add on to the score before the final whistle, but will be content to pocket the three points in league play before returning to Prinx Tires USL Cup action for their next match when the club hosts rivals Sacramento Republic FC next Saturday, May 16th at 5 PM PT.
Watch Highlights
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Match Recap: Bay FC Earns Second Straight Clean Sheet in Scoreless Draw vs. Utah Sunday
at PayPal Park
SAN JOSE, Calif. (May 10, 2026) – For the second straight week, Bay FC kept the opponent out of the goal playing to a scoreless draw on Mother’s Day against the Utah Royals at PayPal Park. Each side had chances throughout the match, with Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz coming up with a pair of big second-half saves to keep the scoreline even. The result moves Silkowitz into the all-time career leader for clean sheets with six and the club’s first draw of the 2026 NWSL season.
“I thought we deserved three points today. Obviously in this league, it’s hard to keep clean sheets, and the fact that we’ve just done that twice on the bounce, I think is really promising,” said Head Coach Emma Coates. “You don’t concede, you don’t lose, and every point counts in this league. So we’re pleased with that.”
Both backlines stood tall in the first half, with neither club getting a shot on frame. Bay FC broke through for the first big chance of the game in the 13th minute, the first of a pair of transition opportunities. After running onto the ball, forward Racheal Kundananji played an early cross centrally to forward Karlie Lema, but the opposing keeper won the footrace to the ball. Moments later, midfielder Taylor Huff recovered possession in the midfield and tried her luck from distance but missed the target wide.
Utah forward Cece Delzer answered with a threat for the visitors moments later. After building up the left flank, Utah served a cross to the back post with Delzer getting on the end of it, but her header missed the target wide. Chances would come at a premium until later in the half when Kundananji threatened again for Bay FC, cutting inside after finding space inside the box only to see her shot blocked by a defender.
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Second Quarter Surge Leads Valkyries Over Mercury in Home Opener
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Phoenix Mercury 95-79 on Sunday night at Chase Center in the team's home opener of the 2026 campaign.
Five Valkyries scored in double figures, led by Janelle Salaün's 21 points. Gabby Williams and Kayla Thornton both added 19 points, while Veronica Burton recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists.
Laeticia Amihere filled the box score, tallying 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while finishing with a game-best plus-33 differential.
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This is the last question caused by a deep dive resulting beyond what
I initially had in mind...
On June 23 and 24th the 80th NBA draft will be held
at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York.
As everybody knows, the first ever NBA draft pick was Clifton McNeeley by the long defunct
Pittsburgh Ironmen in 1947.
What records did Clifton McNeeley set as
the first NBA draft pick?
Answer below...
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SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS ADD HIGHLY RATED SOUTH AFRICAN LHUAN-DRE PRETORIUS TO 2026 ROSTER
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- South African all-format international wicketkeeper-batter confirmed to join San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 Major League Cricket season.
- 20-year-old rising star set to bring explosive top-order hitting, following a breakout year on the international and T20 franchise stage.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Unicorns have recruited South African 20-year-old rising star and all-format international Lhuan-dre Pretorius to its 2026 Major League Cricket roster.
The wicketkeeper-batsman has experienced a standout professional year, which saw him become his country’s youngest test centurion when scoring 153 on his debut against Zimbabwe, as well as finishing the 2025 SA20 League as top scorer with 397 runs.
Pretorius has already made 24 appearances for his South African franchise Paarl Royals, along with making his debut in both the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals, and in England’s Vitality Blast for Hampshire Hawks, both in 2025.
Labeled as one of global cricket’s most exciting young talents, Pretorius is known for both his destructive ball-striking and robust wicketkeeping capabilities. His skillset will complement the Unicorns’ aggressive early innings approach, which has been established by the likes of Finn Allen and captain Matt Short in the last two seasons.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, San Francisco Unicorns’ new signing, said: “It’s clear The Unicorns are building something special when you look at the world-class players on their roster and the form they’ve shown at the Oakland Coliseum. I’m excited to play a key role as we push to win our first MLC Championship in July, both with the bat and behind the stumps.”
Cameron White, Head Coach of San Francisco Unicorns, said: “Lhuan-dre is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young names on the international scene. He has demonstrated an ability to perform at the highest level across all international formats, which is almost unheard of at his age. We’re confident he will slot straight into an already exciting batting attack, as well as being a safe pair of hands as wicketkeeper.”
Lhuan-dre Pretorius joins Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin and Australian pair Aaron Hardie and Oliver Peake, as well as a number of domestic retentions and draft picks, and further international retentions in the final Unicorns’ roster for the 2026 Major League Cricket season.
Tickets for the 2026 Major League Cricket season are available now at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.
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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.
Sports Today Links
https://conta.cc/4mTASdh
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Comments? Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Arnold Palmer -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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While I was waiting for my flight at LAX airport I overheard someone say that golfer Arnold Palmer was waiting to board the same plane. When I spotted him, the only thing I could find for him to sign was a blank envelope. I approached him and
asked for his autograph.
He quietly signed the envelope and handed it back to me
without a word. It was the only time I had a chance
to meet him in person.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 183: The Final Payment Trap And How Schools Are Engineering Breach
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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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This week, I'd like to talk about a structural problem quietly spreading through NIL and revenue-sharing agreements. Schools and their affiliated collectives are drafting agreements with payment schedules that deliberately defer the final installment until after the conclusion of postseason play, then invoking transfer portal provisions to withhold that payment the moment the season ends and an athlete so much as has a conversation about his future. The athlete, who has rendered every hour of performance the agreement contemplated, walks away with nothing for the final period of the contract. The school keeps the benefit of the bargain while escaping its last obligation.
Yeah, that's pure exploitation. But are you surprised?
The payment schedules in many of these agreements often include monthly installments that run through the season, with the final payment expressly conditioned on completion of the regular season and any applicable postseason play. It's a purposeful drafting decision that ties the last payment to the last game, and that's fine, because these are truly pay-for-play agreements. The agreements seldom pay the final installment before the season is over. The school has already extracted every game, every appearance, every social media post, every NIL impression it was entitled to receive before the final check is written.
Should a school be able to withhold the final payments and point to a transfer portal termination clause as its justification? Should a school be able to point to a vague, overbroad, and sometimes ambiguous clause that says it can escape a final payment if the player merely expresses an intent to transfer after the season?
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Celebrates Successful 2026 StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship
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Fans pack the grid prior to the start of the StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday, May 3. 2026.
Monterey, CA (May 7, 2026) - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca extends its sincere thanks to fans, IMSA, teams, partners, and the entire motorsports community for delivering an exceptional 2026 StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship weekend.
The “throw-back” themed event showcased world-class, wheel-to-wheel competition across all classes, with thrilling on-track action that kept fans engaged from the green flag to the checkered. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca congratulates all race winners and competitors for their outstanding performances on one of the most challenging circuits in the world.
Building on strong momentum, the 2026 event drew exceptional crowds, with full campgrounds and strong demand for premium hospitality, selling out VIP experiences that offered fans unparalleled access to the action. The continued growth underscores the event’s place as a marquee stop on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar.
“This event was a true reflection of what makes sports car racing so special; intense competition, passionate fans, and a community that comes together to celebrate the sport at the highest level,” said Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “We are incredibly grateful to IMSA, the teams, our partners, and every fan who joined us. The energy on and off the track was remarkable, and we’re proud to continue building this event into one of the premier experiences in North American Motorsports.”
From the energy of the fans spread across Laguna Seca’s iconic hillsides and Corsckrew viewpoints to bustling campgrounds and premium trackside hospitality, the StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship once again delivers a can’t miss weekend on the 2.238-mile circuit.
The official racing season is just getting started at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, we look forward to welcoming fans back soon for more world-class racing and experiences, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the NTT INDYCAR Series season finale later this summer. For more information, visit www.weathertechraceway.com.
StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship Race Results:
IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship
IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
Super Trofeo North America
Ford Mustang Challenge
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Sonoma Raceway Announces Multi-Year Extension With Pit Boss® Grills & FoodMaxx For NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Co-Entitlement
SONOMA, Calif. – Sonoma Raceway officials announced a two-year extension of the co-entitlement sponsorship partnership with Pit Boss® Grills and FoodMaxx for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The continued partnership between Pit Boss® — a leader in outdoor cooking and premium grills — and FoodMaxx — the value-focused grocery brand from The Save Mart Companies — ensures that the race at Sonoma Raceway’s 1.99-mile road course will again carry the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx entitlement, further enhancing the fan experience and brand visibility throughout NASCAR’s return to Northern California.
The multi-year extension reinforces both brands’ commitment to Sonoma Raceway and the passionate NASCAR fan base, providing ongoing activation opportunities on-site and in-market during each race weekend.
In 2026, the event will take on even greater significance as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. In recognition of this historic milestone, the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 entitlement logo has been refreshed with patriotic red, white and blue accents, symbolizing the pride, heritage and unity that define both the sport of NASCAR and the spirit of the United States. The updated mark will be prominently featured across race branding, merchandise and promotional materials throughout the season, adding a celebratory and distinctly American flair to the race weekend.
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REGISTER BY MAY 15 FOR DISCOUNTED ENTRY IN THE 2026 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES
Registration Fees Increase after May 15, 2026, for West Coast’s Premier Regatta & ORC North American Championship
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA—May 15 marks four months until the first starting gun of the West Coast’s most anticipated annual regatta, Rolex Big Boat Series, scheduled for September 16–20, 2026, on San Francisco Bay. May 15 is also the early-entry deadline when skippers can enjoy a great discount on registration.
Already, 30 teams are signed up to compete in this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series, which will double as the 2026 Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) North American Championship. Early entrants include Rolex Sydney Hobart division winner Bacchanal, and a fully refitted Santa Cruz 52, Rosebud. We caught up with both skippers to learn more about their race preparations.
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| Hardly Trival Answer by T. Buff | | |
Clifton McNeely -- None!
It was actually the Basketball Association of America (BAA) at the time, and when the league held its inaugural draft in 1947, Clifton McNeely ended up
as the first overall pick.
In what would be an unthinkable move in
modern times, McNeely opted not to play in the
league and instead went off to work in the oil fields.
Go Red Sox
Go Celtics NEXT Year
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Cal Comes From Behind To Take Series At No. 23 Virginia
Bears Win Slugfest, Rubber Match 8-7
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.— The California baseball team came from behind to win a Sunday slugfest rubber match over No. 23 Virginia 8-7 at Disharoon Field to claim its first ranked series of the season.
The Golden Bears (27-24, 10-17 ACC) used seven pitchers and three long balls to stave off a five-home run effort by the Cavaliers (33-19, 13-15 ACC). Host UVA outhit Cal 11-7 but left six on base while the Bears were incredibly efficient stranding just one and getting its eight runs from eight different hitters.
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Photo: Joel Kurtzman
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Four-Run Seventh Seals
Series Victory
Stanford broke open a 3-3 game with
four runs in the seventh inning
STANFORD, Calif. – A four-run seventh inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from sophomore JJ Moran, helped seal a 9-5 Stanford victory that clinched a series win over NC State on Sunday from Sunken Diamond.
With the win, the Cardinal improved to 25-23 overall and 12-15 in the ACC. NC State dropped to 31-19, including 13-14 in the conference, after losing the first and third games of the series.
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Big Bats and Strong
Pitching Lift SJSU to Win
at San Diego State
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Neil Jansen homered twice to lead the San José State baseball team (21-26, 8-12 MW) in a 9-4 victory over San Diego State (31-20, 14-6 MW) Saturday night from Tony Gwynn Stadium in the second game of a three game series.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MT&F | Gaels Record Standout Performances in Oregon, Spillane Resets Program Record in 3000m Steeplechase
EUGENE & PORTLAND, Ore. — The Saint Mary's men's track and field program traveled to Oregon to compete in the Oregon Twilight on Friday evening and the Portland Twilight on Saturday evening. The Gaels delivered multiple personal bests and program top-10 marks.
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Baseball Falls to Gonzaga
on Senior Day
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The University of San Francisco baseball team (22-27, 13-11) concluded the home slate of the regular season with a 12-5 loss to Gonzaga (32-17, 18-5) in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Benedetti Diamond.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
-
Trailing 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning, Trevor Harmon put San Francisco on the board with a solo home run, trimming the deficit to 5-1.
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Photo by: Christina Leung
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Johnny Luetzow tied Sunday's game with a solo homer in the sixth and went 3 for 3.
Baseball Completes Sweep
of Seattle with Another
Comeback Win
BELLEVUE, Wash. — The Santa Clara University baseball team continued to control its own destiny Sunday, coming from behind to win for the second day in a row and completing a West Coast Conference road sweep of Seattle with a 4-2 victory at Bannerwood Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Santa Clara (22-28, 10-14 WCC) took a first-inning lead Sunday for the fifth straight day and sixth time in its last seven games.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Tigers Celebrate Senior Day in Time-Shortened Series Finale
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific baseball program honored its graduating senior class on Sunday at Klein Family Field with the game ending in an 11-11 tie after eight innings due to a mutually agreed upon time constraint associated with the San Diego's travel arrangements.
The Tigers (22-26-1, 14-9-1 WCC) scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to level the score at 11 apiece before the series finale against the Toreros (17-30-1, 9-14-1 WCC) was called.
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UC Davis Closes Big West Tenure with 3-1 Win Over Hawai'i to
Take the Series
Score: UC Davis 3, Hawai'i 1
Location: Davis, Calif. (Dobbins Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 26-25 (14-16 Big West), Hawai'i 25-21 (14-13 Big West)
THE SHORT STORY: UC Davis closed its regular season and its tenure as a Big West Conference member with a 3-1 win over Hawai'i on Sunday afternoon at Dobbins Stadium, taking the three-game weekend series two games to one.
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
No. 16 Pioneers Capture
First CCAA Tournament Title,
Earn NCAA Regional Bid
HAYWARD, Calif. — No. 16 Cal State East Bay captured the 2026 CCAA Tournament Championship on Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Field, defeating Cal State San Marcos 5-1 in the decisive second game to secure the program's first conference tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II West Regional.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 11, through
Sunday, May 17, 2026
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Monday, May 11
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6:40 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Seattle Sounders, 6:30 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky, 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 14
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 12:05 p.m.
Friday, May 15
Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants, 6:40 p.m.
Bay FC vs. Boston Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 16
Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants, 6:40 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC, 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 17
Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants, 1:05 p.m.
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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
Software Engineer / Sports Today! Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
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
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: $10 hardcover, $7 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
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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