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July 21 -- July 27, 2025
Issue No. 599
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The Claret Jug:
Another trip to the U.S.A.
That's the magical phrase in the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It opens the mouth of a cave in which forty thieves have hidden a treasure. In today's story, The Treasure is the Claret Jug, awarded to the winner of The Open. Scottie Scheffler spoke those magical words, and brought along a host of other American golfers, which included the top three -- all from the U.S.A. Scottie Scheffler, (-17), 2, Harris English (-13) and 3, Chris Gotterup (-12).
That's the Way (I Like It)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yupPvZF6oBw
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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Losing Big!
Sports
Gambling Commentary:
A Reader's
Response
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Really interesting study (see Robert Moselle, Issue #598). I didn’t realize that gambling could become addictive because of dopamine hits. Sounds like they come about while waiting on a nervous edge for the outcomes.
Wild that 82% of the gambling industry profits come from the 3% of bettors who are addicted. They will bet many times in an hour -- like on betting on the next dart thrown in a British dart league, or the speed of the next pitch in a baseball game. These guys can’t stop because they are addicted to the dopamine hits, and many end up financially ruined. They don’t care a bit about the sporting event itself, just how their bets go.
The guy has some good practical ideas, like slow down the process. Good stuff to get publicized.
Gary V.
New York, NY
(retired actuary)
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Warriors' Crossroads
All the nostrodumbasses treating Kuminga with contempt, demanding the Dubs dump him. And the Warriors management, are they mentally challenged, giving into that noise? Seriously?
Howard Pearlstein
Oakland, CA
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Contents
Games
Bay FC 1, Angel City FC 1
Oakland Roots SC 2, Loudoun United 0
Oakland Spiders 17, San Diego Growlers 14
Sacramento River Cats 3, Oklahoma City Comets 14
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders FC 3
San Jose Earthquakes 2, FC Dallas 2
Features & Commentary
Fantasy Football Roots? Why It's Oakland, CA., by Dave Newhouse
Jean-Paul Van Damme, from the autograph collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Sacramento River Cats 3
Oklahoma City Comets 14
Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
Saturday, July 19, 2025
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Sacramento River Cats first baseman Bryce Eldridge drove in two runs in the 14-3 loss to the Oklahoma City Comets (Dodgers affiliate) on Saturday, July 19th at Sutter Health Park.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
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Starting pitcher Carson Ragsdale struggled through three innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on four hits and three walks.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
| Center fielder Grant McCray leaps for a fly ball but is unable to prevent a home run by Comets left fielder Nick Senzel in the third inning. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | |
A fan bumps fists with Sacramento River Cats second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald (12) before the game against the Oklahoma City Comets at Sutter Health Park. Photo and caption
by Darren Yamashita.
| The main scoreboard shows the result of the ABS ball tracking system to overturn a strike call during the ninth inning of the game. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | |
Fans pose with Star Wars characters during Star Wars Night before the game between the Sacramento River Cats and the Oklahoma City Comets at Sutter Health Park. To view
a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to
LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
| | This addiction began on an Oakland Raiders three-game Eastern swing in the early 1960s | | | | |
Fantasy Sports
Roots? Why It's Oakland, CA.
by Dave Newhouse
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Fantasy sports are in the news, but not to argue who’s a better draft pick, Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge. It’s something more serious. California Attorney General Rob Bonta contends that fantasy sports games are illegal in the state and should be banned.
Let’s count, shall we. There are an estimated five to seven million Californians who play fantasy sports daily, and would be lost without, in many cases, that crazed addiction. Aren't democrats hurting enough without party member Bonta's clueless suggestion?
We can envision this grandstanding going nowhere, including at the polls, but it reminded me of some important, often lost, history about fantasy sports. Such as their roots. Care to guess where they began?
Sorry, time’s up. Right here in Oakland, that’s where. And it’s all documented, no matter what New York and other American cities insist about their being the fantasy sports originators.
In the very early 1960s, the Oakland Raiders of the then American Football League would embark on a three-week East Coast trip to play the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and the Boston (soon to be New England) Patriots.
On one such trip, Raiders minority owner Bill Winkenbach, team traveling secretary George Grace, the Oakland Tribune’s Raiders beat writer Scotty Stirling, and Tribune sports editor George Ross came up with GOPPPL.
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A long title for a drafting game that has had a much
longer history nationwide
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What’s GOPPPL? Why, the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League.
There’s always periods of boredom on extended trips, but it didn’t take long for this motivated group to come up with a game plan for scoring.
Any touchdown pass or run would be worth 25 points, but double if either was 50 yards or longer. Same thing with a pass reception or a field goal. A touchdown return of a fumble or interception, 100 points. Another 100 for a punt or kickoff return touchdown.
The next step was a draft of players from both the AFL and NFL, projecting who would be the biggest point producers. From the AFL, that was easy: George Blanda of the Houston Oilers, who threw touchdown passes and kicked field goals. From the NFL, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel, who threw touchdown passes and sneaked for short-yardage scores.
I joined the Tribune in 1964, by which time our sports department had copied GOPPPL. And I jumped merrily into this morale-boosting endeavor, which then evolved into baseball and basketball drafts.
And although it’s been 60 years since I first became involved, I still remember the camaraderie and, yes, carping from others whenever my drafting seemed daft.
Our sports staff teamed up as partners, with clever name-combining. With Pat Frizzell, we were the Newfrizzes. With John Porter, we were the Newports. Those were my partners in the early days, with some highs, some lows, and mostly in-betweens.
But, one year, I/we went from worst to first. That’s because if you finished last the year before, you had the first draft pick the following year.
Pat Frizzell was our baseball beat writer with the San Francisco Giants, so he usually let me handle the football drafts. And that’s when I believe I came up with the greatest fantasy draft ever, and I mean anywhere, sports fanatics.
I/we had finished dead last a year earlier, so the subsequent first pick was ours. And I picked someone who had yet to play pro football. Daring? Gutsy?
| | Taking a college player as the overall first draft pick wasn’t a gamble if it was Earl Campbell | | |
Well, that someone happened to be Earl Campbell, the Houston Rockets rookie from the University of Texas. So what happened in his pro debut?
Why “The Texas Rose" broke off a long touchdown run, and I had an immediate 100 points. What a draft pick!
I could do no wrong after that in the same draft. I hadn’t taken a quarterback until very late, and then drafted Fran Tarkenton of the Minnesota Vikings, who went on to have one of his most productive seasons.
I won that sports department draft by a wide margin, which I, sadly, never came close to winning again. But it’s odd how I still remember that accomplishment like it was yesterday.
Fantasy sports can have that same impact on devotees. So. Mr. Bonta, take up some other cause, like saving the environment. If you’ve ever played fantasy sports, I believe I see your problem.
You’ve never drafted an Earl Campbell.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
FC Dallas 2
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
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You’re invited to a special fireside chat with sports business leader Andy Dolich and longtime Oakland Tribune sports columnist Dave Newhouse, co-authors of
Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust,
and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival.
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Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Alumni House
Together, Dolich and Newhouse will explore the compelling and often heartbreaking story of Oakland’s unique place in American sports history—once home to three major championship teams, and now the only U.S. city to lose franchises in the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
Through candid discussion and expert insight, they’ll examine the economic, cultural, and civic factors that led to this exodus—and what Oakland’s story reveals about the future of sports and community identity.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a curious local, or just interested in the intersection of sports, business, and urban life—this event promises to be both thought-provoking and timely.
Admission is free, but space is limited.
RSVP today!
Doors open at 5:00 PM for a meet & greet and book-signing opportunity with the authors ahead of the main program. Books may be purchased online.
Light refreshments will be served.
We hope to see you there!
UC Berkeley
The Cal Alumni Association
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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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San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman versus the Seattle Mariners, April 25, 2025. Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Giants' slide hits a season-high 5 despite Chapman's homer
by Maria Guardado
TORONTO -- The Giants were hoping to come out of the All-Star break refreshed and ready to open the second half on a strong note. Instead, they ended up departing Canada mired in their longest skid of the season.
The Giants suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the American League East-leading Blue Jays after falling, 8-6, in Sunday afternoon’s series finale at Rogers Centre, extending their losing streak to a season-high five games.
“It sucks,” third baseman Matt Chapman said. “We were in every game, and [the Blue Jays] found a way to win them. They finished the first half super hot, and it looks like they’ve come out right out of the gates hot again. I think we still played really well, but we didn’t get anything to show for it.”
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Athletic outfielder Denzel Clarke against the San Francisco Giants, July 4, 2025. Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Clarke's injury could leave gaping hole in center of A's defense
Theo DeRosa
Denzel Clarke jogged slowly toward home plate with his head down. The Athletics' center fielder was able to score easily from second base on Nick Kurtz’s eighth-inning double down the right-field line Sunday, but something wasn’t right. As Clarke reached the plate, he gathered part of his jersey into his mouth, trying not to show the pain.
Clarke’s late exit from Sunday’s 8-2 loss to the Guardians at Progressive Field with right hip discomfort threatened to put a damper on the rookie’s stellar defensive season -- and it could leave the A’s in need of a center fielder should Clarke miss time.
Clarke hurt himself rounding third base on Kurtz’s RBI double, slowing up suddenly as he turned the corner and headed home. He was replaced in center when the A’s went out for the bottom of the eighth, and he was seen walking with difficulty in the dugout.
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would be appreciated.
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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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The Oakland Ballers just wrapped up the first half with a record tied for the best in the unaffiliated era and, oh yeah — we’ve got the best record in ALL of pro baseball. No big deal.
If you missed the action, we won’t throw shade (or fastballs), but... you have been missing out.
Here’s your second chance to swing back into the fun — we’re coming home July 22 and bringing the heat with a full lineup of wild promos, giveaways, and all-out good vibes.
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Tuesday, July 22 – $2 Tuesday: Ballers Hit the Links!
Tee off the homestand with us!
- Grab a limited edition Ballers golf towel (fore! the early fans)
Opponent: Colorado Springs Sky Sox (and yes, we plan to drive in the runs)
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Seattle Sounders FC 3
Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Saturday, July 19, 2025
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Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders FC 3
San Jose drops second leg of Heritage Cup despite goals from Preston Judd, Chicho Arango; Team captain Cristian Espinoza now Austin-bound for Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game; Quakes return to road Saturday against
Real Salt Lake
SEATTLE — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Seattle Sounders FC 3-2 on Saturday night at Lumen Field in front of 30,129 fans.
San Jose struck first in the 26th minute, when Jamar Ricketts broke free down the left wing. The Earthquakes wingback then pushed a low cross found a sliding Preston Judd for a 1-0 Quakes advantage. That lead would last for just two minutes as Albert Rusnák’s inswinger from the left wing was headed home by former Quake Danny Musovski.
After intermission, the Sounders caught San Jose in transition with a long ball from Cristian Roldán to Pedro de la Vega. The Seattle midfielder hauled it in, subsequently scooted down the left wing and lifted a cross for a streaking Musovski header to make it 2-1 for the hosts in minute 54. After a review for offside, the goal was confirmed by VAR. San Jose answered in the 64th minute when off a Cristian Espinoza free kick, Preston Judd’s header forced Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas to make a diving save, allowing Cristian “Chicho” Arango to tap it in to tie it 2-2.
But Seattle would recapture the lead once more in the 69th minute with another transition goal. Musovski pushed the ball ahead to Roldán, and de la Vega took a few touches before unleashing a right-footed long-range laser behind the box that found the back of the net to make it 3-2.
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Oakland Roots SC 2
Loudoun United FC 0
Segra Field, Leesburg, VA
Saturday, July 19, 2025
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Roots Earn Cross Country Victory in 2-0 Win at Loudoun United FC
Kendall McIntosh played the game of his life, and Roots’ attack came to life in Leesburg, Virginia on Saturday night as Oakland defeated Loudoun United FC on the road to win their fourth match in five games.
Oakland looked a bit out of sorts early in the match, as Loudoun controlled possession through the first 20 minutes of play and frustrated Roots’ passing game.
But against the run of play, Roots would open the scoring in the 22nd minute when for the third straight game Roots’ first shot on target found the back of the net. This time, a Loudoun turnover on a clearance attempt from near the top right corner of the box found Neveal Hackshaw who struck a rocket from deep to score his first of the season and make it 1-0 Oakland.
In a stunning shift of momentum, Peter Wilson doubled Oakland’s lead just moments later in the 27th minute after a wonderful sequence of Roots passing resulted in him finding space all alone with the ball near the penalty spot, and burying it inside the right post for his team-leading fifth goal of 2025.
The two quick goals shocked Loudoun who lost their footing in the match, as Roots continued to dominate the pitch for the remainder of the half.
Oakland began the second frame playing a more conservative brand of soccer, moving the ball safely and killing time off the clock while not attempting any risky attacking moves. Despite the slower pace of play, Roots’ excellent ball movement still led to a number of wonderful scoring chances in the remainder of the contest.
Loudoun began looking desperate for a goal near the final third of the contest, and started to push the ball up the field at all costs.
In the 64th minute Kendall McIntosh made two brilliant saves to keep Oakland in front by two when a netfront scrum led to a couple point blank shots from Loudoun.
This was a theme that remained for the rest of the contest: Loudoun pushing the ball into dangerous territory and earning a top notch scoring opportunity, only to be thwarted by highlight reel saves from McIntosh.
Roots were able to weather the late storm and reach the final whistle still holding their two goal advantage for their fourth clean sheet in their last six regular season contests.
Oakland will return home to the Coliseum for their next action as they prepare to host Orange County SC in a matinee USL Jägermeister Cup Group Stage match on July 26th at 1 PM PT.
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Bay FC 1
Angel City FC 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, July 19, 2025
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SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 19, 2025) — Bay FC and Angel City FC played to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon at PayPal Park in a club friendly match, kicking off Bay FC’s Summer Series. After the visitors pulled ahead in the first half, Bay FC answered after the break with Penelope Hocking finding the net off an assist from defender Maddie Moreau. Bay FC pushed for a winner late but wouldn’t put one over the line before the final whistle sounded.
“Today was a great match, we had a lot of fun, and I thought showed off the kind of football we want to play the rest of the season,” said head coach Albertin Montoya. “To return to the pitch after three weeks off is tough, and I’m extremely happy with the mentality and effort we displayed and especially proud of the players who took advantage of extended opportunities to show what they can do.”
Both squads were patient in the early goings. After a quiet first ten minutes, forward Catherine Paulson threatened from distance, but saw her shot swallowed up by the goalkeeper. Angel City found the net first, putting one into the back of the net just before the half hour mark as forward Jun Endo raced onto a long ball from forward Riley Tiernan and put it in the back of the net.
Bay FC battled back to press their foes after the 30-minute mark. Hocking challenged Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson in goal from inside the penalty area, sending a first-touch short toward the far post. The Danville native was just able to get in front of the shot and make the save. Midfielder Caroline Conti tried her luck from distance shortly afterward as a weak clearance bounced out into space, but the Clemson product’s effort sailed high of the bar.
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Oakland Spiders 17
San Diego Growlers 14
Fremont High School, Oakland, CA
SaturdayJuly 19, 2025
| Wrapping up the final week of the regular season, the Oakland Spiders have already secured a space in the playoffs but the question is, if they win today, they will host the first-round playoff game next week. If they lose, they will have to travel to Colorado. With heavy pressure on defense, the Spiders took advantage of several breaks to get an early lead and would hang on to finish the game, 17-14, clinching the forthcoming home playoff game. Above, Aaron Rosenthal (#38) loses his shoe as he focuses on the incoming disc where he will twist himself into a pretzel to catch the disc for the point early in the first quarter. The Oakland Spiders played host to the San Diego Growlers at Fremont High School on Saturday, July 19 in Oakland, CA. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
Returning to the Spiders after winning a Gold Medal in the U24 World Ultimate Championships for Team USA, Robin Vickers Batzdorf (#2) was a man on a defensive mission, taking to the skies to deflect several incoming passes throughout the game.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Under heavy pressure, Max Williams snatches the disk from
the air to score early in the fourth quarter.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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The Oakland Spiders' defensive double-team of Carter Langford (#24) and Max Williams (#87) applies pressure, forcing the Growlers player to lunge between them and throwing a risky pass in the second quarter. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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So They Wrote:
“All men are created equal…with
certain unalienable rights…”
by Howard Peralstein
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They were writing the mission statement for what they were creating, this … something. They asked Tom Paine: “Hey Tom, what do we call this thing we’re doing, joining together all those regions with the same idea, you know, the way the Iriquois do it?
Tom said: “How about The United States of America?” And Ben Franklin said: “Yes, but not just men – “all men and women.” And they all laughed, knowing his way with women, saying: “Ben
you’ve been living in France too long.”
Ben held his tongue as he thought: “As soon as we get this done, I’m going back.” Equal didn’t mean the same. The French understood that, even when they smirked: “Viva la difference.”
Equal meant entitled to those same rights.
Please bear with me – I’m setting up a premise for a factually unsupported hypothoguess,
And we have American sports being sorted according to which sex is playing which game. (Still arguing about the same thing as the 1950s: what is a real woman? Back then it was about Russian gymnasts’ DNA.)
So, they replaced the word “sex” with “gender.” No more funny answers on job applications.
Same as a thousand years before, when portraying angels as hermaphrodites ended. Instead of being both sexes, they became none. Because it was too difficult to explain to children. Same
thing as Santa Claus being a metaphor for a loving, indulgent father.
But the desire for the indulgent father shows up pretty often in the teams not quite getting it done. One more draft pick! One more player! And (full disclosure) I was going to write about how silly that is until the Dubs brought in Jimmy Buckets. It was working, except for Steph’s hamstring.
Of course we see the stars in women’s soccer and basketball, but the reality seems players more oriented toward team’s success than their individual stats. What announcers call “generous,” i.e., passing off to the rookie.
And I’ve made a guess why it might be that way, admittedly on a pitifully small sampling of comments made by some women athletes. An hypothoguess.
The history of women in sports reflects the same point of view as calling one’s wife “my distaff” side, meaning lesser, weaker. Women’s sports have always been distaff in terms of lesser money, lesser media coverage, lesser respect. All “nice try, honey.” It’s cute when they play basketball, but…
In short, it’s called disrespect.
Maybe it will take something like the basketball or soccer version of Billy Jean King kicking the butt of some loudmouth male tennis champ whose name doesn’t live in history or in my mind because it wastes the space for people and things worth remembering.
When a male athlete has been “The Man” all his life, it takes some adapting to be part of a team, even if he’s the most shiny one. But for all the kudos, the career path of a female pro athlete is repeated distaffery.
That sort of disrespect tends to make people think “They’re messing with us,” rather than “messing with me.” Same way the founders reacted to the disrespect and contempt coming from the insane king in England that bonded them into thinking as Americans instead of Colonials.
When I see the extraordinary teamwork of the Valkyries and Bay FC in their first years, I wonder, maybe it’s all that distaffery that made them want to be part of a team instead of all alone out there.
Or maybe, they just love to play and being a team is how it’s done.
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Someone once told me that my peripatetic life-path reads like the dust jacket of an experimental novel. He didn't realize that it is that novel, still being written.
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Jean-Claude Van Damme -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme made a guest appearance at San Francisco’s Planet Hollywood many years ago and I went there to meet him. The line to meet him was not very long so he took his time and chatted with each person who showed up. He was very nice and even signed two photos for me
and two for my brother.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a martial artist trained in kickboxing, karate, muay thai, taekwondo, shotokan and full contact karate. In addition, he is an actor, screenwriter and producer. He’s married to former professional female bodybuilder Gladys Portugues.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 141: Battle Surrounding CSC Hardline Stance May Cause NIL Collectives To Challenge House
Settlement Terms
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
The House v. NCAA settlement, which has been appealed multiple times, has received final approval from Judge Claudia Wilken. Another massive fight is brewing while those appeals are being played out. It revolves around the College Sports Commission (CSC), a newly established entity that the NCAA has taken great efforts to distinguish itself from, as it determines that the vast majority of deals between NIL collectives and athletes are prohibited and deemed null and void.
To be clear, the NCAA has stated that it has "no role in these decisions."
Furthermore, I'm sure no one who reads this newsletter is surprised by the role of the CSC nor its position on collective deals. After all, the title of Vol. 132 was, "Deloitte Says 70% Of Past NIL Collective Deals Would Fail New Fair Market Value Standards." Deloitte is the accounting entity responsible for reviewing deals on behalf of the CSC.
NIL collectives do not seem willing to go down without a fight and, the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs in the class action (who, by the way, are set to receive more than $750 million in legal fees), have sent a letter to the NCAA and power conferences, indicating their position that the CSC flatly rejecting NIL collective deals is not consistent with the House settlement terms and goes as far as to undermine the agreed upon terms. The letter probably should have been addressed to the CSC, given the NCAA's position that it has no role in the CSC's decisions.
“There is nothing in the Settlement Agreement to permit (NCAA and conference) or the CSC, acting on their behalf, to decide that it would not be a valid business purpose for a school’s collective to engage in for-profit promotions of goods or services using paid-for student-athlete NIL,” said the lawyers in the letter. “To the extent the NIL payment is for the promotion of a valid business purpose, it is irrelevant whether that payment comes from a NIL collective or any other third party.”
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Formula 1 to Celebrate its 75th Anniversary
at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
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Photo by: Bob Heathcote
When the gates open for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca., fans will be immersed in a full sensory celebration of the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. The legendary event, which will be hosted Aug. 13-16, will see some of the most iconic cars in F1 history race again and feature a stunning exhibition of rarely seen cars that follows the evolution of the sport over the last 75 years.
Twenty-five authentic F1 cars from the 1966-1985 non-turbo era will race daily in the Mario Andretti Trophy race. Fans will see, and hear, the 12-cylinder-powered cars from the likes of Tyrrell, Williams, Ferrari, Lotus and Brabham.
Guests will also enjoy an exhibition of more than 30 rarely seen historic F1 cars from museums and private collections. This exhibit marks the first time many of these cars have been displayed together in one place. The collection will feature models ranging from the 1956 Maserati 250F, 1966 Eagle Mk1 and 1986 Benetton B186 to more modern machinery like the 2024 Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship-winning McLaren MCL38, driven by Lando Norris.
| | INDYCAR Returns Next Weekend! | | | | |
The countdown is on to the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey! See the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, Alexander Rossi and Josef Newgarden, battle it out on the iconic road course as the fastest racing on Earth meets the Corkscrew.
It’s not too late to lock in your tickets, camping and parking for an incredible weekend in Monterey. And, don’t forget, kids 15 and under get in free all weekend with a ticketed adult.
Photo by: Tim Hill
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NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson Honored on Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame
SONOMA, Calif. (July 13, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway proud announces the induction of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson into its Wall of Fame today, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the sport and his achievements at the historic 1.99-mile road course.
Johnson, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, recorded one victory (2010) and nine top-10 finishes in 18 career starts at Sonoma Raceway. His 2010 victory in wine country was the one and only road course victory of his illustrious career.
“We are honored to celebrate Jimmie Johnson’s incredible legacy by inducting him into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame,” said Brian Flynn, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Sonoma Raceway. “Jimmie’s accomplishments, both at our track and across his storied career, embody the spirit of excellence that defines this sport. As a California native, his impact resonates deeply with our fans and community.”
The El Cajon native was honored with a permanent placement on the Wall of Fame at Sonoma Raceway.
“What an honor,” said Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Team Co-owner. “I have this forever up in Sonoma Raceway history. Thank you so much for this amazing surprise.”
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RELIVE THE ACTION OF THE 2024 ROLEX
BIG BOAT SERIES
And mark your calendars for September 10-14, 2025!
Sixty years, one excellent regatta! Take a moment to watch a recap video from the 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series, and mark your calendars for next year. We look forward to seeing you on the water September 10-14, 2025, at St. Francis Yacht Club!
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Alex Birge Signs With St. Louis Cardinals
Catcher Led Golden Bears In Home Runs And Walks In 2025
California catcher Alex Birge signed a professional baseball contract as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals' organization on Saturday. Birge spent one season at Cal as a redshirt junior in 2025 after playing for three campaigns at Wichita State (2002-24).
"My time at Cal was some of the best of my life," Birge said. "I can't thank the coaches enough for believing in me and giving me a shot. I got to play alongside some of the best guys in the country and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I'm pumped for the next chapter with the Cardinals and ready to get after it, but none of this would've been possible without the support from the Cal baseball program."
"Alex did a great job in his one season in our program last year," Cal head coach Mike Neu added. "He is a tremendous leader. He has always been an excellent defensive catcher, and last year he added a strong offensive dimension to his game. We are so happy for him to get started on his professional career. He will be a great addition to the Cardinals' organization."
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Photo: Alex Halloway/KLC Fotos
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2024-25 Year in Review: NCAA Title Streak Reaches 49 Years
Stanford produced six national team championships during the 2024-25 athletic campaign while extending its NCAA team title streak to 49 consecutive years
STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford produced six national team championships during the 2024-25 athletic campaign while extending its NCAA team title streak to 49 consecutive years.
Boasting its most national team championships since winning seven in 2018-19, the Cardinal maintained one of the most recognizable streaks in college athletics. Stanford, which has claimed at least one NCAA team crown every year since 1976-77, kept its streak alive with a victory in women’s water polo before adding a title in women’s rowing three weeks later.
Both women’s water polo and women’s rowing featured similar NCAA championship paths, emerging as clear favorites after dominating their regular seasons and capturing conference titles. The Cardinal now shifts its focus to the 2025-26 campaign and an opportunity to make it 50 years in a row with at least one NCAA trophy.
Stanford added four other national team championships, with artistic swimming earning its first crown since 2021 while sailing closed its historic season as the women’s and coed squads combined to deliver three titles.
Stanford (1,251 points) also maintained its streak of top-3 finishes in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, presented annually to the nation’s most successful intercollegiate athletic department. The Cardinal placed third overall, only 4.5 points behind Texas (1,255.25) and 2.75 points behind USC (1,253.75) in the closest margin of the award’s history. The Cardinal has won the trophy in 26 of the possible 31 seasons, including a 25-year streak from 1995-2019.
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San José State’s Avinash Iyer Qualifies for 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship
SAN JOSE, Calif. – San José State senior Avinash Iyer has punched his ticket to the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship, following a standout performance in final qualifying at The Club at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton, Calif. Iyer shot a 3-under-par 69 in Monday’s 18-hole round and secured his qualification through a grueling four-hole playoff.
The prestigious U.S. Amateur will be held August 11–17 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, one of the game’s most iconic venues. Iyer becomes the first Spartan men’s golfer to qualify for the championship since Xuan Luo in 2023.
This achievement comes on the heels of another impressive showing by Iyer, who captured the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, Calif., over the weekend. Iyer carded rounds of 68-67-69 to post a 9-under-par 204, winning the title by two strokes.
“Avi’s victory at Poppy Hills is a testament to the hard work and consistent growth he has shown throughout his collegiate career,” said San José State head coach John Kennaday. “We’re incredibly proud to see him represent the Spartans on the national stage.”
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MTEN | Saint Mary’s Athletics Announces Dan Cardiff as New Men’s Tennis Head Coach Ahead of 2025-26 Season
MORAGA, Calif. - On Wednesday, July 16th the Saint Mary's Athletics Department announced Dan Cardiff as the new head coach for the Gaels men's tennis program ahead of the 2025-26 season. Cardiff becomes just the fourth head coach in program history after Greg Kennett announced his retirement earlier this summer after eight seasons leading the program.
Cardiff joins the Gael family after serving as the head assistant coach of the women's tennis program at the University of Rhode Island. Along with head coach Jonas Brobeck, Cardiff helped the Rams to a double-digit win season in 2024, doubling their win total from their 2023 campaign. They followed that up with 15 match victories during the 2024-25 season for second most in a single-season in program history. Cardiff and the coaching staff combined for six all-conference selections over their two years including the A-10 Most Outstanding Rookie Award in Katharina Spieth, becoming the first player in program history to win a major year-end award.
Prior to Rhode Island Dan Cardiff worked as a Senior Tennis Professional for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. There, he played a pivotal role in the launching of the "Be Legendary" program, a global youth initiative to educate and promote the great values that tennis offers young players. Cardiff also helped develop the curriculum for various programs at the tennis center including Team Fame and the NJTL program.
Like several SMC coaches, Cardiff has a tie to the Lamorinda area as he earned his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Saint Mary's back in 2019. He was also the Head of Competitive Development at the Orinda Country Club for over three years.
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Women's Golf Earns Place on WGCA Top 25 GPA List
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – For the third time in the last five years, the University of San Francisco women's golf program earned a place on the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Top 25 GPA list, awarded to teams with the highest cumulative grade-point average this academic year.
As a team, San Francisco accumulated a 3.86 grade-point average, 19th best among all Division I programs in the country. Ball State secured the top spot with a 3.96, earning the 2024-25 WGCA All-Scholar GPA Award.
This past season, Rodaylin Mina became the only team member to earned a 4.0 GPA for the entire academic year. Jolie Chee and Yvonne Shang totaled 4.0 GPAs in the 2024 fall semester while Riana Mission and Eva Pett secured the perfect mark in the 2025 spring semester. Pett, Mission, and Mina were also selected as West Coast Conference All-Academic recipients, while Shang and Chee earned honorable mention selections.
Along with league recognition, Pett, Mission, and Mina were among 1,499 women's collegiate golfers from 403 programs to be named to the WGCA All-American Scholar Team. Mission and Pett return to the list for the third consecutive year, as the duo earned the honor in both last season and 2022-23, while Mina earned the prestigious academic honor for the first time.
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Photo: Christina Leung
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Women's Water Polo Collects ACWPC Individual and Team All-Academic Awards
The Santa Clara University women's water polo team earned 14 ACWPC individual All-Academic awards and a team all-academic award Wednesday.
The Santa Clara University women's water polo team collected 14 All-Academic honors Wednesday from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches, and also earned its 15th consecutive All-Academic Team award from the organization.
The Broncos had six student-athletes recognized with "Outstanding" honors for carrying Grade Point Averages between 3.71 and 4.00 – Annika Burks, Calla Troxel, Evelyn McLaughlin, Francesca Moynihan, Libby Slater and Nina Damjanac. Five Broncos, including two true freshmen, earned "Superior" all-academic honors for posting GPAs between 3.41 and 3.70 – Mia Barkett, Megan Chambliss, Makenna Genco, Airi Seib and Anne Warneke. Three more grabbed "Excellent" honors for their GPAs that ranged between 3.20 and 3.40 – Kate Rodman, Haley Tassell and true freshman Khloe Tarbet.
The 14 individual ACWPC All-Academic awards follow the Broncos landing 13 student-athletes on the Golden Coast Conference All-Academic Team last week. Slater led Santa Clara's award winners with a 3.857 GPA in her communication major. She and Moynihan completed an academic award trifecta on Wednesday, having earned "Outstanding" All-Academic honors from the ACWPC while also being named to the GCC All-Academic Team and being placed on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District At-Large Team last month.
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Photo: Sarah Smith, Santa Clara Athletics
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Pacific Tabs Michael McPherson as Track & Field Assistant Coach
STOCKTON, Calif. – Pacific Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Josh Jones bolstered his staff ahead of upcoming year on Wednesday, welcoming Michael McPherson as a track and field assistant coach.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Michael to our program," Jones said. "He brings a tremendous amount of energy, experience, and competitive excellence as a Div. 1 All-American decathlete and a successful coach. His passion for the sport and commitment to developing student-athletes will be a huge asset as we continue building something special here."
While McPherson has coached the majority of his time at the collegiate level, he most recently was a cross country and track & field assistant coach at Southside High School. McPherson spent four years at UTSA as an assistant coach, which began in 2017 where he primarily worked in field events and supported Adrian Riley to a runner-up finish in the 2018 indoor Conference USA Championships.
"I am really fired up to come and be a part of building something new at Pacific with the men's squad being added," McPherson said. "Stockton is a special place to me and it's a great honor to be joining the Tigers and the 209 family!"
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UC Davis Athletics 2024-25 Year In Review
DAVIS, Calif. - With six sports going to the NCAA postseason, a number of historic wins, and an invitation to the Mountain West Conference, the 2024-25 year was one of great importance for UC Davis Athletics, showcasing Aggie Pride on a national level. We invite you to read more on our 2024-2025 Year in Review webpage detailing contributions made across the department as well as watch the year-end highlight video debuted at the Aggie Awards on June 1.
"The 2024–25 season was a remarkable one for UC Davis Athletics, and it would not have been possible without your support." Notes Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "We delivered our most competitively successful year as a Division I program, highlighted by an all-time best finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup. Your generosity helped fuel record gains in donations, ticket sales, and partnerships, while energizing our fan base like never before. Most importantly, our student-athletes continued to thrive, achieving near-record GPAs and making the most of the academic and leadership opportunities that set UC Davis apart. Thank you for helping us raise the bar in every area."
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Gio Martini Named to ABCA West Region All-Defensive Team
GREENSBORO, N.C. - This week, the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced its NCAA Division II Region All-Defensive Teams for the 2025 baseball season. From Cal State East Bay, Gio Martini was named to the ABCA NCAA Division II West Region All-Defensive Team following his freshman season.
On 289 chances, Martini had only one error for a .997 fielding percentage. Martini had 264 putouts (8th in the CCAA) and 25 assists. There were 25 double plays turned during the season that included Martini in the sequence with either an assist or putout. He started 40 games, with 39 starts as a fielder, mostly at first base.
The ABCA Region All-Defensive Team honor was first introduced in 2023, and Martini is the first Pioneer to receive the distinguished defensive award.
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San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders
2025/26 Schedules
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, July 21, through
Sunday, July 27, 2025
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Monday, July 21
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 9:15 a.m.
Athletics @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Thursday, July 24
Athletics @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
Friday, July 25
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings, 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 26
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 6:05 p.m.
Athletics @ Houston Astros, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Orange County SC, 1 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Real Salt Lake City FC, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 27
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 4:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Houston Astros, 11:10 a.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Connecticut Sun, 10 a.m.
Bay FC vs. Urawa Red Diamonds, 4 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, Dave Newhouse, 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)
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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