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February 17 -- February 23, 2025
Issue No. 577
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Court Is Now In Session
As in ... Basketball Court!
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Fresh off my correct selection of Ohio State to win the College Football Playoffs, my memorable pick of Brian Harman to win the (British) Open less than three years ago at 125-to-1 odds, and Seton Hall to win the NIT last year, it's time to think College Hoops and the Final 4. I know it's early, but it is unavoidable. They're always on.
I'm no match for Bracketology Master, Joe Lunardi, on data or the vast player-personnel knowledge of a Jay Bilas, but there's a method to my (March) madness. It's too early to post the Carousel we used on Sports Today for the CFPs -- there are too many teams and not enough horses, but we will add it when the Tournament becomes manageable. In the interim, I'll start the games off with my Final 4:
Florida, Duke, Creighton and, as the West Coast entry, St. Mary's. I could pick all SEC teams, which include 5 of the 6 projected top seeds, but what fun is that? Stay tuned.
p.s. -- There is a basketball court in the U.S. Supreme Court. The fifth floor houses the U.S. Supreme Court gym, which includes a basketball court named the "Highest Court in the Land."
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (WBkB) 72, Boston College Eagles 63
Features & Commentary
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, by Rich Yee
Barry, Ray, Meschery Optimistic, by Dave Newhouse
And Then It Was “Hello COVID – Goodbye Sports,” by Howard Pearlstein
Joe Montana, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
NBA All-Star Media Event, by Ed Jay
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 Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Nighthawks
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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Jimmy Butler (right) with Draymond Green, is focusing his scoring efforts inside the arc rather than becoming a new Splash Brother -- he attempted only three three-pointers in his first three games and failed to drain any. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | | |
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Barry, Ray,
Meschery
Optimistic
by Dave Newhouse
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Tom Meschery was waiting for a haircut, a few minutes away from the barber’s chair, when he was asked over the phone what Jimmy Butler’s addition to the Golden State Warriors would mean for his former NBA team.
“I do think a playoff run is possible,” Meschery replied. “Butler fits. He’s a head case, but he’s a stable player, an inside guy who’s a great defender. He brings a concrete solidity to the team.”
Meschery, 86, is worth listening to because he was a Warrior in the 1960s, a tough, physical forward whose positive effect on the franchise resulted in his No. 14 uniform being retired.
“Andrew Wiggins is a great player, but passive,” Meschery said of the former Warrior forward who was part of the trade package to Miami that brought Butler to the Bay Area. “Butler isn’t passive.”
That last comment speaks volumes because Butler gets to the free throw line with regularity, a team problem before his arrival. The Warriors are last in the NBA in free throw percentage, but with Butler their accuracy has improved from 73.1 to 83.1 percent. Recently, the Warriors made 30 of 38 free throws at Milwaukee in a 125-111 road victory. Before Butler got here, the Warriors would have needed three games to accumulate 38 attempts.
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“Andrew Wiggins is a great player, but passive,” Tom Meschery (No. 14) said of the former Warrior forward... | |
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But as Meschery pointed out, Butler can’t do it alone any more than could Wiggins. The Warriors must, first, become a together team.
“They need (Jonathan) Kuminga because they lack athleticism,” Meschery said of the currently idled Warriors forward. "They lucked out with (center Quinten) Post. But with the growth of (swing man) Moses Moody, he’ll be a factor in the playoffs.”
The Warriors underachieved badly before Butler showed up, and that’s why they were 27-27 at the All-Star Game break this past weekend in San Francisco.
Meschery’s barber chair now was open, but he squeezed in the news that his forthcoming autobiography, The Mad Manchurian, is due out in March, following two mysteries and other books from his literary life.
But his overall life reads like a novel. He was born in China in 1938 as Tomislav Mescheriakov, the son of Russian emigrants who fled the October Revolution in 1917, then lived in a Japanese internment camp near Tokyo during World War II. After the war, the family emigrated again, to San Francisco. Meschery became an All-American at Saint Mary’s College, which also retired his number (31). The then Philadelphia Warriors drafted him No. 7 overall in 1961. Thus he has a lot to write about, both fact and fiction.
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“If all that happens,” Barry concluded, “I would not want to be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed playing the Warriors at No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the playoffs. I definitely would not want to play them.” | |
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Meschery’s former Warriors teammate, the great Rick Barry, is equally effusive about the team’s chances of qualifying for the post-season since acquiring Butler.
“(Butler’s) playing with a new-found enthusiasm,” said Barry, “and he’s playing at a great level. Now (Stephen) Curry has to step up, Buddy (Hield) needs to get his shot back, and the Pod (Brandin Podziemski) has really come on lately, but needs to keep going.
“However, there are two important things the Warriors need to do. The second thing is to create a three-headed monster at center (Post, Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis), to get 15 to 20 points game among them, and also get 10-15 rebounds. The most important thing is the team must make a commitment to great defense.
“If all that happens,” Barry concluded, “I would not want to be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed playing the Warriors at No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the playoffs. I definitely would not want to play them.”
The Warriors are 3-1 since Butler joined the team, with the 6-foot-6 future Hall of Famer averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals. If the Warriors, magically, win the NBA title, the Butler acquisition may become known as The Trade.
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“He gives them a shot because of his talent, toughness, tenacity, and the ice water in his veins,” said Ray. | |
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Clifford Ray, Barry’s pivotman teammate when the Warriors won the 1975 NBA title, believes this team could advance deep into the postseason now that Butler is aboard.
“He gives them a shot because of his talent, toughness, tenacity, and the ice water in his veins,” said Ray. “He blends in unselfishly, a great team player, but he’s also one of those guys who finds a way to make a big play.”
Or a free throw. "He knows how to draw fouls," Ray noted, “and that’s why I’d play him underneath.”
But is Butler enough to propel the Warriors into the playoffs?
“They ARE getting into the playoffs,” Ray insisted, “because of Curry’s perfection. But they have to get their defense on the right page to advance further. The West Coast teams are constructed well, so it’s a tough road.”
A road still untraveled, but more navigable with Jimmy Butler.
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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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Ribbon cutting at the Warriors pop up location at the NBA All-Star Alley are Festus Ezeli, Mark Tatum, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Brandon Schneider and Marisa Rodriguez, CEO Union Square Alliance. Caption and photo by Ed Jay. | |
Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner and COO of the NBA, addresses the media and guests at the kickoff to the All-Star Game at the Bay Area Host Committee event. The Committee will maximize the planning and coordination of the various Bay Area regions as they prepare for the NBA All-Star Game, The Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup in 2026. Caption and photo by Ed Jay. | |
Brandon Schneider, President of Business Operations for the Golden State Warriors at the opening of the NBA All-Star Alley in Downtown San Francisco. Caption and photo by Ed Jay. | |
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Cal Bears 72
Boston College Eagles 63
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Thursday, February 13, 2025
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Cal Bears forward Michelle Onyiah scored her 1000th point of her Cal career, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Bears defeated the Boston College Eagles, 72-63, at Haas Pavilion on Thursday, February 13th. Caption and
photo by Darren Yamashita.
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California Golden Bears guard Jayda Noble (2) reacts after being called for a foul against the Boston College Eagles during the third quarter at Haas Pavilion Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Tournament champion, the popular Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) hoists the Winner's Trophy. Later, he will hoist his
$3.6 million winner's check from the PGA Tour's second signature event of the season and its $20 million purse. Caption by
Robert Moselle, photo by Rich Yee.
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Stanford Continuing Studies | |
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Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:50 pm (PT)
• 6 weeks • April 8 – May 27
Join Us Online!
Baseball isn’t just a game, it’s a national heartbeat. The most traditional, numbers-oriented, and nostalgia-inducing of our major sports, it offers a fantasyland for statisticians, an instrument for social change, a reprieve from the digital rush, and a source of lifelong memories. This course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the culture, history, and strategy that make America’s game so captivating.
Each week, you will join baseball insiders as they reveal the sport from unique perspectives: the journey of a player, the life of an umpire, the impact of analytics on team building, the evolving
media landscape, and more. We will also examine the business side of baseball, exploring everything from minor league operations to contract negotiations and stadium construction.
Luminary guest speakers, including major league players and executives, will show you how the game has evolved on and off the field.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just curious, join us this spring for an in-depth, entertaining look at what makes baseball an enduring part of American culture.
Register Now »
Course Instructors
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Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
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Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the
executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
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Dave Newhouse
Sports Writer and Columnist
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Dave Newhouse has been a prominent figure in the Bay Area sports scene since the 1960s. He was an award-winning sports writer and columnist for the Oakland Tribune, a pioneer among sports talk show hosts on San Francisco radio, and is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival, co-authored with Andy Dolich, explores the story of Oakland losing its professional sports teams. | |
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Guest Speakers
Dave Stewart, Former Oakland A's All-Star Pitcher and Baseball Executive
Larry Bear, CEO, San Francisco Giants
Ken Korach, Oakland A's Radio Announcer
Brian Murphy, KNBR Sports Radio Host
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle Sports Columnist
Mike Pinto, Manager, Joliet Slammers, Minor League Baseball
Daniel Rascher, President, Sports Economics and Faculty, University of San Francisco
Ted Robinson, National Sports Broadcaster
Bill Schlough, CIO, San Francisco Giants
Russ Stanley, Senior Vice President, Ticket Sale's Service,
San Francisco Giants
Please note: Guest speakers may be subject to change.
Register Now »
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Warriors Announce 2024 Black History Month Celebrations
Activations Scheduled Throughout February To Highlight, Honor And Celebrate Black History With Excellence
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have announced celebrations for Black History Month, which includes a variety of activations aimed at honoring the contributions of Black history and uplifting Black voices.
Upcoming Warriors Black History Month activations include:
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February 25: African American Heritage Night – On Tuesday, February 25, the Warriors will host African American Heritage Night, a celebration of cultural heritage with a spotlight on the contributions of Black communities. The game will feature a resource fair with local Black businesses, celebratory performances by the Warriors Dance Team, and recognition of Fredrika Newton, activist and head of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, as Impact Warrior.
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February 27: Laurel Elementary School Read-In – Volunteers will spend the day at Laurel Elementary School reading literary works from Black authors to emphasize the importance of literacy within the Black community.
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www.warriors.com
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If you enjoy our free publication, a
contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
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Thanks to the following generous donors! | |
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A. Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
Richard Cross -- Founder / San Francisco Nighthawks
Andy Dolich
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Robert Flammia
Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
Mitchell Kim
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
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Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Ross & Vicki Robinson
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Leonard Schwab
Narda Zacchino
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Marco Luciano at Spring Training versus the Oakland A's,
March 15, 2024. Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Luciano ready for outfield challenge: 'I just have to be me'
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Marco Luciano admits that he never really felt like himself last year.
Long viewed as one of the Giants’ top prospects, Luciano was expected to succeed Brandon Crawford as the club’s everyday shortstop last spring, but he never managed to grab hold of the job amid concerns about his defense. He continued to scuffle when he was forced to learn second base on the fly and also didn’t show enough with the bat to stick in the Majors.
The end of the season brought another challenge, as the Giants told Luciano that they planned to begin transitioning him from the infield to the outfield. The up-and-down year led to a winter of soul-searching for the 23-year-old Luciano, who tried to mentally reset after returning home to his native Dominican Republic.
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www.sfgiants.com
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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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Shea Langeliers homered leading off ninth for his second of the game, lifting the A's over the Seattle Mariners, 5-4, on
September 2, 2024. Photo by Darren Yamashita
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'Evolving' Langeliers looks to maintain momentum
Martín Gallegos
@MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' Athletics Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
MESA, Ariz. -- All this talk of positive momentum coming from the Athletics as they enter Spring Training stems from their 39-37 record to end last season, and a key part of that second-half surge was Shea Langeliers.
A's single-game tickets for 2025 are on sale now!
Over that final 76-game stretch from July 1 on, Langeliers appeared in 65 of those contests and hit .247 with a .789 OPS, 14 home runs, 10 doubles and 39 RBIs. That success came on the heels of a June swoon in which the 27-year-old catcher batted .184 (14-for-76) for the month in what was becoming a concerning slow start at the plate.
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Ballers fam,
Were you put on this earth to perform? And to bring adoring fans joy with tasty concessions? Think you could hang with vending legends like Ice Cold Kenny and Mike the Hot Dog Mayor?
Well, today is your lucky day. We’re currently casting character-driven food vendors for the 2025 season.
We do things a little differently at Raimondi Park. We see vending as a form of performance art. A way to connect with fans, create engaging stories around the Ballers, and bring a unique fan experience that’s part dinner theater, part WWE-inspired theatrics, and the most fun food service job you could dream of.
So, what Makes A Celebrity Food Vendor?
- Must have a cool name and catch phrase
- Must have a “costume” or visual prop (Kenny’s Ice Cold Drink Tray / Mike’s Special red and white striped vest)
- Should have a developed character/backstory (to be completed in partnership with Ballers content team)
- Ability to balance vending with crowd hype during games
- Willingness and ability to exist outside of gameday on social media - creating content in partnership with Ballers content team
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How To Apply:
Send an audition video of yourself “vending” a concession to Concessions@OaklandBallers.com. It could be beer and sodas, peanuts and pretzels, churros, or coffee and hot chocolate. (You don’t need the actual food - just pretend.) We also would like to know a little bit about your vending character - are you The Churro Champion, Hot Coco Love Supreme who brings hot chocolate to fans on cold summer nights and has a love-hate relationship with Ice Cold Kenny. It could be anything.
Mostly, we just want to get to know your personality. If you just have a seed of an idea for a character, try it out. We can help you develop it further.
*Please only apply if you are available for the majority of the 48 Oakland Ballers home games for the 2025 season (or at least the Fri, Sat, and Sun) games.
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www.oaklandballers.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2.13.2025
Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots SC announces the signing of forward and Fairfield’s own, EJ Johnson. The 21-year-old Johnson was born and raised in the North Bay and grew up playing for Northbay Elite before joining the Sacramento Republic Academy from 2016 to 2021.
“We are very excited to bring in such a hungry young player who not only knows this league already, but knows what it means to represent this area,” said Head Coach, Gavin Glinton. “I have known EJ from his time in the youth ranks of northern California and I'm looking forward to working with him again.”
Johnson moved to the Scottish Premiership in 2022, signing with Hibernian, before three loan spells, including time with Charleston Battery in USL Championship and Austin FC II in MLS Next Pro, where he helped them win the MLS Next Pro Championship. He then returned to the USL Championship in 2024, joining the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Welcome back to the Bay, EJ.
Single Game Tickets
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Earthquakes Sign Goalkeeper Daniel to New Contract
Brazilian shot-stopper now Black and Blue through 2026 with club options through 2028
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed goalkeeper Daniel to a new contract through the 2026 season with club options in 2027 and 2028.
“We’re pleased to re-sign Daniel,” said Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena. “We believe he can be among the top goalkeepers in Major League Soccer and look forward to his playing a critical role in improving our team in the defending end of the field.”
Daniel, 30, joined the Quakes in 2023 from SC Internacional in his native Brazil and immediately established himself as one of Major League Soccer’s elite shot-stoppers, finishing his initial campaign second in saves per 90 minutes (3.88) among all goalkeepers with more than 1,800 minutes played and earning MLS Team of the Matchday honors four times as San Jose made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in three years.
Among his highlights last year was a dramatic Leagues Cup victory in July over Chivas Guadalajara at Levi’s Stadium where he recorded five saves and forced two misses in the deciding penalty kick shootout. Over his two seasons, he has played 34 matches.
“I’m very happy to be renewing my contract,” said Daniel, in a statement translated from Portuguese. “San Jose is my home, so you can be sure that I will always do my best. I’m looking forward to creating moments of joy with my team and our fans. Let’s go, Earthquakes!”
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JOIN US AS WE GET READY FOR AN EPIC YEAR AHEAD! | |
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We’re starting strong with our Season Kickoff event presented by Sutter Health at PayPal Park on Saturday, March 1st. RSVP now and let’s kick off the 2025 season together.
What to Expect
- Select-A-Seat: Not a Season Ticket Member? Check out available seats and secure your perfect spot for the season.
- 2025 Bay FC Jerseys On Sale: Be the first to see and purchase the club’s new 2025 kits!
- Entertainment: Enjoy music by DJ Byte Size and other fan activities throughout the event.
- Bay FC x 21st Amendment Co-branded Beer Tasting: This summer, 21st Amendment Brewery will be launching a Bay FC beer, and this will be your chance to cast a vote for your favorite flavor if you’re over the age of 21.
- FanFest Activations: Participate in a juggling competition with Sutter Health and Spin to Win Trader Joe's products.
- And Much More!
Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow fans, rep your Bay FC spirit, and get ready for the season ahead. Let’s make this season unforgettable!
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And Then It Was
“Hello COVID – Goodbye Sports”
by Howard Pearlstein
The COVID year(s) started late in 2019, and the president was, as would have been any Chief Executive, totally screwed by the universe.
Until the fast-tracked vaccine was ready, the country looked to him for an answer and when there was none, it’s down to fast talking and fancy dancing. And spin the news to minimize the effects of the plague. A politician lives and dies (politically) on the public’s job approval.
By election time there were a million dead in the USA, 23 million out of jobs, masks of dubious value* and a protective distance of at least 6 feet between people.
That meant no team sports anywhere. The COVID virus was everywhere nationally and internationally, so no “Well I’ll go to Mexico (or anywhere) until it’s over.” Sorry.
Millions of people out of work, no movie theaters, no community centers, libraries, restaurants, coffee shops. No place to meet and greet, just wearing a mask, staying home, watching TV and… OMG – no live sports!
*Any mask rated and advertised as M95 (effective) was reserved for sale to medical professionals. The people at VOG masks, for example, donated hundreds of thousands of their M95 rated masks internationally, but couldn’t say it here at home.
Businesses everywhere were in a similar double-blind. Society was falling apart. People were looking for “When things get back to normal.” Normal was not coming back. Not with a society taking such deep emotional scars.
A million dead, so many they were being kept in refrigerated trucks and train cars. Family members and friends sick and dying. 23 million working people suddenly unemployed; many never without a job since high school, many of them from businesses that were not going to survive.
You’d think that TV sports were an insignificant thing in comparison. You’d be wrong. Sports always were and always are integrally involved with fans’ emotional health. Being able to see favorite players and favorite teams winning or (sigh) losing was where normal lived, and it wasn’t happening.
TV programming of past games didn’t work any better than chewing gum made people stop smoking. It’s a physical thing as well as chemical – lighting a cigarette, taking it to and from the mouth, the hit in the lungs, the breathing out of smoke.
Sports fandom is not an addiction. Our society tends to disparage anything somebody else loves as an addiction. Same way they demonize a marriage of two people who enjoy and rely on each other more than they enjoy or rely on others as a terrible death-spiral named “co-dependency.”
Watching sports is an emotional salve, an enjoyable compensation for the little slings and arrows that hit us in daily life. When our teams cut or trade a favorite player, it’s too creepy to root for their new team. We’ve lost something important.
My first experience of this was in 1972 when, while at a Giants game, they announced they had traded Willie Mays to the Mets. WHAT!? But… “You ungrateful soulless bastards” is as close as is printable.
When cut or traded players say “It’s a business, it hurts." Sports players are people who fill in the achievement gaps missing from the role models we know personally. And we overlook the human shortcomings in those sports heroes because we need those ideals in mind to help us move toward our own aspirational goals.
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Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Joe Montana -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I have had several opportunities to meet with former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana off the field. On one occasion, I was attending Keena Turner’s annual charity golf tournament at Ruby Hill Golf Course. The regulars at this event included Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott, Kristie Yamaguchi and many more. After the game I saw Montana arrive back at the club house with his wife, Jennifer, and I approach him with this photo I had brought with me. He was glad to sign the photo for me.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 119: Trump Administration Rejects Biden Administration's NIL Title IX Interpretation | |
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
The U.S. Department of Education rescinded the "fact sheet" I discussed in Vol. 116. That now-defunct fact sheet counseled that the gender-equity standards for athletic scholarships must also apply to NIL money remitted to college athletes.
Under the new administration, the DOE says that the fact sheet was "11th-hour guidance" that was "rammed through by the Biden Administration" and that it was "overly burdensome" and "profoundly unfair."
"Without a credible legal justification, the Biden Administration claimed that NIL agreements between schools and student athletes are akin to financial aid and must, therefore, be proportionately distributed between male and female athletes under Title IX," reads the new statement. "Enacted over 50 years ago, Title IX says nothing about how revenue-generating athletics programs should allocate compensation among student athletes. The claim that Title IX forces schools and colleges to distribute student-athlete revenues proportionately based on gender equity considerations is sweeping and would require clear legal authority to support it."
Congresswoman Lori Trahan's reaction was that "College sports may change, but schools' legal obligations under Title IX doesn't." She added, "If Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress won't defend women's sports, the courts will have to."
Senator Ted Cruz stated that, as he predicted, "the Biden administration’s last-ditch effort to impose their policy objectives...
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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Assembling Rarely Seen Formula 1® Exhibition Class
75th Anniversary Celebration Highlights Monterey Car Week
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 13, 2025—Saluting the 75th Anniversary of Formula 1®, organizers of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion are assembling an all-star lineup of historic F1 cars that helped define the sport into the world’s most revered and competitive series. The event, held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca August 13-16, is one of the cornerstones of the world-renowned Monterey Car Week.
Curating the exhibition is Ellen Bireley, former executive director of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Ms. Bireley has previously orchestrated memorable displays such as the 2022 tribute to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and last year’s 50th anniversary of historic racing at Laguna Seca.
“From England and Australia to Japan and throughout the Americas, I’m in discussion with owners of both early groundbreaking designs to more modern machines that showcase the most advanced technology,” Bireley said. “Harnessing the vast knowledge of members on our Advisory Council has been critical in locating the best of the best from private collections and museums.”
Attendees at the Rolex Reunion can explore more than two dozen legendary Formula 1 cars up close while enjoying an action-packed weekend featuring 400 cars racing in 14 groups. The featured race will spotlight a dedicated group of 1966-1985 Historic F1 cars with thrilling on-track action daily.
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www.weathertechraceway.com
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Get Ready to Hit The Gas: Sonoma Raceway’s 2025 Drag Racing Schedule is Here!
SONOMA, Calif. (January 29, 2025) – Buckle up, drag racing fans! Sonoma Raceway is ready to bring the heat with another year of full-throttle action for the 2025 Sonoma Drags season.
Kicking off in March, the 37th season of Sonoma Drags returns with seven drag racing events on Wednesday nights, held most months through October. These nights are the perfect opportunity for drivers to put the pedal to the metal on Sonoma Raceway’s legendary quarter-mile drag strip. Open to any street-legal vehicle that passes a basic safety inspection, the track welcomes everything from high-performance muscle cars to the family minivan. There’s no judgement here – just pure, unfiltered fun and speed.
The ever-popular Top The Cops® program also returns in 2025, giving high school students the chance to drag race local law enforcement, competing in full uniform in their official vehicles, on the same drag strip as the top professional racing series for a unique and friendly showdown. It’s all about fostering respect, safety, and a shared love of speed – on the track, not the streets.
Of course, the crown jewel of the drag racing season is the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event with more than 22,000 horsepower set to rattle the wine country grapevines on July 25-27. The fastest drivers in the world will descend on Sonoma Raceway for three full days of record-breaking runs and head-to-head battles.
For fans of grassroots competition, the schedule also features three Bracket Drags events throughout the year, where drivers test their skill, consistency and nerve in high-stakes, point-based matchups.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or cheering from the stands, Sonoma Drags is your ticket to an adrenaline-filled mid-week escape. Racing starts at just $60 for advanced registration or purchase at the gate, $20 to race with a high school ID, $20 for spectators at the gate, and kids 12 and under are free, making it the perfect family outing.
For more information, the full schedule or to register in advance, visit SonomaRaceway.com or call (800) 870-RACE [7223].
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www.sonomaraceway.com
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would be appreciated.
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Michelle Onyiah became the 32nd player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points in the win over Boston College
Cal Earns 20th Win, Beats
Boston College
First 20-Win Season Since 2018-19; Michelle Onyiah Reaches 1,000 Career Points
BERKELEY – The California women's basketball team used a dominating performance in the paint to come away with its 20th win of the season, defeating Boston College 72-63 at Haas Pavilion on Thursday night. The Golden Bears (20-6, 8-5 ACC) finished with a 38-18 advantage in paint points over the Eagles (13-14, 4-10) led by Michelle Onyiah who had 21 points (9-of-13) and became the 32nd player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. She also had 11 rebounds for her career-high seventh double-double of the season. Marta Suárez nearly had a double-double as well finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds. Cal shot 50.0% for the game while limiting Boston College to just 32.2% from the field.
The 20 wins marks the first time the Bears have reached that total under Cal head coach Charmin Smith and since the 2018-19 season.
Onyiah went 2-for-2 from the field and the free throw line to go on a 6-0 run of her own to start the scoring for the Bears to open the game. Suárez grabbed an offensive rebound and connected on a reverse layup to put the Bears up 17-12 before the Eagles hit a corner three with under a minute left giving Cal a two-point lead going into the second quarter.
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Men’s Tennis Downs Columbia, Advances at ITA Indoors
No. 11 Stanford rolled to a 4-1 win over No. 6 Columbia
WACO, Texas – No. 11 Stanford men’s tennis opened the ITA Indoor National Championships on a winning note, defeating No. 6 Columbia, 4-1, at Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center on Baylor’s campus. The Cardinal improves to 6-1 this season, including three ranked wins, and advances to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Stanford struck first in doubles, taking a 1-0 lead after picking up victories on courts one and three. Nico Godsick and Henry von der Schulenburg started the afternoon with a 6-3 win in the third position, while Max Basing and Kyle Kang clinched the early lead with a 6-3 win on court one.
Columbia battled back to tie the match, 1-1, but Samir Banerjee restored the Cardinal advantage with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory over the nation’s No. 1 ranked player. The win was the first for Stanford over a No. 1 ranked singles player since Arthur Fery downed Georgia’s Ethan Quinn in 2023.
Alex Razeghi extended the Stanford led to 3-1 with a 6-2, 7-5 win on court three, while Max Basing clinched the match on court two, with a 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory – his fourth this season over a ranked opponent.
Stanford improves to 2-1 all-time against Columbia, and advances to face No. 21 UCF on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. PT.
No. 11 Stanford 4, No. 6 Columbia 1
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Spark & Ruzic Lead Spartans
To Victory
SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Darcy Spark and Emma Ruzic combined to score eight goals to lead the No. 19 San José State women’s water polo team to a 13-10 win over CSUN in the first match of the Bronco Invitational Friday afternoon.
- Spark was the first Spartan to score four goals in the match, while Ruzic also scored four times.
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Sarah Woren and Bridget Cranley scored twice, while Rose Jensen found the back of the cage once.
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Renee Fleming assisted on four goals in the win.
- The Spartans trailed 6-5 at halftime but erupted for five goals in the third and held the Matadors to one goal in the fourth quarter for the win.
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Spartan goalie Grace Smith made 13 saves in the match and recorded three assists in the win.
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Spark led the team with three steals, while Ruzic grabbed two, and Jennine Osorio had one.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
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#30 Donovan Chriss: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 SO (career high), W (1-0)
BSB | Donovan Chriss Makes Gaels Debut with Dominant Performance, Saint Mary’s Splits Opening Day
with Billikens
MORAGA, Calif. - The 2025 college baseball season officially began today as Saint Mary's played host to Saint Louis for their first matchup since 2012. The Gaels jumped out in front in game one with a four-run lead but the Billikens scored nine unanswered runs including a six-run sixth inning to take the opener 9-4.
Saint Mary's returned the favor in game two with an offensive explosion, scoring 16 runs on 17 hits to run-rule the Billikens 16-1. Eddie Madrigal led the team with three RBI's while five Gaels finished with multiple hits in the afternoon. Their 16 runs and 17 hits were the most since May 12th of 2024 when Saint Mary's put up 22 runs and 18 hits in a dominant conference win over Pacific. Donovan Chriss made his SMC debut in game two and went five strong innings, allowing just one run and two hits to pick up his first win as a Gael.
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SMC Athletics/ Tod Fierner
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Ramppen Goes Yard as Dons Fall to Hornets in Season Opener
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The University of San Francisco baseball team (0-1) dropped the 2025 season opener at Sacramento State (1-0), falling 4-3 Friday afternoon at John Smith Field.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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Following two scoreless innings, San Francisco recorded the game's first run in the top of the third inning as Zack Ramppen swept a one-out solo home run off the left-field foul pole to give San Francisco a 1-0 edge.
- Sacramento State answered in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three runs to take a 3-1 advantage. The Hornets recorded three hits in the inning, highlighted by an Eli Kligman two-RBI single to right field.
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The Hornets added another run in the bottom of the fourth for a 4-1 lead as Tyler White scored from third base on a wild pitch from Tyler Prystajko.
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Battling back in the sixth, the Dons scored two runs to trim the deficit to 4-3. Following a Kenny DeCelle seven-pitch lead-off walk, TJ Rogers pushed a double down the left-field line to put runners on second and third with one out. With the bases load later in the inning, Tyler Harries and Matty Fung recorded back-to-back walks to score DeCelle and Rogers.
- In a tight pitching battle, neither team plated a run in the final three innings as the Hornets secured the 4-3 victory.
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Photo: Christina Leung
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Broncos Fall to No. 25 CSUN on First Day of Bronco Invitational
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's water polo team fell in a hard-fought battle over the No. 25 ranked CSUN Matadors, 14-10, at the Sullivan Aquatic Center Friday. The Broncos fought till the end against a tough Matador team, their third straight matchup against a nationally ranked opponent. After putting together a 3-2 lead heading into the second period, CSUN scored six straight goals in the second and third period en route to a 14-10 victory. Kate Rodman led the Broncos with four goals, while Megan Chambliss scored two, her second game this season with two or more.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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A goal by Libby Slater evened the score at 1-1, but after a CSUN (9-3) goal, back-to-back goals from Megan Chambliss and Kate Rodman put the Broncos up 3-2 at the end of the first period.
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Francesca Moynihan launched one into the back of the net to make it three straight goals for the Broncos (2-3) to begin the second period, but five straight CSUN goals put them up 7-4 heading into the half.
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Another CSUN goal made it 8-4, but Evelyn McLaughlin ended the cold streak for the Broncos finding the back of the net. Back-to-back CSUN goals made it 10-6 heading into the fourth period.
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A goal from Kate Rodman cut the deficit to 11-7, and after a CSUN goal, Mikayla Crowe scored her first tally, cutting the deficit to 12-8. Two straight goals from CSUN made it 14-8, and the Broncos closed the game with two straight goals from Rodman, but the rally was too little too late as CSUN held on 14-10.
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Pacific Storms Past LMU with Monster Second Half
LOS ANGELES – With pouring weather conditions outside the gym, the Pacific men's basketball program made it rain inside Gersten Pavilion in the second half Thursday and boat raced LMU in an 83-58 victory.
The Tigers (9-19, 4-10 WCC) trailed 33-24 late in the first half when it ended the frame on an 8-0 spurt, and scored the first 14 points of the second half to make it a 22-0 run and take full control over LMU (15-11, 7-7 WCC). Pacific outscored the Lions 51-25 in the second half where it shot a scorching 20-of-30 (.667) from the field and 7-of-13 (.538) from three.
LMU had no answer for junior Lamar Washington who tallied 31 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and matched a career-high of five steals. It was the second time this year he's scored at least 30 points and both resulted in wins after he scored 40 at Washington State on Jan. 9.
Washington did a lot of damage in the second half where he was 7-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the free throw line for 18 points. Not only was he a scorer but all six of his assists came in the second half.
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Aggies Tee Off 2025 At The Alice And John Wallace Classic
DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis women's golf will tee off 2025 at the Alice and John Wallace Classic host by Long Beach State, set to run from Feb. 15-17.
The Aggies, who return a large collection of their lineup from last year, will look to continue to build under first-year interim head coach Amelia Hicks. "As we begin our Spring season, our focus is simple, get one percent better every day and control what we can control," said Hicks. "Success comes from staying present, making smart decisions and trusting the process, one shot at a time."
Highlighting the returners are All-Big West returnees Lauren Calderon, Skyler May, Abby Leighton and Vani Karimanal. All four Aggies will anchor a lineup that will also include Elle Rastvortseva, Marina Mata, Elina Kuang and Yu "Jade" Bai.
Following the opening weekend, the Aggies will host their lone home tournament of the season from Feb. 24-25 at the Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, Calif.
The Aggies then head to Hawaii for the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational before returning to California to take part in the Olympic Club Invitational hosted by San Francisco. The regular season then wraps up at the Big West Championships in Henderson, Nev., running from Apr. 13-15.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Men's Basketball Unable to Outscore Lumberjacks
HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team suffered an 88-74 defeat against Cal Poly Humboldt in a CCAA contest on Thursday evening at Pioneer Gymnasium. The Lumberjacks took control early and maintained their lead throughout the game, handing the Pioneers a tough loss on their home court.
GAME SUMMARY
Cal Poly Humboldt dominated the first half, building a lead as large as 18 points. The Lumberjacks entered halftime with a commanding 44-27 advantage. Despite a stronger showing from East Bay in the second half, Humboldt's lead proved insurmountable, at one point stretching to 26 points.
The Pioneers showed some ability to charge back in the latter stages of the game, outscoring the Lumberjacks 47-44 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the substantial first-half deficit.
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Photo: Justine Wllard/KLC fotos
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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, February 17, through
Sunday, February 23, 2025
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Monday, February 17
Tuesday, February 18
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors, 7 p.m.
Friday, February 21
Saturday, February 22
Sunday, February 23
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks, 12:30 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: 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
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, James Molgaard,
Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired).
Artist: Carl Macki
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim
Webmaster/Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
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/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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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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