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April 14 -- April 20, 2025
Issue No. 585
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Tournament Mathematics 101: Bettors Better Beware!
Carousel Rides are Inherently Risky!
Teams like the "Gators" can deliver an "Unexpected Bite!"
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Florida Gators --
Champions
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A word to the wise: There are Gators in every Tournament, teams which lurk beneath the surface with jaws of steel ready to Snap! That's why it's called "Crunch Time."
The NBA Finals mirror this formula. Enter the Golden State Warriors, ready to take Monster-sized Bites out of over-hyped favorites. Caveat Emptor, FanDuel aficionados. There's a Gator that lives in the cool, murky waters of San Francisco Bay, poised and ready to lock
its Jaws on your team and then ... SNAP! Bon Appetit, Warriors!
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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One tough crowd!
Chicago White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik can attest...
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Contents
Games
Bay FC 1, Chicago Stars FC 2
Oakland Roots SC 2, FC Tulsa 1
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Los Angeles Football Club 2
Features & Commentary
Bob Cousy, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Did The Minnesota Twins Ever Have Twins?, by Andy Dolich
Hardly Trivial, by T. Buff
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Physical, Psychological and Strategic Aspects, by Ann Cooke
The Amazing Z-Man, Ace Photographer, by Dave Newhouse
Well-Regarded Attorney Discovers Second Life Can Be All Down Hill!
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
San Francsco 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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Blondie, photographed by Michael Zagaris while touring with
Iggy Pop and David Bowie
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The Amazing Z-Man: Ace
Photographer
by Dave Newhouse
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The Z-Man is 80. Zowie! Zesty! Zealot! Zenith! Zoom!
Numerous last words of the alphabet describe Michael Zagaris besides his singular nickname. An exceptional sports photographer, he also is as interesting as the athletes he has captured on film. And his popularity is not that far behind the hard rock musicians he captured early in his distinguished photographic career.
Well, the Z-Man turned 80 on February 22 without losing any of his professional zip. He just finished up 44 years as the A’s team photographer, choosing not to follow the team from Oakland to Sacramento. However, he’s preparing for his 54th season as the San Francisco 49ers team photographer. That’s a whole lot of The Zipster!
He still has a younger man’s perspective, so might he still be aiming his camera at 90?
“As long as I feel like I do now, with the enthusiasm and the fun, I’ll continue to do it,” envisioned the Z-Man. "I’m really lucky. It’s been a pretty gifted existence.”
| | Defensive coordinator George Seifert making changes and adjustments at halftime, enabling the 49ers to come back and beat the Oilers, Astrodome, Houston, 1984 | | |
Safety Ronnie Lott, Cornerback Eric Wright,
Safety Carlton Williamson
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Others would agree. Thus on Tuesday, April 15 at Oracle Park, from 5-8 p.m., there will be a belated 80th birthday party for the Z-Man in the Gotham Club, organized by Rick Swig, Brad Mangin and Jean Fruth. Though the Z-Man didn’t work for the Giants, everybody respected his expertise, not to mention his enthusiasm, which borders on zany.
“If they drop a bomb, I want to fair catch it,” he said in true Z-Man mode. “I feel the same way now as I did starting out. I’m 19, 20 in my soul. I live each day as a new day, almost like a celebration. There are things in life I still don’t want to miss. If you can stay young at heart, anything is possible.”
He has taken sports photography to places where it isn’t normally permitted. His 49ers experience began with Bill Walsh, who allowed the Z-Man in the 49ers locker room on game day before kickoff. Seeing players in a contemplative mode, slumped before their lockers, turned into revolutionary photography.
“I told Bill that I wanted to be on the team bus and in the locker room,” he recalled. “I even had my own locker. Bill understood. He was a man of letters.”
The Z-Man’s work is equally scholarly.
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“I’m still doing the best work of my life,” he said. “And I’ve gotten to do it in the golden age of sports, which is gone now as change is ongoing. That’s on the planet. Money has poisoned the well with billionaire owners. Truth is the issue.”
And the Z-Man hasn’t yet detected truth in A’s owner John Fisher.
“I could have gone with the team to Sacramento, but it’s 2 1/2 hours each way (from his San Francisco home),” he said. “I opposed their move, which I see as greedy. I don’t think Fisher was ever going to stay in Oakland. He bought the team for a ludicrously low price, he has always been into money, and sports is more corporate now than ever.”
The Z-Man isn’t shy by any means, and he has even confronted Fisher, who only signed his pay checks.
“We talked though he hated having his picture taken,” the Z-Man said. “I told him: ‘Don’t move the team. You’re going to be a pariah.’ Dave Kaval asked me afterward what we had talked about, then told me 'Good for you.' I told Billy Beane the same thing, and he started laughing.”
Kaval has since left as A’s team president, while Beane, the architect of the franchise’s Moneyball success, no longer has the same voice with the franchise.
“I talked to Fisher later on, and he acted like we were best friends," the Z-Man added. "He’s a weird cat.”
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Michael Zagaris, pictured with San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, a former Oakland Athletic for four years.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
| | Michael Zagaris signs a copy of his book, Field of Play, for a fan before the Oakland A's final home game, played against the Texas Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 26, 2024. Photo by Darren Yamashita | | |
The Z-Man stays busy, doing projects for NFL Films and creating books on his superb photography. He has a baseball book in mind that he’ll get into next year.
“What I love best about my job are those moments you can’t replicate anywhere else,” he said. "Your heart is beating in walking out the tunnel. You feed off the energy of the crowd, and the players themselves. I wake up every day and can’t wait to get out there.”
Retire? Zilch! Attitude? Zing! Perspective? In the zone!
Michael Zagaris: The Incomparable Z-Man.
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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.
| | Taylor Rogers (right) was signed by the San Francisco in December 2022 to join his twin, Tyler, in the Giants bullpen | | | | |
Did The Minnesota Twins Ever Have Twins?
by Andy Dolich
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I was a bit befuddled while watching the Giants open their 2025 season in Cincinnati when the Rogers twins were in opposite dugouts. Taylor with the Giants and Tyler tossing the ball around for the Reds.
When the Giants signed Taylor in December 2023, the Rogers twins became the fourth set of twins to be teammates joining Eddie and Johnny O’Brien (1953, ‘55-58 Pirates) Joe and Red Shannon (1915 Braves), Jose and Ozzie Canseco (1986, Oakland A’s)
If we had a Bay Area Baseball Time Machine the perfect Twinspin would have Taylor and Tyler on the bump for the Giants versus Jose and Ozzie Canseco at the plate in a “Twilight Zone Tectonic Plate Shift” episode of the Bay Bridge Series in 1989.
Here’s a look at the 10 sets of twins that have appeared in MLB action. No the Minnesota Twins never had a set of twins on their active roster, (more on that later.) They did have one of two when Taylor made his debut at 25 in 2016, beginning his career with none other than the Twins.
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ROGERS
1 -- Tyler (above, right) debuted at 28 for the Giants. On April 11, 2022, after an early-season trade sent Taylor to the Padres, the two finally pitched in the same game. It was the second time in MLB history that twin brothers pitched in the same game and the first time for opposing teams. While the Rogers twins were Giants teammates, they've appeared together in the same game 31 times.
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O’BRIENS
2 -- On July 31, 1956, Johnny (right) and Eddie O’Brien, primarily position players, both pitched for the Pirates. Overall, other twin brothers to appear in the same game are José and Ozzie Canseco of the A’s in 1990. Bubber and Claude Jonnard (1929) and Joe and Red Shannon (1915). On May 10, 1953 they became the second set of twins to play for the same team in the same game.
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MINORS
3 -- Damon (right), (2000-04), Ryan Minor (1998-2001). Ryan is best known for replacing Cal Ripken Jr. at third base when Ryan’s consecutive games streak ended in 1998 playing in 142 games spanning four seasons through 2001. Damon debuted in 2000 and also played four seasons from 2000-02 and ‘04.
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CANSECOS
4 -- The A's drafted Jose (right) out of high school in 1982, in the 15th round. The next year in the January Draft, the Yankees selected twin brother, Ozzie, in the second round out of Miami-Dade College. Jose debuted for the A's in 1985, by '86 he put up his first 30-homer season, hitting 33. On July 10, 1986, the A's signed Ozzie as a free agent after being released by the Yankees without reaching the Majors. He played in the Minors for the A's and stepped up to the plate on July 18, 1990, pinch-hitting in the
eighth inning of a game his twin brother Jose had hit two home runs in. Ozzie played in 24 career Major League games for the A's and Cardinals.
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CLIBURNS
5 -- Stan Cliburn (1980), Stew Cliburn (1984-88). Stan was the first of this set of twins to reach the Majors at 23 in 1980. He played just one season, hitting .179 in 54 games for the Angels. His
pitcher brother also played for the Angels. He appeared in 85 games in his career, in 1984-85 and in '88. These twins' interconnected story doesn't end with playing for the same Major League club. From 2001-05, Stan managed the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats, in the Minnesota Twins' organization. His pitching coach? His twin, Stew. From 2006-08, the two held those same roles for the Twins Triple-A affiliate for the Twins, the Rochester Red Wings. Twins coaching and managing together for the Twins. So I guess you could say the Twins had Twins
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EDWARDS
6 -- Marshall Edwards (center, 1981-83), Mike Edwards (left, 1977-80). Mike came up in 1977 for the Pirates and also played for the A's. Marshall played in 160 career games for the Brewers beginning in 1981. Younger brother Dave (right) played in the Majors between 1978-82 for the Twins and Padres.
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JONNARD
7 -- Bubber (right) Jonnard (1920-35), Claude Jonnard (1921-29)
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GRIMES
8 -- Ray Grimes (above, 1920-26), Roy Grimes (1920)
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SHANNON
9 -- Joe Shannon (1915), Maurice Joseph "Red" Shannon (above, 1915-1926) Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Braves 1915
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HUNTER
10 -- George Hunter (1909-10) Brooklyn, Bill Hunter (above, 1912) Cleveland
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Nearly 100 sets of brothers have played together as teammates in Major League history.
I can’t seem to find any Triplets who ever played for a team in Major League baseball history. Please let me know if I missed them.
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Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Jeremy Affeldt --
Pitching In The Big Leagues
| | Leland Faust and Jeremy Affeldt explored issues confronting pitchers and team members | |
Physical, Psychological and
Strategic Aspects
by Ann Cooke
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On a beautiful San Francisco afternoon, the Commonwealth Club held an event showcasing former San Francisco Giants pitcher, Jeremy Affeldt, being interviewed by Leland Faust, founder and former Chief Investment Officer for CSI Capital Management.
The Q & A led by Mr. Faust’s incisive questions yielded answers most fans have likely never considered. For example, playing 162 games every year means traveling to different time zones rarely allowing players to get acclimated before swinging back to their home field. Lack of rest, inclement weather, along with needed hydration is only part of these athletes daily experience. Some players, Tim Lincecum for example, would resort to IV fluids to stay properly hydrated, when drinking water just wasn’t enough.
When asked how a pitcher manages dealing with a setback, Jeremy spoke of David Cook, a highly respected sports psychologist who emphasized the need for pitchers to determine the ‘WHY’ of their chosen pitches. Mr. Cook insisted that understanding why a particular pitch is thrown helps pitchers to get back on track. Jeremy indoctrinated knowing the ‘why’ and finished his career with accolades in 2015.
The question of Analytics versus Manager-control drew an interesting answer. While analytics have merit, a computer cannot know when a player just lost a friend or is feeling ill and therefore is not in top form. At times like this the team Manager’s opinion and direction tops analytics. Jeremy spoke highly of being managed by Bruce Boche and added that one’s mental state of mind has a huge impact on how players perform.
The final interesting note recorded by this reporter was the addition of ‘Holds’ as a measurement of middle relievers success. While closers receive accolades for winning games, middle reliever’s skills had not been tallied in the past. Holds refer to the state of the game before the closer comes in and are now an important statistic to be recorded.
With this newly acquired knowledge, the game of baseball will have a greater impact on my enjoyment! Go Giants!!
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* * *
Ann Cooke is a long-time Bay Area sports fan who worked for the Oakland Athletics and Oakland Raiders in another life.
She is now a member of the Sports Today staff.
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Well-Regarded Attorney Discovers Second Life Can Be All Down Hill!
What do you do if you are a 79-year-old semi-retired attorney and have some time on your hands?
Well, Berkeley tenants rights attorney Jeffrey Carter decided on making a stab at a new career, or at least part-time.
An avid skier, Jeffrey checked out a few of the Sierra resorts and applied for an instructor's position at Diamond Peak, a community-owned area in Nevada, on Lake Tahoe’s northeast corner. He found it to be one of the last truly family friendly, non-corporate ski areas, with spectacular views of the Lake and challenging terrain.
This past season Jeffrey taught about 150 first timers, mostly adults, to slide comfortably down the resort's “bunny” hill. He reports no one got hurt and many were thrilled, if not zipping, but managing to fearlessly “snow plow” non-stop without falling to the chairlift for their first ride back up.
While one might think that such a move was evidence of a certain downward mobility, Jeffrey was thrilled to be receiving $20.00 an hour for his efforts.
“A clear upgrade from my usual Pro-bono work,” he said.
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If you enjoy our free publication,
a contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| | Thanks to the following generous donors! | | |
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
| | San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee launches a solo homer | |
Lee's 2-homer game fuels comeback, series win over Yankees
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.
NEW YORK -- Jung Hoo Lee’s first trip to New York was certainly one to remember.
Two days after homering in the first at-bat of his Yankee Stadium debut, Lee went deep two more times to power the Giants to a 5-4 comeback win in Sunday’s series finale in the Bronx.
Lee put San Francisco on the board with a solo home run off former Giants left-hander Carlos Rodón in the fourth. He then turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead with a three-run, go-ahead shot in the sixth.
Lee’s first career multihomer game allowed the Giants (11-4) to take two of three from the Yankees and secure their first series victory at Yankee Stadium since Interleague play began in 2002
continued...
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
| | Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn. Photo by Darren Yamashita | |
Ginn steps up in A's rotation: 'That’s the kid we’ve been waiting to see'
Right-hander pins down Mets with 6 K's over 5 1/3 strong frames for his 2nd MLB win
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.
WEST SACRAMENTO -- For all the talk about the Athletics being settled at most positions by the time Spring Training rolled around -- a stark contrast from the previous few seasons -- there was still a bit of uncertainty when it came to the starting rotation.
Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Osvaldo Bido and JP Sears became established members early on. The fifth spot, however, was a spring battle between Joey Estes, Mitch Spence and J.T. Ginn that still felt unresolved entering the season.
Estes, who got the first crack at rounding out the rotation, was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after a pair of rough outings. Next up is Ginn, who could provide that stability if his future performances look similar to the one he turned in for the A’s in Saturday afternoon’s 3-1 victory over the Mets.
continued...
www.athletics.com
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Hey Baller fans,
Can you believe it? We're just 42 days away from Opening Day on May 20th—and we couldn’t be more hyped. The energy is building, and we’ve got a week full of fun to kick things off in true Oakland style.
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Los Angeles Football Club 2
BMO Stadium , Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, April 12, 2025
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Earthquakes 1,
Los Angeles Football Club 2
San Jose’s stoppage-time comeback falls just short; Quakes now travel home to face Sporting Kansas City next Saturday night
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Los Angeles Football Club, 2-1, on Saturday night at BMO Stadium in front of 22,110 fans.
Both teams had early chances from point-blank range but could not convert. In the 20th minute, LAFC forward Olivier Giroud made contact with Quakes goalkeeper Daniel, forcing the injured San Jose shot-stopper to leave the match for Earl Edwards Jr. The first half ended scoreless.
After intermission, the visitors went on the front foot, with Quakes forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango threatening the net twice in the first few minutes. However, LAFC would pull ahead in the 65th minute when Edwards batted away forward Denis Bouanga’s curler from the left wing, but midfielder Sergi Palencia hammered home the rebound from inside the edge of the box. San Jose almost answered in the 73rd minute when defender Rodrigues’ sweeping interception found a streaking Arango for an equalizer. However, the flag was up and the deficit remained. LAFC got an insurance goal in the 86th minute when the Quakes were caught in transition. Giroud’s initial attempt was saved by Edwards, but Bouanga slotted home the rebound for a 2-0 lead.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Josef Martínez warded off a double team and fed Cristian Espinoza, who blasted the ball into the back of the net to pull one back for San Jose. In the waning moments, an Espinoza corner kick led to the Quakes asking for a handball after it bounced off LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead arm in the box. However, VAR determined the contact was not sufficient enough to warrant a San Jose penalty kick and time ran out.
The Black and Blue will now travel home next Saturday, April 19, to take on Sporting Kansas City. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
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Oakland Roots SC 2
FC Tulsa 1
ONEOK Field, Tulsa, OK
Saturday, April 12, 2025
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Wolfgang Prentice Brace Lifts Oakland Roots to First Victory
of 2025 at FC Tulsa
Following a dismal start to the 2025 USL Championship season, Oakland Roots looked like a completely different team on Saturday in Oklahoma. Wolfgang Prentice’s brace and top-tier goalkeeping from Kendall McIntosh helped Roots secure their first victory of the season in a 2-1 finish over FC Tulsa.
Oakland started the match looking like a team hungry to earn their first win of the season. Through the first 30 minutes of the contest Roots’ hard work had earned them the lion’s share of truly dangerous scoring opportunities. The best of these chances came in the form of a 13th minute set piece strike from Baboucarr Njie that required a diving save from Tulsa keeper Bryan Dowd to keep the match level.
In the 30th minute of play, Tulsa nearly scored against the run of play when a through ball found a forward all alone with McIntosh, resulting in a shot that required a heroic save to keep the scoreboard blank.
In what looked like a carbon copy of the Tulsa play just a minute earlier, Roots struck first in the 31st minute when Danny Gomez played a through ball to Wolfgang Prentice who was just able to remain onside. Prentice worked his way in close and fired a low strike to the right side of goal which glanced off Dowd’s fingertips but pinged into the back of the net off the post giving Oakland a 1-0 advantage.
Tulsa leveled the contest with a worldie in the 42nd minute when midfielder Owen Damm found room well above the Oakland penalty area and delivered an absolute screamer into the top left corner, beating a diving McIntosh to make it 1-1.
But Roots were determined to bring a lead into the locker room. In added time, Peter Wilson fought for space within the Tulsa penalty area and worked free to slot a pass to Prentice in close just in front of goal. Prentice beat Dowd once again to earn his brace and put Oakland back on top, sending his squad to halftime holding a 2-1 advantage.
The second half provided much the same as the first. For the first half of the frame Roots were earning the more dangerous scoring chances. But Tulsa began to look like a desperate team late in the contest, pouring shots towards the Oakland net and requiring world class goalkeeping from Kendall McIntosh.
Despite the late offensive onslaught from Tulsa, Roots held strong til the final whistle to earn their first victory of 2025.
Oakland will not have long to celebrate their victory, however. The club now faces a quick turnaround as they set to face Tacoma Defiance on the road for their first appearance in this year’s edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, April 15th at 7:30 PM PT.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Bay FC 1
Chicago Stars FC 2
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Sunday, April 13, 2025
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Match Recap: Bay FC Falls 2-1 to Chicago Stars FC at PayPal Park
SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 13, 2024) — Bay FC (1-2-1, 4pts.) fell to Chicago Stars FC (1-3-0, 3pts.) 2-1 Sunday afternoon at PayPal Park. The club put in another strong second half performance, dominating the possession balance and outshooting their foes 7-2 after the break. However, the team was unable to overcome two scores in the first half by Chicago forward Ludmila. Bay FC attempted a comeback late, scoring a goal via a penalty converted by substitute midfielder Caroline Conti in the 58th minute. The score was the first penalty kick of the season for Bay FC and the first goal of Conti’s professional career.
“Credit to the players, we were down 2-0 and we responded really well,” said Head Coach Albertin Montoya following the match. “This team has always shown that character and that fight, we never put our heads down. We were frustrated because we know we were much better, our football wasn’t as clean.”
An early goal put the visitors on the board in just the fifth minute, when Chicago’s Ludmila got in behind Bay FC’s backline. After beating the defender, she was able to get the ball over the goal line. Initially called back for offside, the goal was allowed after a lengthy review and VAR check. The Brazilian nearly found a second in the 18th minute in similar fashion, but her close-range attempt was blocked at the line by defender Abby Dahlkemper.
Bay FC nearly equalized just after the 20-minute mark. After winning possession in Chicago’s half, forward Asisat Oshoala got on the end of service from midfielder Taylor Huff on the left flank, but her header went just wide of the right post. Defender Alyssa Malonson challenged from inside the penalty area in the 32nd minute, but her effort was sent away by a leaping save from Chicago’s goalkeeper.
continued...
| | Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | | |
The PGA Season...
opened with the Masters Tournament in Augusta, GA
this past weekend. Let's do a simple trivia
question about Golf.
Where is the longest golf hole in the world?
Hint: It is not in the U.S.! Genius points if you
know the par for the hole.
answer below...
| | Bob Cousy -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | | |
I met Bob Cousy at an East Coast sports collectors show many years ago. I had no idea who he was when I met him but he was very kind and talkative. He told stories of the older days of the NBA. I was very attracted to the photos on his display table and to have him sign this one. After the show I learned more about his incredible career as a Boston Celtics winning six NBA championships.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| |
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 127: So, What's The Takeaway From Judge Wilken's Hearing On The House V.
NCAA Settlement?
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
This week marked a potentially transformative moment for college athletics as Judge Claudia Wilken presided over the final approval hearing for the House v. NCAA settlement. The hearing drew a packed courtroom and offered a window into the complexities of reshaping the NCAA’s business model to include direct revenue sharing with athletes.
If approved, the House settlement would fundamentally alter college sports by allowing schools to pay athletes directly, introducing roster limits in place of scholarship caps, and providing backpay for NIL damages to former athletes. As Gabe Feldman noted early in the hearing, the class action involves 390,000 members, with 343 opt-outs, 73 objectors, and 73,000 claims already filed for damages. However, Judge Wilken made it clear she would not rule from the bench, instead raising pointed questions that underscored her reservations about the settlement’s structure.
One of Wilken’s primary concerns was the adequacy of class representation—specifically, whether current and recent college athletes can fairly represent future athletes who will be bound by the settlement’s terms. This issue highlights a core tension: the settlement’s 10-year scope will impact athletes who aren’t yet part of the class, raising questions about fairness and legal representation. "Judge Claudia Wilken has ordered the plaintiffs and defendants to 'go back' and discuss amending the settlement related to future athletes being bound to the settlement, suggesting an adjustment in language that's a bit in the weeds," reported Ross Dellenger.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, driver of the
No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, in front of The Save Mart Companies “Big Red” shopping cart during a visit to Sonoma Raceway on Thursday, April 10 in advance of the July 11-13 NASCAR doubleheader weekend. (Photo Credit: Sophia Siotos/Sonoma Raceway)
Sonoma Raceway and The Save Mart Companies Extend Toyota/Save Mart
350 NASCAR Cup Series Partnership
The 33-year partnership marks The Save Mart Companies as one of the longest entitlement sponsors of any
NASCAR Cup Series race
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SONOMA, Calif. (April 10, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway announced today that The Save Mart Companies has signed a multi-year extension to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, amplifying the raceway’s most enduring partnership.
Having first partnered with Sonoma Raceway for the NASCAR Cup Series race in 1992, The Save Mart Companies looks to celebrate their 33-year partnership July 11-13th this year. The Save Mart Companies relationship as either title or co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Cup Series event in Sonoma is one of the longest running event sponsorships in all of NASCAR Cup Series history.
“We couldn’t be more proud to continue the relationship we share with The Save Mart Companies,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “The Save Mart name has become synonymous with Sonoma Raceway and we look forward to making many more race memories with our friends from Save Mart in the years to come.”
“This enduring partnership showcases The Save Mart Companies' appreciation for the NASCAR community, creating excitement and shared experiences that continue to inspire,” said Shane Sampson, chief executive officer of The Save Mart Companies. “The Save Mart Companies' dedication to our shoppers resonates in every aspect of our business—from our stores to the heart of our communities. Our customers share a deep love for NASCAR, and this partnership is a testament to that shared passion.”
The 2024 race weekend saw a thrilling finish as fans witnessed Northern California’s own Kyle Larson take the checkered flag on Sunday, holding off Martin Truex Jr. on the last lap to clinch his third win of the season. Larson grew up in Elk Grove, California and considers Sonoma Raceway his home track. His last wine country victory was in 2021, the same year he was named NASCAR Cup Series Champion. Legacy Motor Club driver John Hunter Nemechek was behind the wheel of #42, Save Mart’s first sponsored NASCAR Cup Series car, which made its race debut in front of a great race day crowd.
As part of its race sponsorship, The Save Mart Companies is once again launching the popular “Chase the Savings Sweepstakes” during the buildup to race day at all Save Mart and Lucky store locations, giving shoppers a chance to win more than $1,500,000 in cash and prizes. On race day, George Pulido, The Save Mart Companies’ 2024 Outstanding Store Manager of the Year, will serve as Honorary Starter and have the honor of waving the green flag to start the race.
Tickets, camping, premium seating and upgrade options for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 are all available at SonomaRaceway.com.
www.sonomaraceway.com
| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
The Longest Hole...
in the world is No. 3 (1,097 yards) on the
Gunsan Country Club in South Korea and has a Par 7!
The image above is of one of the holes on the course.
(I personally never got by miniature golf.)
This link will take you to a short list of the world's
longest golf holes. This link will take you to the
2025 PGA schedule.
Go Red Sox!
Go Celtics!
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If you enjoy our free publication, a
contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
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Cal advances to semifinals after defeating Arizona on Saturday afternoon.
Bears Take Down ‘Cats, Advance
To Semifinals
No. 1 Cal To Host Regional Championship
Next Saturday
BERKELEY – The west region No. 1 California rugby team claimed a 74-45 victory over No. 5 Arizona to advance to the 2025 D1A National Collegiate Championship Semifinals. The Golden Bears tallied 11 tries, led by wingers Joe Kirsten and Masi Koi who each recorded a hat trick in the contest.
"We thank Arizona for the match and wish them a safe return home," Cal head coach Jack Clark said. "I'm grateful our team gets to keep working at this."
The match was scoreless through the first eight minutes of play until freshman center Filip Edstrom kicked a beautiful 50-22 to set up a Cal lineout. The Bears recovered the ball in the air and sent it to Koi who skipped through a small gap and dotted down in the tryzone. Edstrom added the extras to give Cal a lead it would never relinquish.
Moments later, a high tackle by Arizona set up a penalty kick which Edstrom converted to extend the lead. It only took one minute for Cal to score again, this time recovering the ball from a defensive lineout and sending it through hands to see Kirsten touch it down in the corner.
Cal was awarded a penalty try at the 19th minute and at minute 22 Arizona got on the board with a penalty try of their own, which would be their only points of the first half. Koi ran in another score at minute 25, and Kirsten intercepted a Wildcat pass to run in his second try of the day five minutes later. Edstrom converted both scores before adding a try of his own at the 38th minute.
continued...
Photo: RudyPics
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Stanford Bats Stay Hot
No. 15 Cardinal slugs three home runs to win 10-5
BOISE, Idaho – The Cardinal picked up a series win in Idaho today, topping Boise State 10-5 behind three home runs and eight hits. No. 15 Stanford moves to 28-8 on the season with the win, and Taryn Kern moved up in the program all-time list with her 15th homer of the season.
The Cardinal got on the board early, scoring three runs in the first thanks to three bases-loaded walks from Kyra Chan, Joie Economides and Kylie Chung.
The Broncos responded with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the first to cut it to a 3-2 lead.
Both teams were scoreless in the second and third, but in the fourth Stanford got back on the scoreboard. Taryn Kern hit her fourth home run in the last three games to lead off the inning, making it a 4-2 game and bringing her season total to 15.
Chan added another RBI in the inning, singling to bring in Emily Jones and make it a 5-3 Cardinal lead. The single brought Chan’s hitting streak to 14 games.
Kern’s 15 homers take her out of a tie with Jessica Mendoza and into sole possession of the third-most in a season in program history. The total is just four shy of the program record (19) which is co-owned by Michelle Smith in 20025 and Rosey Neill in 2008.
continued...
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Spartans Rally Late to Take Series Over Nevada
RENO, Nev. – Rocco Caballero went 2-for-5 with four RBIs, including a solo home run in the fourth and the game-winning double in the ninth, to lead the San José State baseball team (20-15, 8-6 MW) in a 7-5 victory over Nevada (19-15, 7-7 MW) at Don Weir Field at Peccole Park on Saturday afternoon in the second game of a three game series.
The Spartans trailed 5–4 heading into the final frame before staging a dramatic comeback. After drawing a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Caballero delivered the decisive blow with a line drive down the left field line to clear the bases and put SJSU ahead for good.
JC Osorio-Agard also chipped in with two hits and a run scored, while Zach Tallerman, Alex Fernandes and Antonio Nanez each added RBI singles to keep the offense rolling early.
On the mound, David Thomas battled through 6.2 innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits. EJ McGrew (5–1) picked up the win with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief, and Tyler Albanese closed it out in the ninth to earn his fifth save of the season.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
BVB | Gaels Split A Pair of Exciting 3-2 Contests to Close Out Boise Invitational
BOISE, ID — Saint Mary's (17-14) closed out their final roadtrip of the regular season with a split against Colorado Mesa (18-9) and Boise State (17-10), defeating the Mavericks for the third time this season 3-2 before falling to the host Broncos by the same scoreline. The Gaels have scored now in each of the last nine matches, going 7-2 in that stretch.
The Gaels first matchup of the day against Colorado Mesa was nearly too close to call. Clarissa Klein and Chloe Swanson at the twos and Sedona Sherman and Hannah Glick at the fours needed three sets to earn victories to open the day at 2-0. The Mavericks came storming back, however, taking a three setter at the fives, and a 21-19, 21-19 point at the threes, leaving it up to Allie Cataldo and Hannah Couch yet again. Set one was won by CMU by a narrow 22-20 margin, but then, Cataldo and Couch took control, winning the second 21-11, and the third 15-11 to secure the Gaels sixth consecutive victory of the season.
Boise State jumped ahead to an early 2-0 lead, despite the best efforts of Klein and Swanson to force a third set. They locked up the win by taking the fifth flight, but the Gaels continued to battle. Angelina Bour and Nya Crump avenged a loss from earlier in the day with an incredibly close two set victory, 24-22, 22-20, coming from behind in both frames. Cataldo and Couch finished things off with a straight set victory of their own, moving to 2-0 for the day to close out the match at a 3-2 margin in favor of Boise State.
continued...
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Lions Secure Series Win, Defeat Dons on Saturday
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco baseball team (14-21, 4-7 WCC) fell 12-4 to LMU (18-17, 6-5 WCC) in a West Coast Conference contest Saturday afternoon at Benedetti Diamond.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
- Nate Savoie opened up the scoring for LMU in the first inning with a long three-run home run over the left-field wall for an early 3-0 advantage.
-
San Francisco responded in the bottom of the second, tallying three runs to level the game at three. After a pair of errors and a Zack Ramppen RBI single, Kenny DeCelle sliced a single through the right side of the infield, scoring Ramppen and Tyler Harries to tie the game.
- Following two scoreless frames, the Lions took charge and recorded five runs in the fifth to take a commanding 8-3 lead. Two home runs highlighted the inning as Beau Ankeney and Zion Williams left the ballpark.
- The Lions added four more tallies in the seventh and ninth innings to break open the game, 12-3.
continued...
Photo: Christina Leung
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Softball Sweeps Pacific as Carbonatto Becomes Winningest Coach in Program History
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara softball swept the series opening doubleheader against Pacific on Saturday to remain undefeated in West Coast Conference play and extend their win streak to a season-high seven games. The Broncos shutout the Tigers 3-0 in the first game behind Cari Ferguson's pitching as head coach Gina Carbonatto became the winningest coach in program history with her 114th career victory. In the backend game, Kyla Acres walked it off with an RBI hit in the bottom of the eighth to give Santa Clara a 4-3 win.
Game 1: Santa Clara 3 - Pacific 0
HOW IT HAPPENED:
-
Cari Ferguson was outstanding in the circle and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Olivia Silvestre beat out an infield single to start the frame. The only other hit allowed by the freshman hurler was to Delaney Scully in the seventh. In her 135 pitch effort, Ferguson struck out three and walked four to lower her league leading ERA to 2.35. It was her fifth win of the season.
-
Santa Clara (24-14, 4-0 WCC) got all three runs in the fourth against Tigers starter Justice Alcaraz. Kyle Acres led off the inning with a double and the Broncos loaded the bases on singles by Leiora Davidson and Robynn Balmediano. An RBI grounder by Cairah Curran brought in the first run, followed by Rebecca Rubio's two-RBI single. Rubio finished 3-for-4, part of a 11 hit day for SCU. Alcaraz allowed all 11 hits over five innings and dropped to 8-6 on the year.
- Pacific (12-24, 1-3 WCC) put the leadoff runner on in four of the seven innings but were 0-for-12 with runners on against Ferguson.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Late Rallies Power Pacific Past California Baptist in Extra
Innings Victory
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Pacific baseball program was quiet most of the night until sophomore Braeden Schnabel and the offense woke up in the late stages of the contest to give Pacific a 9-7 victory in ten innings over California Baptist on Saturday night at James W. Totman Stadium.
The Tigers (14-22) evened up the series behind a pinch-hit, go-ahead three-run home run by Schnabel and a two-out, two-run single in the tenth inning by senior Drake Bicknell to put the cherry on top of a come-from-behind win over the Lancers (19-16).
The Pacific bullpen played its part in limiting the damage late as senior Ethan Shaver (2-1) picked up his second win of the season in relief by closing the door on the Tigers' first extra innings victory of the 2025 campaign.
continued...
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Aggies Remain Undefeated on Day Two of Waves Tournament
Score (Game One): UC Davis 3, Pepperdine 2
Records: UC Davis 16-11 (4-4), Pepperdine 13-13
Score (Game Two): UC Davis 5, Vanguard 0
Records: UC Davis 17-11 (4-4), Vanguard 9-13
Location: Malibu, Calif.
The short story: UC Davis women's beach volleyball delivered an impressive performance on day two of the Waves Tournament, sweeping both of their matches against Pepperdine and Vanguard.
THE RALLY
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Split Doubleheader With Dominant Game Two Win
SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Cal State East Bay split a Saturday CCAA doubleheader at Dennis A. Pugh Field against Cal State San Marcos, dropping the opener 8-5 before erupting for a dominant 17-1 victory in game two.
GAME SUMMARIES:
Game One: Cal State San Marcos 8 , Cal State East Bay 5
The Cougars capitalized on early scoring opportunities and defensive miscues by Cal State East Bay to secure the opener.
The Cougars jumped ahead in the bottom of the first when Victor Castaneda launched a solo home run to right field fpr a 1-0 lead.
Cal State East Bay got on the board in the second as Luke Brown singled, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored after a Jaylen Hodges single and error by the right fielder.
San Marcos tacked on three more in the second, aided by a Pioneer error and a failed pickoff attempt that allowed Marco Pirruccello to move into scoring position. Jake Adams delivered an RBI single. Then a groundout and another error extended the Cougar lead to 4-1.
A three-run fourth for San Marcos, fueled by yet more defensive trouble—including two wild pitches and an error—gave CSUSM an 8-1 advantage.
continued...
Photo: Anhtuan Hong / KLC fotos
| | REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE 2025 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES | | |
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 61st edition of Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club.
Scheduled for September 10-14, 2025, when conditions on San Francisco Bay are ideal for fast and thrilling competition, this legendary regatta rewards the best in West Coast racing with perpetual trophies and Rolex timepieces for select fleets.
The following are invited to compete in this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series:
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One-design boats of the J/88, J/105, Cape 31and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum number of boats can be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.
-
ORC Monohulls with a LOA ≥ 30 feet. Boats with an APH of 500 or lower are required to have an ORC International certificate. Boats with an APH higher than 500 may compete using either an ORC International Certificate or ORC Club Certificate.
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Classic boats built prior to 1955 with a LOA ≥ 48 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate.
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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/
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, April 14, through
Sunday, April 20, 2025
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Monday, April 14
San Francisco Giants @ Philadelphia Phillies, 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Philadelphia Phillies, 3:45 p.m.
A's @ Chicago White Sox, 4:40 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Tacoma Defiance, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16
San Francisco Giants @ Philadelphia Phillies, 3:45 p.m.
A's @ Chicago White Sox, 4:40 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 17
San Francisco Giants @ Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05 p.m.
A's @ Chicago White Sox, 11:10 a.m
Friday, April 18
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
A's @ Milwaukee Brewers, 5:10 p.m.
Saturday, April 19
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
A's @ Milwaukee Brewers, 4:10 p.m
Oakland Roots SC vs. Orange County SC, 1 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m.
Bay FC @ North Carolina Courage, 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 20
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Angels, 1:07 p.m.
A's @ Milwaukee Brewers, 11:10 a.m
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: 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
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, 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/
| | 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 | | | |
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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