March 17 -- March 23, 2025

Issue No. 581

Credit: Carl Macki

Letters to the Editor

Brackets Bonanza!

Get on Your Pony and Ride!

Step right up! With so many riders and so few ponies, 14 of which come from the SEC Stables, use your instincts and knowledge to pick a winner. While a vast knowledge of data may be helpful, so are gut instincts and personal preferences. Indeed, like a courtroom jury, it can be more about DESELECTION than actual selection. Which teams are overrated or just on your "I can't stand them" list?

My initial picks, which I'm honor-bound to keep, are a mix of favorites and longshots. At least I'm ahead of my usual situation: all four picks in the same bracket. I have two of them in the EAST, and will invoke the "Bonus Pick" rule. Either initial pick SAINT MARY'S, a #7 initial pick, or Bonus Pick #10 VANDERBILT will ultimately face DUKE, a #1, (and my pick to win it all). The Commodores have beaten three other SEC teams and could be the surprise pony comin' down the home stretch.

In the MIDWEST, since I had no picks available there, I select HOUSTON, a #1, to advance behind their excellent coach, Kelvin Sampson. In the WEST, I'm pleased to stay with the FLORIDA GATORS, la creme de la creme of the 14 SEC stable entries. In the SOUTH, loyalty to my pet bluejay, Crayton, means I'll stick with the CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS, a #9. With Kalkbrenner, Ashcroft et al, they are capable of a major run.

Let's regroup next week, and good luck to all!

NOW -- It's PONY TIME with Chubby Checker!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5MYYOVJDa0 (2:20)

Robert A. Moselle, Esq.

https://www.cce-mcle.com/

Marketing Director, Sports Today

Photo of the Week

A professional freestyle mountain biker dreamed of defying gravity on a massive wooden loop he built with his friends and crowd-sourced funds. The short story? Gravity won.

Contents

Games

Bay FC 1, Utah Royals 1

Cal Bears (WGYM) 197.675, Stanford Cardinal 196.975, Arizona State

196.250, San Jose State 194.150

Cal Bears 24, Army Black Knights 19

Oakland Roots 2, Monterey Bay FC 3

San Jose Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 2

Features & Commentary

Bill Walsh's Voice Still Being Heard, by Dave Newhouse

Grand Sumo Tournament, Day Five, by Darren Yamashita

I Finally Watched A Game, by Howard Pearlstein

Interview with Jess Smith, President / Golden State Valkyries, by Dave Almy

Michael Otis Felder from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Organizations

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 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

No 49ers’ Complacency

Bill Walsh won three Super Bowls as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, leading the team to victories in

Super Bowls XVI, XIX, and XXIII

Bill Walsh's

Voice Still

Being Heard

by Dave Newhouse

Perhaps the San Francisco 49ers continue to hear Bill Walsh’s voice. For it was Walsh who advised wisely: It is better to get rid of a player one year early than one year too late.

One such instance of this thinking involved 49er running back Wendell Tyler. Tyler set a franchise rushing record of 1,262 yards in 1984, then quickly added a Super Bowl ring against Miami. He still was a productive scorer two seasons later when Walsh waived him with that sage advice.

As it turned out, his NFL career was over, unlike Joe Montana's and other Niner star players sent away by Walsh without replicating their greatness in San Francisco. But let’s see if Walsh’s advice still rings true as the 49ers are unraveling the team’s roster with significant changes.

Paramount in this turnaround is running back Deebo Samuel, a valuable contributor to the team’s success this decade, but now joining the Washington Commanders. Samuel had been an all-purpose sensation in San Francisco until he put on weight and was less effective as a rusher and receiver.

Deebo Samuel's trade to the Washington Commanders evoked Walsh’s dictum of trading a player early rather than

a year too late

The 49ers are in the midst of a team roster shakeup, with four other starters departing as free agents: Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga now belong to the Denver Broncos, guard Aaron Banks has moved on to the Green Bay Packers, and cornerback Charvarius Ward now works for the Indianapolis Colts, who will pay him $60 million. Greenlaw just signed for $35 million with Denver.

That’s nice work if you can get it. And you don’t even have to go to Harvard, which fullback Kyle Juszczyk did, to make Musk-like money.

Greenlaw and Hufanga were once considered among the elite at their positions, so their losses could have a negative effect on the 49ers defense, which has other holes to fill as well.

Free agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw signed a three-year,

$35 million dollar contact with the Denver Broncos

Defensive end Leonard Floyd is gone, flat out released, just like defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins. All is not lost, though, as the 49ers signed free agent wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, formerly a Los Angeles Ram.

The 49ers stayed busy the following day by signing Mac Jones as a backup quarterback, hoping they can resurrect his career as they did Sam Darnold’s in a similar role. Scouring the roster for improvement, the Niners released longtime long snapper Taylor Pepper, and replaced him with Jon Weeks, who spent the past 15 seasons in Houston. Two other special teams players, Tennessee linebacker Luke Gifford and Atlanta safety Richie Grant, also have joined San Francisco. All these comings and goings in San Francisco do not appear finished as management has chosen the strategy of moving on with new faces as opposed to staying with the same old faces too long.

In other words, the Bill Walsh method of dynastic success. Roster freshness always is a smart alternative to team apathy, that is if you can pull it off, and the 49ers are doing their best to making it happen.

However, as mentioned before in this column, versatile running back Christian McCaffrey is a huge key to the 49ers’ future. Is he still a peak performer, or have injuries made him something less?

We’ll know the answer this autumn, just as we'll discover whether placekicker Jake Moody, also banged up last fall and thus less reliable, can rekindle three-point accuracy.

Without McCaffrey and Moody at their best, it doesn’t matter how many changes the 49ers make, for another losing season awaits them.

* * * * *

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.

San Jose Earthquakes 1

Colorado Rapids 2

PayPal Park, San Jose, CA

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon (#4) gets tangled up with San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Arango (#9) in the first half. The Colorado Rapids defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 2–1, in a MLS Matchday 4 game at PayPal Park on Saturday, March 15, 2025. © 2025 Alex Ho.

Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon (#4) takes the ball from San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Arango (#9).

San Jose Earthquakes defender Nick Lima (#24) can’t believe a missed opportunity late in the game. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Cal Bears 197.675, Stanford Cardinal 196.975, Arizona State Sun Devils 196.250, San Jose State Spartans 194.150

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Cal hosted the second Quad meet in two days, on Sunday at Haas Pavilion with Arizona State University, San Jose State University, and Stanford University. Cal would win the overall team scoring, but it would be extra special, as Cal celebrated five of their outgoing seniors with a video tribute by friends and family after the competition. Outgoing Seniors: L-R, Abbey Scanlon, Maddie Williams, Ella Cesario, Jordan Kane, and Mya Lauzon, who had the best score in two of the four exercises in the meet.

Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

Taking top all-around honors was graduating senior Mya Lauzon, who had the best score in two of the four exercises in the meet.

Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

Senior Maddie Williams throws all of her 5'-4" body into her vault in the first exercise of the quad meet. Photo and caption

by Ron Sellers.

Ella Cesario spots her target as she transitions from one bar to the other. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

One of the few underclassmen, freshman Odine Achampong takes to the air during her balance beam routine. Photo and caption

by Ron Sellers.

Cal Bears 24

Army Black Knights 19

Witter Rugby Field, Berkeley, CA

Saturday, March 15, 2025

California defeated Army, 24–19, on Homecoming Weekend at Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley, CA on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Cal scored three tries in the first half and took a 17–7 lead into intermission. The Black Knights scored early in the second half to cut the deficit to a single try. However, the Bears' defense held strong and was able to stop Army several times at the try line for the victory. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.

Grand Sumo Tournament

Day Five

Edion Arena, Osaka, Japan

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Newly appointed Yokozuna Hoshoryu performs the Yokozuna

in-ring ceremony during Day Five of the Grand Sumo Tournament at Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan on Thursday, March 13th. Hoshoryu is the 74th wrestler in the centuries-old sport to achieve the highest rank of Yokozuna. Caption and photo by Darren Ya mashita.

Hoshoryu's first tournament as Yokozuna has not started off well, as he is forced out by Chiyoshoma (right) to suffer his second loss in the five days of the fifteen-day tournament.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

In a Sandanme (fourth division) matchup, Kotohaguro (right) battles 569-pound Dewanojo, one of the heaviest wrestlers in sumo history. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Former Makuuchi (top division) wrestler Asanoyama (right) forces out Ikarigata (left) for the victory in Sandanme. The former Ozeki (the second-highest rank in sumo) is battling back up the ranks after suffering injuries in 2023. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Ura (center) reacts after being pushed out of the ring and falling into the crowd during his Makuuchi match.

To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Golden State Warriors

Interview with Jess Smith,

President of the Golden State Valkyries

Click Here!

* * *

On March 1, 2025, I had a chance to do a live interview with Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries, for the USF Sports Management Program.

In our conversation, Jess talks about the decision to join the Valkyries, building the team’s front office, how she’ll evaluate success in this first year of operation, and what’s left to do with a little more than two months before the first tip off in franchise history.

Special shout outs to USF Athletics’ Isabella Bruenner and USF Sports Management Program’s Brent von Forstmeyer for pulling together such a fun and informative evening.

-- Dave Almy

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

The Sports Business Conversations podcast is a production of ADC Partners, a sports marketing agency that specializes in creating, managing, and evaluating effective partnerships between brands and sports. All rights reserved.

YOUR HOST

Dave Almy brings over 30 years of sports marketing and sports business experience to his role as host of the "1-on-1: Sports Business Conversations" podcast. Dave is the co-founder of ADC Partners.

Stanford Continuing Studies

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.

Course Instructors

Andy Dolich

President, Dolich Consulting

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.

Dave Newhouse

Columnist and Author

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.

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.

Commonwealth Club

Jeremy Affeldt:

Pitching in the Big Leagues—Physical, Psychological and Strategic Aspects

While opening day fever is still in the air, join us at noon to hear the inside story of pitching in the big leagues from Jeremy Affeldt, who pitched seven of his 14 major league seasons for the

San Francisco Giants (2009–2015).

How do major league pitchers prepare for their jobs? How do all the pieces (physical, mental, strategic, managerial, team chemistry, coaching and more) fit together? Affeldt will be in conversation with Leland Faust and will explore the realities and dispel the

myths of the sport.

George Hammond / Organizer

Leland Faust / In Conversation

Jeremy Affeldt --

Former San Francisco Giants Pitcher; Three-time World Series Champion; Founder, Generation Alive nonprofit; Analyst, Major League Baseball Network

Leland Faust --Founder and Former Chief Investment Officer, CSI Capital Management; Investment Advisor to more than 100 NFL, NBA and MLB All-Stars

George Hammond --

Author: Conversations With Socrates

Buy Tickets

In-person: $22

Free for Leadership Circle members and students

Thu, Apr 10 / 12:00 PM PDT

Not yet a member? Now is the time to join. Members get ticket discounts, special programs, travel opportunities, early notice of big events and more; plus, your membership helps sustain our nonprofit organization's work. You can become a monthly sustaining member for just $13 a month.

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San Francisco Giants

Camilo Doval versus the San Diego Padres on September 14, 2024.

Photo by Darren Yamashita.

Doval's dominance showing

signs of return

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.

PHOENIX -- The 2024 season was unexpectedly tumultuous for Camilo Doval.

A 2023 All-Star, Doval opened last year entrenched as the Giants’ closer, a role he held since he broke into the Majors as a fireballing rookie in 2021. But he lost his grip on the spot following a down season, with the Giants at one point demoting him to Triple-A Sacramento to try to get him on track.

See the Giants in 2025: Tickets for all games on sale now!

Doval appears intent on turning the page and returning to form this season. He already is showing flashes of his old dominance, allowing only one run on two hits over six innings (1.50 ERA) in six Cactus League appearances.

“I think you see results when you work hard and give your 100% every day,” Doval said in Spanish.

continued...

www.sfgiants.com

Click Here!

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

"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

Tommy White

White showcases his power for A's in Spring Breakout

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.

PEORIA, Ariz. -- There’s a reason Tommy White earned the nickname “Tommy Tanks” in college, and in his first Spring Breakout, he showed why.

Get single-game tickets to see the A's in 2025

Starting at third base for the Athletics at Peoria Sports Complex, White showed off his 60-grade power in a 5-2 victory over the Padres. The A’s No. 8 prospect launched an impressive opposite-field solo home run off Padres No. 5 prospect Boston Bateman.

Most impressive about White’s solo shot –- which was roped 104 mph off the bat and traveled a Statcast-projected 368 feet –- was that he caught the 2-1 sinker from Bateman off the end of his bat. Nobody in the stadium, White included, expected it to go out, but the ball just kept sailing until it landed in the Padres bullpen.

“I was actually trying to find the ball when I hit it,” White said. “It was a surreal moment. Just an adrenaline rush. Once I hit the ball, I was just trying to find it, and it ended up going [over] the right field wall.”

continued...

www.athletics.com

Click Here

Oakland Ballers

Oakland Signs Pitcher from

Open Tryout

OAKLAND, Calif. -- March 15, 2025 --- The Oakland Ballers announce the signing of right-handed pitcher to a contract for the 2025 season. He will attend the club's upcoming spring training in May.

Colyer was one of over 50 players who attended Oakland's Open Tryout last Saturday at Raimondi Park.

He, along with the other pitchers who threw, faced 10 batters over two innings and impressed with a low 90s fastball, slider, and splitter.

Colyer, from Hayward, last pitched in 2023 when he was an NCBWA All-West Region Selection as a member of the Cal State East Bay Pioneers. In his senior season he was one of the best relievers in the CCAA, pitching in 18 games with a 2.19 ERA, 5 saves, and 46 K in 24.2 IP.

"Overall the coaches were really encouraged by this year's tryout. I think there were maybe a dozen players who sparked good discussions from what they were showing on the field. James really had a great performance and now he'll have an opportunity with us in May and should be a competitive arm in camp. I also would not rule out the possibility that we sign one or two more tryout attendees before the start of the season." -- Tyler Petersen, Assistant General Manager

Colyer attended James Logan High School in Union City. He split his college career between Ohlone College (2019-2021), Shorter University (2022), and Cal State East Bay (2023).

Last year Oakland signed three players from their open tryout of over 100 attendees, with RHP Connor Caporale, RHP Kelsie Whitmore, and SS Andrew Martinez all getting invites to spring training.

Opening Night 2025 is quickly approaching! Season Tickets and Flex Packs for the 2025 season can be purchased now by going to tickets.oaklandballers.com.

www.oaklandballers.com

Oakland Roots SC

Roots Fall 2-3 to Seaside Rivals Monterey Bay FC

Oakland controlled the match heading into the second half, but a disastrous stretch leading to three straight Monterey Bay goals proved insurmountable as Roots fell 2-3 to pacific rival Monterey Bay FC at Cardinale Soccer Stadium in Seaside, California on Saturday night.

The majority of the first half came with little fanfare in terms of scoring as both midfields played lockdown defense, limiting play within the center third of the pitch for long stretches. Despite this, Roots never looked timid, looking to move that ball up the pitch with urgency whenever they were in possession of the ball.

EJ Johnson, getting his first start for Oakland, was tenacious on the forward line, hounding the Monterey Bay keeper whenever he looked to play the ball.

This tenacity eventually led to a premium scoring chance in the 40th minute when Johnson found space outside the top of the penalty area and sent a screamer towards the low right post, requiring a diving save from Monterey’s Nico Campuzano to keep the score deadlocked at 0-0.

As the match looked destined to enter halftime scoreless, Roots earned a 44th minute free kick from the right side of the pitch near midfield. José Luis Sinisterra delivered a perfect ball on the set piece, sending it into the box and finding a leaping Camden Riley who headed the ball home to give Oakland a 1-0 lead as the halftime whistle loomed.

Monterey Bay nearly leveled the match in added time, as the ball trickled past the goal line, but the referee ruled the attempt to be the result of a hand ball, earning Monterey a yellow card instead of a leveling score.

Monterey didn’t take long in the second half to redeem themselves. In the 56th minute Mayele Malango took a touch to shake an Oakland defender before bending a shot from outside the left side of the box into the top right corner of the goal, finding twine past a diving Kendall McIntosh to bring the contest back to 1-1.

continued...

Click Here

Oakland Roots SC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 3/05/2025

Oakland Roots and Soul SC and KTVU Renew Partnership to Air All USL Championship and Jagermister Cup Games and One USL W League Home Game

Oakland, CA (March 5, 2025) - Oakland Roots and Soul SC and English language broadcast partner, KTVU, renew partnership for the 2025 season. KTVU will air all Oakland Roots SC regular season games on KTVU Plus both home and away. KTVU Plus will remain the designated flagship English language television station of Oakland Roots SC for the 2025 season. KTVU Plus will also air one select Oakland Soul home game on June 7th as part of a Roots and Soul doubleheader.

“Our partnership with KTVU over the years has been invaluable,” said Oakland Roots and Soul President, Lindsay Barenz. “The regular recaps and storylines on KTVU and games on KTVU plus have allowed us to extend our reach throughout the entire Bay Area. With a headquarters right here in Oakland the partnership has aligned perfectly with who we are here at Oakland Roots and Soul.”

KTVU Plus coverage area provides an opportunity for over 2.6 million potential viewers across the region to enjoy Oakland Roots and Soul SC games. The partnership will also see KTVU Plus air one Oakland Soul SC (Oakland’s Women’s Team) home game on June 8th.

"We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Oakland Roots," said Mellynda Hartel, Senior Vice President and General Manager of KTVU and KICU. "This club continues to make an impact both on and off the pitch, creating meaningful opportunities for Bay Area youth and uniting the community through the power of sport. We look forward to seeing the Roots' fan base grow even stronger this season."

About Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Roots Sports Club seeks to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good. Whether on the pitch, in the stands, or within the community, Oakland Roots will represent our one-of-a-kind city with passion, pride, and commitment to all things Oakland. Player by player. Supporter by supporter. Resident by resident. One day at a time. One game at a time. This is about Oakland first, always.

About KTVU

KTVU and KTVU Plus are part of the FOX Television Stations, which owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S. These include stations located in nine of the top ten largest designated market areas (DMAs), and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest DMAs (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago). Of these stations, 17 are affiliated with the FOX Network. In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce over 1,000 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage viewer, distributor and advertiser demand for the FOX Network’s national content.

Buy Single Game Tickets

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Bay FC

Bay FC Opens 2025 Season With 1-1 Draw at Utah Royals

SANDY, Utah (March 15, 2024) — Bay FC opened the 2025 NWSL season with a 1-1 draw vs. Utah Royals FC on Saturday night at America First Field. After a Utah goal opened the scoring in the 11th minute, Bay FC equalized before the break when Kiki Picket put an impressive long-distance shot into the back of the net. The club secures a point in its first home match with the result, bringing the squad back home to the Bay Area on a positive note ahead of next week’s home opener at PayPal Park.

“I thought we controlled the first 75 minutes of the game,” said Head Coach Albertin Montoya after the match. “Credit to Utah, they made us sweat a little bit there toward the end of the game, but we found a way. That wasn’t necessarily the case at the beginning of last season, and it’s exciting that this is our starting point now.”

continued...

www.bayfc.com

Click Here

Sports Precis

I Finally Watched A Game...

by Howard Pearlstein

Through the blessings of TNT, which seems ok about us cheapskates tuning in, I watched the Dubs play last Thursday for the first time in a few weeks. I had resented being nickled-and-dimed to death by NBC’s Sports channels (California and Bay Area) to get something for which I thought I’d already paid.

And, whether from my principles or (full disclosure) my pettiness, I refused to pay and got what anyone who won’t or can’t pay gets in this world -- nothing.

I had been looking forward to it because it seemed the Dubs had been doing it all season, working toward Steve Kerr’s ideal – every player able to step in and play anytime with any or all of the others.

Post-game reports made me think they might have gotten there as one after another headlines suggested everyone was stepping up. I wanted to see it for myself.

Quinten Post was featured in one, his high level footwork being a happy surprise.

Another report was about Buddy Hield’s action against the Blazers. Jimmy Butler not only hitting a triple-double but being cool about it and crediting the rest of the team for his ability to do that.

Sportswriters were giving kudos to Moses Moody who was more-than-rising to the occasion to show us what he can do. And GPII was GPII, who we all knew was a phenom and a blessing on the court. (I have a photo of him at 6’2” outjumping 7-footer Victor Wembanyama for a high rebound.)

Generally all of them seemed to understand and sense one aspect or another of other players, and on a team that thrives on assists, it’s all about how smoothly one player works with another.

It helped Steph, with Butler and others making other teams pay for double-teaming him, leaving three against four. Butler also able to spell him, allowing him to do fewer minutes on the court.

And of course, the most long-term and reliable forward in the game, one writer copping the phrase: EVERYBODY’S GANGSTA UNTIL DRAYMOND STARTS HITTING THREES!

Thursday against the Kings it was the dance, everybody moving with each other, knowing where others were, being where they needed be.

The Kings have always been tough enough for me to assume they, not the Lakers, would ultimately be the Dubs in-state rivals, even despite all the talk about the change of coaches and players’ injuries.

The final stats showed it, power distributed evenly, the Dubs were playing like full-tilt Whack-a-mole – cover Steph, Draymond scores, cover them both GPII and Moody are hitting it, and etcetera.

Eight players in double figures: Draymond 23, Steph 11, Buddy Hield 10, GPII 16, Pat Spencer 11, Moses Moody 17, Quinten Post 10 and – welcome back – Jonathon Kuminga for 18.

That was the silly thing, writers wondering if Kuminga can fit in the new rotation. I don’t know, maybe I’m missing something in my DNA that the big time daily guys have – Dithering Nattering Arguing. Dimwitted Nitpicking Arseholishness.

What part of PLAYING BASKETBALL don’t they understand?

Kuminga’s a pro, played with those same guys for three years. Did they think he forgot how to play? Did they think maybe Steve Kerr wouldn’t recognize him? Hey, who’s this guy wearing double-zero?

Kings game felt like the 2022 Playoffs. Dubs weren’t even expected to be there, but they were, and first game, against the Nuggets, I knew it. All the way. I even ordered a Gold-Blooded T-shirt that night. Twenty-one games later, they won it all by beating the Celtics, and it feels a lot like that now.

* * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

Michael Otis Felder -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

I recently had the privilege of attending the Multi-Ethics sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Oakland California. Among the new inductees was former San Francisco Giants Michael Felder. He played for the San Francisco Giants from 1991 - 1992. Throughout the ceremony, John was very friendly and I had a chance to speak with him. He told some interesting stories about his earlier days as a player. After the award ceremony, Michael signed the program booklet for me.

Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer

Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 123: These NIL Hearings Are Exhausting

by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration

The Weekly Longer NIL Thought

Congress hosted another hearing on NIL this week. To be clear, it was a House of Representatives subcommittee and, as many (including yours truly) have noted, any legislation that is likely to have any chance of success will almost certainly need to come out of the Senate. But let those House legislators do their thing focusing on NIL when there's nothing more important for them to be spending their time on (major sarcasm font).

Representative Jerry Nadler probably had the most important thing to say, which is that the NCAA has lobbied Congress for years, seeking exemptions from U.S. laws to preserve its monopoly on college sports, then pointing out that many of the same Republican lawmakers who have decried MLB's antitrust exemption are lobbying to give the NCAA one.

I'm not intending to get political here. This is a safe space. I'm a registered Independent. And while I'm happy to call out Democrats, many Republicans do deserve to be called out in this instance for the very reason referenced by Nadler.

Anyhow, this hearing hosted by the House Judiciary subcommittee was unsurprisingly a waste of time. Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C. still can't see eye-to-eye on NIL issues despite the relative ease for states to pass legislation before and after July 1, 2021.

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IMSA Reveals 2026 WeatherTech Championship, Michelin Pilot Challenge Schedules

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

to Host May 1-3, 2026

Mar. 13 2025— The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has revealed its 2026 calendar at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring for the second consecutive year, becoming the first major motorsports championship to reveal its 2026 schedule.

Stability and consistency continue with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule, as all 11 venues where the series races in 2025 will carry into 2026.

A similar story occurs for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, with a 10-race schedule from 2025 continuing with the same venues in 2026.

“The collaboration between IMSA and our event and promoter partners has allowed us to reveal our 2026 calendar at such an early date for a second consecutive season,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “This collective spirit will help our paddock and fans in preparation for next season, even as we have the majority of the 2025 season still to run.”

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Photo courtesy of T.M. Hill

www.weathertechraceway.com

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Ferrari Challenge at Sonoma Raceway Raises Over $67,000 for

Speedway Children's Charities Sonoma Chapter

SONOMA, Calif. (March 12, 2025) – Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) Sonoma, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, is proud to announce that it raised over $67,000 through ticket sales from the Ferrari Challenge North America event on March 8. The funds generated will directly benefit local children and families in need across Sonoma County.

The Ferrari Challenge North America, renowned as the largest single-marquee racing series in North America, offered an exciting weekend of high-speed action, fierce competition, and a festive atmosphere, all set against a backdrop of Ferrari Red. Alongside thrilling races, attendees were treated to a stunning display of the latest luxury Ferrari models, including the all-new twin-turbo V6 296 Challenge with over 700 horsepower, as well as a collection of privately owned Ferraris. The event kept fans on the edge of their seats with dramatic podium finishes and intense racing during the penultimate round of the series.

In addition to the on-track excitement, this year’s event featured a special Air Show during the pre-race festivities. For an exciting 26 minutes, the sky above Sonoma Raceway came alive as the Patriots Jet Team performed a breathtaking aerial spectacle that captivated the crowd, adding a thrilling layer to the weekend’s festivities.

While the roar of Ferrari engines and the aerial acrobatics of the jets stole the show, the weekend was also focused on giving back to the community. All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, whose mission is to support local nonprofits that assist children and families in need through annual grants.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the fans and the community," said Courtney Kiser, Director of SCC Sonoma. "The funds raised will help provide essential resources to local children and families, making a real difference in their lives."

For more information on Sonoma Raceway’s lively 2025 racing season schedule, including the upcoming GT World Challenge America on March 28-30, visit SonomaRaceway.com.

To learn more about Speedway Children’s Charities and how you can get involved, visit speedwaycharities.org.

www.sonomaraceway.com

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Universities & Colleges

Cal Bears

Cal Drops Heartbreaker To Virginia

Golden Bears Give Up Eight Runs In Top Of Ninth In 10-8 Loss

BERKELEY – The California baseball team (9-9, 2-3 ACC) gave up eight runs in the top of the ninth inning in a heartbreaking 10-8 loss to No. 23/19/14 Virginia (11-6, 2-3 ACC) in the second contest of a three-game series Saturday afternoon at Stu Gordon Stadium. Virginia scored six times with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but the Golden Bears were within one strike of a victory before a hit batsmen and back-to-back two-RBI doubles by Chone James and Walker Buchanan. Both were hitting as pinch hitters for the second time in the inning as the Cavaliers sent 12 batters the plate in the frame.

Cal picked up a run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth when Jarren Advincula doubled down the left field after Alex Birge and pinch-hitter Jeff Hoffman had drawn earlier back-to-back walks. The play was originally ruled a foul ball but changed after a review to put Golden Bears on second and third, but Matt Lanzendorfer ended the Bears' hopes by retiring Seth Gwynn on a foul out to first baseman Henry Ford to end the game.

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Photo: Leilany Castro

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Stanford Cardinal

Senior Day Sweep

Stanford won each event title to defeat Cal in final home

meet of the season.

STANFORD, Calif. - No. 2 Stanford men's gymnastics closed out the regular season with a victory, knocking off tenth-ranked California 324.250-313.200 on Saturday afternoon.

The meet also served as the program's Senior Day, during which the Cardinal honored its five seniors: Taylor Burkhart, Mark Berlaga, Ian Lasic-Ellis, Luke McFarland, and Khoi Young.

Burkhart celebrated his final meet at Burnham Pavilion with a strong showing, winning each of the first two events of the night on floor exercise (14.200) and pommel horse (13.750). The Arvada, Colo. native also stuck his vault to finish second with a 14.200, along with a 13.550 still rings routine to finish fifth.

Lasic-Ellis also notched an event title in his final home meet, tying his season-best routine on high bar with a 13.700 to pace the field. The senior added a second podium finish on parallel bars, notching a 13.750.

Mark Berlaga collected a silver medal on still rings (13.900) to leave his mark on Senior Day, while Khoi Young notched a 13.300 on pommel horse to finish fourth in just his second meet of the season.

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San Jose State Spartans

Jensen & Osorio Lead Spartans Against UCLA

SAN JOSE, Calif.—Rose Jensen and Jennine Osorio each scored two goals for the Spartans as the No. 18 San José State women’s water polo team fell to No. 4 UCLA, 19-6, Saturday afternoon at the SRAC.

Jensen scored the first goal of the match with a goal at 4:33 left in the first quarter on a 6-on-5 opportunity.
The Spartans retook the lead at 2-1 on an Osorio goal at the 2:33 mark in the quarter.
Jensen then put SJSU ahead at 3-2 just 18 seconds into the second quarter on a pass from Renee Fleming.
San José State hung tough with the Bruins for much of the first half, with Darcy Spark scoring on a 6-on-5 situation with 2:41 left in the first half to bring SJSU to within one at 5-4.
The Spartans were outscored, 6-1, in the third quarter, but the team’s goal came from an Isabella Adams shot from the right side and trickled into the goal as the shot clock expired.
Osorio scored with 1:14 left in the match, as Nynke Willemsen was credited with the assist.
Grace Smith made six saves for SJSU, and five other Spartans were credited with field blocks.

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Photo: Thein-An Truong/ San Jose State A

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Saint Mary's College Gaels

MBB | Gaels Earn Seven Seed in 2025 NCAA Tournament, Headed to Cleveland to Take on Vanderbilt

MORAGA, Calif. — For the fourth consecutive year, the Gaels (28-5) are dancing! Saint Mary's secured a seven seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and will head to Cleveland, Ohio to take on 10th seed, the Vanderbilt Commodores. The Gaels won the 2025 WCC Regular Season Title for a program record third straight year, winning the conference by a three game margin, their largest ever. They will now head to Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as part of the East Region of this year's Big Dance.

The Gaels opponent in the opening round will be the 10th seeded Vanderbilt Commodores (20-12), who will be making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017. Also playing in Cleveland in the East Region will be the second seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (25-8) and the Robert Morris Colonials (26-8).

To REQUEST up to 4 tickets for BOTH the First and Second rounds being played in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, March 21st and Sunday, March 23rd please complete this form before 8 AM on Wednesday, March 19th. Completing this form is not a guarantee of tickets. Tickets will be assigned based on donor level. When you are assigned tickets, you are obligated to purchase the same number of tickets for any First Round tournament game the Gaels play AND the Second Round game should the Gaels advance. All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges. Tickets to all games will be sent electronically from the host site 12-24 hours prior to tip-off to the email entered on this form.

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Photo: Tod Fierner/Saint Mary's Athletics

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USF Dons

Dons Fall to Bulldogs in

Hard-Fought Bout

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - With the game within reach throughout all 40 minutes, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (24-9, 13-5 WCC) was unable to overcome a late surge from Gonzaga (24-8, 14-4 WCC) on Monday night as the No. 2 Bulldogs bested the No. 3 Dons, 85-76, at Orleans Arena.

Beach Volleyball Splits on First Day of Mustang Roundup

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.- The Santa Clara women's beach volleyball team split a pair of matches on the first day of the Mustang Roundup. They dropped a heavily contested matchup to No. 14 ranked GCU 0-5 and won 3-2 against Houston Christian. The Broncos matchup against the Huskies, came down to the last match, but a clutch victory from Ava Stoddard and Sveva Munneke in the No. 5 spot gave them the victory.

vs. No. 14 GCU

Santa Clara 0, GCU 5

The Broncos fell in their first matchup to the 14th ranked Antelopes 5-0. The No. 1 pairing of Sadie Snipes and Sammy Wood took the Utes to two tough sets, barely falling 21-19 in the second set. Noelle Niederman and Holland Jackson took the Lopes to two sets, barely falling 31-29 in the first set and 21-15 in the second set. Alexandra Urbina and Ciara Cantlen also went two sets, falling 24-22 in the final set, while the Broncos fell in two sets for the remaining two matches as well.

Adriana Ferro/Katie Keefe (GCU) def. Sadie Snipes/Sammy Wood (SCU), 21-11, 21-19.
Ines Piret/Rhea Kohl (GCU) def. Noelle Niederman/Holland Jackson (SCU), 31-29, 21-15.
Karynn Garrow/Sophia Hladyniyuk (GCU) def. Alexandra Urbina/Ciara Cantlen (SCU), 21-18, 24-22.
Jessica Drake/Becca Drake (GCU) def. Teagan Wilson/Kawena Chillingworth (SCU), 21-12, 21-13.
Madi Bogle/Regan Holmer (GCU) def. Ava Stoddard/Sveva Munneke (SCU), 21-9, 21-18.

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University of Pacific Tigers

Tigers Tower Over Sycamores in Eight Innings

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Behind quick-strike and timely offense, the Pacific baseball program earned its first-ever victory over Indiana State by a 14-2 margin in eight innings on Saturday at Bob Warn Field.

The Tigers (10-10) capitalized right out of the gates, taking an early lead and never looked back in taking the second game of the series over the Sycamores (8-11). It was the first time this season that Pacific has run-ruled an opponent.

"It was nice to see us put it all together today," head coach Reed Peters said. "We got off to a great start and kept it going. Having Adan [Perez] on the mound always brings the team confidence. Hopefully, everyone gained some confidence today and we can carry it over to tomorrow and into West Coast Conference play."

Senior Adan Perez pitched sharply in his fifth appearance of the season, going 5.0 innings and tying a season-high with seven strikeouts in his effort on the mound. Perez's earned run average stands at 1.33 following his five-inning outing this afternoon.

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UC Davis Aggies

Aggies Split Games; Get Win Over Houston Christian

Score (Game One): UC Davis 1, No.17 Washington 4

Records: UC Davis 5-4, No. 17 Washington 8-6

Score (Game Two): UC Davis 3, Houston Christian 2

Records: UC Davis 6-4, Houston Christian 5-6

Location: San Luis Obispo, Calif.

The short story: UC Davis beach volleyball faced a tough 4-1 loss in their first game against the 17th-ranked Washington, but showed resilience in the afternoon, bouncing back to secure a 3-2 victory over Houston Christian.

THE RALLY

Skye Smolinski and Mia Olen went undefeated throughout the day beating both of their opponents. The pair competed in the third spot in the morning and were moved to the fourth spot for the afternoon game.
The four other Aggie pairs all fell to their Washington opponents.
Against Houston Christian, Kirra Martin and Kaitlyn Smyth finished first and won a decisive match against their opponents giving the Aggies a 1-0 lead.
Lindsay Heller and Tabitha Mitchell fell against their Husky opponents.
Juliana Chapman and Kimi Waller also fell to their opponents even after a third-set battle.
Last to finish were Kylie Miller and Kendal Steller who took their game to three sets and ultimately came out on top.

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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Pioneer Baseball Dominates Series Opener at No. 11 Chico State

CHICO, Calif. - In an attempt to stay ahead of potential inclement weather, Cal State East Bay baseball took on No. 11 Chico State one evening earlier than originally scheduled. On Thursday evening at Nettleton Stadium, the Pioneers opened the four-game CCAA series with Chico State with a 7-1 victory.

Game Summary:

The Wildcats took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an infield RBI single hit by Daniel Vierra.

In the top of the second inning, Gio Martini and Jaylen Hodges were in scoring position when Dominick Najar delivered a single to drive both runners to the plate to give East Bay a 2-1 lead.

The Pioneer run count doubled in the top of the third when Aidan Morton hit an RBI double, and following the double, Martini drove in Morton with an RBI single as East Bay led 4-1.

East Bay added one more run each in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. Morton hit an RBI single in the fifth, Nick Thomson was awarded home plate on a balk in the sixth and Luke Brown scored on a wild pitch in the seventh.

The pitching combination of Jackson Ellis and Caleb Schaeffer shut out the Wildcats in the final eight innings toward a 7-1 win.

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St. Francis Yacht Club

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:

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.
Classic boats built prior to 1955 with a LOA ≥ 48 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate.