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March 3 -- March 9, 2025
Issue No. 579
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An anonymous NFL team has asked for a ban on the now-common
"Tush-Push" play, in which the QB is pushed into the end zone (or for
a first down) by teammates.
This song is not about football, but its lyrics perfectly describe the play which some teams have perfected, and others simply envy.
Forget Fly Like an Eagle. Just Push Like an Eagle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfVJYVROAVc
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today
He's A Keeper
There's been a lot of talk from the 49ers about who will stay and who will go. All I can say is: KEEP BROCK PURDY! You got him as "Mr. Irrelevant," and now he may just be the most efficient and most valuable QB in the NFL.
Sal Zavala
Pacific Grove, CA
Recognition From Afar
You must be congratulated on the maturity of Sports Today. The Ultimate Sports Guide's inclusionary nature gives everyone an opportunity to follow their favorite sport and learn about other sports, teams and players.
Featuring Arif Khatib's 25th Hall of Fame inductees (Sports Today -- Issue #578) says all about your own work and mission. Anticipating Rich Yee's autograph is my sweet & sour treat down the nostalgic road, but his reveal of 'just last week's' Chris Mullin was just sweet. These 3, together, let's us know it wasn't for nothing and it ain't over. You, Editor Weills, make 4.
Avid reader,
Bill Mac McCrary
Detroit, MI
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"Must get a bigger lens..." | |
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 77, SMU Mustangs 81
Cal Bears (WBkB) 82, Miami Hurricanes 63
Cal Bears (WBkB) 79, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 65
Cal Bears (MGYM) 308.500, Nebraska Cornhuskers 317.100,
Oklahoma Sooners 323.100
USF Dons (MBkB) 75, Gonzaga Bulldogs 95
Features & Commentary
I DVR Games To Watch Because I Am Rarely Able To Watch Them When They’re Happening, by Howard Pearlstein
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Mike Norris, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Oakland Ballers Fan Fest
The Natural, A Cinematic Grand Slam, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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The Natural --
A Cinematic
Grand Slam
by Dave Newhouse
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Watching the Oscars on Sunday, including Hollywood obituaries over the past 12 months, there was Gene Hackman, an esteemed actor whose diversified career included a celebrated sports movie.
Hackman, 95, died mysteriously sometime this winter, though both his body and that of his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were recently discovered at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
Hackman’s passing reminded me of the movie “Hoosiers,” in which he played a high school basketball coach on a career rebound. It’s one of my favorite sports movies, but suddenly I was hooked. What are the other sports movies I hold in high esteem?
After a careful review, I decided to pick my Top Ten, knowing it wouldn’t match anyone else’s Top Ten. Here goes, regardless, in numerical order:
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1. The Natural, 1984: This is an absolutely perfect movie with a perfect cast: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Barbara Hershey, etc. Redford stars as an aging ballplayer returning to the big leagues after being shot in a hotel room by a demented woman years before. It’s a cinematic take on a real-life incident: Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Eddie Waitkus being shot by a woman in a hotel room in 1949, and later resuming his career. It’s the grand slam of a sports film.
2. Chariots Of Fire, 1981: Religious views rise to the surface of this beautifully done track and field actual story from the 1924 Olympics in Paris. It’s told from a British perspective, highbrow, yet classy in how the movie plays out — to Olympic gold.
3. Bang The Drum Slowly, 1973: This baseball movie has a folksy narrative that resonates beautifully, featuring the close relationship between a pitching star (Michael Moriarty) and a terminally ill catcher (Robert De Niro). The movie’s greatness is how it proceeds at a measured pace, calm-like in spite of the building cancer tension, like a baseball fairy tale.
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4. Raging Bull, 1980: De Niro, once again, as Jake LaMotta, the thuggish middleweight boxing champion, in an epic film directed by Martin Scorcese. Wonderfully shot in black and white, with De Niro truly believable as a boxer, before he put on 50-60 pounds to play La Motta as a retired pugilist. Then he took it all off; now that is some acting.
5. Rocky, 1976: This is the first “Rocky” movie, where Sylvester Stallone transforms himself from a street hustler into a boxing contender who gets a title shot against Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, a former Oakland Raiders linebacker. Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Burt Young….just a great cast, contributing to keeping “Rocky” on the screen for decades with sequels.
6. Hoosiers, 1986: The Hackman character punched one of his high school players, and was kicked out of coaching. But another school principal, an old friend, “rehabilitates” him by giving him a coaching job years later at rural tiny Indiana school, with barely enough players to field a team. But Hackman succeeds in spite of an angry community that wants him out, and Hickory High makes it to the state championship. Fictional? No Way. It’s based on tiny Milan High winning an Indiana state championship in1954.
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7. The Champion, 1949: This is old-time cinema, with Kirk Douglas as a middleweight fighter who plays rough inside and outside of the ring. He is hardly a hero because he steps on people, including kin, to get his way. Douglas doesn’t have the build or skills to execute such a fighter’s image, but he projects the meanness to make it work, until the sad ending.
8. The Set-Up, 1949: Robert Ryan is very believable as a fighter whose wife wants him to retire, but he hangs on until his manager sets him up with a fight he’s expected to lose. Only the manager doesn’t tell Ryan, who then shows courage inside the ring that makes for great drama, and a great finish. Ryan does win in emulating a fighter.
9. Eight Men Out, 1988: This baseball movie is based on the real-life Chicago White Sox blowing the 1919 World Series against Cincinnati on purpose in order to reap gambling money, which then led to eight players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, receiving lifetime suspensions. The first baseball commissioner, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, was hired specifically to deal with this travesty. Good character acting throughout the movie, and reasonably good play on the diamond.
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10. The Great White Hope, 1970: This is the fifth boxing movie on the list, but boxing projects better on the silver screen than other sports. This film depicts the life of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion, whom the sport wanted no more of because of his blackness, his ring dominance, his high-living manner, and his squiring of white women early last century. James Earl Jones, who died in September at 93, gives a landmark performance as Johnson.
Cinematic Bullpen: I know, I know, Field Of Dreams (1988) didn't make the Top Ten. It’s a wonderful film, but batting Shoeless Joe from the right side and having him throw right-handed — wrong, twice — soured it for me. Other notable sports films: Moneyball (2011), Remember The Titans (2000), Rudy (1993), and The Way Back (2020). One “Rocky” movie was enough. I await your correcting my omissions.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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USF Dons 75
Gonzaga Bulldogs 95
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, March 1, 2025
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With their post season on the line, the Dons from USF faced off against the Bulldogs from Gonzaga in the final regular season game in WCC conference with the winner getting the second seed in the conference championships and a bye until the semifinals. Under heavy mist outdoors, it was the friendly confines of the Chase Center in San Francisco with 6,300 in attendance who would watch USF fall behind early with cold shooting. The Dons would fight to get close, but Gonzaga would eventually pull away and take the win, 95-75. Above: coming in off the bench, Ryan Beasley (#0) puts up a three-point attempt early in the first half, but would leave the game before halftime with an ankle injury.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Leading all scorers, Marcus Williams (#55) drives to the basket for another bucket midway through the second half and would finish with 28 points. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Cal Bears 308.500, Nebraska Cornhuskers 317.100, Oklahoma Sooners 323.100
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Friday, February 28, 2025
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Friday night was a special night in many ways for the Cal men’s gymnastics team as there was competition with the nationally ranked Oklahoma Sooners and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Plus there was Senior Night, celebrating five athletes, and finally, the final send off for outgoing head coach JT Okada. Before the action, Cal honored seniors (L-R) Landon Wu, brothers Sean and Tyler Shimizu, graduate student Tomo Kawada, and fifth year student Aidan Li, with the now customary carved wooden bear sculptures. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Cal’s team set the stage, by beating all teams by two whole points on the Vault. Above, All-Around Carter Kim spots his landing that he will stick to start the scoring off with a 14.25.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Reacting to his stuck landing from the parallel bars, Theodor Roald Gadderud erupts in celebration as he scores 13.55 to lead Cal in the exercise, Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Cal Bears 82
Miami Hurricanes 63
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Cal Bears senior forward Michelle Onyiah scored a career-high 26 points and added ten rebounds on Senior Day as the Bears defeated the Miami Hurricanes, 82-63, at Haas Pavilion on Sunday, March 2nd. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Cal Bears 77
SMU Mustangs 81
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
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Hosting the Mustangs from SMU, the Golden Bears fell quickly behind. They had to work scoring close to the basket to find their points as Cal struggled from behind the 3-point line, hitting only
5 of 22 attempts. With 5:20 to go, Cal tied the score, fighting back from a 17-point deficit but the Mustangs would pull away in the closing seconds to hold on for the road win, 81-77. Above, and always in the middle of the action, Rytis Petraitis (#31) gets the tip-in bucket midway through the first half as the University of California Golden Bears played host to the Southern Methodist University Mustangs, in ACC Conference Men’s Basketball, at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, CA. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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With his hands clearly full battling the 7’-2” center from SMU, Cal's Mady Sissoko (#12) fights for the rebound position early in the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers. | |
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Cal Bears 79
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 65
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Thursday, Febuary 27, 2025
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California Golden Bears forward Michelle Onyiah scored 24 points and grabbed ten rebounds as the Bears defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 79-65, at Haas Pavilion on Thursday, February 27th.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Stanford Continuing Studies | |
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Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:50 pm (PT)
• 6 weeks • April 8 – May 27
Join Us Online!
Baseball isn’t just a game, it’s a national heartbeat. The most traditional, numbers-oriented, and nostalgia-inducing of our major sports, it offers a fantasyland for statisticians, an instrument for social change, a reprieve from the digital rush, and a source of lifelong memories. This course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the culture, history, and strategy that make America’s game so captivating.
Each week, you will join baseball insiders as they reveal the sport from unique perspectives: the journey of a player, the life of an umpire, the impact of analytics on team building, the evolving
media landscape, and more. We will also examine the business side of baseball, exploring everything from minor league operations to contract negotiations and stadium construction.
Luminary guest speakers, including major league players and executives, will show you how the game has evolved on and off the field.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just curious, join us this spring for an in-depth, entertaining look at what makes baseball an enduring part of American culture.
Register Now »
Course Instructors
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Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
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Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the
executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
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Dave Newhouse
Sports Writer and Columnist
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Dave Newhouse has been a prominent figure in the Bay Area sports scene since the 1960s. He was an award-winning sports writer and columnist for the Oakland Tribune, a pioneer among sports talk show hosts on San Francisco radio, and is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival, co-authored with Andy Dolich, explores the story of Oakland losing its professional sports teams. | |
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Guest Speakers
Dave Stewart, Former Oakland A's All-Star Pitcher and Baseball Executive
Larry Bear, CEO, San Francisco Giants
Ken Korach, Oakland A's Radio Announcer
Brian Murphy, KNBR Sports Radio Host
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle Sports Columnist
Mike Pinto, Manager, Joliet Slammers, Minor League Baseball
Daniel Rascher, President, Sports Economics and Faculty, University of San Francisco
Ted Robinson, National Sports Broadcaster
Bill Schlough, CIO, San Francisco Giants
Russ Stanley, Senior Vice President, Ticket Sale's Service,
San Francisco Giants
Please note: Guest speakers may be subject to change.
Register Now »
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would be appreciated.
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Thanks to the following generous donors! | |
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A. Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
Richard Cross -- Founder / San Francisco Nighthawks
Andy Dolich
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Robert Flammia
Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
Mitchell Kim
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
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Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Ross & Vicki Robinson
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Leonard Schwab
Narda Zacchino
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Eldridge learning from SF’s ‘first base guru,’ J.T. Snow
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Bryce Eldridge had never met former Giants first baseman J.T. Snow prior to last week, but he was aware of the six-time Gold Glove winner’s reputation for defensive excellence.
“That’s all I’ve heard, that he’s a first base guru,” said Eldridge, the club’s No. 1 prospect. “That’s something I could really use in my life right now.”
The Giants figured as much, which was why the club decided to invite Snow to spend a week serving as a guest instructor at Scottsdale Stadium this spring. Since arriving in camp on Feb. 22, Snow has been working closely with Eldridge and sharing his expertise to help speed along the highly touted slugger’s development at first base.
The first thing that struck Snow about Eldridge?
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
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JJ Bleday, April 16, 2024, versus the Saint Louis Cardinals.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Bleday on 'right trajectory' for more after strong '24
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.
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Given Brent Rooker’s 39 homers and Lawrence Butler’s spectacular second half, it could be easy to overlook the player who led the A’s with 43 doubles in 2024: center fielder JJ Bleday.
In his first full season in the Majors, Bleday slashed .243/.324/.437 with 20 homers and 60 RBIs. Among qualified hitters who played center field in at least 60 percent of their games, Bleday’s 120 OPS+ ranked fourth in the Majors, trailing only Aaron Judge, Jackson Merrill and Jarren Duran.
In light of his 2024 season, Bleday has much more job security this Spring Training than he has had before ... though he's trying not to act like it.
continued...
www.athletics.com
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Oakland Ballers Fans Fest
Raimondi Park, Oakland, CA
Saturday, March 1, 2025
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Former Oakland A's slugger Jose Canseco (white jacket, right) entertained the crowd with humorous recollections drawn from his long and noteworthy career. Photo by Ann Cooke. | |
Fans line up waiting for a chance to leave with a Jose Canseco autograph. Photo by Ann Cooke. | |
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A's memorabilia vendors Mark Macrae (left) and Michael Smith (Coliseum Kingz) man their booth during the Oakland Ballers
Fans Fest. Photo by Ann Cooke
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Too $hort Performing at Oakland Roots Home Opener + Fireworks Show!
The 2025 season kicks off in legendary fashion as Too $hort takes the stage at the Oakland Roots SC Home Opener on March 22 at the historic Oakland Coliseum!
Be there for nonstop action on the field, an epic performance from an Oakland icon, and our first-ever postgame fireworks show—all in celebration of The Town.
Single game tickets are on sale now! Don’t miss this unforgettable night. Lock in your seat today!
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2,
Sporting Kansas City 1
San Jose earn first win in Kansas City since 2015 and first 2-0-0 start to season since 2017; Chicho Arango, Josef Martínez score first goals with San Jose before valiant defensive stand to protect lead despite being down to 10 men for majority of second half; Quakes return home next Saturday, March 8, vs. Minnesota United FC
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Saturday night in front of 16,277 fans at Children’s Mercy Park.
San Jose got on the board in the third minute when Hernán López’s through ball in transition bounced off forward Josef Martínez and right to Cristian “Chicho” Arango, who slotted clinically to give the Earthquakes an early 1-0 lead. The Quakes doubled the advantage in the 19th minute when Cristian Espinoza’s corner kick was initially parried away by SKC goalkeeper John Pulskamp, but Martínez pounced on the rebound to put the Black and Blue up 2-0.
SKC pulled one back in the 27th minute when referee Sergii Boiko determined a handball occurred in the box and subsequently awarded the hosts a penalty kick. Quakes goalkeeper Daniel got a hand on Dejan Joveljić’s attempt, but the forward converted to cut the San Jose lead in half, 2-1.
In the 52nd minute, López accrued his second yellow card after a sliding challenge and was sent off. Playing with 10 men the rest of the way, the San Jose defense valiantly stood their ground, turning away barrage after barrage until the final whistle for the victory – the Quakes’ first in Kansas City since 2015 en route to their first 2-0-0 start overall since 2017.
The Black and Blue will now head home to take on Minnesota United FC next Saturday, Mar. 8. 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).
continued...
www.sjearthquakes.com
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COUNTING DOWN UNTIL HOME OPENER
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Plus, be one of the first 13k to arrive and receive a free 2025 rally towel!
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I DVR Games To Watch Because I Am Rarely Able To Watch Them When They’re Happening
by Howard Pearlstein
My day is often noon till 4 or 5 AM. It’s a good time to write, but mostly that’s the way my Circadian rhythms go. I like it late at night when the world is quiet.
So DVR-ing games I want to watch has worked for me. Also allows me to speed up through the commercials. Recently, settling in to watch a game, I found out – nothing there. They tell me, sanctimoniously, “You must have a subscription to access this channel.”
I mean I pay extra for cable. I have recorded and watched my favorites for years, especially when I’m writing about a game and can go back and rerun a play. Not any more on those cable channels. The greedheads have taken over, called it PRIME as if it’s special enough to nickel and dime you.
Makes me feel like being in the old joke about the explorer captured by cannibals. But instead of killing him, they just cut his arm a bit and drink some of his blood every day. And finally he says: “ENOUGH! I’ve had it. You sonsofbitches can kill me and eat me, but NO MORE – I’m tired of always getting stuck for the drinks.”
And I just found this out the other night, so I missed a chance to see (and write about) Steph’s 56 point rampage. Sorry Chris --the greedheads ate my homework.
I think, not coincidentally, it’s the same time sports are being presented as excuses to gamble.
“You’re not really a fan unless you’re willing to put your money down.” Point spreads or over/under or how many passes a WR will drop or anything. Doesn’t matter, just as long as you’ve got some skin in the game.
Something else. I watched the She Believes Soccer Games, but in the first two USA games, it was all grabbing and smacking and takedowns. Not so much soccer as the long ago wonder of sports -- Roller Derby. All Jammers and Blockers. (The Japan game was more polite.)
Made me remember Ann Calvello, Queen of Roller Derby, who ruled the rink from 1948 until 2000. She made me join post-game drinking at the local bar before she’d give me an interview.
“Sidle up and throw some down, young fellow.”
To be clear, I favor watching and writing about women’s sports, and no, I don’t think the players could or should be girly girly. They’re top athletes.
I do not believe anyone in the NFL could do what they do, run for 90 minutes, dribble 50 yards or so with their feet to be ready for that second or two when it opens up for a shot.
I just like their style, equally powerful but with a more graceful sense of elan vital than male athletes. Maybe they didn’t get beat up by high school classmates for studying ballet the way many boys did.
And THOSE women, ballet dancers, are serious athletes. Every move -- hands, head, feet, body has to be exact, precise, not approximate. Tough and graceful too, like the swans that guard the Kings and Queens of England.
As a zoo docent years ago, I had to rescue someone who didn’t believe the sign: “Breeding season: Do not Enter.” Had to run in to rescue the idiot whose crap the male swan was beating out of him with those big powerful graceful leg-breaking wings.
Women athletes Graceful as swans.
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Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
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On March 3, 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw was admitted into the hospital for surgery to repair his throwing arm under an assumed name.
What was that name?
Hint: The assumed name will be a first round selection for the NFL Hall of Fame.
answer below...
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Mike Norris -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I recently had the privilege of having dinner with former Oakland A's Mike Norris at the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame ceremony. During the dinner he told some interesting stories at the table about his early years with the Oakland Athletics. One story he told was about he and Ricky Henderson growing up together and playing ball in the streets before turning professional. Mike was a pleasure to talk to and very friendly. This night Mike Norris was inducted into the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. I asked him to sign the program booklet and he was glad to do so.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 121: Sports Agents Begin Leaving The Profession For College GM Jobs | |
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
Sports agents are beginning to consider leaving the profession to become general managers at the collegiate level.
This shouldn't come as a surprise as the college sports landscape becomes more professionalized by the day. We should have all seen this coming.
Over the years, many one-time agents have determined they would be happier working in a front-office position, and this has been particularly true in the basketball world.
Agents like Justin Zanik, Arn Tellem, Rob Pelinka, and Bob Myers left their lucrative careers representing players behind to go in-house and work on behalf of professional basketball organizations.
But now, with so much money flowing in and out of college sports programs and the need to manage spending while filling out rosters with talent where monetary promises can and are made in recruiting, agents are beginning to consider not going to a pro sports organization but instead a college program.
This week, we learned that Jim Tanner, a very seasoned and respected basketball agent, has been hired as the University of North Carolina men's basketball executive manager and general manager.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Welcomes Erin Vogel to Hartnell College Foundation’s Day of Science
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 28, 2025—WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is proud to support the Hartnell College Foundation’s Family Science Day on March 15, an event dedicated to inspiring students to explore opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. Professional race car driver Erin Vogel will serve as keynote speaker sharing her experiences and encourage the next generation of innovators.
This collaboration began when WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Communications Manager Alicia Busa connected with STEAM Program Director Ana Ibarra at the Hartnell College Foundation, following a proposal by Friends of Laguna Seca CEO Lauri Eberhart to establish a Monterey Chapter of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA). Eberhart, a founding board member of WIMNA, saw an opportunity to create more local interest in motorsports, particularly for young women.
"After attending the Women with Drive Summit in Indianapolis, I was inspired to find ways to create more interest in racing for young women in our community," said Busa. "STEAM programs often serve as the foundation for careers in motorsports, and we wanted to ensure we were fostering that connection and building a network here in Monterey."
continued...
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
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Bears Walk Off Cal State Bakersfield In Extras
Cole Tremain Caps Standout Performance With
11th-Inning Single
BERKELEY – Cole Tremain was the unquestionable hero at Stu Gordon Stadium on Wednesday evening as the California baseball team (5-3) earned its first walk-off win of the season with a 6-5 victory over Cal State Bakersfield in 11 innings. Tremain sent his teammates into a frenzy when he plated Cade Campbell with the game-winning run on his one-out RBI single in the bottom of the 11th. Campbell had started the rally with a one-out single before moving into scoring position at second base when Alex Birge walked.
Tremain, a two-way player in his first season at Cal after transferring from Baylor, made the first start for the Golden Bears in right field and homered in his first at bat to lead off the bottom of the third. Not only did Tremain star at the plate, but he also earned a win on the mound with 2.2 innings of hitless relief as the sixth and final Cal pitcher. In addition. Tremain saved the Bears a run in the top of the eighth when he backed up first base on a ground ball to Campbell at third, retrieved Campbell's throwing error wide of first base and threw out a Cal State Bakersfield runner at the plate trying to score from first on the play.
continued...
Photo: Sara Letson
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Cardinal Falls 5-4 at Georgia Tech
Yellow Jackets strike for five runs, four unearned,
in fifth inning
ATLANTA – The No. 17 Cardinal fell to 12-3 on the season and 0-1 in ACC play this evening, dropping game one of a three-game series at Georgia Tech 5-4.
River Mahler put the Cardinal ahead with her third home run of the season, a two-run shot, to open up the scoring at 2-0 in the top of the third. Two batters later, an RBI double from Jade Berry brought Allie Clements around to score and make it a 3-0 lead.
Kylie Chung followed up the three-run inning with a shutdown bottom of the third, setting the Yellow Jackets down in order.
Chung exited after four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit in the first inning. In the fifth inning, Georgia Tech took the lead after scoring five runs, only one of which was earned.
The Cardinal is back against the Yellow Jackets tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m. PT. The game can be streamed on ACC Network Extra.
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Spartans Drop Road Game Against Utah State
LOGAN, Utah - Amiah Simmons led the way putting up 29 points while Finau Tonga contributed 18 points of her own to lead San José State women’s basketball (10-19, 3-13 MW) in an 82-75 loss against Utah State (3-25, 2-14 MW) from Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Event Center on Wednesday evening.
- Simmons finished with 29 points to go with five rebounds, four assists, while going 10-for-20 from the field and 4-for-10 from behind the arc.
- Simmons' four made threes set a new season high while her five rebounds and four assists tied her season highs.
- Simmons has now scored over 20 points in eight games this season.
- Simmons has scored in double figures in 12 out of her last 13 games.
- Tonga contributed 18 points with four rebounds and one assist while going 7-for-9 from the field.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
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Sam Buckley: 2-3 HR 3 R 2 RBI, Double Play Turned
SB | Gaels Bounce Back with 9-3 Victory Over UNLV
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — After a split on day one of the UCSB Tournament, the Gaels (8-8) moved to 2-1 for their weekend on the SoCal coast, defeating the UNLV Rebels (9-6), 9-3. The UNLV jumped out in front early, and while the Gaels responded in the third, the Rebels regained the lead at 3-2 through four. From that point, the Gaels scored seven unanswered runs to close out the game with a six run victory.
The Gaels had just one runner reach in each of their first two ups. UNLV plated their first run without recording a hit, as with one out in the bottom of the first, the Rebels had a batter plunked, followed by three straight walks to put them on the board first. The one run deficit was turned into a one run lead, as Tori Cervantes continued her strong weekend with a one out single, followed by Sam Buckley's second home run in as many days.
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SMC Athletics/ Emily Smith
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Abosi Calls Game as Dons Outlast Beavers in Corvallis
Box Score CORVALLIS, Ore. - The University of San Francisco men's basketball team (23-7, 13-4 WCC) secured a season sweep of Oregon State (20-10, 10-7 WCC) on Wednesday night as clutch heroics from Marcus Williams and a game-winning three-pointer from Veniamin Abosi lifted the Dons over the Beavers, 74-72, at Gill Coliseum.
With the win, San Francisco has officially clinched a top three seed in the upcoming 2025 Credit Union 1 WCC Championship.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
- Oregon State grabbed an early lead to start the contest with Parsa Fallah and Michael Rataj each scoring two baskets in the first five minutes to take an 11-5 advantage.
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San Francisco remained within striking distance as Williams, Junjie Wang and Malik Thomas all cashed in from distance to keep the game close, 20-15, with 8:50 to play in the first half.
- Strengthening their lead, the Beavers went on an 11-4 run capped off by a Liutauras Lelevicius three-pointer to take a 31-19 lead with just under four minutes to play in the period.
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Flipping the contest, the Dons came out of the four-minute media timeout on fire. Thomas then ignited a run for the green and gold as the guard converted on all three free throws after being fouled beyond-the-arc. On the next play down, Abosi scored his first bucket of the contest on a shot-clock buzzer-beating layup. Continuing to make an impact off the bench, Saba Gigiberia split two free throws, but an offensive rebound by Abosi led to another Williams trey, cutting the deficit to just three.
- In the final minute, the green and gold closed out the period with a Thomas dunk and a Gigiberia and-one, finishing the first half on a 14-0 run to take a 33-31 advantage into halftime. Notably, San Francisco kept Oregon State scoreless in the final 3:48 of the opening half.
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Photo: Eduardo Garcia
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Beach Volleyball Picks Up Pair of Wins vs. USF and SJSU
SAN JOSE, Calif.- The Santa Clara women's beach volleyball team picked up two decisive victories Friday at Spartan Beach over USF and the hosting Spartans. The top three pairs of Alexandra Urbina/Holland Jackson, Sadie Snipes/Sammy Wood, and Callie Loughran/Ciara Cantlen won both matches, while Teagan Wilson/Sveva Munneke and Ava Stoddard/Kawena Chillingworth each picked up one win each.
vs. USF
Santa Clara 4, San Francisco 1
The Broncos won their first three matchups of the day against San Francisco, securing the victory before the final two matches even finished. Strong performances from Alexandra Urbina and Holland Jackson in the No. 1 spot, Sadie Snipes and Sammy Wood at the No. 2 pairing, and Callie Loughran and Ciara Cantlen at the No. 3 spot put the Broncos up 3-0 and they never looked back. A victory from Ava Stoddard and Kawena Chillingworth in the No. 5 spot secured the 4-1 victory.
1. Alexandra Urbina/Holland Jackson (SCU) def. Jacquelyn Strawn/Letzia Aquilino (USF) 21-15, 21-9
2. Sadie Snipes/Sammy Wood (SCU) def. MaKenna Towne/Kaydence Stormes (USF) 21-13, 21-18
3. Callie Loughran/Ciara Cantlen (SCU) def. Branson Lennon/Burkleigh Smith (USF) 21-18, 21-19
4. Raine Stevens/Rylie Reeves (USF) def. Teagan Wilson/Sveva Munneke (SCU) 27-29, 23-21, 15-12
5. Ava Stoddard/Kawena Chillingworth (SCU) def. Francesca Stanschus/Lucy Speier (USF) 21-16, 21-19
vs. SJSU
Santa Clara 4, San Jose State 1
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Another strong performance from the top three pairs gave the Broncos another decisive 3-0 advantage. Teagan Wilson and Sveva Munneke completed a tough three set victory, outsourcing the Spartans 16-14 in the final set as the Broncos took the match 4-1 for the second straight victory over the Spartans.
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Beach Volleyball Coach Brings Pedigree of Success to Her Hometown Tigers
For Jaida Ward, some of her earliest memories of beach volleyball came on University of the Pacific's Raney Sand Volleyball Courts—the same courts where she now hopes to lead the team to victory this spring.
"Being able to return to my hometown and lead a program for the school I've been connected to my whole life has been a dream come true," said Ward, head coach of Pacific's beach volleyball team. "It seemed like a 'meant-to-be' moment when I heard about the opening."
As Ward's love for the sport grew, so did her prowess. She graduated from San Jose State as both the single season and career wins leader for the Spartans, playing the majority of her career on court one.
Now in a coaching role, she hopes to impart her passion and knack for success on the next class of players, which includes six returnees and six newcomers this season.
"A unique advantage to having so many newcomers has been the fact that the returners have been exposed to both sides of extremism in this program," Ward said. "They've gone from not having enough pairs to compete in a full duel to having a full roster. They've gone from not having a consistent coach to having a full-time beach-only coach with experience in the game.
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Aggies Split Games In Berkeley; Get Win Over Pacific
Score (Game One): UC Davis 4, Pacific 1
Records: UC Davis 4-1, Pacific 0-2
Score (Game Two): UC Davis 0, Cal 5
Records: UC Davis 4-2, Cal 5-1
Location: Berkeley, Calif.
The short story: In a thrilling morning match, the UC Davis women's beach volleyball team triumphed 4-1 over Pacific, but despite their earlier success, they faced a tough challenge in the afternoon and were ultimately defeated 5-0 by California.
THE RALLY
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Alexandra Leal and Kate O'Steen, continued their undefeated streak in the third sport with a win over UOP of 21-10, 21-14.
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Against Pacific, the Aggies battled hard and thanks to three more wins from the pairings of Tabitha Mitchell/Lindsay Heller, Leal/O'Steen and Skye Smolinski/Mia Olen UC Davis locked up another win this season.
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Emily Uhrinak and Kendal Steller battled with Cal's pairing in the second spot, staying on their heels for most of the match but were unable to get a win for the Aggies.
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In the fifth flight, Juliana Chapman and Kaitlyn Smyth found themselves in a three-set matchup against Cal. Winning the first set and dropping the second set put them in a battle for the only Aggie win of the day, but they could not hold off the Golden Bear pair.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Women's Basketball Drops Thursday's Game vs. CSULA
HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team fell to Cal State LA 75-62 in a CCAA matchup Thursday evening at Pioneer Gymnasium.
The Golden Eagles quickly established control, jumping out to a 19-9 lead with just under five minutes left in the first quarter. The Pioneers fought back, narrowing the gap to six points after a layup by Krista Sheaffer at the 1:16 mark. However, Cal State LA maintained their advantage, ending the first frame up 25-17.
Despite a slower scoring pace from CSULA in the second quarter, East Bay struggled to gain ground, trailing 40-27 at halftime.
The Pioneers pushed themselves back in the game during the third quarter, closing the gap to as little as five points on multiple occasions. Ariyah Smith's 3-pointer at the 1:05 mark brought East Bay within striking distance at 52-47. However, the Golden Eagles responded with five unanswered points to close out the quarter, leading 57-47 heading into the final period.
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Photo: Rob Edwards
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REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE 2025 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES | |
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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.
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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/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, March 3, through
Sunday, March 9, 2025
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Monday, March 3
Golden State Warriors @ Charlotte Hornets, 4 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Toronto Maple Leafs, 4:30 p.m.
A's @ Kansas City Royals, 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 4
Golden State Warriors @ New York Knicks, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Buffalo Sabres, 4 p.m.
A's vs. San Francisco Giants, 12:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5
Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets, 6 p.m
A's @ Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 12:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 6
Golden State Warriors @ Brooklyn Nets, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Colorado Avalanche, 6:30 p.m.
A's vs. San Diego Padres, 1:05 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 12:10 p.m.
Friday, March 7
Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m.
A's vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:05 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 12:10 p.m.
Saturday, March 8
Golden State Warriors v. Detroit Pistons, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. New York Islanders, 7 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota Wild, 7:30 p.m.
A's @ Los Angeles Angels, 1:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 9
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers, 6:30 p.m.
A's vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Angels, 12:05 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired).
Artist: Carl Macki
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim
Webmaster/Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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