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November 3 -- November 9, 2025
Issue No. 614
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"VERY pleased with the number of visits to our website and we can prove it.
Anyone needing a website
should reach out to you.
Thanks, Medhavee!"
-- Christopher Weills
Sports Today Publisher
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* * *
Dear Ms. Medhavee Upadhyaya,
please step up and take a bow!
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San Francisco
49ers 34,
New York Giants 24
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Christian McCaffery
With no Skatebo, Jaxson Dart ran the show as the New York Giants received. With a series of passes and runs, Dart led New York to a 7-0 start. (7-0, NY). The 49ers answered with Mac Jones at QB (no Brock). A gutsy fourth-and-one worked, and Christian McCaffery's (CMC) passes and runs resulted in 12 plays for 68 yards and SF tied the score on a pass to CMC (7-7). Solid defense by Dee Winters and Upton Stout forced a punt. A 15-yard run by Brian Robinson Jr., and a 20-yard pass to Kendrick Bourne were capped by a 15-yard TD pass to Jauan Jennings (14-7 SF). Tackles by Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune forced a NY punt. SF was stopped and Thomas Morstead punted to the NY 8. Ceilin Ferrell's sack of Dart forced a punt, returned by Skyy Moore. Mac was sacked, but Eddy Pineiro clicked from 54-yards for a 17-7 SF lead. After a NY punt, Shanahan's overconfidence backfired as the clock ran down and Jones fumbled, but New York missed a 45-yard FG as the crowd roared its displeasure. (17-7 SF, half).
The Giants' kickoff failed to land inside the 20-yard line and Mac, Kittle, Luke Farrell and Skyy Moore moved to the NY 11-yard line for Eddy Pineiro's 33-yard FG, (20-7, SF). Dart's passes moved the G-Men, but a clutch Malik Mustapha tackle prevented a TD, and a 22-yard FG made it (20-10, SF). After a series of punts, Brian Robinson Jr. powered in for an 18-yard TD (27-10 SF). A Dart TD run made it (27-17 SF), but Jones and CMC were too much to handle as CMC ran for another TD (34-17 SF). Dart hit Gunner Olszewski for a 24-yard NY TD. CMC finished with 106 run yards and 67 through the air and set all kinds of NFL records. Mac Jones was 19 for 24 and 235 yards. And for the Grand Finale: Adrian Martinez #4, the 49ers' current third backup QB for those who missed (Sports Today #612) recent Jeopardy contest, entered the game for the last play to put the cherry on top of a solid victory by San Francisco, (34-24).
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNOBHepcJ4k (13:47)
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Golden State Warriors --
Week in Review:
2-2
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Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Monday, 10/27): A solid 131-118 victory -- Jonathan Kuminga (JK) 25 points/10 rebounds, red-hot Moses Moody to start the week, it was time for the L.A. Clippers to visit Chase Center and get a taste of these Dyn-O-Mite Warriors.
Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Tuesday, 10/28): Trounced LA in the second half to win 98-79 (yes, only 79 points) On NBC, with baskets and rebounds from "The Dutch Master" Quinten Post and JK. The Dubs started hot, but the Clippers fought back to take a slight lead. The second half was all Warriors, with contributions from the complete panoply of talent, from Steph to Jimmy Butler, Moody and Podz. Rock solid defense and teamwork helped secure this important moral victory over an arch-foe. "The Beard," James Harden, was not a happy camper as walked off the court. Awww.
Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Thursday, 10/30): The Dubs fell to 0-2 on the road in a 120-110 loss to the Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo. It was back and forth most of the way, but Ryan Rollins, a former Warrior (and Toledo Rocket), had 32 points and was movin' and groovin' all night long. Coach -- tell Pat Spencer "It's a Lacrosse game. Now go stop Rollins!" JK had 24 for the Dubs, and Steph had 27, but his free-throw streak stopped at 56. Some good "D" by Horford, but more rotation of bench players would have been useful after the previous two games plus the trip to Wisconsin.
Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers: (Saturday, 11/1) What started like a great week ended with a thud as the Dubs lost to the winless Pacers, a team with a much-depleted roster. Despite some thunderous dunks by JK and high energy from Gui Santos off the bench, Indiana overcame a Golden State lead with Pascal Siakam and company in charge with a 21-5 run and a 32-21 fourth quarter. Where was Moody? A depressed but determined Steph Curry post-game interview revealed the collective disappointment. What had started as a "Dyn-O-Mite" week had ended as a dud. 114-109, Pacers
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Contents
Games
Bay FC 0, Racing Louisville FC 1
Cal Bears 21, Virginia Cavaliers 31
Cal Bears WBkB 112, Westmont Warriors 53
Stanford Cardinal 20, Pittsburgh Panthers 35
Features & Commentary
Dom DiMaggio, from the autograph collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Posey Making Bold Move, by Bruce Macgowan
Ruth Bows to Ohtani's Greatness, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello.
Photo by Ed Jay
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Giants Begin New Era Under New Manager
by Bruce Macgowan
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This past Thursday the San Francisco Giants’ new manager,
47-year-old Tony Vitello, met the Bay Area media for the first time and gave us an idea of what to expect.
Vitello is the first manager to make the transition from coaching at the college level to the major leagues with no professional coaching experience.
On his reaction to being named the Giants’ new skipper: “Eventually, this did become a dream,” (becoming a big league manager.)
“If I was blessed enough to receive an opportunity, this was something I wanted to do and so I am incredibly humbled and blessed to do so.”
On keeping the Giants successful tradition going: “All I want to do is to do a good job...I’m fully aware of the tradition here; the excellence that has been brought by great managers like Bochy and Dusty Baker. The toughness from guys like Bumgarner and Romo, the loyalty which is incredibly important...The records that have been set by Bonds and Mays and Lincecum and everyone else. The one thing that always got to me was the sense of family that was a part of this organization...There are high expectations because of what the Giants have done in the past and I’m humbled to accept the challenge.”
On making the transition from the college ranks to the major leagues, will he have to tone down the “rah, rah” college enthusiasm a bit to deal with older professional players?
“I think if you’d ask my mom she’d want me to tone it down but if you asked my dad he'd want me to take it up a notch...There are a lot of unknowns. Until you live it out, you don’t know what it’s going to be like.”
Has he had a chance to reach out to veterans such as Wily Adames and Matt Chapman to get an idea of how things might go?
“We’ve just had some casual back and forth conversations...in college our conversations start with recruiting as we see people face-to-face. I think between now and spring training it would be good for me to go out and spend some time face-to-face with some of those guys...I am very sensitive to the phrase, ‘Pay your dues.’ For me, dues come in a different way so hopefully respect will be earned and the only way I know how to do that is through hard work.”
What can you tell us about your style and how your parents influence you?
“My mom is Irish...my dad (former longtime baseball coach) is Italian and was a great competitor and hated to lose. I’ve always had people around me on the coaching staff who also hated to lose. As far as communication goes, twitter is not life. I don’t have an account. I asked before I took the job, ‘I don’t have to do twitter, right?’
There's lots of information and great entertainment... But let’s say you pull a three-second clip of Drew Gilbert doing something in college you might think he’s a maniac. But you don’t get the full scope of this young man. Yes, he’s an intense competitor but off the field he’s a sweetheart.”
On bringing some of the things he’s coached in college to the Big League level: “In college it’s so important to build relationships with the kids because they need to be able to come forward with things that might not even relate to baseball...I think the same thing is being done at this level.
I think I can bring a different perspective...the popularity of college baseball has risen so much recently. So Major League baseball and the college game have had a much closer relationship in recent years.”
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Oracle Park, Thursday, October 30, 2025, San Francisco, CA.
Photo by Ed Jay
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Giants introduce Tony Vitello as their new manager
Photo by Ed Jay
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Tony Vitello
Revolutionary
Giants Hiring
by Dave Newhouse
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The Bay Area sports scene is expectation rather than satisfaction these days, with local teams searching for identity instead of idolatry. Pro or college, it’s the same predicament.
Giants: San Francisco has hired a manager with no previous experience as a player, coach or manager at the major league level. That’s a major challenge for Tony Vitello, the new skipper, but a bigger challenge for Buster Posey, who made the hire.
Posey is a Giants legend as a player, but as the team’s president of baseball operations, he’s a work in progress. His player acquisitions to date have had no positive effect on the franchise. So now he chooses a successful college coach from Tennessee, the biggest gamble imaginable.
Make no mistake, Posey has shown guts in choosing Bob Melvin’s successor. But let’s hope he has demonstrated acumen in this boldest of hires. Otherwise, as so goes Vitello, so goes Posey.
Buster Ballgame is enormously popular in these parts, which explains why even skeptics want him to succeed with his choice of Vitello to lift the Giants' sinking ship. Myself, I hope it works out positively for Posey, the Giants, and their demoralized fan base.
Of course, Vitelli’s coaching staff, with an experienced big-league presence, gives the Giants a fighting chance for a winning season in 2026. But thinking playoffs next year is unrealistic for the Orange and Black.
This boldest of experiments will need time to mature, much like Vitello as a major-league manager. Go get ‘em, Tony. Say your prayers, Buster.
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Warriors’ 7-foot center Quinten Post shoots like a guard,
from the outside
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Warriors: The more the Dubs change, the more they stay the same. Players come, players go, but three-pointers continue to fly, most often clanking off the rim.
How much longer will this philosophy continue, because it isn’t getting Golden State any closer to an NBA title. The obvious solution is getting closer to the basket.
The Warriors have a 6-9 center, Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is a solid low-post player. But he rarely leaves the bench these days, while 7-0 Quinten Post starts in the pivot. He fit the team’s image perfectly: Another three-point bomber.
But the team’s greatest success, historically, has come with centers who played as centers, and not Stephen Curry-wannabes.
| Forty-Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings reached for the goal line — touchdown — against New York Giants defenders | |
49ers: Despite significant injuries to marquee players, San Francisco improved to 6-2 with a 34-24 road victory Sunday over the New York Giants, bolstering Kyle Shanahan’s candidacy for NFL Coach of the Year
All-Pros Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are gone for the season, and quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall are having a hard time making it back to the football field. But Shanahan is doing the coaching job of his life in keeping the 49ers functioning.
All-purpose running back Christian McCaffrey and valuable emergency quarterback Mac Jones played important roles in defeating the Giants. The Niners have other injuries, but Shanahan somehow has kept his beaten-up team in position for a playoff spot. In fact, the stalwart 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams with the NFC West lead at stake.
Can Shanahan do it again this coming weekend with mirrors or miracles? Keep watching, he just might.
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Justin Wilcox is committed to Cal, but this season, his ninth as
the Bears head football coach, is slipping away
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Cal: What are the odds of Justin Wilcox coaching Cal football next fall? Maybe 60-40 against as the Golden Bears’ season seems to be slipping away, a 5-4 record after a 3-0 beginning.
It’s not all Wilcox’s fault, for he had a mass migration of key players to other schools after the 2024 season. But with the transfer portal as moveable these days as an airport boarding area, can Wilcox hold onto freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, a highly recruitable prospect? Cal’s quarterback of a year ago, Fernando Mendoza, now is the quarterback of No. 2-ranked Indiana. College kids now move around like NFL players.
I keep waiting for a Cal pass rush, as opposing quarterbacks fear no pressure in the pocket. The Bears have three more games, against Louisville, Stanford and SMU. Two of those teams are loaded with talent, but the Big Game means it's hard to pick a favorite. But even a 6-6 record could hurt Wilcox’s chances of returning for a 10th season as head coach.
Stanford: The Cardinal is headed for another disastrous season, which could mean a new head coach. But a Stanford alumnus who was a reserve player in the early 1960s just gifted $50 million to the football program.
Is there a Cal alum with such generosity?
Sharks: Celebrating Macklin Celebrini, a future superstar at 19
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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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Cal Bears 21
Virginia Cavaliers 31
Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, November 1, 2025
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Autumn midday in Berkeley was a spectacular backdrop for the
first-ever football game between the visiting University of Virginia Cavaliers and the Golden Bears. The game would be close but the Cavaliers capitalized on a pick-six with only 30 seconds left to seal the win. Above, Cal senior receiver Trond Grizzell (#7) leads the Golden Bears through the tunnel lined with band members playing an earsplitting tune as the University of California Golden Bears played host to the University of Virginia Cavaliers in an ACC Conference game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Saturday, November 1. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| Breaking through the defense, Cal running back Kendrick Raphael (#1) scored the first of his two touchdowns early in the second quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
A mid-air battle for the ball ensued between Cal receiver Jacob De Jesus (#21) and the Cavalier defender. Late in the third quarter, the defender would steal the ball, recording an interception.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| Leading all defensive backs in pass break-ups, defensive back Brent Austin (#4) logged one of six break-ups ending the drive in the fourth quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Cal tight end Mason Mini (#85) takes the ball down to the
one-yard line early in the fourth quarter. Photo and caption
by Ron Sellers.
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Keeping Cal's offensive drive alive with a dramatic layout catch, receiver Jacob De Jesus (#21) battled the sun to boot.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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As a final nail, the Cavalier defense pinched on Cal tight end Mason Mini (#85), disrupting and then intercepting the pass which would result in a pick-six for Virginia, all but cementing the win.
To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Stanford Cardinal 20
Pittsburgh Panthers 35
Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA
Saturday, November 1, 2025
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Stanford Cardinal sophomore tight end Benji Blackburn (#88)
pulls in a 26-yard pass in the second quarter.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| Stanford Cardinal redshirt junior inside linebacker Jahsiah Galvan (#0) tackles Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel (#6) after a 11-yard gain in the second quarter. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | Stanford Cardinal sixth-year wide receiver Bryce Farrell (#11) after seven-yard gain. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | |
Stanford Cardinal redshirt freshman wide receiver Marcus Brown (#25) takes the ball 21 yards in the second quarter.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Stanford Cardinal junior running back Champ Hampton (#34) carries the ball in the second quarter. Photo and caption
by Alex Ho.
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Stanford Cardinal redshirt freshman running back Cole Tabb
(#33) carries for four yards late in the third quarter
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Stanford Cardinal senior tight end Sam Roush (#86) is stopped by Pitt freshman defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (#28) after a 10-yard gain in the fourth quarter. Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Cal Bears 112
Westmont Warriors 53
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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Led by junior guard Lulu Twidale, the Cal Bears opened their 2025-26 season with a 112-53 exhibition game victory against the Westmont Warriors on Tuesday, October 28th at Haas Pavilion.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
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McDonald's High School All-American point guard Aliyahna
"Puff" Morris ran the show for the Bears. Photo and caption
by Darren Yamashita.
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California Golden Bears head coach Charmin Smith yells during the second quarter against the Westmont Warriors at Haas Pavilion.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
| Bears guard Lulu Twidale (10) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Westmont Warriors during the third quarter at Haas Pavilion. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | Cal players relax on the bench near the end of their blowout victory. The Bears next travel to Paris, France to play #19 Vanderbilt as part of the Oui-Play event. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | | |
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Buster Posey, President of Baseball Operations, Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants manager, Zack Minasian, General Manager.
Photo by Ed Jay
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Here’s a primer on the
Giants’ offseason
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.
The Giants took care of their first piece of offseason business by naming former University of Tennessee coach Tony Vitello as their new manager last week.
Now that Vitello is in place, the Giants should be ready to turn their attention toward building a more competitive roster once free agency opens next month.
Here’s a handy list of frequently asked questions to get you primed for the start of Hot Stove season:
What are the key dates?
• First day after the World Series ends: Eligible players become free agents. This marks the beginning of the “quiet period,” a five-day window during which teams can exclusively negotiate with their own free agents. . The trade freeze is lifted, allowing players to be dealt between clubs.
• Five days after the World Series ends: The deadline for clubs to extend qualifying offers (valued at $22.025 million for 2026) and for teams and players to make decisions on contract options. It’s also the end of the quiet period, meaning free agents will be eligible to sign with any club beginning at 2 p.m. PT.
continued...
| | Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers | |
Everything you need to know about the A's offseason plans
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.
Martín Gallegos
@MartinJGallegos
The Athletics showed the signs of a young team on the rise after a strong 34-24 stretch to end the 2025 season, and they enter this offseason feeling like they have the right core in place that will get them back into playoff contention in ‘26.
Activity will begin shortly after the World Series finishes up in the next week. Soon after will come the General Managers Meetings and Winter Meetings over the next two months, which usually mark the point in the offseason when things start to pick up.
Here’s a look at some frequently asked questions about the A’s as they head into the winter.
Which players are free agents?
Right-hander José Leclerc and left-hander Sean Newcomb are the club’s impending free agents who finished the season on the 40-man roster.
Are any of them likely to receive qualifying offers, and what is the deadline for that?
The A’s are not expected to extend any qualifying offers; teams have until five days after the completion of the World Series to submit.
continued...
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Ballers,
Half Season Tickets are now available for the 2026 season. Choose between Tues/Thur/Sat and Wed/Fri/Sun plans, with current pricing at 27% off regular ticket price.
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Half Season Ticket pricing goes from $16.07/game for General Admission to $35.36 for Premium Reserved Section A. There are 48 games in the regular season, so these half season tickets are for 24 games.
Our half season perks are half of our full season perks:
- Your Season Ticket is good for access to regular-season home games for the 2026 Oakland Ballers at Raimondi Park on the specific days of the week of your ticket -- half as many as a Full season.
- Playoff Tickets Early Access
- 2027 Seat Selection: Option to renew for 2027 with same seat for same half-season
- Event: Spring Training Preview at Raimondi Park
- Opening Day Additional Tickets Early Access
- Discounts on Additional Tickets for Regular Season (5% off)
- 5% off certain food and beverage offers in ballpark. Exclusions and conditions apply (will not include food-trucks, and will have other exclusions)
- Stack/Skip up to 5 games during the season. Process: you'll email us at least 2 weeks before a game you want to skip/stack, and let us know which game(s) you want to skip, and where you want to use them.
- Transfers: transfer individual game tickets from your season ticket out to friends/family through our self-service ticket-transfer system.
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PLUS: See Below about the Community Championship Ring Perk*.
Please note: Half Season Tickets are for the regular season home games on the specifically named days-of-the-week only. They do not include post-season, playoffs, spring-training, exhibition games, etc.
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As we said, our half season perks are half of the full season perks, and that includes half the ring.
So for every half season ticket purchase, you get half of a Community Championship Ring. But these rings are way too precious to cut in half, heck—we may not even have that technology at the ballpark, so it’s only redeemable if purchased in even quantities.
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Game Times
We anticipate that game times will be like they were in 2025: Tuesday - Friday: 6:35pm, Saturday: 4:35pm, and Sunday: 1:05pm.
Payment Plan
Are you interested in a payment plan? Email us at tickets@oaklandballers.com with your full name in the subject line and let us know what seats and quantity you want, and if you want parking, too, and which lot -- all the info we'd need to create an order for you, and request a pay-over-time plan. We'll grab your seats and then send you a special invoice that uses a company called Affirm. Once you receive that special invoice, you'll be able to click through and configure your pay-over-time settings with Affirm.
Availability
Don't see seats in the area you want? Dead-set on Section A or Section B, but don't see any seats available? Email us with your ideal seats at tickets@oaklandballers.com, mention your name in the subject line, and ask us if there's anything else nearby. We might be able to find additional options for you.
Note that not all seats are going to be made available for Half and Full Season Tickets -- we are holding back a lot of our inventory to make sure people who just want to go to individual games can also enjoy every section of the ballpark. So don't despair and think that an entire section is permanently sold out for all games.
And if you haven't been following our social media, follow us on Instagram -- the Championship Cup has been making the rounds.
Thank you,
Ballers
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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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Bay FC 0
Racing Louisville FC 1
Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY
Sunday, November 2, 2025
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Bay FC Fall in 2025 Finale 1-0
at Racing Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2025) – Bay FC fell 1-0 Sunday night at Racing Louisville FC in the final match of the 2025 NWSL season. After a strong defensive performance fended off pressure in the first half, a score by the hosts early in the second half ended as the game’s only goal. Bay FC closes out the 2025 season with the result and will return to action next year as its third campaign kicks off in March 2026.
“We didn’t end the way we would’ve liked to, but I also have to say thank you to the players and to Bay FC, because regardless of the score this entire season or where we were sitting in the standings, they never stopped competing and playing for each other,” said Head Coach Albertin Montoya. “There’s a lot to be said for that, and this is going to be a group of players that’s going to be very successful in the future because they have that fight, energy and desire. I’m going to miss them.”
Bay FC absorbed heavy pressure early on, with the hosts tallying six shots and 65% possession through the first ten minutes. Four set piece opportunities for Louisville provided opportunities in that span, but each were kept out as Bay FC stood tall in front of it’s own goal. Bay FC answered with a pair of chances on the run, catching Racing with a numbers advantage but wouldn’t convert.
Louisville broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half. Midfielder Ella Hase got out on the break from a long ball played by a teammate over the top, and put it over the line as she entered the penalty area. Defender Arin Wright let loose a shot from distance for the hosts a few moments later, but an all-out leaping effort by goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz kept the ball out of net, one of her five saves for the match.
continued...
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
Because of betting a beer with
a Canadian friend,
I actually paid attention to the WS without the
Red Sox being in it. A great series indeed,
especially with me winning a beer.
A few firsts with the greatest being a pitcher
hitting three home runs and having 10 strikeouts
in the same game. I will not invoke his name because
I will use it as a trivia question next year.
Game 3 of this series was the second longest
WS game ever played. An easy question because
of it being talked about so much.
What was the longest WS game in MLB history?
answer below...
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Dom DiMaggio -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Dom DiMaggio (and brother Joe) grew up in San Francisco’s North Beach area and was a schoolmate with my grandfather.
My grandfather had Dom sign this ball sometime after Dom retired from baseball. My grandfather later gave me this ball before he passed away.
Dom DiMaggio played his entire baseball career with the Boston Red Sox from 1940-1953. In 1937 he was in the minor leagues with the San Francisco Seals.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 156: NCAA's Eligibility Admission Is A Rare Moment of Transparency (And Desperation)
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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The NCAA released a statement this week that reads less like policy guidance and more like a white flag wrapped in bureaucratic language. In the wake of Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo's pointed criticism about G League players enrolling in college programs, the governing body did something remarkable. It told the truth.
It stated, "Each player's situation is unique, and these issues arise at a time when NCAA eligibility rules are facing repeated lawsuits with judges enjoining some of these rules."
Translation: We have no idea what we're doing anymore, and the courts keep telling us our rules are illegal.
This is the NCAA acknowledging what we've all known. Its eligibility framework is a Jenga tower held together by inconsistent interpretations, arbitrary decisions, and the hope that nobody looks too closely. The fact that the NCAA is openly discussing "repeated lawsuits" and judicial injunctions in what amounts to a press release is stunning. This isn't spin. This is surrender.
The statement closes with a familiar plea: "this uncertainty underscores the importance of our collaboration with Congress to resolve conflicting judicial decisions."
How many times have we heard this song? The NCAA has been begging Congress for help since the NIL landscape exploded (and even before July 1, 2021), hoping for federal legislation that would preempt state laws and provide antitrust protection. What it wants is immunity. What it is getting is indifference.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
| | Five Questions with Mel Harder | | Photos by: Marc Miramontez | |
Motorsports veteran Mel Harder, who was named President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca earlier this year, just took the checkered flag on his first major event season in Monterey. We sat down with Mel to get his insights into taking the helm of this iconic facility and what’s ahead for 2026.
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What was your biggest learning from this season? My biggest takeaway from the past eight months has been how passionate people are about this facility. I really enjoyed listening to stories from volunteers, staff, our board of directors, participants, partners and the local community about why this venue means so much to them. These stories clearly define the legacy and positive impact that Laguna Seca has had on our community and the larger motorsports world. For me, it also solidified the importance of continuing to provide experiences that extend that passion for generations.
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What is one moment that most stands out from your first season at the raceway? Standing on the frontstretch for the featured marque photo at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a great memory. Seeing 75 years of Formula 1 history from the Mercedes W196 to Lando Norris' 2024 Constructors Championship car all in one place was an unforgettable experience. As a lover of motorsports history, I felt so lucky to be standing among a once-in-a-lifetime showcase of automotive innovation and evolution.
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Was there something that most surprised you about your first eight months at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca? I have visited WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Monterey area for decades and I always enjoyed the natural beauty from the pit lane and paddock. But, as I have become more familiar with the venue, I've come to realize how deeply entwined the raceway is with this incredible landscape. Every day when I come to work I'm blown away by the raceway’s natural beauty and its setting within Fort Ord with views to the Monterey Bay and valleys of Monterey County. I've also been surprised to learn about how the versatility of Laguna Seca serves such a wide range of guests from around the world to the local community in motorsports, cycling, hiking and camping.
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Looking ahead to 2026, what are you most excited about? I am excited to showcase the work that will be completed to enhance the guest experience and continue the mission of Friends of Laguna Seca to restore and revitalize Laguna Seca. The 2026 calendar of events kicks off with the return of IMSA in May, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and a celebration of Japanese motorsport in August followed by the INDYCAR SERIES season finale in September. It's going to be an amazing year and I can’t wait to show off what we’ve accomplished.
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Friends of Laguna Seca has been doing a lot of work to continue to revitalize this historic facility. What can you tell us about work happening now and what we might see in the next year or so? We continue to focus on projects and services that will offer the highest impact to enhance the guest experience. As we develop a master plan for the facility, the near-term projects will support that master plan with restoration projects in key areas such as the Corkscrew and the Lakebed.
| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
Seven Hours and 20 Minutes
The longest World Series game ever played
was Game 3 of the 2018 World Series, the
Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Boston Red Sox.
This game lasted seven hours and 20 minutes and went 18 innings, making it the longest postseason game in MLB history. The Dodgers won, 3-2, on a walk-off home run by Max Muncy.
For fear of getting carried away, I am
abstaining from any comments...
Go Celtics and Pats
| | |
Bears Fall Short Against
No. 15 Virginia
Late Touchdown Seals Cavaliers Victory
BERKELEY – The California football team closed to within three points of No. 15 Virginia in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell to the Cavaliers 31-21 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Kendrick Raphael's third and final touchdown of the game cut Virginia's lead to 24-21 with just under 13 minutes to go, but the Cavaliers sealed the victory with an interception return for a score with 34 seconds remaining.
continued...
Photo: Anhtuan Hong
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Stanford Releases 2026 Schedule
Stanford has announced its 2026 baseball schedule
STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford’s Clarke and Elizabeth Nelson Director of Baseball, David Esquer, announced the 2026 Stanford baseball schedule – a slate that includes 32 home games from Sunken Diamond.
The current 52-game ledger features 28 contests against 2025 NCAA Tournament teams – including five games against 2025 College World Series qualifiers in Arizona, Oregon State and Louisville.
Preparing for its second season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Stanford will play a pair of exhibition games this fall – welcoming San Jose State to the Farm on November 2 before traveling to Cal Poly on November 15.
continued...
Photo: Scott Gould / ISI Photos
| |
Spartans Power Past Hawai'i in Offensive Shootout,
Presented by Habbas Law
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Walker Eget threw for 458 yards and two touchdowns, Danny Scudero recorded a career-high 215 yards and two touchdowns, Steve Chavez-Soto tallied a career-high three rushing touchdowns and Jordan Pollard notched a forced fumble, a sack, two tackles for a loss and eight tackles to lead the San José State football team (3-5, 2-2 MW) in a 45-38 victory over Hawai‘i (6-3, 3-2 MW) Saturday night from CEFCU Stadium, presented by Habbas Law in the Dick Tomey Legacy Game.
Eget connected on 20-of-40 passes, and also rushed for 25 yards. Scudero’s two touchdown receptions came on passes of 50 and 62 yards. In addition to Scudero, Kyri Shoels and Leland Smith also registered over 100 receiving yards.
On the ground, Chavez-Soto put up three touchdowns and 53 yards on 10 carries, while Lamar Radcliffe added a career-high 97 yards and his first rushing score of the season. The Spartans totaled 630 yards of offense, averaging 9.3 yards per play.
San José State’s offense exploded for 24 points in the second quarter, turning a 7–7 tie into a 31–14 halftime lead. After Hawai‘i rallied to close within three early in the fourth quarter, Chavez-Soto’s one-yard touchdown run with 5:37 remaining proved to be the game-sealer.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
#31 Sydney Middaugh: 87 MP, 6 SH, 1 G (8), game-winner vs. Pacific in 87th minute
WSOC | Middaugh’s 87th Minute Strike Secures 1-0 Win Over Pacific
MORAGA, Calif. — After a tense, back and forth battle, the Saint Mary's Women's Soccer team came out on top with a 1-0 victory over Pacific on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers challenged the West Coast Conference's now top ranked Gaels throughout the entire match, but a late strike from Saint Mary's leading goal scorer Sydney Middaugh in the 87th minute proved to be the difference. The goal marked Middaugh's eighth of the season, moving her into sole possession of third place in WCC goal scoring.
continued...
Photo: Saint Mary's Athletes -- Tod Fiener
| |
USF Athletics Releases Men's Basketball Promotional Schedule
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) Athletics Department announced its full promotional schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 men's basketball season on Thursday afternoon.
San Francisco will host UC Santa Cruz in its home opener this upcoming Monday, Nov. 3 at 7:00 pm. Senior night for the 2025-26 Dons is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm against Santa Clara.
Other promotional highlights include Pride (Nov. 12), Local Heroes (Nov. 18), AAPI (Jan. 2), Black History Month (Feb. 4), and others.
The full promotional schedule for the 2025-26 University of San Francisco men's basketball schedule can be viewed below:
*denotes game at Chase Center
continued...
Photo: Christina Leung
| |
Broncos Defeat Portland in Five for Fourth Straight Win
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara women's volleyball defeated the Portland Pilots in five sets Saturday for their fourth straight win and sixth in the last seven games. The Broncos matched their conference win total from last season (7) with eight games still to play in the regular season. Layla Truitt and Cate Shanahan led the Broncos with 17 kills each, their team leading 15th game of the season in double figures each, while Macy Hinshaw had her 11th double double of the season with a career high 54 assists and 15 digs.
continued...
Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 11/1/2025 3:57:00 PM |
Written by Graduate Assistant James Huston
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
No. 8 Pacific Eyes Second Consecutive WCC Regular Season Championship Sunday
STOCKTON, Calif. – Looking to defend its West Coast Conference Regular Season Championship, the No. 8 Pacific men's water polo program will play its final home game of the season Sunday at 1 p.m. against No. 12 Cal Baptist at the Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
With a win, Pacific (14-5, 4-1 WCC) would secure its second straight WCC Regular Season crown and lock up the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament. The Tigers are looking to win their fourth championship in four seasons which includes a pair of Golden Coast Conference titles.
continued...
| |
Aggies Finish Season with Road Win Over UC Riverside
Score: UC Davis 1, UC Riverside 0
Location: UC Riverside Soccer Stadium (Riverside, Calif.)
Records: UC Davis 3-12-4, 1-8-1 | UC Riverside 0-16-2, 0-9-1
THE SHORT STORY:
UC Davis closed out its 2025 season strong, defeating UC Riverside 1-0 on the road Thursday night. Genavieve Fontes scored her fourth goal of the year in the 67th minute, while the Aggie defense, led by goalkeeper Cat Pieper, held firm to secure the shutout and end the first season under head coach Kat Mertz with a win.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Topple UC Santa Cruz
in Dual Meet
HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay swimming team put together a dominant all-around performance on Saturday, defeating UC Santa Cruz 172–89 in a dual meet at the Pioneer Pool.
Notable Performances:
continued...
| | | | |
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/
| | |
2025/26 Schedules
San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, November 3, through
Sunday, November 9, 2025
| | |
Monday, November 3
Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, November 4
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 5
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Seattle Kraken, 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 6
Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos, 5:15 p.m.
Friday, November 7
Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 8
San Jose Sharks vs. Florida Panthers, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears @ Louisville Cardinals, 4 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal @ North Carolina Tar Heels, 1:30 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Air Force Falcons, 3 p.m.
Sunday, November 9
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1:25 p.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers, 5:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 6 p.m.
| | |
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Software Engineer / Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| | |
FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $10 hardcover, $7 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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