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March 30 -- April 5, 2026
Issue No. 635
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Bracket Bonanza!
Get On Your
Pony And Ride!
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NOTE: As a Duke fan, I'm not in the best of moods
right now, but duty calls:
Monday, April 4
#1 Arizona will beat #1 Michigan
#3 Illinois will beat #2 U. Conn
Monday, April 6, 5:30 P.M. -- Championship Game
Keaton Wagler and #3 Illinois will upset #1 Arizona and grab the
Gold Hoop on their Ride on the Carousel.
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Joe Lacob for Mayor (of Atlanta!)
On Sunday (3/22), Jonathan Kuminga scored 20 points, nabbed seven rebounds and picked up two steals in the Atlanta Hawks' 135-101 win
over the Portland Trail Blazers. When he got to the free throw line at the end of the first quarter, a group of fans even started a “Thank you, Warriors” chant.
What is the REAL story behind this obvious blunder?
J. Diamond
Oakland, CA
* * * * *
Mark Cuban: Billionaire Loser
In the Warriors game vs. Dallas last week, countless times workers were summoned to mop and scrub the floor in the lane where the Warriors played offense. Golden State announcers Fitz and Kelenna noticed it and mentioned how, over and over, with mops and
towels in hand, crews furiously wiped the floor as music endlessly played on.
It was obvious there was a defect in the floor material which required extensive, repetitive mopping to make it usable. Unfortunately, this "swab the deck" approach FAILED.
This was the EXACT AREA where Moses Moody had his left knee buckle when he planted his left leg, fell to the floor and suffered
a torn left patellar tendon. His season was over.
Cuban: You're a billionaire! Fix the floor in your arena before more players sustain catastrophic injuries. Mops don't work! With a torn patellar tendon in his knee, Moses Moody faces lengthy rehab which is expected to impact his availability next season. It didn't have to happen.
Dallas will always stink!
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco
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Note to Readers:
Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced
by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
We have updated our Facebook Albums link. Check here to see if your favorite team was covered and enjoy the photo coverage from our exceptional photographers:
https://conta.cc/49DptcC
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Contents
Games
Bay Area Falcons 24, Arizona Sidewinders 13
Cal Bears (WBkB) 68, Columbia Lions 74
Oakland Roots SC 0, Orange County SC 1
Saint Mary's Gaels (SB) 2, UOP Tigers 1
San Francisco Giants 0, New York Yankees 7
Features & Commentary
Monte Irvin, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
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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Opening Day
San Francisco Giants 0
New York Yankees 7
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
| Sports writing legend Dave Newhouse was honored on the San Francisco Giants scoreboard before the game on Friday night during Opening Night ceremonies. Dave was a joyful and superb contributor to this publication for over six years and is greatly missed. Photo and caption by Rich Yee. | The San Francisco Giants took a beating on Opening Night with a 7-0 loss to the New York Yankees. Photo and caption by Rich Yee. | |
San Francisco Giants opening pitcher Logan Webb lasted five innings before being replaced by Keaton Winn.
Photo and caption by Rich Yee.
| New York Yankees Aaron Judge would strike out on his first four visits to the plate. Photo and caption by Rich Yee. | San Francisco Giants Casey Schmitt was hit by a pitch in the second inning. Photo and caption by Rich Yee. | New York Yankees Aaron Judge was interviewed before the opening game. Photo and caption by Rich Yee. | |
San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman rounds second base in the eighth inning. To view a photo album, visit our
Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Rich Yee.
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Golden State Warriors 109
Brooklyn Nets 106
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA,
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
| Warriors coach Steve Kerr argues with a referee after a foul on Kristaps Porzingis. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | Golden State's Gary Payton II has made 16 consecutive shots, three short of the Warriors record held by Wilt Chamberlain. When asked to compare the two he laughingly replied, “Next question." Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
Golden State Warrior Gui Santos had his best game ever with
a career high of 31 points in 34 minutes.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Golden State De’Anthony Melton had a strong game, scoring 17 points with nine rebounds in 27 minutes.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Draymond Green hits two clutch free throws with six seconds remaining to extend the lead to 109-106.
To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Oakland Roots SC 0
Orange County SC 1
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland CA
Saturday, March 28, 2026
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Momentum swung back to the Roots in the second half but they were unable to crease the net... Photo and caption
by Medhavee Upadhyaya
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Roots Dominate Everywhere But The Score
by Medhavee Upadhyaya
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For the first time in 2026, Oakland Roots SC left the pitch without points.
A crowd of 6,724 at the Oakland Coliseum watched the Roots suffer a frustrating 1-0 loss to Orange County SC on Saturday night, ending Oakland’s unbeaten start to the season.
The match remained scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, though both sides had their chances. Roots goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel made one of the biggest saves of the night just five minutes in, reacting quickly after an Orange County set piece created a dangerous chance in front of goal.
Oakland nearly broke through in the 30th minute when leading scorer Wolfgang Prentice intercepted a pass near the top of the box and drove toward goal, but the chance was taken away before he could get a shot off.
The decisive moment came almost immediately after halftime.
In the 47th minute. Orange County midfielder Chris Hegardt played a ball forward that led to a costly miscommunication in the back. Spiegel came off his line aggressively, but Orange County forward Mataeo Bunbury reached the ball first and calmly finished into an empty net for his first goal of the season.
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A dance team performed for lucky Roots fans.
Photo by Medhavee Upadhyaya
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From there, Oakland controlled the match.
The Roots controlled nearly 60 percent of possession, outshot Orange County 13-10, put five shots on target, and won six corner kicks. Yet despite sustained pressure, they could not find the equalizer. Orange County goalkeeper Alexander Rando and the visitors’ defense held firm as Oakland continued to push late into stoppage time.
The match nearly ended in dramatic fashion.
After Spiegel was shown a red card in stoppage time, defender Michael Edwards had to put on the goalkeeper gloves for the final moments. On the last play of the game, a set piece fell directly to Edwards just feet from goal, but his attempt went just wide of the right post.
The final whistle instead confirmed Oakland’s first defeat of the season.
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After the match, head coach Ryan Martin did not hide his disappointment.
“We were very reactive, especially in the first half,” Martin said. “We couldn’t find a rhythm. We shot ourselves in the foot and just need to be better.”
Martin also pointed to the club’s lack of energy and inability to control second balls as major issues, especially against an Orange County side that played directly and defended deep after taking the lead.
Despite the loss, Oakland remains in a strong position early in the season. The Roots sit near the top of the Western Conference standings with seven points from four matches, while Orange County moved into first place and stayed unbeaten through four games.
The Roots now enter a bye week before returning to action on April 11 against Tampa Bay Rowdies. Orange County, meanwhile, leaves Oakland with momentum, defensive confidence, and a place at the top of the table.
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* * * * *
Software engineer and web designer Medhavee Upadhyaya,
a resident of Nepal, spent her early years nourishing
a strong soccer interest
| | More Oakland Roots SC News | | |
Oakland Roots SC team members recovering from injury:
(L-R): Luka Rosic #59, Florian Valot #10, Keegan Tingley #17.
Caption and photo by Ann Cooke.
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Seated at his mobile sewing machine, Roots creative talent Asaad Bruno (AB) embroiders names on fans' selected clothing. (The gray hoodie shown below is an original creation of AB's.)
Caption and photo by Ann Cooke.
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One of the gray hoodies AB embroiders during the matches.
Caption and photo by Ann Cooke.
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Cal Bears 68
Columbia Lions 74
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Thursday, March 26, 2026
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Cal Bears guard Mjracle Sheppard was one of three Bears to finish with 15 points in their 74-68 defeat in the quarterfinals of the Women's Basketball Invitational Tournament to the Columbia Lions on Thursday, March 26th at Haas Pavilion.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Center Sakima Walker led a second-half comeback on the defensive end with four blocks.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
| California Golden Bears guard Mjracle Sheppard (bottom) and Columbia Lions guard Riley Weiss (top) dive for a loose ball during the fourth quarter. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Guard Lulu Twidale was honored before the game after becoming the all-time leader in made three-pointers in a career and in a single season. To view a photo album, visit our
Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Saint Mary's Gaels 2
UOP Tigers 1
Cottrell Field, Moraga, CA
Sunday, March 29, 2026
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Saint Mary's Gaels pitcher Odhi Vasquez pitched a complete game, surrendering a lone unearned run as the Gaels recorded a program-best tenth-consecutive win, defeating the Pacific Tigers, 2-1, at Cottrell Field in Moraga, CA on Sunday, March 29th.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
| Center fielder Hannah Ferguson slides into second base for a double as the ball gets past Tigers second baseman Kylee Garrett (left), allowing Ferguson to score the winning run in the seventh inning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Right fielder Kiah Silva puts the Gaels (24-10, 3-0 in the WCC) on the scoreboard with an RBI double in the fourth inning.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Saint Mary's Gaels utility player Kiara Vasquez (center) signs an autograph for a fan after defeating the Pacific Tigers at Cottrell Field. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Website Issues?
Medhavee Can Help...
with Concept, Creation, Redesign, Maintenance, Copy, etc.
Recent Site: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
Write: upadhyayamedhavee@gmail.com
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Have Digital Skills? Care to Volunteer?
Click for more information
HERE!
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Bay Area Falcons 24
Arizona Sidewinders 13
Fremont High School, Oakland, CA
Saturday, March 28, 2026
| For the first home game of the 2026 Western Ultimate League (WUL) season, the Bay Area Falcons played host to the Arizona Sidewinders in front of a rowdy crowd at Fremont High School in Oakland. The Falcons used tight defense to disrupt the Sidewinders and capitalize on turnovers, leapfrogging into a lead and expanding it all game to finish with a 24-13 win. Above, new to the Falcons this year, Jenny Li (#12) lays out for the score in the first quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | Leading the defensive charge with multiple hand blocks in the game, Bridget Wipfler (#39) gets the first of her blocks in the second quarter. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Jump ball, or the disc, was captured by both players, with Georgia Cardosa (#71) deemed to have control first, keeping the
offensive possession late in the third quarter.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Tracking a long huck upwind, Alexi Zalk (#22) waits for the disc to clear the Sidewinder defender and the outstretched Jackelyne Nguyen (#42). To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and
caption by Ron Sellers.
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THRIVE CITY ANNOUNCES 2026 SPRING PROGRAMMING
Events Include Taste of Thrive City, Easter Egg Hunt, Golden State 5k, Live Music Performances, And More
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SAN FRANCISCO — Thrive City has announced its 2026 spring programming schedule, which features nearly 70 free family-friendly events from March through May. Highlights include the annual Sana G Easter Egg Hunt, Taste of Thrive City, Spring Golf Day, fitness classes, and more. Guests are encouraged to RSVP for upcoming events at ThriveCity.com.
Additional Warriors Women's Empowerment Month activiations include:
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March 30: Generation Thrive Chop N’ Chat – Generation Thrive will host Chop N’ Chat led by Celebrity Chef Nikki Shaw on Monday, March 30, where she will demonstrate how to cook healthy meals for Bay Area educators and community practitioners to replicate at home. Following the demonstration, local cafe owner Kashish Juneja of Kash Cafe will lead a speaking engagement touching on matcha’s connection to wellness and women’s entrepreneurship.
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March 31: Generation Thrive Salsa Class – Generation Thrive will host a Salsa dance class led by a local women-owned dance company for Bay Area educators and community practitioners to foster an evening of joy, confidence, and community
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Our Mission:
Weavery's mission is to provide data and ai strategy advice, training, and innovative solutions to high impact humanitarian organizations. Weavery leverages artificial intelligence to enhance operations and amplify impact to serve a world in need.
| | San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee and Jerar Encarnacion | |
Lee, Encarnacion's friendship
knows no barriers
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
:232:08
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.
SAN FRANCISCO -- The language of baseball is universal.
For proof of concept, look no further than the bond that has formed between Giants outfielders Jung Hoo Lee and Jerar Encarnacion.
The two grew up on opposite sides of the world -- Lee hails from South Korea and Encarnacion is from the Dominican Republic -- and yet they became fast friends when they became teammates in San Francisco two years ago.
“They have a really good dynamic,” left fielder Heliot Ramos said. “They’re always playing around each other and all that, so it’s kind of funny.”
“I think we all enjoy that little camaraderie that they’ve got going,” fellow outfielder Drew Gilbert said. “It’s good energy, and it’s good vibes. What more could you ask for, right? It’s a little unique, too, for obvious reasons. But it makes it that much more fun. We all enjoy it, for sure.”
Lee made the jump from the KBO to the Majors after joining the Giants on a six-year, $113 million deal in December 2023, though he appeared in only 37 games before suffering a season-ending left shoulder injury in '24. When he was in the midst of his rehab, the Giants called up Encarnacion, who opened the season in the Mexican League before bashing his way back to the Majors in August ‘24.
continued...
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Athletics pitcher Gunnar Hoglund
Athletics recall RHP Hoglund from Las Vegas; option RHP Duran
to Las Vegas
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Athletics recalled right-handed pitcher Gunnar Hoglund from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran to Las Vegas, the club announced today.
Hoglund will be making his Major League debut after going 1-2 with a 2.43 ERA and .664 opponents OPS in six games, all starts, with Las Vegas. He leads the Pacific Coast League in WHIP (1.04), is tied for the lead in games started, ranks second in ERA, fourth in opponents batting average (.226) and tied for fifth in strikeouts (30) and innings pitched (29.2). The 25-year-old right-hander had “Tommy John” surgery in college in 2021 but was selected by Toronto in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft later that year. Hoglund did not pitch in the Blue Jays organization as he was traded to the A’s with three other players for Matt Chapman on March 16, 2022. He is 12-15 with a 3.89 ERA in 49 games, including 48 starts, in four seasons in the minors.
Duran was selected on Wednesday but did not appear in a game. He was acquired by the A’s from the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 2 for Esteury Ruiz and was a combined 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA and .737 opponents OPS in seven games, including two starts, with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Las Vegas.
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With Americans consuming more than 70 hotdogs each annually, the new trend of introducing more tantalizing choices at sports stadia is a welcome change. Not unexpectedly, Oracle Park has deservedly established itself as the premier purveyor of alternatives to the almighty weenie. For example, above is the Crazy Crab'z Sandwich, a true fan favorite for lucky ballpark visitors.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
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Chernyshov gets 1st multigoal game, Sharks stun Blue Jackets
Forward breaks tie with 1:25 remaining in 3rd for San Jose, which snaps 6-game skid
By Craig Merz
NHL.com Independent Correspondent
March 28, 2026
COLUMBUS -- Igor Chernyshov scored twice for his first multigoal NHL game, including the go-ahead goal with 1:25 remaining, and the San Jose Sharks ended a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Saturday.
Chernyshov gave San Jose a 3-2 lead when he buried a cross-ice pass from Will Smith with a one-timer from the left face-off circle to the blocker side on Elvis Merzlikins. Macklin Celebrini, who started the play by skating into the offensive zone, had the secondary assist for his 100th in the NHL.
“It was a great zone entry there by 'Mac' and he delayed it, hit me, and then I saw 'Cherny' over on the weak side, and he put it in the back of the net,” Smith said. “We were pretty far away but I just saw him kind of lift his stick up, and then you’ve got to make the decision pretty quick, and he did the rest.”
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Ballers Fam,
There’s nothing like Opening Day in Oakland. Full stop. And while we still have 54 days until our own celebration in The Town, we knew you’d have that familiar baseball itch around this time. Which is why we worked with the San Jose Giants to create Battle of the Bay 2.1.
Our team doesn’t even start Spring Training until Mid-May, but we’re not letting that stop us from giving you Opening Day vibes when you’ve grown accustomed to expecting them.
So this Monday, Oakland Ballers players from all around the country will assemble, meet at the team hotel, gear up and head to a showdown with the Giants on Tuesday night. Champion vs. Champion. PBL vs. California League.
And history is on the line.
The Bridge Trophy
| | Champions Are Forged In Oakland | | |
Speaking of new bling… We had a chance to celebrate another Oakland champion recently. Scrappy The Rally Possum, Ballers Co-Founder Paul Freedman and VP of Communications & Fan Entertainment Casey Pratt — in no particular order — were on hand to present figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu with an Oakland Ballers Satin Jacket and a Community Championship Ring.
And if you’re looking at that photo wondering where your ring is… don’t fret. Investor Championship Rings and Community Championship Rings are shipping soon. They should arrive in April with plenty of time to rock them at Ballers Opening Day on May 19th.
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BATTLE FOR BEST IN THE WEST
The San Jose Earthquakes are off to a hot start in 2026, with a dominant 4-1-0 record start that has them tied for second in the West with 12 points. After shutting out the defending Western Conference Champion Vancouver Whitecaps last Saturday, the Quakes didn’t just climb the standings—they made history, setting a new club record for the fewest goals conceded (1) over a five-game MLS stretch, edging the previous mark set back in 2015.
This defensive unit will be put to the test again next weekend as we gear up for the El Camino Rivalry against fourth-place San Diego FC, presented by Ford. With the Quakes' newest SoCal rivals sitting just behind them in the table with an undefeated 3-0-2 record, the Black and Blue are looking to break the stalemate of last season’s series—which saw a tough 2-1 loss at home followed by a gritty 1-0 shutout win at Snapdragon Stadium—and prove once again that NorCal is greater than SoCal.
continued...
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Get ready for our Spring Series matchup—a friendly against Ottawa Rapid FC on Friday, April 17th. It’s the perfect way to kick off spring with a can’t-miss matchday!
Be there as Ottawa Rapid FC travels to the Bay Area for a friendly during their sophomore season in the Northern Super League season, marking the club’s first-ever visit to PayPal Park. Enjoy the excitement with family and friends as Bay FC goes
head-to-head in an action-packed match.
continued..
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Golden State Valkyries
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Ballhalla awaits! The Valkyries return to the violet hardwood for Year Two with a preseason match-up against the Seattle Storm on Saturday, April 25 at 5:30PM at Chase Center.
After an unforgettable inaugural season, we can’t wait to welcome fans back for another year of elite basketball, unforgettable moments, and the electric energy that makes Ballhalla one of the loudest homes in the league. Preseason is your first chance to see the team back on the floor, build momentum for the season ahead, and be part of what’s next.
Single-game preseason tickets will be going on sale soon! Stay tuned for on-sale details and be ready to lock in your seats as we kick off Year Two together.
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| | San Francisco 49ers Autographs | | |
RISE --
The Bread Project Gala & Auction
will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at the
Hillside Club in Berkeley from 6 to 9 p.m. The Bread Project helps Bay Area residents overcome barriers to employment and secure living-wage jobs in the food industry by providing practical skills, hands-on
training and job placement support.
To attend the Gala, visit: https://conta.cc/412daBo
To donate a valuable auction item and receive two
Gala tickets, plus donation recognition,
email: lynn@breadproject.org
The San Francisco 49ers footballs below are part of
the Gala auction and include the following signatures. Estimated total value of $300.
To bid absentee on the footballs,
email jkaplan@att.net
with the maximum amount of your bid.
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Above Left
#33 Roger Craig RB 1983-90
#86 Charle Young TE 1980-82
#58 Keena Turner LB 1980-90
#21 Eric Wright DB 1981-1990
#27 R.C. Owens OE/RB 1957-61
#13 Steve Bono QB 1989, 91-93
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Above Right
#59 Willie Harper LB 1973-77, 1979-83
#22 Dwight Hicks DB 1979-85
#81 Lee Johnson WR 1969-70
#77 Bubba Paris OT 1983-90
#57 Dan Bunz LB 1978-84
#63 Monte Clark OT/DT 1959-61
#81 Russ Francis TE 1982-87
#30 Bill Ring RB 1981-86
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INDIAN LEGEND RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN SIGNS FOR SAN
FRANCISCO UNICORNS
|
- Veteran off-spinner becomes first-ever Indian international to play in Major League Cricket
- World Cup winner and top-five wicket-taker in IPL history brings world-class bowling and leadership capabilities to the Bay Area franchise
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (MARCH 28, 2026) — The San Francisco Unicorns have secured a landmark signing for the 2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket (MLC) season, adding Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin to its roster.
The deal marks a historic moment for the franchise and for the sport in the United States, with Ashwin becoming the first-ever Indian-capped player to compete in the league, and one of the most prominent Indian players to take part in an international T20 tournament outside of the Indian Premier League.
Ashwin joins the Unicorns with a unique cricketing resume, having won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, and has earned over 100 caps in both Test and ODI cricket, with 65 appearances in T20 internationals.
He remains one of the top five wicket-takers in IPL history, having represented his home franchise, the Chennai Super Kings. He also had stints with Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals.
Signed for his world-class spin bowling and strong tactical acumen, Ashwin brings the Unicorns a significant leadership asset on and off the pitch, as well as being a household name set to thrill Major League Cricket and resonate strongly with the Bay Area’s large South Asian community, further strengthening the franchise’s connection to one of cricket’s most passionate fan bases.
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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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Monte Irvin -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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I met San Francisco Giants’ Monte Irvin at a sports show back in the 1980s. At the time, I didn’t know much about him since he retired from his baseball career before I was born. He played for the San Francisco Giants from 1949-1955 and the Chicago Cubs in 1956. Prior to that he played in the Negro leagues Newark Eagles from 1938-1942, 1946-1948. He was inducted into the
Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 177: The NCAA Wants To Play NFL Commission. Will The Courts Let It?
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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 Division I Cabinet has called an emergency meeting for April 1. Unfortunately, this isn't an April Fool's joke. They're expected to vote on legislation targeting so-called "blind transfers," which is when a college athlete unenrolls from one school and enrolls at another outside of the designated January transfer portal window. I have a bit of experience with that, having assisted Xavier Lucas in leaving Wisconsin for Miami without entering the portal.
The proposed penalties are also no joke. A six-game suspension for the head coach from all football and administrative duties, plus a fine of 20% of the program's football budget. That could mean tens of millions of dollars.
I understand why the NCAA wants this rule. But wanting a rule and being able to legally enforce it are two entirely different things. And the moment this legislation passes, assuming it does, I have to believe the litigation clock starts ticking.
College football administrators have increasingly looked to the NFL as a model for roster management. The NFL has rules governing player movement, and those rules are followed. Why can't the NCAA do the same? Well, because the NFL has something the NCAA will never have under its current structure, and that's a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The NFL's restrictions on player movement, which include franchise tags, restricted free agency, and draft eligibility rules, exist within a collectively bargained framework negotiated between the league and the NFL Players Association. That CBA triggers what's known as the non-statutory labor exemption, which shields those restrictions from antitrust scrutiny under the Sherman Act. The players gave up certain rights in exchange for others. The system is the product of negotiation between parties with legal standing to bargain.
College athletes have none of that. There is no NFLPA equivalent. There is no CBA. Until college athletes have recognized collective bargaining rights, every restriction the NCAA places on their movement is naked exposure to an antitrust challenge.
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Bonhams Monterey 2026 sale features
Can-Am and IndyCars driven by
Gurney and Clark
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[L:R] Ex-Jim Clark 1967 Vollstedt-Ford ‘67B’ IndyCar leads the Ex-Dan Gurney Lola-Ford T70 Mark II CanAm car through the Corkscrew.
Monterey CA, – Bonhams|Cars has confirmed two historically important Ford-powered Indy and CanAm race cars will headline The Laguna Seca Auction at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, part of Monterey Car Week, on August 13, with further consignments now invited.
The sale is led by the unique Lola-Ford T70 Mark II CanAm sports-racing car, driven by the late, great American Formula 1, CanAm and Indy driver, Dan Gurney. read more
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Patriots Jet Team Returns to Sonoma Raceway for 19th Year, Set to Soar Above NASCAR on June 28
SONOMA, Calif. (March 19, 2026) – Fans attending NASCAR weekend at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 28 will once again turn their eyes skyward as the Patriots Jet Team returns for a thrilling pre-race aerial demonstration.
A staple of race day entertainment, 2026 marks the 19th consecutive year the Patriots Jet Team has performed above Sonoma Raceway, continuing a long-standing tradition that has become a fan-favorite part of the event.
Known as North America’s largest civilian-owned jet aerobatic team, the Northern California-based Patriots Jet Team delivers a high-energy spectacle featuring precision flying, dramatic formations and high-speed maneuvers. Pilots fly L-39 Albatros jets in tightly choreographed routines that include loops, rolls and crowd-favorite low passes, all executed with military-style precision.
The air show will once again serve as a centerpiece of the pre-race festivities leading into the NASCAR Cup Series race, adding an extra layer of excitement to one of the most anticipated sporting events in the region. The performance has become synonymous with Sonoma Raceway’s race day experience, blending motorsports intensity with a patriotic, adrenaline-filled display in the skies above wine country.
“The Patriots Jet Team has become an iconic part of our NASCAR weekend,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “For nearly two decades, they’ve delivered an unforgettable experience for our fans and helped create an electric atmosphere before the green flag.”
The NASCAR Cup Series race caps a full weekend of on-track action and fan entertainment, making Sonoma Raceway one of the premier stops on the NASCAR calendar. The addition of the Patriots Jet Team continues to enhance the race-day spectacle for attendees of all ages.
Tickets, camping, premium packages, and upgrades are available now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223].
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Cal Tops Wake Forest 5-3
Bears Get Back In The Win Column
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.— The streak has ended. The California baseball team got back in the win column Sunday defeating Wake Forest 5-3 for its first ACC victory of the season.
Great pitching and a three-homer seventh inning saw the Golden Bears (14-13, 1-8) break a ten-game skid that directly followed their 11-game win streak. The Demon Deacons (20-8, 6-6) saw their conference record drop back to .500 with the loss.
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Photo: Daniel Moebus-Bowles / Cal Athletics
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Cardinal Wins Series in Ten
Stanford scored three times in the 10th inning
to earn a series victory
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Knotted at 3-3 in the 10th inning, Stanford scored three times, including two on a go-ahead RBI-single from freshman Teddy Tokheim, to earn a 6-3 victory in the rubber game of a three-game series at Virginia Tech on Sunday.
Senior Cort MacDonald legged out an infield single to start the top of the 10th, but Stanford still had a runner at first with two outs after a pair of fielder’s choice outs. Freshman Brock Sell kept the inning alive and moved runners to second and third with a ground-rule double that bounced just inside the chalk line in left and skipped over the side wall. Virginia Tech elected to intentionally walk Rintaro Sasaki – one of three walks for Sasaki in the game – to get to Tokheim, and the freshman made the decision hurt by lining a two-RBI single back up the box. The Cardinal tacked on one more insurance run on a Charlie Bates single, running the tally to 6-3.
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Jackson, Cota Fuel San José State’s 18-Run Outburst
LAS VEGAS – Brent Cota finished with a season-high four hits and a career-high six RBIs, including a late-game three-run homer, to lead the San José State baseball team (12-15, 3-3 MW) in a 18-8 seven inning victory over UNLV (17-11, 2-4 MW) Sunday afternoon from Earl E. Wilson Stadium in the final game of a three game series.
After a quiet opening inning, the Spartans broke the game open in the second thanks to a Dylan Jackson grand slam that gave San José State a 4–0 lead. After a scoreless third, Alex Fernandes added another run with an RBI single to make it 5-0 after the fourth. UNLV would respond with three runs in the fifth to cut the Spartan lead to just two runs.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WTEN | Gaels Secure 4-2 Win Over Gonzaga Backed By Singles Success
MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's women's tennis team closed out the weekend on a high note with a 4-2 West Coast Conference win over Gonzaga on Sunday afternoon.
The Gaels fell short in doubles play, despite a 6-3 win from Sofia Daryaie and Tiana Fox, but stormed all the way back to secure all four points in singles action.
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Photo: Varun Aravind
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Dons Record Top Three Finish at Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational
NAPA, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) men's golf team rebounded in a big way as the Dons finished tied for third at the Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational at Silverado Country Club and Resort on Monday and Tuesday.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS:
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Henry Styles began the tournament tied atop the leaderboard, one of only two (with Kihei Akina, Brigham Young) to shoot a 65 (-7) in round one. William Svanström (69/-3) and Nils Svanberg (70/-2) also opened under par.
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No. 40 Men's Tennis Wins
11th Straight
PORTLAND, Ore. – No. 40 Santa Clara men's tennis defeated Portland 5-2 for their second consecutive West Coast Conference victory on the road and extended their win streak to 11 matches on Sunday at the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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Santa Clara (15-2, 2-0 WCC) won five of the six singles matches including the match clincher from Valentin Faure.
- With the Broncos ahead 3-2, Faure took down Tannor Binder 6-4, 6-4 on court five to extend the team's win streak. He also pushed his personal singles win streak to seven matches.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Pacific Salvages Series Finale
with 7-4 Win
STOCKTON, Calif. – Behind a four-run seventh inning rally, the Tigers claimed the series finale over Gonzaga by a 7-4 decision on Sunday afternoon from Klein Family Field.
The Tigers (10-17, 2-4 WCC) snapped their five-game losing skid with a well-rounded performance from the pitching staff and timely hitting against the Bulldogs (12-13, 4-2 WCC).
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Aggies Storm Back Against No. 4 (Mid Major Top 25) Cal State Fullerton; Walk Off Titans
In Series Finale
Score: UC Davis 6, Cal State Fullerton 5
Winning Pitcher: Ashley Sawai (6-4)
Losing Pitcher: Eva Hurtado (6-4)
Location: Davis, Calif. (La Rue Field)
Records: UC Davis 17-17 (6-6), Cal State Bakersfield 21-11 (10-2)
The short story: Four runs in the seventh, capped off by a walk-off RBI from Kaylin Phillips gave UC Davis softball an exciting comeback victory over No. 4 (D1 Softball Mid-Major Top 25) Cal State Fullerton in the Big West weekend series finale.
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Close Series with 7-2 Win Over No. 9 Monterey Bay
HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay closed its CCAA series against No. 9 Cal State Monterey Bay with a 7-2 victory Sunday afternoon at Pioneer Stadium.
The Pioneers built an early lead and never trailed, using timely hitting and strong relief pitching to secure the win.
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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."
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, March 30, through
Sunday, April 5, 2026
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Monday, March 30
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Atlanta Braves, 9:15 a.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Toronto Raptors, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks, 6 p.m.
Thursday, April 2
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 6:45 p.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 3
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Houston Astros, 6:40 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 4
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 6:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Houston Astros, 1:05 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators, 7 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 5
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Houston Astros, 1:05 p.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 6 p.m.
Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit, 2 p.m.
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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, 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
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $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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