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August 3 -- August 9, 2026
Issue No. 653
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Mae West
August 17, 1893 -- November 22, 1980
| | Note: 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 | | |
Contents
Games
Bay FC 0, Gotham FC 1
Features & Commentary
A True "Baseball Lifer," by Bruce Macgowan
Brent Jones, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heiter, Esq.
Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain
Sports Haiku, by Robert Moselle
Uprooted, by Andy Dolich
Welcome to Baseball Trading Season, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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Bay FC 0
Gotham FC 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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Bay midfielder Kennedy Fuller, #47, fires a shot around Gotham FC defender Jess Carter, #27, in the first half. Fuller’s goal was subsequently called back for off-sides after VAR review. Gotham FC defeated Bay FC, 1–0, in a NWSL match at PayPal Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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Bay midfielder Kennedy Fuller, #47, celebrates after apparently scoring in the first half. Fuller’s goal was subsequently called back for off-sides after VAR review.
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Bay forward Alex Pfeiffer, #17, beckons to the crowd after an apparent Bay FC first-half goal.
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Bay midfielder Kennedy Fuller, #47, passes the ball across
the middle in the first half.
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Bay forward Alex Pfeiffer, #17, and midfielder Kennedy Fuller, #47, discuss strategy before a free kick in the second half. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
All photos and captions by Alex Ho.
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- In 1952 the city of Oakland adopted the deeply rooted Oak Tree as its logo.
- In 2017 the Oakland A's launched their "Rooted in Oakland" media camapign.
- In 2024 they chain sawed it knowing they were going to be transplanted to Sacramento on the way to Las Vegas.
- The Oakland Roots soccer team announced they would be leaving the Coliseum for another venue after the 2026 season
1. What type of tree should Oakland adopt moving forward?
2. What should the A's bet on as their slogan/logo for the
2028 season in Vegas.
3. Should the Oakland Roots SC keep their name and logo?
The only team which will be playing at the Oakland Coliseum are the SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS of Major League Cricket.
What would "CHARLIE O" the mule say about all this?
| Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE. | |
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal tips his hat after his 1,000th career strikeout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday, July 29, 2026,
in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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Welcome to Baseball
Trading Season
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
According to history, the first baseball trade took place on August 29, 1885, when the Louisville Colonels of the American Association traded John Connor and $750 to the minor leagues for pitcher Toad Ramsey of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
The most famous deal: Owner of the Boston Red Sox Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000, plus a $300,000 loan because Frazee needed money to finance a Broadway musical called My Lady Friends. This created the “Curse of the Bambino,” keeping the Red Sox from winning the World Series for 86 years and the start of the New York Yankees dynasty.
With about 60 games left this 2026 season, buyers and sellers are poised to begin dealing as soon as Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
For the Giants: They are legitimate sellers. Their biggest and most impactful trade in their history took place in November 1996, bringing Jeff Kent, along with José Vizcaino, Julián Tavarez, and José Roa, to San Francisco from the Cleveland Indians; in return, the Giants sent one of their fan-favorite players, Matt Williams, to Cleveland.
But the most recent deal for the Giants that made big baseball news was when they acquired Boston Red Sox Rafael Devers, taking on the remainder of his very nice (for Devers) 10-year, $313 million contract. This deal took place June 15, 2025, just over a year ago. In return, the Giants sent off left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and minor-league right-hander José Bello.
Many players will change uniforms over the next few days/weeks, but the most coveted player is Tarik Skubal, currently pitching, maybe for the last time, with the Detroit Tigers. Tarik Skubal was born in Hayward, California, a Bay Area kid, but the Giants will not trade for Skubal.
Quote on trades: Joe Garagiola, Baseball Broadcaster -- “Is like your 100th birthday. not ideal, but it beats the alternative.”
For the young readers: Garagiola lived to be 90 years young, broadcasted for 58 years. I met him in 1986 during the World Series for NBC Sports, while Juan Vené and yours truly called the 1986 World Series between the Mets and the Red Sox on the old CBS Hispanic Radio Network, under great producer Armando Talavera.
Saludos to Cooperstown! Congratulations to the Baseball Hall of Fame: Great induction ceremony for Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones.
Update: Ahead of the deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith.
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| Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame. | | |
A True "Baseball Lifer" --
Mike Murphy
by Bruce Macgowan
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“I used to have nicknames for most of the guys. I called Krukow ‘Otter’ and Kuiper was ‘Smoothie; when he played because he was so smooth around second base.”
Giants’ clubhouse manager Mike Murphy, a San Francisco native and now in the baseball Hall of Fame, took care of the players in the Giants’ clubhouse as well as the visitors for six decades!
“Murph” made sure the players had what they needed before games, took care of all the baseball equipment at home and on the road, and got to be good friends with most of the guys. He also had nicknames for many of the Giants.
“I used to call Jimmy Davenport “Goofus” because he did so many goofy things,” Murph remembers. “And Tom Haller, one of Davy’s buddies and teammates, was ‘Hatchet Head.’ Both of them were great guys.”
When asked where he came up with these colorful names, Murph shrugged his shoulders. “Ah, they just popped into my head.”
Other notable ones: Jeff Kent, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame, was ‘Clark Kent’ because he was Superman.
Chili Davis was known as ‘Chili Bowl’ because the story was that his mother would put a chili bowl over his head when she gave him a haircut.
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Willie Mays and Giants equipment manager Mike Murphy enjoy a light moment when talking about their past together.
Photo: Brant Ward, Staff / The Chronicle
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Mike Murphy started his career as a bat boy with the old San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League in the late 1950s, then moved into the visitors’ clubhouse as an assistant when the Giants moved west in 1958.
“I knew a lot of guys, especially the Dodgers. I called Don Drysdale (the hard throwing Hall of Fame pitcher), ‘Snapper.’”
Murph also got to know the great Sandy Koufax well.
“He was a very private person but he opened up to me. One time I went and visited him when he was down there, (in Southern California), living at Hollywood star Richard Widmark’s house. He married Widmark’s daughter but unfortunately that didn’t last too long. But Sandy was a good guy.”
By the time Tommy Lasorda started managing with the Dodgers in the mid-1970s, Murph was ready to move over to the Giants’ clubhouse because longtime clubhouse manager Eddie Logan was retiring.
“‘Tommy Lasagna,’ that was my nickname for Tommy,” Murph chuckled.
“One time he yelled at me across the clubhouse so that all the players could hear: ‘Hey Murph? I need you to get Glenn Ford (another Hollywood actor) for me on the phone! Can you do it right now?!' ”
Murph kidded him back: “How am I gonna get Glenn Ford? I don’t know his telephone number!”
Murph’s favorites might have been Willie Mays and Willie McCovey. When I was covering the Giants closely in the 1990s and especially in the early 2000s, Willie was in the Giants’ clubhouse a lot and Murph would always invite me into his office to chat with Willie.
“Willie always had a good time with everyone. He was everybody’s friend.”
So true!
“The guys, some of them are gone now, but the other day I was down in the clubhouse and introduced myself to Bryce Eldridge. Nice young man. We were family. Me and all those guys. I took care of them and they were great friends.”
Mike Murphy. One of a kind.
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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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| | Josuar Gonzales, a switch-hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic, signed last year with the San Francisco Giants | | Giants No. 1 prospect launches first Single-A homer -- off a big leaguer! | | |
By Brendan Samson
Josuar Gonzalez has only been at Single-A for four games, but he's already showing he's up to the challenge.
MLB's No. 15 prospect teed off on his first California League big fly on Thursday, sending a tape-measure moonshot over the scoreboard in left field in San Jose's 9-7 loss to Rancho Cucamonga at LoanMart Field. The laser was not only Gonzalez's first home run off a southpaw this year, but it was also off two-time MLB All-Star Yusei Kikuchi, who was making his first rehab start while working his way back from left shoulder inflammation.
After striking out in the first frame against the Angels' ace, Gonzalez jumped on the first offering of his second at-bat and drilled it high into the California night. He added a pair of knocks in the fourth and sixth off flame throwing righty Trey Gregory-Alford (LAA No. 8), finishing the contest 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a walk -- his first multi hit performance since his promotion.
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"Join us for Great Food,
Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
| | Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler versus the San Francisco Giants on July 4, 2025. Photo by Darren Yamashita | | Butler embraces role as A's 'unc' amid vet injuries | | |
by Martín Gallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
WEST SACRAMENTO – Lawrence Butler scanned the Athletics' locker room after Wednesday night’s 4-2 extra-innings loss against the Red Sox at Sutter Health Park and came to a realization.
“I’m kind of the ‘unc’ on the team,” Butler said. “Our team is majority young guys now. … A lot of 22-year-olds and 23-year-olds. I’ve been in the game longer than they have, so I can kind of help them out with little stuff that they might have questions about, or tips on what I can help them with on or off the field.”
You wouldn’t associate a 26-year-old with having "unc" status, but Butler isn’t necessarily wrong. In comparison to this current group of A’s players on the active roster, Butler has more Major League service time than most on a team that has been ravaged by injuries this season.
As somewhat of an “elder statesman,” Butler recently took it upon himself to speak up amid what has been a brutal stretch for the A’s. Before Tuesday’s 4-3 win against the Red Sox, Butler gathered his teammates inside the A’s clubhouse for a players-only meeting.
“I called this one,” Butler said. “Usually, it’s one of the veterans, but they’ve all been kind of hurt. So, I took it upon myself to address the team. It wasn’t just me talking. Everybody got to say their piece, so it was good.”
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Official Game-Worn Blazers
Jersey Auction
Bid now -- auction ends
August 5th at 10pm Pacific.
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August 2, 2026
We're auctioning off authentic game-worn player jerseys from the Oakland Ballers. Including a select number of jerseys from the Oakland Blazers jersey debut!
Take home an authentic piece of Oakland Ballers and Baseball History! These official, game-worn jerseys were worn on the field during the 2026 season and is certified authentic by the team.
Items: Official Game-Worn Player Jersey
Condition: Authentic
How it works: Visit shop.oaklandballers.com. Scroll down to see the auction items. View the items, find one you like, and place your bid. When the auction closes, the highest bidder will automatically receive a secure checkout link via email to complete their purchase.
Place your bid today to secure a piece of Oakland Ballers History and support a great cause!
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A Classic -- Enjoy!
Chef Myke's Musings are Priceless...
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A Sweet Monstrosity No One
Asked For
If the loaded crispy fries topped with savory birria or the Brisket Burnt Ends Mac & Cheese don’t satisfy your appetite, there are many other thick, smoky comfort foods. The State Farm Stadium in Arizona has added 50 new wild offerings.
But if you really want to refresh your adolescent memories you can always wander down to the club level at a Cardinals game for the cotton candy burrito. This is a sweet monstrosity no one asked for. Cotton candy ice cream is mixed with all kinds of sugary cereal and candy, then wrapped in a cotton candy cocoon. The Wrap:
A flattened outer layer of rolled blue cotton candy replacing
a traditional tortilla.
The Filling: Cotton candy-flavored ice cream packed with Fruity Pebbles, Froot Loops, marshmallows, Skittles, mini-M&M’s, gummy bears and sprinkles.
Cotton Candy Burrito, $15.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
| The Faithful celebrated on NFL's 'Back Together Weekend' | |
For Day 5 of 2026 Training Camp presented by Visa brought a new energy as the San Francisco 49ers joined all 32 NFL clubs in celebrating the NFL's Back Together Weekend.
For the Faithful at the SAP Performance Facility on Saturday, the day began with a welcome from general manager and president of football operations John Lynch.
"We're super excited about this year," Lynch said to the energetic crowd. "We have a team that is going to go out and compete for the whole thing. And they are going to do that with your help."
Lynch then walked fans through the day's practice schedule and what they could expect to see during the two-hour session, jokingly reminiscing about the double-session practice days that were once the norm during his playing career.
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Warriors Sign Forward
Draymond Green
Four-Time NBA Champion and 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year Returns for 15th Season With Golden State
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The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Draymond Green to a contract, it was announced Thursday. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.
Green, 36, appeared in 68 games (all starts) with the Warriors last season, averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 27.5 minutes per contest. A 14-year NBA veteran, Green has played in 949 games (794 starts) for Golden State, with career averages of 8.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 28.6 minutes per game.
Green’s career accolades include the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year award (becoming the first player in franchise history to earn the honor), four NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors. He is a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, becoming the first player in franchise history to earn All-Defensive First Team honors in three-straight campaigns (2014-15 to 2016-17) and the only Warrior to earn an All-Defensive Team nod in five consecutive seasons (2014-15 to 2018-19). Green is one of 14 players in NBA history to earn nine-or-more All-Defensive Team honors.
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| Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published! | |
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!
Bay Area Fans
G-Men Dubs 49ers
Natives are Restless
If it weren't for the days when each franchise basked in the glory of greatness, perhaps the current era would not reflect fans' general malaise and dissatisfaction.
Memo to Ownership Groups: Step on your respective gas pedals and return our teams to the Winners' Circles and the heights of yesteryear. We want more Parades!
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Contributed by Robert Moselle
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
We invite entries for
Best Sports Haiku. The winner will be published!
Send to: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Sports Haikus copyright USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
|
Sharks sign forward Macklin Celebrini to a five-year
contract extension
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July 29, 2026
San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) General Manager Mike Grier announced today that the club has signed forward Macklin Celebrini to a five-year contract extension worth $18.8 million AAV.
“In just two seasons as a teenager in the National Hockey League and on the International stage, Macklin has established himself as one of the premier players in the world,” said Grier. “We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.
“As we continue our goal of building a team capable of annually competing for the Stanley Cup, we want to thank Macklin and his representatives for a respectful negotiation process, and acknowledge the flexibility they have provided to the team in how we allocate future dollars towards the team being constructed around Macklin.
“I also want to thank Hasso Plattner for his continued commitment and steadfast dedication to providing the financial resources to put the best team possible on the ice for our passionate fans, who deserve a winner in San Jose.”
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said. “The faith and support that Mr. Plattner, Mike Grier and the entire staff have shown me throughout the past two seasons is proof that we are building something special here. My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going."
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Cecilia Zandalasini Has Highest-Scoring Quarter of Career in Valkyries' Loss to Mercury
Cecilia Zandalasini scored 11 of her team-high 16 points in the second quarter of the Valkyries’ 91-89 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on Wednesday.
Zandalasini helped the Valkyries overcome an 11-0 first-quarter run by the Mercury and put Golden State up by as many as 13 points in the first half. However, Phoenix responded with 11 straight points in the fourth quarter, swinging the momentum back in its favor.
The Mercury tied a WNBA season high for free throw attempts, attempting 43 and making 32. Golden State was outscored by 17 points from the foul line, 32-15, and had 24 fewer free throw attempts, 43-19. Four of the Valkyries' five starters committed at least five fouls, with both Zandalasini and Kaila Charles fouling out.
The Valkyries’ starting lineup was notably missing All-Star starter Gabby Williams due to reconditioning. In Williams’ absence, Golden State had six players score in double figures, and all nine players who entered the game scored. Phoenix’s All-Star Kahleah Copper led all scorers with 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas added 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Watch Here!
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquak
MATCH RECAP:
Earthquakes 2, FC Cincinnati 4
Saturday, Aug 1, 2026, 08:59 PM
CINCINNATI — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to FC Cincinnati 4-2 on Saturday night in front of 25,513 fans at TQL Stadium.
Due to inclement weather, the original 4:30 p.m. PT kickoff was delayed over two hours later. Once the action started, the hosts hopped on the front foot and assailed the net, with Quakes goalkeeper Angus Gunn stopping two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes. However, San Jose would strike first against the run of play in minute 26 when Timo Werner’s corner kick was headed home by 2026 MLS All-Star Daniel Munie to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. But FCC would answer seven minutes later when Evander drew a double team at the top of the box and laid the ball off to his left for Bryan Ramirez, who successfully belted his shot for the near post to make it 1-1 at halftime.
After intermission, San Jose pulled ahead thanks to a goal in transition. In minute 56, Ousseni Bouda laid the ball off for a streaking Preston Judd on the right wing. Judd pushed it ahead across the field for Werner, who one-timed it with the left foot past FCC goalkeeper Roman Celentano to make it 2-1. But the hosts equalized once more in minute 79 as second-half substitute Tom Barlow broke free after a through ball from Evander and slotted it past Gunn to tie it 2-2. FCC would get the go-ahead goal three minutes later when Evander picked out the top corner from 40 yards out and his long-range effort curled into the back of the net. The hosts would get a late insurance goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time on the counterattack from Ayoub Jabbari.
The “Quakes Replay” of tonight’s match will air on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. PT on KTVU Plus. For highlights, analysis and features, fans can also watch the new half-hour magazine show “Quakes Exclusive” on Friday, Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m. PT on KTVU FOX 2 and the FOX Local app, as well as an encore presentation on KTVU Plus at 8 p.m. PT.
The Black and Blue will continue MLS regular-season play at home vs. St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, Aug. 15. Kickoff from PayPal Park is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT with the match to be broadcast on Apple TV (English/Spanish) as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
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Oakland Falls 0-1 at Home to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
WATCH!
Despite controlling over 70 percent of possession during Saturday evening’s matchup at the Oakland Coliseum, Roots conceded the night’s lone goal as visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC retained their undefeated record versus Oakland in the five-game all-time series, eventually defeating Roots 0-1.
The match began as much of the rest of the contest would follow, with Oakland dominating the possession game and spending much of their time on the attacking buildup, but failing to generate scoring chances.
Pittsburgh opened the scoring, however, when a few missed clearance opportunities in Roots’ defensive third led to a point blank volley from Eliot Goldthorp in the 20th minute that made it 0-1 Riverhounds.
Oakland picked up right where they left off after conceding, playing keepaway from Pittsburgh who began to park the bus after gaining the lead, and continued to stifle Roots’ attacking hopes. When all was said and done, Oakland failed to register a shot on target, and now have a combined one shot on goal across their last two matches.
Roots will have to retool in short order as their next match comes in just four days time when the club hits the road to face Las Vegas Lights FC this Wednesday, August 5th at 7:30 PM PT.
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Match Recap: Bay FC Mounts a Comeback, but Falls Late to
Seattle Reign FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. (August 1, 2026) – Bay FC fell 3-2 Saturday to Seattle Reign FC after an eventful contest at PayPal Park. Despite a two-goal comeback by Bay FC to level the match late, a five-goal affair favored the visitors after a score with five minutes remaining. Bay FC will now set out on the road for consecutive away matches at Chicago and Utah in the next two weeks following a busy stretch of three matches in eight days.
“Disappointed and frustrating day again,” said head coach Emma Coates. “One of the messages to the girls is we just can’t start games like that. You know, we get put on the back foot straight away, and they’re already tough games in this league, and then to start this game going two nil down, the Gotham game starting going one nil down, both to early goals, you’re almost making the job harder than it already is. So I think that’s the biggest lesson over over this week.”
An eventful first half saw Seattle net an early goal, taking a 1-0 advantage just five minutes after the opening whistle. Forward Mia Fishel tapped in a cross from the left after forward Maddie Dahlien drove down the left flank and provided service into the box. The visitors generated a pair of opportunities in the following moments, but Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz came up with two stellar saves to keep her club’s deficit at one
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
According To History...
is the appellation of "Shoeless Joe Jackson" deserved?
answer below...
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Brent Jones -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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During one of the San Francisco 49ers fan fests I had the opportunity to meet San Jose native Brent Jones . I waited in line at his table and when I finally got to him, I shook his hand and he signed this promo photo for me. Brent is a three-time Super Bowl champion who played with the 49ers
from 1987 - 1997.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 195: The Protect College Sports Act Is Headed For
The Graveyard
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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 Senate adjourned yesterday without Majority Leader John Thune filing for cloture on the Protect College Sports Act, and tells you most of what you need to know about where this bill stands days before the chamber leaves for a month-long recess.
Amanda Christovich is reporting that Thune could still file Monday if the parties reach an agreement over the weekend. Ross Dellenger's read is similar but more guarded. Thune could file cloture Monday evening and try to schedule a vote for later in the week, but he is calling it a "narrow path," and the math explains why. A cloture motion filed Monday does not ripen for a vote until at least the next legislative day. Even if 60 senators are there to invoke cloture, there are up to 30 additional hours of post-cloture debate before a final passage vote. Run that clock forward from a Monday filing, and you are staring at a Thursday or Friday floor vote in the same week the Senate is supposed to leave town for 5 weeks. There is no room in that schedule for anything to go sideways, and on this bill, something has gone sideways every single week since the Commerce Committee sent it to the floor.
Even the White House Couldn't Move It
What makes this week different from the prior six months of PCSA coverage is who showed up to apply pressure. A White House official told reporters Thursday that "the President has been actively engaged. President Trump wants to save college sports, and he wants the bill done." NCAA President Charlie Baker issued his own statement pushing college sports leaders and senators to get behind the bill now, calling it "our best chance to deliver the benefits and level playing field student-athletes deserve while providing the protections institutions need to sustain college athletics long-term." That is about as much institutional muscle as this legislation is going to get, and it still was not sufficient to produce a signed-off text by Wednesday night.
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Corkscrew Hillclimb Provides Thrilling
Reverse Course Challenges
Fifth Annual Hillclimb Attracts International Entries for Saturday, August 8
| Christine Sloss returns to defend her Corkscrew Hillclimb title in her 2025 Ferrari SF90 XX Spider. Photo by Tony Campbell | |
MONTEREY, Calif., July 30, 2026 — Christine Sloss returns to defend her Corkscrew Hillclimb title as a field of challengers looks to best her winning time of 29.535 seconds. The Carmel resident was a fan favorite and was loudly cheered as she raced uphill in her bright yellow 2025 Ferrari SF90 XX Spider.
With just one week to go until the Corkscrew Hillclimb, participants as far away as Melbourne, Australia, and Dartford, England are among the Monterey Pre-Reunion drivers gearing up to challenge the iconic series of turns by racing in the opposite direction.
Now in its fifth year, the race-against-the-clock has become the highlight of the Monterey Pre-Reunion, Saturday, August 8, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which serves as the prelude to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 12–15. Sloss’ Ferrari SF90 XX Spider provides guests with a preview of the first-ever Hypercar & Supercar rally that will arrive at Laguna Seca, where there will be exhibition laps on Saturday, Aug. 15.
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Sears Point Challenge at
Sonoma Raceway 2026
This is our signature event, with over 250 entries, spectators, car club displays, vintage aircraft flyovers and more. This is a full three-day event, with practice and some qualifying on the optional Friday session. Since the first Charity Challenge in 2004 our charity rides program has raised over $1M for Sonoma Children's Charities. Racers can offer to give rides to spectators and fans of vintage racing while helping raise funds for local children’s charities. A highlight of the weekend is our Saturday night social where we come together and celebrate the shared passion of racing. In addition to our standard race groups, we will also have the Hoosier 2.5 B/C sedan challenge and Club Wheelhouse Classic Cup group as guests.
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TEST YOUR BEST AT THE 2026 ROLEX
BIG BOAT SERIES
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After a long summer of tuning up the boat, solidifying the team and locking in race maneuvers, sailors are now preparing to test their best at Rolex Big Boat Series on September 16-20, 2026.
“All the competitors in the Express 37 fleet, they bring their best—the best crew, the best sails, everything’s the best and everyone has their A game, and that’s really exciting for us,” says Michael Laport, owner and skipper of Express 37 Golden Moon.
A relatively new owner in a relatively old fleet—Express 37s have been lining up at this event for over 30 years—this year will be Laport’s third Rolex Big Boat Series at the helm. He just missed the podium last year, so sustaining an excellent performance over four days of racing is what he, co-owner Mike Spitz, and their team have been focused on in the lead-up to the race.
“Big Boat is the place that it all comes together and we can test our mettle against people who’ve been sailing Express 37s and sailing the Bay longer than we have, and we see that as a good measure of our competitiveness.”
If you race an Express 37, or any of the other boats eligible to enter, it’s not too late to turn your tiller toward San Francisco Bay and register for the 2026 Rolex Big Boat Series on September
16-20.
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| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
"Shoeless" Joe Jackson
Yes. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson played without shoes for
one game in his career.
New cleats had given him painful blisters, so he took his shoes off and played in his socks, earning his famous nickname when a fan shouted at him.
From Wikipedia: "Jackson is often remembered for his association with the Black Sox Scandal in which eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox participated
in a conspiracy to fix the World Series.
As a result, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis permanently banned Jackson and the other seven players from professional baseball after the 1920 season. During the World Series in question, Jackson had led both teams in several statistical categories and set a World Series record with 12 base hits, including -- during the last game -- the only home run in that World Series.
Jackson's role in the scandal, banishment from the game, and exclusion from the Baseball Hall of Fame have been fiercely debated. In 2025, Commissioner Rob Manfred removed Jackson and other deceased players from the MLB's permanently ineligible list, thus lifting the ban and making him once again eligible for the hall of fame."
Go Red Sox!
Go Celtics!
| | Michelle Onyiah becomes the second Golden Bear this season to join the WNBA. | |
Michelle Onyiah Signs With
The Indiana Fever
Former Bear Inks Developmental Contract
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Former California women's basketball player Michelle Onyiah has signed a developmental contract with the WNBA's Indiana Fever, the team announced today. Onyiah is now the second former Golden Bear who is active in the WNBA, joining former teammate Marta Suarez ('25) who is currently with the Phoenix Mercury.
Prior to joining the Fever, Onyiah competed for the Charlotte Crown in the newly formed UpShot League which made its debut this year. She appeared in 21 games for the Crown and averaged 9.6 points per game (on 52.8% shooting) and 6.9 rebounds per game. She led the league in blocks at 1.1 per game and ranked third in rebounding. Onyiah also compiled four double-doubles during her stint. Before that, she spent the previous year playing for Basket Namur Capitale in the Belgian Top Division after graduating from Cal following the 2024-25 season.
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2026 Football Radio Broadcast
Team Announced
Richardson '88 and Fisk '94 to handle radio duties
STANFORD, Calif. - Kevin Richardson ’88 and Jason Fisk ’94 will comprise Stanford football’s radio broadcast team on KNBR/KTCT 1050 AM when the 2026 campaign gets underway on Aug. 29 against Hawai’i.
Richardson will handle play-by-play duties while Fisk will serve as the color analyst, with the tandem providing unique perspective as Cardinal football alumni who also gained experience behind the mic following their playing careers.
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Spartans Announce 2026 Men's Soccer Schedule
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San José State men's soccer team has released its schedule for the 2026 season. The Spartans will play 18 games in 2026, nine of which will be played at home.
Every Spartan home game and road conference game will be streamed live on MW+. Additionally, tickets for each home game can be purchased here.
The Spartans will play two exhibition matches before officially kicking off the season, first on the road at San Francisco on Aug. 15 and then at home against Dominican on Aug. 16.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WSOC | Kate Plachy Named to United Soccer Coaches Goalkeepers to Watch Preseason List
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fourth-year Gael Kate Plachy was named to the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeepers to Watch preseason list on Friday, standing as one of two West Coast Conference keepers named to the list.
Plachy was a crucial piece to a historic 2025 season for Saint Mary's, where she recorded twelve shutouts, good for second most in a single-season in program history. The redshirt junior finished the year with a career high 65 saves and a 0.61 Goals Against Average, good for 13th lowest in all of Division I. She was named to the All-WCC First Team for her first career all-conference selection and, more notably, was named the 2025 WCC Goalkeeper of the Year. She became just the second Goalkeeper of the Year award winner in program history, with the other being Taylor Poland back in 2020.
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Inaugural Dons Basketball Summer Showcase Set for Aug. 6
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - University of San Francisco (USF) Athletics announced today the inaugural Dons Basketball Summer Showcase, an exclusive first-look opportunity at the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball programs for USF season ticket holders on Thursday, Aug. 6.
The event, which is strictly for individuals who have already renewed their season tickets for the upcoming basketball seasons, invites loyal Dons fans to watch the men's and women's basketball teams practice on their home floor as they get ready for the upcoming year.
Photo by Christina Leung
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| | Talented North Florida Transfer Signs With Women's Golf | | |
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara women's golf made a late addition to their 2026-27 roster this week in the form of North Florida transfer Ines Izuzquiza Ruiz de Arana. With the addition, the Broncos' eight-player roster is set ahead of the start of September's fall season.
Originally from Madrid, Spain, Izuzquiza Ruiz de Arana played four years of high school golf at Coronado High School in Coronado, Calif. She served as team captain for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Following graduation, she signed with North Florida where she competed in four total events as a freshman with the Ospreys and averaged 75.7 strokes per round. Her best outing of the year came at the 2025 Lady Paladin Invitational where she tied for 48th.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | | Joel Bancroft Elevated to Associate Head Coach | | |
STOCKTON, Calif. – Pacific women's soccer head coach Jeff Freeman announced on Wednesday afternoon that assistant coach Joel Bancroft has been promoted to Associate Head Coach ahead of his second season with the program.
"Joel has been nothing less than extraordinary in his time here at Pacific," Freeman said. "He has been the rock of this program. He is a tremendous recruiter, coach, mentor, and may be the best I have ever worked with in terms of building relationships with the people and players in our program as well as those in the Pacific and local soccer communities. We are so fortunate to have Joel at Pacific, and I am thankful to our administration for sharing our vision, our goals, and their support in achieving those goals!"
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UC Davis Men’s Water Polo Releases 2026 Schedule
DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis men's water polo and 14-year head coach Daniel Leyson enter a new era in the West Coast Conference, with the 2026 schedule being announced by the team on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Last season's Big West Champions open the new year across the country in Rhode Island as they participate in the Brown Invitational from Aug. 28-30. The Aggies begin the tournament against Wagner before playing Iona and host Brown on day two. Opening weekend wraps up on Aug. 30 against Fordham.
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
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Pioneers Earn 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award
HAYWARD, Calif. — Following another successful season on the court and in the classroom, the Cal State East Bay volleyball team has earned the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.
The Pioneers posted a 3.53 team grade-point average during the 2025-26 academic year, surpassing the 3.30 GPA required to receive the national honor. Cal State East Bay was one of 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball programs recognized by the AVCA for its academic achievement.
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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, August 3, through
Sunday, August 9, 2026
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Monday, August 3
San Francisco Giants @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Tuesday, August 4
San Francisco Giants @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Athletics @ Cincinnati Reds, 3:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. RedPocket Mobiles, 6:35 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5
San Francisco Giants @ Texas Rangers, 11:35 a.m.
Athletics @ Cincinnati Reds, 3:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. RedPocket Mobiles, 6:35 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Las Vegas Lights FC, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 6
Athletics @ Cincinnati Reds, 9:40 a.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. RedPocket Mobiles, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, August 7
San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Boston Red Sox, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Yuba-Sutter Freebirds, 6:35 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Dallas Wings, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 8
San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 4:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Boston Red Sox, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Yuba-Sutter Freebirds, 6:35 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ El Paso Locomotive FC, 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 9
San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics @ Boston Red Sox, 10:35 a.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Yuba-Sutter Freebirds, 6:35 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Los Angeles Sparks, 4 p.m.
Bay FC @ Chicago Stars FC, 4 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. Dave Newhouse (dec.)
Software Engineer / Sports Today! Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Technology Advisors: Silas Everett, Gaurav Chaulagain
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. | | |
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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