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June 8 -- June 14, 2026
Issue No. 645
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Tom Brady -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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This is a PSA-certified signed photo of Tom Brady which I purchased recently. It is nearly impossible to get his signature
in-person, which is why I purchased it.
Tom Brady played for the New England Patriots from 2000-2019 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2020-2022. He is a seven-time Super Bowl champion and a five-time Super Bowl MVP.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
| | 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
Features & Commentary
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, by Ed Jay
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heiter, Esq.
Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain
The Pride of the Yankees, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Tom Brady, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Escape from
Alcatraz Triathlon
San Francisco, CA
Sunday, June 7, 2026
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The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is a world-renowned sporting event held annually and features a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island, an 18-mile bike ride and an 8-mile run to Baker Beach, culminating in a 400-step sand ladder before returning to the Marina Green finish line. Above, a Hornblower Yacht docks in front of Alcatraz in front of the San Francisco skyline before the
7 a.m. start time. Photo by Ed Jay.
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Athletes dip their toes into the San Francisco Bay on a clear Sunday morning, signalling the official start of the Triathlon.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| The end of the 1.5 mile swim portion is at the Marina Green near the St. Francis Yacht Club. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
2,000 bicycles are already lined up in the transition area at
5:45 am before the start of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Kyle Berg is ready to dismount from the 18-mile bike race portion and begins the transition to the 8-mile run.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Kyle Berg wins the Triathlon with a time of 2:13:49. Berg hails from Colorado and is attending Santa Clara University.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Lindsay Nickel, representing the Olympic Club, wins the female category with a time of 2:35:06. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Accomplished and talented, Sports Today photographers Ed Jay (l) and Rich Yee await the start of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. | |
FIFA Fever / World Cup
United States vs. Paraguay
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Friday, June 12, 2026, 6 p.m.
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FIFA Fever / World Cup
Qatar vs Switzerland
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12 p.m.
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Local schedule: Group J, Austria vs. Jordan, Tue, Jun. 16, 6 p.m., Levi’s Stadium; Group D, Paraguay vs. Turkey, Fri., Jun. 19. 6 p.m., Levi’s Stadium; Group J, Jordan vs. Algeria, Mon., Jun. 22, 8 p.m., Levi’s Stadium, Group D, Paraguay vs. Australia, Thur.,
Jun. 25, 7 p.m., Levi’s Stadium. Stubhub.com
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|
(Annie bought 10!)
Click here!
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Former New York Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive games from Jun 1, 1925 to Apr 30, 1939. Gehrig passed away from ALS at age 37 in 1942. (photo from
the Lou Gehrig photo gallery)
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The Pride of the Yankees
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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The Pride of the Yankees is the famous nickname given to the great New York Yankees first baseman, Lou Gehrig, by Paul Gallico, a sportswriter who covered the Yankees in those years. Those who are not well-versed in baseball might remember the classic Academy Award-winning film of the same name. Gallico coined the phrase for the title of his 1942 biographical book.
There was also the “Iron Horse," another nickname the great Gehrig carried until his untimely death from ALS at the age of 37.
According to the ALS Foundation, ALS is a progressive disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles, slowly taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. Although there is still no cure or treatment which halts progression, new treatments are helping to slow and ease symptoms.
Baseball is well within its rights to hold an annual Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 to honor the legendary New York Yankees first baseman and raise global awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. MLB designates numerous days at ballparks across the country each season: Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Roberto Clemente Day, Stand Up For Cancer, and many other special days, like a very fun day and my favorite, Little League Day at the park, with thousands of kids parading in full garb around the field.. But overall, remembering, honoring, and celebrating the game of baseball.
This is why we go to the park to watch baseball. That’s it.
In 2025, for the third consecutive year, MLB drew over 71 million fans to its ballparks during the regular season. This trend has not been seen since the 2004 to 2007 seasons. Even with the looming potential lockout by owners this next December, MLB is a healthy sport.
Baseball should always continue to promote the game, its great roots/history, and its players. I honestly do not believe baseball should celebrate any personal lifestyle, whatever it might happen to be. That is just my opinion. Like, I respect every human being, and of course, I also respect your opinion.
Quote: "Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.”
-- Satchel Paige
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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.
Reprinted: courtesy by Sports Radio Service, June 7, 2026
| | |
Web designer Medhavee Upadhyaya recently received an award for her design of the Ultimate Sports Guide's new website: www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Fresh off her newly-minted Masters Degree in Computer Science, Mehdavee now seeks full-time employment with a compatible, energetic company. She has been invaluable to the USG/Sports Today and is the ultimate team player and a joy to work with. If you may have an opportunity by which she can expand her horizons and share her experience, please contact her directly at upadhyayamedhavee@gmail.com. Mention USG/Sports Today to introduce yourself. You will be glad you did.
-- Christopher Weills, Publisher
Awards:
Awarded Best Use of Claude – Cal Hacks 12.0 (Anthropic Claude AI) for ELDA.AI mobile Voice Assistant
President's List Honors – San Francisco Bay University 2024 for achieving 4.0 GPA
Photo by Ann Cooke
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Don't Miss Out!
As of Monday, April 7, 2026
over 13,413 guests have visited our remarkable new site for sports updates and outstanding photography.
Don't be left out!
Click:
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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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 new third-base coach, Gary Pettis | |
Pettis thrilled to coach for hometown Giants
View here!
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.
By Maria Guardado
CHICAGO -- Gary Pettis’ four kids wanted him to keep coaching in the Majors once his 10-year run with the Astros ended at the end of the 2024 season. But the longtime third-base coach preferred to prioritize being close to his family after spending decades working in baseball.
He decided to step away from the game and settle into life in San Clemente, Calif., where he finally started to pick up golf last year. But when the Giants came calling to inquire about his interest in filling their third-base coach vacancy earlier this week, Pettis couldn’t turn down the chance to return to his Bay Area roots and suit up for the team he rooted for as a kid.
“It was an opportunity to come back home, basically,” said Pettis, who made his Giants coaching debut in Friday afternoon’s 18-3 rout of the Cubs at Wrigley Field. “I grew up in Oakland, Calif., and when I was a kid, I was a huge Giants fan, obviously. Willie Mays was my favorite player, and when I realized that I had an opportunity to come here -- the cream-colored uniforms were always one of my favorites. I always wanted to wear it, and so now, I get the chance.”
continued...
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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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A's players make a pre-game coffee run in Chicago
'There was a little bit of heckling': A's youngsters make traditional Wrigley coffee run
View here!
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.
By Martin Gallegos
CHICAGO – The tradition of visiting teams at Wrigley Field sending players on a pregame coffee run has been in place for over a decade now. On Wednesday, it was time for the Athletics to partake.
Organized by clubhouse elder statesman Jeff McNeil, seven players dressed in full uniform about four hours before a 7:05 game against the Cubs were sent to the Starbucks down the street to pick up an order of about 27 coffees, placed by the A’s second baseman, for the team and coaching staff.
Per tradition rules, players with limited Major League service time are required to make the trek. For the A’s, those seven were Kade Morris (who was called up on June 2), Gage Jump (who made his second career start and earned his first win on the same day), Henry Bolte, Mason Barnett, Jack Perkins, Colby Thomas and Carlos Cortes.
continued....
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Paulie Gee's Pizza
If you’re able to shell out the record setting $7,000 to buy
a ticket for the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden
you’ll surely be able to afford a slice of Paulie Gee's Pizza.
Famous for the “Hellboy” slice, topped with savory soppressata and Mike’s Hot Honey, diners know it must be great to standout
in a pizza Mecca like Manhattan. Celebrity Chel David Chang of Momofuku fame serves crispy, habanero-brined spicy chicken sandwiches and waffle fries that can be finished off with
Melissa’s bite-size cupcakes.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
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San Jose Sharks issue
bona fide offers
June 01, 2026 -- San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) General Manager Mike Grier announced today that the team has issued bona fide offers to the following players (2025 NHL Draft) and thus will retain their negotiating rights:
Player/Position/Team
Max Heise, forward, Univ. of Denver (NCAA)
Teddy Mutryn, forward, Boston College (NCAA)
Joshua Ravensbergen, goaltender, Michigan State (NCAA)
Haoxi (Simon) Wang, defense, Boston Univ (NCAA)
Heise, 20, appeared in 63 games for Prince Albert of the Western Hockey League (WHL), recording 63 points (29 goals, 34 assists). He led his team in goals, was third in points, and fourth in assists, setting career bests in each category. He also appeared in 16 postseason games, helping the Raiders reach the WHL Final. He posted six points (two goals, four assists).
The six-foot-three, 172-pound native of Calgary Alberta, was selected by San Jose in the fifth round (150th overall) in the 2025 NHL draft. Heise is committed to the University of Denver for the 2026-27 season.
Mutryn, 19, played for the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), recording 68 points (31 goals, 37 assists) in 54 games. He finished fifth on the team in points, and was one of three 30-goal scorers for the club. Among the league rookies, he was fifth in points, fourth in goals and assists, and was third in points per game (1.26, min. 30 games). He also appeared in 21 postseason games, helping the Wildcats reach the QMJHL Final, posting 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 21 games.
The six-foot-one, 209-pound native of Norwell, MA, was selected by San Jose in the third round (95th overall) in the 2025 NHL draft. Mutryn is committed to Boston College for the 2026-27 season.
Ravensbergen, 19, appeared in 46 games for the Prince George Cougars, earning a 32-13-0 record along with four shutouts, a 2.51 goals-against average (GAA), and .919 save percentage (SV%). He led the WHL in wins and SV%, was tied for second in shutouts, and finished fourth in GAA. By the end of the season, he was named the WHL Goaltender of the Year (Del Wilson Memorial Trophy), WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team, and was named Sharks Prospect of the Week four times. He allowed two goals or fewer 25 times, and registered an eight-game winning streak (Nov. 11-Dec. 7).
Internationally, he represented Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship, earning a Bronze Medal.
The six-foot-five, 195-pound native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, was selected by San Jose in the 2025 NHL Draft (first round, 30th overall). He is committed to Michigan State in the fall.
Wang, 18, split his season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) between the Oshawa Generals and Niagara IceDogs, earning 26 total points (six goals, 20 assists) across 57 games. He ranked third in goals and points and tied for third in assists among Niagara defensemen. He helped Niagara clinch a postseason berth, appearing in five games, registering three assists.
Internationally, he represented Team China at the World Championship D1, Group B, helping China achieve a Silver Medal finish, appearing in five games, scoring four points (two goals, two assists). He was named Best Defenseman for the Tournament, and led all blueliners in goals.
The six-foot-five, 223-pound native of Beijing, China, was selected by San Jose in the 2025 NHL Draft (second round, 33rd overall). Wang is committed to Boston University for the 2026-27 season.
continued...
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Ballers drop rubber match to Voyagers in Sunday slugfest
Santos falls a single shy of the cycle in defeat
By Gareth Kwok
GREAT FALLS, MT – In a game delayed three hours and five minutes by rain, which featured 34 total runs and 34 total hits, the Oakland Ballers dropped the rubber match to the Great Falls Voyagers on Sunday afternoon by a final score of 18-16 at Voyagers Stadium.
After leading by four through two innings, Oakland (7-11) allowed nine runs in the third. Great Falls (6-12) sent 13 men to the plate and scored nine runs on seven hits. The Voyagers hit three homers in the inning, including back-to-back jacks from Zack Blaszak and Kyle Schmack.
Starting right-hander Michael Riley lasted just 2.1 innings and gave up nine runs on eight hits and two walks with one strikeout in his first start as a Baller.
Tommy Specht's two-run double in the fifth put the Voyagers up 12-6 after five innings, the biggest lead of the game.
The Ballers offense fought back and reeled off six runs in the sixth and seventh innings. An RBI single from Damian Stone, a two-run homer from Esai Santos, an RBI single from Noah Blythe, an RBI double from Nick Leehey and an RBI single from Jeter Ybarra tied the game at 12.
Santos collected three more extra base hits and four RBI and fell a single short of completing the cycle. His last six hits have gone for extra bases. Blythe and Collura both collected three hits and two RBI on the day.
The Voyagers retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a two-out RBI single from Specht and an RBI single from Will Rogers off Jake Tirk (L, 0-2) to make it 14-12 Voyagers.
Specht tallied his fourth hit and fourth RBI of the game in the eighth inning, capping off a four-run frame and giving the Voyagers an 18-12 lead.
In the ninth inning, an error by Rogers at second base and a three-run homer by Jake Allgeyer pulled the Ballers within two runs. After a two-out walk drawn by Collura, Blythe hit a deep fly ball to center but Anthony Manisero made a leaping catch at the wall to end the game and secure the series victory for the Voyagers.
Eumir Sepulveda (W, 2-0) earned the win for Great Falls after dealing 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.
The Ballers will continue their 12-game road trip with a six-game series on Tuesday night against the Missoula Paddleheads. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m from Ogren Park at Allegiance Field. Fans can tune in beginning at 5:15 p.m on the Oakland Ballers YouTube Channel and HomeTeam Network.
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On May 16, 2026, the Northwest African American Museum held a roundtable discussion with authors, Dr. Carver Gayton (second from left) , Dr. Emile Pitre, James Donaldson, and Arif Khatib (middle) to discuss their published books, shared experiences,
and community leadership efforts.
Toward the conclusion of the event, Dr. Carver Gayton was presented with the Trailblazer Award from the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. The full event included a live audience Q&A and book signings from each of the authors.
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San Jose Earthquakes Announce El Camino Health as Presenting Partner of Soccer Celebration; Togethering™ Zone to Open June 15
SAN JOSE, Calif. — With almost one week away until the largest sporting event on the planet comes to the Bay Area, the San Jose Earthquakes announced today that starting June 15, El Camino Health will be the official Presenting Partner for Soccer Celebration during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Soccer Celebration presented by El Camino Health will take place at San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose and will be the setting for the largest viewing party series in the Bay Area, with fans enjoying free admission for every single game of the tournament. The extravaganza will feature multiple viewing screens—the largest of them being nearly 500 square feet—along with dynamic soccer activities, a vibrant fan atmosphere with pre-match festivities and opportunities to honor the sport during a momentous summer of soccer.
Among the activations will be the Togethering™ Zone, which will go up on June 15 jointly hosted by the Earthquakes and El Camino Health, Official Healthcare Partner and Jersey Partner of the Quakes. The Togethering™ Zone will serve as a gathering space to experience all the World Cup action featuring a community mural, fan prizes, daily health-forward giveaways, as well as autographed Quakes memorabilia along with VIP ticket packages and experiences at future games, and even Quakes player appearances.
continued...
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Roots Dazzle in the Desert, Defeat Las Vegas Lights FC 2-0
Watch Highlights
Oakland came to play on Saturday night in Las Vegas, defeating Lights FC 2-0 in a group stage fixture of the Prinx Tires USL Cup to keep their chances of advancing alive.
Roots fired out of the gate after the initial whistle, eager to take advantage of the matchup to reverse their recent fortunes on the pitch, playing with speed and aggression despite the over 90 degree temperature at kickoff.
While Las Vegas had a few spurts of momentum, the pitch was generally tilted in favor of Oakland for most of the first half.
This momentum bloomed in the 41st minute when Oakland opened the scoring with a goal for the ages. Lining up for a corner kick on the right side, Jesus De Vicente took matters into his own hands, curling the service off his left foot and placing it perfectly into the top left corner of the goal over the leaping Vegas keeper to finish his stunning Olimpico and make it 1-0 Oakland.
Las Vegas nearly leveled it on their best look of the night immediately after the second half began when a 20-yard strike forced Oakland keeper Raphael Spiegel to leap and push the ball into the crossbar before Roots could clear the ball from danger.
Oakland, however, continued to look like the better side, now holding the lead and showing their patience on the pitch. Roots moved the ball meticulously around the field, maintaining possession and looking for cracks in the Lights defense.
They found one in the 59th minute when Wolfgang Prentice dribbled in the attacking third to draw a few Las Vegas defenders before slotting a through ball into the area. Tucker Lepley picked it up in stride before beating a defender and poking one past the keeper to make it 2-0 Oakland.
With a two goal lead in their pockets, Roots continued to look dangerous for the rest of the match, and steadfast on their back line thwarting any Las Vegas chances that developed to earn their first clean sheet in 13 matches to break the second-longest streak in club history.
The win gives Roots an outside chance to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament with help from other results within the group.
But for now, Oakland will look to take the momentum of the match back to the USL Championship and build a winning streak in their next contest on Saturday, June 13th when Roots host Miami FC at 7 PM PT.
continued...
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Bay FC Forward Onveka Gamero Set to Join U.S. U-20 Women's National Team for June International Friendlies
SAN JOSE, Calif. (May 29, 2026) – U.S. Soccer announced today that Bay FC forward Onyeka Gamero will join the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team for the upcoming June international window. Running June 1 to June 9, Gamero and the USA U-20’s will take the pitch in Spain for a pair of friendlies vs. France as the squad continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup in September.
Gamero’s selection marks her third to an international program this season after previously joining the U-20 squad for matches in March and April. She appeared in both of her squad’s April contests vs. Brazil in Kansas City and Riverside, Mo. alongside fellow Bay FC forward Alex Pfeiffer. The Cerritos, Calif. native has appeared in three matches for Bay FC this season, making her club debut March 28 at North Carolina. She’s tallied two more appearances as a substitute since, coming off the bench April 25 at Gotham FC and May 10 against the Utah Royals.
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Valkyries Sign Center Nadia Fingall to Rest-of-Season Contract
Golden State Waives Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda
The Golden State Valkyries have signed center Nadia Fingall to a rest-of-season contract, the team announced Sunday. The Valkyries have also announced that they have waived forward Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda.
Fingall played for Valencia in Spain from 2023-2025, leading her team to two Liga Femenina de Baloncensto titles and two Supercopa de España championships while earning MVP honors in 2024. The 6-4 center recently played for Casademont Zaragoza where she averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and a 44.7 field goal percentage in 19 games en route to a bronze medal in the Final Six.
Fingall, who will wear No. 45 for Golden State, played collegiately at Stanford where she was named Pac-12 All-Defensive Team Honorable Mention in 2020. Fingall appeared in 115 games across four seasons with the Cardinal, averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor.
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On June 23 & 24th the 80th NBA draft will be held at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York
(Until the draft, my questions will be draft related.)
NBA #1 Draft Picks -- name the players who were
#1 NBA draft picks since 1968.
(Just kidding! I would need too much space
to provide the correct answers.)
Name one of six NBA teams never to have had a
first overall pick in the NBA Draft?
Answer below...
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SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS TO CELEBRATE BAY AREA CRICKET COMMUNITY WITH FAMILY DAY | |
San Francisco Unicorns Family Day Presented by Toyota
to take place on June 21, 2026 at Adrian Wilcox
High School, Santa Clara
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Unicorns have announced the return of their annual Family Day for the 2026 Major League Cricket Season. Toyota returns as the presenting sponsor for the popular community event, which will be held at Adrian Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, CA, on June 21, 2026.
The fourth edition of the annual Family Day aims to build relationships between the franchise, sponsors, and local communities, while inspiring aspiring cricketers with access and coaching opportunities. It will be the first opportunity for Bay Area cricket fans and residents to meet Unicorns’ players in the Bay Area this season.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet the entire Unicorns roster, including new star signing Ravichandran Ashwin, captain Matt Short, and head coach Cameron White. They will be joined by team ambassadors, including former Unicorn Liam Plunkett and recently unveiled team mascot “Sparky”.
Throughout the day, Unicorns players and staff will host cricket clinics, teaching skills for one of the world’s most popular sports to those aged 6-14.
The event is free to attend and all ages are welcome.
Family Day runs from 1pm to 5pm and will also feature refreshments, various family-friendly activities, a merchandise hub, and other sponsor activations from partners including BART and Royal Rice.
David White, CEO of San Francisco Unicorns, said: “Family Day has become a must-attend event on the calendars of all cricket fans in the Bay Area and we’re really looking forward to the 2026 edition. I want to thank Toyota for their continued support of this fun, inclusive day out. They truly embrace what this sport means to our community, and together we’re aiming to inspire the next generation of Unicorns with access to their heroes and hands-on coaching clinics.
Dave Johnston, Northern California TDA President, added: "It’s a privilege to continue our collaboration with the Unicorns for Family Day. As an event, it showcases the diverse communities and passionate sporting base of the Bay Area and Northern California, and we look forward to putting on a show that ensures everyone in attendance has a great day out.”
The San Francisco Unicorns Family Day takes place in the lead up to the first Oakland Coliseum leg of matches, which commence on June 24, 2026 with the Unicorns facing Texas Super Kings. Tickets are available now at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.
San Francisco Unicorns Family Day presented by Toyota
June 21, 2026, from 1pm-5pm PT
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Years of Back Issues, Facebook Albums,
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Immediately below is a link to over 350 issues of
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 187: The Protect College Sports Act's Coalition Problem Is The Story The Hearing Was Designed to Obsure
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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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Wednesday's Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the Protect College Sports Act was a masterclass in how to curate self-serving testimony. Chairman Ted Cruz assembled Nick Saban, Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua, West Virginia President Emeritus Gordon Gee, and Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould, all of whom have institutional interests that are broadly aligned with the antitrust relief the bill provides. And there was a single college athlete, Lance Holtzclaw of the University of Utah, who came across very professionally, but added no real perspective to the conversation.
A Coalition Fracturing in Real Time
The most revealing development surrounding the June 3 hearing was not what was said inside the hearing room. Instead, it was the announcement immediately preceding the hearing made by the SEC and the Big Ten. These are the two most powerful conferences whose commissioners spent years lobbying Capitol Hill alongside other Power conference leaders for much of the federal NIL framework this bill is meant to provide. They issued a joint statement announcing they do not support the Protect College Sports Act as drafted.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Countdown to the Reunion
Featured Car of the Week
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1960 Huffaker BMC Mk 1 Formula Junior
Built by legendary Northern California race car constructor Joe Huffaker for British Motor Car Distributors in San Francisco, the 1960 Huffaker BMC Mk 1 Formula Junior was one of America's most successful Formula Junior racers, recording nine victories in its debut season. Powered by a highly tuned BMC engine, the lightweight single-seater competed during a pivotal era when Formula Junior served as the training ground for future motorsport legends. Owned by Richard Spritz, this car represents the craftsmanship and innovation that would make Huffaker a respected name in racing, the Mk 1 remains a rare and important piece of American motorsport history and a fitting participant in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
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Three-Time World Series Champion Matt Cain Named Honorary Race Official For Toyota/Save Mart 350
at Sonoma Raceway
Cain to deliver official invocation ahead of green flag
for NASCAR Cup Series race
SONOMA, Calif. (May 21, 2026) – Sonoma Raceway announced today that former San Francisco Giants ace pitcher and three-time World Series champion Matt Cain will serve as an Honorary Race Official for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 28.
Cain will deliver the official invocation prior to the green flag for Northern California’s premier NASCAR race, the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race. The race will air live nationally at 12:30 p.m. PT on TNT Sports.
One of the most accomplished pitchers in Giants history, Cain helped lead San Francisco to World Series championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014. A three-time MLB All-Star, Cain remains beloved by Bay Area sports fans for his consistency on the mound and his perfect game thrown on June 13, 2012 — the first in Giants franchise history.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Cain to Sonoma Raceway as part of our Toyota/Save Mart 350 race day,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “Matt is one of the most respected athletes in Bay Area sports history, and his championship pedigree and connection with Northern California fans make him a perfect fit for this incredible NASCAR event.”
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 marks the only NASCAR Cup Series race in Northern California and annually attracts fans from across the country for world-class racing, entertainment and hospitality in the heart of Sonoma wine country.
“I’m honored to be part of such an iconic event at Sonoma Raceway,” said Cain. “Northern California has always been home for me, and I’m looking forward to experiencing the excitement and energy of NASCAR race day.”
Tickets, camping, upgrades, premium options and much more are all available at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223].
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Registration Opens for 2026 F4 Foils Summer Wingding US Wingfoil Championship
St. Francis Yacht Club & US Sailing welcome High Performance and Recreational fleets to compete
on July 30-August 2.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Registration is now open for the 2026 F4 Foils Summer Wingding U.S. Wingfoil Championship, to be held at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California, July 30-August 2, 2026.
Co-hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club and US Sailing, with title sponsor F4 Foils, this is the third national championship for the fast-growing sport of wingfoiling. This year’s competitors can register for the competitive High Performance Wingfoil fleet or the Recreational Wingfoil fleet, and organizers are anticipating the country’s best foilers will come join the strong contingent of Bay Area sailors who wingfoil daily at Crissy Field, which is located adjacent to St. Francis Yacht Club and has been one of the world’s hotspots for board sport innovation.
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| Hardly Trival Answer by T. Buff | | |
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets is one.
(Was that too easy?)
The six teams that have never had a
first overall pick is here.
(The resource for the question I couldn't ask is here.
Fifty-eight years of #1 NBA draft picks --
the site allows 10 minutes to answer.)
Go Red Sox
Go Knicks (NBA Eastern Conference loyalty)
Go Celtics NEXT Year
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Kaylyn Noh Qualifies For US Women’s Open
Former Cal Golfer Played at Berkeley From 2022-25
Former Cal women's golfer Kaylyn Noh qualified for the U.S. Women's Open, shooting a 1-under-par 143 at Bermuda Dunes Country Club on May 13 in the U.S. Women's Open Qualifier.
The one-day, 36-hole tournament featured 69 with the top two players from the field earning a spot in the 2026 U.S. Women's Open, which will take place on June 4-7 at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The qualification marked Noh's first time qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open, one of five major championships on the LPGA tour.
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Photo: Catharyn Hayne / KLC fotos
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Fourth Round Unlocks for Card
Stanford has two cracks at an individual national championship
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Top-ranked Stanford women’s golf has started to find its stride at the 2026 NCAA Championship, and that’s scary for the rest of the field. On the third round of the championship course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Stanford once again put up the best round of the day to take the overall team lead heading into the final round of stroke play.
Stanford survives the first cut of the tournament, from 30 to 15 teams, by posting an 843 as a team (-21), five strokes better than No. 2 USC in second and 11 strokes better than No. 21 Oklahoma State in third. It’s the second day in a row where Stanford shot the best round of the day, with the team’s 9-under 279 the lowest round of the tournament to this point.
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Photo: Matt Thompson
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Fernandes and Smith Named First Team All-Mountain West
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Alex Fernandes and Dylan Smith have both been named First Team All-Mountain West, announced by the conference on Thursday morning.
Fernandes just finished up one of the best offensive seasons in San Jose State history. Fernandes posted a batting average of .401 on the season, becoming the fourth Spartan ever to hit .400 in a season and the first since 1993. Fernandes’ batting average was the tenth best in the nation this season and his on base percentage of .528 was sixth best in the nation.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Saint Mary’s Earns Third Place Finish in Final 2025-26 Commissioner’s
Cup Standings
SAN BRUNO, Calif. - The West Coast Conference released its final 2025-26 Women's and Men's All-Sports Awards and Commissioner's Cup standings with Saint Mary's earning a third place finish for its best Commissioner's Cup finish since 2019.
The WCC Commissioner's Cup is an all-sports award presented at the end of each academic year to the league's top performing school in conference play and is based on a point system, reflecting the finish of each team in conference play. Stretching back to the 2001-02 school year, the Commissioner's Cup has become an annual tradition celebrating WCC athletic excellence.
Saint Mary's best finish in the Commissioner's Cup has been a pair of second place finishes back in 2024 and 2016. The Gaels' last third place finish came in 2019 as they ended 2026 with one of their most successful athletic years in university history. Saint Mary's athletics combined for 185 wins amongst men's and women's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, beach volleyball, men's and women's tennis, softball and baseball for the most combined program wins in an athletic year in department history.
continued...
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San Francisco Signs Center
Ismaila Diagne
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Head coach Chris Gerlufsen and the University of San Francisco men's basketball program announced today the signing of center Ismaila Diagne (Thiés, Senegal/Gonzaga).
"We are thrilled to welcome Ismaila Diagne to our program at the University of San Francisco," said Gerlufsen.
"Ismaila brings tremendous size, skill, and defensive prowess to our program. He has been a part of a lot of success in his previous stops at Gonzaga and Real Madrid. We are excited for Ismaila to bring his winning ways and contagious personality to the Hilltop in 2026-27. We look forward to helping Ismaila continue his development as a Don!"
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Men’s Soccer Signs
Internationally Experienced
Center Back from Sweden
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's soccer announced the signing of Anton Carell, a 6-foot-3 left-footed defender who started in all games in the Swedish pro club U19 league and with experience playing in more than 100 international club games.
"I chose Santa Clara for the coaches, the facilities and the ability to combine college soccer at the highest level with an excellent education in the most dynamic tech eco system in the world," said Carell.
A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Carell played last season at the Darlington Soccer Academy's U19 squad in Rome, Georgia where he was appointed team captain for his leadership, consistency and accountability.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Pacific Mourns Unexpected Passing of Head Baseball Coach Reed Peters
Thursday evening, the Pacific Athletic Department was saddened to learn about the passing of Head Baseball Coach, Reed Peters, following a courageous battle with illness.
"No amount of words could possibly convey the tremendous sadness we all feel at the passing of Coach Peters. Our thoughts and prayers are with Audrey, Cade, Beau, Drew, and the entire Peters family," Athletic Director Adam Tschuor said.
"Reed was with us for only two seasons, but his impact will forever be felt. When we first met, he promised to take the Tigers to new heights, and he did just that with our finest WCC performance to date, our best year this decade, and one of our highest-achieving seasons ever. He will be greatly missed, and we shall all continue to strive to ensure the program lives up to what he built."
Peters' club had just completed a 15-11-1 WCC conference season that led the program to its first ever WCC Tournament appearance where it competed as the number two seed, earning a bye into the double elimination portion of the bracket, and delivered the conference's first tournament victory with a walk-off grand slam over San Francisco.
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Zaire Collier Ranked Among Nation’s Top 35 Returning Offensive Linemen By Hero Sports
DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis football's senior center Zaire Collier has been ranked among the nation's best returning offensive linemen by Hero Sports, coming in as the 35th-best returner up front as part of the Football Championship Subdivision preseason rankings by Hero Sports.
Collier, who earned 2025 Big Sky All-Conference honor, has spent the past two season anchoring the Aggie offensive line making 27 consecutive starts at center, including four NCAA Division I Football Championship playoff games and a pair of Causeway Cup victories.
This past season, Collier helped block for the nation's 27th-best rushing offense and he led the protection that ranked as the 12th-best passing offensive in the country. With Collier leading the way, the Aggies rushed for 2,393 total yards and with Collier at the focal point Jordan Fisher racked up 1,121 yards on the ground to give UC Davis its first 1,000-yard rusher 2023.
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
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Quintero Earns NFCA/CCA All-America Honors
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Marissa Quintero's historic junior season added another major chapter this week as the Cal State East Bay ace was named an NFCA Division II First Team All-American.
One of the premier pitchers in NCAA Division II this season, Quintero earned national recognition after anchoring the Pioneer pitching staff throughout East Bay's standout 2026 campaign. The junior was selected among the nation's top pitchers and became one of the few student-athletes from the West Region to earn First Team distinction.
Quintero dominated opposing lineups all season long, finishing the year with a 28-8 overall record and a 1.44 ERA across 228.2 innings pitched. She struck out 141 batters while limiting opponents to a .193 batting average over 47 appearances.
Her impact extended well beyond the stat sheet. Time and again, Quintero delivered in marquee matchups and postseason play, helping lead the Pioneers to a 43-17 overall record, national rankings throughout the season, and an NCAA postseason berth.
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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/
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, June 8, through
Sunday, June 14, 2026
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Monday, June 8
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Missoula Paddleheads, 5:35 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 12:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Missoula Paddleheads, 5:35 p.m.
Oakland Soul SC @ Pleasanton Rage, 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 11
Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever, 7 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Missoula Paddleheads, 5:35 p.m.
Friday, June 12
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Missoula Paddleheads, 5:35 p.m.
Oakland Soul @ California Storm, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Missoula Paddleheads, 5:35 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Miami FC, 7 p.m.
Oakland Soul SC @ Monterey Bay FC, 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 14
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, 12:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies, 12:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Missoula Paddleheads, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland Soul vs. Stockton Cargo SC, 3 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, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young. Dave Newhouse (dec.)
Software Engineer / Sports Today! Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Technology Advisor: Silas Everett
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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