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August 10 -- August 16, 2026
Issue No. 654
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Don Nelson Memories
by Bruce Macgowan
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Warriors’ coach Don Nelson looked worn out. His tie was loosened, his white shirt showed sweat strains under the arms and his hair was slightly askew. But he looked relieved because the Warriors had just hung on for a narrow win over the Utah Jazz. It was mid-season in January of 1991.
Nellie lit a cigarette and cracked open a beer, a normal routine when speaking with reporters after games. He was casual but calculated about what he was going to say.
Being the aggressive radio reporter, I immediately started to ask the first question. But before I even finished, “Nellie” shot me a cold stare.
“You should know the drill by now, Bruce. Beat writers first!”
Oakland Tribune columnist Ron Bergman teased me after a dozen or so questions were thrown Nellie’s way.
“Ok, now that you’ve answered all the intelligent questions you can talk with the radio guys!”
Nellie let out a chuckle.
Don Nelson was a fascinating guy. Not as warm and cuddly as he appeared. Nelson would occasionally brow beat or even embarrass a media member if they asked a question he didn’t like. If you were covering the team, you learned how to play the game his way, or you were frozen out.
Nellie had a pretty good playing career, winning four NBA title rings in the 1960s during the fabulous Bill Russell era. A hard-nosed forward, he helped win a critical game 7 in the Finals one year against the Lakers with a clutch shot that put the game away.
Nelson’s Golden State teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s were some of the most exciting clubs in the NBA and the “Run TMC” teams of that era featured a small, but feisty and active group which drove other teams batty. The combination of Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway led the Warriors to a pair of playoff upsets over Utah and San Antonio which went into those series as heavy favorites.
Unfortunately in 1995 Nellie and young star Chris Webber got into a feud that tore the team apart and it happened in the middle of an ownership change. Nellie was fired and the Warriors disappeared into the wilderness for most of the next 16 years, making the playoffs just once during the magical “We believe” season of 2007-08 when Nellie returned to lead the Warriors to a stunning upset in the playoffs over top-seeded Dallas.
After getting out of coaching, Nelson made a major lifestyle change. He stopped drinking and lost something like 50 pounds, then became a big proponent of marijuana and it became his drug of choice. He ended up smoking a lot of it and growing his own brand. Nellie also moved to Maui and became friends with country-western legend Willie Nelson. The two men, along with several of their friends, used to play cards in a room above a bar-restaurant in the little surf town of Paia, on the north side of Maui.
When Nelson returned to the Bay Area about ten years ago to check out a Warriors game I ran into him but didn’t recognize him. He had lost all that weight and had a long white beard and long hair. This guy who looked like an old hippie smiled at me and then said in a voice I instantly recognized, “Hey, it’s me!”
My favorite memories of Nellie involve his twice weekly morning shows on KNBR with broadcasting legends Frank Dill and Mike Cleary. Dill had been a TV sportscaster but Cleary knew little about the NBA and Nelson would constantly tease him on the air.
“Hey Mikey, are you going to ask me an intelligent question this morning?” Nellie would needle him.
Cleary always took teasing in good humor. But that was Nellie’s way of letting you know who was in charge!
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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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Phyllis Diller
July 17, 1917 -- August 20, 2012
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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
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Contents
Games
San Francisco Giants 1, Detroit Tigers 3
Features & Commentary
A Tribute to Mike Kurkow, by Bruce Macgowan
Don Nelson Memories, by Bruce Macgowan
Harris Barton, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
I Smiled, by Andy Dolich
MLB: Why There Will Be A Lockout, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heiter, Esq.
Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain
Sports Haiku, by Carl Macki
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San Francisco Giants -- Correct Priorities?
According to baseball media reports, the San Francisco Giants did well in the recent draft, acquiring two highly prized rookie pitchers (and more) who may be of service in several years. But at what cost? Perhaps the second-best player in the NL, batting .325 and leading the League.
From this vantage point, it seems an ill-advised decision to trade a current All-Star for prospects – both of whom work with a skillset subject to frequent injury – and are years away from contributing.
Why not just open the pocketbook to Mr. Luis Arraez, thereby securing an invaluable second baseman for years to come, and pursue outstanding pitching talents like Tarik Skubal – or others -- for immediate gain? (Certainly there would be a much higher cost, perhaps even jeopardizing year-end dividends for the Giants’ 35 owners who may prefer dividends to wins, but which would quickly return the G-men to respectability.)
Seems like a better priority. Just say’n.
Lexi LaRue
San Francisco, CA
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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San Francisco Giants 1
Detroit Tigers 3
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, August 9, 2026
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An image in memory of former Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson appears on the main scoreboard before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the
Detroit Tigers at Oracle Park.
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San Francisco Giants second baseman Osleivis Basabe used his legs to account for the lone run in the 3-1 defeat to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, August 9th at Oracle Park. Basabe beat a throw at first base on a fielder's choice, stole second, went to third on an overthrow, then scored on an infield single.
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Starting pitcher Logan Webb gave up one run and four hits over eight innings, finishing with a no-decision.
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Center fielder Drew Gilbert went 2-for-4 with a triple
and an RBI single.
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San Francisco Giants second baseman Osleivis Basabe (39) uses his glove to flip the ball to second base to start a double play against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning at Oracle Park.
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San Francisco Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (0) reacts
after a called strike during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oracle Park.
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San Francisco Giants fans wait patiently above the dugout for autographs before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Oracle Park. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
All photos and captions Darren Yamashita.
| Andy Dolich, center, Valley Stream South High School graduate and Sixers flak gentleman, was wondering where his tote was! | |
by Andy Dolich
Yes, I smiled when the news became official that LeBron James had ended his New Hoop Home Suspense Tour and signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
In 1967 the Philadelphia 76ers, led by the legendary Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain, won the NBA championship beating the San Francisco Warriors in six games. This powerhouse team posted the best record in league history at that time, winning 68 and losing only 13. In 1968 the NBA added a game going to the current 82 games.
Just five seasons later the 76ers returned to the basketball record books by posting the worst season in NBA history, winning 9 and losing 73, a record that has stood the test of many other putrid basketball teams for the last 43 years. The Charlotte Bobcats threw up a 7-59 mess in the 2011-12
“Lockout” season. But if you want to truly stink and be remembered for it, you have to play 82!
My first job after graduating from the Ohio University Sports Management Program in 1970 was with the 76ers as an intern selling season tickets. I had a front row seat on how greatness turned into an embarrassing asterisk. The 76ers demise was not without moments of futility, apathy, stupidity and peculiarity, all of which led to years of anonymity for this
bumbling band of basketball brothers.
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In my role as a PR flak for the Sixers, it was suggested
I outfit myself with the largest tie in town
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LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers
Now let’s look at LeBron’s 23-year career in the league as it relates to records of teams he played with:
W & L Records
Best full season record (66-16); Cleveland Cavaliers - 2008-09, Miami Heat - 2012-13
Worst full season record (33-49); Los Angeles Lakers - 2003-04
LeBron has told the basketball world that he wants to become the first NBA player to win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with four different franchises.
Players who have NBA Championships with three different teams:
● Robert Horry: Won 7 total titles—Houston Rockets (1994, 1995), Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002), and San Antonio Spurs (2005, 2007). He is the only player with multiple rings across three separate teams.
● LeBron James: Won 4 total titles—Miami Heat (2012, 2013),
Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and Los Angeles Lakers (2020).
● John Salley: Won 4 total titles—Detroit Pistons (1989, 1990), Chicago Bulls (1996), and Los Angeles Lakers (2000).
● Danny Green: Won 3 total titles—San Antonio Spurs (2014), Toronto Raptors (2019), and Los Angeles Lakers (2020)
There are two records which LeBron James will never be a part of, no matter how hard he tries.
- 73-9 by Golden State Warriors in 2015-16
- 9-73 Philadelphia 76ers in 1972-73
What number of W & Ls are Crystal Ball Basketball Bettors putting their predictive brilliance on for the upcoming
2026-27 season for LeBron and his teammates? What is your prediction?
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Prized Sixers Yearbook from the 1973-74 season recorded the ignominious team efforts in 1972 leading to a
dismal 9-73 record
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# # #
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.
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Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Bruce Meyer represents the players in the lock out dispute with Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and the
30 team owners (AP file photo)
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MLB: Why there will be a Lockout
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
There is no “potential” lockout; it is coming.
This December 1st is the day the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires. I do not believe there will be a new deal in place between labor (players) and management (owners) by then. This is big business, and each side is trying to figure out who has the most leverage. Each side is trying to get leverage on the other side. The main dish: “Salary Cap.”
In December we should hear (like it happened in previous disputes) from both sides; they will put their plan forward and all that jazz. That is going to happen, because that is the way it has always happened, and the best thing we have during this work stoppage is the history between owners and players, and there is precedent; you do not need a law degree to understand this. There is no mystery here.
Let us dig a little deeper. Q: Can the players strike during this 2026 Postseason? A: No, baseball players cannot strike during the upcoming 2026 playoffs because their current CBA (see above) runs through December 1, 2026. Therefore, the 2026 postseason, including the World Series, will finish before the labor contract expires. The current agreement guarantees there will be labor Peace through the Postseason/World Series.
If there is no movement by late February or early March of 2027, then we all should be concerned, because the season will be in jeopardy.
The winter months? As it usually happens, other sports leagues are already playing: NFL, NBA, NHL, and on February 14, 2027, the Super Bowl is scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (Inglewood), California. The Super Bowl is the biggest yearly sporting event in the United States, so baseball is already on vacation; to me, it is more a TV spectacle than a game.
So what? It doesn’t matter which side we are favoring, owners or players, because in the end we, the fans and the media are just spectators in the bullpen.
However, there is one thing both sides agree on: Major League Baseball (MLB) is a very lucrative multi-billion-dollar business. With media rights, ticket sales, and corporate partnerships, this league is one of the most economically powerful sports leagues in the world.
Finally. How long will the lockout be? Nobody really knows today, so get your popcorn and hot butter ready, because these things have a life of their own. While the labor unions’ favorite word is “Solidarity,” owners might use “Unity,” the same cat with a different collar.
Want to bet? Las Vegas oddsmakers are already taking bets on the possibility of winners and losers on this upcoming lockout. Who knows? Maybe we should ask a team that is supposed to open play in Sin City in 2028, the ex-Philadelphia-Kansas City-Oakland-Sacramento Athletics.
Quote: Rob Manfred, Baseball Commissioner, explaining the 2021–22 lockout: “We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. We cannot allow an expired agreement to again cause an in-season strike and a missed World Series."
Like they say in French – Faites vos jeux – Place your bets.
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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.
Published August 5, 2026 by Sports Radio Service
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A Tribute to Mike Kurkow
by Bruce Macgowan
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“There last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster
for me, I’m kind of worn out from all the attention,” Giants’ broadcast legend Mike Krukow said Sunday morning.
“Kruk” got a lotta love in the last few days after announcing his retirement at the end of the current season due to health issues.
Thirty-plus years as an analyst on the Giants; TV broadcasts have given him a deserved spot among Bay Area sports celebrities.
But rather than recounting some of his greatest moments in the booth, it might be just as interesting to look at his playing career, which was pretty good.
Krukow arrived in San Francisco after the 1982 season in a controversial trade that sent fan favorite and future Hall of Famer Joe Morgan to the Phillies in a package deal. Giants’ fans were pretty unhappy about the trade as was San Francisco manager Frank Robinson.
“I knew it wasn’t a popular deal,” Krukow told me a few years later during an interview.
“I had a tired arm coming out of spring training but was really anxious to get off to a good start.”
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Longtime San Francisco Giants broadcaster
Mike Krukow to retire at the end of the season
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But that didn’t happen in the season opener of 1983. Krukow was pulled in the second inning after giving up four hits, walking three and allowing four runs as the Giants lost a wild one to San Diego 16-13. But in his next start, Krukow rebounded nicely by pitching well into the seventh inning without allowing an earned run to pick up his first win as a Giant.
The next two years, however, were bad and then awful for the Giants. Despite two good seasons on the mound, the Giants couldn’t match Kruk’s performances and bottomed out in 1985, losing a record 100 games. Owner Bob Lurie fired manager Jimmy Davenport and brought in Detroit pitching coach Roger Craig.
The former big-league pitcher energized the club, taught his veterans, such as Krukow, his specialty pitch, the split-fingered fastball and had his young team play aggressive baseball -- stealing bases, playing hit-and-run and putting pressure on other teams. The result was a magical season as the “Humm Babies” led by youngsters Will Clark and Robbie Thompson and veterans Chili Davis and Jeffrey Leonard, stunned baseball by taking over first place at the All-Star break.
Krukow also enjoyed a Renaissance year, winning 20 games and earning an All Star berth.
“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!” he jubilantly said while signing baseballs in the clubhouse before the game at the Astrodome.
The next season was even more magical as the Giants won 37 of their last 54 games to snatch their first NL West Division Title since 1971. Cagy San Francisco general manager Al Rosen swung several deals which made a huge difference, bringing in slugger Kevin Mitchell and pitchers Dave Dravecky and Rick Reuschel.
Krukow struggled that year with an injured shoulder that was later diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff, but he enjoyed the highlight of his career in Game Four of the NLCS that fall against St Louis. Trailing in the series two games to one, Krukow was clutch in a must win situation.
Jeffrey Leonard hit his fourth home run in as many games and Bob Brenly put a clincher on a 4-2 win with a solo shot in the eighth. Krukow was constantly walking the tightrope in this game, pitching out of several jams but going the distance.
Although the Giants lost the series in seven games, they might have won it had Craig not made an unwise decision and chose Atlee Hammaker over Krukow in the winner-take-all seventh game.
The next two years were frustrating for Krukow, who didn’t get a proper medical diagnosis on his injured shoulder. Although the Giants finally won a pennant in 1989, Krukow was mostly relegated to team cheerleader and was a media “Go-to-guy” after big wins.
Krukow did some late season interviews on Giants TV and local executives were impressed enough to give him a chance in 1991 to work alongside Duane Kuiper, starting a wonderful relationship which has lasted well over three decades.
Congratulations, old friend!
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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| | Giants' World Series-winning infield reunites for Wall of Fame enshrinement | | |
By Adrian Garro
SAN FRANCISCO -- Their accomplishments have echoed throughout Oracle Park for more than 15 years -- and now another group of legendary Giants has a permanent presence at the ballpark.
Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Joe Panik, Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval were honored on Saturday as the latest crop of World Series heroes to be added to the Giants’ Wall of Fame.
Without the efforts of those five, the Giants likely wouldn’t have mounted championship runs in 2010, '12, and '14, seasons that instilled the concept of “even-year magic” that captured the excitement of the fan base under manager Bruce Bochy.
Before the Giants’ 8-0 loss to the Tigers, each player had his plaque unveiled along the brick wall on the exterior of Oracle Park along King Street.
Two of these five remain in the Giants’ organization: Posey as president of baseball operations, and Panik as a special assistant in player development. Sandoval was an instructor at Spring Training prior to the 2026 season.
For those in the group not in active front-office roles, they’re enjoying their post-playing days however they deem fit -- which, for Belt, means maximum relaxation.
“I like to nap. There's just a lot of moments for me to nap,” deadpanned Belt in a media session after Saturday’s pregame ceremony, after also saying he hasn’t watched much baseball in “probably three years.” (Belt’s final season in the Majors was 2023 with Toronto.)
Giants broadcasters Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow hosted the pregame proceedings, which also featured a conversation with special guests Bochy, former pitching coach Dave Righetti, former third-base coach Tim Flannery, former pitching coach Mark Gardner and former bench coach Ron Wotus, who reflected on the new crop of inductees sitting behind them on the infield dirt in folding chairs with their families.
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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Athletics David Forst began his front office career as a scout with the Athletics in 2000, before working his way up to
General Manager in 2015. Forst is pictured above at the
Rickey Henderson Celebration of Life on Feb. 1, 2025.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
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GM David Forst,
Athletics part ways
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by Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru
The Athletics have agreed to part ways with General Manager David Forst, the club announced Friday.
Assistant general manager Dan Feinstein will serve as the interim general manager for the remainder of the 2026 season.
"David has been an integral part of the A’s and our success for nearly three decades," said A’s Owner and Managing Partner John Fisher. "His leadership, dedication, and commitment to this team have helped shape our baseball operations department and position us for the future. We are grateful for everything David has done for our organization.”
“It was truly an honor to spend the last 27 years with the A’s, especially the last 11 as the GM,” said Forst. “This organization is full of incredibly talented, devoted, and good people, and I am lucky to have worked alongside them for so long.”
Forst, 50, began his front office career as a scout with the then-Oakland Athletics in 2000. He was named assistant general manager to Billy Beane in 2004 and later promoted to general manager after Beane left the role following the 2015 season.
In 10 full seasons under Forst's leadership, the A's won the AL West once, in the shortened 2020 season, and made the playoffs three times from 2018-20.
Plagued by injuries to the core of their youth movement, the A's entered play Friday 45-70 (.391), facing the likelihood of a fifth consecutive losing season.
continued....
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Steady offense leads Ballers to eighth straight win
Thomas twirls six scoreless to earn first professional win
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By Gareth Kwok
MARYSVILLE, CA (August 8, 2026) --The Oakland Ballers (13-10, 35-36) used another steady and balanced attack to win their eighth straight, defeating the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds (5-18, 20-51) 13-3 on Saturday night at Bryant Field.
Oakland opened the scoring in the third with a two-run homer by rookie Logan Johnstone, who has now homered in back-to-back games. The Los Gatos native is batting .400 through his first four games with the Ballers.
The Ballers broke through in the fourth with four runs in on four hits. A sacrifice fly from Noah Blythe, an RBI single from Tristan Moore and a two-run single from Brendan O'Sullivan gave Oakland a 6-0 lead against Yuba-Sutter starting right-hander Jared Schaeffer (L, 0-2).
After Blythe drove in another run on a fielder's choice grounder, Moore brought home his second run of the game with a single in the fifth before Esai Santos launched a solo homer to right-center to make it 9-0 Ballers. Santos has now homered in three straight games.
Starting right-hander David Thomas (W, 1-1) earned his first professional win with six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and no walks with two strikeouts. The Alameda native induced two double plays and at one point retired eight consecutive batters.
In the seventh, O'Sullivan singled home his third run of the game with a grounder to left and Santos hit a sacrifice fly to give Oakland an 11-0 lead.
Jake Allgeyer and Jeter Ybarra delivered the finishing touches with RBI doubles in the ninth to give Oakland 13 runs on the night.
Oakland has now scored 113 runs during this eight-game win streak.
Out of the bullpen, Brady Chavez struck out four in 1.2 innings and Julio Rosario struck out four in 1.1 innings to seal the Ballers eighth straight win.
The Ballers conclude their three-game road series against the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds on Sunday, August 9. First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m from Bryant Field. Fans can tune in beginning at 10:45 a.m on the Oakland Ballers YouTube Channel and HomeTeam Network.
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A Classic -- Enjoy!
Chef Myke's Musings are Priceless...
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Classic Poutine in Toronto
Outside of hot dog territory, our neighbors to the north in
Blue Jay country have some gourmet twists on classic comfort foods, ranging from their own native artisan poutine
an craft concessions.
Major venues like BC Place in Vancouver and in Toronto
have redefined traditional arena fare with high-end
culinary options like Classic Poutine: Hot, crispy fries
topped with real cheese curds and warm gravy.
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Specialty Twists
Specialty stands occasionally feature loaded variations
like poutine hot dogs topped with
curds and gravy.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
| Morning Report: Celebrating 87 Day | |
Good Morning, Faithful,
Here are your top 49ers storylines for Friday, August 7:
New and Notable
Day 8 of 49ers Camp 2026: 49ers Celebrate 87 Day as Young Playmakers Shine
Each year around Aug. 7, the 49ers celebrate 87 Day to honor franchise legend Dwight Clark, welcoming fans and dozens of team alumni, including Brent Jones, Bryant Young, Ronnie Lott, Keena Turner, Patrick Willis, and others.
Learn More>>>
49ers Sign OL Kion Smith to a One-Year Deal, Waive WR Colton Dowell
The 49ers announced they have signed OL Kion Smith to a one-year deal. In order to make room on the roster, the team waived WR Colton Dowell.
Learn More >>>
Trent Williams Ranked No. 40 on NFL's 'Top 100 Players of 2026'
The veteran has built a body of work that includes 12 Pro Bowl selections and three first team AP All-Pro honors while continuing to set the standard at his position.
Learn More>>>
continued...
| How a Trio of NCAA Champions Fueled Warriors' 2026 Summer League Championship | |
Kalyb Champion
The Warriors captured the Summer League title for the first time since the inaugural championship game in 2013. A half court heave caromed off the backboard and the Warriors’ bench erupted with jubilation. Summer League Head Coach Khalid Robinson pumped his fist and dapped up one of the team’s leaders, Will Richard, who entered the NBA in 2025, fresh off an NCAA championship with the Florida Gators.
His backcourt mate on the Warriors’ Summer League squad, LJ Cryer, also reached the mountaintop with the Baylor Bears in 2021. Golden State drafted reigning NCAA champion, Yaxel Lendeborg, with the 11th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft — he won the title with the Michigan Wolverines and one month later, he was again hoisting a trophy, this time as the Summer League Championship game MVP.
Summer League is a proving ground for young players in the early stages of their careers looking to establish themselves in the league. It’s easy for players to want to prioritize themselves, showcasing to NBA teams what they can bring to the table at the next level and putting team success on the back burner.
However, the Warriors’ 2026 Summer League team was filled with players who already embodied a winning culture, willing to sacrifice individual stats for the team success and in Las Vegas, they came together for one common goal.
In achieving that goal, several players stood out, showing how they can impact winning when the regular season tips off in October. Learn more about the three NCAA champions who helped the Warriors reign supreme for the summer.
(Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images)
continued...
| 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!
Gold and red gleam bright
Quest for victory begins
Football fans’ delight
| |
Contributed by Carl Macki
carlmacki@gmail.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
|
Graf signs 3-year, $12.75 million contract with Sharks
23-year-old forward had 21 goals, 25 assists for San Jose last season
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By NHL.com @NHLMedia
July 31, 2026
Collin Graf signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract with the San Jose Sharks on Friday. It has an average annual value of $4.25 million.
The 23-year-old forward had NHL career-highs in goals (21), assists (25) and points (46) in 81 games for the Sharks last season.
“Collin was a big part of our team’s improvement this past season, being an effective penalty killer for us and his versatility in the lineup was extremely valuable,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said. “His hard-working attitude and work ethic is a big reason why his game took another stride last year, and he continues to be an important person in our young group of players. We’re happy we are able to keep him a Shark for the next several seasons.”
An undrafted free agent who signed with San Jose on April 4, 2024, Graf has 59 points (26 goals, 33 assists) in 121 NHL games.
continued...
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Natalie Nakase Postgame Press Conference 8/9/26
Natalie Nakase addresses the media after the team's victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night.
Watch Here!
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SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes announced today a new multiyear back-of-jersey partnership with DUDE Wipes, the fast-growing personal care brand.
Starting with the Earthquakes’ Aug. 1 match against FC Cincinnati, the DUDE Wipes logo will appear on the back of the Major League Soccer club’s first-team jerseys. The partnership, which also entails DUDE Wipes becoming the club’s Official Wipe/Flushable Wipe, expands beyond the jersey to include community programming, matchday activations, digital content and fan engagement initiatives across San Jose.
"We are excited to announce our new partnership with DUDE Wipes," said Earthquakes President Jared Shawlee. "DUDE Wipes is a rapidly burgeoning national brand and we look forward to introducing a number of activations together to support our local community and enhance the fan experience at PayPal Park."
In addition to logo placement on the back of the first team’s jerseys, DUDE Wipes will be the presenting partner of PRIME TIME—the Earthquakes’ interstate rivalry match at Levi’s Stadium against LAFC, which will take place this year on Sept. 19. DUDE Wipes and the Earthquakes will introduce a new activation called Clean Sheets, which will feature giveaways and more when the Quakes’ defense records a shutout in MLS play. DUDE Wipes will also commit to providing product to families at community events across the Bay Area.
"We've always believed the best partnerships happen when you don't take yourself too seriously,” said Ryan Meegan, Co-Founder and CMO of DUDE Wipes. “Landing on the back of the Earthquakes jersey feels pretty fitting for a brand that always has your back. From matchday activations to celebrating every clean sheet, we're excited to bring some extra laughs—and a whole lot of wipes—to Quakes fans.”
continued...
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Second Half Push Falls Short as Roots Fall 0-1 at El Paso Locomotive FC
WATCH!
It was a tale of two halves for Roots on Saturday night in El Paso, but despite a second half push Oakland could not find an answer to Locomotive FC’s first half goal by full-time, eventually falling 0-1 in the contest.
Perhaps weary from three games in short succession and back-to-back games facing high heat on the pitch, Roots looked sluggish to begin Saturday’s match.
El Paso deployed an energetic high press from the outset, spending nearly the entire first frame in Roots’ defensive third and completely blanking Oakland’s efforts to sustain movement up the pitch.
Locomotive scored the eventual game-winner in just the 9th minute of the match when Rubio Rubín posted in front of the six-yard box and deflected an inswinging cross on a half-volley that beat Kendall Mcintosh to make it 0-1.
But however poorly Roots appeared to be playing in the first half, they appeared dangerous in equal amounts in the second.
Oakland attacked with much more aggression and pace in the second frame opting to move the ball into the box by any means necessary.
This shift in style led to a number of scoring chances that easily could have drawn the match even, none better than a chance in the 68th minute that saw Tucker Lepley set up a shot inside the box, striking what looked like a sure goal only to be cleared over the bar by an El Paso defender that was in the right place at the right time to bail out the Locomotive netminder.
Roots continued to press until the final moments to find an equalizer that never materialized as the match ended 0-1.
Roots’ next opportunity in their push for the playoffs comes on Saturday, August 15th back home at the Oakland Coliseum versus NorCal rivals Monterey Bay FC at 7 PM PT.
continued..
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Match Recap: Bay FC 0,
Chicago Stars FC 0
Bay FC played Chicago Stars FC to a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Bay actually found the back of the net on two occasions, but each potential score was negated by offsides penalties. Goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz only had to make save and finished the match with her fifth clean sheet intact. With the draw, Bay FC broke its three-match losing streak, and they’ll look to get back on the winning track on Friday when they visit Utah Royals FC.
continued...
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SPECIAL LINKS TO BACK ISSUES
Years of Back Issues, Facebook Albums,
Autographs and Haikus
Immediately below is a link to over 350 issues of
Sports Today! which bring to life memories of Bay Area sporting events and the stories behind them. Reclaim memories of titles won and lost and championships reclaimed and slipped away.
Sports Today Links
https://conta.cc/4mTASdh
Facebook Links
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Autograph Links
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Sports Haiku Links
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Comments? Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
An Easy One This Week...
What MLB franchise has won the most
REGULAR SEASON games in MLB history?
Hint: It is not the Yankees, in spite of
their sporting the highest
winning percentage.
answer below...
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Harris Barton -- 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 offensive tackle Harris Barton. 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. Harris is a 3-time
Super Bowl champion who played with the 49ers
from 1987 - 1998.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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|
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 196: Why Is Congress About To Immunize The NCAA At The Exact Monet It
Keeps Losing?
| | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
| | |
The final text of the Protect College Sports Act is now public, all 171 pages of it, and buried inside Title I is a single provision that dwarfs everything else in the bill in practical consequence. Section 118, styled "Limitation on Liability," would make it categorically lawful under federal antitrust law for the NCAA, its conferences, and its member institutions to enforce or comply with rules governing eligibility, transfers, recruiting and tampering, agent regulation, and mid-season coaching departures. Congress is proposing to hand the NCAA a blanket antitrust shield over precisely the categories of conduct that have generated the most consequential litigation losses in the association's history, and it is proposing to do so in the same week that state and federal courts across the country continue to find that the NCAA cannot be trusted to govern those categories fairly even without an antitrust shield.
What Section 118 Actually Does
Section 118(a) provides that it "shall not be unlawful under the antitrust laws" for an intercollegiate athletic association, a conference, or an institution to enforce or comply with rules implementing a specific list of the bill's substantive provisions. Each item on that list corresponds to a category of NCAA governance that has been the subject of active antitrust and contract litigation over the past several years.
On eligibility, the exemption covers Section 113, the bill's five-year eligibility clock, academic standing requirements, and restrictions tied to performance-enhancing drug and wagering violations. On transfers, it covers Section 112, which codifies a one-free-transfer framework with narrow exceptions. On recruiting and tampering, it covers Section 117, which imposes contact windows of two to five weeks and an opt-in requirement before another program may communicate with a rostered athlete. On agent regulation, it covers Section 103, the bill's federal agent registry provision layered on top of amendments to the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act. And on mid-season coaching departures, it covers Section 110, which enumerates eight prohibited categories of head coach conduct once a coach has indicated intent to leave, backed by institutional penalties.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Hypercars, World Champion GP Riders, IROC Legends Heighten Entertainment and Experiences at Rolex Monterey
Motorsports Reunion
| 1991 Mazda 787B (Le Mans overall winner) | |
Hypercars, World Champion GP Riders, IROC Legends Heighten Entertainment and Experiences at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Monterey, Calif., August 5, 2026 — The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion bursts into Monterey Car Week, Aug. 12-15, with more activities than ever before, making it a non-stop sensory experience for enthusiasts of all ages. For the first time in the event’s history, a group of ultra-rare hypercars will take spirited exhibition laps on Saturday. People have enjoyed them parked on the streets, but now they get to experience them at speed.
“We are also welcoming the six living World Champion GP riders who are reuniting for the first time to celebrate their dominance on Japanese motorcycles,” explains Bruce Canepa of Friends of Laguna Seca. “These six champions (Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Kevin Schwantz, and Freddie Spencer) haven’t been together in years, so you can only imagine the stories they’ll be telling at the autograph session and on stage.”
History will be made as iconic Japanese race cars and motorcycles ridden by the World Champions will be together for exhibition laps. Le Mans-winning prototypes, a Hondapowered Williams Formula 1 car, IMSA-winning GTOs and a NASCAR Toyota Camry will be among the cars surrounded by the MotoGP championship bikes to create a truly unique experience that will bring fans to the fences to witness.
continued...
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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
| |
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.
continued....
| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants franchise holds
the most total regular-season wins in MLB history
with 11,670 victories, closely followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (11,594) and the
Chicago Cubs (11,486).
However, the New York Yankees hold the
highest all-time winning percentage (.569) and the most World Series titles (27).
This link will take you to the wiki W/L record of
all the teams, regular and postseason.
Some of the stats are surprising...
Go Red Sox!
Go Celtics!
| |
Current, Former Bears Impress At 2026 Toyota National Championships
Erisman, Stadden Combine For 6 1st-Place Finishes
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IRVINE – California rising senior Ryan Erisman and alumna Isabelle Stadden combined for six victories at last week's 2026 Toyota National Championships.
Erisman finished first in the 800-meter freestyle, 400 individual medley and 200 freestyle. He added a runner-up finish in the 400 freestyle.
Stadden, a 2025 graduate of the Cal women's swimming & diving team, finished first in the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke events.
continued...
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2026 Fall Camp: Week 2 Recap
Training camp is halfway finished
STANFORD, Calif. — Pads were popping during Stanford football’s second week of training camp. The intensity ramped up with three of the team’s five practices featuring full pads. As the week wore on, the team’s connection and brotherhood continued to be on full display.
For one pair in particular, that connection comes naturally. Stanford fans have known Marcus Brown for two years, as the third-year wide receiver began his career as a walk-on. This year, he is joined by his older brother Nico, who transferred from Yale, as he finishes out his collegiate career.
continued...
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2027 Softball Mountain West Schedule Released
LAS VEGAS - The 2027 Mountain West softball conference schedule has been released, the conference announced Thursday afternoon.
The 2027 season marks a new chapter for Mountain West softball with San José State being a conference member with UNLV, Grand Canyon, UC Davis, Nevada, Hawai’i, UTEP and New Mexico. As part of the conference schedule, every school will play one three-game series against every other team.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
Kroner's Corner: What the Gaels Look to Take Away from their Upcoming Foreign Tour
Head coach Mickey McConnell believes playing five high-level games in Australia this month will benefit the Saint Mary's Gaels in several ways.
With 10 new players on the roster, the Gaels can learn about each other on and off the court. With McConnell heading into his first season as head coach and with four new assistants on the SMC staff, the coaches can get better accustomed to each other and to the players.
continued...
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Gina Kehr Renews Contract, Extended Through 2029
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Gina Kehr, head coach of the University of San Francisco (USF) triathlon program, has signed a contract extension through 2029, announced on Thursday.
"We are thrilled that Gina will continue leading our triathlon program," said Director of Athletics Brent Blaylock.
"During her time on The Hilltop, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to recruiting, developing, and supporting high-performing student-athletes who excel academically and athletically at the national level. Her teams represent the University of San Francisco and USF Athletics with distinction while embodying our cura personalis approach to developing the whole person."
continued...
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Men's Hoops To Return to Palm Desert for 2026 Acrisure Series
The Broncos defeated Minnesota 86-75 at last year's
Acrisure Invitational
| | |
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara men's basketball is set to once again take part in the Acrisure Series in Palm Desert, Calif. this November as part of their 2026-27 nonconference slate. The Broncos are one of 26 NCAA Division I programs that will compete in a total of 26 games over six days of action at Acrisure Arena, Nov. 21-26.
"The Acrisure Series has become one of the premier events in college basketball, and we believe this year's field is the strongest we've assembled," said Dan Shell, President of Total Sports Consulting and Co-Tournament Director. "Bringing together 26 outstanding programs for six consecutive days creates an incredible experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans while continuing to establish Greater Palm Springs as one of the country's premier destinations for Thanksgiving college basketball. We are grateful to Acrisure, Visit Greater Palm Springs, Spotlight 29 Casino, Acrisure Arena and all of our partners for helping make this event possible."
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Men’s Golf Adds Chris Ebster
As Assistant Coach
| | |
STOCKTON, Calif. – Pacific men's golf head coach John Cook announced on Thursday afternoon the addition of Chris Ebster as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Ebster, a native of Modesto, California, served most recently as the associate head coach of the men's and women's golf programs at Modesto Junior College since January 2025.
I'm excited to have Chris as part of the Pacific golf coaching staff," Cook said. "His playing abilities and passion to help develop the new team members as well as the returning players will be a great addition to the program!"
continued...
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UC Davis Hosts San Francisco In Wednesday Exhibition
DAVIS, Calif. — The 2026 UC Davis women's soccer team will welcome its first opponent of the season when the Aggies host San Francisco in an exhibition at Aggie Soccer Field this Wednesday, Aug. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The team's regular-season opener is scheduled one week later at Fresno State (Aug. 12, 7 p.m.) followed by the first home game of the campaign against Causeway rival Sacramento State on Sunday, Aug. 16 (8 p.m.).
"A big goal of ours early in the season is to get everybody on the same page," head coach Kat Martz said about a 2026 team that features 13 newcomers, including six first-year transfers. "Once we do that we will use it as a springboard to bigger things."
continued...
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
| |
Pioneers Place 11 on NABC Honors Court, Earn Team Academic Excellence Award
HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay men's basketball program was recognized for its success in the classroom as the Pioneers earned the 2025-26 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award. The honor recognizes programs that posted a team GPA of 3.0 or higher during the academic year.
In addition, 11 Pioneer student-athletes were named to the 2025-26 NABC Honors Court, which recognizes junior, senior and graduate student-athletes who maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
continued...
| | | | |
Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, August 10, through
Sunday, August 16, 2026
| | |
Monday, August 10
San Francisco Giants vs. Houston Astros, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11
San Francisco Giants vs. Houston Astros, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roadsters, 6:35 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12
San Francisco Giants vs. Houston Astros, 12:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roadsters, 6:35 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky, 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 13
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roadsters, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, August 14
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Texas Rangers, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Bay FC @ Utah Royals FC, 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Texas Rangers, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 4:35 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Monterey Bay FC, 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 9
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Texas Rangers, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 1:05 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 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
| | |
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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