|
June 20 -- July 26, 2026
Issue No. 651
| | |
Nolan Ryan -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
| |
Here’s another Nolan Ryan autograph.
I ran across Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan at a sports collectors show and just had to get his autograph (or two) for my collection. He had some incredible photos on his display table and I chose this one for him to sign, along with another.
He added “Don’t mess with Texas!." It shows him fighting with Robin Ventura after he hit him with a pitch. Robin charged the mound and was ejected from the game while Nolan remained in the game for several more innings.
Nolan has a career 5,714 strikeouts and 7 no-hitters. He
was inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1999.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
| | |
Ernest Hemingway
July 21, 1899 -- July 2, 1961
| | 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 | | |
LA Knight Rider (164)
Washington Freedom (163/9)
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Saturday, July 18, 2026
| |
LA Knight Rider captain Jason Holder lifts the Cognizant MLC Trophy as Champions LA Knight Riders celebrate during the championship match of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 4 between LA Knight Rider and Washington Freedom held at the Oakland Coliseum. Photo credit:
Major League Cricket
| |
LA Knight Rider embrace each other to celebrate their victory in the Championship match against Washington Freedom.
Photo credit: Major League Cricket
| |
Fans celebrating during the championship match of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 4 between LA Knight Rider
and Washington Freedom. Photo credit: Major League Cricket
| |
The moment LA Knight Rider realize that they won the championship by 1 run after running out Lahiru Milantha
on the last bowl of the match. Photo credit:
Major League Cricket
| |
Obus Pienaar of Washington Freedom hits over the top for six to bring his team within winning range.
Photo credit: Major League Cricket
| |
General view of the stadium for the Championship match between LA Knight Rider and Washington Freedom.
Photo credit: Major League Cricket
| | |
Cricket Impact Group Unites Cricket Legends and Industry Leaders During MLC Championship Weekend
By Medhavee Upadhyaya
Ultimate Sports Guide
| |
On Saturday, July 18, I attended the 2026 Cricket Impact Lunch at Eve’s Waterfront in Oakland.
Presented in partnership with the San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas, the event brought cricket legends together with technology executives, investors, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Organizers described it as a gathering at the intersection of global sport and Silicon Valley, held on the same day as the Major League Cricket Championship Final in Oakland.
| |
Zee Zaidi of cricexec moderates a conversation with Chris Gayle, Robin Uthappa, Michael Vaughan and Liam Plunkett at the second annual Cricket Impact Group Lunch in Oakland.
Photo by Medhavee Upadhyaya.
| |
Among the technology leaders attending was Sumedh Thakar, President and CEO of Qualys. Qualys’ sponsorship of the San Francisco Unicorns represents the growing relationship between Bay Area technology companies and American cricket. The partnership has been extended through 2027.
What stood out most was the range of people in the room. Attendees had traveled from different parts of the United States, all sharing a genuine passion for cricket and an interest in helping it grow.
| |
Attendees enjoyed lunch as the Cricket Impact Group program continued onstage at Eve’s Waterfront in Oakland.
Caption and photo by Medhavee Upadhyaya.
| The discussions reflected on how far U.S. cricket has already come through professional competition, investment and expanding public interest. At the same time, speakers and attendees recognized that its future will depend on stronger grassroots programs, better opportunities for young players and continued support from businesses and local communities. | |
A signed bat and jersey from the San Francisco Unicorns were up for grabs in the raffle. Caption and photo by
Gaurav Chaulagain.
| Women’s cricket was also an important part of the conversation—not a side topic. There was strong interest in creating more opportunities, visibility and long-term support for women and girls, so that women’s cricket can grow alongside the men’s game and become a meaningful part of American cricket culture. | A final touch from the hosts: guests received Cricket Impact Group tote bags filled with event gifts as they departed the luncheon. Caption and photo by Medhavee Upadhyaya. | |
From legendary players to Silicon Valley executives and cricket advocates from across the country, the event demonstrated that the growth of U.S. cricket is being driven by a broad and increasingly connected community.
# # #
Software engineer and web designer Medhavee Upadhyaya,
a resident of Nepal, spent her early years nourishing
a strong cricket interest
| Ultimate Sports Guide's web advisor Gaurav Chaulagain with former Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle. | Ultimate Sports Guide's web designer and journalist Medhavee Upadhyaya with former Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle. | |
Bay FC 3
North Carolina Courage 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, July 18, 2026
| |
Bay FC forward Karlie Lema #5 dribbles past NC Courage defender Maycee Bell #25 and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan #1 en route to a fourteenth-minute goal.
| |
Bay FC forward Alex Pfeiffer #17 celebrates with forward Karlie Lema #5 after Lema scored a goal in the 14th minute.
| |
Bay FC forward Karlie Lema #5 (L) celebrates her 14th-minute goal with Racheal Kundananji #9 (T) and Alex Pfeiffer #17 (R).
| |
Bay FC forward Alex Pfeiffer #17 (L) and Racheal Kundananji #9 (T) celebrate with Karlie Lema #5 (R) after Lema’s second goal of the match in the 17th minute.
| |
Bay FC forward Alex Pfeiffer #17 yells after Bay FC takes a 2–0 lead in the 17th minute. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
All photos and captions by Alex Ho.
| | |
Make Our Day -- Annie did. Hurrah! Don't be shy -- Join her!
Click here!!!
| | |
Don't Miss Out!
As of Monday, July 20, 2026
over 14,785 guests have visited our remarkable new site for sports updates and outstanding photography.
Don't be left out!
Click:
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
| | |
Enjoying our Website? Need a Website Designed with a
Sports Flavor or Other?
Talented Medhavee Upadhyaya
can help!
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
- Write: upadhyayamedhavee@gmail.com
-
Website: https://www.medhaveeupadhyaya.com/#contact
| |
|
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.
| | |
Talented Luis Arraez, currently batting .330, to be traded?
Above, signing autographs on May 24, 2026 versus the Chicago White Sox. Photo by Darren Yamashita
| |
Giants should be sellers at Trade Deadline, but who could be
on the move?
| | |
By Maria Guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants came into the season with hopes of surging back into the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Instead, they find themselves near the bottom of the National League West, a disastrous turn for a team that appeared to be built to contend after making big commitments to established veterans like Rafael Devers, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman.
• Record at the break: 41-55 (Fourth in NL West, 19.5 games back)
• Record at the break last year: 52-45 (Third in NL West, 6.0 games back)
• Playoff odds: 0.5%, per FanGraphs
• Remaining Strength of Schedule: .499 (16th in the Majors)
First-year manager Tony Vitello was hired out of the University of Tennessee to try to bring some fiery energy to San Francisco, but the bold move hasn’t yielded the results the Giants were looking for thus far.
“We expected to kind of take the world by storm to start the season, and it didn't happen right away,” Vitello said. “There was early frustration right away, and a multitude of other things, but those days are gone. All we’ve got is the second half in front of us. As long as we improve every day -- it may not be good enough for everybody, but it would be good enough in my mind, especially if we're getting guys to get better.”
The Giants were two games under .500 when they decided to go into sell mode at last year’s Trade Deadline, so a similar fate feels all but inevitable now that they have the third-worst record in the NL.
San Francisco already dealt two-time Gold Glove winner Patrick Bailey to the Guardians in May, and it seems like a no-brainer that impending free agents like Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray will be moved given where the club currently sits in the standings.
continued...
| | |
"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
| | Tommy White, the A's No. 7 prospect, has been called up | | A's call up No. 7 prospect Tommy White, designate Civale for assignment | | |
By Brian Murphy
The A’s shook up their roster for the second half of the season.
The club made a flurry of moves on Friday, calling up third baseman Tommy White, their No. 7 prospect, right-handed pitcher Yunior Tur, their No. 27 prospect, and left-handed pitcher Brady Basso. To make room on the roster, veteran right-handed starter Aaron Civale was designated for assignment and right-hander Mason Barnett and catcher Brian Serven were optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
The moves cap a busy week for the Athletics, who dismissed pitching coach Scott Emerson on Monday. Javy Guerra was also named the bullpen coach on Friday after Dan Hubbs became the interim pitching coach.
White, who is expected to make his MLB debut at Sutter Health Park against the Nationals on Friday, has a .303 average and an .818 OPS through 76 games this season, split between Double-A and Triple-A.
The No. 40 pick in the 2024 Draft out of LSU, White was known as “Tommy Tanks” in college for his raw power at the plate. The 23-year-old has hit 24 dingers through 194 Minor League games. He can drive the ball to all fields and shows a good eye at the plate (career 14.3% strikeout rate in the Minors).
continued....
| |
The Noodle Dog Has Arrived.
History Will Judge Accordingly.
| |
History has a curious habit of preserving the grand while quietly depending on the humble. Nations commemorate treaties, but families remember recipes. Ballparks celebrate championships, but generations recall the taste of a hot dog wrapped in foil, eaten two bites before first pitch. Somewhere between memory and mythology, the American hot dog earned its place—not as a side dish to baseball, but as one of its great co-stars. It has outlasted dynasties, survived fashion, crossed every neighborhood and tax bracket, and remained the one menu item that asks almost nothing of us except to enjoy the afternoon.
Anthony Bourdain once suggested that food tells us who we are. If that's true, then the hot dog tells the story of America at its best: messy, democratic, endlessly adaptable, stitched together from cultures and traditions that were never supposed to fit until suddenly they did. Baseball has always shared that same gift. Every generation inherits the game, then leaves behind its own fingerprints. The game changes. The fans change. The city changes. Yet somehow, on a warm evening with friends, a cold drink in one hand and a hot dog in the other, time briefly stands still.
Oakland has never mistaken tradition for stagnation. This city's greatest ideas have always come from fearless collisions—of people, neighborhoods, music, art, and cuisine. Which is why it feels only natural that Chef Myke would look upon the sacred American hot dog and ask an almost dangerous question: What if garlic noodles belonged here, too?
The result is the Noodle Dog — a flavor blast that unfolds in movements rather than bites. Rich butter. Deep roasted garlic. Just enough sriracha to wake everything up without stealing the spotlight. A touch of spice. Then the unmistakable snap of the hot dog, working in perfect symbiosis with silky garlic noodles. Neither ingredient competing with the other, but elevating it. It is at once familiar and entirely new. Equal parts ballpark comfort food and Oakland culinary manifesto. Proof that innovation doesn't always arrive in a laboratory. Sometimes it arrives in a paper tray.
In honor of National Hot Dog Day, we've created a cinematic homage to Chef Myke's creative journey with all the reverence reserved for masterpieces. We hope you'll watch it.
| |
Then we hope you'll come to Raimondi Park and experience the Noodle Dog where it belongs: under the lights, surrounded by neighbors, with the sounds of baseball echoing across West Oakland. Every great baseball city deserves a signature ballpark meal. We think Oakland just found hers.
— The Founders, Oakland Ballers
| |
Fuku Chicken
If you were fortunate enough to attend the World Cup
final at MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York,
New Jersey Stadium, you may be surprised to see that
FUKU turns out to be a very good term, indeed.
First crafted as an off-menu item by chefs at
Superchef David Chang’s NYC Momofuku Noodle Bar,
it is an original sandwich (or ‘Sando’ as they call it)
that was too good to be kept behind the counter
and then it was too big for the restaurant. So it got
its own East Village joint in 2015 which soon led to its
appearance at the stadium.
| |
Potato Salad
And it’s been Fukusanity ever since. It’s not that the
special hot dogs, or brisket sandwiches or Halal Chicken,
Beef, and Falafel Gyros or Pakora Chips are not good enough, it’s just that Fuku Chicken is truly hypnotic.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
| Morning Report: McCaffrey Wins ESPY, Warner Ranked No. 1 by ESPN | |
Brooke Evans / Digital Editor
Watch
Good Morning, Faithful,
Here are your top 49ers storylines for Friday, July 17:
New and Notable
Christian McCaffrey Named Best Comeback Athlete at 2026 ESPYS
Congratulations are in order for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, as he was honored as the Best Comeback Athlete at the 2026 ESPYS. The ESPYS brings together all of sports biggest stars at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City to celebrate the year's best moments.
Learn More>>>
Fred Warner Claims No. 1 Spot in ESPN's 2026 Linebacker Rankings
In ESPN's annual survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, the San Francisco 49ers linebacker was voted the No. 1 off-ball linebacker in the league heading into the 2026 season. The rankings are based on over 70 league voters to highlight the best players at each position right now.
Learn More>>>
Juszczyk Joins Jerry Rice, Steve Young at American Century Championship | Off the Field
The San Francisco 49ers were well represented at the 2026 American Century Championship held annually at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk made his third appearance in the celebrity golf tournament, joining longtime event participants and 49ers Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Steve Young in the 90-player field.
Learn More>>>
continued...
| (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | Warriors Win Summer League Championship Over Grizzlies | |
by Kalyb Champion
The Golden State Warriors captured the 2026 Summer League Championship, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday. Yaxel Lendeborg was named Summer League MVP, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. The Warriors had a trio of highly impactful guards — Deivon Smith had 21 points and nine rebounds, leading all reserves, LJ Cryer scored 15 points, dished out six assists and made four 3-pointers and Will Richard had 13 points, four rebounds and three 3-pointers. The Dubs got revenge for their only Summer League loss, which came against the Grizzlies by a 21-point margin this past Tuesday. The Warriors are Summer League Champions for the first time since Draymond Green helped them to the title in 2013. The Dubs are one of three teams to have won multiple Summer League championships.
LENDEBORG SUMMER LEAGUE’S MVP
Yaxel Lendeborg embodied MVP-caliber play when the Warriors needed him most throughout Summer League and he saved some of his best work for the championship game. With the Warriors trailing by one point and just over two minutes remaining, Lendeborg hit a go-ahead step-back 3-pointer. On the ensuing possession, he sank a dribble pull-up from the top of the key that made it a two-possession game. Lendeborg finished with a game-high-tying 21 points and two steals, while being the game's top rebounder with 10 boards. The 11th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft has already made an immediate impact before having even played in his first regular season game. Fresh off a NCAA championship run with the University of Michigan, Lendeborg now has a Summer league title on his resume.
CRYER THE WARRIORS’ TOP SUMMER LEAGUE SCORER
LJ Cryer led the Warriors in scoring throughout Summer League, averaging 15.0 points per game. Cryer also made a team-best 3.4 3-pointers per contest and shot 39.5 percent from deep. He rained in a team-high four 3-pointers in Sunday’s championship game and tied a game-high for plus-minus at plus-12. Cryer enters his second NBA season after playing in 18 games as a rookie.
continued...
| Sharks hire Jeff Kealty as Assistant General Manager | |
San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) General Manager Mike Grier announced today that the club has hired Jeff Kealty as Assistant General Manager. Kealty will oversee the team’s professional scouting staff and work closely with Grier on all aspects of Hockey Operations.
“Jeff brings a wealth of professional experience to our club, and he will be a valuable addition to our hockey operations staff,” said Grier. “His knowledge and expertise of the game is represented in his achievement with Team USA, helping the program win a Gold Medal in 2025, along with elevating the Nashville Predators with various high-end player additions over the previous two decades, both in the NHL and in their prospect system.
I’ve known Jeff since our days together at Boston University, and it’s exciting to be able to work with him again.”
Kealty, 50, brings a plethora of experience at both the amateur and professional level, serving over two decades with the Nashville Predators. He recently finished his eighth season as Assistant General Manager & Director of Scouting, where he was tasked in overseeing all of Nashville’s professional and amateur scouting.
Kealty and his staff were instrumental in acquiring several high-profile players for the organization, including his efforts to land Filip Forsberg, and adding players such as Juuse Saros, Colton Sissons, and Matthew Wood. While in the role, the Predators made the playoffs in six of nine seasons, which included a Presidents’ Trophy (2018) and back-to-back Central Division titles (2018-19).
In total, Kealty was in charge of the previous 18 drafts for Nashville dating back to 2008, where he selected defenseman Roman Josi in the second round. He originally started with the Predators as an Amateur scout (2001-2007), and also served as Chief Amateur Scout (2007-2017). In 2017, the Predators made the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history with players Kealty helped add to the organization.
continued...
| |
Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton speak to the media after Saturday's win over the Washington Mystics,
74-69
Listen Here!
| |
San Jose Earthquakes Sign Defenders Benji Kikanović, Jamar Ricketts and Reid Roberts to New Contracts
Thursday, Jul 16, 2026, 09:00 AM
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed defenders Benji Kikanović, Jamar Ricketts and Reid Roberts to new contracts through the 2028-29 Major League Soccer season, each with club options for 2029-30.
The trio has played a key role in the Earthquakes’ vastly improved defense this season. After starting the campaign with five clean sheets in the first six matches, San Jose has conceded just 15 goals at the midseason break, compared with 63 in 2025. With 2026 MLS All-Star center back Daniel Munie signed last season to a new deal through 2028, U.S. international left back DeJuan Jones signed through 2027, and newly added Scotland World Cup goalkeeper Angus Gunn on contract through 2030, the Black and Blue’s defensive foundation will remain intact for the immediate future.
Kikanović, 26, has emerged at right back this season, starting all 12 games he has appeared in league play. A converted forward, he has made the positional adjustment with aplomb, winning 43 aerial duels in 2026 at a 74.4% clip with 16 clearances, good for second on the team behind only Munie. Born in San Jose and a Sacramento-area native, Kikanović has amassed 14 goals and four assists since first signing with the Black and Blue in 2021 following two seasons at Sacramento State University and one with the Quakes’ then-USL Championship affiliate Reno 1868 FC.
“Benji has been a member of the Earthquakes for six years and has dealt with injuries and positional changes,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena. “He has now established himself as our starting right back and continues to demonstrate that he has outstanding potential in this position. Benji was in the final year of his deal and we feel strongly that he was deserving of a new contract, so we are pleased that he will remain a Quake.”
continued...
| |
|
Oakland Roots Sports Club Signs Three From Project 51O to First Team Academy Contracts
Oakland Roots SC announce the addition of three more players to First Team Academy Contracts pending league and federation approval. 17-year-old Gavin Stone, 17-year-old Etienne Lopez and 19-year-old Isaac Rosenthal will join the first team ahead of Saturday.
Stone is a midfield product of Project 51O having been with the program for more than a year. Stone will wear the number 53 for the first team.
Lopez is a defender and a product of Project 51O having been with the program for more than a year. Lopez will wear the number 38 for the first team.
Rosenthal is a goalkeeper and product of Project 51O having been with the program since the start of 2026. Rosenthal will wear the number 70 for the first team.
continued..
| | |
Match Recap: Bay FC Versus North Carolina Courage
Karlie Lema scored twice in a span of just two and a half minutes in the first half as Bay FC defeated the North Carolina Courage, 3-0, on Saturday, July 18, at PayPal Park. Playing their first home match since May 24, Bay FC opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Lema outran the North Carolina back line to chase down a long pass from Racheal Kundananji. Lema maintained possession through a challenge from the goalkeeper before slotting the ball through on a tight angle.
Just 145 seconds later, Lema doubled the advantage, finishing off a perfectly delivered cross from Alex Pfeiffer for her fourth goal in the last three matches. Bay FC carried the 2-0 lead into halftime and added a third goal in the 54th minute when Kundananji capitalized on an errant North Carolina pass and converted her second goal of the season. With the victory, Bay FC earned its first home win since the season opener on March 14. The club has now recorded back-to-back clean sheets and is unbeaten in its last three matches. Bay FC will look to continue that momentum when it visits the Houston Dash on Friday, July 24.
continued...
| | |
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
https://conta.cc/4dl9YI3
Autograph Links
https://conta.cc/46OWeSX
Sports Haiku Links
https://conta.cc/3GiUWow
Comments? Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| |
|
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 193: The Protect College Sports Act's Math Problem
| | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
| | |
This week's Longer NIL Thought is co-authored with Kyle Saunders. You can follow along with his excellent newsletter here.
This week's headlines on the Protect College Sports Act would suggest a bill gathering momentum. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Peter Welch (D-VT) added their names as cosponsors. LSU's president and board chairman sent a joint letter to Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announcing that the university does not support the bill in its current form. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) used the LSU letter as a springboard to identify his own concerns about Title IX protections and the cost of athlete employment status. And attorney Paul McDonald, counsel for the athlete plaintiffs in Johnson v. NCAA, sent a letter to the entire Senate Democratic Caucus arguing that Democrats should withhold support until the NCAA answers for what he characterizes as a racially insensitive comparison of college athletes to prisoners.
Did any of it move a senator? Not that anyone outside the rooms can see.
What's worth doing instead is the arithmetic, because the arithmetic says something none of the week's headlines do: there is a number of Republican defections past which this bill cannot pass, no matter how many Democrats the sponsors talk to. That number is twelve. The defection tail runs fourteen deep.
The line that does a decent job explaining the whole coalition
Start with the framework, because it explains why most of this week's headlines are noise.
Saunders' model plots every senator's documented home-state athletics pressure: the total revenue of in-state programs whose conferences have formally backed the bill, minus the revenue of in-state programs whose conferences oppose it. The axis that matters is not Power Four versus everyone else. It is the P2, the SEC and Big Ten, against everyone else in FBS. Those two leagues have the most valuable media rights and the least to gain from the bill's rights-pooling provisions, so they oppose it. Essentially every other conference has formally supported it. A senator's position tracks which of those two piles is bigger in her state.
continued...
| | |
WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
| |
“Without racing, cars will not improve”
– Soichiro Honda
| ROLEX Monterey Motorsports Reunion Features Innovative Cars and Motorcycles for Massive Japanese Motorsports Exhibition | |
Some of the most important race cars and motorcycles ever to emerge from Japanese brands will be assembled to honor Japanese Motorsports History at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 12-15. The exhibition includes two 24 Hours of Le Mans overall winners together for the first time: The 1991 Mazda 787B, which was the first Japanese car to capture the crown, and the 2018 Toyota GAZOO Racing’s TS050 Hybrid that gave Toyota its first overall victory.
Read more…
| |
|
On June 28, 2015 at Sonoma Raceway, Martin Truex Jr. collided with David Ragan on Turn 7. Truex slammed head-on into a tire barrier which destroyed his entire front body panels and hood. Truex was later released without serious injury.
Photo and caption by Rich Yee.
| |
Send It from One San Francisco Bridge to the Other
Registration Opens for Ronstan Bridge to Bridge
at St. Francis Yacht Club
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—How fast can you get from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge, racing across San Francisco Bay in your watercraft of choice in full-send downwind conditions?
This is the premise of Ronstan Bridge to Bridge, an annual race hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club and scheduled for August 22, 2026. First run in 1998, the event was conceived to settle a friendly bet between windsurfers and skiff sailors over which watercraft could get from one bridge to the other the fastest. The inaugural race was won by Olympic sailors Jonathan and Charlie McKee on a 49er skiff with a time of 27 minutes and 18 seconds.
Since then, it’s been contested in everything from a Formula 40 catamaran to a Mod 70 trimaran, early generation kiteboards and foiling windsurfers, and even a hydropter.
“It’s ‘bring what you got’," says Mike Martin, StFYC’s chair of the event and a frequent competitor who won it in 2008 racing an 18ft skiff with Howard Hamlin and Paul Allen. Over the years, the feat has been tackled by sailors using the latest in board sports technology, with several wins clocked by world champion Johnny Heineken on kiteboards and hydrofoil kites as the sport evolved. The current race record is nine minutes, set by Markus Edegran in 2024, who was fresh off his Olympic campaign in the Formula Foil Kite.
This year's race will be held on Saturday, August 22, allowing for weekend travel and with an earlier start than in the past, during peak wind and during a flood tide.
“Conditions are prime for the record to be broken,” adds Martin.
continued....
| |
Matt Bradley Takes On
New Role With Cal Men's
Basketball Staff
Bradley Has Been Hired As Director Of Player Development
| | |
California men's basketball has added a familiar face to a new role within the staff with the hiring of Matt Bradley as director of player development for the upcoming 2026-27 season, head coach Mark Madsen has announced.
"Our players have great respect for Matt as a leader with an outstanding basketball IQ," Madsen said. "His work ethic and love of the game shows in all that he does, and he has also been a winner as a player. He will play a key role in the growth of our Bears."
continued...
| |
Stanford Renews Rivalry with
Penn State
Cardinal, Nittany Lions meet Sept. 11 at The Palestra in Philadelphia
STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford and Penn State – two of the country’s top women's volleyball programs – are set to square off at the historic Palestra on Friday, September 11. The match will be hosted in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Palestra.
This will be the 28th overall meeting between the two programs and the first since the 2022 season. The Cardinal holds a 14-13 advantage in the all-time series. The teams rank first and second all-time in national titles with Stanford on top with nine, followed by Penn State's eight.
continued...
| |
18 Spartans Named To ACWPC
All-Academic Teams
SAN JOSE, Calif.—The San José State women’s water polo program was rewarded for their hard work in the classroom as 18 Spartans were named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-Academic teams.
To receive the honor, players maintained a 3.20 or higher cumulative gpa. The team had five players honored as Outstanding (3.71-4.00 gpa), nine as superior (3.41-3.70 gpa) and four as excellent (3.20-3.40 gpa).
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MBB | Gaels First Look Open to Public on August 1
MORAGA, Calif. – The first chance to see the new-look Saint Mary's men's basketball team take the court will be at the "Gaels First Look" on Aug. 1 at University Credit Union Pavilion.
With a tradition built by generations of Gaels and driven by the work that comes next, fans are asked to RSVP and attend the free Saturday afternoon event with Saint Mary's Men's Basketball.
continued...
| |
A Letter to the Dons Family
Dear Dons Family,
From the moment I walked onto the Hilltop and took in that breathtaking 360-degree view of San Francisco, I knew this was somewhere special. The beauty of this place, its history, and the warmth of every person I encountered confirmed what I had sensed from the very beginning: the University of San Francisco is exactly where I am supposed to be. To our donors, alumni, fans, season ticket holders, and staff, thank you. Truly. Your commitment to this institution and to our student-athletes is the foundation on which everything we will build together will stand. I step into this role with both deep gratitude and an inspired vision.
continue...
Photo credit: Christina Leung
| |
46th Annual BBF Golf Classic Set
For Sept. 14
| | |
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The 46th annual Bronco Bench Foundation Golf Classic is set for Sept. 14, 2026. The event will be held at the Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose, California.
Join us for an afternoon of golf, community, and Bronco spirit in support of Santa Clara student-athletes, followed by hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
All proceeds to the Bronco Bench help to create the best experience possible for our student-athletes by providing valuable scholarship opportunities.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | | Jeff Hendershot Unveils Inaugural Schedule Leading Pacific Volleyball | | |
STOCKTON, Calif. – The program's newest era officially begins at the end of August when the team takes the court for the first time under Head Coach Jeff Hendershot – the first of 32 matches on the 2026 schedule.
Prior to the start of West Coast Conference play, Pacific will participate in four road non-conference showcases – starting with the Gael Bear Classic, hosted by California and Saint Mary's. There the Tigers open the season against Cal on Friday, August 28 followed by matches against Gonzaga and Southern Utah to round out the weekend. The match against Gonzaga will be played at Saint Mary's in Moraga.
continued...
| |
17 AGGIES EARN ACWPC ALL-ACADEMIC HONORS
DAVIS, Calif. —The Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) recognized 17 UC Davis women's water polo student-athletes with 2026 All-Academic honors, the organization announced this week.
The ACWPC recognizes student-athletes who competed during the 2026 season and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher.
UC Davis placed nearly half of its honorees in the Outstanding category, with eight Aggies posting cumulative GPAs of 3.71 or higher. The group also demonstrated sustained academic success, as 12 of the 17 student-athletes have now received ACWPC recognition multiple times during their collegiate careers.
continued...
| | |
Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
| |
Cal State East Bay Leads
CCAA with 71 Winter
and Spring Academic
Honor Roll Selections
HAYWARD, Calif. — Demonstrating its continued commitment to academic excellence, Cal State East Bay led all California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) institutions with 71 student-athletes named to the 2025-26 Winter and Spring Academic Honor Roll.
The conference recognized 620 student-athletes representing its 12 member institutions for their accomplishments in the classroom while competing in CCAA-sponsored winter and spring sports during the 2025-26 academic year. The Pioneers' conference-leading total reflects the dedication of East Bay's student-athletes to achieving success both academically and athletically.
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, July 20, through
Sunday, July 26, 2026
| | |
Monday, July 20
San Francisco Giants @ Kansas City Royals, 4:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21
San Francisco Giants @ Kansas City Royals, 4:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22
San Francisco Giants @ Kansas City Royals, 11:10 a.m.
Athletics @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Orlando City, SC, 7:30 pm.
Oakland Ballers @ Lexington SC, 4 p.m.
Thursday, July 23
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, July 24
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Angels, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Minnesota Twins, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Boise Hawks, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, July 25
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics @ Minnesota Twins, 4:10 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Boise Hawks, 4:35 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Sacramento Republic SC, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 26
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics @ Minnesota Twins, 11:10 a.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Boise Hawks, 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.
| | | | |
