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June 13 -- July 19, 2026
Issue No. 650
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Will Rogers
November 4, 1879 -- August 15, 1935
| | Note: Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net | | |
Contents
Games
Oakland Ballers 11, Yuba-Sutter Freebirds 2
Features & Commentary
37th American Century Championship at Edgewood Lake Tahoe,
by Jeff Bayer
Alameda July 4th Parade R.A.C.E., by Ed Jay
From Oakland A's Ball Girl to Owning a Cookie Empire, by Amaury
Pi-Gonzalez
Golden State Valkyries Album, by Ed Jay
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heiter, Esq.
Nolan Ryan, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Out With Crackerjacks!, by Steve Chain
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37th American Century Championship at Edgewood Lake Tahoe, CA
Wednesday-Sunday, July 8-12, 2026
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Mardy Fish slams one down the middle of the fairway on his way to his third American Century Championship title.
# # #
Mardy Fish won the 2026 American Century Championship at the beautiful and challenging Edgewood Golf Course at Lake Tahoe. Fish held off a tough challenge from defending champion Joe Pavelski, Annika Sorenstam
and Steph Curry.
The 2026 American Century Championship once again delivered an unforgettable week at Edgewood Tahoe, bringing together many of the biggest names in sports and entertainment against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Tahoe.
The tournament showcased the unique blend of elite competition, celebrity personalities, and fan interaction that has made the American Century Championship one of the premier celebrity sporting events in the country.
With stars from the NFL, NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball, television, and entertainment sharing the spotlight, the championship reinforced its reputation as a world-class celebration of golf, philanthropy, and community while generating another memorable chapter in its storied history.
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Steph Curry thinks about what might have been as he waits to tee off on the 16th hole Sunday at Edgewood.
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Steph Curry, Joe Pavelski and Mardy Fish pre-tournament.
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Former 49er great Steve Young signs a #8 jersey for a fan.
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Steve Young tees off in Thursday practice round.
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Larry David from “Seinfeld” and "Curb Your Enthusiasm” made an appearance in the Pro Am on Wednesday.
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Steph Curry just missed a putt on 17.
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The view from the top on 17 on Saturday.
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Boats roll up almost to the fairway on 17 to create the
most iconic scene in golf.
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Steve Young and his longtime friend and former NCAA Golf Champion and PGA tour professional -- and caddy for the weekend -- Keith Clearwater on the 12th tee Friday.
Text, photos and captions by Jeff Bayer.
American Century Championship.
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Oakland Ballers 11
Yuba-Sutter Freebirds 2
Raimondi Park, Oakland, CA
Saturday, July 11, 2026
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Oakland Ballers first baseman Jeter Ybarra drove in four runs and hit his league-leading 20th homer of the season as the Ballers scored eight runs in the first two innings to cruise to an 11-2 victory over the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds at Raimondi Park on Saturday, July 11th. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita
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Starting pitcher Aidan Risse (31) throws a pitch against the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds during the third inning at Raimondi Park. Risse gave up two runs over 6-1/3 innings to earn the victory.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita
| Designated hitter Paul Winland drove in three with a homer and a double. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita | |
Oakland Ballers first baseman Jeter Ybarra (16) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds during the second inning at Raimondi Park.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita
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Oakland Ballers mascot Scrappy the Rally Possum stands on the field before the game against the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita
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Fans enter the stadium before the game between the Oakland Ballers and the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds at Raimondi Park. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita
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Golden State Valkyries Album
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
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The Golden State Valkyries are tied for the most victories so far this season in just their second year. The franchise has been a success for fans, having sold out every home game since the team’s inception. The team ranks as the most valuable WNBA franchise at over $1 billion. Image courtesy of Bay Area
Sports Wrap. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Veronica Burton, above, has been with the team since its inception in 2025. She is the spark plug and field manager for the starters and was voted as the WNBA’s Most Improved Player in 2025. Image courtesy of Bay Area Sports Wrap.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Gabby Williams joined the team in 2026 and has been their most productive two-way player. She will be a starter at the upcoming All-Star Game on July 25th. Image courtesy of Bay Area Sports Wrap. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
Fan favorite Kaitlyn Chen has emerged as a leader when the second team comes off of the bench. Chen is tenacious on defense and can score from the paint and the three-point line. The bench averages 35 points per game, tops in the WNBA. Image courtesy of Bay Area Sports Wrap.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Valkyries center Kiah Stokes records one of her seven blocks against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream on June 26. Image courtesy of Bay Area Sports Wrap. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
Janelle Salaun displays her hurdling skills against the Dallas Wings. Image courtesy of Bay Area Sports Wrap.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Debbi Sivyer, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, is seen on a Topps 1973 style card as a ball girl for the Oakland A’s during the
A’s World Championship years
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From Oakland A’s Ball Girl to
Owning a Cookie Empire
by Amaury Pi-González
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Somebody who knew former A’s ball girl Debbi Fields is Nancy Finley, the niece of former Oakland A’s owner Charlie O. Finley and the daughter of Carl Finley, the team’s General Manager.
I asked Nancy about Fields. Nancy Finley is the author of the book Finley Ball, which details the behind-the-scenes administrative history of the A’s during the dynasty years in the 1970s. You can buy the book on Amazon and at many bookstores.
Nancy Finley explained to me how the whole idea of having Ball Girls came about: “I overheard Dad on the phone with Charlie, telling him how pretty Kathy’s sister, Debbi, was. Charlie asked Dad what they could do to bring Kathy into the office. This is when Charlie or Dad came up with the ball girl position. They briefly tried this in Kansas City. That was in 1965. Dad said it would be better if they had a pair of ball girls, one for first base, and one for third base.”
“Dad asked Kathy if her sister could meet with him after school. I remember when Debbi arrived to meet with Dad. Dad offered her this position and asked if Debbi had a friend she could recommend for the other ball girl. This turned out to be Mary Berry. Debbie Sivyer and Mary Berry started as ball Girls in 1971. I remember when we had the green-and-gold outfigs designed.”
The A’s were the first team in Major League Baseball to introduce ball girls on the foul lines, under baseball innovator Charlie O’. Finley. The iconic program began in 1968 and famously employed the future Mrs. Fields Cookies, founder Debbi Fields in its early years. The tradition continued across the baselines until the franchise concluded its 57-year tenure in Oakland at the end of the 2024 season.
Fields was destined to hit the jackpot in the Holding Company business, with help from an investor. Fields sold her Mrs. Fields cookie empire to an investment firm, Famous Brands International (formerly Mrs. Fields Holding Company), for $100 million in 1992. Currently, she doesn’t own the company; she continues to serve as the brand’s iconic spokesperson.
Fields opened her first store in Palo Alto, California, in 1977. By offering free samples to attract customers, she turned a small startup into an internationally recognized brand which now operates in over 250 locations. In addition to her baking empire, she has authored several cookbooks.
When I first began broadcasting Major League Baseball back in the mid-to-late 1970s for the Oakland A’s, I usually had more contact with Carl Finley, who was the GM and oversaw the team’s daily operation, than with Charlie O. Finley, the owner.
Charlie O. Finley occasionally visited Oakland after the A’s won World Series titles in 1972-73-74. Remembered as a groundbreaking and innovative executive, he is not in the National Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown but a member of the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame and the Athletics Hall of Fame.
I thank Nancy Finley for sharing these memories from her years with the Oakland A’s.
* * *
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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.
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| | Giants nab top pitcher, Bay Area native Flora with 4th pick in '26 Draft | | |
By Maria Guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants snagged a local product with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, selecting right-hander Jackson Flora out of UC Santa Barbara.
The selection will be a homecoming for the 21-year-old Flora, a Bay Area native who grew up cheering for the Giants. Like franchise icon Brandon Crawford, Flora hails from Pleasanton, Calif., and attended Foothill High School before emerging as the top college arm in the 2026 Draft class
“I was a Giants fan growing up,” Flora told former A’s left-hander Dallas Braden during a recent appearance on the Baseball Is Dead podcast. “My dad was a Giants fan. He took me to the Giants games all the time. We watched them win three World Series.”
The Giants maintained that they wouldn’t draft for need this year, but their farm system was already loaded with young shortstops like Josuar Gonzalez (San Francisco’s No. 1 prospect and No. 15 overall, per MLB Pipeline), Luis Hernández (Giants' No. 2, No. 34 overall), Jhonny Level (Giants' No. 3, No. 49 overall) and Gavin Kilen (Giants' No. 4), so it made sense to target a frontline arm that could move quickly and bolster the organization’s pitching depth.
The Giants were originally projected to select 15th based on their 81-81 record last year, but they ended up jumping up to No. 4 thanks to a lucky break in the MLB Draft Lottery in December. It marked their highest selection since they took catcher Joey Bart with the No. 2 overall pick in 2018.
Flora is only the sixth player to be selected inside the top five by the Giants, joining Will Clark (No. 2 overall in 1985), Matt Williams (No. 3 in 1986), Jason Grilli (No. 4 in 1997), Buster Posey (No. 5 in 2008) and Bart.
Tyler Bremner was selected second overall by the Angels in the 2025 Draft, the highest a Santa Barbara product has been taken in the Draft. Flora makes it two straight years that a Gaucho gets selected near the top of the Draft.
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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With the No. 8 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Athletics
chose Drew Burress out of Georgia Tech
| | Touted college OF Burress 'ready to be a part of' A's young core after pick | | |
By Jason Foster, Martín Gallegos
CHICAGO -- Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, the previous two first-round position players drafted by the Athletics, quickly made their way to the big leagues as impact players, and there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic their latest first-rounder, Drew Burress, could continue that trend.
The A’s landed Burress, widely regarded as the top college outfielder of the 2026 MLB Draft, with the No. 8 pick. The 21-year-old Georgia Tech product was rated as MLB Pipeline's No. 7 Draft prospect, viewed as a player with solid or better skills in multiple key areas. Scouts say the righty bat has excellent plate discipline and a quick and compact swing that lends itself to plus power to all fields.
Those hit tools were evident during his stellar college career at Georgia Tech, where he hit .357 with 60 homers and a 1.204 OPS in three seasons and set a slew of historic marks. He just wrapped up his junior season with 16 homers, 60 RBIs and a slash line of .358/.473/.657 as he helped lead George Tech to a 50-11 record and an ACC-best 25-5 in-conference record.
continued....
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Basketball-Shaped Veneer Cups
If it turns out that LeBron returns to Cleveland Rocket Arena and you must visit him, it will be easy to order cocktails that come in their great basketball-shaped veneer cups which are only available for limited runs such as the playoffs.
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Pop-A-Tot Bucket
Once you finish the feature drink, The Spida Bite, a spicy passionfruit tequila drink mixed with jalapeno, lime juice and Sprite, you can move on to Elmore’s Smokehouse and enjoy their famous Pop-A-Tot tater tot bucket (loaded with
chicken, bacon and ranch) and classic pulled meats.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
|
Morning Report:
2026 Training Camp Dates are Here
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Brooke Evans / Digital Editor
Watch
Good Morning, Faithful,
Here are your top 49ers storylines for Friday, July 10:
New and Notable
49ers Training Camp Open Practices Start July 26; Four Things You Need to Know
Football is back! The San Francisco 49ers are inviting the Faithful to get an up-close look at the team as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team will host 11 open practices of 49ers Training Camp presented by Visa at the SAP Performance Facility, located next to Levi's® Stadium in Santa Clara, beginning Sunday, July 26.
Learn More>>>
49ers Announce 2026 Open Training Camp Schedule
The San Francisco 49ers announced open practice dates and ticketing information for the team's 2026 Training Camp presented by Visa. This year's schedule features 11 open practices, five weekend dates, and one joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Located at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara next door to Levi's® Stadium, Training Camp is an up-close-and-personal opportunity for Faithful of all ages to see and cheer on their favorite players.
Learn More>>>
Steve Wyche Breaks Down Why 49ers Defense Could Be Among NFL's Best
As the football world inches closer to training camp, NFL Network chief national reporter Steve Wyche believes the San Francisco 49ers defense is primed for another statement season.
Learn More>>>
continued...
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Golden State Warriors first round draft pick, Yaxel Lendeborg
(Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images)
| LJ Cryer and Yaxel Lendeborg Combine for 46 Points in Warriors' Win Over Mavericks | |
by Kalyb Champion
LJ Cryer and Yaxel Lendeborg combined for 46 points in the Warriors’ 101-90 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Thursday. Cryer led the way with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists while Lendeborg added 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Lendeborg faced his former college teammate, an NCAA champion and fellow lottery pick, Morez Johnson Jr. — Johnson led all scorers with 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting. The Warriors led by as many as 24 points in the win and never trailed by more than two points. The Mavericks went on a 12-0 fourth quarter run to pull within three points, but Cryer restored order by hitting his fifth 3-pointer of the game and following that up with a mid-range pull-up.
CRYER’S SECOND QUARTER TAKEOVER
LJ Cryer took over the second quarter for the Warriors, scoring 16 points on 5-for-6 and making four 3-pointers in the frame. Cryer started with a pull-up from the mid-range and followed that up with an array of perimeter jumpers. His ability to start and stop on a dime and get to his spots in a shifty manner was on full display.
LENDEBORG TAKES FLIGHT IN FOURTH QUARTER
Yaxel Lendeborg did a bit of everything in his Vegas Summer League debut, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Lendeborg has scored in double figures in every Summer League game he’s played in since being selected 11th overall by the Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft. His most electric play of the game came in the fourth quarter as he used just two dribbles from beyond the half-court line and took flight for a tomahawk slam. Lendeborg closed the game with another breakaway slam with 28 seconds left.
JONES STARTS 4-FOR-4
Lajae Jones made his first four field goal attempts, half of them coming from behind the arc. Selected 54th by the Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft, Jones finished with 11 points and was a plus-14 in 15 minutes.
UP NEXT
The Warriors continue Summer League play in Las Vegas when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder at Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday.
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Celebrini named IIHF Male Player of the Year, led Olympics in goals
Sharks center scored 5 for Canada, bests
Hellebuyck, Aho for award
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ByNHL.com @NHLMedia
Macklin Celebrini was voted the IIHF's Male Player of the Year for the 2025-26 hockey season.
The San Jose Sharks center, who represented Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in February, finished first in voting among a panel of roughly 200 media members.
Celebrini led the Olympics with five goals and was second with 10 points in six games. He helped Canada to the silver medal and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team. He also played for Canada at the 2026 World Championships in May, when he was captain and finished second among all scorers with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 10 games.
The 20-year-old, who was the No. 1 pick by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Draft, was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award as NHL MVP as voted by the NHL Players' Association after he finished fourth in the NHL and set a Sharks record last season with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games. He had a point in 60 games, including at least three 18 times, and he had at least four points five times. Celebrini had 33 power-play points and five game-winning goals to help San Jose finish 39-35-8 with 86 points after it had 20 wins and 52 points in 2024-25.
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck was second in voting, and Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho was third.
Hellebuyck made 41 saves for Team USA in the 3-2 overtime win against Canada in the gold medal game at the Olympics and finished with a perfect 5-0-0 record. He was named best goalie and was also named to the All-Star Team.
Aho had six points (four goals, two assists) in six games for Team Finland at the Olympics to help win the bronze. He later won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, who led all Olympic scorers with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in six games for Canada, finished fourth. McDavid led the NHL last season with 138 points (48 goals, 90 assists) in 82 games and won the Ted Lindsay Award.
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San Jose Earthquakes Acquire Up to $1 Million in General Allocation Money from FC Dallas for Goalkeeper Daniel
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes announced
today that the club has acquired up to $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) from FC Dallas in exchange for goalkeeper Daniel.
The Earthquakes will receive a guaranteed $700,000 GAM over the next two years ($300,000 in 2026 and $400,000 in 2027) as well as an additional $300,000 GAM if certain incentives are met.
Daniel, 32, joined the Quakes in 2023 from SC Internacional in the Brazilian first division and played 78 regular-season matches (77 starts) over four seasons, earning 14 clean sheets and making 276 saves while conceding 117 goals. Originally from Barra do Garças, Brazil, he made 83 career appearances with Internacional from 2017-22.
The Quakes return to Major League Soccer play in full force Wednesday, July 22, when they host Orlando City SC at PayPal Park, followed by the 105th California Clasico against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, July 25, at Stanford Stadium. The only way to guarantee admission to all remaining Earthquakes home games is by purchasing Half Season Tickets. Single-game tickets can be purchased HERE.
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Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club Provide Update on Gameday Venue Future and Pathways | |
Oakland Roots SC will not return to the Oakland Coliseum as its home venue
for the 2027 season
Oakland Roots today announced that the 2026 season will be the Club’s final season playing at the Oakland Coliseum. The Club is hard at work securing a venue for 2027 and beyond and looks forward to celebrating its final season at the historic Oakland venue.
Oakland Roots’ return to Oakland and the Coliseum in 2025 was a triumphant one, as more than 26,000 fans packed the stadium for the home opener. As we continue our second season at the Oakland Coliseum, we have come to recognize that the venue will not be a viable option beyond the conclusion of the 2026 season.
As our Club has grown, so has our understanding of what is needed to fully deliver on our vision. Limitations around event control, matchday flexibility, the fan experience, and operating costs have made it clear that the Coliseum cannot serve as our long-term home. For years, our staff has taken on the significant operational challenge of transforming borrowed venues into matchday experiences worthy of our supporters and our city.
“The Oakland Coliseum is a landmark of Oakland and the East Bay, and it has been an honor to be part of its legacy,” said Oakland Roots and Soul SC President Lindsay Barenz. “We have long stated that controlling our own venue is paramount to the long-term success of the Club and soccer here in Oakland. While we have loved our time at the Coliseum over these two seasons, it is not a viable ongoing option for us as the relationship is currently structured.”
The work toward a permanent stadium for Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club remains a top priority and an ongoing effort for the Club. In nearly every season and offseason throughout the Club’s history, staff behind the scenes have worked tirelessly to secure venues, identify alternative locations, and develop plans with partners, the community, and supporters. These efforts continue to evolve as the Club operates without a permanent home.
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Roots Fall 1-3 at Home to Spokane Velocity in Final Prinx Tires USL Cup Match of 2026
Watch!
Roots fell 1-3 to USL League One side Spokane Velocity on Saturday afternoon at Merritt College in their final match of the 2026 edition of the Prinx Tires USL Cup.
While the outcome of the match had no bearing on Oakland’s elimination from the tournament, having already been mathematically eliminated before kickoff, the loss gives Spokane a shot to win Group 1 and advance to the knockout stage pending results of Sacramento Republic FC’s match versus AC Boise.
Roots opened the scoring in Saturday’s contest just moments after it began when an early corner kick from Faysal Bettache found Neveal Hackshaw on the far post, heading it in to give Oakland a 1-0 lead in just the 2nd minute.
Oakland continued to put pressure on the Spokane backline, but it was Velocity who would find the back of the net next when Roots keeper Raphael Spiegel had to leave his position to attempt a clearance near the top of the box. This clearance attempt deflected off of Spokane’s Neco Brett and landed back at his feet for an easy tap into the empty net to make it 1-1 in the 34th.
Following the leveler, momentum began to swing in favor of Spokane and in the 55th minute they found a game winner after Brett found space in the box and fired a rocket into the top right corner to earn his brace after receiving a good outlet pass from Luis Gil to make it 1-2 Velocity.
Spokane continued to look like the hungrier side in the match, and in added time made it 1-3 when former Roots player Anuar Pelaez made a run up the right side and fooled Oakland keeper Alejandro Caracheo Luna with a touch to walk it in for the dagger.
Roots will now return to USL Championship league play for the remainder of 2026, heading to Kentucky for their next match versus Lexington SC on Wednesday, July 22nd at 4 PM PT.
continued..
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Match Recap: Bay FC Earns Second Straight Unbeaten Result with
2-0 Shutout Victory
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 10, 2026) – Bay FC bested Racing Louisville FC 2-0 Friday night at Lynn Family Stadium, earning the club its first win since May 3 and second straight unbeaten result. A goal each by midfielder Kennedy Fuller, her first with her new club, and forward Karlie Lema on either side of the break paired with a stellar defensive performance to earn the club a happy flight back to the Bay Area and all three points.
“Obviously, delighted with three points. Delighted with a with a clean sheet tonight,” said head coach Emma Coates. “In terms of, as far as away trips go, you know, four points on the road helps us build a bit momentum into the next. [We’re] delighted with the with the performance today.”
The hosts put Bay FC under pressure early on. Louisville got downhill from the opening kickoff, serving an early ball into traffic in the penalty area. Strong defensive work by midfielder Claire Hutton and defender Sydney Collins denied the chance and cleared the ball away. Louisville threatened from a set piece chance, but a leaping header by defender Maddie Moreau cleared a close-range shot off the line.
continued...
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Hassan Khan batting against the Seattle Orcas, on his way to scoring 36
UNICORNS TOP MLC STANDINGS WITH THRILLING SIX-WICKET WIN
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GRAND PRAIRIE, TX (JULY 12 , 2026) — The San Francisco Unicorns closed out the 2026 Major League Cricket regular season with a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Seattle Orcas on Saturday night at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium. Powered by Finn Allen's explosive 65 and Hassan Khan's unbeaten 36 off just 10 balls, the Unicorns chased down 191 with six balls to spare, earning a favourable playoff position in the Major League Cricket standings in the process.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Unicorns got off to an ideal start as Xavier Bartlett was involved in a run out to dismiss Shayan Jahangir in the opening over before Matt Short claimed the wicket of Tim Seifert, who picked out Brody Couch at midwicket. Bartlett then delivered a pinpoint yorker to bowl Shehan Jayasuriya, leaving Seattle reeling at 34/3 after four overs.
The Orcas responded through Matthew Breetzke and Shimron Hetmyer, whose partnership steadied the innings after the early collapse. Hetmyer made 36 before Brody Couch broke through, with Bartlett taking a well-judged catch at long on, while Breetzke continued the recovery with a 29-ball 55 to guide Seattle past the halfway point.
Unicorns regained momentum late in the innings as Peter Siddle removed Breetzke before Ali Sheikh was run out in the same over. Marcus Stoinis anchored the finish with 49, but Bartlett dismissed the Seattle captain in the final over as the Orcas finished on 190/7, setting the Unicorns a target of 191.
The chase got off to a strong start as Finn Allen and Lhuan-dre Pretorius put together a 30-run opening partnership before Pretorius departed for 14. Allen continued to control the innings alongside Matt Short, blasting four sixes in his 31-ball 65 to keep the required run rate in check before falling with the Unicorns at 109/2.
Short and Sanjay Krishnamurthi added another valuable partnership, with Krishnamurthi contributing 26 before Tanveer Sangha broke the stand. Short's 43 kept San Francisco within striking distance before his dismissal in the 17th over left the Unicorns needing 36 runs from the final 18 deliveries.
Hassan Khan then delivered one of the most explosive finishes of the season, smashing an unbeaten 36 off just 10 balls, including four sixes. Batting alongside Aaron Hardie, Hassan powered the Unicorns to the target with 20 runs in the penultimate over before sealing the victory with a towering six over midwicket, completing the six-wicket win with an over to spare.
The victory completes the Unicorns' regular season atop the Major League Cricket standings with a top-two position likely, carrying momentum into the postseason as they return home to the Bay Area for the MLC Championship Final at the Oakland Coliseum.
San Francisco Unicorns, 194/4 (F Allen, 65; H Khan, 36), beat Seattle Orcas 190/7 (M Breetzke, 55; M Stoinis, 49), by 6 wickets.
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Simply Click for New Adventures
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| Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
The MLB All-Star Game is being played on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:00 p.m.
I can't remember the last time I watched an All-Star game. There is a good chance I saw the game
this week's question is about:
On July 6, 1983 the only GRAND SLAM in a
MLB All-Star game was hit. Who is the player
who hit this grand slam?
Hint: He broke into the majors in 1975
with the Boston Red Sox and hit the grand slam
as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
answer below...
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Nolan Ryan -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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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
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 192: The Importance Of Independent Athlete Counsel For College Sports
Commission Inquiries
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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We are in the dead of summer. People are on vacation. But the College Sports Commission isn't sleeping. It's beefing up its staff (see below) and hitting the road to conduct in-person interviews of athletes. This was discussed back in January, and the CSC is getting serious about putting the plan into action.
As a lawyer who represents athletes, I'm inherently biased, but I believe it is extremely important for these athletes not to appear without independent counsel.
University counsel represents the university. When a school's lawyer walks an athlete into a CSC interview, that lawyer's obligation is to protect the institution's standing, its NIL compliance posture, and its relationship with the enforcement body that governs its membership. None of that is the same thing as protecting the athlete sitting across the table. An athlete trying to preserve entitlement to a payment, avoid saying something that jeopardizes eligibility, or simply understand what is actually being asked of him needs someone whose only job is to protect him. A university's general counsel's office, however well-intentioned, is not built to do that, and it is not supposed to. Many universities understand this and are encouraging athletes to retain their own counsel.
This should make perfect sense. Nobody would tell an employee being interviewed by company counsel during a regulatory investigation that the company's lawyer has it handled and there is no need for independent representation. Bar associations across the country have spent decades clarifying that in-house or company counsel does not represent the individual employee in that room, and that the employee is entitled to be told as much before the interview begins.
The instinct I have seen from agents and families in these situations is to assume the university is on their side because the university recruited the athlete, because the coach likes him, because everyone has been "friendly" up to this point. That instinct is understandable, and it is wrong. The moment an athlete is asked to sit for a CSC interview (or the more "traditional" NCAA interview), the posture of everyone in that building changes, whether anyone says so out loud or not. The university's obligation shifts to managing its own exposure and its own standing with the enforcement body. And that's understandable! The athlete's interests become, at best, a secondary consideration.
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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~Exclusive Monterey Car Week Event~
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The Central Coast Corkscrew Poker Rally
Celebration of Cars, Competition and The Corkscrew
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On June 28, 2015 at Sonoma Raceway, Martin Truex Jr. collides 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.
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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.
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| | Alameda July 4th Parade R.A.C.E. | |
For the last 20 years the Alameda July 4th Parade R.A.C.E. precedes the 4th of July Parade which is the longest in the country at over three miles. This year 1,800 runners/walkers signed up to navigate the parade route in front of 60,000 parade spectators cheering them on.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Lady Liberty sings the National Anthem at the Alameda 4th of July R.A.C.E. She then gets on her bicycle and leads the participants through the course.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Sebastian Taylor wins the 5k race with a time of 15:28.25.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Runners celebrate at the finish line of the 5k.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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A young participant poses with her finisher’s medal given to all who cross the finish line. For more information about future races, write Alameda July 4th Parade R.A.C.E.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
Fred Lynn
Fred Lynn of the Los Angeles Angels is congratulated after hitting the only Grand Slam in All Star Game history at Comiskey Park on July 6, 1983. Final score:
American League 13, National League 3.
Do you remember what pitcher Lynn hit it off of?
The San Francisco Giants Atlee Hammaker
served up the pitch!
There is a good chance I saw the game
because on that 4th of July week, I was in Fort Walton Beach in Florida at an USAF rest and relaxation area
with my career Air Force sister and husband.
We were baseball fans back then...
Go Red Sox
Go Knicks (NBA Eastern Conference loyalty)
Go Celtics NEXT Year
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Cal Announces 2026 Football
Game Themes
Grateful Bears, 129th Big Game Highlight Celebrations
At California Memorial Stadium
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BERKELEY – The California football program announced its home game themes for the upcoming 2026 season on Thursday. Over the course of the Golden Bears' seven-game slate at California Memorial Stadium, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate some of the hallmarks of Berkeley culture as the new era of Cal football under Travers Family Head Football Coach Tosh Lupoi unfolds. Highlights include a celebration of the Bay Area community and culture, honoring hometown heroes and AAPI culture, the rich traditions of Homecoming and the 129th Big Game and the highly anticipated introduction of the "Grateful Bears".
Below is a description of the theme for each home game this season. Specific kickoff times for the final four contests will be revealed at a later date.
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Four Earn Call on Day Two
Four Cardinal were selected on the second day
of the 2026 MLB Draft
STANFORD, Calif. – Four Stanford Cardinal heard their names called on day two of the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday.
Aidan Keenan was first off the board, selected in the seventh round by the New York Mets with the 210th overall pick. Rintaro Sasaki was nabbed by the Miami Marlins with the 235th pick in the eighth round before Eric Jeon was selected 310th overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 10th round. Cort MacDonald rounded out the Cardinal selections, taken with the 554th pick in the 19th round by the Colorado Rockies.
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Ten Spartans Named
to the 2026 Preseason
Athlon Sports Mountain West
All-Conference Team
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State football continues to capture national attention heading into the upcoming season, with 10 Spartans earning spots on the prestigious 2026 Preseason Athlon Sports Mountain West All-Conference Team. The selections highlight the depth and talent across the roster, spanning explosive offensive playmakers, trench anchors, and standout defensive and special teams weapons.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
148 Gaels Named to 2025-26 West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll
SAN BRUNO, Calif. — After a record-breaking 2025-26 athletics year for Saint Mary's, the Gaels demonstrated that their success went beyond the courts and fields and into the classroom, as 148 Gaels were named to the West Coast Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll.
The WCC Commissioner's Honor Roll celebrates the hard work of WCC Student-Athletes in the classroom, honoring any student-athlete that earned a varsity letter with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Student-athletes are honored with a gold (4.00 - 3.75), silver (3.74-3.50) or bronze (3.49 - 3.00) designation based on their overall GPA.
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Women's Soccer Releases
2026 Schedule
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) women's soccer program and interim head coach Alexis Mata released its schedule for the upcoming 2026 season on Friday.
"We are excited to get started here real soon," said Mata. "New season, new standard, same relentless belief in what USF soccer can become."
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Two Broncos Chosen in 2026 Major League Baseball Draft
Max Bayles (left) and Ben Cleary (right) were both chosen
Sunday in the 2026 MLB Draft.
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PHILADELPHIA — The Santa Clara University baseball team had two players drafted Sunday in the 2026 Major League Draft, with right-handed pitcher Max Bayles and shortstop Ben Cleary both being selected on day two of the event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Bayles was chosen in the seventh round by the Minnesota Twins with the 197th overall pick. Cleary was picked in the 12th round by the Cleveland Guardians with the 363rd overall selection. The picks marked the second time in three years Santa Clara has had multiple players drafted. Infielder Robert Hipwell (6th round, San Francisco Giants) and right-handed pitcher Blake Hammond (15th round, Athletics) were both drafted in 2024.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Women’s Tennis Head Coach Mary Beth Gunn Selected to ITA
Operating Committee
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STOCKTON, Calif. – On Monday afternoon, Pacific women's tennis Head Coach Mary Beth Gunn was selected to represent the ITA's Northwest Region on the ITA Division One Operating Committee for the 2026-29 term.
The Division One arm of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) works in tandem with the NCAA to implement collegiate tennis across the country. In her role, Gunn will assist in organizing the annual NCAA Tournament, coordinate with regional and national committees to determine both individual and team rankings, ensure the NCAA and ITA are aligned in eligibility rules and more generally contribute to the growth and development of D-I collegiate tennis.
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Football Announces 2026
Start Times
DAVIS, Calif. — With kickoff in Portland State less than two months out, the Big Sky and UC Davis football have announced all kickoff times for the 2026 season.
Third year head coach Tim Plough and the Aggies open UC Davis Health Stadium for the non-conference finale against Stetson on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m.
This kickoff will be the first of three straight at home, as Montana comes into town on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. for a huge Big Sky matchup before ESPN2 and Eastern Washington travel to Davis the following Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
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Quintero Earns NFCA/CCA All-America Honors
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Marissa Quintero's historic junior season added another major chapter this week as the Cal State East Bay ace was named an NFCA Division II First Team All-American.
One of the premier pitchers in NCAA Division II this season, Quintero earned national recognition after anchoring the Pioneer pitching staff throughout East Bay's standout 2026 campaign. The junior was selected among the nation's top pitchers and became one of the few student-athletes from the West Region to earn First Team distinction.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, July 13, through
Sunday, July 19, 2026
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Monday, July 13
MLB Home Run Derby, 5 pm.
Tuesday, July 14
AL All-Stars @ NL All-Stars, 5 p.m. 96th All-Star Game,
Philadelphia. PA
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15
Golden State Valkyries @ Indiana Fever, 5 p.m.
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Thursday, July 16
Oakland Ballers @ Long Beach Coast, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, July 17
San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. Washington Nationals, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roadsters, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, July 18
San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 5:08 p.m.
Athletics vs. Washington Nationals, 7:05 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics, 5:30 p.m.
Bay FC vs. North Carolina Courage, 1 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roadsters, 4:35 p.m.
Sunday, July 19
San Francisco Giants @ Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland Ballers vs. Modesto Roadsters, 1:05 p.m.
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Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
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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.)
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Technology Advisor: Silas Everett
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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