Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 483

Kyle Harrison shoves in Coors Field to lead Giants past Rockies

The Giants didn’t get quite the offensive eruption they were hoping the Denver altitude  might provide, but they scratched across plenty of runs for their precocious southpaw.

Kyle Harrison, the 22-year-old rookie, became the first Giant since Barry Zito in 2012 to toss at least seven shutout innings in Coors Field.

Harrison struck out just two, but worked efficiently in seven scoreless frames. He gave up just six baserunners — two walks and four hits — and has now allowed just one earned run in his past 18 innings pitched.

LaMonte Wade Jr., by far the Giants’ most productive hitter this year, drove in two runs with a single and walked three more times, reaching base in all of his plate appearances. He’s now hitting .351 and leads Major League Baseball with a .485 on-base percentage.

Behind Harrison and Wade, the Giants (16-21) snapped their four-game losing streak with a 5-0 victory.

The Giants broke out with four runs in the fourth inning — not by hitting the ball hard, but by placing hits where the Colorado defense. Finally, San Francisco caught some breaks.

Consecutive swinging bunts from Nick Ahmed and Jung Hoo Lee (exit velocities of 82.7 and 36 mph) put the Giants on the board and then loaded the bases. A chopper up the middle from Thairo Estrada plated another, before LaMonte Wade Jr. drove in two more with a line drive.

Bob Melvin elected to keep Wade in the game in a left-on-left matchup against former Giant Ty Blach. Wade hasn’t gotten many opportunities to prove himself against southpaws in the past few years, but certainly hasn’t looked overmatched in a limited sample. Last year, he posted a .709 OPS in 81 plate appearances against lefties.

Wade’s single gave the Giants a 4-0 lead. It wasn’t exactly an offensive breakout, but their four runs in the fourth inning were as many as the Giants have had in any entire game since April 23.

Earlier in the night, the Giants couldn’t find the big hit to break open the game. They put six runners on in the first three innings, but stranded them all.

Harrison bought San Francisco’s offense time. He filled up the strike zone and worked efficiently, cruising through an overmatched Rockies lineup. He relied on his four-seam fastball, often at the rail, more than half the time.

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In the seventh inning, Wade walked for a third time and Michael Conforto singled to give the Giants a 5-0 lead. After their offensive ineptitude in Philadelphia led to a team meeting and a visibly peeved manager, a five-run performance was much-needed.

Harrison needed just 71 pitches to get through six scoreless innings in the hitter-friendly environment. He got some oxygen in the dugout before heading out for the bottom of the seventh, which he finished in 15 deliveries.

The shutout lowered Harrison’s ERA to 3.20 on the season — a mark that closely resembles the Giants’ runs per game average over the past few weeks. Two more games in altitude could make a big difference there.

High School boys golf: Brandler, Rohizam lead Stevenson to 20-stroke CCS Regional win

MONTEREY — A common theme for Stevenson upon returning to the clubhouse to report their scores was the feeling of leaving too many shots out on the greens.

This after the 15-time Central Coast Section golf champions won Tuesday’s section morning golf regionals at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch by 20 strokes.

“The experience these kids have gained in the last year has been invaluable,” Stevenson coach Justin Bates said. “These guys have been playing at a high level. The feeling is we got a lot more in the tank.”

With Luke Brandler and Adam Rohizam earning medalist honors by carding 1-under 70’s, the Pirates will go into next Tuesday’s CCS finals as the favorites to repeat as champions.

“The one thing that’s missing in my 17 years is a Northern California title,” Bates said. “It’s been in our site. But we’re not taking any team in the CCS for granted. This is just another step.”

Joining the Pirates in the section finals will include Salinas, who finished in a tie for second with Bellarmine in the afternoon regionals behind Crystal Springs to extend its season.

The Gabilan Division champion Pirates shot plus-11 to compile a team score of 366, with Palo Alto finishing a distant second. Last week Stevenson shot 367 as a team in running off with the league crown by 32 strokes.

“We would like to be a little closer to par as a team,” Bates said.

Finishing 1-under 70 for the second straight week on the same course wasn’t what Brandler had in mind, especially with the wind conditions in the morning mild compared to last week’s gusts.

“I left a lot of shots out there,” Brandler said. “I wasn’t too dialed in. It’s frustrating. I felt comfortable with my swing. I just didn’t score well. My putting wasn’t too good. I guess I’m saving my best shots for next week.”

One of the top goalies in the county last winter in helping Stevenson to a CCS divisional soccer title, Brandler has a chance to become the first athlete in the county this year to be a part of two CCS winning teams in the same season.

“Everyone has improved so much from last year,” Brandler said. “We’ve beaten De La Salle twice. We’ve raised our game and our expectations.”

Luke Brandler puts one on the greens for Stevenson pic.twitter.com/jreVQ1Doxl

— John Devine (@JohnJDevine) May 7, 2024

De La Salle is the reigning two-time state champions.

“Today was an average day and I still shot 1-under,” said Brandler, who has fired a 66 in the past. “I guess that’s a testament to how much my game has evolved.”

Putting the disappointment of shooting 5-over at last week’s Gabilan Division finals in the rear-view mirror, Rohizam went out and matched Brandler’s round with his best effort at Laguna Seca.

“Finally,” Rohizam said. “I haven’t had the best rounds out here. I made a couple of changes in my swing. I was more consistent off the tee. I was hitting the ball straighter. I was just more confident.”

Despite his recent struggles at Laguna Seca, Rohizam, who will compete next year at Missouri Science and Tech, was able to block it out, as well as the morning chill in the air.

“When you wake up in the morning, it’s a new day,” Rohizam said. “I’m not out here thinking I bogeyed this hole last week when I come to it. Honestly, I didn’t feel that great this morning. It was cold.”

Andrew Doll put together a big day for the Pirates, shooting four strokes better than last week to card a 4-over 75, as did Steven Lai, with Johsh Chadha and Calvin Etcheverry shooting 5-over 76’s.

“I wasn’t feeling it today,” said Lai, who shared medalist honors last week with Brandler at the Gabilan Division finals. “It was not a great day. It was unacceptable.”

Struggling on the front nine, Lai was able to regroup over the final nine holes, shooting 1-over to provide a respectable score for Stevenson, whose top six players all finished in the top 15.

“With the exception of 16, I played well over the final nine holes,” Lai said. “Today was just about posting a number for the team. Next week is a completely different day. I got the bad round out of the way.”

Four teams in each regional round and nine individuals not on a qualifying team will advance to next Tuesday’s section finals at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.

The Cowboys, who were the Gabilan Division runner-ups to Stevenson, posted a score of 391, an improvement by eight strokes from last week.

“These kids were thinking they wanted to extend their season,” Salinas coach Alan Takemura said. “The last couple of years we were seeded sixth each time in the regionals and were able to go beyond. Being a No. 7 seed didn’t faze us.”

Alex Jarvis and John Georgariou both shot 75’s for Salinas, followed by Luke Borel (77), Nolan Borel (81), Drew Kapsalis (83) and Max Perez (88).

“I started with a lot of pars and had a birdie on No. 5,” Georgariou said. “But I fell apart on the back nine. I mentally wasn’t into it. I lost focus.”

A par on the 15th hole helped the left-handed swinging Georgariou get his rhythm back for the final three holes, finishing with a three-stroke improvement from last week.

“I made a par on what I consider the toughest hole on the course,” Georgariou said. “I got my confidence back. I was feeling myself. I could tell from front nine that I’m capable of doing something good.”

York’s Taiga Minami qualified for the CCS finals as an individual after shooting a 4-over 75, finishing ninth overall in the morning regional

Carmel, who received an at-large bid into the regionals, finished sixth with a 400 score in the morning regionals with Julian Cho and Cullen Pritchard each shooting a 77. Both missed qualifying for the finals as an individual by one stroke. Johnthan Chen, a state qualifier last year, finished with a 79.

Steph Curry won’t defend Tahoe golf title due to Olympic commitment

This summer, Stephen Curry, alongside the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, will travel to Paris in pursuit of an Olympic gold medal, one of the few pieces of hardware that he doesn’t own. With Curry headed overseas in a couple weeks, one of his most well-known hobbies will take a back seat.

Curry announced in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that he will not participate in the 2024 American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament in mid-July, passing up the opportunity at back-to-back titles in the pursuit of international athletic achievement.

“I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title at the American Century Championship in Tahoe this summer, but the chance to represent my country and, hopefully, win an Olympic gold medal for the first time at the 2024 Games in Paris is an opportunity that I simply could not pass up,” Curry said in a statement. “I look forward to returning to the shores of Lake Tahoe and creating more memories next July and in subsequent years. In the interim, I know that Dell and Seth will represent the Curry family well in my absence, but if one of them doesn’t come home with another trophy for our mantel, I will be highly disappointed!”

Curry had no shortage of brilliant moments en route to winning the 2023 championship, the highlight being a 152-yard . He became the first African American champion in the tournament’s 35-year history, as well as the first active athlete to win since the Tennessee Titans’ Al Del Greco in 2000.

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“Well, we’ve discovered that the only thing Stephen Curry can’t do is be in two places at once,” said Jon Miller, NBC Sports’ President of Acquisitions and Partnerships, in a statement, wishing Curry and Team USA success in Paris and hinting at a Curry return for the 2025 tournament.

Following a Wednesday practice round and the Thursday Celebrity-Am, the tournament will take place from July 12-14 and feature 84 athletes and entertainers, a list that includes Seth and Dell Curry, Jerry Rice, Steve Young and Charles Woodson, among others.

Curry has three gold medals on his resumé from the 2014 FIBA Men’s World Cup, 2010 FIBA Men’s World Championship and 2007 Global Games, as well as a silver medal from the 2007 FIBA Men’s U19 World Championship, but this summer will mark the first time that the 36-year-old will participated in the Olympics. In addition to Curry, James and Durant, Team USA, coached by Steve Kerr, will feature Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Bam Adebayo and Jrue Holiday.

Joby moves to next phase of flight testing, second aircraft exits Marina line

MARINA – On the heels of rolling out its second production prototype aircraft at the ground-breaking ceremony for its expanded manufacturing facility in Marina last week, Joby Aviation recently announced it has successfully completed its pre-production flight test program. The company says it will now focus on the next phase of flight testing, using its production prototype aircraft to prepare for upcoming for-credit flight testing.

Joby has designed and produced an electric air taxi that will carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.

“Over the course of this test program, our team has shown the world how real electric air taxis are, with tens of thousands of miles flown using today’s battery technology,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby in a press release. “Our pre-production aircraft were the second full-scale generation of Joby’s design, and their performance met or exceeded our predictions throughout the program, successfully achieving our targets for maximum range, speed, and a revolutionary acoustic footprint.”

Joby has been doing business and developing a manufacturing facility in Marina for about the past seven years where it launched production of its aircraft at its Pilot Production Plant with the first aircraft rolling off the line in June 2023.

“Successfully completing this rigorous test program has allowed us to proceed to ramp production with full confidence, the second of which rolled off the line at our production line in Marina” last week, said Bevirt. “Learnings from the flight test program have been invaluable to our certification program and to the broader development of regulatory frameworks around electric (Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft, validating the performance, safety, and acoustics of our design while providing insight into daily operations and maintenance.”

Joby’s Pilot Production Line in Marina, currently in its “mega-tent” at the Marina airport, is designed to specifically help Joby learn how to manufacture and optimize its manufacturing processes so it is able to scale to larger volumes.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Marina airport facility on April 29 for a new 220,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, expected to begin operations in 2025.

Joby first began flying full-scale pre-production prototype aircraft more than four years ago, and the company’s two pre-production aircraft subsequently completed more than 1,500 flights, spanning a total distance of over 33,000 miles, including more than 100 flights with a pilot onboard. The second pre-production aircraft also completed the first electric air taxi exhibition flights in New York City, when it flew from the Manhattan Downtown Heliport over the Hudson River in November 2023.

In 2021, Joby demonstrated a flight of 154.6 statute miles on a single charge, including a vertical take-off and landing.

In 2022, Joby partnered with NASA to measure and confirm its aircraft’s quiet acoustic footprint, which the company believes will barely be heard in cruise flight against the ambient environment of cities. Joby also demonstrated speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour and flight at altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet above mean sea level.

In 2023, Joby expanded its flight test program to include flights with pilots on board the aircraft, as well as completing the first-ever exhibition flight of an electric air taxi in New York City. Joby also trained four U.S. Air Force pilots to become the first Air Force personnel to fly an eVTOL aircraft through a full flight profile, including the transition from vertical to wingborne flight, as sole pilot-in-command.

And in 2024, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, Joby completed 31 pilot-on-board flights in two days, demonstrating the aircraft’s operational characteristics and precision landing capabilities.

“Over the past four years, we thoroughly tested and studied our aircraft in flight, from precision landing and outwash to human factors,” said James Denham, Joby chief test pilot, in a press release. Denham was the first person to fly onboard Joby’s full-scale prototype aircraft. “We often flew multiple flights per day, demonstrating our ability to fly in a wide variety of weather and operational conditions. As a result, we have the most experienced and professional eVTOL flight test team in the world, and I’m proud to be a part of this program.”

Joby’s second pre-production prototype aircraft will be used for research-and-development on future aviation technologies.

Kurtenbach: Klay Thompson is flirting with other teams. The Warriors can’t pretend he’s bluffing

The Orlando Magic are making eyes at Klay Thompson.

And reportedly, Thompson is making eyes right back.

It’s enough to make you wonder if the 13-year marriage between the Warriors and Thompson is on thin ice.

On Monday, NBA newsbreaker Shams Charania reported that there is “mutual” interest between Thompson, who is a free agent, and the Magic, who have acres of salary cap room and need to add a veteran shooter this offseason.

The pairing makes sense.

Not as much sense as Thompson as a Warrior, but sense nonetheless.

And let me just get out ahead of the next bit of breaking news: There will be mutual interest between Thompson and the Philadelphia 76ers. And the San Antonio Spurs. Oh, and maybe the Thunder, too. (Though OKC, my title pick, might not want him.)

There’s going to be interest because Thompson is still one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. He made 268 last season on 38 percent shooting.

There’s going to be interest because Thompson, despite being a peculiar and oftentimes insular guy, is still a four-time NBA Champion with a trove of winning wisdom.

And from Thompson’s side, there will be interest in playing for other teams because he wants to be paid as much as he can.

Giants fans should know this game.

The big stars have used the Giants to drive up the price offseason after offseason. Bryce Harper, Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge — the teams they actually wanted to sign with had to up their offers to match San Francisco, the mark.

Warriors fans should remember this game, too.

Draymond Green did the same thing — twice. His hometown Detroit Pistons were twice used to land better offers from the Warriors.

And that’s what I think Thompson is doing here.

To a degree, at least.

Thompson has never tested free agency in his career. And he really needs to work it now.

The Warriors told Thompson what they thought he was worth before the start of the season — a reported two-year, $48 million deal was turned down with swiftness and some hurt feelings.

To my understanding, the Warriors have not been at the negotiation table with Thompson since then, and Thompson, I would argue, did nothing to increase his value.

So Thompson needs the market to do it for him.

Don’t get me wrong: Thompson is worth a lot to the Warriors. They have no reasonable way to replace him on the court. And off the court, he’s worth even more. The Big Three might be on the downslopes of their careers, but they still sell a ton of tickets.

Nostalgia sells.

It can also be a curse.

That’s why I refuse to say that Thompson won’t leave the Bay this summer. Yes, I think he’s currently using these other teams as leverage, but that doesn’t mean he’s bluffing.

Thompson, after all, might need a fresh start.

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So long as he wears 11 for Golden State, he’ll be playing against the ghost of his past. The better version of Klay Thompson — the pre-injuries, pre-gray-in-the-beard edition — was No. 11 for the Warriors, and the team, the fans, and the player himself want that jersey to be worn by that player once again.

It’s never going to happen, though.

But if Thompson is wearing No. 11 for Orlando or Philly, those comparisons won’t be as visceral. Thompson would be freed of the burden.

Yes, those fans will know that the Thompson playing for their team isn’t anywhere near the player he was during the Dubs’ salad days, but they won’t have a reference point beyond television and YouTube highlights.

Warriors fans know what that great Klay Thompson felt like. There’s a big difference. Anyone who was there for the 37-point quarter or a Game 6 performance knows what I’m talking about.

So if Orlando comes in at $30-plus million and the Warriors hold firm on their previous offer, Thompson could — perhaps should — take the money and run.

That might prove best for everyone involved in the long run.

Thompson would get his fresh start and the Warriors would no longer have any luxury tax issues (and the ability to trade Chris Paul instead of merely cutting him) — something they really need to do this offseason, before they have to pay Jonathan Kuminga.

It would also remove the burden of the Warriors needing to orchestrate a graceful exit for their franchise-changing stars. Man, that will be tricky. But if Thompson leaves, the organization won’t be seen as breaking up the Big Three — Thompson will get to carry that burden.

I would still bet on the Warriors and Thompson figuring something out. It’s best for both parties.

But both parties have their limits, and they’re about to be put to the test.

Concert Week: What it is, who’s participating and how to take part

If you think concert ticket prices are too high, this is the week for you. Concert Week, a Live Nation ticket sale, runs May 8-14 and offers $25 tickets to thousands of shows across the U.S. and Canada, plus for the first time in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Here’s everything you need to know about Concert Week 2024.

What is Concert Week?

Concert Week is a promotion in which select shows are available for $25. The world’s biggest concert promoter, Live Nation/Ticketmaster, created Concert Week 10 years ago, and the event has grown to include more than 5,000 shows around the world.

When is Concert Week 2024?

Concert Week runs from May 8-14. T-Mobile and Rakuten customers are given early access starting May 7.

Fans will want to act soon, as many shows will run out of $25 tickets quickly.

Which artists are participating in Concert Week?

Dozens of artists will have concerts on sale via Concert Week, though exact shows vary based on location.

Some of the bigger artists participating include: Alanis Morissette, Blink-182, Brooks & Dunn, Cage the Elephant, Chicago with Earth, Wind & Fire, Dierks Bentley, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie & the Blowfish, Iron Maiden, Janet Jackson, John Fogerty, Kings of Leon, Luke Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, Maroon 5, Meghan Trainor, Missy Elliott, New Kids on the Block, P!nk, Pitbull, Rob Zombie with Alice Cooper, Santana with the Counting Crows, the Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Styx and Foreigner, Tim McGraw and Train with REO Speedwagon.

For a full list, visit this site. Once the sale begins, fans will be able to sort available shows by region, event, venue or artist.

Are the tickets really only $25?

Yes, the tickets are $25, far less than most concert tickets of this caliber. The $25 ticket prices include all service fees, though taxes are not included. Taxes could include city, state or venue fees.

Is it only for concerts?

Concert Week includes shows that are not musical acts. Comedians like Dane Cook and Whitney Cummings will have $25 tickets, as well as the TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Why adult children are finding benefits to traveling with their parents

Nancy Clanton | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hannah Johnson first went to Walt Disney World with her mother while still in college. After a brief break because of COVID, the Ringgold, Ga., resident has resumed their trips together as an annual event.

“I decided (the annual trip) was going to be what I did for her,” Johnson said, “kind of as a payback for all the things she did for me. I could just see how happy she was and how much it meant.”

According to Meghan Hayes, an independent travel adviser, adults taking trips with their parents is a growing trend.

“This trend specifically is growing because less people are deciding to have children, or they’re deciding to have children later on,” Hayes told Yahoo Life, “but they’re still ready to go on bucket list-style trips and want to include their family in these trips.”

Hayes said adult children traveling with their parents has grown to be nearly 25% of her business, up from about 5% to 10% before the pandemic.

Yahoo Life talked to people who said they believe it’s important to travel with their parents, and how they think it benefits them.

“My mom loves the Germany pavilion (at EPCOT) so we spend like an hour there,” Johnson said. “Then at Magic Kingdom, we go to Casey’s Corner (a quick-service hot dog restaurant inside the park), then sit and people watch. We like to do the PeopleMover (a tram-style attraction that gives park guests a tour of the Tomorrowland area) and more chill things, because (my mom) is not a huge thrill person.”

How do these trips help her mom?

“My mom has anxiety, so just learning how to navigate and deal with a crowd and not just freak out and shut down is a huge deal,” she said.

Megan duBois, who wrote the Yahoo Life article, said she takes a few trips each year with her parents, who are in their late 50s and early 60s.

The author and her mother, 63, recently traveled to Machu Picchu. Although the older woman needed a little help reaching the top, she nevertheless made it to the spot overlooking the ruins.

“(M)y mom and I sat together and I leaned over to tell her how proud I was of her and that she can still do anything that she sets her mind to, even if it’s scary,” duBois wrote.

For Carly Caramanna, traveling with her mother is a way to connect. “It’s exciting,” she told Yahoo Life, “because instead of visiting each other’s homes, we explore new destinations.”

The pair head to a domestic destination every other month, with a European trip each winter. “It’s like payback in the best kind of way,” she said.

_____

©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Photos: Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inducts the class of 2024

Brian Sabean, nearly 30 years after his arrival here, entered the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame alongside Patrick Marleau, John Taylor, Jenny Thompson and Chris Wondolowski.

Six months after Patrick Marleau entered the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame – alongside Wondolowski – he joined Owen Nolan (2014) as the only Shark in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. He was drafted No. 2 overall in 1997, and his No. 12 jersey was retired last year by the Sharks, for whom he played three stints.

Chris Wondolowski, 41, is this hall of fame’s first San Jose Earthquakes player. He is also the lone member of this year’s class who is a Bay Area native (Danville) and continues to reside here.

John Taylor may be known best for his Super Bowl-winning, last-minute touchdown catch for the 1988 49ers; he won the Super Bowl three times and made the Pro Bowl twice.

On the morning of her BASHOF induction, Jenny Thompson returned to Stanford for a 5:30 a.m. swim. “It was really reminiscent of working your butt off, then seeing the sun rise and the beauty in that,” said Thompson, who won 19 individual and relay titles during her Stanford career from 1991-95, then went on to win 12 Olympic medals, eight gold.

Text by Cam Inman; see full story here.

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Chris Wondolowski, left, shakes hands with Patrick Marleau during a panel at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)John Taylor, center, speaks during a panel next to Jenny Thompson and Patrick Marleau during the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee John Taylor poses for a photograph next to his plaque with his wife, Elaine, during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Chris Wondolowski poses for a photograph with his plaque during the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee John Taylor, left, shakes hands with Chris Wondolowski at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees, from left to right, Brian Sabean, John Taylor, Patrick Marleau, Jenny Thompson, and Chris Wondolowski pose next to their plaques at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Jenny Thompson speaks next to Chris Wondolowski during a panel at the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee John Taylor, left, shakes hands with Patrick Marleau at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Marleau gets a kiss from his wife, Christina, after she introduced him during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Marleau reads his plaque at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Brian Sabean before the start of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Brian Sabean, center, poses next to his plaque with supporters, including his four sons, Chris Berman and Ned Coletti at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)From left to right, Jennifer Montana, her husband Joe Montana, and John Taylor pose for a photograph at the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. Taylor had just been inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Marleau poses for a photograph next to his plaque with his wife, Christina, after she introduced him during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Brian Sabean, right, chats with Farhan Zaidi, San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations, before the start of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Chris Berman introduces Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Brian Sabean during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Host Brian Murphy speaks during the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Horoscopes May 7, 2024: Breckin Meyer, leave nothing to chance

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alexander Ludwig, 32; Sydney Leroux, 34; Breckin Meyer, 50; Amy Heckerling, 70.

Happy Birthday: Get on with your life, and engage in whatever it takes to point you in the direction you want to pursue. Your staying power will enable you to press forward until you find your comfort zone. Leave nothing to chance, and only delegate jobs that cannot disrupt your plans. A passionate pursuit will bring you closer to the people you want to be with and the lifestyle you long for. Your numbers are 9, 17, 21, 25, 33, 37, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put your energy to work for you. Engage in activities that allow you to use your imagination and intelligence. Don’t let someone’s change of plans disrupt your day. It’s up to you to generate opportunities and make things happen. Choose the path that sets you free. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Preparation is necessary if you want to reach your target. Call in an expert if it will save you time and ensure you get things right. Don’t be afraid to express yourself or your feelings. Honesty will help you achieve your dreams. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Trust your instincts, not what someone tells you. An energetic, informative approach to getting things done will put you in an excellent position to make your dreams come true. Don’t share sensitive issues with anyone who could use your words to make you look bad. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Participation will encourage learning, perfecting and making innovative changes that broaden your chance to advance. Actions speak louder than words, and your results will be worthwhile. Who you connect with will encourage a brighter future. Romance is favored. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t disrupt what’s working for you. Tread carefully and protect what matters most to you. Think before you initiate plans or jump into something that requires time and effort you don’t have to give. Maximize your results by paying attention to detail. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get moving, play to win and make positive changes that propel you to reach your goals. Dream big, and your hard work will carry you to the finish line. The sky is the limit, so don’t waste valuable time; chase your dream. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take good care of yourself. Make exercise and your emotional well-being your priorities. Keep the conversation with people who you value and are heading in a similar direction as you positive and conclusive. Nurture what you love. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll gravitate toward people who make you think and question your actions. Revisit what and who brings you joy, and focus on being happy and content with your life. A change will do you good and encourage you to pursue your dreams. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Follow through with your plans. If you wait for someone else to step up and take over, you’ll be disappointed with the results. Get involved in events or activities that stimulate your mind and energize you to be the one to make a difference. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t feel you have to explain yourself or your actions. Taking advantage of your time and using it to reach your goal can be critical. Allow those you know have and will offer what you need into your circle. Personal growth is favored. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Live within your means and learn from experience. Get the lowdown before addressing issues concerning friends or family. Trips, meetings and living up to your promises will help you get things done your way. Adjust your spending to fit your budget and save for an unexpected expense. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Set goals and continue until you are happy with the results. Traveling, learning and reuniting with old friends or colleagues will be eye-opening. An offer will require some finagling on your part to make it work. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are relentless, engaging and motivated. You are reflective and distinguishing.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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Giants ex-GM Brian Sabean, others relish Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame induction

SAN FRANCISCO – Brian Sabean’s right hand sported one of his three championship rings from his tenure as the San Francisco Giants’ general manager. On Monday night, he marveled at the lineup in front of him.

Sabean, nearly 30 years after his arrival here, entered the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame alongside Patrick Marleau, John Taylor, Jenny Thompson, and Chris Wondolowski.

“I had no idea an honor like this would be in the wings,” Sabean, 67, said. “I’m very humbled and flattered by my induction because hall of fames are basically for great players, and I’m not going in that category.

“But I appreciate the recognition because we had a special group and a special operation as far as how our organization did things over time,” added Sabean. “That led to three World Series in five years, and we were lucky enough to go to four and win three.”

Sabean and Monday’s other inductees professed gratitude for the Bay Area serving as a hospitable host en route to their awe-inspiring careers.

Now working as an advisor to the New York Yankees and living in Bradenton, Florida, Sabean struggled to grasp how three decades have passed since first joining the Giants, who promoted him to general manager in 1996. He said the ensuing 1997 season was one of his two favorites; the other came in 2010, when the Giants won their first of three World Series crowns, with the others coming in 2012 and ’14.

“We were able to do it here first with the pitching – (Matt) Cain first, then (Tim) Lincecum, (Madison) Bumgarner, some relievers like (Sergio) Romo, (Brian) Wilson, etc,” Sabean recalled. “Then we had the position-player run with (Buster) Posey, (Brandon) Belt, (Joe) Panik, (Brandon) Crawford and (Pablo) Sandoval. That’s a mouthful.”

Earlier Monday, the Giants were swept in a four-game series at Philadelphia. What’s that like as a general manager in this early stretch of a season?

“You don’t sleep. It’s not fun,” Sabean said. “You have to be good at crisis management. Every day you’re dealing with something that is unexpected, or is pulling you left when you need to go straight. You have to get really adept at that.

“Our front office team was very, very good at that.”

As he prepared to enter a hotel ballroom for Monday night’s induction, he praised the “amazing company” he was joining. Here is what his fellow inductees said:

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Marleau poses for a photograph next to his plaque with his wife Christina after she introduced him during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

PATRICK MARLEAU

Six months after he entered the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame – alongside Wondolowski – Marleau joined Owen Nolan (2014) as the only Shark in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Drafted No. 2 overall in 1997, Marleau’s No. 12 jersey was retired last year by the Sharks, for whom he served three stints.

“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself,” Marleau said. “The jersey (retirement) ceremony, watching the jersey go up, I was (like): ‘Is this really happening?’ It’s no different here tonight.”

Marleau’s first Sharks tour was from 1997-2017. He returned from Toronto in 2019, then finished his career with San Jose in 2021, when he surpassed Gordie Howe for most NHL regular-season games (1,779). Marleau is the Sharks’ all-time leader in games, goals, points, power-play goals, and, game-winning goals.

After Monday’s night festivities, his attention turns to Tuesday’s NHL draft lottery and the Sharks’ potential to draft No. 1 overall for the first time.

“It’s going to be a big draft for our club,” Marleau said. “Last year’s draft was good, as well. It’s going to be a fun time to bring these young guys in, get them up to speed with the NHL game and help develop them and build this team around these young guys, and hopefully bring the championship to San Jose.”

His advice to the top pick and others: “Have your eyes and ears open when you come into the locker room, and just take it all in. That work ethic is the biggest thing, and compete. If you bring those things and are willing to learn, you can find yourself in that dressing room for a long time.”

Chris Wondolowski poses for a photograph with his plaque during the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI

Wondolowski, 41, is this hall of fame’s first San Jose Earthquakes player. He is also the lone member of this year’s class who is a Bay Area native (Danville) and continues to reside here.

“I remember my dad (John) telling me he got to go see Steve Young be inducted (to BASHOF),” Wondolowski said. “That was always a really cool thing. Now he gets to come again, but for myself, which is full circle.”

He retired 2 ½ years ago from the Earthquakes as the MLS’s all-time leading scorer (171 goals, 17 seasons), and he remains with the club coordinating player development.

“I was kind of a late bloomer, so just to be mentioned with some of these names, it’s crazy to me,” Wondolowski added. “The heroes I had growing up are in here, as well. It’s pretty amazing and I truly find it special.”

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee John Taylor poses for a photograph next to his plaque with his wife Elaine during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

JOHN TAYLOR

Taylor may be known best for his Super Bowl-winning, last-minute touchdown catch for the 1988 49ers, but he won the Super Bowl three times and made the Pro Bowl twice.

“I remember coming out here my rookie year in 1986, walking through the airport and you see this display,” Taylor said of the BASHOF plaques in the San Francisco International Airport. “I guess now when I come through the airport I have to look for myself. It’s a hell of an honor to put myself up with the guys that are already here. It’s a beautiful honor.”

Inducted to the 49ers’ Edward J DeBartolo Hall of Fame in 2021, he still ranks high in the franchise record book: first in punt returns (149), eighth in receiving yards (5,598), ninth in touchdown catches (43; tied with Freddie Solomon), and 10th in receptions (347; tied with Michael Crabtree). One play forever preserved Taylor’s spot in 49ers’ lore: his 10-yard catch in the final minute against the Bengals to secure the 49ers’ third Lombardi Trophy.

“You got to remember I had one catch all day. That was the major one,” Taylor said. “It was something you dream about as a kid growing up. All of us play in the streets saying, ‘If you make the catch, if you make the throw, you win the Super Bowl.’ I can honestly say I lived that, and it kept me around for a while.”

Taylor, 62, grew up in Pennsauken, New Jersey, in a neighborhood that bred four others who played in the NFL at the same time as him. “This is what really sold me (on San Francisco): the Golden Gate Bridge — until I got here,” Taylor said. “The whole time growing up you hear, ‘Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge,’ so you figure in your mind, it has some type of gold look to it. Then I got here and it was red. That was about the biggest disappointment out of everything.”

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jenny Thompson poses for a photograph with her plaque at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

JENNY THOMPSON

On the morning of her BASHOF induction, Thompson returned to Stanford for a 5:30 a.m. swim. “It was really reminiscent of working your butt off, then seeing the sun rise and the beauty in that,” said Thompson, who won 19 individual and relay titles during her Stanford career from 1991-95, then went on to win 12 Olympic medals (eight gold).

“Being a part of the Stanford swim team was probably the most special part of my swimming career,” Thompson added. “To be part of such a tight-knit group of women, really sisters, we accept each other. We all have flaws and accept them all.  It’s an amazing experience to be a part of a team like that. People say swimming is an individual sport but in college it really is a team sport, and I love that aspect.”

She also loves the Bay Area so much she wishes she lived here again, though she’s happily raising her family in Charleston, South Carolina. They will accompany her to Paris for this summer’s Olympic Games, with tickets in hand to watch four nights of swimming. “I kind of made a goal back in the day that I would always go to the Olympics,” Thompson said. “I missed Rio and then COVID happened, so I’m excited to get back.”

Thompson reflected on her career and relayed what she called the best advice she received:

“Have fun,” Thompson said. “Swim from your heart. Because when you think too much about being professional or being too serious, you lose the joy you feel from your passion. When I was going for my fourth Olympics, I was in medical school, my mom was sick with cancer, and I was able to have perspective of what swimming meant to me. I lost all of the seriousness about it and remembered the true joy it brings me. Have fun; it really is the most important thing when pursuing your dreams.”

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees Chris Wondolowski, left, shakes hands with Patrick Marleau during a panel at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Marleau reads his plaque at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Marleau gets a kiss from his wife Christina after she introduced him during the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Joe Montana, left, speaks with John Taylor at the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Brian Sabean, right, speaks during a panel next to Patrick Marleau at the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Jenny Thompson speaks next to Chris Wondolowski during a panel at the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees John Taylor, left, shakes hands with Chris Wondolowski at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Brian Sabean talks to members of the media before the start of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees John Taylor, left, shakes hands with Patrick Marleau at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

John Taylor, center, speaks during a panel next to Jenny Thompson, far left, and Patrick Marleau during the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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