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Panik, Longoria homer in Giants loss to Mariners

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San Francisco, CA – It was a perfect day for baseball.  The Giants pulled out all the stops for the pre-game ceremony bringing back some memorable former players who made this organization unforgettable.  Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Barry Bonds, Dusty Baker, Marvin Bernard, Vida Blue and Felipe Alou to name a few.  

Former closer Brian Wilson threw out the first pitch to cap off a spectacular ceremony that also honored former San Francisco Mayor, Ed Lee.  Unfortunately, the excitement fizzled immediately.  Ty Black got off to a bumpy start that led to the Seattle Mariners scoring four runs in the first frame.  

The Giants 6-4 Interleague loss to the Mariners was the third straight loss they recorded this season.  San Francisco rallied in the seventh and eighth but dug a hole too deep to climb out of.  Nonetheless, it’s still early in the season despite the lack of hits the team has produced since the season started.  

“How about what Joe is doing?  It’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?,” manager Bruce Bochy said.  “Our first three runs are his home runs.  Who would have thought?  He’s just throwing out good at-bats.  He’s a good hitter.”

Joe Panik went yard in the fourth giving the Giants their first run.  Panik is the first Major League player to lead his team’s first three runs, in any season, with solo homers.  He also snapped his own 21 inning scoreless streak with his solo blast today.  Panik not considered a power hitter but is predicted to hit at least 25 or more home runs based on his strong start this season.

Blach got the first hit when he grounded a single in the third.  But Seattle continued to take advantage of Blach’s poor pitching.  Robinson Cano recorded a RBI double in the fifth and Bochy had enough replacing him with the bullpen.  Reyes Moronta walked Healy before Guillermo Heredia hit a sacrifice fly scoring in Cano to make it a 6-1 game.  

Blach lasted 4.1 frames allowing ten hits, six runs, two walks and two strikeouts.  The first inning got away from him, Dee Gordon got a base hit, after grounding directly to Crawford who struggled picking up the ball.  Jean Segura followed with a bunt putting two on with no outs.  Blach loaded the bases and Mitch Haniger hit a two-run single with no outs.  

“He really made some pretty good pitches, it was their inning,” said Bochy.  “Balls were hit just where we couldn’t quite get to them.  He was getting us groundballs.”

Kyle Seager got in on the action with a single scoring in Cano extending the Mariners lead 3-0.  Ron Healy then singled, and Haniger scored making it a 4-0 to end the first.  By the second things had calmed down as San Francisco’s defense stepped up preventing more runs despite Segura’s double in the second.  

The Giants did get an opportunity in the sixth when Austin Jackson grounded to third baseman, Seager.  The ball deflected off of Seager’s glove, and Jackson was ruled out at first.  The replay showed he was safe and the call was overturned.  Unable to put up more runs, San Francisco kept playing.

“It was good to see some guys get some knocks,” Panik said.  “Longo had a huge hit.  That really kind of brought the stadium alive a little bit.  In the dugout, it got everybody going.”

The Giants needed a rally to get back in the game and that came in the seventh frame.   Buster Posey singled and Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer to make it a 6-3 game.  That woke the ballpark up!  For the last six frames the fans were silent.  Longoria also knocked out Marco Gonzales who finished tossing 6.1 innings, allowing six hits, three runs that included two home runs.  

The effort was certainly there, Gregor Blanco doubled on a line drive in the eighth, Kelby Tomlinson followed with a single putting two on in the corners.  Jackson’s sacrifice fly scored in Blanco.  And Panik’s single moved Tomlinson to second but the hits stopped there and time ran out.  

“It’s all part of the game and it was good to get some life back,” said Bochy.  “We finally started waking up there and had some good at-bats. And it was good to see some guys coming off the bench to contribute.  It didn’t happen today but that’s what you hope for.”

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Bay Area

Tina Thompson: Champion, Legend, and Pioneer of Women’s Basketball

Known for her signature red lipstick, Thompson displayed confidence and style on the court, becoming an icon both for her gameplay and her individuality. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with her defensive prowess, made her one of the league’s most formidable players.

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Tina Thompson at 2013 WNBA All-Star game at Mohegan Sun. 27 July 2013. Photo: Danny Karwaski/Wikimedia Commons.
Tina Thompson at 2013 WNBA All-Star game at Mohegan Sun. 27 July 2013. Photo: Danny Karwaski/Wikimedia Commons.

By Tamara Shiloh

The establishment of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1996 was a turning point for women’s sports, creating a professional platform for female basketball players to showcase their skills at the highest level. Among the trailblazers who helped launch the league, Tina Thompson stands out as the first African American woman drafted into the WNBA.

Tina Thompson was born on February 10, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in a basketball-loving household, she quickly developed a passion for the game. Thompson improved her skills on the playgrounds of South Central Los Angeles, often playing against boys, which toughened her game and fueled her competitive edge.

She attended the University of Southern California (USC), where she became a standout player for the Trojans. Known for her versatility, scoring ability, and relentless work ethic, she earned All-Pac-10 honors multiple times and cemented her reputation as one of the top collegiate players in the nation.

When the WNBA held its first-ever draft on April 28, 1997, Tina Thompson made history as the league’s first African American player to be drafted. Selected as the first overall pick by the Houston Comets, she joined a team that would go on to dominate the early years of the WNBA.

Tina’s selection was a historic moment, symbolizing the league’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent. As a Black woman in a pioneering role, Thompson carried the hopes of aspiring African American female athletes who dreamed of playing professional basketball.

Tina wasted no time making an impact in the WNBA. As a key member of the Houston Comets alongside legends Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes, she helped lead the team to an unprecedented four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000. The Comets’ dynasty became the gold standard for excellence in the league’s early years.

Known for her signature red lipstick, Thompson displayed confidence and style on the court, becoming an icon both for her gameplay and her individuality. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with her defensive prowess, made her one of the league’s most formidable players.

Over a career spanning 17 seasons, Tina established herself as one of the WNBA’s all-time greats. She retired as the league’s leading scorer, a record she held until it was broken by Diana Taurasi. She was a nine-time WNBA All-Star and was named to multiple All-WNBA teams, cementing her status as one of the sport’s legends.

In 2018, Thompson’s contributions to basketball were recognized with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The honor underscored her influence not just as a player, but as a trailblazer for African American women in sports.

After retiring from professional basketball, she transitioned into coaching, using her experience and knowledge to mentor young athletes. She has served as a head coach at the collegiate level, inspiring the next generation of players to pursue excellence both on and off the court.

As a role model and advocate, Thompson has consistently emphasized the importance of education, empowerment, and self-belief. Her story resonates with countless young women who see in her the embodiment of perseverance and success.

Tina Thompson is presently in her third season as an assistant coach at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Bay Area

IN MEMORIAM: Oakland’s ‘Man of Steal,’ Baseball Icon Rickey Henderson, Dies at 65

Henderson’s wife, Pamela, said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”

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Baseball great Rickey Henderson in the act of stealing one of the 1,406 bases he stole in his 25-year career. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Baseball great Rickey Henderson in the act of stealing one of the 1,406 bases he stole in his 25-year career. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

By Post Staff

Baseball legend Rickey Henderson, known as the ‘Man of Steal,’ passed away on Dec. 20 at UCSF hospital, reportedly from complications of pneumonia.  He was 65.

Henderson’s wife, Pamela, said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”

Newsbreak described the player as “a fearless, flamboyant style of play, which thrilled some players and fans thirsting for theatrical energy from a sport known for its staidness and irritated others who believed the iconoclastic approach disrespected old traditions. Henderson broke boundaries alongside reams of records during a 25-year career spent with nine teams.”

Those teams included the Oakland As, the New York Mets, the New York Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays, the San Diego Padres, the Anaheim Angels, the Seattle Mariners, and the Boston Red Sox. A 10-time All-Star player and American League MVP in 1990, Henderson remains baseball’s greatest stealer of bases and was dubbed the “Man of Steal” during his playing time.

Henderson earned the title ‘Man of Steal’ because he stole 1,406 bases during his MLB career, a record that still stands with more than 468 stolen bases by Lou Brock, the next closest all-time base stealer at 938 stolen bases.

His last MLB game was in 2003, and he retired from the game in 2007, coaching in various positions for a few more years. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2009. His most recent public appearance in Oakland was with former teammate Dave Stewart when they threw out the first pitch at the last game the A’s played in the Coliseum in September.

Born in the back seat of an Oldsmoblie in Chicago, Illinois, on Christmas Day 1958, Henderson used to quip that he had always been fast. At age 7, the family joined his father, who had moved to Oakland. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1976 where he was renowned for playing baseball, basketball, and football, which had been his favorite sport.

But his mother discouraged his intent to wear the Oakland Raiders’ silver-and-black uniform, saying football players had shorter careers and higher chances of injury.

Learning of Henderson’s death, Stewart was devastated. After competing against each in Oakland’s Babe Ruth League as teens, they got to play on the A’s together in 1989, winning the World Series over the San Francisco Giants which had been delayed by the Loma Prieta earthquake.

“Him having asthma, him being sick, it never stopped him,” Stewart told The Source. “He was always on the go. He had these rental properties in Oakland, and I’d get these calls saying they saw Rickey out cutting the grass. I’d say, ‘What do you mean?’ They told me he was actually out there with a lawn mower doing work on his property.

“He was always go-go-go. He loves to fish. He just took up hunting,” Stewart said.

Accolades poured in from Major League Baseball, the Oakland A’s, where Henderson played for a total of 14 years, and many other individuals, news and sports organizations.

“He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and made an indelible mark on generations of A’s fans over his 14 seasons wearing the Green and Gold,” the A’s management said in a statement.

“For those who knew him personally, Rickey was much more than a franchise icon and a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was a friend and mentor to every player, coach, and employee who passed through the Oakland Coliseum or played a game on the field that came to bear his name,” the A’s statement said.

NBC Bay Area reported that Oakland Interim Mayor, Nikki Fortunato Bas, and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown took to social media to share their condolences.

“Rickey Henderson was 1 of 1,” Bas wrote on X. “An Oakland legend and icon. A multi-sport star at Oakland Tech, a champion with the Oakland A’s and beloved by this community. I am heartbroken for his family and fans. We have reached out to the A’s to offer any assistance the City can provide.”

Brown said he compares Henderson’s legacy to the late San Francisco Giants Hall of Famer Willie Mays. “When he was on base, he disturbed every other player because nobody knew what he might do at any given moment,” Brown said.

But for all his showmanship Henderson often displayed a simple humility. When his childhood dream of becoming a millionaire was fulfilled with a $1 million signing bonus, Henderson framed the check and hung it on his wall instead of signing it, causing the team to insist he cash it and replace the check with a copy.

He is survived by his wife Pamela and his three daughters Angela, Adrianna, and Alexis.

The National Newspaper Association Newswire, The Source, NBC News Bay Area, USA Today, Wikipedia and statements from Henderson’s family and sports associations are the sources for this story.

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Black History

Ashleigh Johnson: Pioneering the Way in Water Polo

Ashleigh Johnson attended Princeton University, where she played for the Tigers and dominated collegiate water polo. During her time at Princeton, she became the program’s all-time leader in saves and was recognized for her extraordinary ability to anticipate plays and block shots. She was a three-time All-American and was pivotal in leading her team to multiple victories. Balancing rigorous academics and athletics, she graduated with a degree in Psychology, showcasing her determination both in and out of the pool.

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Ashleigh Johnson Photo: collegiatewaterpolo.org
Ashleigh Johnson Photo: collegiatewaterpolo.org

By Tamara Shiloh

Ashleigh Johnson has become a household name in the world of water polo, not only for her incredible athleticism and skill but also for breaking barriers as the first Black woman to represent the United States in the sport at the Olympic level. Her journey begins as a determined young athlete to a record-breaking goalkeeper.

Born on September 12, 1994, in Miami, Florida, Ashleigh grew up in a family that valued sports and academics. She attended Ransom Everglades School, where she was introduced to water polo. Despite water polo being a niche sport in her community, she quickly stood out for her remarkable agility, intelligence, and reflexes. Her unique skill set made her a natural fit for the demanding role of a goalkeeper.

Ashleigh attended Princeton University, where she played for the Tigers and dominated collegiate water polo. During her time at Princeton, she became the program’s all-time leader in saves and was recognized for her extraordinary ability to anticipate plays and block shots. She was a three-time All-American and was pivotal in leading her team to multiple victories. Balancing rigorous academics and athletics, she graduated with a degree in Psychology, showcasing her determination both in and out of the pool.

In 2016, Ashleigh made history as the first Black woman to be selected for the U.S. Olympic Water Polo Team. Representing her country at the Rio Olympics, she played a crucial role in helping Team USA secure the gold medal. Her stellar performances earned her the distinction of being named the tournament’s top goalkeeper, further cementing her status as one of the best players in the sport’s history.

Ashleigh didn’t just stop at one Olympic appearance. She continued her dominance in water polo, playing a key role in Team USA’s gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver outstanding saves in crucial moments made her an irreplaceable member of the team.

At the age of 29, Johnson appeared in her third Olympiad in Paris at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Their first match was against Greece and the US team won easily and Johnson only gave up 4 points. U.S. Olympic head coach Adam Krikorian shared, “She’s an incredible athlete. She’s got great hand-eye coordination, great reflexes and reactions. And then she’s fiercely competitive – fiercely. And you would never know it by her demeanor or by the huge smile on her face. But to us, on the inside, we know how driven she is to be one of the best ever to do it.”

Team USA Women’s Water Polo ended their Olympic season in fourth place after a 10 – 11 loss to the Netherlands. Johnson only allowed 37 percent of the shots from the Netherlands.

Beyond her achievements in the pool, Ashleigh has used her platform to advocate for diversity in water polo and sports in general. As a trailblazer, she recognizes the importance of representation and works to encourage young athletes, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams.

Ashleigh has spoken about the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white sport and how she turned those obstacles into opportunities for growth.

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