Raiders Honor first Hispanic Astronaut

Sports in the Bay
Photos by M.S. McDaniel

Every since he was a kid, Jose Hernandez loved math and science. Growing up in Stockton, the 47-year old father of five also loved something else, the Oakland Raiders.

Loving all three of those things has put him in the history books. On August 28th Hernandez, an engineer, became the first Hispanic astronaut American to fly into space and to be honored on the field at a Raiders game.

Donning his space uniform and a Raiders hat Hernandez presented Raiders legend Jim Otto with the framed flag that he took into space in a pre-game ceremony. Hernandez’ two-week mission ended on September 11th.

“I bleed Silver and Black,” Hernandez told Sports in the Bay.

Of Mexican descent, Hernandez was responsible for developing equipment for full-field digital mammography at the Lawrence Livermore Nation Laboratory in Livermore.

A product of migrant workers, he didn’t speak English until the age of 12 years old but that didn’t stop him.

He would go on to graduate with a B.S. from the University of the Pacific and a M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of California – Santa Barbara as well as receive several NASA awards.

When he was asked about his trip to space Hernandez had one word: “UNBELIEVABLE.”

We know it won’t be his last.

Congratulations Commander Hernandez!

RAIDERS TEAM-UP TO HELP BATTLE BREAST CANCER

Sports In the Bay
Photos by M.S. McDaniel

Breast cancer is a deadly disease rapidly affecting our community which is why the Oakland Raiders and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center has made it their mission to bring awareness by holding their annual Football 101.

Nearly 80 people were present on Saturday enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch, learn the X’s and O’s of football as well as meet Raiders players Kirk Morrison, Louis Murphy, Chris Johnson and Johnnie Lee Higgins.

“I love Football 101,” said Marie Femminis, a 10-year attendee of the annual event and a Raiders season ticket holder. Breast cancer touched Femminis’ life when her high school teacher was stricken with the disease.

One and eight women will get breast cancer (12%) with nearly 200,000 invasive breast cancer diagnoses each year.

Rookie wide receiver Louis Murphy knows firsthand about breast cancer, his mother died in his arms while he was a senior at Florida State. They would go on to win the National Championship.

“I play for my mother and the female fans with breast cancer,” said Murphy who made three awesome blocks in last week’s against the Eagles.

Murphy also said that he felt that the pigeon on the field during the game was a symbol of his mother’s everlasting presence.

Warriors Continue to Help the Community

Sports In The Bay

by Felicia and Eddrick
Photos by Miguel Blair

Its one thing to criticize the Warriors for their actions on the court. However, their efforts to serve the community of Oakland is above reproach. Today they hosted an event at CityTeam Ministries of Oakland which featured players and members of the front office who volunteered their time to provide food for people who are in need.
Players such as Acie Law, Devean George, and Speedy Claxton, along with members of the Warrior Girls dance team, donated their time to serve food.

"I contacted the Warriors organization some time ago and took them a DVD of what goes on here" said Chris Williams Director of CityTeam Ministries of Oakland, "and they wanted to partner up after being impressed. They came on-site and I took them on a tour. From there they wanted to maximize an opportunity to do community service with us here."

At times like this its important to remember that there are things more important than a basketball game. Events like this help us remain focused on what's truly important. Kudos to the Warriors for continuing to do the right thing when it comes to helping out in a community where there is a significant need.

World Boxing Champion Ana Julaton Attends Raiders/Eagles Game

Sports In The Bay

Check out this impromptu video of World Women's Boxing Champion Ana Julaton. Ana is from the Bay Area. She was at the Raider's game yesterday and called their upset victory over the Eagles. For more info about Ana click here.

Raiders Beat Eagles 13-9

Michael Vick, JaMarcus Russell, & Donovan McNabb pose after the Raiders win over the Eagles

Sports In The Bay
By Felicia & Eddrick

Raider's fans turned boos into cheers for their hometown heroes after the Raiders defeated the heavily favored Philadelphia Eagles 13 -9 yesterday. The Raiders defense sacked Donovan McNabb six times on the day and kept the potent Eagle offense in check all game. An 86 yard touchdown pass from JaMarcus Russell to Zach Miller in the first quarter set the tone for the rest of the day. "I felt like we (offense) were struggling early on offensively," said Miller, "our defense was playing really well and giving us the ball back. An 86 yard touchdown really gives your offense and your defense a boost."

At times, the Eagles seemed confused by the Raider's blitz packages and the tremendous pressure put on by their defensive linemen. At one point towards the end of the first half, Philly QB Donovan McNabb forgot that his team was out of timeouts and called one. This resulted in a delay of game penalty and was indicative of Philly's inability to react to the Raider's gameplan. "Today showed that if we go out and do the things right that we practice all week long we can come out victorious on Sunday." said LB Kirk Morrison.

Next week the faltering New York Jets come to Oakland for a game that now has huge implications. The Raiders have an opportunity to build upon this nice win while the Jets are trying to halt a losing streak that has reached three games. There was a good feel in the Coliseum yesterday and perhaps the Raiders have found their identity. The next chapter should be very interesting for the Silver and Black.

For sights and sounds from the game click here.

Falconized

49ers QB Shaun Hill found himself on the ground more than once on Sunday as the Falcons routed San Francisco.


Sports In The Bay
By Felicia and Eddrick


The 49ers high flying season crashed down to earth yesterday after a stunning 45-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The vaunted Niners defense came up short and was unable to stop Atlanta's 35 point outburst in the first half. The Niners had done a good job controlling the football during the first four weeks of the season but committed three costly turnovers which they were unable to overcome.

One thing to keep an eye on is how the team will recover from some disturbing lapses of discipline and focus. Rookie RB Glen Coffee was not on the field after a long catch by WR Josh Morgan and caused the team to use a timeout. That proved costly later on when the Niners were unable to challenge a play that might not have been a turnover. TE Vernon Davis and QB Shaun Hill were not quite on the same page during several plays. CB Dre Bly attempted to channel Deion Sanders after an interception and fumbled during a crucial moment (click here for his comments). And most interesting was the behavior of Coach Mike Singletary who appeared to lose his composure several times on the sidelines.

The Niners have a bye week before heading to Houston to play the Texans. They still control their division and can erase this ugly loss with a win at Texas. The play of the offensive line must improve if they are going to take the next step to being a consistent and winning team. QB Shaun Hill has been sacked sixteen times this year and has yet to reach 1000 yds passing for the season. The running game is not clicking at all. In five games they have rushed for 531 yds, but 30% of that total came on two long runs by the injured Frank Gore. Lastly, third down efficiency (28.2%) remains among the lowest in the league and must improve to complement a pretty good defense. The addition of WR Micheal Crabtree to the offense is encouraging, despite his long holdout. But if the play of the offensive line does not improve he will not get the opportunity to show what he was brought in to do.

Thanks to Ryan Leong of the Bay Area Sports Examiner for the Dre Bly quote!

Sports in the Bay - Spotlight

THOMAS DECOUD


Atlanta Falcons FS Thomas DeCoud defends 49er TE Vernon Davis

By Felicia and Eddrick

It’s always nice to come away with a win but the taste is a little sweeter when it’s in your hometown. Atlanta Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud and his cousins grew up with the knowledge that their grandfather, offensive tackle John Thomas instilled in them.

Although he never got the chance to watch their grandfather in person, (he was drafted by the Niners in the 23rd round of the 1957 draft), he definitely planted the football gene in him.

“He instilled in us to play hard,” said DeCoud after his team’s 44-7 trouncing of San Francisco at Candlestick Park. Born in Oakland and raised in Vallejo the motto of hard work from his grandfather and parents landed the Pinole Valley grad a scholarship to Cal Berkeley and now a career with the Falcons.

As the third round pick of the Falcons in last year’s draft, the second-year 205-pound DeCoud held 250-pound tight end Vernon Davis to 5-of-12 for 51 yards.

“I think I did pretty well against him,” he said afterwards with a smile. As a prep at Pinole Valley High DeCoud earned first team All-Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League honors, where he tallied 80 tackles and two interceptions his senior year.

At Cal he started 45 games and was named All Pac-10 Honorable Mention finishing his career with 198 tackles, 1 sack, 5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two forced recoveries.

Hard to believe a young man with a soft-spoken demeanor could do this much damage on the field.

This is the first in a continuing series that Sports In the Bay will bring you spotlighting players from the Bay Area on opposing teams.

Sports In the Bay wishes Thomas all the best in his NFL career.

Warriors to hold free open practice to public October 26th

The Golden State Warriors will hold a practice session open to the public at Oracle Arena on Monday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The laid-back atmosphere gives fans and up close and personal look at how Don Nelson runs his team. In the past, the practices have involved fan participation and giveaways.

Parking and admission to this yearly event is free and the doors opening at approximately 10:30 a.m.

For more information visit the Golden State Warriors website at www.warriors.com.

Logo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors

Did YOU Know ????

That the Atlanta Falcons have two members of their organization who are from the Bay Area? Kevin Winston, Director of Player Personnel for the Falcons is a graduate of Oakland's Skyline High Schools class of 1983 where he played football for the Titans. Safety Thomas DeCoud is a product of Pinole Valley High School in Pinole who played his collegiate career for the Golden Bears of California.

The 49ers host the Falcons this Sunday. Kick-off is 1:05 p.m.

Finally! Michael Crabtree signs with San Francisco

Now all he needs is the uniform. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree strikes a football pose for the media shortly after being drafted.

By Felicia and Eddrick

Heading into their fifth week of the season, the San Francisco 49ers and top draft pick Michael Crabtree have finally come to a contract agreement.

Crabtree agreed to a six-year deal worth 32 million after a 72-day holdout. The former Texas Tech wide receiver and two-time winner of the Fred Biletnikoff Award will now learn first hand what it's like to play with men, especially after an opposing defender puts a good lick on him.

Prior to last springs NFL Combine Crabtree watched his draft status decline due to a foot injury. It will be interesting to see how healthy he remains and how quickly he catches on to the 49ers lackluster offense after missing all of training camp as well as four regular season games. The talented receiver will not play this Sunday when the team hosts the Falcons and is expected to return later this month.

With a 3-1 record the 49ers have done quite well without Crabtree considering in addition to the loss of running back Frank Gore who is expected to miss Sunday’s game as well a sprained right ankle.

Crabtree, a two-time All-America and Big 12 selection finished his two-year Texas Tech career with 3,127 receiving yards, breaking the previous team record of 3,069 yards set by Wes Welker. Crabtree became just the seventh player in conference history to gain 3,000 career yards.


SPOILED PLAYERS DEMANDING BIG BUCKS IS NOT CUTE

By Felicia

Michael Crabtree has officially joined the 49ers. With the way San Francisco has been playing most fans haven’t even missed Crabtree; it’s been Out of Sight, Out of Mind but the 49er fans are thrilled that their top receiver has been signed.

Crabtree was quoted as saying that this experience was a humbling one for him but he is not humble. O.K., does that make sense to you? I squirm at thinking we may have another T.O. in the making, however with Mike Singletary as the head coach that probably won’t happen under his watch.

I make no secret of my disdain of players demanding ridiculous amounts of money before they even play their first NFL game. I’m old school, I believe in kids addressing adults by a sur name and that things shouldn't just be handed to you.

I also believe that throwing money at a 22 year-old who hasn’t proved his worth in the league sends the wrong message to kids.

Fuel-up with Raiders RB Darren McFadden

Raiders RB Darren McFadden is teaching kids how to stay healthy through proper diet.

Photo by Miguel Blair

The National Dairy Council (NDC) and Dairy Council of California have huddled up with The Oakland Raiders to help students eat right and stay active with Fuel Up Like A Pro.

Fuel Up Like A Pro is a program of Fuel Up to Play 60, a nationwide wellness initiative sponsored by the NDC and NFL. The goal is to encourage kids to “fuel up” with more nutrient-rich foods — low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits; vegetables; whole grains; and meat and beans, and motivate kids to be more active and play for 60 minutes a day.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with The National Dairy Council and the Dairy Council of California and to continue our “Fuel Up Like A Pro” program, which encourages our young fans to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Raiders Chief Executive Amy Trask.

The program runs four weeks—October 26-November 20—and is open to all elementary and middle school students, grades K-8 in the Bay Area.

Participating students will receive a four-week tracking card to record their daily healthy eating and physical activity. Students will also receive a poster to hang up in their locker or at home to reinforce smart choices.

The poster highlights the food pyramid and features Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden. At the conclusion of the four-week program, students will return their completed tracking cards for the opportunity to win Raiders tickets and merchandise. One lucky school will receive a private party with McFadden.

McFadden participated in a kickoff party for a new program that The Oakland Raiders, in conjunction with the National Dairy Council and Dairy Council of California, will launch this spring.

McFadden, the Raiders’ first round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, attended a “Milk Rally” last March at the team’s Alameda facility and encouraged exercise and well-balanced eating among children. McFadden also shared his thoughts on the importance of this initiative.

Log on to www.FuelUpLikeAPro.com to register for the program.

Story courtesy of the Oakland Raiders

49ers Announce Community Relations Events and Respect for Community as the Theme for the Month of October

49ers head coach Mike Singletary signs autographs for Oakland youth at the team's practice facility in August for a community event hosted by player Allen Rossum - Photo by Felicia

Continuing their commitment to the community, the San Francisco 49ers have announced their October 2009 community relations events and theme: Respect for Community.

During the month of October, the team will focus on teaching youth how to show respect for their community through various events across the Bay Area.

“A strong community is a cornerstone of achievement,” said Joanne Pasternack, community relations director of the San Francisco 49ers. “Our community provides us with the resources and support we need to be successful. When respect for community is lacking in a young person’s life or they have not yet learned the importance of caring for the environment in which they live, they may not have the infrastructure they need to reach their full potential.”

The 49ers will participate in several community-related, hands-on volunteer projects in the Bay Area throughout the month. The featured event of the month will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, when the team participates in Hometown Huddle at the Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE).

In cooperation with the United Way, 49ers players will install a permanent PLAY 60 obstacle course that will enrich and enhance the learning environment for the students at PACE – all of whom are autistic.

The 49ers have worked in cooperation with PACE staff, and a specially trained architect, to ensure that each component of the PLAY 60 obstacle course is designed to enhance the motor skills and sensory perception of the youth. The obstacle course will include 10 distinct stations with a variety of activities including a balance beam and pull up station.

Additionally, the 49ers will be working to clean and upgrade the space where the obstacle course will be installed, including removing weeds, installing tan bark, and planting shrubs and flowers.

The October 6th event will take place from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Pacific Autism Center for Education at 1880 Pruneridge Avenue in Santa Clara.

Other events in the month of October will include:

On Tuesday, October 13th, the 49ers will participate in The Role Model Program: Charting a Path Towards Future Success. At this event, players will work with kids to complete a “Dare to Dream” activity, helping youth create ambitious career dreams through opportunity exposure and adult role modeling. The event will take place at Buchser Middle School located at 1111 Bellomy Stree in Santa Clara from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The 49ers will be part of Habitat for Humanity: South Bay Sports Teams Building Together, where front office staff from each of the South Bay professional sports teams will work together on a Habitat build.

Teams participating in the October 20th event include: the 49ers, San Jose Giants, Earthquakes, FC Gold Pride and the San Jose Sharks. This event will also be held on Tuesday and will take place at the HFH Cory Drive Project at Cory Drive & San Luis Way in Morgan Hill from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Also, on October 20th, players’ and coaches’ wives will participate in Outfitting for Success: Women in Transition. At this event, the wives will work together to sort donated items and outfit women who have survived domestic violence. This event will take place at Career Closet located at 43 E. Gish Road #100 in San Jose from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, October 27th, the 49ers will support the work of the Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) Program by bringing PLAY 60 messaging to the at-risk youth who attend the New Valley Continuation High School.

Throughout the event, the players will be working with the students to demonstrate how they can channel their frustrations into sports, rather than through violence, while engaging in football drills with the kids and then designing posters to convey the messaging. The school is located at 1875 Lawrence Road in Santa Clara. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Each time the 49ers do community service work with children, they educate the youth about the franchise’s award-winning RESPECT campaign. The RESPECT campaign teaches youth the necessity of showing respect for their schools, families and communities.

Story courtesy of the SF Niners