Andre “SOG” Ward remains undefeated

Sports In the Bay

Photos by Felicia D. McDaniel and
Miguel Blair

The 10,000-plus strong at ORACLE Arena were beginning to get antsy, after all they had been waiting nearly 30-minutes for the guy who calls himself “Son of God.”

Once the lights went out, all that had been erased and the chants of “USA” and “Let’s Go Oakland” bellowed throughout the Arena in favor of their hometown hero, boxer Andre “Son of God” Ward.

A native of Oakland and San Francisco, it would be the biggest fight of the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist’s career in a nationally televised 12-round Showtime bout versus reigning WBA Super Middleweight champion, Dutchman Mikkel Kessler.

It would also be the official kick-off for the Super Six World Boxing Classic, a tournament consisting of six-fighters, three Americans and three Europeans.

The David and Goliath-like script of Ward and Kessler couldn’t be more movie-like. The hometown hero and underdog returns home to fight in front of his home crowd and slay the sturdy veteran.

Tale of the tape showed Kessler and Ward evenly matched prior to Saturday, the only vast difference being their ages, Kessler (42-2; 32 KO’s) 30 and Ward (21-0; 13 KO’s) 25-years.

However, wisdom and age would mean nothing on this night as Ward came out of his corner skillfully wearing Kessler down with body blows and jabs.

The fight would be stopped midway through the 11th due to a gash Kessler sustained in the previous round above his left eye.

Hands down the Oscar goes to Ward for his role as David.

In his press conference afterwards Ward received a proclamation from the City of San Francisco with Mayor Newsom officially proclaiming November 21st as Andre Ward Day.

“I want to send a message to kids and the adults here that nothing is impossible with God on your side,” said the devout Christian whose robe displayed the words “Jesus Christ is King” on the back.

Although the name Andre Ward is not as commonly used as it should be in fight circles, Ward is confident Saturday’s turnout sends a strong message.

“To see the crowd tonight, it was just unbelievable. People said I couldn’t draw, that boxing was dead in Oakland but they have to think twice now. Boxing is definitely on the map in Oakland.”

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.