By Post Staff

The Oakland City Council’s Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee on Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m. will discuss a resolution authorizing an Agreement with Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club and Alameda County to lease land in the Coliseum area for use for the teams to play soccer games, welcoming thousands of fans to these locally oriented and growing teams.

The proposal would then go to the full City Council to authorize Alameda County, and the Roots and Soul Soccer Sports Club to work out the details of the use of the property, known as the Malibu Lot, allowing the soccer club to return to Oakland and build a facility to play in the Coliseum Area.

During the proposed term of the lease, which is for up to 10 years, the facility would function as the home field for the Oakland Roots men’s and Oakland Soul women’s soccer teams.

“We are excited to have the Oakland Roots and Soul plan for a strong future in Oakland and appreciate their commitment to the community,” said Vice-Mayor Rebecca Kaplan, who also serves as the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority (OACCA) Board chair.

“Having soccer in the Coliseum area aligns with our goals to keep this centrally located area vibrant,” she said.

Previously, Roots/Soul soccer entered into an agreement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) to work together to enhance the future of the coliseum area.

AASEG has been selected by the Oakland City Council to lead the long-term development of the Coliseum property, with jobs, housing, commercial development, sports, and entertainment.

The 2023 San Francisco City Championships NTRP Gold Cup series tournament witnessed an exhilarating display of skill and determination during the Labor Day weekend.

Among the standout competitors, Fernando Ramos of Richmond showcased his commitment to tennis, ultimately emerging as the champion in the highly competitive 3.0 Men’s Singles category.

Dedicated to competing competitively since summer 2021 and honing his tennis abilities under RTA President Garry Hurlbut, Ramos’ journey to triumph was fueled by hard work and a passion for the sport, according to the RTA.

The prestigious tournament featured the top 32 players, all vying for the coveted title in a single elimination format.

Ramos confidently progressed through the rounds, employing his formidable counterpunching style. In the quarterfinals, he clashed with an equally determined opponent, Moon, who shared the same championship aspirations. The center court became a battleground of skill, witnessed by an enthralled crowd.

Long rallies and well-executed shots were exchanged as Moon prevailed in the first set 6-4. Ramos adjusted, rallying to win the second set 6-3 and maintaining momentum to win the super tiebreak, and the match, 10-7.

In the grand finale, Ramos faced off against formidable opponent Contini. The crowd, predominantly Richmond fans, cheered on Ramos, who battled back Contini’s aggressive left-handed baseliner and lethal lob game.

Ramos executed great court coverage and determination. The final was an intense battle, with both players pushing their limits. But Ramos’ expert shot placement ensured a hard-earned 7-5, 7-5 win.

Ramos expressed gratitude for his support and highlighted his intention to leverage the victory to inspire more involvement in tennis within the Richmond community.

A physical education teacher in Richmond, Ramos’ triumph serves as a reminder that passion, combined with relentless pursuit, can pave the path to success, according to RTC.

This report is courtesy of the Richmond Tennis Association.

The Richmond Standard

Mike Norris and the late Vida Blue, baseball legends who are also both known for supporting youth athletes in the local community, were recently named to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s (NLBM) seventh “Hall of Game” induction class.

The NLBM is inducting five pitchers who were part of the iconic group known as the “Black Aces,” a term coined by the late Jim “Mudcat” Grant that celebrates 15 African American pitchers who won 20 games or more in a Major League Baseball season.

The five members headlining the 2023 Hall of Game Class include Norris, Blue, Al Downing, Dwight Gooden, and Dontrelle Willis.

“Dave Stewart, who will accept on behalf of Blue, his former Oakland A’s teammate, Ferguson Jenkins, J.R. Richard, and Mudcat Grant, were inducted into the Hall of Game in previous years,” the NLBM states. “CC Sabathia and David Price had schedule conflicts and will be inducted in a subsequent class.”

The 2023 Hall of Game, presented by Hy-Vee, will be held at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City, MO.

The West Contra Costa County community is intimately familiar with Norris and Blue, who both played for Bay Area MLB teams and gained a reputation for supporting local youth ball players.

Blue died in May of last year. Norris remains involved locally, helping youth via participation in The Mike Norris Baseball Academy and San Pablo Baseball Association.