J.T. Young person thinks that boys do better than girls in math because the boys learn numbers in sports. "Outs, balls, strikes, and bases are numbered and carry strategic significance..."
(Paywall, sorry, but you should be able to read this under Apple News if you have that.)
This was not my personal experience. I was way better in math in grammar school, but too nerdy to know much about sports, and the associated numbers, until around high school. But I'm just one data point. What does everyone else think?
American society historically has not *allowed* or *encouraged* women to pursue careers in the sciences except in very limited cases and until recently (meaning within the last 40-50 years). Some folks (like the aforementioned J. T. Young, perhaps?) want to drag us back into the dark ages where people were given roles based on their gender and appearance.
Women's brains are perfectly capable of handling math and science regardless of sports influences or any other influences. The largest barrier has been cultural attitudes and prejudices.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.– Despite playing with just 10 Golden Bears for most of the match, the California women's soccer team earned its second straight shutout tying Cal Poly 0-0 on the road Sunday.
NEWTON, Mass. – Malcolm Zalayet scored for the second straight game and Luka Lukic added his team-leading fourth goal of the season to give the California men's soccer team a 2-0 win at Boston College on Sunday in both teams' ACC opener at the Newton Campus Lacrosse & Soccer Field.
The California field hockey team bounced back from a tough loss against No. 6 Harvard and got a 3-0 win against visiting Ball State at Underhill Field on Sunday afternoon. Freshman Agustina Daud scored her first career goal for the Golden Bears (2-2) and was joined in the scoring column by teammates Liz Klompmaker and Maya Hoepfner. The Golden Bears played tremendous defense allowing the Cardinals (1-4) just one shot all game.
The California women's golf team, fresh off its 24th NCAA regional appearance in the past 25 years, opens the 2025-26 season this week at the ultra-competitive ANNIKA Intercollegiate in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.
The Golden Bears return their top two players from last season, when they placed eighth at the NCAA Gold Canyon Regional. Junior Constance Fouillet recorded the second-best scoring average in program history last season (72.64) and finished the year ranked 62nd individually while senior Adora Liu, who set the team's stroke average record as a sophomore two seasons ago (72.4), is also back and is in the team's No. 1 position this week at the par-72, 6,410-yard Royal Golf Club.
LINCOLN, Neb. – California volleyball posted its second-consecutive loss Sunday afternoon, visiting a rowdy Bob Devaney Sports Center to finish off the Ameritas Players Challenge against No. 1 Nebraska. The Golden Bears (2-2) battled hard but were unable to take a single set against the Huskers (6-0), who utilized their dominant offense and stifling defense to clinch their fourth sweep of the year, 25-15, 25-18, 25-12.
The California men's golf team opens the 2025-26 season this week at the Folds of Honor Collegiate in Grand Haven, Michigan.
The Golden Bears, coming off a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships, are one of 15 teams in the field of the unique event that raises awareness and funds to provide educational scholarships to children and spouses of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders.
LINCOLN, Neb. – California volleyball experienced its first loss of 2025 on Saturday, falling 2-3 to Wright State after winning the first two sets in their first match of the weekend at Bob Devaney Sports Center. After a strong first set for the Golden Bears (2-1), the Raiders (3-1) forced an extended second set and then took the next three in efficient fashion, eventually claiming victory with scores of 16-25, 26-28, 25-18, 25-18, 15-8.
A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?
by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith
The book got long and I didn’t finish it, but it’s a careful overview of all the ways that outer space habitation is not as practical or near to hand as promoters suggest.
I read that some years ago. As I recall, the first part was technical and scientific challenges, and the last third or so had to do with politics. It was an interesting read, for people in the industry there was nothing new, but outsiders might find some eye-openers.
The Las Vegas Raiders hoped they upgraded big time at the most important position in all of sports when they acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick six months ago to end the miserable Gardner Minshew/Aidan O’Connell show.
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Add another win to the Pioneer League (modern era) record. The Ballers improved to 71-22 with their 7-2 triumph over the Great Falls Voyagers on Thursday.
The Athletics hoped to put the finishing touches on a sweep this afternoon at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Luis Severino took the mound today for the A’s facing off against 24-year-old lefty Mitch Farris for the Halos.
The Angels got on the board first when Jo Adell homered to center field driving in Yoán Moncada. But it didn’t take long for the A’s to cut into the lead when in the top of the third Willie MacIver homered to centerfield.
Losing their last two games really hurts the Giants. The bullpen will continue to be its Achilles heel. Saturday night's game was just the latest example of a weak bullpen. Walker couldn't hold a 2-run lead and allowed 5 straight batters to reach and a walkoff win by the Cards. Walker couldn't even get 1 out that inning.
The room for error is vanishing with each loss. Look at it this way -
The Mets' magic number is 17 with 19 left to play. That's a combination of Mets wins, Giants losses, and Reds losses. The Mets would only have to win 15 games while the Giants and the Reds lost just 1 game each.
The Giants' magic number is 25 with 19 games left to play. That's a combination of Giants wins, Mets losses, and Reds losses. Even if the Giants won all remaining 19 games, the Mets would still have to lose 5 games and the Reds would have to lose 1 game.
The Reds' magic number is also 25 with 19 left to play; they have an identical 72-71 record as the Giants.
They weren't making the playoffs anyway probably, but yeah Walker coughing up that lead in the 9th really hurt even the remote possibility of it happening.
Yup, no kidding. I was thoroughly disgusted by that 9th inning, especially as it came after Verlander had thrown another outstanding game through 6 innings, giving up only 3 hits and allowing no runs.
Better than what happened to the Dodgers on Sat. Yamamoto was 1 out from a no hitter. Threw a 95 MPH fastball on the inside corner that Jackson Holliday hit for a HR (probably shouldn't thrown the splitter that was great). Then Treinan couldn't get an out and Tanner Scott gave up the game winning single (at least it wasn't a game winning HR he gave up the day before, against a lefty with 2 strikes).
I can see where going from a near no-no to losing the game would be very, very frustrating. Even more so than what the Giants endured on Saturday night.
Shohei Ohtani homered twice, Mookie Betts did so once, and Clayton Kershaw notched another win following a Dodgers loss in a 5-2 victory over the Orioles on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore to salvage a game on an otherwise awful road trip.
A weird part of my Cal fandom has been a need to root for Jared Goff’s NFL teams, dating back to his first year with Jeff Fischer’s Rams. Looks like the last couple of fun years with the Lions may be over.
POLITICS
ELSEWHERE IN COLLEGE
Moneyball Gender Gap
J.T. Young person thinks that boys do better than girls in math because the boys learn numbers in sports. "Outs, balls, strikes, and bases are numbered and carry strategic significance..."
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/do-sports-explain-the-math-gender-gap-eecb0dbe
(Paywall, sorry, but you should be able to read this under Apple News if you have that.)
This was not my personal experience. I was way better in math in grammar school, but too nerdy to know much about sports, and the associated numbers, until around high school. But I'm just one data point. What does everyone else think?
I think it's a load of bushwa.
American society historically has not *allowed* or *encouraged* women to pursue careers in the sciences except in very limited cases and until recently (meaning within the last 40-50 years). Some folks (like the aforementioned J. T. Young, perhaps?) want to drag us back into the dark ages where people were given roles based on their gender and appearance.
Women's brains are perfectly capable of handling math and science regardless of sports influences or any other influences. The largest barrier has been cultural attitudes and prejudices.
He must want a Tradwife
I knew all about all sports but my math was mediocre, to be generous.
Something weird
Going with your gut is more meaningful that you might think…
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230120-how-gut-bacteria-are-controlling-your-brain
Cal
[WSOC] Cal Earns Second Straight Shutout
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/7/womens-soccer-cal-earns-second-straight-shutout.aspx
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.– Despite playing with just 10 Golden Bears for most of the match, the California women's soccer team earned its second straight shutout tying Cal Poly 0-0 on the road Sunday.
[MSOC] Cal Opens ACC Slate With 2-0 Win At BC
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/7/mens-soccer-cal-opens-acc-slate-with-2-0-win-at-bc.aspx
NEWTON, Mass. – Malcolm Zalayet scored for the second straight game and Luka Lukic added his team-leading fourth goal of the season to give the California men's soccer team a 2-0 win at Boston College on Sunday in both teams' ACC opener at the Newton Campus Lacrosse & Soccer Field.
[FH] Cal Shuts Out Ball State
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/7/field-hockey-cal-shuts-out-ball-state.aspx
The California field hockey team bounced back from a tough loss against No. 6 Harvard and got a 3-0 win against visiting Ball State at Underhill Field on Sunday afternoon. Freshman Agustina Daud scored her first career goal for the Golden Bears (2-2) and was joined in the scoring column by teammates Liz Klompmaker and Maya Hoepfner. The Golden Bears played tremendous defense allowing the Cardinals (1-4) just one shot all game.
[WGOLF] Cal To Begin Season At ANNIKA Intercollegiate
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/7/womens-golf-cal-to-begin-season-at-annika-intercollegiate.aspx
The California women's golf team, fresh off its 24th NCAA regional appearance in the past 25 years, opens the 2025-26 season this week at the ultra-competitive ANNIKA Intercollegiate in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.
The Golden Bears return their top two players from last season, when they placed eighth at the NCAA Gold Canyon Regional. Junior Constance Fouillet recorded the second-best scoring average in program history last season (72.64) and finished the year ranked 62nd individually while senior Adora Liu, who set the team's stroke average record as a sophomore two seasons ago (72.4), is also back and is in the team's No. 1 position this week at the par-72, 6,410-yard Royal Golf Club.
[VB] Cal Swept By No. 1 Nebraska In Lincoln
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/7/volleyball-cal-swept-by-no-1-nebraska-in-lincoln.aspx
LINCOLN, Neb. – California volleyball posted its second-consecutive loss Sunday afternoon, visiting a rowdy Bob Devaney Sports Center to finish off the Ameritas Players Challenge against No. 1 Nebraska. The Golden Bears (2-2) battled hard but were unable to take a single set against the Huskers (6-0), who utilized their dominant offense and stifling defense to clinch their fourth sweep of the year, 25-15, 25-18, 25-12.
[MGOLF] Bears Open Season At Folds Of Honor Collegiate
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/7/mens-golf-bears-open-season-at-folds-of-honor-collegiate.aspx
The California men's golf team opens the 2025-26 season this week at the Folds of Honor Collegiate in Grand Haven, Michigan.
The Golden Bears, coming off a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships, are one of 15 teams in the field of the unique event that raises awareness and funds to provide educational scholarships to children and spouses of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders.
[FB] Postgame Notes: Texas Southern-Cal
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/6/football-postgame-notes-texas-southern-cal.aspx
With today's 35-3 victory over Texas Southern, Cal has started the season 2-0 for the second straight year (started 3-0 last season)
Saturday's game marked the first time Cal's defense has held an opponent without a touchdown since a 26-3 victory against Colorado on Oct. 23, 2021
[VB] Bears Lose In Five To Wright State
https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/6/volleyball-bears-lose-in-five-to-wright-state.aspx
LINCOLN, Neb. – California volleyball experienced its first loss of 2025 on Saturday, falling 2-3 to Wright State after winning the first two sets in their first match of the weekend at Bob Devaney Sports Center. After a strong first set for the Golden Bears (2-1), the Raiders (3-1) forced an extended second set and then took the next three in efficient fashion, eventually claiming victory with scores of 16-25, 26-28, 25-18, 25-18, 15-8.
DBD Book Club
A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?
by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith
The book got long and I didn’t finish it, but it’s a careful overview of all the ways that outer space habitation is not as practical or near to hand as promoters suggest.
I read that some years ago. As I recall, the first part was technical and scientific challenges, and the last third or so had to do with politics. It was an interesting read, for people in the industry there was nothing new, but outsiders might find some eye-openers.
PRO
Jake Tonges is the unlikely hero for the 49ers on their final drive to win the game!
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46192941/jake-tonges-clutch-niners-await-george-kittle-mri
Big Play Geno Smith leads Raiders to 20-13 win at New England
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/las-vegas-raiders-game-information/108569/raiders-patriots-score-20-13-geno-smith
The Las Vegas Raiders hoped they upgraded big time at the most important position in all of sports when they acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick six months ago to end the miserable Gardner Minshew/Aidan O’Connell show.
After one game, it it sure looks pretty good
Millikan Cements Case for Pitcher of the Year in Win over Voyagers (Ballers 7 Great Falls Voyagers 2)
https://www.oaklandballers.com/sports/bsb/2025/releases/202509054z908g
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Add another win to the Pioneer League (modern era) record. The Ballers improved to 71-22 with their 7-2 triumph over the Great Falls Voyagers on Thursday.
A’s drop series finale 4-3 to the Angels
https://www.athleticsnation.com/recaps/100016/as-drop-series-finale-4-3-to-the-angels
The Athletics hoped to put the finishing touches on a sweep this afternoon at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Luis Severino took the mound today for the A’s facing off against 24-year-old lefty Mitch Farris for the Halos.
The Angels got on the board first when Jo Adell homered to center field driving in Yoán Moncada. But it didn’t take long for the A’s to cut into the lead when in the top of the third Willie MacIver homered to centerfield.
Giants lose to the Cards, 4-3
Losing their last two games really hurts the Giants. The bullpen will continue to be its Achilles heel. Saturday night's game was just the latest example of a weak bullpen. Walker couldn't hold a 2-run lead and allowed 5 straight batters to reach and a walkoff win by the Cards. Walker couldn't even get 1 out that inning.
The room for error is vanishing with each loss. Look at it this way -
The Mets' magic number is 17 with 19 left to play. That's a combination of Mets wins, Giants losses, and Reds losses. The Mets would only have to win 15 games while the Giants and the Reds lost just 1 game each.
The Giants' magic number is 25 with 19 games left to play. That's a combination of Giants wins, Mets losses, and Reds losses. Even if the Giants won all remaining 19 games, the Mets would still have to lose 5 games and the Reds would have to lose 1 game.
The Reds' magic number is also 25 with 19 left to play; they have an identical 72-71 record as the Giants.
They weren't making the playoffs anyway probably, but yeah Walker coughing up that lead in the 9th really hurt even the remote possibility of it happening.
Yup, no kidding. I was thoroughly disgusted by that 9th inning, especially as it came after Verlander had thrown another outstanding game through 6 innings, giving up only 3 hits and allowing no runs.
Better than what happened to the Dodgers on Sat. Yamamoto was 1 out from a no hitter. Threw a 95 MPH fastball on the inside corner that Jackson Holliday hit for a HR (probably shouldn't thrown the splitter that was great). Then Treinan couldn't get an out and Tanner Scott gave up the game winning single (at least it wasn't a game winning HR he gave up the day before, against a lefty with 2 strikes).
That was the silver lining to Walker melting down in the 9th: the Dodgers doing it in even more hilarious fashion on the same day.
I can see where going from a near no-no to losing the game would be very, very frustrating. Even more so than what the Giants endured on Saturday night.
Dodgers rely on Hall of Famers to salvage a game
https://www.truebluela.com/dodgers-scores-standings/103230/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-mookie-betts-clayton-kershaw
Shohei Ohtani homered twice, Mookie Betts did so once, and Clayton Kershaw notched another win following a Dodgers loss in a 5-2 victory over the Orioles on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore to salvage a game on an otherwise awful road trip.
Packers stomp on the Lions, 27-13.
A weird part of my Cal fandom has been a need to root for Jared Goff’s NFL teams, dating back to his first year with Jeff Fischer’s Rams. Looks like the last couple of fun years with the Lions may be over.