It's baaaack....time for more of the Spot's odd's and ends!

Yes Spot fans...after a couple of weeks pondering amongst other things, the creation of the cosmos, just who exactly will score for the United States in this month's World Cup and just why do Republicans always shoot themselves in the foot...the Spot is back with another edition of it's Odd's and Ends...so to quote everyone's favorite rapper-turned-sit com producer..."It was a good day..."

Since it is World Cup time, lets start things off with a little soccer news:

Things seem to be going well for everyone's favorite Women's Professional Soccer team the FC Gold Pride.  Currently in first place, they also picked up U.S. National Team Midfielder Shannon Boxx in the fire sale that was the St. Louis Athletica (seriously guys, couldn't you of just paid your bills!).  With their newly refurbished home at CSU East Bay (Hayward to be exact) set to open on the 19th of this month, things are definitely looking good in Pride land.  For those of you looking for a good chuckle...check out why the Pride think you should vote Tiffeny  Milbrett and Rachel Buehler to the WPS All-Star game...

Stockton's very own California Cougars of the PASL (i.e indoor soccer) are keeping busy this off season.  Their first Cougars Soccer Camp of the Summer starts June 14th in Manteca and they'll be having an off-season "friendly" (as they call them in soccer) this Saturday at 8pm vs. the Estadio Azteca All-Stars in Livermore at Cabernet Indoor Sports (admission is free to all).  The Cougars Boosters are also keeping busy, with a yard sale....yes you heard the Spot right....a yard sale, this weekend in Manteca to help them out with their 2010-11 season activities....here's to thinking that part of the proceeds should go to purchasing umm..."adult beverages" for the booster club pre-post-or during Cougar Games!

Congratulations to former Pacific Tigers Point Guard Amy Van Hollebeke, who was recently hired to become an Assistant Coach for the Tiger Women's Basketball Program.  Rumor also has it that she is a fan of Vanilla Lattes from Starbucks...not that the Spot would have any knowledge on that matter...

Speaking of the Pacific Tigers...congrats to Coach Ed Sprauge and his squad for a great season where they broke the 30-win mark.  And just how did they end up the season?  Why with your's truly throwing some serious heat! That's right, the spot got to throw out the first pitch at last Friday's Pacific/UCSB game in celebration of Pacific and Barnes & Noble (yes, the guys who pay me for my day job) teaming up to promote summer reading.  Although the Spot threw a strike that brushed the right outside corner, there is no truth to the rumor that I'll now be going on Scholarship.

Ready for more baseball Spot fans?...With the end of the school year comes the start of the Pacific West Baseball League.  Whats the Pacific West Baseball League?  It's summer baseball for college players across the United States, and yes, its the same kind of ball that immortalized in the movie "Summer Catch" starring...well, it has Jessica Beil in it and that's all that matters!  For those of us here in the Valley, we have three entries in this year's PWBL: the defending champion Atwater Aviators, the Fresno Cardinals and new to the league this year, Lodi's California Glory.  Catch a game, it's some great local ball in your own back yard!

The Spot's Weekend Picks:

Looking to get out and about?  The Spot has a couple of ideas....so here ya go!

Saturday, June 5th-National Learn to Row Day- Stockton- University of the Pacific Main Gym- 9am to 1pm: Row, row, row your boat....it's National Learn to Row day, and the Pacific Rowing Program is sponsoring a rowing class (which your's truly will be at bright and early!) for all those interested in getting out on the Delta and getting your row on!  If interested, just show up, and for a $50 fee you get a 30 day membership in the Pacific Rowing Club, a nifty t-shirt and 4 hours of instruction on Saturday.

Saturday, June 5th- FC Gold Pride vs. Washington Freedom- Women's Professional Soccer- Castro Valley High School Stadium- 7pm: Yes, its a chance to see new FC Gold Pride acquisition and U.S. National Team member Shannon Boxx in action for the first time, but we all know the real reason why this pick is an instant winner...two words, one name...Kelley O'Hara...need the Spot say more?  Not really!

Saturday, June 5th @ 7pm and Sunday June 6th @ 4pm- Atwater Aviators vs. California Seals- PWBL- Memorial Stadium, Atwater: if you're in the area, catch the defending League Champs as they open the season in Atwater.  Coming back for the Aviators is League MVP David Rohm, who is rumored to be a possible high pick in this year's MLB draft.

That's all for now Spot fans...'till next time...stay classy Central Valley...