That’s the Giants’ Nate Schierholz — born in Reno but schooled in baseball at San Ramon Valley High and at Chabot College in Hayward — kicking the ass of China’s catcher Yang Yang in yesterday’s Olympics win by the US team over China. Schierholtz has labored all year in the minor leagues — though he’s likely to be called up at the end of the month when rosters expand — but today baseball fans all over the country know he plays hard.

The hard play at the plate came in a game when China pitchers hit three US batters, including Schierholtz.

Yes, in case you missed it, which was not hard to do… Some shots from the scene at the ballpark. And a soundbite from Aaron Peskin.

“Gavin Newsom runs San Francisco the way the premier of China runs his country – secrecy, lies, misinformation, lack of transparency and manipulating the populace,” Peskin said. “He misled supporters and opponents of the run. People brought their families and their children, and (mayoral officials) hatched a cynical plan to please the Bush State Department and the Chinese government because of the incredible influence of money. SFGate

Update: The Mayor responds to criticism of his decision with these surreal statements:

“We felt it was in everyone’s best interest that we augment the route,” Newsom said. “I believe people were afforded the right to protest and support the torch. You saw that in the streets. They were not denied the ability to protest.” SF Gate

Mayor Gavin Newsom told The Associated Press that the well choreographed fake-out was prompted by the size and behaviour of the crowds amassing outside AT&T Park, site of the relay’s opening ceremony. There was “a disproportionate concentration of people in and around the start of the relay,” he said in a phone interview, while travelling in a caravan that accompanied the torch. The Canadian Press

The rest of my shots on Flickr.

Kowtow, rooted in the chinese language, Beijing, in the early 19th century.

1. “to show obsequious deference: FAWN; 2. to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect

One can never be sure if perception is reality, but the Mayor has certainly disappointed a large group of people who turned out to see the Olympic Torch pass through SF. It did pass through the city, and for all we know it could still be out there. But it is being hidden. There is some symbolism in there, I’m sure.

We will be told that it was done for the safety of the runners and the citizens who turned out to see it. Of course, this will only remain as the Mayors rationalization. One would think that with what seemed like the ENTIRE SFPD on hand along with Chinese security, that the route could be secured? The SFPD are the nations foremost experts on riot control, but they weren’t ready for this?

The Mayor and the rest of his organization are cowards today. Or worse, they kowtowed to the Chinese to create a false perception of the Torch Run through SF today.

Related:

• SF Gate:Torch relay, protest taunts competing in S.F.
• SF Gate: Torch headed out of San Francisco after surprise route designed to thwart protesters

UPDATE, 4:10 PM: The closing ceremony has officially been cancelled. Reported by the SF Gate.

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More posting including pictures and some video from the original starting point of the run upcoming…

Things got kind of crazy in Paris last week, and San Francisco is certainly bracing for tomorrows run. Will we get a chance to see the Torch on it’s only pass through the US? Hard to tell, as the Mayor announced that the published route for the Torch run “may” change. The intent seems to be to “adapt” the route as protests may interfere with the planned route.

“Newsom said the planned 6-mile torch route along the central waterfront and around Fisherman’s Wharf could change up to and even during the relay. Police said security plans would include having officers run alongside torchbearers to protect them and the flame from any protesters who might try to disrupt the run.”

Note that the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee sent out a team of 30 flame attendants selected from the People’s Armed Police to escort the flame throughout its journey. Which means that it may be hard to see the Torch at all behind the massive throngs of security officials from the SFPD and Chinese government.

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyways, be careful if you are going to watch or protest this event. It’s looking like things may get a little crazy.

Details…

The current published route has the Torch ceremony beginning at 1 P.M., in McCovey Cove and wrapping up at Justin Herman Plaza. (SFGate Map of Run Route)

There was a Tibet Rally and Peace March today (h/t to SFist). There will be music, speeches and a candlelight vigil tonight at U.N. Plaza Downtown. On hand will be Richard Gere and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (h/t to Pacifica Riptide)

Related:

• CBS5, Newsom: “Route will continue to change”
• Torch Relay, Official Site
• 2008 Summer Olympics Torch Relay entry on Wikipedia
• China’s Human Rights entry on Wikipedia