Skip to main content

San Francisco Chronicle Homepage

Photo of Bruce

Sports Columnist

Bruce Jenkins

Bruce Jenkins has written for the San Francisco Chronicle since 1973 and has been a sports columnist since 1989. He has covered 27 World Series, 19 Wimbledons and many other major events, including the Super Bowl, World Cup soccer, NBA Finals, four major golf tournaments and U.S. Open tennis championships.

He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1966 and UC Berkeley with a B.A. in journalistic studies in 1971.

Stories By Bruce Jenkins

Brandon Belt and Carlos Correa will be far from S.F., with vastly different outlooks

Ex-San Francisco Giant Brandon Belt and Carlos Correa don’t have much in common, and that includes their future in the baseball postseason. Belt made a slick move from the rubble to the penthouse, while Correa decided he’s had enough glory — it’s... By Bruce Jenkins

Why Steph Curry and Draymond Green will reign again as NBA’s top duo in 2023

The Golden State Warriors may not look ready to roll now, but relying on Stephen Curry and Draymond Green together in the playoffs is just one thing Bay Area sports fans should look forward to in 2023. By Bruce Jenkins

Pelé’s ability to inspire transcended sports, nations and generations

Among the very few truly global sports celebrities, Pelé was a man whose gifts, impact and importance ranged beyond the soccer pitch and helping Brazil win three World Cups. By Bruce Jenkins

Giants’ shopping comes up short during Dodgers’ hot-stove hibernation

The San Francisco Giants blew their chance to sign a major free agent to improve their chances in the competitive NL West, and the 111-win Dodgers don’t seem to regret their winter of transaction inaction. By Bruce Jenkins

Worried about Warriors’ title hopes? Consider the state of the NBA at large

There’s too much clutter in the path to a Golden State Warriors championship, too many signs that it just won’t happen this time around. Rest assured, the rest of the NBA doesn’t view it that way. By Bruce Jenkins

College football’s downfall is greatly exaggerated: the best is yet to come

Portrayed as a tarnished and diminished product for years, college football is again facing critics — this time with the usual nonsense arguments over the expanded playoff field. By Bruce Jenkins

In pursuit of surfing greatness, phenom Zoe Chait hits first Mavericks wave

Surfer Zoe Chait took her first Mavericks wave at Half Moon Bay, the latest feat from an athlete whose preternatural gifts on the board anticipate a great career in the sport. By Bruce Jenkins

USMNT has made big gains in World Cup play, but can it advance?

The U.S. Men’s National Team achieved a 0-0 draw against England, proving they’re ready to hang with soccer’s elite in the World Cup. But there’s more yet to do, perhaps starting against Iran on Tuesday. By Bruce Jenkins

Mike Brown is the toast of the NBA as Kings, Warriors take divergent paths

History suggests backing off any grand proclamations, but Steve Kerr’s Warriors face a major repair job with no quick fix, while Mike Brown’s Kings are on a winning streak that looks very much for real. By Bruce Jenkins

Closing the book on 2022 MLB season, a confession: I dig the Astros

Dusty Baker and the Houston Astros brought home a new World Series title, but Bruce Jenkins was an early adopter in rooting for a fun team back in 2017, before and after their sign-stealing scandal. By Bruce Jenkins

HBO’s ‘Say Hey, Willie Mays’ shares the complete man for future generations

The new documentary, “Say Hey, Willie Mays” from HBO starts streaming on Tuesday. Baseball fans of every age will not want to miss its revealing portrait of the San Francisco Giants’ center fielder in his heyday and through history. By Bruce Jenkins

New challenges ahead for Rangers’ Bochy, Padres’ Melvin in 2023 MLB season

Dusty Baker isn’t the only beloved former Bay Area baseball manager in the news. Bruce Bochy hopes to bring his winning ways to the Texas Rangers, while Bob Melvin has to sort out next steps for the San Diego Padres. By Bruce Jenkins

Bruce Bochy’s gone to Texas in new era of MLB micro-management

With Bruce Bochy returning to action as the Rangers’ new manager, he’s resuming his career at a time when MLB front offices have been inserting themselves into bullpen and lineup decisions, often to disastrous effect. By Bruce Jenkins

Warriors’ biggest barrier on path to NBA Finals? Ranking the West’s best

These teams pose the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Here’s why they could reach the Finals, and what might hold them back. By Bruce Jenkins

NFL referees’ fear of making a mistake hurts the league’s credibility

Nobody wants a return to the old NFL days of savage takedowns, but something needs to change after recent controversial roughing-the-passer calls involving Tom Brady and Derek Carr. By Bruce Jenkins

Victor Wembanyama just put the NBA on notice: He is the future

The United States debut of 18-year-old Victor Wembanyama, rumored to be the most intriguing NBA big-man prospect in modern history, managed to exceed the hype. By Bruce Jenkins

The Warriors-Lakers rivalry is imaginary. The reality is dynasty vs. dysfunction

Six decades have passed since the Golden State Warriors joined the Los Angeles Lakers on the West Coast, and we’re still waiting for some sort of spark. By Bruce Jenkins

Want to see Giants dancing on home plate? Chasing Aaron Judge can’t be only fix

The San Francisco Giants face some big decisions on how to shore up their lackluster lineup. Considering Aaron Judge may stay put, pursuing the Yankees slugger in free agency can’t be their only fix. By Bruce Jenkins

Roger Federer is tennis’ GOAT, even though Nadal and Djokovic can dispute it

Over the course of 21 U.S. Opens and 19 Wimbledons, Chronicle columnist Bruce Jenkins witnessed Roger Federer’s mastery at point-blank range and never ceased to be profoundly entranced. By Bruce Jenkins

Career over, but Sue Bird’s greatness goes far beyond the basketball court

Sue Bird, whose WNBA career ended this week, is among a select group of athletes who remain vibrant and influential well after retirement, their mystique providing a magnetic and eternal attraction for future generations. By Bruce Jenkins