Tag: baseball

Jontay Porter Receives Lifetime Ban

by Miguel Mike Medina

Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban from the NBA for violating the league’s gambling policy. According to reports, Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using someone else’s betting accounts. This is a sad case. Porter is 24 years old and was a member of the Toronto Raptors. 

It’s not easy to make it to the NBA and for Porter to gamble his life away and throw his career to the toilet makes me sick to my stomach. I can’t imagine what the family going through at this time. Porter had a chance to play in the league for a long time if he dedicated himself to his performance rather than betting. This story would’ve been a way big deal had it been a superstar or an All-Star player. Porter was a role player for the Raptors. Porter just like Pete Rose will be remembered for this foolishness. 

Coby White scored a career-high 42 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to victory over the Atlanta Hawks by the final score of 131-116. Chicago will play Miami on Friday for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. 

Texas Rangers top prospect Jack Leiter will make his starting pitching debut today against the Detroit Tigers. Jack is the son of former pitcher Al Leiter, who won three championships in his career and played for a variety of teams. Pitching runs in the family. 

The Yankees overcame a 4-1 deficit and snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4. Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton hit solo home runs. Lee Trevino tied the game in the top of the 9th inning. Aaron Judge hit a clutch2-run single passed third base to give the Yankees a 6-4 lead. The Yankees needed to win that game. They improved to 13-6 in the season. 

Brewers 4-0 Start, Harper’s Slump is Over, Gators’ Rally

by Miguel Mike Medina


MLB

Milwaukee is 4-0 for the first time since 2006 during the Prince Fielder-Ryan Braun era. Christian Yelich homered and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Tuesday. Brewers right-handed pitcher Joe Ross will take the mound for the Brew Crew on Wednesday afternoon.

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung will miss six weeks due to his broken right wrist. He was hit by a pitch on a swinging strike in the ninth inning of the Rangers’ 9-3 win on Monday night. King will be replaced by infielder Justin Foscue. Jung hit .266 with 23 home runs and a .781 OPS last season, finishing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year. 

Phillies top man Bryce Harper homered his first three hits of the season, including a grand slam, and. The Phillies took care of business and beat the young and hungry Cincinnati Reds 9-4. Bryce Harper came into this game going 0-for-11. The slump had to come to an end at some point and it did on Tuesday night. This is Harper’s second career three-homer game and his 26th multi-homer game overall.

Tough news for the Kansas City owners and the city of Kansas City might not be happy with this either. Kansas City voters denied a sales tax that would’ve kept the Chiefs and Royals in the metropolitan area for the next 25 years. The tax would’ve provided about $2 billion to help renovate Arrowhead Stadium and build a new Royals stadium.

College Baseball 

No. 12 East Carolina defeated NC State 12-4. East Carolina scored two runs in the second inning and never looked back. They broke the game open in the sixth inning by scoring three runs and did more damage in the seventh and eighth innings. First baseman Cunningham went deep. Dixon Williams and Jacob Starling combined for four RBIs. East Carolina improves to 21-6 in the season.

No. 6 Florida Gators rallied quickly after trailing 3-0 in the first inning to Florida A&M. The Gators won 10-7. Both teams combined for seven home runs. Gators Junior pitcher Fisher Jameson improved to 2-0 in the season. 

Wilson to Pittsburgh, Fletcher Cox Retirement, World Tour Series

by Miguel Mike Medina

Year 13 will be in Pittsburgh. Quarterback Russell Wilson announced on social media on Sunday that he plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a failed experiment in Denver, Russell will be competing for the starting position for the upcoming season. There is no guarantee that he will be the starter just yet. The Broncos will be paying $38 million of Wilson’s 2024 salary.

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Bucs are reportedly nearing a deal that would keep Mayfield in Tampa for three years and pay him $100 million with half of that guaranteed. Mayfield and Tampa are a perfect match. The system is right for him. His teammates believe in him. He got better as a quarterback when he arrived in Tampa. We can only hope he continues to succeed in the Sunshine State. 

Fletcher Cox will be the second Eagle to announce Sunday his retirement. Cox spent all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Eagles. Cox was part of the Eagles’ first Super Bowl 2017 championship team.

Cox was the 12th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. From 2015-2020, he made the Pro Bowl every season and was first-team All-Pro once. He finished his career with 70 sacks.

Yankees outfielder Juan Soto continues to have a mesmerizing Soring Training. Soto connected his 

fourth home run of this Spring training. The Yankees won 9-8 over the Atlanta Braves in Tampa, Florida. 

Speaking of Tampa, the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox played their series in the Dominican Republic. On Saturday, the Red Sox shut out the Rays 4-0. On Sunday, it was no different. The Red Sox scored 5 of their 7 runs in the sixth inning to beat the Rays 7-6 and sweep the 2-game series. 

UConn Big East Champs, Caitlin Clark, Celtics’ Winning Streak

by Miguel Mike Medina

UConn is the 2023-24 Big East Regular Season Champions. This team is a powerhouse tea. Who will or could have the chance to stop this team? They have great chemistry and are well-coached. Look what they did last year. It’s March! So they will be ready to go especially since they are the reigning national champions. 

Caitlin Clark continues to cement her legacy. She has done it. It’s official. Caitlin Clark is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division One History. She passes Pete Maravich by scoring No. 3,668 points. She has the most three-pointers in a single season, second most career-pointers, second most triple-doubles, and sixth most in assists. 

The New York Rangers have signed Jonathan Quick to a one-year extension worth 1.275 million. It’s a good and smart signing from both parties involved. Quick has been special for the Rangers this season. 

The Boston Celtics have won 11 straight games. Celtics are the first team in NBA history to win three games by 50+ points in a single season. There’s no excuse why this team shouldn’t win a title this season. 

The Miami Hurricanes baseball team fell to the fourth-ranked Florida Gators, 8-4 on Sunday afternoon. The Gators hit five home runs in this game. Colby Shelton was the player of the game since he went deep twice. It’s Shelton’s seventh career multi-homer game. Although the Hurricanes lost, they didn’t quit especially when they were trailing 6-0 at one point. They were making a small comeback but it wasn’t enough. Regardless, I respect the effort and toughness. 

Kyle Larson dominated Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Larson led 181 of 267 laps at the 1.5-mile track. Kyle Busch led the second-most — 18. Larson swept the first two stages and took the checkered flag to secure his third victory at Las Vegas, tying Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski for most among full-time active Cup drivers.

Rams’ Postseason Bound, 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame, Sabres’ Dominates Toronto

by Miguel Mike Medina

Rams Secures Playoff Berth

The Los Angeles Rams are going to the postseason. Rams hanged on to beat the New Orleans Saints, 30-22, on Thursday night in La La Land. Los Angeles led 30-7 with 12:44 left in the fourth quarter and the Saint scored 15 unanswered points. They tried to get the ball game with the onside kick but the Rams secured the ball to end the game. 

Rams quarterback Matthew Stanford passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns. Rams rookie Puka Nadia had a good with making nine catches and a career-high 164 yards to go along with the touchdown. The Rams past the Minnesota Vikings (7-7) and moved to sixth in the NFC standings to secure a wild-card playoff spot. 

Dodgers Hit the Jackpot…AGAIN!

It’s been a great week in Los Angeles. The Dodgers landed another big free agent. They are spending money like wildfire and making baseball fans not want to watch the 2024 season. The Dodgers have agreed to a 12-year, $325 million deal with Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 

The Bible of Basketball

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2024. It’s a great group of names that will be first-time nominees such as the the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, known as the “Redeem Team,” Vince Carter, Bill Laimbeer, Mike Fratello, and many more. The Redeem Team will get in for 2024 for sure. They were an incredible story. There was so much talent on that team: Kobe, Lebron, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, etc. Although Bill Laimbeer was mostly known for being a “bully” or “thug” on the court, we have to remember that he was a good player. He was a terrific perimeter shooter. His head coaching career is what elevated him to a Hall of Fame-caliber career. He’s won championships as a player and as a coach. 

Sabres Offensive Explosion

Buffalo Sabres embarrassed the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. The Sabres attacked for nine goals. Jeff Skinner had two goals. Alex Tuch had four assists. Kyle Okposo and Tage Thompson added goals themselves. Sabres goalie Devon Levi made 24 saves. As for Ilya Samsanov, this was an awful performance. He allows five goals on 19 shots. Martin Jones replaced him in the second period. 

A Visit the Negro League Museum

by Avry Jones

Welcome to the heart of baseball history, where the echoes of legendary players and their remarkable journeys still resonate. Join us as we embark on a journey through time to explore the rich and fascinating legacy of the Negro League Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. Nestled in the heart of America, this hallowed ground stands as a testament to the triumphs and struggles of African-American baseball players during a time of segregation and racial injustice. Inside this sacred museum, we are transported to an era when baseball was more than just a sport—it symbolized hope, perseverance, and a driving force for social change. From the 1920s to the 1940s, the Negro Leagues provided a platform for countless black athletes to showcase their exceptional talents, proving that barriers could be broken and dreams could soar higher than the bleachers.

The Negro League Museum reveals the stories of trailblazing athletes who shattered stereotypes and defied odds while battling adversity both on and off the field. From the electrifying speed of Cool Papa Bell to the unrivaled charisma of Satchel Paige, and the legendary slugger Josh Gibson, The Negro League Museum pays tribute to the incomparable greatness of these unsung heroes who etched their names in the annals of baseball history.

Beyond the captivating anecdotes and riveting tales, the Negro League Museum serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of a community united by their passion for America’s favorite pastime. During my visit to the Negro League Museum, there were inspiring narratives of team owners, coaches, and fans whose unwavering support breathed life into the league and solidified its place in history. When walking through this museum, an unforgettable journey has begun to celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Negro Leagues and the enduring impact they left on the fabric of American sports and society. The stories shown within these walls are tales of baseball, hope, unity, and the unyielding pursuit of equality. Let’s take a swing at history and honor the legacy of those who paved the way for generations of future players, and remember, at the Negro League Museum, every exhibit is a home run!

​The map below shows the cities that housed Negro League teams. Many teams were close, and traveling to games was a way of life; each city brought more fans to cheer on their teams. From 1920 to 1955, communities were home to these teams.

​After the Civil War, the United States was still divided. Although sports was an outlet that could bring many people together during Reconstruction, it also segregated sports. Playing in the Negro League meant traveling all over the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern United States to play in front of sold crowds. For many players, their suitcase contained their life.

​Some of these pictures tell just a tiny part of the history of Negro League Baseball in the United States. Moreover, these pictures tell the story of history in the United States through the lens of baseball. Baseball was a form of escape as well as entertainment. Hopefully, this glimpse into the history of the Negro League will bring more information about its players and fans to the forefront as a way of highlighting the history of the United States and baseball.

The Uneven Five of the American League Central

By Mark Martinez

     It amazes me that we have a cluster of American League Central Division teams below .500. With the American League East being so competitive, and the complete opposite, I guess some division has to be that way. 

     Looking back at last year’s standings, the Cleveland Guardians won the A.L. Central while the Chicago White Sox finished 2nd, with an 81 and 81 record. The Minnesota Twins seem to be the team, this year, that will win the division outright.

        In 1995, Major League Baseball expanded to three divisions in each league. In the last 28 seasons, believe it or not, the Cleveland Guardians have had the most division wins with eleven. If you follow baseball, you know the Cleveland Guardians were the laughing stock for a long period of time. From 1995 to 2001, they won the division 6 times. The Guardians put some great players on the map. There was Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Grady Sizemore, and C.C. Sabathia, just to name a few. Before researching this topic, I honestly didn’t expect to see such dominance from one franchise. 

     The Minnesota Twins rank 2nd, in the same time frame, with 8 division wins. The Twins are a smaller market team. In all the years the Twins have won the A.L. Central, only one time, in 2019, did the payroll exceed over 100 million dollars. In fact, the Minnesota Twins payroll, in 2002, was just 40 million dollars. 

     What I noticed about this division is the cluster. A franchise gets hot, for a few years, steady. The pattern seems to be if you win one year, you will probably win the year after, as well. The shocking part of this division, besides the under .500 factor, is how much the Kansas City Royals do not actually win. From 1995, until the present day, the Kansas City Royals have only won the A.L. Central one time. The only year the Royals actually won the division was in 2015, going on to also win the World Series that year. When you think of the Royals, you think of a small market team automatically. The Minnesota Twins are basically in the same position of being a small market franchise.

     Although 4 out of the 5 teams will finish under .500, you have to guess that eventually the tide will turn, and 4 out of the 5 will be above .500. Playoff contention for 80% of one division makes every game critical. 

Baby Bombers’ Era is DONE

By Miguel Mike Medina

The Baby Bomber era is doomed. It’s over. It’s finished. The Yankees have lost nine in a row. No Division lead, no wild card lead. This team isn’t going anywhere this season. This is the worst second-half performance from the Yankees since 1995. Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls we’re still alive. Although they made the playoffs as a wild-card team that year, this current roster was supposed to perform way better than this. 


The Yankees’ best years to try to win it all during the baby bomber era were from 2017 through 2019. Jose Altuve’s ALCS home run did some psychological damage to that team. They couldn’t recover from that loss. It’s time for the Yankees to rebuild. Yes! You heard me correctly. The YANKEES NEED TO REBUILD! BABY BOMBERS ARE DEAD! The group of Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, and Luis Severino has been a bust. 

Look at the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees don’t have a chance against those teams. Those teams have a good farm system and know how to develop their young talent. The Yankees have to make some decisions soon. 

Marlins’ Offensive Explosion on the 4th of July

By Miguel Mike Medina

The Miami Marlins offense was in total control against the St Louis Cardinals on the Fourth of July. Jesus Sanchez and Garrett Cooper led Marlins offense and the team finished the game with 15 runs. The Marlins scored three runs in the first inning, three runs in the fourth, and four runs in the seventh and eighth inning. Those are the innings they did the most damage.

Jesus Sanchez got the offense started when he hit one out of the ballpark in the first inning. Sanchez went 3-for-6 with a home run and four RBIs. First baseman Garrett Cooper went 3-for-5 with three RBIs. Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo had a good outing. He finished the game with eight strikeouts and zero earned runs through six innings.

Marlins won 15-2. They are playing exceptionally well. The team from South Florida improved to 50-37 in the season. 

Subway Series Recap

By Miguel Mike Medina

The two-game Subway Series is over. Yankees won the first game. The Mets won the second game. This Subway Series felt like a playoff atmosphere. Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso were not in the lineup due to them being in the injury list.

I collaborated with a passionate Mets fan twice this week to talk about the Subway Series. His name is Anthony Rivera. He’s the creator and host of ‘Subway to Shea’ Podcast.

Listen and watch the Subway Series recap video with special guest Anthony Rivera on our YouTube channel. The video premieres at 7pm.