WEATHER ALERT
Barry Bonds is at peace with his legacy as he enters the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame
Read full article: Barry Bonds is at peace with his legacy as he enters the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of FameBarry Bonds says he doesn't worry any more about whether he'll be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Dusty Baker hopes to find a new calling after retiring as Astros manager
Read full article: Dusty Baker hopes to find a new calling after retiring as Astros managerAs Dusty Baker officially ended one notable chapter in his illustrious career, he said Thursday he feels an obligation to do more around the game with his next one.
Ronald Acuña Jr. joins exclusive 40-40 club with 40th home run of the season for Braves
Read full article: Ronald Acuña Jr. joins exclusive 40-40 club with 40th home run of the season for BravesRonald Acuña Jr. has joined baseball’s exclusive 40-40 club by hitting his 40th home run of the season for the Atlanta Braves to go along with his 68 stolen bases.
Acuña hits grand slam to become first player with 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases
Read full article: Acuña hits grand slam to become first player with 30 home runs and 60 stolen basesAtlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a long grand slam in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the first player in major league history with 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the same season.
Ohtani hits the longest home run of his MLB career (493 feet) to reach 30 this season
Read full article: Ohtani hits the longest home run of his MLB career (493 feet) to reach 30 this seasonShohei Ohtani has hit a 493-foot home run — the longest of his major league career — to become the ninth player to reach 30 homers in a season by July 1.
Bonds, Clemens left out of Hall again; McGriff elected
Read full article: Bonds, Clemens left out of Hall again; McGriff electedBarry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling were passed over by a Baseball Hall of Fame committee that elected former big league slugger Fred McGriff to Cooperstown on Sunday.
Beltrán, Lackey lead 14 newcomers on Baseball Hall ballot
Read full article: Beltrán, Lackey lead 14 newcomers on Baseball Hall ballotCarlos Beltrán, John Lackey and Jered Weaver are among 14 newcomers on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s Hall of Fame ballot in what could turn into an evaluation of the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal.
Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro on Hall of Fame committee ballot
Read full article: Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro on Hall of Fame committee ballotSteroids-tainted stars Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Rafael Palmeiro are on the eight-man ballot for the Hall of Fame’s contemporary baseball era committee, which meets Dec. 4 in San Diego.
Pujols hits 703rd HR to pass Babe for 2nd in RBI; Cards lose
Read full article: Pujols hits 703rd HR to pass Babe for 2nd in RBI; Cards loseAlbert Pujols hit his 703rd home run, breaking a tie with Babe Ruth for second place in career RBIs, but the St. Louis Cardinals lost to Pittsburgh 3-2 when the Pirates drew four consecutive walks in the ninth inning to force home the winning run.
Wainwright, Molina make history, then lead Cards over Brews
Read full article: Wainwright, Molina make history, then lead Cards over BrewsAdam Wainwright and Yadier Molina made history with the first pitch of the game, then the record-setting battery helped the St. Louis Cardinals extend their NL Central lead by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1.
Pujols' 697th HR, moves into 4th, rallies Cards over Pirates
Read full article: Pujols' 697th HR, moves into 4th, rallies Cards over PiratesAlbert Pujols hit his 697th home run, moving past Alex Rodriguez into fourth place on the career list and doing it in dramatic fashion with a ninth-inning drive that rallied the St. Louis Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3.
Pujols hits 696th HR, ties A-Rod for 4th; Cards beat Pirates
Read full article: Pujols hits 696th HR, ties A-Rod for 4th; Cards beat PiratesAlbert Pujols hit his 696th home run, tying Alex Rodriguez for fourth place on the career list, and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied past the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-5.
Judge hits 55th homer, Yanks mark for right-handed hitters
Read full article: Judge hits 55th homer, Yanks mark for right-handed hittersAaron Judge homered for the fourth straight game, hitting No. 55 of the year in a doubleheader opener against Minnesota to set the New York Yankees’ season record for right-handed hitters.
Pujols reaches 695 HRs, Mikolas goes 8 in Cards' win vs Cubs
Read full article: Pujols reaches 695 HRs, Mikolas goes 8 in Cards' win vs CubsAlbert Pujols hit his 695th career home run in the eighth inning and Miles Mikolas tossed eight scoreless innings to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0.
Pujols homers as Montgomery, Cardinals blank Cubs 1-0
Read full article: Pujols homers as Montgomery, Cardinals blank Cubs 1-0Albert Pujols hit career homer No. 693, Jordan Montgomery pitched a one-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 for their season-high eighth straight victory.
Yankees' Aaron Judge 2nd fastest to 200 career home runs
Read full article: Yankees' Aaron Judge 2nd fastest to 200 career home runsYankees star Aaron Judge became the second-fastest player in major league history to reach 200 career home runs with a two-run drive in the second inning for New York against the Kansas City Royals.
Judge, Carpenter HR twice, Yanks pound Red Sox 14-1
Read full article: Judge, Carpenter HR twice, Yanks pound Red Sox 14-1Aaron Judge homered twice to match Roger Maris’ franchise record of 33 before the All-Star break, Matt Carpenter also connected twice and drove in seven runs, and the New York Yankees throttled the Boston Red Sox 14-1.
Dodgers erase late 6-run deficit, rally past Cardinals 7-6
Read full article: Dodgers erase late 6-run deficit, rally past Cardinals 7-6Hanser Alberto hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the ninth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers climbed out of a huge hole in a 7-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Pederson hits 3 HRs, drives in 8 as Giants stun Mets 13-12
Read full article: Pederson hits 3 HRs, drives in 8 as Giants stun Mets 13-12Joc Pederson homered three times and drove in a career-high eight runs, including a tying single with two outs in the ninth inning, and the San Francisco Giants outslugged the New York Mets 13-12 in one of the wildest games imaginable.
Bannon singles on 1st big league pitch, O's top Cards 3-2
Read full article: Bannon singles on 1st big league pitch, O's top Cards 3-2Rylan Bannon became just the third Baltimore player since 2000 to get a hit on the first pitch of his big league career, Jorge Mateo and Anthony Bemboom homered and the Orioles beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2.
Bases-loaded intentional walk part of Angels' win over Texas
Read full article: Bases-loaded intentional walk part of Angels' win over TexasAngels manager Joe Maddon ordered the second bases-loaded intentional walk of his career and only the third in the majors since at least 1950, and Shohei Ohtani homered twice to lead Los Angeles past the Texas Rangers 9-6.
Exclusive: MLB, players stop drug testing during lockout
Read full article: Exclusive: MLB, players stop drug testing during lockoutTwo people familiar with the sport’s Joint Drug Program tell The Associated Press that Major League Baseball has stopped testing players for steroids for the first time in nearly 20 years due to the expiration of the sport’s drug agreement.
Big Papi elected to HOF; Bonds, Clemens, Schilling left out
Read full article: Big Papi elected to HOF; Bonds, Clemens, Schilling left outDavid Ortiz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first turn on the ballot, while steroid-tainted stars Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were denied entry to Cooperstown in their final year under consideration by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Ortiz, Clemens, Bonds to be close calls for Hall of Fame
Read full article: Ortiz, Clemens, Bonds to be close calls for Hall of FameBarry Bonds, Roger Clemens and David Ortiz appear to be the only players with a chance at Hall of Fame enshrinement when results are unveiled Tuesday, with Ortiz most likely to get in on his first try.
O'Neil, Miñoso, Hodges, Kaat, Oliva, Fowler get baseball HOF
Read full article: O'Neil, Miñoso, Hodges, Kaat, Oliva, Fowler get baseball HOFBuck O’Neil, a champion of Black ballplayers during a monumental, eight-decade career on and off the field, has joined Minnie Miñoso, Gil Hodges and three others in being elected to the baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Ortiz, Howard, Lincecum, A-Rod new to Hall of Fame ballot
Read full article: Ortiz, Howard, Lincecum, A-Rod new to Hall of Fame ballotDavid Ortiz, Ryan Howard, Tim Lincecum and Alex Rodriguez are among 13 first-time candidates on the Hall of Fame ballot of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, joining 17 holdovers.
Masterful Webb pitches Giants past Dodgers in playoff opener
Read full article: Masterful Webb pitches Giants past Dodgers in playoff openerLogan Webb struck out 10 pitching masterfully in his postseason debut, Buster Posey hit a two-run homer that held up, and the 107-win San Francisco Giants blanked the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the opener of their NL Division Series.
Turner, Gurriel win batting titles in boom-and-bust season
Read full article: Turner, Gurriel win batting titles in boom-and-bust seasonTrea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston’s Yuli Gurriel won their first batting titles in a season of boom and bust that saw four teams lose 100 games for only the third time, and four 90-game winners in the AL East alone.
Pujols HR, Dodgers send Diamondbacks to 17th straight loss
Read full article: Pujols HR, Dodgers send Diamondbacks to 17th straight lossAlbert Pujols hit a three-run homer and passed Mel Ott for 14th on the career runs list, and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended the Arizona Diamondbacks’ losing streak to 17 games with a 9-8 victory.
Dodgers rally past Padres 5-4 despite 2 more homers by Tatis
Read full article: Dodgers rally past Padres 5-4 despite 2 more homers by TatisCorey Seager’s two-run single in the sixth inning provided the go-ahead runs and the Los Angeles Dodgers overcame another two-homer night by Fernando Tatis Jr. to defeat the San Diego Padres 5-4.
Call it a career: MLB ump Winters opted out in '20, now done
Read full article: Call it a career: MLB ump Winters opted out in '20, now doneFILE - In this May 18, 2019, file photo, home plate umpire Mike Winters looks on during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics in Detroit. After more than three decades of hard work as a big league umpire, Winters is retiring. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)After more than three decades of hard work as a big league umpire, Mike Winters is ready to loaf. But I’m getting there.”One of 12 umps to opt out during the pandemic-shortened season, the 62-year-old Winters has made it official. The reworked schedule gave Winters a chance to reconsider, but he already was looking ahead to days off the diamond.
Longtime ESPN baseball correspondent Pedro Gomez dies at 58
Read full article: Longtime ESPN baseball correspondent Pedro Gomez dies at 58Spencer Green, File)Pedro Gomez, a longtime baseball correspondent for ESPN who covered more than 25 World Series, has died. He was a Dad, loving husband, loyal friend, coach and mentor,” the Gomez family added. He was a correspondent on ESPN's “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight” and additional shows, including the network's “Wednesday Night Baseball” package. “We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement on Twitter and the network's public relations page. “More than an elite journalist, Pedro Gomez was a good and decent man, so proud of his family, and his heritage,” said former “SportsCenter” anchor Bob Ley.
Could more Hall of Fame shutouts be on the horizon?
Read full article: Could more Hall of Fame shutouts be on the horizon?The baseball Hall of Fame wont have any new players in the class of 2021 after voters decided no one had the merits on-the-field or off for enshrinement in Cooperstown on this year's ballot. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)It could be a while before the Baseball Writers' Association of America votes anyone new into the Hall of Fame. AdSchilling wrote on Facebook that he has asked the Hall of Fame to remove his name from next year’s ballot. LAST CHANCEBonds and Clemens have one more year on the writers' ballot, and Schilling does, too, unless the Hall abides by his request for removal. OTHER AVENUESEven if the BBWAA doesn't vote anyone in next year, there's still a chance someone will be elected by one of the Eras Committees, which consider players no longer eligible for the BBWAA vote.
Baseball Hall gets no new members; Schilling 16 votes shy
Read full article: Baseball Hall gets no new members; Schilling 16 votes shyLike many baseball writers, C. Trent Rosecrans viewed the Hall of Fame vote as a labor of love. Schilling, a right-handed ace who won three World Series titles, finished 16 votes short of the 75% threshold necessary for enshrinement. Schilling, Clemens and Bonds will be joined on next year's ballot by sluggers Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz. Schilling wrote on Facebook that he would like the veterans committee to review his Hall case. “I’ll defer to the veterans committee and men whose opinions actually matter and who are in a position to actually judge a player,” Schilling wrote.
Aaron's death prompts call to change name: Braves to Hammers
Read full article: Aaron's death prompts call to change name: Braves to Hammers(AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA – As his adopted hometown mourned Hank Aaron's death, some fans called on the Atlanta Braves to change their name to the Hammers in his honor. The NFL's Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer's Atlanta United and Georgia Tech's football team all announced they would retire Aaron's trademark No. The Hammer spent nearly all of his 23-year career with the Braves, whose nickname has drawn some criticism as being offensive to Native Americans. The Braves have steadfastly resisted calls to change their name, saying they view it as a tribute to Native Americans rather than a slur. There has been no indication that Aaron's death would change the team's stance on its Braves nickname.
Character concerns go beyond PEDs in this Hall of Fame vote
Read full article: Character concerns go beyond PEDs in this Hall of Fame voteLike many baseball writers, C. Trent Rosecrans viewed the Hall of Fame vote as a labor of love. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)Like many baseball writers, C. Trent Rosecrans viewed the Hall of Fame vote as a labor of love. Ken Rosenthal, Rosecrans’ colleague with The Athletic, began a recent column this way: “I hate my Hall of Fame ballot. So it remains up to the voters to decide how they’ll weigh off-field issues when evaluating Hall of Fame candidates. Lynn Henning, a former columnist for the Detroit News, understands what makes some of these candidates objectionable — but he doesn’t think the Hall of Fame vote is the right forum for holding them accountable.
A look at Hank Aaron’s career and accomplishments
Read full article: A look at Hank Aaron’s career and accomplishmentsFILE - In this April 8, 1974, file photo Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron hits his 715th career home run in Atlanta Stadium to break the all-time record set by the late Babe Ruth. Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth but went on to break the career home run record in the pre-steroids era, died early Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. The Atlanta Braves said Aaron died peacefully in his sleep. Other Records: MLB career leader in RBIs (2,297), extra-base hits (1,477) and total bases (6,856); played in 25 All-Star Games. Beginnings: Started pro career at age 17 with Indianapolis Clowns of Negro American League.
Hank Aaron, baseball's one-time home run king, dies at 86
Read full article: Hank Aaron, baseball's one-time home run king, dies at 86The Atlanta Braves said Aaron died peacefully in his sleep. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)ATLANTA – His name is all over the baseball record book and, indeed, Hank Aaron could do it all. “It’s just a small thing that can help zillions of people in this country.”The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's longtime team, said he died in his sleep. Aaron's career total was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2007 — though many continued to call the Hammer the true home run king because of allegations that Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs. Six feet tall and listed at 180 pounds during the prime of his career, Aaron was hardly an imposing player physically.
From Cape Cod to Alaska, college leagues eye MLB changes
Read full article: From Cape Cod to Alaska, college leagues eye MLB changesIt was a quintessential college summer league experience, an up-close look at a major league star long before his big break. The Appalachian League, formerly a Rookie-level minor league, will convert into a 10-team wood bat summer league in 2021 for college players entering their freshman and sophomore seasons. The problem is it’s going to put some of the smaller leagues out of business, I think.”Wood-bat college summer leagues have played a crucial role in the development of many major leaguers. Northwoods League Commissioner Ryan Voz holds a similar view and doesn't believe MLB's incursion is an existential threat on its own. The Cape and NECBL are members of the National Alliance of College Summer Baseball, a 12-league organization that receives funding from MLB.
Dodgers hope Gonsolin more than an opener in Game 6
Read full article: Dodgers hope Gonsolin more than an opener in Game 6Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin leaves the game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Tony Gonsolin found out after Game 2 that he would be starting Game 6 as well for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This time, they plan for the rookie right-hander to be more than an opener with the Dodgers having a chance to clinch their first World Series title since 1988. Gonsolin went 1 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay in Game 2, a planned bullpen game for the Dodgers. RAY OF HOPEEleven of the last 14 teams that trailed going into Game 6, and then forced a Game 7, went on to win the World Series.
Arozarena slugs into WS history, stumbles into October lore
Read full article: Arozarena slugs into WS history, stumbles into October loreRays defeated the Dodgers 8-7 to tie the series 2-2 games. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Hours after slugging his way into World Series history, Randy Arozarena stumbled into October lore. None of those three won the World Series. Center fielder Chris Taylor bobbled the hit, chased after the ball and threw toward the plate as Arozarena rounded third. Down in the dirt, Arozarena kept pounding the plate as the Rays rushed out to celebrate with him.
Arozarena, Rays top Astros 4-2 in Game 7, reach World Series
Read full article: Arozarena, Rays top Astros 4-2 in Game 7, reach World SeriesThe Rays will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the World Series in Arlington, Texas, starting Tuesday night. Tampa Bay’s only other World Series appearance was in 2008, when it lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. Boston went on to win its first World Series in 86 seasons. Morton and McCullers became the first pair to pitch in the same winner-take-all postseason game as teammates and later start against each other in a winner-take-all game. HOMER RECORDArozarena is only one homer away from matching the major league record of eight homers in any single postseason.
Pujols 2 HRs, passes Mays for 5th place, Angels beat Rangers
Read full article: Pujols 2 HRs, passes Mays for 5th place, Angels beat RangersPujols hit No. Pujols said that he received a text and email from Mays after he tied the Hall of Famer on Sunday in Colorado. Pujols added that he had not checked his phone after Friday's game to see how many congratulatory messages he had received. Pujols passed Mays with a solo drive to left. After the Rangers rallied to get within 3-2, Pujols led off the seventh with No.
Pujols passes Mays for 5th on HR list with No. 661, adds 662
Read full article: Pujols passes Mays for 5th on HR list with No. 661, adds 662Pujols connected for a solo homer with two outs in the fifth inning. He led off the seventh to extend Los Angeles’ lead to 4-2. Pujols now trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696). Pujols, who tied Mays last Sunday at Colorado, has one more season left on his contract with the Angels after this year. ___AP Sports Writer Tim Booth in Seattle and Baseball Writer Stephen Hawkins in Texas contributed to this report.
Pujols hits homer No. 660 as Angels rally to beat Rox 5-3
Read full article: Pujols hits homer No. 660 as Angels rally to beat Rox 5-3Trailing 3-2, the 40-year-old Pujols lined a fastball from Carlos Estevez (1-3) into the empty seats in left-center for his 660th homer. Pujols now trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696) on the career home run list. It was a crazy day at the plate for the Angels, who had more walks (10) than hits (six). The Angels took two of three from Rockies and wrapped up a six-game trip with a 3-3 mark. If you’re good, you’re young and you’re not hurt, you’ll work through it.
Pujols hits 660th career homer, ties Mays for 5th place
Read full article: Pujols hits 660th career homer, ties Mays for 5th place(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – Albert Pujols hit his 660th career homer, tying the Los Angeles Angels slugger for fifth on the all-time list with Willie Mays. The 40-year-old Pujols now trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (694) on the career home run list. Pujols has averaged 26 home runs per season over the past eight years with the Angels. His best home run season with the Angels was in 2015 when he hit 40. Pujols, who has one season left on his contract with the Angels after 2020, has gone deep four times this season.
1st 60: How MLB standouts fared in what will equal full 2020
Read full article: 1st 60: How MLB standouts fared in what will equal full 2020After 60 games this year, it will already be time to determine who wins those awards. Only one Cy Young winner over the past 20 seasons has had more than the nine wins Verlander had after 60 games last year. Mauer and Morneau have the highest and lowest batting averages for any MVP through 60 games since 2000. In 2008, nine years after Chipper Jones was the NL MVP, he was hitting .409 through Atlanta's first 60 games. Williams hit .406, only one point lower than he was through Boston's first 60 games that season.