WEATHER ALERT
MLB wants the Tampa Bay Rays to play in the area if hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field is unfit
Read full article: MLB wants the Tampa Bay Rays to play in the area if hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field is unfitMajor League Baseball hopes to find the Tampa Bay Rays a temporary home near their fanbase for the start of the 2025 season if their home field can't be repaired in time.
Phillies get MLB-leading 8th All-Star with Sánchez replacing Atlanta's Chris Sale
Read full article: Phillies get MLB-leading 8th All-Star with Sánchez replacing Atlanta's Chris SalePhiladelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez is set for his first All-Star Game appearance as the replacement for Chris Sale.
Dominican judge orders conditional release of Rays shortstop Wander Franco while probe continues
Read full article: Dominican judge orders conditional release of Rays shortstop Wander Franco while probe continuesA judge in the Dominican Republic has ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco.
Abreu gives up 2-run homer in Astros' Game 7 loss after suspension upheld but pushed to next year
Read full article: Abreu gives up 2-run homer in Astros' Game 7 loss after suspension upheld but pushed to next yearBryan Abreu gave up Nathaniel Lowe’s two-run homer in the Houston Astros’ 11-4 loss to the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series after his two-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Adolis García delayed until the start of next season.
MLB playoffs back at the Globe with Texas Rangers part of them, and not neutral 3 years after COVID
Read full article: MLB playoffs back at the Globe with Texas Rangers part of them, and not neutral 3 years after COVIDThere was a World Series and other postseason games played at Globe Life Field even before Texas Rangers fans got to see their own team do anything in the stadium with a retractable roof.
MLB game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock. Players steal most bases since 1987
Read full article: MLB game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock. Players steal most bases since 1987The average time of a nine-inning major league game dropped to 2 hours, 40 minutes in the first year of the pitch clock, a 24-minute decrease in a season of change that resulted in a spike in batting average and the most stolen bases in nearly 40 years.
Red Sox say Tim Wakefield is in treatment, asks for privacy after illness outed by Schilling
Read full article: Red Sox say Tim Wakefield is in treatment, asks for privacy after illness outed by SchillingThe Boston Red Sox say announcer and former knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is undergoing treatment for a disease they did not specify and asked for fans to respect his privacy after his illness was outed without his consent by ex-teammate Curt Schilling.
The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deck
Read full article: The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deckThe Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing plans for a new ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg, which is a positive development for baseball fans in Florida.
The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deck
Read full article: The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deckThe Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing plans for a new ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg, which is a positive development for baseball fans in Florida.
Tampa Bay Rays finalizing new ballpark in St. Petersburg as part of larger urban project
Read full article: Tampa Bay Rays finalizing new ballpark in St. Petersburg as part of larger urban projectThe playoff-bound Tampa Bay Rays have put the finishing touches on plans for a new 30,000-seat ballpark in St. Petersburg.
MLB open to consider increasing time on pitch clock in postseason
Read full article: MLB open to consider increasing time on pitch clock in postseasonBaseball Commissioner Rob Manfred will consider increasing time on the pitch clock for the postseason but is reluctant to adjust an innovation the sport considers a great success.
Ohtani becomes 2-way All-Star for 3rd straight year; 8 Braves selected for July 11 game
Read full article: Ohtani becomes 2-way All-Star for 3rd straight year; 8 Braves selected for July 11 gameShohei Ohtani became a two-way All-Star for the third straight year when he was picked for the American League pitching staff, and eight Atlanta Braves were chosen for the July 11 game in Seattle — the most of any team since 2012.
Overturned outs are prompting confusion, frustration over MLB's blocking-the-plate rule
Read full article: Overturned outs are prompting confusion, frustration over MLB's blocking-the-plate ruleThe rules have changed since Bob Melvin and Bruce Bochy were big league catchers when big collisions with runners trying to score were just part of the game.
MLB commissioner suspects many pitchers are using banned sticky stuff
Read full article: MLB commissioner suspects many pitchers are using banned sticky stuffBaseball Commissioner Rob Manfred thinks the use of banned sticky stuff is more widespread than the three pitchers ejected this season for illegal grip aids.
From swords to fishing lures to "sprinklers," MLB celebrations have become full-scale productions
Read full article: From swords to fishing lures to "sprinklers," MLB celebrations have become full-scale productionsMajor League Baseball celebrations have turned into a full-on production for some teams.
Orlando MLB hopefuls pitch plan for Orange County tourist tax dollars
Read full article: Orlando MLB hopefuls pitch plan for Orange County tourist tax dollarsPat Williams, as president and co-founder of Orlando City Baseball Dreamers, LLC, is expected to pitch a plan to the Orange County Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force promising Orlando’s own MLB team and stadium.
Anthony Rendon 'can't comment' on fan altercation in Oakland
Read full article: Anthony Rendon 'can't comment' on fan altercation in OaklandAnthony Rendon says he can't comment on a video posted on social media that appears to show the Los Angeles Angels All-Star third baseman appearing to swipe at an Oakland fan after the Angels lost to the Athletics on opening day.
Netherlands tops Cuba 4-2; Panama beats Taiwan 12-5 at WBC
Read full article: Netherlands tops Cuba 4-2; Panama beats Taiwan 12-5 at WBCThe 20-team World Baseball Classic got underway after a six-year absence with Panama defeating Taiwan 12-5 for its first win in tournament history and the Netherlands beating Cuba 4-2 in the opening Group A game as Didi Gregorius drove in the tying run and scored the go-ahead run.
Clark says push to unionize minor leaguers off to good start
Read full article: Clark says push to unionize minor leaguers off to good startMajor League Baseball Players Association head Tony Clark is confident that at least 30% of minor league players will sign union authorization cards in the coming days and weeks.
Senators ask MLB why antitrust exemption needed in minors
Read full article: Senators ask MLB why antitrust exemption needed in minorsLeaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee have asked baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to explain the impact of potential legislation stripping the sport’s antitrust exemption from covering the sport’s relationship with minor league players.
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred says Rays, A’s need new ballpark deals soon
Read full article: Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred says Rays, A’s need new ballpark deals soonBaseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics need to reach new ballpark deals soon and left open the strong possibility of considering relocation if agreements are not struck.
5 reasons why attending spring training is a home-run experience
Read full article: 5 reasons why attending spring training is a home-run experienceBaseball’s regular season begins this week, so that means the abbreviated spring training session for teams, which started late due to the offseason lockout, is over.
Frito-Lay launches ‘Cracker Jill’ to ring in baseball season celebrating women in sports
Read full article: Frito-Lay launches ‘Cracker Jill’ to ring in baseball season celebrating women in sportsCracker Jill was launched ahead of the regular season opener to celebrate women who break barriers in sports.
MLB tests pitch clock, anti-shift, bigger bases in minors
Read full article: MLB tests pitch clock, anti-shift, bigger bases in minorsPitchers, catchers and batters will be able to appeal calls from human umpires to “robo umps” in the Low-A Southeast League this season, while pitch clocks, anti-shift rules and larger bases will be tried in the minors ahead of possible big league use in 2023.
MLB: It’s deadline day to save opening day, 162-game season
Read full article: MLB: It’s deadline day to save opening day, 162-game seasonMajor League Baseball extended its deadline for salvaging opening day and a 162-game season until Tuesday at 5 p.m. after a marathon of 13 bargaining sessions over 16 1/2 hours produced progress toward a deal but left the sides still far apart.
Can’t wait for baseball season? Here’s where you can find the MLB teams that train in Florida
Read full article: Can’t wait for baseball season? Here’s where you can find the MLB teams that train in FloridaMajor League Baseball is currently in a lockout, if the lockout is lifted, Spring Training will could start at the end of the month.
Former player, labor lawyer lead MLB into 9th work stoppage
Read full article: Former player, labor lawyer lead MLB into 9th work stoppageTony Clark was a minor league prospect in the Detroit Tigers’ system and Rob Manfred a junior lawyer on management’s legal team during Major League Baseball’s last work stoppage.
‘Field of Dreams’ game ends in cinematic fashion, with 2-run homer in the 9th
Read full article: ‘Field of Dreams’ game ends in cinematic fashion, with 2-run homer in the 9thTim Anderson recently admitted he has never watched “Field of Dreams.” Well, he just submitted a pretty good script for a sequel.
MLB to relax virus protocols when 85% on field vaccinated
Read full article: MLB to relax virus protocols when 85% on field vaccinatedMask use would be dropped from dugouts and bullpens, and electronic tracing devices would be eliminated when 85% of major league players and primary field staff are vaccinated against the coronavirus. AdNot many players have been vaccinated, according to MLB, but it expects the pace to increase after teams return to their home cities from spring training. Once the 85% threshold is reached, fully vaccinated players and staff would be able to eat and drink on flights. AdFully vaccinated people who have close contact with someone with COVID-19 would not have to quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms. Vaccinated players and staff would have the option to reduce PCR saliva testing to twice weekly, similar to Tier 2 staff, such as front office and clubhouse employees, owners and groundskeepers.
2 MLB players test positive for COVID-19 in past week
Read full article: 2 MLB players test positive for COVID-19 in past week(AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter, File)NEW YORK – Two major league players and two staff members were positive for COVID-19 during the past week among 13,978 tests, a 0.03% positive rate. The positive tests were among 11 of the 30 teams. Including intake testing upon arrival at spring training, there have been 33 positive tests — 25 players, eight staff — among 78,227 tests, a positive rate of 0.04%. The positive tests were among 18 teams. All players on 40-man rosters and players with minor league contracts invited to big league training camps are screened.
‘I’m good, bro:’ Body camera video shows retired MLB player Johnny Damon failing field sobriety test
Read full article: ‘I’m good, bro:’ Body camera video shows retired MLB player Johnny Damon failing field sobriety testThe initial officer focused his attention on getting Damon secured while a second officer arrived and took Mangon-Damon into custody. Damon repeatedly insisted that he and wife don’t want any problems. We are good people, I’m telling you... we’re good people,” Damon said. “Hey bro, I’m a good (expletive) guy and I know people are trying to target me because I’m a Trump supporter,” he said. Ad“Yeah, I’m good bro,” Damon said repeatedly.
Baseball legend Hank Aaron dies at 86
Read full article: Baseball legend Hank Aaron dies at 86ATLANTA – 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. The Atlanta Braves said Aaron died peacefully in his sleep. “Hammerin’ Hank” set a wide array of career hitting records during a 23-year career spent mostly with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, including RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 5: Hank Aaron #44 of the Atlanta Braves takes batting practice before an MLB Spring Training game on March 5, 1972 in West Palm Beach, Florida. “Hammerin’ Hank” set multiple hitting records during a 23-year career spent mostly with the Braves, including RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.
Tommy Lasorda, fiery Hall of Fame Dodgers manager, dies at 93
Read full article: Tommy Lasorda, fiery Hall of Fame Dodgers manager, dies at 93Kim Ng is pictured with Tommy Lasorda during spring training in this 2005 file photo. LOS ANGELES – Tommy Lasorda, the fiery Hall of Fame manager who guided the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series titles and later became an ambassador for the sport he loved during his 71 years with the franchise, has died. The Dodgers said Friday that he had a heart attack at his home in Fullerton. Resuscitation attempts were made en route to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday. Lasorda had a history of heart problems, including a heart attack in 1996 that ended his managerial career.
San Diego Padres have deal in place to get Blake Snell from Tampa Bay Rays
Read full article: San Diego Padres have deal in place to get Blake Snell from Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game 6 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)Two months ago, Blake Snell got yanked off the mound with a two-hit shutout going in the final game of the World Series. Now, the Tampa Bay Rays are ready to ship him out of town. The San Diego Padres are close to completing a blockbuster trade to acquire Snell from the defending AL champions. The Athletic was first to report the players headed from San Diego to Tampa Bay if the trade is finalized.
Breakthrough for women: Miami Marlins hire Kim Ng as GM
Read full article: Breakthrough for women: Miami Marlins hire Kim Ng as GMMIAMI – Kim Ng started her Major League Baseball career as an intern, and three decades later she's still on the rise while shattering ceilings. Ng became the majors' highest-ranking woman in baseball operations when she was hired Friday as general manager of the Miami Marlins. “After decades of determination, it is the honor of my career to lead the Miami Marlins,” Ng said in a statement. “We look forward to Kim bringing a wealth of knowledge and championship-level experience to the Miami Marlins,” Jeter said in a statement. “All of us at Major League Baseball are thrilled for Kim and the opportunity she has earned with the Marlins,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even Series
Read full article: Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even SeriesAfter Lowe finally busted out in Game 2 of the World Series, the Rays and Dodgers are tied deep in the heart of Texas. Snell attacked with breaking pitches in the strike zone, not his usual pattern, against a Dodgers team that doesn't often chase. SHORT HOPSSnell’s nine strikeouts were the most in a World Series game by a pitcher who didn't last five innings. Dodgers: Buehler threw six shutout innings to win Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta and force Game 7. His only previous World Series start was Game 3 against Boston in 2018, when he fired seven scoreless innings in the only game the Dodgers won.
Did Sonia Sotomayor save baseball 28 years ago?
Read full article: Did Sonia Sotomayor save baseball 28 years ago?While appointing Sonia Sotomayor as a justice for the Supreme Court in 2009, then-President Barack Obama caught a few people by surprise when he said, “Some say Judge Sotomayor saved baseball.”
Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock dies at age 81
Read full article: Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock dies at age 81FILE - In this April 9, 1965, file photo, Lou Brock, of the St. Louis Cardinals, poses in Missouri. The Cards were World Series champions in 1964 and 1967 and lost to the Detroit Tigers in seven games in 1968. Brock was even better in postseason play, batting .391 with four homers, 16 RBIs and 14 steals in 21 World Series games. For Brock, base stealing was an art form and a kind of warfare. He also made two damaging mistakes that helped cost St. Louis the 68 World Series.
Cardboard fans? Masks? MLB is back, but it doesn’t look real -- these photos might weird you out
Read full article: Cardboard fans? Masks? MLB is back, but it doesn’t look real -- these photos might weird you out(2020 Getty Images)A lone Boston Red Sox employee eats a hot dog in the stands before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on July 26, 2020 in Boston. (2020 Getty Images)A peek at Tropicana Field during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves on July 27, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (2020 Getty Images)A mask is placed on the Teammates Statue on Opening Day at Fenway Park on July 24, 2020 in Boston. (2020 Getty Images)A general view of of cardboard cutouts placed in the seats before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on July 25, 2020. (2020 Getty Images)With information from the Associated Press.
Fauci says Marlins virus outbreak could endanger MLB season
Read full article: Fauci says Marlins virus outbreak could endanger MLB seasonMiami Marlins' manager Don Mattingly looks out from the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)MIAMI The Miami Marlins' coronavirus outbreak could endanger the Major League Baseball season, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday, although he doesn't believe games needs to stop now. More than a dozen Marlins players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19, stranding the team in Philadelphia and raising anew questions about MLB's attempts to conduct a season. The Marlins outbreak was the talk of baseball, and Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez choked on his words as he discussed the situation. Whether that was shutting down a part of the season, the whole season, that depends on the circumstances.
Marlins' home opener postponed as they deal with virus
Read full article: Marlins' home opener postponed as they deal with virusMiami Marlins' manager Don Mattingly looks out from the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)MIAMI The Miami Marlins' home opener Monday night against Baltimore has been postponed as the Marlins deal with a coronavirus outbreak that stranded them in Philadelphia. The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies. No reasons were given for the moves, but manager Don Mattingly said those who tested positive would be quarantined in Philadelphia. The Marlins' precarious health raised anew doubts about MLBs ability to finish the season during a pandemic.
Miami Marlins postpone trip home amid fear of virus outbreak
Read full article: Miami Marlins postpone trip home amid fear of virus outbreakMiami Marlins' manager Don Mattingly looks out from the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)MIAMI The Miami Marlins scratched right-hander Jose Urena from his scheduled start Sunday in Philadelphia and delayed their postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No reason was given for Urena being scratched in the series finale, which Miami won 11-6. Manager Don Mattingly said the Marlins decided to wait until Monday to leave Philadelphia, and they plan to arrive in Miami hours before their home opener against Baltimore. Miami catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list hours before the season opener Friday at Philadelphia.
Tampa Bay Rays like playoff chances during pandemic-shortened MLB season
Read full article: Tampa Bay Rays like playoff chances during pandemic-shortened MLB season... Theres going to be a lot of excuses thrown around by a lot of different players and teams. Eleven different pitchers earned at least one save in 2019, and the shortened season will pose new challenges. The Rays hold a team option for 2021, however the 36-year-old right-hander isnt sure how much longer he wants to play. With the minor league season cancelled because of the pandemic, the Rays hope the experience will be beneficial to his development. There arent many guys across baseball that possess the talent he has, Rays general manager Erik Neander said entering spring training.
Archaeologists mull whether graves lie near Tropicana Field
Read full article: Archaeologists mull whether graves lie near Tropicana FieldThe Tampa Bay Times reports the University of South Floridas Florida Public Archaeology Network has registered the property with the state as a historic cemetery site. A survey would include rolling ground-penetrating radar that can detect graves across the full 12 acres. Thirty years ago, residents stepped forward when the city prepared to pave parking lots 1 and 2 for Tropicana Field. The city was unaware that the network filed the report, but said it is aware of the possibility that graves are still there. While we believe individuals buried there have been interred elsewhere, the mayor gave the green light to staff recently to begin the process of confirming this.
MLB cancels All-Star Game for 1st time since 1945
Read full article: MLB cancels All-Star Game for 1st time since 1945LOS ANGELES Dodger Stadiums 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer. The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. This will be the first time since 1945 that no game will be held. Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Bostons Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place that year. The Dodgers hosted the only the Mid-Summer Classic in Dodger Stadium history in 1980, won 4-2 by the National League.
Players counter with 70-game season, 10 more than MLB
Read full article: Players counter with 70-game season, 10 more than MLBFILE - In this Feb. 19, 2017, file photo, Major League Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark, answers questions at a news conference in Phoenix. Commissioner Rob Manfred says there might be no major league season after a breakdown in talks between teams and the union on how to split up money in a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the union proposal, players would wear advertisement patches on their uniforms during all games for the first time in major league history. Both MLB and the union proposed starting the season on July 19, and players said it should end Sept. 30, three days later than management. Both sides would expand use of the designated hitter to games involving National League teams, and both sides would expand the playoffs to 16 teams this year.
AP source: MLB players offer 114-game season, no more pay cuts
Read full article: AP source: MLB players offer 114-game season, no more pay cutsPlayers proposed a 114-game regular season Sunday, up from 82 in managements offer, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. But unlike MLB, the players proposal would extend the postseason about a month past its usual end. All players would have the right to opt out of the season under the union plan. Those who meet qualifications for high risk or reside with a person who qualifies as high risk would receive salary and major league service. Only players whose original 2020 salaries were $10 million or more would be subject to having money deferred.