CLEVELAND, OH – Some three years ago, Colt Emerson was tearing it up in the Muskingum Valley League for John Glenn, on his way to being named the Gatorade Player of the Year, right here in Ohio. Now, fast forward to 2026, he returns home for the first time as a pro, as the Mariners faced the Guardians in a true homecoming for Emerson.

“Being here is special. A lot of games growing up, coming here. So it’s going to be pretty surreal” said Emerson before game one of the series in Cleveland. “I love the game, you know? I respect the game, and I’m just so grateful to be here.”

Growing up a lifelong baseball fan in Ohio, Colt always knew this day would come, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to pinc himself every now and again when he puts on the Mariners jersey.

Emerson continued, “If ten-year old me can see me sitting here, see me on the field, that’s the only thing that matters. It’s been a fun journey.”

The game started slowly for Seattle, with no runs or even hits to talk about, at least until Emerson took the plate in the third. With one swing of the bat on an inside change up from left handed pitcher Joey Cantillo, he sent one into the right field seats for a home run in his first at bat back in his home state.

“I can’t even describe it” said Emerson, with a broad grin across his face after the game. “When I saw it go out, I took my time around the bases, just to look around, you know? You grew up playing here, and your first at bat, you hit a home run. It’s cool.”

Colt had quite the efficient ball game, reaching base three times with two walks, and accounting for two of the Mariners’ runs in the three to one victory. It is his first career multi-walk, and multi-run game in the major leagues.

Emerson continues to amaze his manager, Dan Wilson, each and every game.

“Like we’ve said before, he just sees the game and he senses the game and knows what to do in the right situation, and tonight was another example of that” said Wilson.

It’s another memorable moment in the remarkable rookie career of one of John Glenn High School’s finest, as Emerson continues to provide a much-needed spark for Seattle.

The Mariners are in Cleveland for two more games this weekend before heading back on Sunday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Heinen’s Grocery Store announced on Friday that it will be closing its downtown Cleveland location on the corner of East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue.

This last day will be on July 31.

The store first opened in 2015.

All associates at the downtown store will be offered roles at other Heinen’s locations, and there will be no layoffs, the release said. This decision affects only the Downtown Cleveland location.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb shared the following statement after the announcement was released:

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

The Cleveland Cavaliers added another guard to their logjam at the position during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.

Arkansas guard Maleek Thomas was one of the best players remaining on the board when the Cavaliers were on the clock at No. 34 overall, which they acquired from the Sacramento Kings in a trade back out of No. 29 overall on Tuesday night’s Round 1.

So Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman took Thomas off of the board, opting to select the best player available instead of drafting for fit, as Cleveland still has a dire need on the wing and backup center.

“When you’re picking at No. 34, you don’t have the luxury to say ‘let’s pick for fit,’” Altman said after the selection on Wednesday night.

It’s clear that the longtime basketball executive understands that Thomas doesn’t necessarily fit this current version of the Cavaliers. They’re expecting veteran point guard James Harden to return on a new contract. They also still employ Dennis Schroder, Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter Jr., who just saw his contract option exercised by the Cavaliers.

Altman admitted that with so many guards to account for on the roster, the hard part will be figuring out how it all fits together.

Who is the odd man out?

It’s very possible that the reason why the Cavaliers traded out of No. 29 overall was due to financial reasons.

At No. 29, the Cavaliers really liked Thomas, and he probably would’ve been their selection. Even though he’s another small guard, he loves the game of basketball and comes from head coach John Calipari, which is as close to NBA coaching that you’ll find in the NBA.

But in Round 2, the Cavs could give Thomas a non-guaranteed two-way deal that would have the 19-year-old point guard split time between the Cavaliers and Cleveland’s G League affiliate Charge.

This makes life uncomfortable for Porter Jr., even though his option was just exercised. He’s on the final year of a deal, and could be included in a trade package as a sweetener. Of course, none of Cleveland’s guards aside from Harden should be untouchable in big trade packages that could help solve the team’s holes on the wing and in the frontcourt. 

Schroder could be dealt as well because of his big salary.

Even though he doesn’t seamlessly fit, the Cavaliers found a way to get a first-round talent in Day 2 of the NBA Draft. It was a talented class and Thomas could be a gem. 

But Altman needs to find a way to better construct this roster before the season comes around.