Sports

A Quiet Winter Gives Way to a Very Loud Spring

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2022

The Yankees despatched a tweet on Monday that solely a dreamy romantic might have conjured final week amid the gloom of the Main League Baseball lockout. In a slow-motion video from the batting cage at spring coaching, a right-handed hitter lifted his entrance knee, pivoted on his again foot and whipped a bat across the plate, driving a batting follow fastball excessive above left discipline, the place it disappeared within the clouds.

Ahhhhhhh — baseball.

Even higher than the crack of the bat was the presence of a brand new slugger swinging it: third baseman Josh Donaldson, a previous winner of the Most Priceless Participant Award, who arrived by way of a commerce Sunday evening. And even higher than that, the Yankees lastly moved on from Gary Sánchez as a part of the five-player transfer, transport the powerful-but-flawed catcher to the Minnesota Twins.

The Yankees additionally dealt infielder Gio Urshela and acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a flexible defender with pace, and Ben Rortvedt, a muscular young catcher. Kiner-Falefa — whose 172 hits for Texas final season would have led the Yankees — will take over at shortstop, bumping Gleyber Torres again to second.

“By doing this commerce, we’ve upgraded defensively and offensively at third, defensively at shortstop,” Common Supervisor Brian Cashman instructed reporters in Tampa, Fla. “We’ve positioned Gleyber ready that he’s greatest at, at second base. So I believe on the infield aspect we’ve upgraded three alternative ways, and improved the protection on the catching aspect as properly.”

Donaldson, 36, was the American League M.V.P. in 2015 with Toronto however missed vital time with calf accidents in 2018 and 2020. He performed 135 video games for the Twins final season, with a .352 on-base proportion and a .475 slugging proportion, and brings a fiery presence to the Yankees.

Cashman known as starter Gerrit Cole earlier than making the deal, understanding his historical past with Donaldson, who needled Cole final June with feedback about spin charges and Spider Tack. Cole and Donaldson spoke on Monday, listening to one another out.

“Look,” Cole stated, “for those who’re dedicated to profitable a championship, this sort of stuff doesn’t matter.”

The championship pursuit is on once more for many groups, with a brand new collective bargaining settlement in place after 99 days of contentious negotiations between gamers and homeowners. However whereas the gamers’ union hoped to disincentivize groups from tearing down rosters — tanking, that’s — some golf equipment nonetheless can’t resist. That was one among a number of themes from a newsy Monday by which the Oakland Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds continued to dump veterans.

The Reds, who dealt the right-handed starter Sonny Grey to Minnesota on Sunday, despatched third baseman Eugenio Suárez and outfielder Jesse Winker to Seattle for outfielder Jake Fraley, starter Justin Dunn, a prospect and a participant to be named later. However the A’s, who despatched the right-handed starter Chris Bassitt to the Mets for prospects on Saturday, made a transfer with broader implications.

The A’s traded their All-Star first baseman, Matt Olson, to Atlanta, which gave up its hopes of reaching phrases with Freddie Freeman, its longtime incumbent. Olson, a Georgia native who turns 28 this month, is a left-handed energy hitter like Freeman and has gained two Gold Gloves. However dropping Freeman can be a psychological blow to the reigning World Collection champions; Common Supervisor Alex Anthopoulos, who held again tears whereas saying the commerce, known as it “the toughest transaction I’ve needed to make.”

Freeman, 32, has drawn robust curiosity from the Los Angeles Dodgers in free company. However Olson could be a free agent in simply two years, and Atlanta is hardly struggling financially; its proprietor, the publicly traded Liberty Media, reported that the group made a $104 million revenue in 2021.

As wealthy homeowners go, nonetheless, there is just one Steven A. Cohen, whose generosity together with his Mets payroll earned him his personal tax threshold within the new C.B.A. Cohen splurged for a brand new ace, Max Scherzer, with a three-year, $130 million contract simply earlier than the lockout. His different ace, Jacob deGrom, instructed reporters in Port St. Lucie, Fla., that he plans to choose out of his contract after the season.

“I’m enthusiastic about this group, I like being a Met, suppose it could be actually cool to be one for my total profession,” stated deGrom, whom Supervisor Buck Showalter named the starter for opening day on April 7. “However the plan is to train that choice and be in fixed contact within the low season with the Mets, Steve Cohen and the entrance workplace.”

Credit score deGrom — who can be beneath group management by way of 2024 in any other case — for confirming his plan and sparing us seven months of a will-he-or-won’t-he storyline. The announcement additionally signifies that deGrom is assured in his well being after lacking the second half of final season with elbow hassle.

DeGrom’s teammate, first baseman Pete Alonso, was wholesome, too, after an accident on Sunday that flipped his truck thrice. Alonso, who stated one other driver ran a purple mild and T-boned his truck, needed to kick open his windshield to flee.

“I’m actually simply grateful to be alive,” he stated. “Thanks, Ford, for having nice engineering.”

Alas, one other celebrity didn’t escape a current accident intact. Fernando Tatis Jr., the wondrous shortstop for the San Diego Padres, confirmed up with a damaged left wrist, apparently from an low season bike scrape, and will miss three months. Tatis stated it “might have been a distinct story” if he had been allowed to seek the advice of group trainers throughout the lockout, however the blame falls primarily on him.

Tatis, apparently, shouldn’t be as expert on two wheels as he’s on spikes. Requested by reporters in Peoria, Ariz., when his accident occurred, Tatis replied, “Which one?”

Sports

Texans' C.J. Stroud reveals how Snoop Dogg played vital role in his NFL career

Published

4 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

Texans' C.J. Stroud reveals how Snoop Dogg played vital role in his NFL career

One, two, three to the four … Snoop Doggy Dogg and C.J. Stroud are at the door.

If the NFL were to do over a draft, the Houston Texans quarterback might be the first overall pick.

Stroud led his squad to the playoffs with an outstanding rookie season, and it should surprise nobody if, and likely when, he is in the MVP conversation this season.

Before becoming one of the best young talents in the NFL, he was dominating youth football, but not just any league.

C.J. Stroud played in the Snoop Youth Football League as a child. (Getty Images)

The league he played in, the Snoop Youth Football League, was founded by Snoop Dogg.

Stroud and Snoop are both Southern California natives, and Stroud is credited for his ability to “understand people for whatever they really are.”

“I’m able to kind of relate to people really well. God has blessed me with that skill,” Stroud recently told ESPN.

When he left his original youth league to find more competition, Snoop’s league was a match.

“I was so competitive and wanted to win, so I was like, ‘I have to find a way to be a leader and relate to these guys.’ That was my first step. … It was good for me to learn, this is how you build a brotherhood. I wasn’t even thinking about that back then. But now that I’m older, that’s what that was,” he said.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud warms up before a 2024 AFC divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Jan. 20, 2024. (Tommy Gilligan/USA Today Sports)

TOM BRADY SUFFERS DEFEAT IN FOOTBALL GAME AHEAD OF MICHAEL RUBIN’S ANNUAL STAR-STUDDED FOURTH OF JULY PARTY

“The Snoop Dogg league was super instrumental in C.J.’s journey,” Stroud’s mother, Kimberly, said. “It was a village that raised C.J. Stroud, and it wasn’t just his mother. It was mainly God, but he put people on our path to help C.J. along his journey. The Snoop Dogg league was one of those.”

Stroud’s on-field talent speaks for itself, but Snoop is most impressed with Stroud’s character.

“It’s special because [Stroud] is exactly what we breed kids to be,” Snoop said. “Good students, good athletes, respecting their elders, their parents and being a great listener. C.J. was a great listener. That’s why he’s translating on that football field into a great leader. I like to get information from him because he’s the future. … So, to be able to tap in with the youth and stay active, that’s a gift, and I love the fact that my football league has created that.”

Snoop Dogg during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium April 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns his rookie season and figures to improve on each of those numbers after the Texans acquired Stefon Diggs in the offseason.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Sports

St. John Bosco's Brandon McCoy keeps contributing at FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup

Published

4 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

St. John Bosco's Brandon McCoy keeps contributing at FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup

Already ranked among the top three high school basketball players from the class of 2026, Brandon McCoy of St. John Bosco is having a summer to remember playing for the United States’ U17 national team at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Turkey.

On Friday, he had 12 points, six rebounds and four assists to help his team advance to the semifinals with an 111-60 win over Canada.

McCoy’s versatility and unselfishness continues to show up on a team full of stars. The U.S. will play New Zealand in Saturday’s semifinals in Istanbul.

Sports

Army veteran reaches new heights with Soldiers to Sidelines charity: ‘Puts our veterans at the forefront’

Published

9 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

Army veteran reaches new heights with Soldiers to Sidelines charity: ‘Puts our veterans at the forefront’

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Maurice Allen has worn many different hats in life. He is a U.S. Army veteran, a husband, a father and a football coach.

He is also a “soldier coach.”

Allen, a retired Army communications specialist, is just one of the more than 1,800 “soldier coaches” certified through the veteran charity Soldiers to Sidelines that was able to find a renewed purpose after his military service.

Maurice Allen enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2012 and served for four years, which included his deployment to Afghanistan in 2014-15. (Maurice Allen)

“I played high school football. I kind of always knew I wanted to be a coach. I was going to go to play college football out of high school and instead went active duty Army and was stationed at Fort Hood,” Allen told Fox News Digital in an interview.

Allen put his dream of coaching on hold to serve his country and, eventually, to pursue his education. He enlisted in 2012 and served for four years, which included his deployment to Afghanistan in 2014-15.

His story is like many others. However, after completing his service, Allen knew he wanted to return to coaching. With that in mind, he earned his Bachelor’s degree and a Masters of Education in Sports Administration at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and later an Education Specialist degree from Valdosta State University.

During that time, however, Allen was looking for something that was just for veterans. That was when he came across Soldiers to Sidelines.

He reached out to Harrison Bernstein, the president and founder of Soldiers to Sidelines, a veteran service charity organization whose mission is to provide a renewed sense of purpose to members of the military community through coaching while also serving the youth community.

They kept in contact and, eventually, Allen was able to attend one of the Soldiers to Sidelines seminars.

“It’s just an amazing organization that really puts our veterans at the forefront. And it’s something that I strongly believe in, and it’s just been an amazing opportunity.”

The program is free and is available to veterans, service members, military spouses and gold-star families. (Soldiers to Sidelines)

SOLDIERS TO SIDELINES FOUNDER ON A MISSION TO HELP VETERANS AND GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Bernstein told Fox News Digital that the idea for a coaching program designed for service members came about in 2010 after his time with the Washington Commanders, where he served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for three years.

“I was coaching high school football and a colleague of mine was adamant about helping out service members in the area get involved in coaching football, because the news was just riddled with people coming back from the Middle East looking for purpose, looking for a way to reconnect and to find some renewed happiness and purpose,” Bernstein explained.

“And so it was actually a colleague who suggested that we bring some of the local veterans out to high school football practice and make them part of the team and teach them how to coach football.”

Bernstein admitted that he was not initially interested in the idea. He was working on perfecting his own coaching technique with the hopes of returning to the NFL. But after much persistence, Bernstein obliged and held a seminar that just six people attended. To his surprise, Bernstein’s plans for his future had shifted in that moment and Soldiers to Sidelines was born.

More than 1,800 soldier coaches have now been certified through the program across eight different sports. Veterans make up 38% of certified coaches, while retired and active duty make up another 25% and 27%.

The program is free and available to veterans, service members, military spouses, and gold-star families. After completing the certification process, Soldiers to Sidelines offers continued learning with online coursework, webinars, workshops and more.

Those who have completed the certification process have gone on to coach at all levels. For Bernstein, though, the most impact can be seen in those who coach at the youth level.

Maurice Allen is the head football coach at South Paulding High School in Georgia. (Maurice Allen)

Allen currently serves as the head football coach at South Paulding High School in Georgia. He previously coached at different 5A-8A schools across Texas, Florida and Georgia. However, in the spring, Soldiers to Sidelines helped to introduce him to a new opportunity.

Allen became the first soldier coach to land an internship with an NFL team, the New York Jets. He worked with the team during mandatory minicamp and OTAs.

“It was just really, really intriguing just to see how they operate and how they practice, the coaching points and how intricate it is coming from high school up to the NFL,” Allen said. “But just to see the level of detail preparation and the ins and outs of the program and how they communicate with each other and the coaching staff communicate. And it was by far one of the best experiences that I’ve been a part of and made some really good connections and got to learn.”

Maurice Allen was the first “soldier coach” to get an internship with an NFL team this past spring. (Maurice Allen)

Allen said the experience opened his eyes to the possibility of coaching at the highest level. For now, he is taking all that he learned and repurposing that knowledge within his own community. He is also looking to continue spreading the mission of Soldiers to Sidelines.

“There’s a team outside of the military that you can join and be a part of, and that’s Soldiers to Sidelines,” Allen said of those service members transitioning out of the military.

“It gives you a purpose, and you can touch so many lives, whether it be youth, middle school, high school, college or the NFL. There’s so many lives and so many people that you can come in contact with and impact. So my message for any veteran out there that is interested or looking to transition, or even if you’re still active duty and you’re coaching a youth or middle school team, Soldiers to Sidelines is for you.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.