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Louis Head Has Options (Just Not as Many)

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JUPITER, Fla. — Baseball is a recreation of failure, they are saying, however it’s all relative for Louis Head. A bit of greater than a 12 months in the past, earlier than he turned The Man Of Many Choices with a saga that impressed a rule change in Main League Baseball, Head was promoting photo voltaic panels, door to door, in Arizona.

“There’s far more failure in that trade than in sports activities,” Head mentioned final week, standing by his locker within the Miami Marlins’ clubhouse at spring coaching. “I imply, for each 100 doorways you’re knocking, you’re in all probability going to get instructed ‘no’ 95 instances. Of these 5 folks, you’ll in all probability get one or two gross sales off that. That was the powerful half about it, but it surely form of ready me mentally for the final season, to be completely trustworthy. Eight months of being instructed ‘no’ 98 p.c of the time, it will get to you.”

The Tampa Bay Rays spent a lot of final season telling him each sure and no: Sure, you’ll be able to come to the large leagues … no, you’ll be able to’t keep … repeat. They optioned Head to the minors 12 instances, a luxurious groups now not have. Most gamers can’t be optioned in any respect with out clearing waivers. However those that can are now not permitted to be shuffled forwards and backwards an infinite variety of instances throughout a season.

As a part of the brand new collective bargaining settlement, gamers can’t be optioned greater than 5 instances as soon as rosters contract to 26 gamers on Could 1. (Groups will carry 28 energetic gamers till then, after the lockout compelled an abbreviated spring coaching.)

“The outsider perspective is like, ‘You’re fortunate sufficient to be enjoying baseball, the trade-off is price it,’” mentioned pitcher Tyler Glasnow, the Rays’ union consultant. “But it surely’s exhausting once you’re choosing up and transferring that a lot — it doesn’t matter what you do, it’s irritating and annoying. So to see that occur on this newest C.B.A. could be very relieving for folks. You’ll be able to’t simply ship somebody up and down as a lot as you need now. There’s extra technique concerned and it helps the participant out.”

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A part of the worth of younger gamers with choices — particularly relievers — is that groups can simply add and take away them from the energetic roster, making certain a recent secure of arms within the bullpen. However many groups took that to the acute, and Head’s case turned a speaking level in negotiations between gamers and homeowners.

Regardless of the trouble of being moved round a lot, the Tampa Bay expertise was overwhelmingly constructive for Head, who was retired final winter earlier than the Rays stunned him with a tryout provide. They known as him as much as the majors in April, on his thirty first birthday, and bought 35 stable innings from him throughout the season.

However with no restrictions on how they might use him, the Rays optioned Head to their alternate coaching website or Class AAA Durham on April 29, April 30, Could 1, Could 14, Could 21, June 28, Aug. 7, Aug. 15, Aug. 26, Sept. 8, Sept. 19 and Oct. 2. Head collected no frequent-flier miles, alas, however at the very least his spouse did.

“He was phenomenal,” mentioned Peter Bendix, the Rays’ normal supervisor. “He had a wild experience and all he did was carry out. He didn’t say something about it, and no matter we would have liked, he did. He deserves super reward for that.”

Head pitched 26 instances for Durham with a 2.20 earned run common, and 27 instances for Tampa Bay with a 2.31 E.R.A. Even so, the Rays used 38 pitchers final season (not counting place gamers who pitched) and didn’t preserve Head on the roster, buying and selling him to Miami in November for a participant to be named or money. He’s making ready for extra of the identical.

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“If it’s in Miami, or if it’s in Jacksonville, I simply need to assist the staff in any means that I can at both degree,” mentioned Head, mentioning the Marlins’ Class AAA affiliate. “Being out of the sport and now again in, I simply need to win.”

The Marlins are Head’s fifth group, after Cleveland (who drafted him within the 18th spherical from Texas State in 2012), the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle and the Rays. When the Mariners launched him in Could 2020, throughout the Covid shutdown, Head thought-about it the top of his baseball profession.

“I used to be achieved; I’d moved on,” mentioned Head, who was additionally planning his wedding ceremony on the time. “I hadn’t made a lot cash in my profession, and the pandemic occurred and I wasn’t making any cash. So I wanted to go get a job to assist help us, and baseball wasn’t going to do this.”

He consulted ZipRecruiter, spoke with pals and ultimately landed with Pure Vitality Photo voltaic in Tempe, Ariz. Kyle Simmons, the corporate’s nationwide gross sales director, mentored Head and known as him a mannequin worker who was absolutely invested in a brand new profession.

“Folks with athletic backgrounds usually excel in our group,” Simmons mentioned in a telephone interview. “You see the aggressive nature, the drive to be the very best at their craft and to nonetheless transfer ahead, whatever the outcomes.”

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For the entire doorways that closed on him, or just by no means opened, Head produced. From September 2020 till his remaining sale went via final Could — when he had already reached the large leagues — Head offered 16 custom-made photo voltaic models, and Simmons mentioned he ranked among the many high 15 p.c of his gross sales pressure.

A couple of months into the job, although, the Rays known as Head’s agent and requested if they might see him throw. After taking per week to organize, he confirmed sufficient to get a minor-league contract with an invite to spring coaching. Head discovered a distinct form for his slider, adjusted his arm angle and revived his unique profession.

“When he bought the provide, we had been all very supportive of him,” Simmons mentioned. “It was like: ‘You’ve been pursuing this for the final decade, and now you’ve bought one other shot. Photo voltaic isn’t going anyplace — and whether it is, we’ve an even bigger downside.’”

The up-and-down season would problem Head bodily — from the journey and lack of routine — and mentally, from the information that each time he pitched for the Rays, he could be shipped again to the minors for a brisker arm.

Then once more, Head mentioned, whereas he loved promoting photo voltaic panels, his time exterior baseball has made him much more motivated to remain inside it.

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“Once I had my first assembly with the Rays, I instructed them I’d a lot reasonably quit a house run within the huge leagues and transfer on to the subsequent pitch than to have anyone inform me, ‘Get off my property!’ and have to maneuver on to the subsequent door,” he mentioned. “It makes life loads simpler throwing baseballs than having to knock doorways.”

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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