There is nothing like baseball's Opening Day, even if it happens in July with an empty stadium. That's the reality for Fresno native Marcus Walden and hundreds of other big-leaguers. Walden, a product of Central High and Fresno City College, takes the field Friday night at Fenway Park in anything...
How Major League Locals Are Waiting Out COVID-19 Shutdown
"Take Me Out the Ballgame" has a different meaning right now for two Fresno-area native Major League Baseball players. Jordan Luplow and Marcus Walden both launched their baseball careers at local high schools and colleges. Now, they're keeping in baseball shape on opposite coasts, hoping to return to the diamond...
Player Discipline Possible for Future Sign-Stealing Offenses
Major league players could be punished for future sign-stealing violations in the wake of the Houston Astros' scandal that only resulted in discipline for managers, coaches and executives. Commissioner Rob Manfred and union head Tony Clark both said Tuesday that MLB and the players' association are discussing potential rules changes...
Red Sox to Send Dodgers $48M in 18 Installments Over 3 Years
NEW YORK — The Boston Red Sox will make their $48 million in payments to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the David Price and Mookie Betts trade in 18 equal installments over the next three years. Boston will send Los Angeles $2,666,667 on the 15th of each month...
LA City Council Says Dodgers Should Be Awarded Series Titles
LOS ANGELES — With Los Angeles fans reeling from news that two of the Dodgers' recent World Series opponents were linked to a cheating scandal that tipped off batters to what pitch was about to be thrown, the City Council voted Tuesday to ask Major League Baseball to strip the...
Campaign Panel Investigates California Lawmaker's Spending
SACRAMENTO — California's campaign watchdog said Thursday that it's investigating allegations that a sitting state lawmaker used campaign funds to fly his family to a Boston Red Sox baseball game, among other purported examples of lavish spending. The Fair Political Practices Commission released a letter saying it is reviewing allegations...
Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Won’t Visit White House
CHICAGO — Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora will not attend the ceremony at the White House on Thursday honoring the 2018 World Series champions. Cora cited the Trump administration's response to Hurricane Maria in his native Puerto Rico as the reason for his decision. "The government has done some...
Red Sox Finish off Astros in 5 Games, Head to World Series
HOUSTON — What a birthday present for rookie manager Alex Cora. He's taking the Boston Red Sox back to the World Series. David Price put his postseason woes behind him, pitching the Red Sox past the defending champion Houston Astros 4-1 Thursday night in Game 5 of the AL Championship...
Red Sox, Yankees Ready to Rumble Again in Playoffs
NEW YORK — Fans have been waiting for another one of these rumbles: baseball's most-bitter rivals set to tangle again, this time as 100-win heavyweights in the playoffs. Munson vs. Fisk, Pedro vs. Popeye , A-Rod vs. Varitek (shown) and earlier this year Brock Holt vs. Tyler Austin. The Boston Red Sox and New...
Ted Williams' Mexican-American Heritage Explored in PBS Film
ALBQUERQUE, N.M. — Ted Williams is the last major league baseball player to hit over .400. The Boston Red Sox slugger captivated millions with his dazzling swing and towering homers throughout the 1940s and 1950s in competition with New York Yankees hero Joe DiMaggio. But beneath the smiles and happy...