"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...
Beloved Detroit Tigers Star Al Kaline Dies at 85
DETROIT — Al Kaline, who spent his entire 22-season Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Tigers and was known affectionately as “Mr. Tiger,” died Monday. He was 85. John Morad, a friend of Kaline's, confirmed to The Associated Press that he died Monday at his home in Michigan. Morad,...
NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS Closing Locker Rooms Amid Virus Scare
MIAMI — The NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer are closing access to locker rooms and clubhouses to all nonessential personnel, including media, in response to the coronavirus crisis, the leagues announced in a joint statement Monday night. They said they made the decision “after consultation with...
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...
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...
MLB Proposal Would Drop Fresno Grizzlies to Single-A Cal League
Will Major League Baseball force the Fresno Grizzlies out of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League and down two notches to the California League? Listen to this article: Details have emerged of an MLB proposal to drastically alter its relationship with Minor League Baseball. These include eliminating 42 teams and others,...
Study: Inconsistent Seams, Player Behavior Behind HR Uptick
SAN DIEGO — Baseballs used during the 2019 regular season had less drag on average, contributing to a power surge that resulted in a record number of home runs, according to a study commissioned by Major League Baseball and released by the league Wednesday. The report produced by a committee...
Astros Fire Exec Taubman After Rant at Female Reporters
WASHINGTON — The Houston Astros fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman on Thursday for directing inappropriate comments at female reporters during a clubhouse celebration, announcing the decision in the middle of the World Series and putting a renewed spotlight on domestic violence in baseball. Sports Illustrated reported Taubman, during the...
Astros-Nationals World Series Is Farm Grown in Fresno!
Before the 2019 World Series even begins Tuesday night, the Fresno Grizzlies are guaranteed winners. The team is the minor-league club of the National League champion Washington Nationals. It is also the former top club for the American League champion Houston Astros. In fact, the Astros have more former Grizzlies...
MLB Finishes With 6,776 Homers, 11% Above Previous Record
NEW YORK — Major league batters finished with 6,776 home runs, shattering the previous record of 6,105 set two years ago. Dominic Smith hit the final long ball of the season, a three-run drive in the 11th inning Sunday off Atlanta's Grant Dayton that lifted the New York Mets over...