Latest news with #SilverSlugger
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sammy Sosa gets standing ovation, cheers from Cubs fans in return to Wrigley Field for first time in 21 years
Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field on Friday to be embraced by Cubs fans for the first time in 21 years. (Photo by DANIEL LIPPITT/AFP via Getty Images) It took 21 years, but Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa finally returned to Wrigley Field. The former MVP and seven-time All-Star received a standing ovation and loud cheers from fans as the team celebrated his career. Ahead of the third inning, the Cubs played a video on the scoreboard in tribute to Sosa. Once fans realized what was going on, they stood up and clapped for the franchise icon. After the video finished, Sosa was welcomed back by the team. Fans continued to stand and cheer for Sosa as he mimicked his old home run celebration on the scoreboard. Advertisement The team teased Sosa's appearance ahead of Friday's game, showing footage of Sosa arriving at the park and hugging team chairman Tom Ricketts. Sosa also met with Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong prior to the game and shared some celebratory words with manager Craig Counsell. During a radio appearance Friday, Crow-Armstrong said he thought it was "important" to have Sosa back Wrigley Field. "I'm glad he's back," Crow-Armstrong added. Sosa, now 56, starred with the team for 13 seasons in the '90s and early 2000s. After being traded to the Cubs in a cross-town deal with the Chicago White Sox, Sosa emerged as a superstar, and one of the game's premier sluggers. Advertisement From 1993 through 2004, Sosa hit .285/.360/.576 in 7,607 plate appearances. He averaged 45 home runs, 116 RBI and 100 runs scored during that period. Sosa made seven All-Star teams, won six Silver Slugger awards and was named the 1998 National League MVP during his time with the Cubs. Sosa gained recognition across the entire league in 1998, when he and St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire competed to break the single-season home run record. Their rivalry became a massive story both inside and outside the game, and is credited for reigniting fan interest in baseball following the 1994-96 MLB strike. McGwire broke the record that season, smashing 70 home runs. Sosa finished with 66. That record was eventually broken by San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds, who hit 73 home runs in 2001. But Sosa's departure from the franchise wasn't smooth. Before the final game of the 2004 season, Sosa reportedly told a team trainer he was injured and wasn't going to play in the contest. He allegedly arrived at the ballpark just 70 minutes before game time and left right after first pitch, never putting on his uniform. Sosa was fined by the Cubs for his actions. Advertisement At least one of Sosa's teammates was furious about how things went down. A Cubs player is alleged to have smashed Sosa's boombox with a baseball bat after the game. The identity of that player remains one of the game's biggest mysteries. The contest marked Sosa's last "appearance" with the Cubs. Sosa was traded to the Baltimore Orioles the following January, ending his tenure in Chicago. His numbers declined with the Orioles before Sosa experienced a brief one-year resurgence with the Texas Rangers in 2007 before retiring. Sosa's exit from Chicago — combined with his alleged involvement in baseball's steroid era — resulted in a two-decades long feud with the organization. Sosa was alleged to have used steroids during his playing career. He appeared at a 2005 Congressional hearing, where a lawyer read a statement from Sosa denying past steroid use. When the Cubs reached the World Series in 2016, Sosa was not invited back to take part in any festivities. His No. 21 was never retired by the team. He's never thrown out a first pitch or sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at Wrigley Field. Advertisement In order for Sosa to return, the slugger reportedly had to make amends, a team spokesperson said in 2014. He didn't do that until 2024, when Sosa released an apology letter to the team and its fans. In response, Ricketts invited Sosa to the team's fan fest in 2025. At the event, the team announced Sosa would be inducted into its Hall of Fame. While Sosa represented the team at its fan convention and served as a guest instructor with the Cubs in spring training, Friday marked the first time he returned to Wrigley Field on positive terms since his unfortunate exit in 2004.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Aaron Judge's Hall of Fame resume could add a surprising accolade
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free Aaron Judge might just add a new trophy to his award case. And no, it's not another MVP or Silver Slugger. After moving back to his original position, the Yankees star is among the top right fielders in the American League nearly halfway through the 2025 season, setting him up for a shot to win the first Gold Glove of his illustrious big league career. Through Wednesday's play, Judge led all American League right fielders with at least 200 innings played at the position with a plus-4 Fielding Run Value, according to MLB's Statcast, suggesting he's much more comfortable manning the green grass in front of the Bleacher Creatures. In terms of Outs Above Average, Judge at plus-2 trails only the Red Sox's Wilyer Abreu and the Astros' Cam Smith, who are both plus-3. 3 New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge makes a catch on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers' Will Smith during the fourth inning of a baseball game on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. AP On Monday night against the Angels, Judge showed off his outfield prowess with perhaps his most impressive play of the season. In the top of the fifth inning of a scoreless game, Logan O'Hoppe hit a slicing fly ball to the right field corner of Yankee Stadium. Like a wide receiver on a fade route, Judge sprinted toward the foul pole, covering 100 feet of outfield grass to make the running catch just in front of the right field wall. The play was Judge's first 'five-star' catch since 2021, per Statcast, and had a catch probability of just 20 percent. He's also in the Gold Glove conversation thanks to one of the best outfield arms in the league. Judge has prevented two extra runs from baserunners, which is the third-most among all AL outfielders, behind only the Guardians' Steven Kwan and Nolan Jones. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND YANKEES STATS With a cannon for an arm, runners have been more hesitant to run on Judge than any other outfielder in the league, according to Statcast, meaning opponents are holding tight rather than attempting to take an extra base more often than not when the ball is hit his way. 3 Aaron Judge's arm has been a weapon in right field for the Yankees. JASON SZENES/NY POST Judge's excellent play in right field comes after a lackluster showing as the Yankees' center fielder, where he moved with the addition of Juan Soto last year. In 105 games in center in 2024, Judge had minus-6 OAA — and that doesn't capture his catastrophic center field gaffe in the fifth inning of Game 5 of the World Series in October. Now, after switching back to the corner, not only is Judge much improved in the field, but the Yankees' entire outfield has done an about-face from a year ago. 3 New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) exits the field during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. AP After finishing with minus-11 OAA in 2024, the seventh-worst in baseball, the Yankees outfield is now solidly above average at plus-2 OAA. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, two more natural center fielders, have slid into the position nicely, combining for plus-4 OAA. If Judge keeps his current pace, he'll have his best shot at a Gold Glove since the late 2010s, when he was a two-time finalist (2017 and 2018), when the slick-fielding Royals right fielder Alex Gordon beat him out in back-to-back seasons. With a Hall of Fame-worthy resume already, Judge's defense has him on the cusp of adding yet another accolade.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Poaching $80 Million Yankees Superstar Would Be Red Sox's Wildest Pivot Yet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Even after trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, the Boston Red Sox are still in the postseason race this year. Regardless, they will need to address some holes in their roster next offseason. The Red Sox will reportedly save $250 million by trading Devers, and MassLive's Chris Cotillo suggested they could use the money to find a new first baseman. Triston Casas was struggling even before his injury, and the future of first base in Boston is unclear. "Casas' injury is so severe — and the recovery is so long — that the Red Sox shouldn't count on him being a lock to play every day in 2026," Cotillo wrote. "There's a real question of who projects as Boston's long-term first baseman and there's no perfect fit on the roster (or in the system). It's too early to know exactly who will be available at the deadline. But in Boston's search for a big bat, the club should look for a big-name, everyday option at first, and one with control, too." NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 29,... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 29, 2025 in New York City. MoreThe Red Sox should have plenty of options at first base, but perhaps the best option is on the New York Yankees. Cody Bellinger has a player option after this season built into his $80 million deal. Bellinger could opt out, and FanSided's Drew Koch suggested the Red Sox could make a run at him. "While the Boston outfield would seem to be under lock and key for the foreseeable future, Bellinger has plenty of experience at first base," wrote Koch. "He's got one of the sweetest left-handed swings in the game and could opt out of his contract with New York this offseason. Many baseball fans forget that Bellinger is still just 29 years old." Bellinger is a two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and former National League MVP. He is slashing .251/.320/.442 this season with 10 home runs. He would figure to be a full-time first baseman for the Red Sox, who have Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran in their outfield right now. More MLB: Resurgent Braves Predicted to Cut Ties With 8-Time All-Star at Trade Deadline
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Mike Trout to Red Sox? MLB Writer Floats 'Dream' Blockbuster Trade Idea
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants earlier this week. The move seemingly indicated the team's intention to sell at the trade deadline, but Craig Breslow said the team is not giving up on the season, during a press conference posted on the team's YouTube channel after the Devers trade. Trading Devers after the team had clawed itself back into the postseason picture was certainly a shock. However, the team managed to trade away the remainder of Devers' $313 million deal, saving more than $270 million over the next eight-plus years. The move gives the Red Sox some freedom to explore more expensive options at the trade deadline and free agency. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer proposed a "dream" trade idea that would bring Mike Trout to the Red Sox from the Los Angeles Angels. DENVER, CO - JUNE 24: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels watches the flight of a third inning solo homerun in a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 24,... DENVER, CO - JUNE 24: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels watches the flight of a third inning solo homerun in a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. More"They badly need right-handed thump, and Trout could provide it by slotting into Devers' old haunt at DH, with only occasional duty in Boston's youth-infused outfield," wrote Rymer. "Of course, Trout would have to have faith that the Red Sox can actually contend after mostly not doing so since 2018. But if his choice is between the Red Sox and the Angels, the former is by far the better bet to make sure he doesn't remain stuck on three career playoff games." Trout is a future Hall of Famer, three-time MVP Award winner, 11-time All-Star and nine-time Silver Slugger. However, he has not done much winning in his career. The Red Sox are still in position to make a postseason push, and adding one of the best players of all time would help the cause. Trout has five-plus years left on his 12-year, $426 million deal. The superstar has a full no-trade clause and has remained loyal to the Angels after years of the team failing to build a true contender. The Angels managed to squander multiple seasons with Shohei Ohtani and Trout on the team. Could he finally be open to a change of scenery? The Red Sox are a young team that could use Trout. Trout has dealt with injuries over the last few seasons and has already missed time this year. However, he is slashing .317/.408/.433 since his return from the injured list. More MLB: Former MLB Executive Encourages Mariners To Trade For Diamondbacks Slugger
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Rafael Devers Disrespects Red Sox, Craig Breslow With Latest Comments
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Rafael Devers was introduced by the Giants on Tuesday for the first time since the Boston Red Sox shipped him out in a blockbuster trade, and he had some comments that might make the Red Sox furious. A big part of Devers' tension with the front office stemmed from the team having him change positions. They moved him to be an everyday designated hitter when they signed Alex Bregman. However, when Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, they reportedly asked him to play first base. Devers apparently felt disrespected by the request and called out chief baseball officer Craig Breslow in the media. "Here in the clubhouse, thankfully, the relationship that I have with my teammates is great," Devers said at the time, per MassLive's Christopher Smith. "I don't understand some of the decisions that the GM makes. Next thing you know someone in the outfield gets hurt and they want me to play in the outfield. I think I know the kind of player I am. And yeah, that's just where I stand." ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 6: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox throws to first base after fielding a ball off the bat of Ronald Guzman of the Texas Rangers during the second inning... ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 6: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox throws to first base after fielding a ball off the bat of Ronald Guzman of the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. MoreFast forward to his introductory press conference with the Giants, and he is suddenly willing to change positions. "I'm here to give my 100 percent, I don't put any buts, they're the men in charge and I'm here to play whatever they want me to play," Devers said, per the Boston Herald's Mac Cerullo. His comments are disrespectful to the Red Sox organization and Breslow. He was unwilling to change positions for the team he played eight-plus seasons for, but is willing to play wherever he is asked for his new team and new general manager, Buster Posey. The Giants, like the Red Sox, have an elite third baseman. Although Matt Chapman is hurt, the Red Sox plan to use Devers at DH Tuesday and work him in at first base, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo. Devers is a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and World Series champion. His introduction to the Giants' lineup will play a big role in their chase of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. More MLB: Phillies' All-Star Benched for Making 'Inappropriate Comment'
