Deadspin | Yankees determined to wake sleepy bats in rematch vs. Rays Apr 10, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a foul ball during the fifth inning abasing Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images Getting into a climate-controlled environment hardly solved woes at the plate for the New York Yankees on Friday night. Tweaking the top of the lineup helped the Tampa Bay Rays, however. The Yankees will attempt to get rolling offensively and halt a three-game losing streak on Saturday evening when the American League East rivals continue a three-game series in domed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees have lost four of their last five. During their past three games, the Yankees are hitting .112 (10-for-89) with 35 strikeouts. In Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Rays, the Yankees scored twice in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Cody Bellinger and a triple by Amed Rosario. New York did not get another hit until Ben Rice’s pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning. The Yankees struck out 12 times. “I think up until the last game of the homestand, we’ve been walking a ton, giving ourselves an opportunity,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Just got to get some guys clicking and get that big hit. We’re not hitting a ton of long balls right now, but for the most part, approach wise we’ve been good. “It’s going to happen sometimes from the offense, and they’ll get it rolling some people will pay the price.” Tampa Bay tweaked the top of its lineup after going 11-for-62 (.177) and getting outscored 15-4 in a pair of losses to the visiting Chicago Cubs this week. Yandy Diaz batted fourth on Friday and hit a tying two-run homer in the first inning after starting the Rays’ first 12 games out of the leadoff spot. Chandler Simpson moved up to that spot, had an RBI single, drove in two runs and is hitting .373 this year. Junior Caminero batted behind Simpson and reached base twice after hitting third or fourth in the previous 12 games. “Chandler is a very talented young hitter, and Yandy I think he can probably hit anywhere,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “He’s so talented. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll continue to mix and match. I didn’t think Chandler or either one of them were going to think too much of it.” Cash may keep Simpson in the lineup Saturday against Yankees starter Max Fried (2-0, 1.35 ERA) especially since the outfielder is batting .385 vs. left-handed pitching this season. The Yankees have yet to see a starting pitcher allow more than three runs and hope for some length from Fried after Luis Gil lasted four innings. Fried, a left-hander, allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings while pitching in inclement weather in a no-decision against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. New York lost 7-6. Fried is 5-0 with an 0.77 ERA in five career starts against the Rays, who batted .121 in those outings. Last season, he was 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA in three starts against Tampa Bay and held Diaz to one hit in eight at-bats. The Yankees had four left-handed hitters on the bench Friday when they faced southpaw Steven Matz, but Rice will return to the lineup at first base against right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.25 ERA). Martinez has a pair of no-decisions in his initial two starts with Tampa Bay. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings on Sunday when the Rays scored three times in the 10th for a 4-1 win at Minnesota. Martinez is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 career appearances (five starts) against the Yankees. He last started against them on 2017, when he was with the Texas Rangers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #determined #wake #sleepy #bats #rematch #Rays

Deadspin | Yankees determined to wake sleepy bats in rematch vs. Rays
Apr 10, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a foul ball during the fifth inning abasing Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

Getting into a climate-controlled environment hardly solved woes at the plate for the New York Yankees on Friday night.

Tweaking the top of the lineup helped the Tampa Bay Rays, however.

The Yankees will attempt to get rolling offensively and halt a three-game losing streak on Saturday evening when the American League East rivals continue a three-game series in domed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees have lost four of their last five. During their past three games, the Yankees are hitting .112 (10-for-89) with 35 strikeouts.

In Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Rays, the Yankees scored twice in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Cody Bellinger and a triple by Amed Rosario. New York did not get another hit until Ben Rice’s pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning. The Yankees struck out 12 times.

“I think up until the last game of the homestand, we’ve been walking a ton, giving ourselves an opportunity,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Just got to get some guys clicking and get that big hit. We’re not hitting a ton of long balls right now, but for the most part, approach wise we’ve been good.

“It’s going to happen sometimes from the offense, and they’ll get it rolling some people will pay the price.”

Tampa Bay tweaked the top of its lineup after going 11-for-62 (.177) and getting outscored 15-4 in a pair of losses to the visiting Chicago Cubs this week.

Yandy Diaz batted fourth on Friday and hit a tying two-run homer in the first inning after starting the Rays’ first 12 games out of the leadoff spot.

Chandler Simpson moved up to that spot, had an RBI single, drove in two runs and is hitting .373 this year. Junior Caminero batted behind Simpson and reached base twice after hitting third or fourth in the previous 12 games.

“Chandler is a very talented young hitter, and Yandy I think he can probably hit anywhere,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “He’s so talented. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll continue to mix and match. I didn’t think Chandler or either one of them were going to think too much of it.”

Cash may keep Simpson in the lineup Saturday against Yankees starter Max Fried (2-0, 1.35 ERA) especially since the outfielder is batting .385 vs. left-handed pitching this season.

The Yankees have yet to see a starting pitcher allow more than three runs and hope for some length from Fried after Luis Gil lasted four innings. Fried, a left-hander, allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings while pitching in inclement weather in a no-decision against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. New York lost 7-6.

Fried is 5-0 with an 0.77 ERA in five career starts against the Rays, who batted .121 in those outings. Last season, he was 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA in three starts against Tampa Bay and held Diaz to one hit in eight at-bats.

The Yankees had four left-handed hitters on the bench Friday when they faced southpaw Steven Matz, but Rice will return to the lineup at first base against right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.25 ERA).

Martinez has a pair of no-decisions in his initial two starts with Tampa Bay. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings on Sunday when the Rays scored three times in the 10th for a 4-1 win at Minnesota.

Martinez is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 career appearances (five starts) against the Yankees. He last started against them on 2017, when he was with the Texas Rangers.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Yankees #determined #wake #sleepy #bats #rematch #Rays

Sports news April 11, 2026

Apr 10, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a foul ball during the fifth inning abasing Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

Getting into a climate-controlled environment hardly solved woes at the plate for the New York Yankees on Friday night.

Tweaking the top of the lineup helped the Tampa Bay Rays, however.

The Yankees will attempt to get rolling offensively and halt a three-game losing streak on Saturday evening when the American League East rivals continue a three-game series in domed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees have lost four of their last five. During their past three games, the Yankees are hitting .112 (10-for-89) with 35 strikeouts.

In Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Rays, the Yankees scored twice in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Cody Bellinger and a triple by Amed Rosario. New York did not get another hit until Ben Rice’s pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning. The Yankees struck out 12 times.

“I think up until the last game of the homestand, we’ve been walking a ton, giving ourselves an opportunity,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Just got to get some guys clicking and get that big hit. We’re not hitting a ton of long balls right now, but for the most part, approach wise we’ve been good.

“It’s going to happen sometimes from the offense, and they’ll get it rolling some people will pay the price.”

Tampa Bay tweaked the top of its lineup after going 11-for-62 (.177) and getting outscored 15-4 in a pair of losses to the visiting Chicago Cubs this week.

Yandy Diaz batted fourth on Friday and hit a tying two-run homer in the first inning after starting the Rays’ first 12 games out of the leadoff spot.

Chandler Simpson moved up to that spot, had an RBI single, drove in two runs and is hitting .373 this year. Junior Caminero batted behind Simpson and reached base twice after hitting third or fourth in the previous 12 games.

“Chandler is a very talented young hitter, and Yandy I think he can probably hit anywhere,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “He’s so talented. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll continue to mix and match. I didn’t think Chandler or either one of them were going to think too much of it.”

Cash may keep Simpson in the lineup Saturday against Yankees starter Max Fried (2-0, 1.35 ERA) especially since the outfielder is batting .385 vs. left-handed pitching this season.

The Yankees have yet to see a starting pitcher allow more than three runs and hope for some length from Fried after Luis Gil lasted four innings. Fried, a left-hander, allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings while pitching in inclement weather in a no-decision against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. New York lost 7-6.

Fried is 5-0 with an 0.77 ERA in five career starts against the Rays, who batted .121 in those outings. Last season, he was 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA in three starts against Tampa Bay and held Diaz to one hit in eight at-bats.

The Yankees had four left-handed hitters on the bench Friday when they faced southpaw Steven Matz, but Rice will return to the lineup at first base against right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.25 ERA).

Martinez has a pair of no-decisions in his initial two starts with Tampa Bay. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings on Sunday when the Rays scored three times in the 10th for a 4-1 win at Minnesota.

Martinez is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 career appearances (five starts) against the Yankees. He last started against them on 2017, when he was with the Texas Rangers.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Yankees #determined #wake #sleepy #bats #rematch #Rays

North West Brought This Trusty Designer Bag to Coachella Again

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">

mwasimuddin125 0

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.

When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.

When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">

Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it. #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

mwasimuddin125 0

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.
The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.
The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.
That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.
On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.
Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.
But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.
I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.
One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.
In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.
There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.
I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.
Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">