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Deadspin | Red-hot Padres strive to subdue Mike Trout, Angels Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels. The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5. San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006. Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5. The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start. “Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said. Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12. Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego. Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees, It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium. “It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.” “He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season. The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double. Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory. “Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Redhot #Padres #strive #subdue #Mike #Trout #Angels

Deadspin | Red-hot Padres strive to subdue Mike Trout, Angels
Deadspin | Red-hot Padres strive to subdue Mike Trout, Angels Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels. The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5. San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006. Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5. The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start. “Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said. Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12. Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego. Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees, It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium. “It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.” “He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season. The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double. Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory. “Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Redhot #Padres #strive #subdue #Mike #Trout #AngelsApr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels.

The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5.

San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006.

Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5.

The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start.

“Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said.

Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12.


Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego.

Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees,

It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium.

“It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.”

“He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season.

The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double.

Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory.

“Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Redhot #Padres #strive #subdue #Mike #Trout #Angels

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Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels.

The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5.

San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006.

Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5.

The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start.

“Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said.

Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12.

Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego.

Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees,

It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium.

“It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.”

“He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season.

The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double.

Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory.

“Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.”

–Field Level Media

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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 #homePro 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

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">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai 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 BhaskerTiruppur 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 NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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