Deadspin | Phils, on verge of worst skid this century, look for answers vs. Braves Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images The surging Atlanta Braves will try to compound Philadelphia’s recent struggles when they open a three-game series against the visiting Phillies on Friday night. The Braves just took three of four games from the host Washington Nationals, capped by a 7-2 victory on Thursday, and have won eight of their last nine. The Phillies have lost nine straight games after falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the host Chicago Cubs on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Philadelphia has the worst record in the National League and is tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst mark in the majors. The weekend set will be the second series between the teams this year. Atlanta swept a three-game set in Philadelphia last weekend. Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson tried to find a silver lining in the losing streak, the team’s longest since a nine-game skid in September 2018. The Phillies last had a double-figure losing streak when they dropped 11 in a row in September 1999. “Did we lose? Yeah. Do you feel bad about that? Yeah,” Thomson said. “But they fought and hopefully it carries over into tomorrow.” The series opener will feature a rematch between two right-handers who faced each other on Sunday, Philadelphia rookie Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42 ERA) and Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42). The Braves won that game 4-2. Painter, the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 2021, looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery performed in July 2023. He made 26 minor league starts last year and made his major league debut this year on March 31. Painter took his first loss last week against the Braves. He pitched four-plus innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and had four strikeouts. Holmes lasted 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies, permitting two runs on four hits and one walk while fanning four. Holmes, who has not allowed more than three runs in any appearance this season, is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper needs one extra-base hit to become the 27th player to reach 800 before turning 34 years old. In 203 career games against Atlanta, Harper has 37 doubles, one triple and 46 homers. Atlanta center fielder Michael Harris II left the Thursday game in the eighth inning because of left quad tightness but hopes to be in the lineup on Friday. “That’s the plan,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.” In his past seven games, Harris is hitting .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and nine RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs before exiting on Thursday. The Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the 15-day injured list because of a left thoracic spine infection on Thursday and optioned right-hander Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta promoted right-handers Carlos Carrasco and JR Ritchie from Gwinnett, with Ritchie throwing seven strong innings to win his major league debut on Thursday. He gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings. The Phillies recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley and released right-hander Taijuan Walker. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves

Deadspin | Phils, on verge of worst skid this century, look for answers vs. Braves
Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The surging Atlanta Braves will try to compound Philadelphia’s recent struggles when they open a three-game series against the visiting Phillies on Friday night.

The Braves just took three of four games from the host Washington Nationals, capped by a 7-2 victory on Thursday, and have won eight of their last nine.

The Phillies have lost nine straight games after falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the host Chicago Cubs on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Philadelphia has the worst record in the National League and is tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst mark in the majors.

The weekend set will be the second series between the teams this year. Atlanta swept a three-game set in Philadelphia last weekend.

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson tried to find a silver lining in the losing streak, the team’s longest since a nine-game skid in September 2018. The Phillies last had a double-figure losing streak when they dropped 11 in a row in September 1999.

“Did we lose? Yeah. Do you feel bad about that? Yeah,” Thomson said. “But they fought and hopefully it carries over into tomorrow.”

The series opener will feature a rematch between two right-handers who faced each other on Sunday, Philadelphia rookie Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42 ERA) and Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42). The Braves won that game 4-2.

Painter, the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 2021, looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery performed in July 2023. He made 26 minor league starts last year and made his major league debut this year on March 31.

Painter took his first loss last week against the Braves. He pitched four-plus innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and had four strikeouts.

Holmes lasted 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies, permitting two runs on four hits and one walk while fanning four. Holmes, who has not allowed more than three runs in any appearance this season, is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper needs one extra-base hit to become the 27th player to reach 800 before turning 34 years old. In 203 career games against Atlanta, Harper has 37 doubles, one triple and 46 homers.

Atlanta center fielder Michael Harris II left the Thursday game in the eighth inning because of left quad tightness but hopes to be in the lineup on Friday.

“That’s the plan,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.”

In his past seven games, Harris is hitting .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and nine RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs before exiting on Thursday.

The Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the 15-day injured list because of a left thoracic spine infection on Thursday and optioned right-hander Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta promoted right-handers Carlos Carrasco and JR Ritchie from Gwinnett, with Ritchie throwing seven strong innings to win his major league debut on Thursday. He gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings.

The Phillies recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley and released right-hander Taijuan Walker.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves

Sports news April 24, 2026

Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The surging Atlanta Braves will try to compound Philadelphia’s recent struggles when they open a three-game series against the visiting Phillies on Friday night.

The Braves just took three of four games from the host Washington Nationals, capped by a 7-2 victory on Thursday, and have won eight of their last nine.

The Phillies have lost nine straight games after falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the host Chicago Cubs on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Philadelphia has the worst record in the National League and is tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst mark in the majors.

The weekend set will be the second series between the teams this year. Atlanta swept a three-game set in Philadelphia last weekend.

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson tried to find a silver lining in the losing streak, the team’s longest since a nine-game skid in September 2018. The Phillies last had a double-figure losing streak when they dropped 11 in a row in September 1999.

“Did we lose? Yeah. Do you feel bad about that? Yeah,” Thomson said. “But they fought and hopefully it carries over into tomorrow.”

The series opener will feature a rematch between two right-handers who faced each other on Sunday, Philadelphia rookie Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42 ERA) and Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42). The Braves won that game 4-2.

Painter, the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 2021, looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery performed in July 2023. He made 26 minor league starts last year and made his major league debut this year on March 31.

Painter took his first loss last week against the Braves. He pitched four-plus innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and had four strikeouts.

Holmes lasted 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies, permitting two runs on four hits and one walk while fanning four. Holmes, who has not allowed more than three runs in any appearance this season, is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper needs one extra-base hit to become the 27th player to reach 800 before turning 34 years old. In 203 career games against Atlanta, Harper has 37 doubles, one triple and 46 homers.

Atlanta center fielder Michael Harris II left the Thursday game in the eighth inning because of left quad tightness but hopes to be in the lineup on Friday.

“That’s the plan,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.”

In his past seven games, Harris is hitting .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and nine RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs before exiting on Thursday.

The Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the 15-day injured list because of a left thoracic spine infection on Thursday and optioned right-hander Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta promoted right-handers Carlos Carrasco and JR Ritchie from Gwinnett, with Ritchie throwing seven strong innings to win his major league debut on Thursday. He gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings.

The Phillies recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley and released right-hander Taijuan Walker.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves

लखनऊ में 986 महिला आरक्षियों की पासिंग आउट परेड 26 अप्रैल को, CM योगी आदित्यनाथ करेंगे सलामी <img align="center" alt="" class="imgCont" height="675" src="https://nonprod-media.webdunia.com/public_html/_media/hi/img/article/2026-03/24/full/1774358192-7945.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD;margin-right: 0px;float: none;z-index: 0" title="" width="1200" /> आरक्षी नागरिक पुलिस भर्ती-2025 के तहत चयनित 60,244 आरक्षियों में से पुलिस कमिश्नरेट लखनऊ की आरटीसी में प्रशिक्षण प्राप्त 986 महिला रिक्रूट आरक्षियों की दीक्षांत परेड 26 अप्रैल को रिजर्व पुलिस लाइंस, महानगर, लखनऊ में आयोजित होगी। परेड का निरीक्षण कर मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ सलामी लेंगे। प्रशिक्षण के दौरान इन महिला आरक्षियों को आधुनिक पुलिसिंग से लेकर साइबर क्राइम तक का प्रशिक्षण दिया गया है। कार्यक्रम सुबह करीब 8 बजे शुरू होगा और इसे प्रदेश के सभी जनपदों के पुलिस लाइंस, पीएसी वाहिनियों व प्रशिक्षण संस्थानों में लाइव टेलीकास्ट किया जाएगा। इससे एक साथ पूरे प्रदेश में महिला सशक्तीकरण के साथ-साथ पुलिस बल में महिलाओं की बढ़ती भागीदारी का भी मजबूत संदेश जाएगा। 2017 के बाद महिलाओं की रिकॉर्ड भर्ती 1947 से लेकर 2017 तक यूपी पुलिस में सिर्फ 10 हजार महिलाओं की भर्ती हुई थी, जबकि 2017 के बाद यह संख्या 44 से 45 हजार पहुंच गई है। अब प्रदेश में पुलिस भर्ती होने पर 20 प्रतिशत महिलाओं की भर्ती को अनिवार्य कर दिया गया है। फिजिकल ट्रेनिंग के साथ कानून, तकनीक, अनुशासन और व्यावहारिक पुलिसिंग पर फोकस आरक्षी नागरिक पुलिस भर्ती-2025 के तहत प्रशिक्षण प्राप्त कर रहीं महिला आरक्षियों को फिजिकल ट्रेनिंग के साथ-साथ आधुनिक पुलिसिंग के सभी जरूरी पहलुओं में प्रशिक्षित किया गया है। प्रशिक्षण में सोशल पुलिसिंग, साइबर क्राइम की रोकथाम, आधुनिक तकनीक, सीसीटीएनएस, फॉरेंसिक साइंस व मेडिसिन, हथियार संचालन, अपराध नियंत्रण, विवेचना, पुलिस अभियोजन, सुरक्षा व्यवस्था, आपदा प्रबंधन, यातायात प्रबंधन और पुलिस रेडियो संचार प्रणाली जैसे विषय शामिल रहे। आधुनिक, संवेदनशील और सक्षम पुलिस कर्मी के रूप में किया गया तैयार इसके साथ ही भारतीय संविधान, मानवाधिकार, लैंगिक संवेदनशीलता, पुलिस की कार्यप्रणाली, अनुशासन, नैतिकता और जवाबदेही पर भी विशेष जोर दिया गया। व्यावहारिक प्रशिक्षण के तहत आरक्षियों को गार्ड ड्यूटी, बंदी एस्कॉर्ट, हवालात ड्यूटी, वर्दी पहनने के नियम, अधिकारियों की वर्दी पहचान, सैल्यूट की विधि, योग, खेल और श्रमदान जैसी गतिविधियों में भी दक्ष बनाया गया। यह प्रशिक्षण महिला आरक्षियों को आधुनिक, संवेदनशील और सक्षम पुलिस कर्मी के रूप में तैयार करने की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम माना जा रहा है। Edited by: Sudhir Sharma

#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">