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Al-Ahli beats Machida Zelvia in extra time to retain AFC Champions League Elite title Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless drawThere were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title chargeThe tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history. LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS 2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) 2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) 2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates) 2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) 2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea) 2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan) 2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan) 2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea) 2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China) 2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) 2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China) 2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea) 2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar) 2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) 2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan) 2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) 2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea) 2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE) 2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea) 2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea) 1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan) 1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) 1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) 1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) 1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran) 1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran) 1989-90 Liaoning FC (China) 1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar) 1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan) 1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan) 1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea) 1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD 1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) 1970 Taj Tehran (Iran) 1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel) 1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD 1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) Published on Apr 26, 2026 #AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

Al-Ahli beats Machida Zelvia in extra time to retain AFC Champions League Elite title

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.

It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.

Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.

Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.

The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.

ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge

The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.

All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.

There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.

LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)

2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)

2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China)

2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)

2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea)

2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)

2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)

1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)

1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)

1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar)

1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)

1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)

1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)

1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)

1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)

1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.

It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.

Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.

Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.

The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.

ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge

The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.

All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.

There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.

LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)

2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)

2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China)

2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)

2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea)

2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)

2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)

1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)

1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)

1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar)

1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)

1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)

1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)

1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)

1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)

1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Published on Apr 26, 2026

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#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

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Deadspin | Phillies snap 10-game skid with extra-inning defeat of Braves <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28814167.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28814167.jpg" alt="MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) runs to third on an RBI triple against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Bryce Harper’s bases-loaded single in the 10th inning drove in two runs and sparked the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday to end their 10-game losing streak.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>After Tyler Kinley (3-1) started the inning with a walk and left-hander Jose Suarez walked the first batter he faced, Harper, who was 2-for-3 with four RBIs, lined a sinker into left to drive in automatic runner Garrett Stubbs and Trea Turner. Brandon Marsh followed with a two-run single to widen the lead and help the Phillies win their first game since April 13.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Brady Keller (1-0) retired all four batters he faced, and Kyle Backhus pitched the 10th, allowing one run on two hits. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Philadelphia right-hander Zack Wheeler made his first appearance since August 15 of last year after missing time due to undergoing surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks, striking out six. He left after throwing 84 pitches. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder pitched seven innings, matching his season high, and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk, striking out two.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The Phillies scored a run in the first inning when Harper walked with two outs and scored when Adolis Garcia lined a ball to left field that Mike Yastrzemski missed on a dive for an RBI triple.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Philadelphia scored another run in the fourth inning when Bryson Stott smacked a triple off the right-field brick wall to score Brandon Marsh.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Atlanta tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Harris II hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and Austin Riley followed with an RBI double, knocking in the 500th run of his career.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Phillies regained the lead in the fifth. Rafael Marchan singled and came around to score on Harper’s infield single which snapped Philadelphia’s 0-for-18 drought with runners in scoring position against the Braves this season.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Braves took their first lead in the sixth, scoring twice against reliever Tanner Banks on an RBI double from Ozzie Albies and a run-scoring single from Harris.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Phillies evened the game 4-4 in the eighth against Dylan Lee. Kyle Schwarber tripled when center fielder Eli White slipped on the wet turf and allowed the ball to get past him. He scored on Harper’s sacrifice fly.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Phillies #snap #10game #skid #extrainning #defeat #Braves

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Two-time CY Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is on the fast track to returning to baseball, as he recovers from elbow surgery way ahead of schedule. Skubal is already back to some light throwing after receiving arthroscopic surgery that normally sidelines pitchers for three months.

You never want to rush a pitcher back, especially one as good as Skubal, but if you’re the Tigers, you are doing everything in your power to get him back out on the diamond. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Royals at 19-25 for last place in the AL Central.

Only being 4.5 games back in a weak AL Central isn’t cause for concern, but this window of Detroit baseball hangs in the balance of this season. It seems unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.

Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.

Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.

Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.

You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.

#Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com">Tarik Skubal’s Fast Recovery Gives Tigers Hope in AL Central Race | Deadspin.com Two-time CY Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is on the fast track to returning to baseball, as he recovers from elbow surgery way ahead of schedule. Skubal is already back to some light throwing after receiving arthroscopic surgery that normally sidelines pitchers for three months.You never want to rush a pitcher back, especially one as good as Skubal, but if you’re the Tigers, you are doing everything in your power to get him back out on the diamond. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Royals at 19-25 for last place in the AL Central.Only being 4.5 games back in a weak AL Central isn’t cause for concern, but this window of Detroit baseball hangs in the balance of this season. It seems unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace. #Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com

unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.

Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.

Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.

Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.

You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.

#Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com">Tarik Skubal’s Fast Recovery Gives Tigers Hope in AL Central Race | Deadspin.com

Two-time CY Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is on the fast track to returning to baseball, as he recovers from elbow surgery way ahead of schedule. Skubal is already back to some light throwing after receiving arthroscopic surgery that normally sidelines pitchers for three months.

You never want to rush a pitcher back, especially one as good as Skubal, but if you’re the Tigers, you are doing everything in your power to get him back out on the diamond. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Royals at 19-25 for last place in the AL Central.

Only being 4.5 games back in a weak AL Central isn’t cause for concern, but this window of Detroit baseball hangs in the balance of this season. It seems unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.

Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.

Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.

Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.

You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.

#Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com

In episode three of this series, I began a two-part exploration of the encounter between Toronto’s George Bell and Boston’s Bruce Kison on June 23rd, 1985. Having visited Kison side of things, we will now consider the life and times of George Bell.

In the late 1970s scouts all around major league baseball began descending upon the Dominican Republic, which had suddenly been identified as highly lucrative territory. The DR was home to countless talented young ball players and those ball players due to the country’s dire economic conditions were highly exploitable.

With the unemployment rate around 40% teams realized they could sign players for a lot less than American prospects asked for. And if those Dominican players did happen to get signed by a major league team, they were sent to the states socially isolated by the language barrier and dependent upon agents who were often crooked and looking to swindle ‘em all over again.

A cruel irony recalled by George Bell, one of those young Dominican players, was that while navigating this labyrinth of shameless exploitation, he was the one looked at with suspicion. American players found any reason they could to dislike him. His English wasn’t polished enough, he was too this, not enough that, didn’t play the game the right way.

In 1982, while playing for minor league Syracuse, Bell stepped in against Lynn McGlothen, an 11 year Major League vet pitching in AAA ball in the hopes of one last call up. In a game years earlier while pitching for the Cardinals, McGlothen beamed one New York Mets batter then brushed back another three innings later, then hit that batter too. The intent was so transparently clear that the Mets Dave Kingman charged the mound straight from the dugout.

McGlothen did not hesitate to throw at a batter if he had the inclination and he seemed to resent George Bell for the same superficial reasons everybody else did. Bell was a hotdogger. It was decided. McGlothen drilled him in the face, fracturing his cheek and jawbones. While his teammates stormed the field to exact revenge, Bell arrived on the ground certain that his career in baseball, his one chance at a better life was over.

“He’s dead,” Bell thought of McGlothen, not because Bell would kill him or because his teammates would, but because fate would one day catch up with him.

Two years later, McGlothen lost his life in a fire. His friend was also killed with everyone else escaping the home. Bell who’d fully recovered and made his way to the majors, addressed the tragedy sometime after seemingly unprompted. He expressed his sympathies for the friends and loved ones of those who died then said in McGlothen’s fate, “People like that decide it. They have a bad heart. No way they can stay alive.”

You might find those words to be callous, even cruel. I mean I do. Then again, I doubt either of us have persevered through the circumstances Bell did only for somebody to break his face and potentially ruin his life just for playing baseball with a little bit too much swagger.

Baseball was George Bell’s one and only chance at a better life, the sort of life we’d wish for anybody, and he was fiercely, sometimes even violently protective of that chance.

#HISTORY #CHARGING #MOUND #EPISODE #GEORGE #BELL">THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 4: GEORGE BELL In episode three of this series, I began a two-part exploration of the encounter between Toronto’s George Bell and Boston’s Bruce Kison on June 23rd, 1985. Having visited Kison side of things, we will now consider the life and times of George Bell.In the late 1970s scouts all around major league baseball began descending upon the Dominican Republic, which had suddenly been identified as highly lucrative territory. The DR was home to countless talented young ball players and those ball players due to the country’s dire economic conditions were highly exploitable.With the unemployment rate around 40% teams realized they could sign players for a lot less than American prospects asked for. And if those Dominican players did happen to get signed by a major league team, they were sent to the states socially isolated by the language barrier and dependent upon agents who were often crooked and looking to swindle ‘em all over again.A cruel irony recalled by George Bell, one of those young Dominican players, was that while navigating this labyrinth of shameless exploitation, he was the one looked at with suspicion. American players found any reason they could to dislike him. His English wasn’t polished enough, he was too this, not enough that, didn’t play the game the right way.In 1982, while playing for minor league Syracuse, Bell stepped in against Lynn McGlothen, an 11 year Major League vet pitching in AAA ball in the hopes of one last call up. In a game years earlier while pitching for the Cardinals, McGlothen beamed one New York Mets batter then brushed back another three innings later, then hit that batter too. The intent was so transparently clear that the Mets Dave Kingman charged the mound straight from the dugout.McGlothen did not hesitate to throw at a batter if he had the inclination and he seemed to resent George Bell for the same superficial reasons everybody else did. Bell was a hotdogger. It was decided. McGlothen drilled him in the face, fracturing his cheek and jawbones. While his teammates stormed the field to exact revenge, Bell arrived on the ground certain that his career in baseball, his one chance at a better life was over.“He’s dead,” Bell thought of McGlothen, not because Bell would kill him or because his teammates would, but because fate would one day catch up with him.Two years later, McGlothen lost his life in a fire. His friend was also killed with everyone else escaping the home. Bell who’d fully recovered and made his way to the majors, addressed the tragedy sometime after seemingly unprompted. He expressed his sympathies for the friends and loved ones of those who died then said in McGlothen’s fate, “People like that decide it. They have a bad heart. No way they can stay alive.”You might find those words to be callous, even cruel. I mean I do. Then again, I doubt either of us have persevered through the circumstances Bell did only for somebody to break his face and potentially ruin his life just for playing baseball with a little bit too much swagger.Baseball was George Bell’s one and only chance at a better life, the sort of life we’d wish for anybody, and he was fiercely, sometimes even violently protective of that chance. #HISTORY #CHARGING #MOUND #EPISODE #GEORGE #BELL

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