Deadspin | After ‘fun’ victory vs. Nationals, Mets pursue a repeat feat Apr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Mets took advantage of their opportunities Tuesday night in an 8-0 win over the visiting Washington Nationals. The Mets turned six hits, five walks and two home runs into eight runs en route to only their third victory in the past 18 games. The Mets left just four runners on base Tuesday. Juan Soto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run fourth inning that sealed the win for New York, which has gone 3-15 in its past 18 games heading into a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday night. “A lot of confidence in those guys,” said Mets starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win by tossing six innings of three-hit ball on Tuesday. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.” During that 3-15 span, the Mets have been outscored 87-47 and shut out four times. They had been limited to one run in four other games. The eight runs Tuesday marked the fifth-most this season for the Mets, who were without Soto for 15 games due to a right calf strain and lost shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain last week. Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) is slated to move back into the Mets’ rotation Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. He made his past two appearances out of the bullpen. Right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington. Tuesday’s shutout loss was just the second of the season for the Nationals, whose 156 runs entering play on Wednesday stood fourth in the major leagues. The Nationals were off Monday for the first time since April 9. Washington went 9-8 during the stretch of 17 games in as many days, but Tuesday was a disappointing return to action. Starter Zack Littell allowed just one hit — Bo Bichette’s leadoff homer in the first — over the first three innings and appeared on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth when he got Marcus Semien to hit a one-out grounder to third. But Jorbit Vivas misplayed the ball, which went under his glove, as MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos scored the first two runs of the inning. “He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.” Peterson, who was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 6.41 ERA in his first four starts, hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, when he gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. It was the second relief appearance this season for Peterson, who tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 19. Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Thursday, when he allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 10 over five innings as the Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves 7-2. Peterson is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career games (11 starts) against the Nationals. He defeated them for his lone big league shutout last June 11, when he gave up six hits in the Mets’ 5-0 victory. Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his only appearance against the Mets, when he tossed five scoreless innings last Sept. 20 n the Nationals’ 5-3, 11-inning win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #fun #victory #Nationals #Mets #pursue #repeat #feat

Deadspin | After ‘fun’ victory vs. Nationals, Mets pursue a repeat feat
Apr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Mets took advantage of their opportunities Tuesday night in an 8-0 win over the visiting Washington Nationals.

The Mets turned six hits, five walks and two home runs into eight runs en route to only their third victory in the past 18 games. The Mets left just four runners on base Tuesday.

Juan Soto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run fourth inning that sealed the win for New York, which has gone 3-15 in its past 18 games heading into a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday night.

“A lot of confidence in those guys,” said Mets starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win by tossing six innings of three-hit ball on Tuesday. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.”

During that 3-15 span, the Mets have been outscored 87-47 and shut out four times. They had been limited to one run in four other games.

The eight runs Tuesday marked the fifth-most this season for the Mets, who were without Soto for 15 games due to a right calf strain and lost shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain last week.

Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) is slated to move back into the Mets’ rotation Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. He made his past two appearances out of the bullpen.

Right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington.

Tuesday’s shutout loss was just the second of the season for the Nationals, whose 156 runs entering play on Wednesday stood fourth in the major leagues.

The Nationals were off Monday for the first time since April 9. Washington went 9-8 during the stretch of 17 games in as many days, but Tuesday was a disappointing return to action.

Starter Zack Littell allowed just one hit — Bo Bichette’s leadoff homer in the first — over the first three innings and appeared on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth when he got Marcus Semien to hit a one-out grounder to third. But Jorbit Vivas misplayed the ball, which went under his glove, as MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos scored the first two runs of the inning.

“He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.”

Peterson, who was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 6.41 ERA in his first four starts, hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, when he gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. It was the second relief appearance this season for Peterson, who tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 19.

Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Thursday, when he allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 10 over five innings as the Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves 7-2.

Peterson is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career games (11 starts) against the Nationals. He defeated them for his lone big league shutout last June 11, when he gave up six hits in the Mets’ 5-0 victory.

Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his only appearance against the Mets, when he tossed five scoreless innings last Sept. 20 n the Nationals’ 5-3, 11-inning win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #fun #victory #Nationals #Mets #pursue #repeat #feat

Sports news May 1, 2026

Apr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Mets took advantage of their opportunities Tuesday night in an 8-0 win over the visiting Washington Nationals.

The Mets turned six hits, five walks and two home runs into eight runs en route to only their third victory in the past 18 games. The Mets left just four runners on base Tuesday.

Juan Soto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run fourth inning that sealed the win for New York, which has gone 3-15 in its past 18 games heading into a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday night.

“A lot of confidence in those guys,” said Mets starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win by tossing six innings of three-hit ball on Tuesday. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.”

During that 3-15 span, the Mets have been outscored 87-47 and shut out four times. They had been limited to one run in four other games.

The eight runs Tuesday marked the fifth-most this season for the Mets, who were without Soto for 15 games due to a right calf strain and lost shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain last week.

Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) is slated to move back into the Mets’ rotation Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. He made his past two appearances out of the bullpen.

Right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington.

Tuesday’s shutout loss was just the second of the season for the Nationals, whose 156 runs entering play on Wednesday stood fourth in the major leagues.

The Nationals were off Monday for the first time since April 9. Washington went 9-8 during the stretch of 17 games in as many days, but Tuesday was a disappointing return to action.

Starter Zack Littell allowed just one hit — Bo Bichette’s leadoff homer in the first — over the first three innings and appeared on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth when he got Marcus Semien to hit a one-out grounder to third. But Jorbit Vivas misplayed the ball, which went under his glove, as MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos scored the first two runs of the inning.

“He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.”

Peterson, who was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 6.41 ERA in his first four starts, hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, when he gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. It was the second relief appearance this season for Peterson, who tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 19.

Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Thursday, when he allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 10 over five innings as the Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves 7-2.

Peterson is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career games (11 starts) against the Nationals. He defeated them for his lone big league shutout last June 11, when he gave up six hits in the Mets’ 5-0 victory.

Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his only appearance against the Mets, when he tossed five scoreless innings last Sept. 20 n the Nationals’ 5-3, 11-inning win.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #fun #victory #Nationals #Mets #pursue #repeat #feat

Advocates for homeless, hotel workers protest outside FIFA Congress in Vancouver <div id="content-body-70927515" itemprop="articleBody">Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told Reuters.York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/protesters-urge-fifa-to-ban-iran-from-world-cup-2026-irgc/article70927499.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup</a>“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”Vancouver hosts the first of its seven World Cup matches on June 13.Published on May 01, 2026</div> #Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver

#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">