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Deadspin | After halting skid, Orioles seek split of series vs. Mariners Jun 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) hits a grand slam during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The visiting Seattle Mariners might want to be careful with the fastballs they deliver to Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday when the teams meet Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series. Holliday, a 22-year-old infielder, hit a grand slam Wednesday night to help the Orioles post a 7-2 victory that halted a four-game losing streak. “I kind of had a game plan of they’re going to throw a lot of fastballs and just got to be ready and be on time,” Holliday said of Seattle’s pitchers. The Orioles will try to forge a split of the series on Thursday. Wednesday’s outcome marked only Seattle’s fourth loss in the last 15 games. The Mariners, who are 17-17 on the road, will be without reliever Matt Brash after he went on the 15-day injury list for the second time this season Wednesday – both times with a right lat strain. Domingo Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A Tacoma and had a rough appearance in Wednesday’s loss, giving up four runs and four hits over two innings. Seattle has welcomed utility player Miles Mastrobuoni back from the 60-day injury list at the expense of infielder Ryan Bliss’ roster spot. Bliss made key plays earlier in this season, but the Mariners opted for Mastrobuoni’s versatility. “We’re in a spot where we’re particularly a little bit banged up, and guys are feeling it a little bit as we get into this long road trip,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said. Meanwhile, rookie shortstop Colt Emerson could be back in the lineup Thursday after dealing with back spasms this week. “We’re getting very close,” Wilson said of Emerson’s return to action. The Orioles have injury topics aplenty as well, particularly regarding catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Rutschman hasn’t played this week, and Basallo has seen limited duty as designated hitter. Basallo is 0-for-9 across his last five games. “Just doing what’s best for Sammy,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said prior to Wednesday’s game. “Long season, and like I said, he’ll be ready off the bench.” The Orioles hope to get sustained production out of outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who has three doubles across the past two games after going 13 games without an extra-base hit. “I think everyone knows that he’s not the best version of himself right now, but he’s been working hard the whole season to get back to show what he can do,” Albernaz said. Right-hander Bryan Woo (5-4, 3.74 ERA) will start for the Mariners on Thursday. He’ll try to bounce back after yielding five runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss Friday at Detroit, though his previous outing saw him scatter two hits over seven scoreless innings against Arizona. Woo lost last June in his only career outing against Baltimore, giving up four runs and four hits over six innings. The Orioles will turn to right-hander Kyle Bradish (3-7, 3.89 ERA), who matched his season low by going only four innings in Saturday’s 6-4 loss at Toronto. He allowed five runs on nine hits. This will be the first time in more than a month that Bradish has faced a team outside of the American League East. He’s 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts vs. the Mariners. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #halting #skid #Orioles #seek #split #series #Mariners

Deadspin | After halting skid, Orioles seek split of series vs. Mariners
Deadspin | After halting skid, Orioles seek split of series vs. Mariners Jun 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) hits a grand slam during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The visiting Seattle Mariners might want to be careful with the fastballs they deliver to Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday when the teams meet Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series. Holliday, a 22-year-old infielder, hit a grand slam Wednesday night to help the Orioles post a 7-2 victory that halted a four-game losing streak. “I kind of had a game plan of they’re going to throw a lot of fastballs and just got to be ready and be on time,” Holliday said of Seattle’s pitchers. The Orioles will try to forge a split of the series on Thursday. Wednesday’s outcome marked only Seattle’s fourth loss in the last 15 games. The Mariners, who are 17-17 on the road, will be without reliever Matt Brash after he went on the 15-day injury list for the second time this season Wednesday – both times with a right lat strain. Domingo Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A Tacoma and had a rough appearance in Wednesday’s loss, giving up four runs and four hits over two innings. Seattle has welcomed utility player Miles Mastrobuoni back from the 60-day injury list at the expense of infielder Ryan Bliss’ roster spot. Bliss made key plays earlier in this season, but the Mariners opted for Mastrobuoni’s versatility. “We’re in a spot where we’re particularly a little bit banged up, and guys are feeling it a little bit as we get into this long road trip,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said. Meanwhile, rookie shortstop Colt Emerson could be back in the lineup Thursday after dealing with back spasms this week. “We’re getting very close,” Wilson said of Emerson’s return to action. The Orioles have injury topics aplenty as well, particularly regarding catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Rutschman hasn’t played this week, and Basallo has seen limited duty as designated hitter. Basallo is 0-for-9 across his last five games. “Just doing what’s best for Sammy,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said prior to Wednesday’s game. “Long season, and like I said, he’ll be ready off the bench.” The Orioles hope to get sustained production out of outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who has three doubles across the past two games after going 13 games without an extra-base hit. “I think everyone knows that he’s not the best version of himself right now, but he’s been working hard the whole season to get back to show what he can do,” Albernaz said. Right-hander Bryan Woo (5-4, 3.74 ERA) will start for the Mariners on Thursday. He’ll try to bounce back after yielding five runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss Friday at Detroit, though his previous outing saw him scatter two hits over seven scoreless innings against Arizona. Woo lost last June in his only career outing against Baltimore, giving up four runs and four hits over six innings. The Orioles will turn to right-hander Kyle Bradish (3-7, 3.89 ERA), who matched his season low by going only four innings in Saturday’s 6-4 loss at Toronto. He allowed five runs on nine hits. This will be the first time in more than a month that Bradish has faced a team outside of the American League East. He’s 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts vs. the Mariners. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #halting #skid #Orioles #seek #split #series #MarinersJun 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) hits a grand slam during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

The visiting Seattle Mariners might want to be careful with the fastballs they deliver to Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday when the teams meet Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series.

Holliday, a 22-year-old infielder, hit a grand slam Wednesday night to help the Orioles post a 7-2 victory that halted a four-game losing streak.

“I kind of had a game plan of they’re going to throw a lot of fastballs and just got to be ready and be on time,” Holliday said of Seattle’s pitchers.

The Orioles will try to forge a split of the series on Thursday. Wednesday’s outcome marked only Seattle’s fourth loss in the last 15 games.

The Mariners, who are 17-17 on the road, will be without reliever Matt Brash after he went on the 15-day injury list for the second time this season Wednesday – both times with a right lat strain. Domingo Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A Tacoma and had a rough appearance in Wednesday’s loss, giving up four runs and four hits over two innings.

Seattle has welcomed utility player Miles Mastrobuoni back from the 60-day injury list at the expense of infielder Ryan Bliss’ roster spot. Bliss made key plays earlier in this season, but the Mariners opted for Mastrobuoni’s versatility.

“We’re in a spot where we’re particularly a little bit banged up, and guys are feeling it a little bit as we get into this long road trip,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said.

Meanwhile, rookie shortstop Colt Emerson could be back in the lineup Thursday after dealing with back spasms this week.


“We’re getting very close,” Wilson said of Emerson’s return to action.

The Orioles have injury topics aplenty as well, particularly regarding catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Rutschman hasn’t played this week, and Basallo has seen limited duty as designated hitter. Basallo is 0-for-9 across his last five games.

“Just doing what’s best for Sammy,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said prior to Wednesday’s game. “Long season, and like I said, he’ll be ready off the bench.”

The Orioles hope to get sustained production out of outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who has three doubles across the past two games after going 13 games without an extra-base hit.

“I think everyone knows that he’s not the best version of himself right now, but he’s been working hard the whole season to get back to show what he can do,” Albernaz said.

Right-hander Bryan Woo (5-4, 3.74 ERA) will start for the Mariners on Thursday. He’ll try to bounce back after yielding five runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss Friday at Detroit, though his previous outing saw him scatter two hits over seven scoreless innings against Arizona.

Woo lost last June in his only career outing against Baltimore, giving up four runs and four hits over six innings.

The Orioles will turn to right-hander Kyle Bradish (3-7, 3.89 ERA), who matched his season low by going only four innings in Saturday’s 6-4 loss at Toronto. He allowed five runs on nine hits.

This will be the first time in more than a month that Bradish has faced a team outside of the American League East. He’s 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts vs. the Mariners.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #halting #skid #Orioles #seek #split #series #Mariners

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Jun 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) hits a grand slam during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

The visiting Seattle Mariners might want to be careful with the fastballs they deliver to Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday when the teams meet Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series.

Holliday, a 22-year-old infielder, hit a grand slam Wednesday night to help the Orioles post a 7-2 victory that halted a four-game losing streak.

“I kind of had a game plan of they’re going to throw a lot of fastballs and just got to be ready and be on time,” Holliday said of Seattle’s pitchers.

The Orioles will try to forge a split of the series on Thursday. Wednesday’s outcome marked only Seattle’s fourth loss in the last 15 games.

The Mariners, who are 17-17 on the road, will be without reliever Matt Brash after he went on the 15-day injury list for the second time this season Wednesday – both times with a right lat strain. Domingo Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A Tacoma and had a rough appearance in Wednesday’s loss, giving up four runs and four hits over two innings.

Seattle has welcomed utility player Miles Mastrobuoni back from the 60-day injury list at the expense of infielder Ryan Bliss’ roster spot. Bliss made key plays earlier in this season, but the Mariners opted for Mastrobuoni’s versatility.

“We’re in a spot where we’re particularly a little bit banged up, and guys are feeling it a little bit as we get into this long road trip,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said.

Meanwhile, rookie shortstop Colt Emerson could be back in the lineup Thursday after dealing with back spasms this week.

“We’re getting very close,” Wilson said of Emerson’s return to action.

The Orioles have injury topics aplenty as well, particularly regarding catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Rutschman hasn’t played this week, and Basallo has seen limited duty as designated hitter. Basallo is 0-for-9 across his last five games.

“Just doing what’s best for Sammy,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said prior to Wednesday’s game. “Long season, and like I said, he’ll be ready off the bench.”

The Orioles hope to get sustained production out of outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who has three doubles across the past two games after going 13 games without an extra-base hit.

“I think everyone knows that he’s not the best version of himself right now, but he’s been working hard the whole season to get back to show what he can do,” Albernaz said.

Right-hander Bryan Woo (5-4, 3.74 ERA) will start for the Mariners on Thursday. He’ll try to bounce back after yielding five runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss Friday at Detroit, though his previous outing saw him scatter two hits over seven scoreless innings against Arizona.

Woo lost last June in his only career outing against Baltimore, giving up four runs and four hits over six innings.

The Orioles will turn to right-hander Kyle Bradish (3-7, 3.89 ERA), who matched his season low by going only four innings in Saturday’s 6-4 loss at Toronto. He allowed five runs on nine hits.

This will be the first time in more than a month that Bradish has faced a team outside of the American League East. He’s 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts vs. the Mariners.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #homePro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a thank-you letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

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

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

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

Thank you, Arizona.

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

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

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

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

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

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

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

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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