Deadspin | Angels hype Mike Trout for All-Star Game, face Mariners in series finale Jun 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout stands in the dugout before the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images With Phase 2 of All-Star Game voting ending Thursday, the Los Angeles Angels are making a late push for Mike Trout. The outfielder grew up in Millville, N.J., about 45 miles from Philadelphia, which hosts the midsummer classic July 14 at Citizens Bank Park. While Trout remains on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, he traveled with the Angels for their trip to Seattle this week. The three-game series wraps up Thursday at T-Mobile Park after taking Wednesday off for a FIFA World Cup match at Lumen Field across the street. Nearly the entire Angels roster, along with the coaching staff, wore “Vote Trout” T-shirts during batting practice Monday before a 6-2 loss. The Angels’ social media team also visited nearby Pike Place Market and got fishmongers to toss around a few trout while wearing fish-shaped red foam Trout hats that featured his signature and number on the side. “It’s pretty cool,” said Trout, an 11-time All-Star. “One of my things when I was coming into spring training, I knew the game was going to be in Philly, so it would be cool to go back. I love my teammates and I take care of them and they take care of me. We have a tight group, and it’s pretty cool to see that.” In results announced Wednesday on MLB.com, Trout leads all American League outfielders with 23% of the vote, followed by Minnesota’s Byron Buxton (20%) and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (19%) and Cody Bellinger (16%). Trout has been on the IL since June 18. Before the injury, he missed only one of the Angels’ first 75 games and produced a .234/.394/.472 slash line along with 17 home runs and 36 RBIs. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Tuesday that Trout has been increasing his baseball activities each day and feels good. “Obviously, Mike doesn’t need the extra notoriety and support. … He’s Mike Trout,” Suzuki said. “Just having the organization behind you and helping to promote like Mike to get to the All-Star Game is definitely a great thing.” The Angels lost the first two games of the series after winning six of their previous eight. They dropped an 8-3 decision Tuesday. The Mariners, who entered the week with a franchise record-tying streak of 13 consecutive games scoring three runs or fewer, have scored 19 over their past three. That includes a 6-5 loss Sunday in Cleveland in which they blew a three-run lead in the eighth inning. Julio Rodriguez and rookie Colt Emerson each had three hits Tuesday, part of a 13-hit attack. “We’re starting to see the results come through,” Emerson said. “We know our process. We know everything we’re doing is going to lead to wins, so I think you’re just now seeing the results. A lot of guys are working super hard behind the scenes, a lot of guys are staying committed to their plans, and it’s cool to see a lot of great at-bats (Tuesday) in such a good game.” Thursday’s series finale will feature a pair of right-handers in the Angels’ Walbert Urena (5-6, 3.14 ERA) and the Mariners’ Bryce Miller (3-2, 1.97). Urena suffered a 9-3 loss to the visiting Athletics last Friday, allowing seven runs over 4 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old rookie had won four of his previous five decisions, including when he pitched five scoreless innings against the A’s in a 7-0 victory on June 20. This will be Urena’s first appearance against Seattle. Miller lost his past two starts, though he gave up just four earned runs over 10 2/3 innings in that span. He allowed three runs in 5 2/ 3 innings Thursday in a 5-1 defeat in Pittsburgh. Miller, who has issued just four unintentional walks versus 54 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings this season, is 2-2 with a 3.05 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Angels #hype #Mike #Trout #AllStar #Game #face #Mariners #series #finale

Deadspin | Angels hype Mike Trout for All-Star Game, face Mariners in series finale
Jun 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout stands in the dugout before the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

With Phase 2 of All-Star Game voting ending Thursday, the Los Angeles Angels are making a late push for Mike Trout.

The outfielder grew up in Millville, N.J., about 45 miles from Philadelphia, which hosts the midsummer classic July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.

While Trout remains on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, he traveled with the Angels for their trip to Seattle this week. The three-game series wraps up Thursday at T-Mobile Park after taking Wednesday off for a FIFA World Cup match at Lumen Field across the street.

Nearly the entire Angels roster, along with the coaching staff, wore “Vote Trout” T-shirts during batting practice Monday before a 6-2 loss. The Angels’ social media team also visited nearby Pike Place Market and got fishmongers to toss around a few trout while wearing fish-shaped red foam Trout hats that featured his signature and number on the side.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Trout, an 11-time All-Star. “One of my things when I was coming into spring training, I knew the game was going to be in Philly, so it would be cool to go back. I love my teammates and I take care of them and they take care of me. We have a tight group, and it’s pretty cool to see that.”

In results announced Wednesday on MLB.com, Trout leads all American League outfielders with 23% of the vote, followed by Minnesota’s Byron Buxton (20%) and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (19%) and Cody Bellinger (16%).

Trout has been on the IL since June 18. Before the injury, he missed only one of the Angels’ first 75 games and produced a .234/.394/.472 slash line along with 17 home runs and 36 RBIs.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Tuesday that Trout has been increasing his baseball activities each day and feels good.

“Obviously, Mike doesn’t need the extra notoriety and support. … He’s Mike Trout,” Suzuki said. “Just having the organization behind you and helping to promote like Mike to get to the All-Star Game is definitely a great thing.”

The Angels lost the first two games of the series after winning six of their previous eight. They dropped an 8-3 decision Tuesday.

The Mariners, who entered the week with a franchise record-tying streak of 13 consecutive games scoring three runs or fewer, have scored 19 over their past three. That includes a 6-5 loss Sunday in Cleveland in which they blew a three-run lead in the eighth inning.

Julio Rodriguez and rookie Colt Emerson each had three hits Tuesday, part of a 13-hit attack.

“We’re starting to see the results come through,” Emerson said. “We know our process. We know everything we’re doing is going to lead to wins, so I think you’re just now seeing the results. A lot of guys are working super hard behind the scenes, a lot of guys are staying committed to their plans, and it’s cool to see a lot of great at-bats (Tuesday) in such a good game.”

Thursday’s series finale will feature a pair of right-handers in the Angels’ Walbert Urena (5-6, 3.14 ERA) and the Mariners’ Bryce Miller (3-2, 1.97).

Urena suffered a 9-3 loss to the visiting Athletics last Friday, allowing seven runs over 4 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old rookie had won four of his previous five decisions, including when he pitched five scoreless innings against the A’s in a 7-0 victory on June 20. This will be Urena’s first appearance against Seattle.

Miller lost his past two starts, though he gave up just four earned runs over 10 2/3 innings in that span. He allowed three runs in 5 2/ 3 innings Thursday in a 5-1 defeat in Pittsburgh.

Miller, who has issued just four unintentional walks versus 54 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings this season, is 2-2 with a 3.05 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Angels #hype #Mike #Trout #AllStar #Game #face #Mariners #series #finale

Sports news July 2, 2026

Jun 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout stands in the dugout before the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

With Phase 2 of All-Star Game voting ending Thursday, the Los Angeles Angels are making a late push for Mike Trout.

The outfielder grew up in Millville, N.J., about 45 miles from Philadelphia, which hosts the midsummer classic July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.

While Trout remains on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, he traveled with the Angels for their trip to Seattle this week. The three-game series wraps up Thursday at T-Mobile Park after taking Wednesday off for a FIFA World Cup match at Lumen Field across the street.

Nearly the entire Angels roster, along with the coaching staff, wore “Vote Trout” T-shirts during batting practice Monday before a 6-2 loss. The Angels’ social media team also visited nearby Pike Place Market and got fishmongers to toss around a few trout while wearing fish-shaped red foam Trout hats that featured his signature and number on the side.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Trout, an 11-time All-Star. “One of my things when I was coming into spring training, I knew the game was going to be in Philly, so it would be cool to go back. I love my teammates and I take care of them and they take care of me. We have a tight group, and it’s pretty cool to see that.”

In results announced Wednesday on MLB.com, Trout leads all American League outfielders with 23% of the vote, followed by Minnesota’s Byron Buxton (20%) and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (19%) and Cody Bellinger (16%).

Trout has been on the IL since June 18. Before the injury, he missed only one of the Angels’ first 75 games and produced a .234/.394/.472 slash line along with 17 home runs and 36 RBIs.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Tuesday that Trout has been increasing his baseball activities each day and feels good.

“Obviously, Mike doesn’t need the extra notoriety and support. … He’s Mike Trout,” Suzuki said. “Just having the organization behind you and helping to promote like Mike to get to the All-Star Game is definitely a great thing.”

The Angels lost the first two games of the series after winning six of their previous eight. They dropped an 8-3 decision Tuesday.

The Mariners, who entered the week with a franchise record-tying streak of 13 consecutive games scoring three runs or fewer, have scored 19 over their past three. That includes a 6-5 loss Sunday in Cleveland in which they blew a three-run lead in the eighth inning.

Julio Rodriguez and rookie Colt Emerson each had three hits Tuesday, part of a 13-hit attack.

“We’re starting to see the results come through,” Emerson said. “We know our process. We know everything we’re doing is going to lead to wins, so I think you’re just now seeing the results. A lot of guys are working super hard behind the scenes, a lot of guys are staying committed to their plans, and it’s cool to see a lot of great at-bats (Tuesday) in such a good game.”

Thursday’s series finale will feature a pair of right-handers in the Angels’ Walbert Urena (5-6, 3.14 ERA) and the Mariners’ Bryce Miller (3-2, 1.97).

Urena suffered a 9-3 loss to the visiting Athletics last Friday, allowing seven runs over 4 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old rookie had won four of his previous five decisions, including when he pitched five scoreless innings against the A’s in a 7-0 victory on June 20. This will be Urena’s first appearance against Seattle.

Miller lost his past two starts, though he gave up just four earned runs over 10 2/3 innings in that span. He allowed three runs in 5 2/ 3 innings Thursday in a 5-1 defeat in Pittsburgh.

Miller, who has issued just four unintentional walks versus 54 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings this season, is 2-2 with a 3.05 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels.

–Field Level Media

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Japan’s detention system under scrutiny after ruling on abuse of restraints

#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">