Deadspin | Bobby Witt Jr. finding his groove as streaking Royals face A’s Apr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The power bat of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was missing in action for the first 27 games of the Kansas City Royals’ season. But suddenly, Witt has homered in back-to-back games, and he’ll look to continue the streak Wednesday night when the Royals visit the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif. Witt delivered a tie-breaking, three-run blast in the top of the 10th inning as the Royals beat the A’s 4-1 in Tuesday’s opener of the three-game series. He went the opposite way, and the blast barely cleared the short wall in right center to help Kansas City win its season-best fourth straight game. “Just trying to piece it at-bat by at-bat and day-by-day and just trying to enjoy every moment that we can,” Witt said. “We’re going out there playing the game we love.” Things are certainly more enjoyable now with the Royals having won five of six games following an eight-game slide. Plus, Witt showing signs of putting his power slump behind him is a pleasing element. The 25-year-old hit 105 homers over his first four seasons, twice hitting 30 or more. “He’s going to hit homers. We know that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the two-time All-Star, who has two home runs, 15 RBIs and a .289 batting average this season. “Just putting good swings on the ball more frequently is going to lead to that. He’s got unbelievable ability all around.” Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez also homered for the second time in three games. He nearly had two home runs in the contest, but his other shot was a liner that wasn’t high enough to clear the wall. He was held to a single on that bid. Shea Langeliers had three hits and Jacob Wilson had an RBI single on a frustrating night for the A’s, who left 14 runners on base. “We’re not getting that hit we need to extend leads and have some margin for error,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tough loss. … We played a really good game except for offense. We just couldn’t get a hit.” Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom injured his right shoulder and was a little woozy after he missed on a diving catch in the fifth. He was replaced prior to the top of the sixth. “There’s not signs of a concussion right now,” Kotsay said, “but obviously that dive, if you watch it, he slammed down pretty hard, fully extended.” Kansas City outfielder Jonathan India (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back tightness) exited in the sixth inning. The latter was hurt while grounding out. Kansas City is scheduled to send Michael Wacha (2-1, 2.51 ERA) to the mound against the Athletics’ Luis Severino (1-2, 5.17) on Wednesday in a battle of right-handers. Wacha lost last Wednesday in his most recent start, when he allowed season worsts of six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles. Wacha, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics. Severino picked up his first victory of the season on Friday when he limited the Texas Rangers to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-1 win. Severino continues to struggle at Sutter Health Park and is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts there this season. Overall, he is 2-10 with a 6.15 ERA in 17 starts at the ballpark since joining the A’s prior to the 2025 campaign. Severino, 32, is 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bobby #Witt #finding #groove #streaking #Royals #face

Deadspin | Bobby Witt Jr. finding his groove as streaking Royals face A’s
Apr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The power bat of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was missing in action for the first 27 games of the Kansas City Royals’ season.

But suddenly, Witt has homered in back-to-back games, and he’ll look to continue the streak Wednesday night when the Royals visit the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif.

Witt delivered a tie-breaking, three-run blast in the top of the 10th inning as the Royals beat the A’s 4-1 in Tuesday’s opener of the three-game series.

He went the opposite way, and the blast barely cleared the short wall in right center to help Kansas City win its season-best fourth straight game.

“Just trying to piece it at-bat by at-bat and day-by-day and just trying to enjoy every moment that we can,” Witt said. “We’re going out there playing the game we love.”

Things are certainly more enjoyable now with the Royals having won five of six games following an eight-game slide.

Plus, Witt showing signs of putting his power slump behind him is a pleasing element. The 25-year-old hit 105 homers over his first four seasons, twice hitting 30 or more.

“He’s going to hit homers. We know that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the two-time All-Star, who has two home runs, 15 RBIs and a .289 batting average this season. “Just putting good swings on the ball more frequently is going to lead to that. He’s got unbelievable ability all around.”

Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez also homered for the second time in three games. He nearly had two home runs in the contest, but his other shot was a liner that wasn’t high enough to clear the wall. He was held to a single on that bid.

Shea Langeliers had three hits and Jacob Wilson had an RBI single on a frustrating night for the A’s, who left 14 runners on base.

“We’re not getting that hit we need to extend leads and have some margin for error,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tough loss. … We played a really good game except for offense. We just couldn’t get a hit.”

Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom injured his right shoulder and was a little woozy after he missed on a diving catch in the fifth. He was replaced prior to the top of the sixth.

“There’s not signs of a concussion right now,” Kotsay said, “but obviously that dive, if you watch it, he slammed down pretty hard, fully extended.”

Kansas City outfielder Jonathan India (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back tightness) exited in the sixth inning. The latter was hurt while grounding out.

Kansas City is scheduled to send Michael Wacha (2-1, 2.51 ERA) to the mound against the Athletics’ Luis Severino (1-2, 5.17) on Wednesday in a battle of right-handers.

Wacha lost last Wednesday in his most recent start, when he allowed season worsts of six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles.

Wacha, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics.

Severino picked up his first victory of the season on Friday when he limited the Texas Rangers to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-1 win.

Severino continues to struggle at Sutter Health Park and is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts there this season. Overall, he is 2-10 with a 6.15 ERA in 17 starts at the ballpark since joining the A’s prior to the 2025 campaign.

Severino, 32, is 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bobby #Witt #finding #groove #streaking #Royals #face

Sports news May 1, 2026

Apr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The power bat of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was missing in action for the first 27 games of the Kansas City Royals’ season.

But suddenly, Witt has homered in back-to-back games, and he’ll look to continue the streak Wednesday night when the Royals visit the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif.

Witt delivered a tie-breaking, three-run blast in the top of the 10th inning as the Royals beat the A’s 4-1 in Tuesday’s opener of the three-game series.

He went the opposite way, and the blast barely cleared the short wall in right center to help Kansas City win its season-best fourth straight game.

“Just trying to piece it at-bat by at-bat and day-by-day and just trying to enjoy every moment that we can,” Witt said. “We’re going out there playing the game we love.”

Things are certainly more enjoyable now with the Royals having won five of six games following an eight-game slide.

Plus, Witt showing signs of putting his power slump behind him is a pleasing element. The 25-year-old hit 105 homers over his first four seasons, twice hitting 30 or more.

“He’s going to hit homers. We know that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the two-time All-Star, who has two home runs, 15 RBIs and a .289 batting average this season. “Just putting good swings on the ball more frequently is going to lead to that. He’s got unbelievable ability all around.”

Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez also homered for the second time in three games. He nearly had two home runs in the contest, but his other shot was a liner that wasn’t high enough to clear the wall. He was held to a single on that bid.

Shea Langeliers had three hits and Jacob Wilson had an RBI single on a frustrating night for the A’s, who left 14 runners on base.

“We’re not getting that hit we need to extend leads and have some margin for error,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tough loss. … We played a really good game except for offense. We just couldn’t get a hit.”

Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom injured his right shoulder and was a little woozy after he missed on a diving catch in the fifth. He was replaced prior to the top of the sixth.

“There’s not signs of a concussion right now,” Kotsay said, “but obviously that dive, if you watch it, he slammed down pretty hard, fully extended.”

Kansas City outfielder Jonathan India (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back tightness) exited in the sixth inning. The latter was hurt while grounding out.

Kansas City is scheduled to send Michael Wacha (2-1, 2.51 ERA) to the mound against the Athletics’ Luis Severino (1-2, 5.17) on Wednesday in a battle of right-handers.

Wacha lost last Wednesday in his most recent start, when he allowed season worsts of six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles.

Wacha, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics.

Severino picked up his first victory of the season on Friday when he limited the Texas Rangers to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-1 win.

Severino continues to struggle at Sutter Health Park and is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts there this season. Overall, he is 2-10 with a 6.15 ERA in 17 starts at the ballpark since joining the A’s prior to the 2025 campaign.

Severino, 32, is 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Bobby #Witt #finding #groove #streaking #Royals #face

F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed <div id="content-body-70927457" itemprop="articleBody">Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/miami-gp-grand-prix-start-time-change-weather-forecast-f1-news/article70927411.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast</a>“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.Published on May 01, 2026</div> #drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed

#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

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