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Deadspin | Hannah Green heats up late, wins in playoff for third LA title Aug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Australia’s Hannah Green stormed back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine and won a three-way playoff with a birdie putt to capture her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday in Tarzana, Calif. Green defeated South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim when the trio replayed the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club. Before that, Green made a late charge with four straight birdies and five in a six-hole span, and she needed help in the form of a bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to create a tie at 17 under par. Green signed for 68, Kim settled for a 70 and Im had a 67 in the fourth round before they returned to the tee box for the playoff. While Im missed the fairway and the green, Green and Kim were in the fairway and Green stuck her approach reasonably closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie try and cleaned up for par, Green’s putt in the 12-foot range curled right to left and dropped. Green, 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at the event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions that were played at Wilshire Country Club, the former coming in a three-way playoff as well. “I’m definitely nervous,” Green said about experiencing nerves in a playoff. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.” Green was 12 under for the tournament while starting the 11th hole. Kim eagled that hole to push the lead to 18 under, but Green made birdie before getting on a white-hot run with birdies at Nos. 13-16. “Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them. “I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still. I was just like, ‘Oh well, just go for as many pins as possible,’ and got on a nice stretch there. … I’m just fortunate enough that I at least got into the playoff.” Green, Im and Kim all will benefit from Saturday’s surprise announcement that the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, was raising the purse by million to a total of .75 million. Across women’s golf, only the major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship are more lucrative. South Korea’s Ina Yoon (69) finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under. Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (70) tied for fifth at 14 under with Haeran Ryu of South Korea (66). With her second win of the season, Green rose into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hannah #Green #heats #late #wins #playoff #title

Deadspin | Hannah Green heats up late, wins in playoff for third LA title
Deadspin | Hannah Green heats up late, wins in playoff for third LA title Aug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Australia’s Hannah Green stormed back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine and won a three-way playoff with a birdie putt to capture her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday in Tarzana, Calif. Green defeated South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim when the trio replayed the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club. Before that, Green made a late charge with four straight birdies and five in a six-hole span, and she needed help in the form of a bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to create a tie at 17 under par. Green signed for 68, Kim settled for a 70 and Im had a 67 in the fourth round before they returned to the tee box for the playoff. While Im missed the fairway and the green, Green and Kim were in the fairway and Green stuck her approach reasonably closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie try and cleaned up for par, Green’s putt in the 12-foot range curled right to left and dropped. Green, 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at the event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions that were played at Wilshire Country Club, the former coming in a three-way playoff as well. “I’m definitely nervous,” Green said about experiencing nerves in a playoff. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.” Green was 12 under for the tournament while starting the 11th hole. Kim eagled that hole to push the lead to 18 under, but Green made birdie before getting on a white-hot run with birdies at Nos. 13-16. “Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them. “I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still. I was just like, ‘Oh well, just go for as many pins as possible,’ and got on a nice stretch there. … I’m just fortunate enough that I at least got into the playoff.” Green, Im and Kim all will benefit from Saturday’s surprise announcement that the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, was raising the purse by million to a total of .75 million. Across women’s golf, only the major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship are more lucrative. South Korea’s Ina Yoon (69) finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under. Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (70) tied for fifth at 14 under with Haeran Ryu of South Korea (66). With her second win of the season, Green rose into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hannah #Green #heats #late #wins #playoff #titleAug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Australia’s Hannah Green stormed back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine and won a three-way playoff with a birdie putt to capture her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday in Tarzana, Calif.

Green defeated South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim when the trio replayed the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club.

Before that, Green made a late charge with four straight birdies and five in a six-hole span, and she needed help in the form of a bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to create a tie at 17 under par. Green signed for 68, Kim settled for a 70 and Im had a 67 in the fourth round before they returned to the tee box for the playoff.

While Im missed the fairway and the green, Green and Kim were in the fairway and Green stuck her approach reasonably closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie try and cleaned up for par, Green’s putt in the 12-foot range curled right to left and dropped.

Green, 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at the event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions that were played at Wilshire Country Club, the former coming in a three-way playoff as well.

“I’m definitely nervous,” Green said about experiencing nerves in a playoff. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.”


Green was 12 under for the tournament while starting the 11th hole. Kim eagled that hole to push the lead to 18 under, but Green made birdie before getting on a white-hot run with birdies at Nos. 13-16.

“Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them.

“I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still. I was just like, ‘Oh well, just go for as many pins as possible,’ and got on a nice stretch there. … I’m just fortunate enough that I at least got into the playoff.”

Green, Im and Kim all will benefit from Saturday’s surprise announcement that the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, was raising the purse by $1 million to a total of $4.75 million. Across women’s golf, only the major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship are more lucrative.

South Korea’s Ina Yoon (69) finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under. Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (70) tied for fifth at 14 under with Haeran Ryu of South Korea (66).

With her second win of the season, Green rose into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hannah #Green #heats #late #wins #playoff #title

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Aug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Australia’s Hannah Green stormed back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine and won a three-way playoff with a birdie putt to capture her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday in Tarzana, Calif.

Green defeated South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim when the trio replayed the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club.

Before that, Green made a late charge with four straight birdies and five in a six-hole span, and she needed help in the form of a bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to create a tie at 17 under par. Green signed for 68, Kim settled for a 70 and Im had a 67 in the fourth round before they returned to the tee box for the playoff.

While Im missed the fairway and the green, Green and Kim were in the fairway and Green stuck her approach reasonably closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie try and cleaned up for par, Green’s putt in the 12-foot range curled right to left and dropped.

Green, 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at the event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions that were played at Wilshire Country Club, the former coming in a three-way playoff as well.

“I’m definitely nervous,” Green said about experiencing nerves in a playoff. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.”

Green was 12 under for the tournament while starting the 11th hole. Kim eagled that hole to push the lead to 18 under, but Green made birdie before getting on a white-hot run with birdies at Nos. 13-16.

“Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them.

“I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still. I was just like, ‘Oh well, just go for as many pins as possible,’ and got on a nice stretch there. … I’m just fortunate enough that I at least got into the playoff.”

Green, Im and Kim all will benefit from Saturday’s surprise announcement that the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, was raising the purse by $1 million to a total of $4.75 million. Across women’s golf, only the major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship are more lucrative.

South Korea’s Ina Yoon (69) finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under. Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (70) tied for fifth at 14 under with Haeran Ryu of South Korea (66).

With her second win of the season, Green rose into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim.

–Field Level Media

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Sanjay Manjrekar slams Dhoni fandom, CSK approach: “Sycophancy has seeped into cricket” <div id="content-body-70883748" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Chennai Super Kings has endured a poor start to IPL 2026, winning just two of its first six matches to sit seventh on the points table.</p><p>Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has come under scrutiny for the team’s struggles, with his own batting form also a concern. In six innings, he has managed only 82 runs.</p><p>Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, however, believes the CSK management must also shoulder the blame.</p><p>“This blame, I’m going to put at the doorstep of the owners and people who make the big decisions. Because Gaikwad, before he was captain, was phenomenal at the top of the order,” said Manjrekar on <i>Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast</i>.</p><p>Manjrekar added that the overwhelming fandom surrounding CSK legend M.S. Dhoni has not helped Gaikwad’s situation.</p><p>“And then that thing with M.S Dhoni, whether he’s going to be playing, whether he’s going to be captain, they handled that very badly. And this is where you see the sycophancy of Indian culture that has seeped into cricket as well. I mean, there isn’t just a fan following of Dhoni, there is sycophancy around it,” he added.</p><p>He also recalled an incident that highlighted the intensity of Dhoni’s fandom.</p><p>“There was [this] one instance of Dhoni trying to put his bat into the crease, and it was a very close call. And I said, well, he is clearly short of the crease, and it should be run out. They [fans] got angry with me for saying that because it was anti-Dhoni. So somewhere they lost sight of the whole picture.”</p><p>Dhoni has not featured for CSK in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf strain in the lead-up to the season.</p><p>When asked if Dhoni’s return could ease Gaikwad’s burden, Manjrekar expressed doubts about how CSK would accommodate him in the XI.</p><p>“Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? I mean, increasingly, he’s finding it tough to deliver. So it was a bit of a joke when he used to come down the order and just play three or four balls. The coverage would hype that up as well – ‘What an innings.’ And it lasted four balls.</p><p>“So that’s not feasible anymore, and it was never going to be a long-term thing. So I can’t pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when M.S. was on the field, but not captaining, as opposed to M.S. not being there and he being solely in charge,” said Manjrekar.</p><p>Manjrekar also drew parallels between CSK and Mumbai Indians, pointing to an overreliance on big-name players.</p><p>“CSK and Mumbai Indians are slightly guilty of being emotionally connected and invested in the big-name, big-brand players a bit too much. CSK even more so with Dhoni. This means that you’re not getting people who are in their prime. It’s like living in the past a little bit. It’s just about getting guys who are in their prime in T20 cricket. It’s such a modern-day format, so it’s best to be current with everything that you do with your team,” he added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 20, 2026</p></div> #Sanjay #Manjrekar #slams #Dhoni #fandom #CSK #approach #Sycophancy #seeped #cricket

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India ‘extremely high’ doping risk: Athletics Integrity Unit <div id="content-body-70884018" itemprop="articleBody"><p>India has been elevated to a list of nations including Russia where there is an “extremely high” risk of doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Monday.</p><p>The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) joins the likes of Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ukraine in the AIU’s highest rating of Category A after being moved up from Category B.</p><p>Category A means India’s athletes must now comply with more stringent anti-doping requirements.</p><p>The world’s most populous country ranked in the top two for the most anti-doping violations in athletics between 2022 and 2025, the AIU said.</p><p>“The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk,” AIU chair David Howman said.</p><p>“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed.</p><p>“The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of the sport of athletics, as we have done with other Category A member federations.”</p><p>The AIU is an independent body tasked with fighting corruption and wrongdoing, including doping, in athletics.</p><p>India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, seen as a stepping stone for its ambition of staging the 2036 Olympics.</p><p>World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Witold Banka was in New Delhi last week and said India is the biggest producer of performance-enhancing drugs.</p><p>However, he noted that India consistently leading the list of drug cheats will not hamper its chances of hosting prestigious global sporting events.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 20, 2026</p></div> #India #extremely #high #doping #risk #Athletics #Integrity #Unit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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