Deadspin | Jays get rematch against Dodgers’ World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) is introduced to receive his World Series ring during a ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images There will be a rematch within a rematch Tuesday night when the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers go for another series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers won the opener of the three-game set 14-2 on Monday for their fourth straight win and the Blue Jays’ fifth consecutive loss. The middle encounter of the series will feature a rematch of the starters from Game 6, also in Toronto, of the 2025 World Series, won by the Dodgers in seven games. Toronto is scheduled to start Kevin Gausman (0-0, 0.75 ERA), while Los Angeles will start fellow right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 3.00). Yamamoto earned the decision over Gausman last Oct. 31 in the World Series by allowing one run, five hits and one walk while striking out six in six innings. Gausman allowed three runs, three hits and two walks and struck out eight in six innings. Yamamoto, who pitched a four-hit complete game in winning Game 2 of the Series, also tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief in Game 7 to earn his third win of the set. He was named World Series MVP. The realization of what he was doing by following a start with a relief appearance the next day did not strike him until he started to warm up. “To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about it until the moment I got up to the mound,” Yamamoto said before the game on Monday. “But as I was getting warmed up in the bullpen, it started getting real.” Yamamoto has not faced Toronto in the regular season while Gausman is 2-3 with a 3.57 ERA in nine career regular-season games (eight starts) against the Dodgers. The series opener on Monday had none of the drama that made the 2025 World Series a classic. The Dodgers outhit the Blue Jays 17-5 and had two homers from Dalton Rushing and one each from Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. Rushing reached base five times with four hits and a hit by pitch. Both teams had position players pitch the ninth inning. The Blue Jays have been working through injuries, and there was another issue on Monday when starting pitcher Max Scherzer left the game after allowing two runs in two innings. Manager John Schneider said the right-hander has been dealing with tendinitis in his right forearm but remained “fairly confident” that he could make his next start.· “I don’t think it’s a major issue, just something that needs to be addressed,” Scherzer said. “My mind is that I’m going to be making my next start.” Josh Fleming, promoted from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, replaced him and allowed four runs in three innings. Austin Voth, who pitched in relief on Sunday, was designated for assignment to make room for Fleming. The Toronto crowd booed when the lineups were announced before the game. Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski made four World Series appearances, including Game 7 when he hit Andres Gimenez with a pitch. He said he expected an unfavorable reception. “Obviously, you don’t ever want to be booed, but in this scenario it’s OK,” he said. “They wouldn’t boo me if they didn’t know who I was. It was fun. They care about baseball here. It was a fun environment. I think if people weren’t a little upset and a little — I don’t know — passionate about what happened last year in the World Series, maybe they’re not real fans.” Wrobleski allowed one run and two hits over five innings on Monday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Jays #rematch #Dodgers #World #Series #hero #Yoshinobu #Yamamoto

Deadspin | Jays get rematch against Dodgers’ World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) is introduced to receive his World Series ring during a ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

There will be a rematch within a rematch Tuesday night when the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers go for another series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Dodgers won the opener of the three-game set 14-2 on Monday for their fourth straight win and the Blue Jays’ fifth consecutive loss.

The middle encounter of the series will feature a rematch of the starters from Game 6, also in Toronto, of the 2025 World Series, won by the Dodgers in seven games.

Toronto is scheduled to start Kevin Gausman (0-0, 0.75 ERA), while Los Angeles will start fellow right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 3.00).

Yamamoto earned the decision over Gausman last Oct. 31 in the World Series by allowing one run, five hits and one walk while striking out six in six innings. Gausman allowed three runs, three hits and two walks and struck out eight in six innings.

Yamamoto, who pitched a four-hit complete game in winning Game 2 of the Series, also tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief in Game 7 to earn his third win of the set. He was named World Series MVP.

The realization of what he was doing by following a start with a relief appearance the next day did not strike him until he started to warm up.

“To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about it until the moment I got up to the mound,” Yamamoto said before the game on Monday. “But as I was getting warmed up in the bullpen, it started getting real.”

Yamamoto has not faced Toronto in the regular season while Gausman is 2-3 with a 3.57 ERA in nine career regular-season games (eight starts) against the Dodgers.

The series opener on Monday had none of the drama that made the 2025 World Series a classic.

The Dodgers outhit the Blue Jays 17-5 and had two homers from Dalton Rushing and one each from Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. Rushing reached base five times with four hits and a hit by pitch.

Both teams had position players pitch the ninth inning.

The Blue Jays have been working through injuries, and there was another issue on Monday when starting pitcher Max Scherzer left the game after allowing two runs in two innings. Manager John Schneider said the right-hander has been dealing with tendinitis in his right forearm but remained “fairly confident” that he could make his next start.·

“I don’t think it’s a major issue, just something that needs to be addressed,” Scherzer said. “My mind is that I’m going to be making my next start.”

Josh Fleming, promoted from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, replaced him and allowed four runs in three innings. Austin Voth, who pitched in relief on Sunday, was designated for assignment to make room for Fleming.

The Toronto crowd booed when the lineups were announced before the game.

Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski made four World Series appearances, including Game 7 when he hit Andres Gimenez with a pitch. He said he expected an unfavorable reception.

“Obviously, you don’t ever want to be booed, but in this scenario it’s OK,” he said. “They wouldn’t boo me if they didn’t know who I was. It was fun. They care about baseball here. It was a fun environment. I think if people weren’t a little upset and a little — I don’t know — passionate about what happened last year in the World Series, maybe they’re not real fans.”

Wrobleski allowed one run and two hits over five innings on Monday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jays #rematch #Dodgers #World #Series #hero #Yoshinobu #Yamamoto

Sports news April 8, 2026

Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) is introduced to receive his World Series ring during a ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

There will be a rematch within a rematch Tuesday night when the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers go for another series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Dodgers won the opener of the three-game set 14-2 on Monday for their fourth straight win and the Blue Jays’ fifth consecutive loss.

The middle encounter of the series will feature a rematch of the starters from Game 6, also in Toronto, of the 2025 World Series, won by the Dodgers in seven games.

Toronto is scheduled to start Kevin Gausman (0-0, 0.75 ERA), while Los Angeles will start fellow right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 3.00).

Yamamoto earned the decision over Gausman last Oct. 31 in the World Series by allowing one run, five hits and one walk while striking out six in six innings. Gausman allowed three runs, three hits and two walks and struck out eight in six innings.

Yamamoto, who pitched a four-hit complete game in winning Game 2 of the Series, also tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief in Game 7 to earn his third win of the set. He was named World Series MVP.

The realization of what he was doing by following a start with a relief appearance the next day did not strike him until he started to warm up.

“To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about it until the moment I got up to the mound,” Yamamoto said before the game on Monday. “But as I was getting warmed up in the bullpen, it started getting real.”

Yamamoto has not faced Toronto in the regular season while Gausman is 2-3 with a 3.57 ERA in nine career regular-season games (eight starts) against the Dodgers.

The series opener on Monday had none of the drama that made the 2025 World Series a classic.

The Dodgers outhit the Blue Jays 17-5 and had two homers from Dalton Rushing and one each from Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. Rushing reached base five times with four hits and a hit by pitch.

Both teams had position players pitch the ninth inning.

The Blue Jays have been working through injuries, and there was another issue on Monday when starting pitcher Max Scherzer left the game after allowing two runs in two innings. Manager John Schneider said the right-hander has been dealing with tendinitis in his right forearm but remained “fairly confident” that he could make his next start.·

“I don’t think it’s a major issue, just something that needs to be addressed,” Scherzer said. “My mind is that I’m going to be making my next start.”

Josh Fleming, promoted from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, replaced him and allowed four runs in three innings. Austin Voth, who pitched in relief on Sunday, was designated for assignment to make room for Fleming.

The Toronto crowd booed when the lineups were announced before the game.

Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski made four World Series appearances, including Game 7 when he hit Andres Gimenez with a pitch. He said he expected an unfavorable reception.

“Obviously, you don’t ever want to be booed, but in this scenario it’s OK,” he said. “They wouldn’t boo me if they didn’t know who I was. It was fun. They care about baseball here. It was a fun environment. I think if people weren’t a little upset and a little — I don’t know — passionate about what happened last year in the World Series, maybe they’re not real fans.”

Wrobleski allowed one run and two hits over five innings on Monday.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Jays #rematch #Dodgers #World #Series #hero #Yoshinobu #Yamamoto

India vs Chinese Taipei LIVE streaming info: Where to watch AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match? <div id="content-body-70835948" itemprop="articleBody">The Indian team will take on Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match of the AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on Wednesday.Head coach Joakim Alexandersson was clear about what is required from his side.“We need to be a lot stronger and more determined in both 18-yard boxes, in how we defend our own box, and in how we score goals against them. We need to be more direct in attack, tougher, and more clinical. But we must also remember that we are facing a very good team,” he said.<h4 class="sub_head">LIVE STREAMING INFO</h4>When is the India vs Chinese Taipei AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match?The India vs Chinese Taipei AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match will kick off at 2:30pm IST at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand on Wednesday, April 8.Where to watch the India vs Chinese Taipei AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match LIVE?The India vs Chinese Taipei AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match will be streamed live on FanCode. There will be no telecast of the match.Published on Apr 08, 2026</div> #India #Chinese #Taipei #LIVE #streaming #info #watch #AFC #U20 #Womens #Asian #Cup #match

#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">