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Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson  Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.  With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.  But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.  “It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.   Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.  “This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”  Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.  The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.   “This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”  The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.  “I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.   “… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”  Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.  The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson
Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson  Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.  With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.  But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.  “It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.   Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.  “This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”  Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.  The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.   “This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”  The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.  “I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.   “… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”  Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.  The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #EmersonApr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.

With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.

But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.

“It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.

Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.

“This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”

Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.


The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.

“This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”

The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.

“I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.

“… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”

Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.

The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.

With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.

But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.

“It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.

Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.

“This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”

Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.

The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.

“This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”

The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.

“I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.

“… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”

Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.

The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.

-Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

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History says Nelly Korda will win the Chevron Championship <div><div class="g6j1tz1 g6j1tz2"><div class="_1nfb3k4n _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="GOLF: APR 05 LPGA Aramco Championship" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=480 480w, 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https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1200 1200w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1440 1440w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1920 1920w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2048 2048w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400"/></div><div class="_1nfb3k4m _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="GOLF: APR 05 LPGA Aramco Championship" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=415 415w, 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https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1080 1080w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1200 1200w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1440 1440w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1920 1920w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2048 2048w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400"/></div></div><p><figcaption class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl5a">LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 05: From left to right LPGA golfer Nelly Korda lines up her putt on the 9th hole during the final round of the Aramco Championship on April 5, 2026, at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)</figcaption> <cite class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl55">Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite></p></div> #History #Nelly #Korda #win #Chevron #Championship

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Sinner wants to use Madrid Masters to boost career Grand Slam chances ahead of French Open <div id="content-body-70889877" itemprop="articleBody"><p>World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.</p><p>The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.</p><p>Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.</p><p>“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.</p><p>“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/carlos-alcaraz-injury-update-availability-for-french-open-2026-roland-garros-latest/article70887072.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback</a></b></p><p>Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.</p><p>“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.</p><p>Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.</p><p>But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.</p><p>“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”</p><p>Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

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

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

Published on Aug 09, 2026

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

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