Deadspin | Missing George Springer, Jays send Max Scherzer vs. Twins Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images The Toronto Blue Jays will be dealing with another injury concern Sunday afternoon when they face the visiting Minnesota Twins in the decisive encounter of a three-game series. Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer suffered a fractured left big toe Saturday during the Twins’ 7-4 victory. Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning and went down in pain, but waved off trainers. He finished the at-bat and grounded out to third before leaving the game. Toronto manager John Schneider said Springer was going to have a CT scan. “Initial X-rays showed a possible, probable small fracture,” Schneider said. “We’ll know more in the next couple of days. Seen Georgie do that a lot of times. Usually, when he gives us that (the wave off) he’s all right.” Schneider said the CT scan likely would determine how much time Springer could miss. “I know Georgie plays through a lot all the time,” he said. “Fingers crossed but we’ll see what the CT says.” Schneider said that Springer had fouled a ball off the same toe on Friday. The Blue Jays are slated to go with right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on Sunday. Scherzer is 10-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 19 career starts against Minnesota. Scherzer left his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday after two innings and 36 pitches because of right forearm tendinitis. He said at the time that he did not expect to miss his next start. The Twins are scheduled to start right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0, 1.08). In six games (four starts), Bradley is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA against Toronto. The Twins scored all their runs Saturday in the third inning against starter Eric Lauer. Brooks Lee started it with a solo shot — his second homer in two games — and Trevor Larnach finished it with a three-run blast. Two walks were also in the mix. The Twins have homered in 25 consecutive games at Rogers Centre. “Overall, we just had really consistent at-bats in that inning,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “We’re having good at-bats, we’re grinding through it. We’re adding in walks.” The Twins have faced nine left-handed starters in 15 games, including Lauer. “We’re extremely left-handed and it’s a little bit of a challenge for us,” Shelton said. “But we’ve had guys step up. It’s been different guys on different days. Today Larnach got the start against the left-hander and hits a three-run homer. (Matt) Wallner has done very similar to that. “We just have to get through this stretch. It’s a little bit unprecedented because I know we get two more (left-handers) in the next series, too. There’s nothing we can do. We have to figure out how to beat guys and so far we’ve done a pretty good job of it.” Twins starter Joe Ryan overcame Daulton Varsho’s two-run homer in the first to go seven innings, allowing only one more hit and a hit batter. The Twins put infielder Royce Lewis on the injured list with a sprained knee. Ryan Kreidler was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and started at third base. He was 0-for-4 and made a superb defensive play on a grounder by Nathan Lukes to end the seventh. Minnesota also placed Cody Laweryson on the IL, retroactive to April 9, with a right forearm strain and promoted fellow right-handed reliever Andrew Morris from St. Paul. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Missing #George #Springer #Jays #send #Max #Scherzer #Twins

Deadspin | Missing George Springer, Jays send Max Scherzer vs. Twins
$Deadspin | Missing George Springer, Jays send Max Scherzer vs. Twins Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images The Toronto Blue Jays will be dealing with another injury concern Sunday afternoon when they face the visiting Minnesota Twins in the decisive encounter of a three-game series. Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer suffered a fractured left big toe Saturday during the Twins’ 7-4 victory. Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning and went down in pain, but waved off trainers. He finished the at-bat and grounded out to third before leaving the game. Toronto manager John Schneider said Springer was going to have a CT scan. “Initial X-rays showed a possible, probable small fracture,” Schneider said. “We’ll know more in the next couple of days. Seen Georgie do that a lot of times. Usually, when he gives us that (the wave off) he’s all right.” Schneider said the CT scan likely would determine how much time Springer could miss. “I know Georgie plays through a lot all the time,” he said. “Fingers crossed but we’ll see what the CT says.” Schneider said that Springer had fouled a ball off the same toe on Friday. The Blue Jays are slated to go with right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on Sunday. Scherzer is 10-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 19 career starts against Minnesota. Scherzer left his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday after two innings and 36 pitches because of right forearm tendinitis. He said at the time that he did not expect to miss his next start. The Twins are scheduled to start right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0, 1.08). In six games (four starts), Bradley is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA against Toronto. The Twins scored all their runs Saturday in the third inning against starter Eric Lauer. Brooks Lee started it with a solo shot — his second homer in two games — and Trevor Larnach finished it with a three-run blast. Two walks were also in the mix. The Twins have homered in 25 consecutive games at Rogers Centre. “Overall, we just had really consistent at-bats in that inning,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “We’re having good at-bats, we’re grinding through it. We’re adding in walks.” The Twins have faced nine left-handed starters in 15 games, including Lauer. “We’re extremely left-handed and it’s a little bit of a challenge for us,” Shelton said. “But we’ve had guys step up. It’s been different guys on different days. Today Larnach got the start against the left-hander and hits a three-run homer. (Matt) Wallner has done very similar to that. “We just have to get through this stretch. It’s a little bit unprecedented because I know we get two more (left-handers) in the next series, too. There’s nothing we can do. We have to figure out how to beat guys and so far we’ve done a pretty good job of it.” Twins starter Joe Ryan overcame Daulton Varsho’s two-run homer in the first to go seven innings, allowing only one more hit and a hit batter. The Twins put infielder Royce Lewis on the injured list with a sprained knee. Ryan Kreidler was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and started at third base. He was 0-for-4 and made a superb defensive play on a grounder by Nathan Lukes to end the seventh. Minnesota also placed Cody Laweryson on the IL, retroactive to April 9, with a right forearm strain and promoted fellow right-handed reliever Andrew Morris from St. Paul. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Missing #George #Springer #Jays #send #Max #Scherzer #Twins$ Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays will be dealing with another injury concern Sunday afternoon when they face the visiting Minnesota Twins in the decisive encounter of a three-game series.

Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer suffered a fractured left big toe Saturday during the Twins’ 7-4 victory. Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning and went down in pain, but waved off trainers. He finished the at-bat and grounded out to third before leaving the game.

Toronto manager John Schneider said Springer was going to have a CT scan.

“Initial X-rays showed a possible, probable small fracture,” Schneider said. “We’ll know more in the next couple of days. Seen Georgie do that a lot of times. Usually, when he gives us that (the wave off) he’s all right.”

Schneider said the CT scan likely would determine how much time Springer could miss.

“I know Georgie plays through a lot all the time,” he said. “Fingers crossed but we’ll see what the CT says.”

Schneider said that Springer had fouled a ball off the same toe on Friday.

The Blue Jays are slated to go with right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on Sunday. Scherzer is 10-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 19 career starts against Minnesota.

Scherzer left his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday after two innings and 36 pitches because of right forearm tendinitis. He said at the time that he did not expect to miss his next start.

The Twins are scheduled to start right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0, 1.08). In six games (four starts), Bradley is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA against Toronto.

The Twins scored all their runs Saturday in the third inning against starter Eric Lauer. Brooks Lee started it with a solo shot — his second homer in two games — and Trevor Larnach finished it with a three-run blast. Two walks were also in the mix.

The Twins have homered in 25 consecutive games at Rogers Centre.

“Overall, we just had really consistent at-bats in that inning,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “We’re having good at-bats, we’re grinding through it. We’re adding in walks.”

The Twins have faced nine left-handed starters in 15 games, including Lauer.

“We’re extremely left-handed and it’s a little bit of a challenge for us,” Shelton said. “But we’ve had guys step up. It’s been different guys on different days. Today Larnach got the start against the left-hander and hits a three-run homer. (Matt) Wallner has done very similar to that.

“We just have to get through this stretch. It’s a little bit unprecedented because I know we get two more (left-handers) in the next series, too. There’s nothing we can do. We have to figure out how to beat guys and so far we’ve done a pretty good job of it.”

Twins starter Joe Ryan overcame Daulton Varsho’s two-run homer in the first to go seven innings, allowing only one more hit and a hit batter.

The Twins put infielder Royce Lewis on the injured list with a sprained knee. Ryan Kreidler was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and started at third base. He was 0-for-4 and made a superb defensive play on a grounder by Nathan Lukes to end the seventh.

Minnesota also placed Cody Laweryson on the IL, retroactive to April 9, with a right forearm strain and promoted fellow right-handed reliever Andrew Morris from St. Paul.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Missing #George #Springer #Jays #send #Max #Scherzer #Twins

Sports news April 12, 2026

Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays will be dealing with another injury concern Sunday afternoon when they face the visiting Minnesota Twins in the decisive encounter of a three-game series.

Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer suffered a fractured left big toe Saturday during the Twins’ 7-4 victory. Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning and went down in pain, but waved off trainers. He finished the at-bat and grounded out to third before leaving the game.

Toronto manager John Schneider said Springer was going to have a CT scan.

“Initial X-rays showed a possible, probable small fracture,” Schneider said. “We’ll know more in the next couple of days. Seen Georgie do that a lot of times. Usually, when he gives us that (the wave off) he’s all right.”

Schneider said the CT scan likely would determine how much time Springer could miss.

“I know Georgie plays through a lot all the time,” he said. “Fingers crossed but we’ll see what the CT says.”

Schneider said that Springer had fouled a ball off the same toe on Friday.

The Blue Jays are slated to go with right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on Sunday. Scherzer is 10-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 19 career starts against Minnesota.

Scherzer left his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday after two innings and 36 pitches because of right forearm tendinitis. He said at the time that he did not expect to miss his next start.

The Twins are scheduled to start right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0, 1.08). In six games (four starts), Bradley is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA against Toronto.

The Twins scored all their runs Saturday in the third inning against starter Eric Lauer. Brooks Lee started it with a solo shot — his second homer in two games — and Trevor Larnach finished it with a three-run blast. Two walks were also in the mix.

The Twins have homered in 25 consecutive games at Rogers Centre.

“Overall, we just had really consistent at-bats in that inning,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “We’re having good at-bats, we’re grinding through it. We’re adding in walks.”

The Twins have faced nine left-handed starters in 15 games, including Lauer.

“We’re extremely left-handed and it’s a little bit of a challenge for us,” Shelton said. “But we’ve had guys step up. It’s been different guys on different days. Today Larnach got the start against the left-hander and hits a three-run homer. (Matt) Wallner has done very similar to that.

“We just have to get through this stretch. It’s a little bit unprecedented because I know we get two more (left-handers) in the next series, too. There’s nothing we can do. We have to figure out how to beat guys and so far we’ve done a pretty good job of it.”

Twins starter Joe Ryan overcame Daulton Varsho’s two-run homer in the first to go seven innings, allowing only one more hit and a hit batter.

The Twins put infielder Royce Lewis on the injured list with a sprained knee. Ryan Kreidler was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and started at third base. He was 0-for-4 and made a superb defensive play on a grounder by Nathan Lukes to end the seventh.

Minnesota also placed Cody Laweryson on the IL, retroactive to April 9, with a right forearm strain and promoted fellow right-handed reliever Andrew Morris from St. Paul.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Missing #George #Springer #Jays #send #Max #Scherzer #Twins

SRH vs RR, IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Rajasthan Royals in battle of explosive opening pairs <div id="content-body-70854413" itemprop="articleBody">Two of the IPL’s most devastating opening duos are set to clash as a Sunrisers Hyderabad side, blowing hot and cold, hosts the unbeaten Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, arguably the most explosive opening pair in T20 cricket over the past two years, once again set the tone against Punjab Kings on Friday, plundering 105 runs in the PowerPlay and briefly threatening the elusive 300-run mark. However, a double strike that removed ‘Travishek’ in a single over and a middle order that struggled to get going helped PBKS restrict the marauders in orange to a now modest 219.A subpar batting outing only dials up the heat of the spotlight on an undercooked bowling pie. With Pat Cummins sidelined, SRH’s pace unit has often looked toothless and went wicketless against the Kings for 10 overs while conceding 145 runs. In contrast, the relatively inexperienced spin attack offered some resistance, picking up four wickets while giving away 78 runs in 8.5 overs.Rajasthan Royals has seen SRH’s Travishek and raised their own opening firebomb: JaiSurya (Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi), an unintentional homage to a Sri Lankan batting maverick by the same name. The 383 runs the pair has amassed have come at the cost of several proud bowling orders whimpering away.With Dhruv Jurel contributing 176 runs, three of the top four run-scorers currently wear pink and blue.After a forgettable season for its bowlers last year, where they finished with the fewest wickets (65), the worst average (42.15), and the second-highest economy rate, 2026 has been good so far, with the Royals at the top of the pile with 35 wickets in just four games.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/sanju-samson-csk-leading-man-chennai-crowd-yellow-jersey-maiden-hundred-delhi-capitals-ipl-2026/article70853348.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in ‘drenched-in-sweat’ yellow jersey</a>A resurgent Ravi Bishnoi (nine wickets in 11 games, second in the Purple Cap standings) leads the charge. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have been effective with the new ball, while Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravindra Jadeja add valuable depth to the attack.SRH’s inconsistent bowling will need to find both discipline and bite against a Royals side that has looked close to flawless. Fail to seize key moments, and the margin for error could vanish quickly.Because come Monday, a test of nerve beneath the fireworks beckons. One side feeds on chaos, the other on control — and neither would want to blink first. When the dust finally settles, it won’t matter who landed the first blow, but who stood firm when the going got unforgiving.Published on Apr 12, 2026</div> #SRH #IPL #Sunrisers #Hyderabad #takes #Rajasthan #Royals #battle #explosive #opening #pairs

#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">