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Deadspin | MLB roundup: Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper help Phillies thrash Mets Jun 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts with infielder Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Schwarber had three home runs, including two in one inning, for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 15-3 rout of the visiting New York Mets on Saturday. Bryce Harper hit for the cycle while going 4-for-5 for the Phillies, who had lost two in a row. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (9-3) held New York to one run on five hits in six innings. Schwarber homered twice in a third inning which saw Philadelphia bring 12 batters to the plate and score eight runs, chasing Mets starter Freddy Peralta (5-6), who allowed 10 runs on 10 hits over 2 2/3 innings. With his final homer in the seventh inning, Schwarber is up to 28 homers, four more than anyone else in the majors this season. Mark Vientos and Carson Benge accounted for New York’s offense with a homer apiece, but the team still saw its two-game win streak snapped. Tigers 4, White Sox 1 Dillon Dingler had two hits, including his team-high 17th homer, and drove in two runs as host Detroit downed Chicago to clinch a series victory. James Outman and Jake Rogers drove in the Tigers’ other runs in support of Troy Melton (4-0), who allowed a leadoff homer before surrendering no more hits or runs over six innings of work. Kenley Jansen secured his second save in as many days and his ninth of the season. Sam Antonacci reached base four times, including the White Sox’s only RBI on the leadoff homer. Opener Sean Newcomb retired all nine batters he faced before Joe Rock (0-1) gave up the lead in Detroit’s two-run sixth inning. Reds 10, Yankees 2 Rookie Sal Stewart drove in six runs, Spencer Steer hit a three-run home run and Cincinnati rolled to a rout of host New York. Stewart tied his career high in RBIs. Rookie Edwin Arroyo had four of the Reds’ 15 hits, supporting Andrew Abbott (5-4) to his first win in five starts. The left-hander allowed one run on five hits over five innings. Paul Goldschmidt gave the Yankees an early lead with his first-inning solo homer. But New York finished 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, taking its most lopsided loss of the season after Will Warren (7-2) allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. Braves 4, Brewers 3 Ozzie Albies hit a pair of home runs, including a game-ending two-run shot in the ninth inning, as Atlanta earned a victory over visiting Milwaukee. The Braves have won the first two games between the National League division leaders and handed Milwaukee its third straight loss. It was Atlanta’s fifth walk-off win. Dylan Lee (3-0), who pitched a scoreless ninth, earned the win. Aaron Ashby (10-1) took the loss. Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison gave up two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Atlanta starter Chris Sale was working for the first time in 10 days. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both unearned, on five hits. Rockies 2, Pirates 1 Jake McCarthy hit an inside-the-park home run and also doubled, Tomoyuki Sugano tossed six strong innings to outduel Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and Colorado survived a chaotic ninth inning to beat the Pirates in Denver. Sugano (8-4) scattered four hits over six innings and Jaden Hill got the final two outs for his second save. Spencer Horwitz homered and singled for Pittsburgh, which started the game with back-to-back hits and had just four more the rest of the way. Skenes (6-7) allowed just two runs on four hits and fanned eight over six innings. Red Sox 5, Mariners 1 Wilyer Abreu homered and Connelly Early overcame a shaky first inning to make a quality start as Boston defeated host Seattle. The Red Sox have won the first two games of the series and will go for a sweep Sunday afternoon. Early (6-5), who had lost his previous three starts, went six innings and allowed one run on two hits. Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (5-4) was charged with five runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. Twins 16, Diamondbacks 8 Byron Buxton’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run fifth inning for Minnesota, allowing it to coast to a big win against Arizona in Phoenix. Brooks Lee had four hits, three runs scored and two RBIs, Victor Caratini had three hits, three RBIs and three runs scored, Ryan Kreidler had three hits and four RBIs, and Luke Keaschall also had three hits and scored three times for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Taj Bradley (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits over five innings. Jorge Barrosa homered and doubled, Pavin Smith had two hits and an RBI, Tommy Troy had two hits and a run scored, and Ildemaro Vargas delivered a three-run double for Arizona. Zac Gallen (3-6) surrendered career highs of nine runs and 12 hits over four-plus innings. Nationals 4, Rays 3 Andres Chaparro dribbled in the tiebreaking run, Washington’s bullpen finished with 6 1/3 strong innings and the Nationals beat Tampa Bay to even their series with the Rays. CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews (two hits) each had a solo homer. Nasim Nunez was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI as the Nats won for the first time in six games against the Rays. Winner Mitchell Parker (3-3), Brad Lord and Clayton Beeter (fifth save) combined to allow just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings while fanning nine and walking three. For the Rays, Junior Caminero went 3-for-3 with a run, RBI and intentional walk but made a baserunning blunder in the seventh with the tying runner on third. Yandy Diaz had two hits. Taylor Walls doubled, scored, walked twice and stole two bases. Padres 6, Rangers 4 Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking three-run home run in the 10th inning to lift San Diego over Texas in Arlington, Texas. Joe Ross (0-1) threw the 10th for Texas, walking Samad Taylor to place runners on first and second. Machado then crushed a 408-foot blast to give the Padres a 6-3 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Mason Miller allowed Wyatt Langford’s two-out RBI single, but struck out Brandon Nimmo to secure his National League-leading 20th save. Walker Buehler threw 5 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit ball, striking out seven and walking one for the Padres. Blue Jays 8, Cubs 6 Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto each hit three-run home runs as Toronto scored eight straight runs to top host Chicago. Jeff Hoffman (5-4) picked up the win for the Blue Jays by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Louis Varland earned his 15th save by shutting down the Cubs in the eighth and the ninth. Chicago jumped out to a 5-0 lead when Matt Shaw hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong added a two-run shot in the sixth. Jacob Webb (1-2) allowed three runs on three hits, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI single that tied the game and Okamoto’s homer that gave Toronto the lead in the eighth. Marlins 6, Giants 3 Heriberto Hernandez slugged a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer during a crucial four-run fourth inning as host Miami defeated San Francisco to climb above .500 for the first time since April 13. Max Meyer improved to 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA. He allowed seven hits and two runs over five innings for the Marlins, who benefitted greatly from four San Francisco errors in the first four innings which created two unearned runs. The Giants were led by Casey Schmitt, who hit his 16th homer of the season along with two doubles and a pair of RBIs. Jung Hoo Lee went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs. Starter Trevor McDonald (2-5) contributed to the issues as he hit three batters and walked three in three innings, allowing five runs (three earned). Guardians 8, Astros 1 Travis Bazzana recorded his first career four-hit game and first multi-homer game while Joey Cantillo worked a career-high-tying eight innings as Cleveland cruised past host Houston. Bazzana finished 4-for-4 with three runs and five RBIs — also a single-game best. Teammate Kyle Manzardo finished 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Cantillo (6-3) logged more than six innings for the first time this season en route to his third quality start. The left-hander allowed one run on four hits and struck out a season-high-tying nine batters. Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (7-3), the American League Pitcher of the Month in May, continued his June swoon. The right-hander allowed a season-worst six runs on six hits while posting eight strikeouts over six innings. Arrighetti is 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA across four starts this month. Orioles 3, Dodgers 2 Left-hander Trevor Rogers gave up one hit over seven scoreless innings and Blaze Alexander had a two-run double as Baltimore escaped with a win over host Los Angeles. Rogers (4-7) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and finished with two walks and six strikeouts. The Orioles improved to 2-3 on a West Coast road trip that started in Seattle and concludes against the Los Angeles Angels this coming week. Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5) went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. After missing one game for the birth of his second child, Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot and hit a home run in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which saw its four-game winning streak come to an end. Angels 7, Athletics 0 Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel delivered consecutive two-run doubles in a four-run sixth inning to help Los Angeles record a shutout over the host Athletics at West Sacramento, Calif. Denzer Guzman homered and Jo Adell and Donovan Walton had three apiece hits as the Angels ended a streak of five consecutive losses against the Athletics while winning for just the second time in the past seven contests. Walbert Urena (5-5) gave up four hits over five scoreless innings. J.T. Ginn (5-4) of the Athletics was charged with four runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #Phillies #thrash #Mets

Deadspin | MLB roundup: Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper help Phillies thrash Mets
Deadspin | MLB roundup: Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper help Phillies thrash Mets Jun 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts with infielder Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Schwarber had three home runs, including two in one inning, for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 15-3 rout of the visiting New York Mets on Saturday. Bryce Harper hit for the cycle while going 4-for-5 for the Phillies, who had lost two in a row. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (9-3) held New York to one run on five hits in six innings. Schwarber homered twice in a third inning which saw Philadelphia bring 12 batters to the plate and score eight runs, chasing Mets starter Freddy Peralta (5-6), who allowed 10 runs on 10 hits over 2 2/3 innings. With his final homer in the seventh inning, Schwarber is up to 28 homers, four more than anyone else in the majors this season. Mark Vientos and Carson Benge accounted for New York’s offense with a homer apiece, but the team still saw its two-game win streak snapped. Tigers 4, White Sox 1 Dillon Dingler had two hits, including his team-high 17th homer, and drove in two runs as host Detroit downed Chicago to clinch a series victory. James Outman and Jake Rogers drove in the Tigers’ other runs in support of Troy Melton (4-0), who allowed a leadoff homer before surrendering no more hits or runs over six innings of work. Kenley Jansen secured his second save in as many days and his ninth of the season. Sam Antonacci reached base four times, including the White Sox’s only RBI on the leadoff homer. Opener Sean Newcomb retired all nine batters he faced before Joe Rock (0-1) gave up the lead in Detroit’s two-run sixth inning. Reds 10, Yankees 2 Rookie Sal Stewart drove in six runs, Spencer Steer hit a three-run home run and Cincinnati rolled to a rout of host New York. Stewart tied his career high in RBIs. Rookie Edwin Arroyo had four of the Reds’ 15 hits, supporting Andrew Abbott (5-4) to his first win in five starts. The left-hander allowed one run on five hits over five innings. Paul Goldschmidt gave the Yankees an early lead with his first-inning solo homer. But New York finished 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, taking its most lopsided loss of the season after Will Warren (7-2) allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. Braves 4, Brewers 3 Ozzie Albies hit a pair of home runs, including a game-ending two-run shot in the ninth inning, as Atlanta earned a victory over visiting Milwaukee. The Braves have won the first two games between the National League division leaders and handed Milwaukee its third straight loss. It was Atlanta’s fifth walk-off win. Dylan Lee (3-0), who pitched a scoreless ninth, earned the win. Aaron Ashby (10-1) took the loss. Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison gave up two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Atlanta starter Chris Sale was working for the first time in 10 days. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both unearned, on five hits. Rockies 2, Pirates 1 Jake McCarthy hit an inside-the-park home run and also doubled, Tomoyuki Sugano tossed six strong innings to outduel Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and Colorado survived a chaotic ninth inning to beat the Pirates in Denver. Sugano (8-4) scattered four hits over six innings and Jaden Hill got the final two outs for his second save. Spencer Horwitz homered and singled for Pittsburgh, which started the game with back-to-back hits and had just four more the rest of the way. Skenes (6-7) allowed just two runs on four hits and fanned eight over six innings. Red Sox 5, Mariners 1 Wilyer Abreu homered and Connelly Early overcame a shaky first inning to make a quality start as Boston defeated host Seattle. The Red Sox have won the first two games of the series and will go for a sweep Sunday afternoon. Early (6-5), who had lost his previous three starts, went six innings and allowed one run on two hits. Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (5-4) was charged with five runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. Twins 16, Diamondbacks 8 Byron Buxton’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run fifth inning for Minnesota, allowing it to coast to a big win against Arizona in Phoenix. Brooks Lee had four hits, three runs scored and two RBIs, Victor Caratini had three hits, three RBIs and three runs scored, Ryan Kreidler had three hits and four RBIs, and Luke Keaschall also had three hits and scored three times for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Taj Bradley (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits over five innings. Jorge Barrosa homered and doubled, Pavin Smith had two hits and an RBI, Tommy Troy had two hits and a run scored, and Ildemaro Vargas delivered a three-run double for Arizona. Zac Gallen (3-6) surrendered career highs of nine runs and 12 hits over four-plus innings. Nationals 4, Rays 3 Andres Chaparro dribbled in the tiebreaking run, Washington’s bullpen finished with 6 1/3 strong innings and the Nationals beat Tampa Bay to even their series with the Rays. CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews (two hits) each had a solo homer. Nasim Nunez was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI as the Nats won for the first time in six games against the Rays. Winner Mitchell Parker (3-3), Brad Lord and Clayton Beeter (fifth save) combined to allow just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings while fanning nine and walking three. For the Rays, Junior Caminero went 3-for-3 with a run, RBI and intentional walk but made a baserunning blunder in the seventh with the tying runner on third. Yandy Diaz had two hits. Taylor Walls doubled, scored, walked twice and stole two bases. Padres 6, Rangers 4 Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking three-run home run in the 10th inning to lift San Diego over Texas in Arlington, Texas. Joe Ross (0-1) threw the 10th for Texas, walking Samad Taylor to place runners on first and second. Machado then crushed a 408-foot blast to give the Padres a 6-3 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Mason Miller allowed Wyatt Langford’s two-out RBI single, but struck out Brandon Nimmo to secure his National League-leading 20th save. Walker Buehler threw 5 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit ball, striking out seven and walking one for the Padres. Blue Jays 8, Cubs 6 Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto each hit three-run home runs as Toronto scored eight straight runs to top host Chicago. Jeff Hoffman (5-4) picked up the win for the Blue Jays by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Louis Varland earned his 15th save by shutting down the Cubs in the eighth and the ninth. Chicago jumped out to a 5-0 lead when Matt Shaw hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong added a two-run shot in the sixth. Jacob Webb (1-2) allowed three runs on three hits, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI single that tied the game and Okamoto’s homer that gave Toronto the lead in the eighth. Marlins 6, Giants 3 Heriberto Hernandez slugged a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer during a crucial four-run fourth inning as host Miami defeated San Francisco to climb above .500 for the first time since April 13. Max Meyer improved to 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA. He allowed seven hits and two runs over five innings for the Marlins, who benefitted greatly from four San Francisco errors in the first four innings which created two unearned runs. The Giants were led by Casey Schmitt, who hit his 16th homer of the season along with two doubles and a pair of RBIs. Jung Hoo Lee went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs. Starter Trevor McDonald (2-5) contributed to the issues as he hit three batters and walked three in three innings, allowing five runs (three earned). Guardians 8, Astros 1 Travis Bazzana recorded his first career four-hit game and first multi-homer game while Joey Cantillo worked a career-high-tying eight innings as Cleveland cruised past host Houston. Bazzana finished 4-for-4 with three runs and five RBIs — also a single-game best. Teammate Kyle Manzardo finished 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Cantillo (6-3) logged more than six innings for the first time this season en route to his third quality start. The left-hander allowed one run on four hits and struck out a season-high-tying nine batters. Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (7-3), the American League Pitcher of the Month in May, continued his June swoon. The right-hander allowed a season-worst six runs on six hits while posting eight strikeouts over six innings. Arrighetti is 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA across four starts this month. Orioles 3, Dodgers 2 Left-hander Trevor Rogers gave up one hit over seven scoreless innings and Blaze Alexander had a two-run double as Baltimore escaped with a win over host Los Angeles. Rogers (4-7) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and finished with two walks and six strikeouts. The Orioles improved to 2-3 on a West Coast road trip that started in Seattle and concludes against the Los Angeles Angels this coming week. Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5) went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. After missing one game for the birth of his second child, Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot and hit a home run in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which saw its four-game winning streak come to an end. Angels 7, Athletics 0 Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel delivered consecutive two-run doubles in a four-run sixth inning to help Los Angeles record a shutout over the host Athletics at West Sacramento, Calif. Denzer Guzman homered and Jo Adell and Donovan Walton had three apiece hits as the Angels ended a streak of five consecutive losses against the Athletics while winning for just the second time in the past seven contests. Walbert Urena (5-5) gave up four hits over five scoreless innings. J.T. Ginn (5-4) of the Athletics was charged with four runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #Phillies #thrash #MetsJun 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts with infielder Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Kyle Schwarber had three home runs, including two in one inning, for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 15-3 rout of the visiting New York Mets on Saturday.

Bryce Harper hit for the cycle while going 4-for-5 for the Phillies, who had lost two in a row. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (9-3) held New York to one run on five hits in six innings.

Schwarber homered twice in a third inning which saw Philadelphia bring 12 batters to the plate and score eight runs, chasing Mets starter Freddy Peralta (5-6), who allowed 10 runs on 10 hits over 2 2/3 innings. With his final homer in the seventh inning, Schwarber is up to 28 homers, four more than anyone else in the majors this season.

Mark Vientos and Carson Benge accounted for New York’s offense with a homer apiece, but the team still saw its two-game win streak snapped.

Tigers 4, White Sox 1

Dillon Dingler had two hits, including his team-high 17th homer, and drove in two runs as host Detroit downed Chicago to clinch a series victory.

James Outman and Jake Rogers drove in the Tigers’ other runs in support of Troy Melton (4-0), who allowed a leadoff homer before surrendering no more hits or runs over six innings of work. Kenley Jansen secured his second save in as many days and his ninth of the season.

Sam Antonacci reached base four times, including the White Sox’s only RBI on the leadoff homer. Opener Sean Newcomb retired all nine batters he faced before Joe Rock (0-1) gave up the lead in Detroit’s two-run sixth inning.

Reds 10, Yankees 2

Rookie Sal Stewart drove in six runs, Spencer Steer hit a three-run home run and Cincinnati rolled to a rout of host New York.

Stewart tied his career high in RBIs. Rookie Edwin Arroyo had four of the Reds’ 15 hits, supporting Andrew Abbott (5-4) to his first win in five starts. The left-hander allowed one run on five hits over five innings.

Paul Goldschmidt gave the Yankees an early lead with his first-inning solo homer. But New York finished 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, taking its most lopsided loss of the season after Will Warren (7-2) allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Braves 4, Brewers 3

Ozzie Albies hit a pair of home runs, including a game-ending two-run shot in the ninth inning, as Atlanta earned a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

The Braves have won the first two games between the National League division leaders and handed Milwaukee its third straight loss. It was Atlanta’s fifth walk-off win.

Dylan Lee (3-0), who pitched a scoreless ninth, earned the win. Aaron Ashby (10-1) took the loss. Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison gave up two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Atlanta starter Chris Sale was working for the first time in 10 days. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both unearned, on five hits.

Rockies 2, Pirates 1

Jake McCarthy hit an inside-the-park home run and also doubled, Tomoyuki Sugano tossed six strong innings to outduel Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and Colorado survived a chaotic ninth inning to beat the Pirates in Denver.

Sugano (8-4) scattered four hits over six innings and Jaden Hill got the final two outs for his second save.

Spencer Horwitz homered and singled for Pittsburgh, which started the game with back-to-back hits and had just four more the rest of the way. Skenes (6-7) allowed just two runs on four hits and fanned eight over six innings.

Red Sox 5, Mariners 1

Wilyer Abreu homered and Connelly Early overcame a shaky first inning to make a quality start as Boston defeated host Seattle.

The Red Sox have won the first two games of the series and will go for a sweep Sunday afternoon. Early (6-5), who had lost his previous three starts, went six innings and allowed one run on two hits.

Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (5-4) was charged with five runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Twins 16, Diamondbacks 8

Byron Buxton’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run fifth inning for Minnesota, allowing it to coast to a big win against Arizona in Phoenix.

Brooks Lee had four hits, three runs scored and two RBIs, Victor Caratini had three hits, three RBIs and three runs scored, Ryan Kreidler had three hits and four RBIs, and Luke Keaschall also had three hits and scored three times for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Taj Bradley (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits over five innings.

Jorge Barrosa homered and doubled, Pavin Smith had two hits and an RBI, Tommy Troy had two hits and a run scored, and Ildemaro Vargas delivered a three-run double for Arizona. Zac Gallen (3-6) surrendered career highs of nine runs and 12 hits over four-plus innings.


Nationals 4, Rays 3

Andres Chaparro dribbled in the tiebreaking run, Washington’s bullpen finished with 6 1/3 strong innings and the Nationals beat Tampa Bay to even their series with the Rays.

CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews (two hits) each had a solo homer. Nasim Nunez was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI as the Nats won for the first time in six games against the Rays. Winner Mitchell Parker (3-3), Brad Lord and Clayton Beeter (fifth save) combined to allow just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings while fanning nine and walking three.

For the Rays, Junior Caminero went 3-for-3 with a run, RBI and intentional walk but made a baserunning blunder in the seventh with the tying runner on third. Yandy Diaz had two hits. Taylor Walls doubled, scored, walked twice and stole two bases.

Padres 6, Rangers 4

Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking three-run home run in the 10th inning to lift San Diego over Texas in Arlington, Texas.

Joe Ross (0-1) threw the 10th for Texas, walking Samad Taylor to place runners on first and second. Machado then crushed a 408-foot blast to give the Padres a 6-3 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Mason Miller allowed Wyatt Langford’s two-out RBI single, but struck out Brandon Nimmo to secure his National League-leading 20th save.

Walker Buehler threw 5 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit ball, striking out seven and walking one for the Padres.

Blue Jays 8, Cubs 6

Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto each hit three-run home runs as Toronto scored eight straight runs to top host Chicago.

Jeff Hoffman (5-4) picked up the win for the Blue Jays by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Louis Varland earned his 15th save by shutting down the Cubs in the eighth and the ninth.

Chicago jumped out to a 5-0 lead when Matt Shaw hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong added a two-run shot in the sixth. Jacob Webb (1-2) allowed three runs on three hits, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI single that tied the game and Okamoto’s homer that gave Toronto the lead in the eighth.

Marlins 6, Giants 3

Heriberto Hernandez slugged a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer during a crucial four-run fourth inning as host Miami defeated San Francisco to climb above .500 for the first time since April 13.

Max Meyer improved to 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA. He allowed seven hits and two runs over five innings for the Marlins, who benefitted greatly from four San Francisco errors in the first four innings which created two unearned runs.

The Giants were led by Casey Schmitt, who hit his 16th homer of the season along with two doubles and a pair of RBIs. Jung Hoo Lee went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs. Starter Trevor McDonald (2-5) contributed to the issues as he hit three batters and walked three in three innings, allowing five runs (three earned).

Guardians 8, Astros 1

Travis Bazzana recorded his first career four-hit game and first multi-homer game while Joey Cantillo worked a career-high-tying eight innings as Cleveland cruised past host Houston.

Bazzana finished 4-for-4 with three runs and five RBIs — also a single-game best. Teammate Kyle Manzardo finished 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Cantillo (6-3) logged more than six innings for the first time this season en route to his third quality start. The left-hander allowed one run on four hits and struck out a season-high-tying nine batters.

Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (7-3), the American League Pitcher of the Month in May, continued his June swoon. The right-hander allowed a season-worst six runs on six hits while posting eight strikeouts over six innings. Arrighetti is 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA across four starts this month.

Orioles 3, Dodgers 2

Left-hander Trevor Rogers gave up one hit over seven scoreless innings and Blaze Alexander had a two-run double as Baltimore escaped with a win over host Los Angeles.

Rogers (4-7) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and finished with two walks and six strikeouts. The Orioles improved to 2-3 on a West Coast road trip that started in Seattle and concludes against the Los Angeles Angels this coming week.

Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5) went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. After missing one game for the birth of his second child, Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot and hit a home run in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which saw its four-game winning streak come to an end.

Angels 7, Athletics 0

Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel delivered consecutive two-run doubles in a four-run sixth inning to help Los Angeles record a shutout over the host Athletics at West Sacramento, Calif.

Denzer Guzman homered and Jo Adell and Donovan Walton had three apiece hits as the Angels ended a streak of five consecutive losses against the Athletics while winning for just the second time in the past seven contests. Walbert Urena (5-5) gave up four hits over five scoreless innings.

J.T. Ginn (5-4) of the Athletics was charged with four runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #Phillies #thrash #Mets

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Jun 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts with infielder Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Kyle Schwarber had three home runs, including two in one inning, for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 15-3 rout of the visiting New York Mets on Saturday.

Bryce Harper hit for the cycle while going 4-for-5 for the Phillies, who had lost two in a row. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (9-3) held New York to one run on five hits in six innings.

Schwarber homered twice in a third inning which saw Philadelphia bring 12 batters to the plate and score eight runs, chasing Mets starter Freddy Peralta (5-6), who allowed 10 runs on 10 hits over 2 2/3 innings. With his final homer in the seventh inning, Schwarber is up to 28 homers, four more than anyone else in the majors this season.

Mark Vientos and Carson Benge accounted for New York’s offense with a homer apiece, but the team still saw its two-game win streak snapped.

Tigers 4, White Sox 1

Dillon Dingler had two hits, including his team-high 17th homer, and drove in two runs as host Detroit downed Chicago to clinch a series victory.

James Outman and Jake Rogers drove in the Tigers’ other runs in support of Troy Melton (4-0), who allowed a leadoff homer before surrendering no more hits or runs over six innings of work. Kenley Jansen secured his second save in as many days and his ninth of the season.

Sam Antonacci reached base four times, including the White Sox’s only RBI on the leadoff homer. Opener Sean Newcomb retired all nine batters he faced before Joe Rock (0-1) gave up the lead in Detroit’s two-run sixth inning.

Reds 10, Yankees 2

Rookie Sal Stewart drove in six runs, Spencer Steer hit a three-run home run and Cincinnati rolled to a rout of host New York.

Stewart tied his career high in RBIs. Rookie Edwin Arroyo had four of the Reds’ 15 hits, supporting Andrew Abbott (5-4) to his first win in five starts. The left-hander allowed one run on five hits over five innings.

Paul Goldschmidt gave the Yankees an early lead with his first-inning solo homer. But New York finished 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, taking its most lopsided loss of the season after Will Warren (7-2) allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Braves 4, Brewers 3

Ozzie Albies hit a pair of home runs, including a game-ending two-run shot in the ninth inning, as Atlanta earned a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

The Braves have won the first two games between the National League division leaders and handed Milwaukee its third straight loss. It was Atlanta’s fifth walk-off win.

Dylan Lee (3-0), who pitched a scoreless ninth, earned the win. Aaron Ashby (10-1) took the loss. Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison gave up two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Atlanta starter Chris Sale was working for the first time in 10 days. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both unearned, on five hits.

Rockies 2, Pirates 1

Jake McCarthy hit an inside-the-park home run and also doubled, Tomoyuki Sugano tossed six strong innings to outduel Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and Colorado survived a chaotic ninth inning to beat the Pirates in Denver.

Sugano (8-4) scattered four hits over six innings and Jaden Hill got the final two outs for his second save.

Spencer Horwitz homered and singled for Pittsburgh, which started the game with back-to-back hits and had just four more the rest of the way. Skenes (6-7) allowed just two runs on four hits and fanned eight over six innings.

Red Sox 5, Mariners 1

Wilyer Abreu homered and Connelly Early overcame a shaky first inning to make a quality start as Boston defeated host Seattle.

The Red Sox have won the first two games of the series and will go for a sweep Sunday afternoon. Early (6-5), who had lost his previous three starts, went six innings and allowed one run on two hits.

Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (5-4) was charged with five runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Twins 16, Diamondbacks 8

Byron Buxton’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run fifth inning for Minnesota, allowing it to coast to a big win against Arizona in Phoenix.

Brooks Lee had four hits, three runs scored and two RBIs, Victor Caratini had three hits, three RBIs and three runs scored, Ryan Kreidler had three hits and four RBIs, and Luke Keaschall also had three hits and scored three times for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Taj Bradley (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits over five innings.

Jorge Barrosa homered and doubled, Pavin Smith had two hits and an RBI, Tommy Troy had two hits and a run scored, and Ildemaro Vargas delivered a three-run double for Arizona. Zac Gallen (3-6) surrendered career highs of nine runs and 12 hits over four-plus innings.

Nationals 4, Rays 3

Andres Chaparro dribbled in the tiebreaking run, Washington’s bullpen finished with 6 1/3 strong innings and the Nationals beat Tampa Bay to even their series with the Rays.

CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews (two hits) each had a solo homer. Nasim Nunez was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI as the Nats won for the first time in six games against the Rays. Winner Mitchell Parker (3-3), Brad Lord and Clayton Beeter (fifth save) combined to allow just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings while fanning nine and walking three.

For the Rays, Junior Caminero went 3-for-3 with a run, RBI and intentional walk but made a baserunning blunder in the seventh with the tying runner on third. Yandy Diaz had two hits. Taylor Walls doubled, scored, walked twice and stole two bases.

Padres 6, Rangers 4

Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking three-run home run in the 10th inning to lift San Diego over Texas in Arlington, Texas.

Joe Ross (0-1) threw the 10th for Texas, walking Samad Taylor to place runners on first and second. Machado then crushed a 408-foot blast to give the Padres a 6-3 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Mason Miller allowed Wyatt Langford’s two-out RBI single, but struck out Brandon Nimmo to secure his National League-leading 20th save.

Walker Buehler threw 5 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit ball, striking out seven and walking one for the Padres.

Blue Jays 8, Cubs 6

Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto each hit three-run home runs as Toronto scored eight straight runs to top host Chicago.

Jeff Hoffman (5-4) picked up the win for the Blue Jays by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Louis Varland earned his 15th save by shutting down the Cubs in the eighth and the ninth.

Chicago jumped out to a 5-0 lead when Matt Shaw hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong added a two-run shot in the sixth. Jacob Webb (1-2) allowed three runs on three hits, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI single that tied the game and Okamoto’s homer that gave Toronto the lead in the eighth.

Marlins 6, Giants 3

Heriberto Hernandez slugged a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer during a crucial four-run fourth inning as host Miami defeated San Francisco to climb above .500 for the first time since April 13.

Max Meyer improved to 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA. He allowed seven hits and two runs over five innings for the Marlins, who benefitted greatly from four San Francisco errors in the first four innings which created two unearned runs.

The Giants were led by Casey Schmitt, who hit his 16th homer of the season along with two doubles and a pair of RBIs. Jung Hoo Lee went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs. Starter Trevor McDonald (2-5) contributed to the issues as he hit three batters and walked three in three innings, allowing five runs (three earned).

Guardians 8, Astros 1

Travis Bazzana recorded his first career four-hit game and first multi-homer game while Joey Cantillo worked a career-high-tying eight innings as Cleveland cruised past host Houston.

Bazzana finished 4-for-4 with three runs and five RBIs — also a single-game best. Teammate Kyle Manzardo finished 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Cantillo (6-3) logged more than six innings for the first time this season en route to his third quality start. The left-hander allowed one run on four hits and struck out a season-high-tying nine batters.

Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (7-3), the American League Pitcher of the Month in May, continued his June swoon. The right-hander allowed a season-worst six runs on six hits while posting eight strikeouts over six innings. Arrighetti is 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA across four starts this month.

Orioles 3, Dodgers 2

Left-hander Trevor Rogers gave up one hit over seven scoreless innings and Blaze Alexander had a two-run double as Baltimore escaped with a win over host Los Angeles.

Rogers (4-7) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and finished with two walks and six strikeouts. The Orioles improved to 2-3 on a West Coast road trip that started in Seattle and concludes against the Los Angeles Angels this coming week.

Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5) went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. After missing one game for the birth of his second child, Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot and hit a home run in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which saw its four-game winning streak come to an end.

Angels 7, Athletics 0

Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel delivered consecutive two-run doubles in a four-run sixth inning to help Los Angeles record a shutout over the host Athletics at West Sacramento, Calif.

Denzer Guzman homered and Jo Adell and Donovan Walton had three apiece hits as the Angels ended a streak of five consecutive losses against the Athletics while winning for just the second time in the past seven contests. Walbert Urena (5-5) gave up four hits over five scoreless innings.

J.T. Ginn (5-4) of the Athletics was charged with four runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

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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 #homePro 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

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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