Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.” The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season. All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago. However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg. “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.” Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience. “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.” The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout. In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win. In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic. “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies. There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity. “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.” Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs
Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”

The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.

All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.

However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.

“I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.

“It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.

Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.

In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.

In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.

There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

Sports news April 6, 2026

Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”

The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.

All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.

However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.

“I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.

“It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.

Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.

In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.

In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.

There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings <div id="content-body-70826756" itemprop="articleBody"><p>It’s that time of the year when <i>Kalbaisakhi, </i>the sudden nor’westers, turn calm evenings into spectacles of wind and thunder. With thundershowers in the forecast on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders will keep a wary eye on the skies as it prepares for a must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens.</p><p>After two successive defeats, the season already hangs in a delicate balance, and KKR can scarcely afford further turbulence, on the field or above it. Much like the brooding clouds looming over the venue on the eve of the contest, KKR’s immediate future appears uncertain, if not ominous.</p><p>Though Cameron Green spent considerable time bowling at the nets earlier this week, concerns linger over a unit that has struggled to make early inroads in the absence of a dependable strike spearhead. The inability to strike in the PowerPlay has repeatedly allowed opponents to seize control.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7ghe0m/article70826918.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/01aEden.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7ghe0m/article70826918.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/01aEden.jpg" alt="The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday." title="The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak </p></div><p>Yet, belief within the dressing room remains intact. “(This situation) presents opportunities for the other guys. We are still excited about the bowling group we’ve got,” said KKR bowling coach Tim Southee. “They may be a bit inexperienced, but they’ve got a tremendous amount of skill.”</p><p>The larger issue lies in a muddled strategy. Despite boasting three top New Zealand internationals – Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra – KKR has struggled to maximise its resources. With the lower order lacking firepower, Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy have been shuffled across positions, preventing the side from settling into a clear batting structure.</p><p>While KKR has faltered, Punjab Kings has looked settled under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. Cooper Connolly has impressed at No. 3 with 108 runs in two matches, Shreyas has anchored the middle overs, while Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have provided solid starts, giving the side a balance KKR is still searching for.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #KKR #PBKS #IPL #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #hopes #act #Punjab #Kings

#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">