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Deadspin | Rob Refsnyder ‘calming veteran presence’ as Mariners face A’s Apr 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Rob Refsnyder (30) is congratulated by designated hitter Cal Raleigh (29) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Even veteran major leaguers want to make a good first impression. But Rob Refsnyder had plenty on his mind this spring. After going hitless in his first 18 at-bats this season, Refsnyder homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning from Texas’ MacKenzie Gore, sparking the host Seattle Mariners to a 5-2 series-clinching victory Sunday. J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena also went deep and Bryan Woo pitched seven strong innings as the Mariners won their second straight game. The Mariners are scheduled to open a three-game home series against the American League West rival Athletics on Monday. “You never want to be in a slump, especially early in the year, new team, new city,” said Refsnyder, 35. “So I’ve definitely been hard on myself. … “As an older guy, you try to preach having a routine and don’t worry about the results. But sometimes when it’s happening to you, it’s hard to think like that. But it keeps a good perspective on how long the year is and just the ups and downs of the season.” Not only is Refsnyder on his seventh team in 11 seasons, but he had to make a cross-country move this offseason with his pregnant wife Monica. She gave birth to the couple’s third child, a son named Ryan, last week, and Sunday’s game was Refsnyder’s first start since being activated from the paternity list. “You’re going through a really tough start of the year, but probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life is happening at the same time,” Refsnyder said. “So just to try to keep that perspective when you’re not getting results or hits has helped. But I’m very tired, so if I’m pretty monotone or dragging a little bit, hopefully you guys give me some grace.” Woo said Refsnyder has fit in seamlessly with a team that reached Game 7 of the AL Championship Series last fall. “He brings such a calming veteran presence …” Woo said. “So for him to kind of break through a little bit there, I know he’s been hard on himself, so that means a lot. Everybody was stoked to see that.” The Athletics remain tied with Texas atop the division despite losing three of their past four games, including a 7-4 defeat to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in West Sacramento, Calif. Darell Hernaiz hit his first homer of the season for the A’s, who couldn’t overcome a 6-1 deficit. “Did like that we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning … we still continued to battle and fight,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Those are the signs of a team that has expectations to win games. Not a great series for us, but we’ve got a big one coming up … hopefully, the energy in Seattle is good.” Monday’s series opener is set to feature a pair of right-handers in the A’s J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.31 ERA) and the Mariners’ Emerson Hancock (2-1, 2.28). Ginn will be making his third start since moving into the rotation. He allowed two runs on three hits over 9 1/3 innings in his first two. Ginn is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA in one career start against Seattle in September 2024. Hancock, who is 0-0 with a 3.97 ERA in two previous starts against the A’s, took a no-decision Wednesday at San Diego as closer Andres Munoz blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning of a 7-6 defeat. Hancock went six innings and gave up two runs on four hits, with one walk and six strikeouts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyder #calming #veteran #presence #Mariners #face

Deadspin | Rob Refsnyder ‘calming veteran presence’ as Mariners face A’s
Deadspin | Rob Refsnyder ‘calming veteran presence’ as Mariners face A’s Apr 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Rob Refsnyder (30) is congratulated by designated hitter Cal Raleigh (29) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Even veteran major leaguers want to make a good first impression. But Rob Refsnyder had plenty on his mind this spring. After going hitless in his first 18 at-bats this season, Refsnyder homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning from Texas’ MacKenzie Gore, sparking the host Seattle Mariners to a 5-2 series-clinching victory Sunday. J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena also went deep and Bryan Woo pitched seven strong innings as the Mariners won their second straight game. The Mariners are scheduled to open a three-game home series against the American League West rival Athletics on Monday. “You never want to be in a slump, especially early in the year, new team, new city,” said Refsnyder, 35. “So I’ve definitely been hard on myself. … “As an older guy, you try to preach having a routine and don’t worry about the results. But sometimes when it’s happening to you, it’s hard to think like that. But it keeps a good perspective on how long the year is and just the ups and downs of the season.” Not only is Refsnyder on his seventh team in 11 seasons, but he had to make a cross-country move this offseason with his pregnant wife Monica. She gave birth to the couple’s third child, a son named Ryan, last week, and Sunday’s game was Refsnyder’s first start since being activated from the paternity list. “You’re going through a really tough start of the year, but probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life is happening at the same time,” Refsnyder said. “So just to try to keep that perspective when you’re not getting results or hits has helped. But I’m very tired, so if I’m pretty monotone or dragging a little bit, hopefully you guys give me some grace.” Woo said Refsnyder has fit in seamlessly with a team that reached Game 7 of the AL Championship Series last fall. “He brings such a calming veteran presence …” Woo said. “So for him to kind of break through a little bit there, I know he’s been hard on himself, so that means a lot. Everybody was stoked to see that.” The Athletics remain tied with Texas atop the division despite losing three of their past four games, including a 7-4 defeat to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in West Sacramento, Calif. Darell Hernaiz hit his first homer of the season for the A’s, who couldn’t overcome a 6-1 deficit. “Did like that we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning … we still continued to battle and fight,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Those are the signs of a team that has expectations to win games. Not a great series for us, but we’ve got a big one coming up … hopefully, the energy in Seattle is good.” Monday’s series opener is set to feature a pair of right-handers in the A’s J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.31 ERA) and the Mariners’ Emerson Hancock (2-1, 2.28). Ginn will be making his third start since moving into the rotation. He allowed two runs on three hits over 9 1/3 innings in his first two. Ginn is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA in one career start against Seattle in September 2024. Hancock, who is 0-0 with a 3.97 ERA in two previous starts against the A’s, took a no-decision Wednesday at San Diego as closer Andres Munoz blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning of a 7-6 defeat. Hancock went six innings and gave up two runs on four hits, with one walk and six strikeouts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyder #calming #veteran #presence #Mariners #faceApr 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Rob Refsnyder (30) is congratulated by designated hitter Cal Raleigh (29) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Even veteran major leaguers want to make a good first impression.

But Rob Refsnyder had plenty on his mind this spring.

After going hitless in his first 18 at-bats this season, Refsnyder homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning from Texas’ MacKenzie Gore, sparking the host Seattle Mariners to a 5-2 series-clinching victory Sunday.

J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena also went deep and Bryan Woo pitched seven strong innings as the Mariners won their second straight game.

The Mariners are scheduled to open a three-game home series against the American League West rival Athletics on Monday.

“You never want to be in a slump, especially early in the year, new team, new city,” said Refsnyder, 35. “So I’ve definitely been hard on myself. …

“As an older guy, you try to preach having a routine and don’t worry about the results. But sometimes when it’s happening to you, it’s hard to think like that. But it keeps a good perspective on how long the year is and just the ups and downs of the season.”

Not only is Refsnyder on his seventh team in 11 seasons, but he had to make a cross-country move this offseason with his pregnant wife Monica. She gave birth to the couple’s third child, a son named Ryan, last week, and Sunday’s game was Refsnyder’s first start since being activated from the paternity list.


“You’re going through a really tough start of the year, but probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life is happening at the same time,” Refsnyder said. “So just to try to keep that perspective when you’re not getting results or hits has helped. But I’m very tired, so if I’m pretty monotone or dragging a little bit, hopefully you guys give me some grace.”

Woo said Refsnyder has fit in seamlessly with a team that reached Game 7 of the AL Championship Series last fall.

“He brings such a calming veteran presence …” Woo said. “So for him to kind of break through a little bit there, I know he’s been hard on himself, so that means a lot. Everybody was stoked to see that.”

The Athletics remain tied with Texas atop the division despite losing three of their past four games, including a 7-4 defeat to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in West Sacramento, Calif.

Darell Hernaiz hit his first homer of the season for the A’s, who couldn’t overcome a 6-1 deficit.

“Did like that we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning … we still continued to battle and fight,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Those are the signs of a team that has expectations to win games. Not a great series for us, but we’ve got a big one coming up … hopefully, the energy in Seattle is good.”

Monday’s series opener is set to feature a pair of right-handers in the A’s J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.31 ERA) and the Mariners’ Emerson Hancock (2-1, 2.28).

Ginn will be making his third start since moving into the rotation. He allowed two runs on three hits over 9 1/3 innings in his first two. Ginn is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA in one career start against Seattle in September 2024.

Hancock, who is 0-0 with a 3.97 ERA in two previous starts against the A’s, took a no-decision Wednesday at San Diego as closer Andres Munoz blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning of a 7-6 defeat. Hancock went six innings and gave up two runs on four hits, with one walk and six strikeouts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyder #calming #veteran #presence #Mariners #face

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Apr 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Rob Refsnyder (30) is congratulated by designated hitter Cal Raleigh (29) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Even veteran major leaguers want to make a good first impression.

But Rob Refsnyder had plenty on his mind this spring.

After going hitless in his first 18 at-bats this season, Refsnyder homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning from Texas’ MacKenzie Gore, sparking the host Seattle Mariners to a 5-2 series-clinching victory Sunday.

J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena also went deep and Bryan Woo pitched seven strong innings as the Mariners won their second straight game.

The Mariners are scheduled to open a three-game home series against the American League West rival Athletics on Monday.

“You never want to be in a slump, especially early in the year, new team, new city,” said Refsnyder, 35. “So I’ve definitely been hard on myself. …

“As an older guy, you try to preach having a routine and don’t worry about the results. But sometimes when it’s happening to you, it’s hard to think like that. But it keeps a good perspective on how long the year is and just the ups and downs of the season.”

Not only is Refsnyder on his seventh team in 11 seasons, but he had to make a cross-country move this offseason with his pregnant wife Monica. She gave birth to the couple’s third child, a son named Ryan, last week, and Sunday’s game was Refsnyder’s first start since being activated from the paternity list.

“You’re going through a really tough start of the year, but probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life is happening at the same time,” Refsnyder said. “So just to try to keep that perspective when you’re not getting results or hits has helped. But I’m very tired, so if I’m pretty monotone or dragging a little bit, hopefully you guys give me some grace.”

Woo said Refsnyder has fit in seamlessly with a team that reached Game 7 of the AL Championship Series last fall.

“He brings such a calming veteran presence …” Woo said. “So for him to kind of break through a little bit there, I know he’s been hard on himself, so that means a lot. Everybody was stoked to see that.”

The Athletics remain tied with Texas atop the division despite losing three of their past four games, including a 7-4 defeat to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in West Sacramento, Calif.

Darell Hernaiz hit his first homer of the season for the A’s, who couldn’t overcome a 6-1 deficit.

“Did like that we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning … we still continued to battle and fight,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Those are the signs of a team that has expectations to win games. Not a great series for us, but we’ve got a big one coming up … hopefully, the energy in Seattle is good.”

Monday’s series opener is set to feature a pair of right-handers in the A’s J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.31 ERA) and the Mariners’ Emerson Hancock (2-1, 2.28).

Ginn will be making his third start since moving into the rotation. He allowed two runs on three hits over 9 1/3 innings in his first two. Ginn is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA in one career start against Seattle in September 2024.

Hancock, who is 0-0 with a 3.97 ERA in two previous starts against the A’s, took a no-decision Wednesday at San Diego as closer Andres Munoz blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning of a 7-6 defeat. Hancock went six innings and gave up two runs on four hits, with one walk and six strikeouts.

–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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