Konnor Griffin inks massive contract with Pirates, and he’s worth the money When 19-year-old Konnor Griffin laced an RBI double to left-center field in his first MLB at-bat, it was a sign of hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and their future.Thanks to a contract announced on Wednesday morning, Pirates fans now have almost a decade of hope and promise to look forward to.Griffin put pen to paper on a massive nine-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $140 million, the biggest deal in Pirates’ history. That contract eclipses the $106.75 million deal that Bryan Reynolds signed back in 2023, and keeps Griffin in Pittsburgh through 2034.It also continues Griffin’s meteoric rise through the professional ranks.Pittsburgh selected the infielder with the ninth-overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and Griffin did not waste any time impressing his new team. He started in Single-A with Bradenton for the 2025 season, where he slashed .338/.396/.536 over 50 games with nine home runs, earning a promotion to Greensboro, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. Over 51 games with the Grasshoppers in 2025, Griffin slashed .325/.432/.510, belting seven home runs.Then it was a promotion to Double-A, where over 21 more games he slashed .337/.418/.542 with another five home runs.Griffin began the 2026 season with the big club for Spring Training, and was listed as the top prospect in all of baseball. He turned heads early in the spring with a pair of home runs against the Boston Red Sox, including this mammoth blast:There was speculation that Griffin would make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, but after slashing just .171/.261/.488 during Spring Training, the team assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the year. During a short stint in Indianapolis — just five games — Griffin began the year on a tear, slashing .438/.571/.625 along with three doubles.That was enough to earn his promotion to the big club, where the 19-year-old made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles last week.That’s when this happened:Just five pitches into his MLB career, Griffin had both his first extra-base hit, and his first RBI.But what followed is testament to his resilience, and why the Pirates likely felt comfortable with the contract announced on Wednesday. Following his 1-for-4 debut against Baltimore, Griffin went 0-for-4 in each of his next four games. Then came Tuesday night’s 2-for-4 outing against the San Diego Padres, including this two-run single that came off the bat at 113 miles per hour:With the contract came praise from the organization.“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization.“Konnor represents everything we value in a player: exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset and a strong desire to win,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He has met every challenge in front of him, and we are excited to watch him continue that growth alongside his teammates in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled he will be a Pirate for a long time.”Ahead of the 2026 MLB season we made the case that the Pirates might be the most fascinating team in all of baseball, given the presence of young talent such as Griffin and Paul Skenes.Which is why the Pirates fan in your life might feel a little more hope today. #Konnor #Griffin #inks #massive #contract #Pirates #hes #worth #money

Konnor Griffin inks massive contract with Pirates, and he’s worth the money
When 19-year-old Konnor Griffin laced an RBI double to left-center field in his first MLB at-bat, it was a sign of hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and their future.
Thanks to a contract announced on Wednesday morning, Pirates fans now have almost a decade of hope and promise to look forward to.
Griffin put pen to paper on a massive nine-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $140 million, the biggest deal in Pirates’ history. That contract eclipses the $106.75 million deal that Bryan Reynolds signed back in 2023, and keeps Griffin in Pittsburgh through 2034.
It also continues Griffin’s meteoric rise through the professional ranks.
Pittsburgh selected the infielder with the ninth-overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and Griffin did not waste any time impressing his new team. He started in Single-A with Bradenton for the 2025 season, where he slashed .338/.396/.536 over 50 games with nine home runs, earning a promotion to Greensboro, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. Over 51 games with the Grasshoppers in 2025, Griffin slashed .325/.432/.510, belting seven home runs.
Then it was a promotion to Double-A, where over 21 more games he slashed .337/.418/.542 with another five home runs.
Griffin began the 2026 season with the big club for Spring Training, and was listed as the top prospect in all of baseball. He turned heads early in the spring with a pair of home runs against the Boston Red Sox, including this mammoth blast:
There was speculation that Griffin would make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, but after slashing just .171/.261/.488 during Spring Training, the team assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the year. During a short stint in Indianapolis — just five games — Griffin began the year on a tear, slashing .438/.571/.625 along with three doubles.
That was enough to earn his promotion to the big club, where the 19-year-old made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles last week.
That’s when this happened:
Just five pitches into his MLB career, Griffin had both his first extra-base hit, and his first RBI.
But what followed is testament to his resilience, and why the Pirates likely felt comfortable with the contract announced on Wednesday. Following his 1-for-4 debut against Baltimore, Griffin went 0-for-4 in each of his next four games. Then came Tuesday night’s 2-for-4 outing against the San Diego Padres, including this two-run single that came off the bat at 113 miles per hour:
With the contract came praise from the organization.
“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization.
“Konnor represents everything we value in a player: exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”
“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset and a strong desire to win,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He has met every challenge in front of him, and we are excited to watch him continue that growth alongside his teammates in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled he will be a Pirate for a long time.”
Ahead of the 2026 MLB season we made the case that the Pirates might be the most fascinating team in all of baseball, given the presence of young talent such as Griffin and Paul Skenes.
Which is why the Pirates fan in your life might feel a little more hope today.
#Konnor #Griffin #inks #massive #contract #Pirates #hes #worth #money

Sports news MLB April 8, 2026

When 19-year-old Konnor Griffin laced an RBI double to left-center field in his first MLB at-bat, it was a sign of hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and their future.

Thanks to a contract announced on Wednesday morning, Pirates fans now have almost a decade of hope and promise to look forward to.

Griffin put pen to paper on a massive nine-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $140 million, the biggest deal in Pirates’ history. That contract eclipses the $106.75 million deal that Bryan Reynolds signed back in 2023, and keeps Griffin in Pittsburgh through 2034.

It also continues Griffin’s meteoric rise through the professional ranks.

Pittsburgh selected the infielder with the ninth-overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and Griffin did not waste any time impressing his new team. He started in Single-A with Bradenton for the 2025 season, where he slashed .338/.396/.536 over 50 games with nine home runs, earning a promotion to Greensboro, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. Over 51 games with the Grasshoppers in 2025, Griffin slashed .325/.432/.510, belting seven home runs.

Then it was a promotion to Double-A, where over 21 more games he slashed .337/.418/.542 with another five home runs.

Griffin began the 2026 season with the big club for Spring Training, and was listed as the top prospect in all of baseball. He turned heads early in the spring with a pair of home runs against the Boston Red Sox, including this mammoth blast:

There was speculation that Griffin would make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, but after slashing just .171/.261/.488 during Spring Training, the team assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the year. During a short stint in Indianapolis — just five games — Griffin began the year on a tear, slashing .438/.571/.625 along with three doubles.

That was enough to earn his promotion to the big club, where the 19-year-old made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles last week.

That’s when this happened:

Just five pitches into his MLB career, Griffin had both his first extra-base hit, and his first RBI.

But what followed is testament to his resilience, and why the Pirates likely felt comfortable with the contract announced on Wednesday. Following his 1-for-4 debut against Baltimore, Griffin went 0-for-4 in each of his next four games. Then came Tuesday night’s 2-for-4 outing against the San Diego Padres, including this two-run single that came off the bat at 113 miles per hour:

With the contract came praise from the organization.

“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization.

“Konnor represents everything we value in a player: exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”

“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset and a strong desire to win,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He has met every challenge in front of him, and we are excited to watch him continue that growth alongside his teammates in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled he will be a Pirate for a long time.”

Ahead of the 2026 MLB season we made the case that the Pirates might be the most fascinating team in all of baseball, given the presence of young talent such as Griffin and Paul Skenes.

Which is why the Pirates fan in your life might feel a little more hope today.

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#Konnor #Griffin #inks #massive #contract #Pirates #hes #worth #money

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Monte Carlo Masters 2026: Berrettini thumps Medvedev 6-0, 6-0 <div id="content-body-70838258" itemprop="articleBody">Daniil Medvedev suffered an embarrassing 6-0, 6-0 humbling at the hands of Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday.The seventh seed missed two break points in the opening game and then completely unravelled, making 30 unforced errors and serving five double faults.Medvedev did not win more than two points in any of the last 11 games and his frustrations boiled over in the second set, smashing his racquet into the court four times.ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/billie-jean-king-cup-india-vs-thailand-score-result-highlights-sahaja-vaishnavi/article70835747.ece" target="_self">Billie Jean King Cup: India’s hopes hang in balance on rain-affected Day One of Asia/Oceania Group I tie</a>Berrettini wrapped up the double-bagel victory, the first such defeat of former world number one Medvedev’s career, in just 49 minutes.“I think it was one of the best performances of my life,” Berrettini said.“I think I missed three shots in the entire match and it is not easy against a tricky player like Daniil. I think the game plan was perfect and my weapons were working.”The former Wimbledon runner-up, now ranked 90th, will face either Joao Fonseca or Arthur Rinderknech in the last 16.Published on Apr 08, 2026</div> #Monte #Carlo #Masters #Berrettini #thumps #Medvedev

Deadspin | Hot outfielders lead Nationals, Cardinals into decisive game Apr 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) receives congratulations from second baseman Thomas Saggese (25) after he hits a grand slam in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images St. Louis outfielder Jordan Walker will look to continue his hot streak when the Cardinals and Washington Nationals meet in the rubber game of their three-game series Wednesday afternoon in the nation’s capital. Walker homered for the second straight night and third time in four games Tuesday to help the Cardinals rally for a 7-6, 10-inning win. He has four home runs in 11 games this season after it took him 73 games to reach that mark a season ago. The 23-year-old has driven in 11 runs, including eight in his past four games, and is batting .300 overall. Washington has its own outfielder on a hot streak. James Wood had two hits and homered in his third straight game — a career first — for the Nationals on Tuesday. He also scored three runs, bringing his season total to 11. St. Louis’ Michael McGreevy (0-1, 2.53 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-2, 14.46) in the series finale. Mikolas, signed by Washington as a free agent in the offseason, played seven of the past eight seasons with the Cardinals, going 68-69 with a 4.16 ERA. He missed 2020 due to injury. He has had a rough beginning to 2026. After allowing six runs (four earned) in his first outing, a 10-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on March 28, he was shellacked for 11 runs on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings by the Los Angeles Dodgers in Washington’s home opener last Friday. The Dodgers hit four home runs off of him in their 13-6 victory. “Knowing Miles, the competitor he is, he was frustrated by it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said of Mikolas’ start against the Dodgers. “But he’ll be fine. He’ll flush it, he’ll make his adjustments and we’ll fix this.” Before joining the Cardinals, Mikolas pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against them while with the San Diego Padres in 2012. McGreevy tossed six shutout innings in a no-decision against the Tampa Rays in his first start on March 28, a 6-5 win in 10 innings. Last Friday, he took a 4-0 loss against the Detroit Tigers, giving up three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, McGreevy worked on his hip movement leading up to that start in an effort to regain some lost velocity compared to 2025. McGreevy never has faced the Nationals. On Tuesday, Nathan Church hit a game-tying, two-run homer in the eighth inning for the Cardinals as they improved to 3-0 in extra inning games. Run-scoring doubles by Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt in the 10th inning led to the win. “They’re not gonna give in,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of his team. “They’re going to play hard regardless of score, situation. I’m proud of these dudes for continuing to do that.” Church snapped an 0-for-22 skid with his crucial home run. “Just something over the plate and put a good swing on it,” he said. “That’s really all I was trying to do — simplify.” Washington’s bullpen squandered a lead for the third straight game, though the Nationals came back to win on Monday. Washington relievers allowed five runs and six walks in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday. “We want to win every night, and our offense is doing a tremendous job of putting up runs every single night,” Butera said. “I know our pitching is going to come along. They are going to get better, I know that. So, if our offense keeps doing what it’s doing and we get the pitching squared away, we are going to be in a good spot.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hot #outfielders #lead #Nationals #Cardinals #decisive #game

#Deadspin #Hot #outfielders #lead #Nationals #Cardinals #decisive #game">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) receives congratulations from second baseman Thomas Saggese (25) after he hits a grand slam in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

St. Louis outfielder Jordan Walker will look to continue his hot streak when the Cardinals and Washington Nationals meet in the rubber game of their three-game series Wednesday afternoon in the nation’s capital.

Walker homered for the second straight night and third time in four games Tuesday to help the Cardinals rally for a 7-6, 10-inning win.

He has four home runs in 11 games this season after it took him 73 games to reach that mark a season ago. The 23-year-old has driven in 11 runs, including eight in his past four games, and is batting .300 overall.

Washington has its own outfielder on a hot streak. James Wood had two hits and homered in his third straight game — a career first — for the Nationals on Tuesday. He also scored three runs, bringing his season total to 11.

St. Louis’ Michael McGreevy (0-1, 2.53 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-2, 14.46) in the series finale.

Mikolas, signed by Washington as a free agent in the offseason, played seven of the past eight seasons with the Cardinals, going 68-69 with a 4.16 ERA. He missed 2020 due to injury.

He has had a rough beginning to 2026. After allowing six runs (four earned) in his first outing, a 10-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on March 28, he was shellacked for 11 runs on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings by the Los Angeles Dodgers in Washington’s home opener last Friday. The Dodgers hit four home runs off of him in their 13-6 victory.

“Knowing Miles, the competitor he is, he was frustrated by it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said of Mikolas’ start against the Dodgers. “But he’ll be fine. He’ll flush it, he’ll make his adjustments and we’ll fix this.”

Before joining the Cardinals, Mikolas pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against them while with the San Diego Padres in 2012.

McGreevy tossed six shutout innings in a no-decision against the Tampa Rays in his first start on March 28, a 6-5 win in 10 innings. Last Friday, he took a 4-0 loss against the Detroit Tigers, giving up three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, McGreevy worked on his hip movement leading up to that start in an effort to regain some lost velocity compared to 2025.

McGreevy never has faced the Nationals.

On Tuesday, Nathan Church hit a game-tying, two-run homer in the eighth inning for the Cardinals as they improved to 3-0 in extra inning games. Run-scoring doubles by Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt in the 10th inning led to the win.

“They’re not gonna give in,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of his team. “They’re going to play hard regardless of score, situation. I’m proud of these dudes for continuing to do that.”

Church snapped an 0-for-22 skid with his crucial home run.

“Just something over the plate and put a good swing on it,” he said. “That’s really all I was trying to do — simplify.”

Washington’s bullpen squandered a lead for the third straight game, though the Nationals came back to win on Monday. Washington relievers allowed five runs and six walks in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday.

“We want to win every night, and our offense is doing a tremendous job of putting up runs every single night,” Butera said. “I know our pitching is going to come along. They are going to get better, I know that. So, if our offense keeps doing what it’s doing and we get the pitching squared away, we are going to be in a good spot.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hot #outfielders #lead #Nationals #Cardinals #decisive #game">Deadspin | Hot outfielders lead Nationals, Cardinals into decisive game

Apr 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) receives congratulations from second baseman Thomas Saggese (25) after he hits a grand slam in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

St. Louis outfielder Jordan Walker will look to continue his hot streak when the Cardinals and Washington Nationals meet in the rubber game of their three-game series Wednesday afternoon in the nation’s capital.

Walker homered for the second straight night and third time in four games Tuesday to help the Cardinals rally for a 7-6, 10-inning win.

He has four home runs in 11 games this season after it took him 73 games to reach that mark a season ago. The 23-year-old has driven in 11 runs, including eight in his past four games, and is batting .300 overall.

Washington has its own outfielder on a hot streak. James Wood had two hits and homered in his third straight game — a career first — for the Nationals on Tuesday. He also scored three runs, bringing his season total to 11.

St. Louis’ Michael McGreevy (0-1, 2.53 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-2, 14.46) in the series finale.

Mikolas, signed by Washington as a free agent in the offseason, played seven of the past eight seasons with the Cardinals, going 68-69 with a 4.16 ERA. He missed 2020 due to injury.

He has had a rough beginning to 2026. After allowing six runs (four earned) in his first outing, a 10-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on March 28, he was shellacked for 11 runs on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings by the Los Angeles Dodgers in Washington’s home opener last Friday. The Dodgers hit four home runs off of him in their 13-6 victory.

“Knowing Miles, the competitor he is, he was frustrated by it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said of Mikolas’ start against the Dodgers. “But he’ll be fine. He’ll flush it, he’ll make his adjustments and we’ll fix this.”

Before joining the Cardinals, Mikolas pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against them while with the San Diego Padres in 2012.

McGreevy tossed six shutout innings in a no-decision against the Tampa Rays in his first start on March 28, a 6-5 win in 10 innings. Last Friday, he took a 4-0 loss against the Detroit Tigers, giving up three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, McGreevy worked on his hip movement leading up to that start in an effort to regain some lost velocity compared to 2025.

McGreevy never has faced the Nationals.

On Tuesday, Nathan Church hit a game-tying, two-run homer in the eighth inning for the Cardinals as they improved to 3-0 in extra inning games. Run-scoring doubles by Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt in the 10th inning led to the win.

“They’re not gonna give in,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of his team. “They’re going to play hard regardless of score, situation. I’m proud of these dudes for continuing to do that.”

Church snapped an 0-for-22 skid with his crucial home run.

“Just something over the plate and put a good swing on it,” he said. “That’s really all I was trying to do — simplify.”

Washington’s bullpen squandered a lead for the third straight game, though the Nationals came back to win on Monday. Washington relievers allowed five runs and six walks in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday.

“We want to win every night, and our offense is doing a tremendous job of putting up runs every single night,” Butera said. “I know our pitching is going to come along. They are going to get better, I know that. So, if our offense keeps doing what it’s doing and we get the pitching squared away, we are going to be in a good spot.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hot #outfielders #lead #Nationals #Cardinals #decisive #game

Ashley Westwood doesn’t distinctly remember the last time he was in the dugout at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Would have been the final game of the season when we won,” he tells Sportstar.

The ‘we’ here is Bengaluru FC, a club he helmed with distinction for three campaigns from 2013 to 2016 – winning the erstwhile I-League twice and the Federation Cup once – and the same club that he will return to this Saturday, albeit as the coach of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.

Westwood’s final match in the Garden City came exactly a decade ago, in April 2016, during a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota to seal a AFC Cup round-of-16 berth. Funnily, Westwood was sent off in that match. Ten days earlier, in his final home fixture in the I-League, BFC had beaten Salgaocar FC 2-0 to clinch a second National crown in three seasons.

“Bangalore is full of fond memories,” Westwood says. “Winning the league is one and there was an open-top bus ride after that which remains fresh. Christmas with the players, fancy dress, and then winning the league again in the third season…

“But what I remember the most is the 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the final match of the second season… and lose the title. We could have won three out of three. I remember the disappointments more than the achievements, but success is always a fond memory.”

When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – for both professionalism and achievement.

ALSO READ: India exits AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 despite beating Chinese Taipei

In fact, the Englishman’s final game was the 3-2 away win over Hong Kong side Kitchee that helped earn a maiden AFC Cup quarterfinal slot. Five months later, under Spaniard Albert Roca, BFC reached the final, a first for an Indian club.

“When we started, we didn’t have much,” Westwood recalls. “We had a very small playing squad, and but for some signings like Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh, the rest were those who couldn’t get a club. Budget was also low. So growing a club from scratch is something that stands you in good stead.”

At Blasters too he has to start from scratch, but only results-wise. After seven contests, the outfit is 13th in a 14-team ISL (one point) compared to BFC’s joint-second position (14). Nonetheless, BFC-Blasters remains one of the fiercest rivalries, and Westwood will experience this first hand.

“I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in southern India. For me though, it is about getting our fans to enjoy some good football, regardless of who we play.

“But going back to an old club is always special. I did that many times as a player. Now I am going to do that as a coach.”

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#club #special #Westwood">

mwasimuddin125 0

Ashley Westwood doesn’t distinctly remember the last time he was in the dugout at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Would have been the final game of the season when we won,” he tells Sportstar.
The ‘we’ here is Bengaluru FC, a club he helmed with distinction for three campaigns from 2013 to 2016 – winning the erstwhile I-League twice and the Federation Cup once – and the same club that he will return to this Saturday, albeit as the coach of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.
Westwood’s final match in the Garden City came exactly a decade ago, in April 2016, during a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota to seal a AFC Cup round-of-16 berth. Funnily, Westwood was sent off in that match. Ten days earlier, in his final home fixture in the I-League, BFC had beaten Salgaocar FC 2-0 to clinch a second National crown in three seasons.
“Bangalore is full of fond memories,” Westwood says. “Winning the league is one and there was an open-top bus ride after that which remains fresh. Christmas with the players, fancy dress, and then winning the league again in the third season…
“But what I remember the most is the 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the final match of the second season… and lose the title. We could have won three out of three. I remember the disappointments more than the achievements, but success is always a fond memory.”
When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – for both professionalism and achievement.
ALSO READ: India exits AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 despite beating Chinese Taipei
In fact, the Englishman’s final game was the 3-2 away win over Hong Kong side Kitchee that helped earn a maiden AFC Cup quarterfinal slot. Five months later, under Spaniard Albert Roca, BFC reached the final, a first for an Indian club.
“When we started, we didn’t have much,” Westwood recalls. “We had a very small playing squad, and but for some signings like Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh, the rest were those who couldn’t get a club. Budget was also low. So growing a club from scratch is something that stands you in good stead.”
At Blasters too he has to start from scratch, but only results-wise. After seven contests, the outfit is 13th in a 14-team ISL (one point) compared to BFC’s joint-second position (14). Nonetheless, BFC-Blasters remains one of the fiercest rivalries, and Westwood will experience this first hand.
“I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in southern India. For me though, it is about getting our fans to enjoy some good football, regardless of who we play.
“But going back to an old club is always special. I did that many times as a player. Now I am going to do that as a coach.”
Published on Apr 08, 2026

#club #special #Westwood">Going back to an old club is always special: Westwood

Ashley Westwood doesn’t distinctly remember the last time he was in the dugout at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Would have been the final game of the season when we won,” he tells Sportstar.

When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – for both professionalism and achievement.

ALSO READ: India exits AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 despite beating Chinese Taipei

“I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in southern India. For me though, it is about getting our fans to enjoy some good football, regardless of who we play.

“But going back to an old club is always special. I did that many times as a player. Now I am going to do that as a coach.”

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#club #special #Westwood

The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken the throne from the New York Yankees as the most hated team in baseball, if not the entirety of sports. They have taken the old-school Yankee approach of buying every player in the sport and have turned that into back-to-back World Series.

On the other hand, the Yankees have been far quieter in their offseason approaches the last few years. They’re relying on young prospects to continue developing on this team and retaining guys they’ve brought in through trades like David Bednar. They’ve been unwilling to over-expose themselves on top-end talent like Juan Soto, and it might just be working out for them.

New York hasn’t had the most challenging of starts to a season, but they’ve looked like the Evil Empire of old. The offense isn’t incredibly deep at the moment, and will most likely need to add a bat at the deadline if they truly want to be contenders come October, but the pitching looks awfully scary for the Bronx Bombers.

In recent seasons, the pitching has lagged behind the offense, but this year feels like that won’t be the case. The craziest part about this pitching surge is that the Yankees aren’t even close to full strength yet. Max Fried is picking up right where he left off in 2025, with a 1.35 ERA over three starts, and Cam Schlittler and Will Warren aren’t too far behind that mark either.

Those three alone would be scary in the playoffs, but Gerritt Cole and Carlos Rodon have all season to get healthy and join this rotation, which might be the best in baseball.

In the lineup, Ben Rice is taking a massive year three leap, holding an MLB-best 1.380 OPS, and Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger are all having very solid starts to the year. If Jazz Chisolm or Trent Grisham could heat up at the plate, the lineup could be just as good as the Dodgers.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Yankees might be underrated. I wasn’t high on them entering this season, and I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong. This is a very good Yankee squad. It’s far too early to declare that the AL East might have been overrated, but I won’t be shocked if that’s the case. Each team outside the Yankees currently sits below .500 and has far more obvious roster holes.

The Dodgers have done a great job of shielding the Yankees from “some” amount of criticism in the media entering 2026, and I think that’s great for this team. Get in on the Yankees at +800 to win the World Series, or it might end up being too late.

#Yankees #Underrated #Contenders #Dodgers #Dominance #Deadspin.com">

Yankees Might Be Underrated Contenders Despite Dodgers Dominance | Deadspin.com The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken the throne from the New York Yankees as the most hated team in baseball, if not the entirety of sports. They have taken the old-school Yankee approach of buying every player in the sport and have turned that into back-to-back World Series.On the other hand, the Yankees have been far quieter in their offseason approaches the last few years. They’re relying on young prospects to continue developing on this team and retaining guys they’ve brought in through trades like David Bednar. They’ve been unwilling to over-expose themselves on top-end talent like Juan Soto, and it might just be working out for them.New York hasn’t had the most challenging of starts to a season, but they’ve looked like the Evil Empire of old. The offense isn’t incredibly deep at the moment, and will most likely need to add a bat at the deadline if they truly want to be contenders come October, but the pitching looks awfully scary for the Bronx Bombers.In recent seasons, the pitching has lagged behind the offense, but this year feels like that won’t be the case. The craziest part about this pitching surge is that the Yankees aren’t even close to full strength yet. Max Fried is picking up right where he left off in 2025, with a 1.35 ERA over three starts, and Cam Schlittler and Will Warren aren’t too far behind that mark either.Those three alone would be scary in the playoffs, but Gerritt Cole and Carlos Rodon have all season to get healthy and join this rotation, which might be the best in baseball.In the lineup, Ben Rice is taking a massive year three leap, holding an MLB-best 1.380 OPS, and Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger are all having very solid starts to the year. If Jazz Chisolm or Trent Grisham could heat up at the plate, the lineup could be just as good as the Dodgers.I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Yankees might be underrated. I wasn’t high on them entering this season, and I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong. This is a very good Yankee squad. It’s far too early to declare that the AL East might have been overrated, but I won’t be shocked if that’s the case. Each team outside the Yankees currently sits below .500 and has far more obvious roster holes.The Dodgers have done a great job of shielding the Yankees from “some” amount of criticism in the media entering 2026, and I think that’s great for this team. Get in on the Yankees at +800 to win the World Series, or it might end up being too late. #Yankees #Underrated #Contenders #Dodgers #Dominance #Deadspin.com

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken the throne from the New York Yankees as the most hated team in baseball, if not the entirety of sports. They have taken the old-school Yankee approach of buying every player in the sport and have turned that into back-to-back World Series.
On the other hand, the Yankees have been far quieter in their offseason approaches the last few years. They’re relying on young prospects to continue developing on this team and retaining guys they’ve brought in through trades like David Bednar. They’ve been unwilling to over-expose themselves on top-end talent like Juan Soto, and it might just be working out for them.
New York hasn’t had the most challenging of starts to a season, but they’ve looked like the Evil Empire of old. The offense isn’t incredibly deep at the moment, and will most likely need to add a bat at the deadline if they truly want to be contenders come October, but the pitching looks awfully scary for the Bronx Bombers.
In recent seasons, the pitching has lagged behind the offense, but this year feels like that won’t be the case. The craziest part about this pitching surge is that the Yankees aren’t even close to full strength yet. Max Fried is picking up right where he left off in 2025, with a 1.35 ERA over three starts, and Cam Schlittler and Will Warren aren’t too far behind that mark either.
Those three alone would be scary in the playoffs, but Gerritt Cole and Carlos Rodon have all season to get healthy and join this rotation, which might be the best in baseball.
In the lineup, Ben Rice is taking a massive year three leap, holding an MLB-best 1.380 OPS, and Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger are all having very solid starts to the year. If Jazz Chisolm or Trent Grisham could heat up at the plate, the lineup could be just as good as the Dodgers.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Yankees might be underrated. I wasn’t high on them entering this season, and I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong. This is a very good Yankee squad. It’s far too early to declare that the AL East might have been overrated, but I won’t be shocked if that’s the case. Each team outside the Yankees currently sits below .500 and has far more obvious roster holes.
The Dodgers have done a great job of shielding the Yankees from “some” amount of criticism in the media entering 2026, and I think that’s great for this team. Get in on the Yankees at +800 to win the World Series, or it might end up being too late.

#Yankees #Underrated #Contenders #Dodgers #Dominance #Deadspin.com">Yankees Might Be Underrated Contenders Despite Dodgers Dominance | Deadspin.com

Those three alone would be scary in the playoffs, but Gerritt Cole and Carlos Rodon have all season to get healthy and join this rotation, which might be the best in baseball.

#Yankees #Underrated #Contenders #Dodgers #Dominance #Deadspin.com

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