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☆ Judge fires as Yankees make fast start
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Mar 30, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsNEW YORK, March 30 (Reuters) - American League MVP Aaron Judge kicked off the New York Yankees season in style on Thursday, launching a solo homer in his first at-bat of the year in a 5-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. Judge quickly reminded the sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium why hope springs eternal for the 27-times world champions, however, launching one over the center field wall after assuming the captain's job in the off-season. While Judge is coming off a blockbuster 2022 in which he broke the AL single-season home run record, however, he cannot do it alone. Judge and DJ LeMahieu added to the advantage with an RBI each in the seventh.

☆ How Fanatics and MLB are planning to keep the trading card boom going
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Ian Thomas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

MLB trading card partner Fanatics has plans for new rookie card features this season as part of a bigger plan to increase the value of Topps baseball cards for collectors. "Fanatics is focused on the best experience for the fan, and collectibles is focused on the best collector experience," said Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan. After the game, the patch will be authenticated and placed directly onto their rookie card in a future Topps set. While the sports trading card industry had seen growth in recent years, the pandemic put the hobby into overdrive. Cards across sports have been selling for record prices, including a $12.6 million sale for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, the highest price ever paid for a trading card.

☆ YES Network launching streaming service to give non-cable viewers access to Yankees games
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The YES Network is launching a direct-to-consumer streaming service, giving non-cable subscribers the ability to watch New York Yankees games. The YES Network will charge $24.99 per month, or $239.99 annually, according to an announcement. The YES Network broadcasts games for the Yankees, the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA's New York Liberty to fans that live in the greater New York area. "We are pleased to introduce a direct subscription option," said Yes Network CEO Jon Litner in a statement. The YES Network is co-owned by the Yankees and a corsortium of other investors including Amazon and Sinclair Broadcast Group.

☆ Judge rules Yankees business after record-breaking season
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Mar 28, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) at bat against the Washington Nationals during the third inning of the Spring Training game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY SportsNEW YORK, March 28 (Reuters) - The New York Yankees hope to harness Aaron Judge's cult of celebrity to their advantage as the new season kicks off on Thursday following a record-breaking performance last year from the American League MVP. Judge smashed his 62nd home run in October, vaulting himself into the pantheon of Yankees greats as he broke Roger Maris' American League single-season record that had remained untouched since 1961. Try to find a couple things throughout the season that I wanted to improve on," Judge told the YES network. The Yankees kick off their season at home against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

Club holdings Apple (AAPL) Ford Motor (F) and Estee Lauder (EL) were in the news Thursday. Apple has primarily released its content directly on Apple TV+, with some projects getting limited runs in a handful of cinemas. The Club's take: We welcome Apple making smart, strategic investments that make Apple TV+ a more valuable streaming service to potential subscribers. Estee Lauder EL YTD mountain Estee Lauder stock performance year-to-date. The news: Citi outlined its bull and bear cases for Club holding Estee Lauder in a research note Thursday.

☆ Astros' Altuve suffers broken thumb at World Baseball Classic
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 19 (Reuters) - Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve will have surgery in the "upcoming days" for a fractured right thumb suffered when he was hit by a pitch during a World Baseball Classic game, the World Series champions said on Sunday. The eight-times Major League Baseball All-Star, who won his second World Series title with the Astros last November, exited Venezuela's quarter-final against the United States on Saturday after he was struck by a pitch in the fifth inning. According to some reports, Altuve could be out for at least two months. "It's a massive blow," Astros General Manager Dana Brown said in a report on the World Baseball Classic website. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ United States get World Cup momentum with SheBelieves Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Feb 22, 2023; Frisco, Texas, USA; Brazil forward Geyse (18) dribbles as United States of America defender Emily Sonnett (14) defends during the second half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY SportsFeb 22 (Reuters) - The United States got a boost of confidence as they beat Brazil 2-1 to clinch their fourth consecutive SheBelieves Cup title on Wednesday in Frisco, Texas, less than 150 days before the World Cup. "The whole time throughout the tournament, while we're in camp, we're talking about (how) it's not just about this tournament it's about preparation for the World Cup," head coach Vlatko Andonovski told reporters. But 24-year-old forward Swanson has all but assured she'll be part of the equation when they kick off the World Cup group stage in New Zealand against Vietnam. With only two more matches expected before the U.S. World Cup roster is announced, there is scarce time left for players to distinguish themselves.

☆ Exclusive: Inside the extramarital affair and cash-fueled double life of Charles McGonigal, the FBI spy-hunter indicted for allegedly taking Russian money
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Mattathias Schwartz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

She had dated federal law enforcement officials before. "Charlie McGonigal knew everybody in the national security and law enforcement world," Guerriero said, in an exclusive interview with Insider. One law enforcement source estimated that McGonigal stood to make roughly $300,000 to $350,000 a year, including annual bonuses. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whom she knew from law enforcement circles, let her stay in a guest bedroom. During her relationship with McGonigal, Guerriero says, they never talked about politics.

☆ Trout excited about possible WBC duel with Ohtani
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A three-time American League most valuable player, Trout just might get an even closer look when the team mates find themselves in opposite dugouts at the March 8-21 World Baseball Classic (WBC). A showdown between two of baseball's best could provide the signature moment of the WBC and it is something Trout said on Friday that he would welcome. "He (Ohtani) tried to tell me that he doesn't think he is the best player on that team," said Trout. The United States. The last WBC in 2017 Trout gave the event a pass and said on Friday he has regretted that decision.

☆ Aaron Judge Agrees to a Nine-Year, $360 Million Deal to Stay With the Yankees
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Lindsey Adler | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

American League MVP Aaron Judge has reportedly agreed to a new nine-year, $360 million contract with the New York Yankees, who persuaded their homegrown star not to defect in free agency—and increased the pressure on themselves to get back to the World Series for the first time since 2009. Judge’s return to New York, first reported by MLB Network early Wednesday, comes after a season when he hit 62 home runs to break the American League record, is an expensive bid to cash in on a window of contention for the Yankees that opened in 2017. That’s when Judge had a stellar rookie season that won him the American League Rookie of the Year award and saw him finish second place in MVP voting.

☆ New York Yankees and Aaron Judge reportedly agree on nine-year deal worth $360 million
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Wayne Sterling | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —New York Yankees and slugger Aaron Judge have reportedly agreed on a nine-year deal worth $360 million, sources told ESPN, The Athletic senior writer Ken Rosenthal and MLB Network insider Jon Morosi on Wednesday. The slugger comes off a historic season with the Yankees. Maris hit 61 home runs 61 years ago in 1961, breaking Babe Ruth’s record of 60 set in 1927. Barry Bonds set the major league record with 73 home runs in 2001. Judge finished his stellar 2022 season leading Major League Baseball in home runs (62), RBIs (131) and runs (133) in 157 games.

☆ Aaron Judge signs record-breaking deal to stay with the Yankees—how his salary stacks up against other top players
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Yankee fans sighed a breath of relief as star player Aaron Judge signed a contract to continue playing in pinstripes for the next nine years. Last year's American League MVP agreed to a nine-year contract worth a record-breaking $360 million. In expressing his frustration with negotiations at the time, Judge told reporters he "wants to be a Yankee for life." After reportedly shopping offers from other teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Judge got a deal that worked for him to stay in the Bronx. At around $40 million per season, Judge will become the highest-paid position player in the league.

☆ Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young winner Gaylord Perry dead at age 84
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Baseball Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young award winner Gaylord Perry has died at age 84. With the Indians, Perry won his first Cy Young award after leading the American League in wins (24) and complete games (29). With the Padres, Perry won his second-career Cy Young to become the first player in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. In 1991, Perry was inducted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. “We have lost another member of our Hall of Fame family thoughts and prayers go out to Gaylord Perry’s family and friends RIP my friend you’ll be dearly missed,” Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs wrote in a statement on Twitter.

☆ Ohtani says he wants to play in 2023 World Baseball Classic
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Two-way standout Shohei Ohtani of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels said on Thursday he wants to play for Team Japan at next year's World Baseball Classic. Ohtani took to Instagram to say he has contacted Team Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama of his desire to play in the tournament for the first time in his career. "I have officially informed Team Japan Manager Mr. Kuriyama that I would like to participate in next year's WBC," Ohtani wrote. Taichung, Tokyo, Phoenix and Miami are the four host cities of the World Baseball Classic. As a hitter, Ohtani had 34 home runs and 95 RBI.

☆ NHL, NHLPA unable to host 2024 World Cup of Hockey, eye 2025
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 11 (Reuters) - The National Hockey League (NHL) and its players' association (NHLPA) said on Friday they would be unable to put on the World Cup of Hockey in 2024 as hoped and would instead aim to hold the tournament in February 2025. The eight-team international tournament is held at irregular intervals and has occurred three times previously, with the United States winning the inaugural event in 1996 and Canada coming out on top in 2004 and 2016. "Over the last year, the NHL and the NHLPA have been working on plans to conduct the next World Cup of Hockey, the premier international best-on-best hockey tournament, in February 2024," the NHL and NHLPA said in a joint statement. "Unfortunately, in the current environment it is not feasible to hold the World Cup of Hockey at that time." Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Astros Pena voted World Series most valuable player
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Nov 3, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning in game five of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsNov 6 (Reuters) - Houston Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena was named the World Series most valuable player on Saturday after his team beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 to clinch the Fall Classic. Pena becomes the third rookie to be named World Series MVP joining Florida Marlins Livan Hernandez in 1997 and Larry Sherry with the 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a spectacular postseason performance from the 25-year-old Dominican, who delivered defensively and at the plate, registering at least one hit in each of the six World Series games. Pena, who was also named the American League championship series most valuable player, added another line in the record books in Game Five when he became the first rookie shortstop to hit a home run in the World Series.

[1/6] Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) celebrates with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Union in the 2022 MLS Cup championship game at Banc of California Stadium. With the win LAFC have delivered on the high expectation that came when they joined MLS in 2018. "The reason why I came here was to try and help the club win the MLS Cup," said Bale, who will captain Wales in the Qatar 2022 World Cup that kicks off later this month. It's important for this club to go to the next level, and I think by winning this trophy, it shows that we are. Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ World Series Game 3 postponed because of rain in Philadelphia
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( Sports Staff | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Game 3 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, which had been scheduled for Monday night, has been postponed because of rain in Philadelphia. Because of Monday’s postponement, the rest of the World Series has been pushed back by a day. The best-of-seven series is level at a game apiece after the Astros bounced back to win 5-2 to even up the series in Game 2 on Saturday. The Astros, in their fourth World Series in six years, won 106 games in the regular season. The Phillies are vying for their third World Series title, with the franchise’s last coming back in 2008.

☆ No nerves for Astros' McCullers ahead of World Series return
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 30 (Reuters) - Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. will make his long-awaited return to the World Series stage after missing last year's Fall Classic with a forearm injury that left him in an even more stressful role as a spectator. "There's always more nerves when you're watching, especially from the dugout," McCullers told reporters on Saturday after the Astros beat the Phillies 5-2. "I think about some of the big games we've played in this park and the World Series, things like that. It's always way more, I'm always way more nervous in the dugout than when I'm outside of it." I think it's when you get to experience the most raw and real atmospheres in all the game," said McCullers.

CNN —The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Houston Astros in dramatic fashion Friday night to take Game 1 of the World Series 6-5 in extras. “The way we fought back in that game after being down 5-0, that is a Phillies win right there,” Realmuto said. Verlander, a likely future hall of famer, remains winless as a starter in the World Series in his stellar career. The Astros’ only previous World Series win came when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. A Phillies series win would give the franchise its third World Series title, with its last coming back in 2008.

CNN —The 2022 World Series is a classic case of overwhelming favorite against plucky underdog. The Astros’ only previous World Series win came when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. “It is the World Series, it’s a big stage, but they have been loose the entire time through this whole process. The Philadelphia Phillies last won the World Series in 2008. Further back in 1929, the Philadelphia Athletics’ World Series win was followed by the Wall Street Crash.

☆ ‘Mattress Mack’: Houston Astros superfan has wagered $10 million to win $75 million if team wins World Series
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

If the Astros do regain their MLB crown – the team’s first title came in 2017 – McIngvale will win an eye-watering $75 million, which has been widely reported would be largest payout in sports betting history. Mack watches batting practice prior to Game 5 of the 2021 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. In an interview with CNN last year, McIngvale said he had bet $3.35 million back in June 2021 that the Astros would win last year’s World Series. “And I say, thanks to the Houston Astros for bringing Houston together. “It’s their birthday, it’s their anniversary but they’re there cheering on the Houston Astros.

☆ No U.S.-born Black players expected on World Series rosters
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The Houston Astros celebrate winning the American League Championship Series to advance to the World Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 23. In 1979 alone, Willie Stargell and Dave Parker were among 10 Black players on the “We Are Family” Pittsburgh Pirates champions. “It’s been a story that’s been ongoing since the late 1980s, the decline of Black baseball players,” he said. Hall wasn’t on the Phillies’ roster for any of the first three rounds this postseason and isn’t expected to be on the World Series roster. Many Afro Latino players embrace Black identity, yet perhaps not for the same reasons that Black U.S. players do.

☆ Ted Cruz reminisces about the 'gorgeous woman in a halter top' who sat behind him at Yankee Stadium
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Ted Cruz reminisced about the "gorgeous woman in a halter top" seated behind him at Yankee Stadium. He said on his podcast he reminded himself to avoid getting caught on camera looking at the woman. Cruz said a friend sitting beside him noted how "'to use the Monty Python phrase, 'She has great tracts of land.'" "I have to admit, the whole damn game, I'm like, 'I'm looking forward. Cruz was at Yankee Stadium to cheer on the Houston Astros, who advanced to the World Series.

☆ The Astros Sweep the Yankees to Win the American League Pennant
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Tim Brown | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Alex Bregman knocked in the go-ahead run during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the ALCS. The end for the New York Yankees came on a long and often quiet Sunday night in the Bronx, a late and rare lead come and gone, their season with it. They were swept from the best-of-seven American League Championship Series by the Houston Astros, who are unbeaten across seven postseason games and open the World Series on Thursday night in Houston against the Philadelphia Phillies.

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