Shohei Ohtani made headlines last night with a remarkable achievement, hitting his 40th home run and stealing his 40th base of the season with a walk-off grand slam. This milestone, known as a 40-40 season, underscores his exceptional performance and versatility as both a hitter and a base runner. The accomplishment is a testament to his skill and endurance throughout the season.
Following this impressive feat, Ohtani took a significant step in his pitching rehabilitation by throwing off a mound for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery last September. This session took place at Dodger Stadium before the Dodgers’ game against the Rays. Ohtani threw 10 pitches during this brief bullpen workout, marking a hopeful sign of progress in his recovery.
Shohei Ohtani (MLB)
Despite these advancements, Dodgers officials have consistently stated that Ohtani will not pitch for the remainder of the season, including the postseason. This precautionary stance is due to the nature of his recent elbow surgery and aims to ensure his long-term health and recovery. Nonetheless, his ability to throw off the mound again is a positive development in his rehab process.
Throughout the season, Ohtani has primarily served as a designated hitter while working through his pitching recovery. He has maintained impressive batting statistics with a .292 average, .378 on-base percentage, and .614 slugging percentage, along with 40 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases. His performance highlights his continued impact on the game despite not being able to pitch this year.
Old Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium saw a mix of familiar and new faces, but Alex Rodriguez’s presence was particularly notable due to his tumultuous history with the Yankees.
Rodriguez, whose relationship with the team has been fraught with ups and downs, expressed surprise and gratitude for his invitation to the event. He joined other members of the 2009 Yankees championship team in a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of their World Series victory.
During the event, Rodriguez sat alongside key figures from the 2009 team, including Derek Jeter, A.J. Burnett, Mariano Rivera, and Joe Girardi. The group shared reflections on their championship season and discussed the current Yankees players like Aaron Judge.
Jeter lightened the mood with a few jokes, while all attendees donned Yankees home jerseys. For Rodriguez, this was a special moment as it marked his first time back in a Yankees uniform since his final game in August 2016.
Alex Rodriguez (MLB)
Rodriguez reflected on his return to the Yankees’ fold and expressed pride in his achievements with the team, including the 2009 championship. He conveyed a sense of fulfillment and excitement about reconnecting with the Yankees and being part of the celebrated 2009 team again. Rodriguez noted that wearing the uniform was a unique and joyful experience for him.
The possibility of Rodriguez being honored with a plaque at Monument Park was mentioned. Although he expressed a strong desire to be recognized in such a manner, he acknowledged that the decision was beyond his control. Rodriguez’s Yankees career included significant achievements, such as two MVP awards and 351 home runs, which support his potential inclusion in Monument Park.
Despite Rodriguez’s impressive on-field accomplishments, his tenure with the Yankees was marred by off-field controversies, including admissions of steroid use and a suspension related to the Biogenesis scandal.
The Yankees also notably reassigned his jersey number, No. 13, to another player not long after his retirement. Nonetheless, Rodriguez was warmly received during the Old Timers’ Day event, and his contributions to the 2009 World Series win were celebrated by his former teammates and fans.
Steve Nash’s appointment as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2020 came as a surprise to many, given his background as a retired player and the high expectations for the team. The Nets, featuring stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, were viewed as strong contenders for the NBA championship.
However, despite the talent on paper, the team struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs during Nash’s tenure, leading to questions about his future in coaching.
In a recent interview with Cesare Milanti of Eurohoops, Nash made it clear that he does not foresee returning to a coaching role in the near future. He described his coaching experience as positive but not something he wanted to pursue as a long-term career. Instead, Nash is focusing on spending time with his family and coaching his children, while remaining engaged in various projects, partnerships, and other professional endeavors.
Steve Nash (NBA)
Nash reflected on his time with the Nets, noting that the role involved more than just managing a talented roster. The complexities of dealing with different personalities, including players, front offices, and agents, were significant challenges. Nash acknowledged that while he was comfortable with leadership and leading by example, coaching required a different approach, including managing smaller moments and building a supportive team culture.
During Nash’s first season, the Nets had a strong showing, winning 48 games and earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in a dramatic Game 7. The following season was less successful, with the team finishing 44-38 and being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Nash’s tenure came to an end after just seven games of his third season as head coach.
Nash’s brief coaching stint did not lead to other teams actively seeking his services. The Nets’ decision to hire Nash was influenced by player preferences rather than a broader search for a coach. Though Nash might return to the game in a consultant role or another capacity, he has made it clear that he does not plan to return to a head coaching position, preferring to move on from that chapter of his career.
Nelly Korda plays her tee shot the 3rd during the second round
Nelly Korda seems to be back at her best at the home of golf.
The top-ranked American handled the windy conditions at St. Andrews with skill, shooting a bogey-free 4-under 68 in the second round on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the Women’s British Open.
Korda won the first women’s major of 2024, the Chevron Championship in April, and is on track to win the last one as well. She has also won five more titles this year, confirming her status as the top player in women’s golf, even though her best form has been missing in recent months.
Her competitors face the added challenge that Korda is also excelling in links golf.
“This year in general, I’ve won on just so many different types of grasses, in different types of conditions, that you just kind of always have to adapt,” Korda said, noting she was 8-under par for the tournament. “That’s the same thing in tennis, same thing in life.
“You’re always adapting to your situations at hand, and I think that’s what’s so fun about links golf — you’re literally starting it 30 yards left of your target, and I’m not a fade player but I’m hitting massive fades. I think it’s fun hitting these little low drivers, too. I’m having fun, and I enjoy links golf a lot.”
Charley Hull in action
Korda played her first two rounds with defending champion Lilia Vu and England’s Charley Hull, a crowd favorite in her home major, and the star group performed well.
Hull, the leader after the first round with a 67, shot even par in the second round and was tied for second place at 5 under with Vu, who shot 70.
They were outperformed by Korda on a day when the wind was less severe than the first day, but Hull was optimistic for the weekend.
“Being only three shots behind isn’t a big deal going into the weekend, especially on this golf course,” said No. 10-ranked Charley Hull, who is aiming for her first major win. “I missed a lot of putts. I think Nelly had 30 putts and I had 36, so I’ve given up six putts to her on the greens.”
Ruoning Yin, the winner of last year’s Women’s PGA Championship from China, shot a 72 and was in fourth place alone at 4 under.
Olympic champion Lydia Ko shot a 70 and was among six players at 3 under, five strokes behind the leader. Swedish amateur Louise Rydqvist, who shot a 67, was also in that group.
Nelly Korda in action on day of the 2024 Women’s British Open golf championship
Several players missed the cut, including No. 3-ranked Jin Young Ko (10 over), No. 5-ranked Hannah Green (7 over), two-time major winner and No. 13-ranked Minjee Lee (9 over), and No. 14-ranked Lauren Coughlin (6 over), who had won two of her previous three starts, including the Scottish Open last week.
After two windy days at the Old Course, only 20 players were under par after 36 holes. The weather is expected to be calmer for the weekend.
Korda began one stroke behind Hull, who bogeyed two of her first five holes after starting at No. 10 and fell further behind as Korda made long putts to birdie Nos. 17 and 18 for the second day in a row.
Using a new putter, Korda made another birdie at the par-5 fifth hole and then two-putted from the fringe for a birdie at No. 9 after nearly driving the green. Vu and Hull also birdied the last hole to stay three shots back and remain in contention.
Patrick Mahomes kneels before the start of the game
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave $5 million to Texas Tech, his former school, on Thursday to help with a $242 million renovation of the south end zone of Jones AT&T Stadium and the Dustin R. Womble Football Center.
The Lubbock, Texas school announced that the walkthrough area of the football center, the quarterback meeting room, and the offensive coordinator’s office will be named after Mahomes, who played for the Red Raiders from 2014-16. He declared for the NFL draft a year early, and the Chiefs picked him in the first round in 2017.
Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP, has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles, including the last two. He is also a three-time Super Bowl MVP, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and was selected for his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl last season.
“There isn’t a greater ambassador for Texas Tech athletics than Patrick Mahomes,” Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire said. “He is arguably the best brand in sports, not only for his success on the field but for what he and his family do off it.”
Patrick Mahomes (NFL)
Mahomes retweeted the announcement of his donation on Thursday before missing the Chiefs’ preseason finale against the Bears that evening. The Chiefs will start their regular season on Sept. 5 against the Ravens in a rematch of the AFC title game.
Mahomes’ influence at the school is already noticeable inside Jones AT&T Stadium.
In July, Texas Tech signed a 10-year deal with Adidas to become its official apparel provider, and as part of the agreement, the company has released Texas Tech and Mahomes co-branded apparel featuring his “gladiator” logo.
Mahomes often attends Texas Tech games. In the past three seasons, he has returned during the Chiefs’ bye week, including in 2022 when he was inducted into the school’s Ring of honor and Hall of Fame.
He also supports baseball and basketball events, including the Big 12 Tournament, which is held near Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Kyle Williams runs a route during an NCAA college football game
Jake Dickert had a moment of clarity last December as he looked back on a season that was unique in the history of Washington State football.
With uncertainty about the future of the Cougars, Dickert realized he needed to stop trying to handle everything — the rumors, realignment, loss of history, and all the drama from the Pac-12’s collapse that left Washington State in a tough spot.
“I think early on I tried to battle everything. And it wasn’t a distraction but you allowed the noise in, right? Instead of just staying internal and what we can do and how we’re going to invest in the future of Washington State,” Dickert said.
“So I learned a lot about that. I tried to take everybody on and the best thing I can do is provide the best experience for our players, our football program that will continue to let Washington State shine.”
John Mateer throws a pass in the second half of the game
The Cougars, along with Oregon State, will spend the season trying to prove their worth in the changing college football world, and in doing so, secure their future beyond the next two football seasons.
The easiest way to draw attention and improve the program’s standing is to win.
“This next year, we’re going to have a spotlight on us. Everyone wants to know what’s going to happen to the Cougs,” Dickert said. “A year from now, that story goes away.
So we have an opportunity to represent ourselves, our football team and why 95% of this team stayed here, it’s because of this opportunity and what we can go out there and do together.”
Gus Malzhan speaks in the Big 12 NCAA college football media days
Central Florida knew that moving to the Big 12 would be challenging.
The Knights won six games in their first season in the conference, played in a bowl game for the eighth year in a row, and were more competitive than their 3-6 record in conference games might suggest.
Although this might seem decent, it wasn’t good enough for coach Gus Malzahn and his players.
UCF’s first losing season (6-7) since 2016 ended with a defeat against Georgia Tech in the Gasparilla Bowl.
The season included highlights like a significant win over Oklahoma State when the Cowboys were ranked in the Top 25, but it was also marred by narrow losses to Baylor, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech, totaling just four points.
KJ Jefferson drops back to pass during an NCAA college football game
“Our team I really feel like has a chip on their shoulder,” Malzahn said. “If that didn’t leave a sour taste in our mouth we’ve got something wrong with us.”
Malzahn, who had a successful eight-season run as head coach and won a national championship as a coordinator at Auburn, believes UCF has what it takes to improve in the Big 12.
“It starts with the head coach and getting back to me and the team taking on my personality,” Malzahn said.
“I said before, we want a disciplined team. We weren’t really a hard-nosed, physical edge team like I’ve had in the past. Really, we’re developing that. It’s a process. It can’t be one or two, it’s got to be who we are as a group.”
Amari Niblack and Malaki Starks looks to catch the ball
Faced with the possibility of severely damaging a conference it helped establish more than 100 years ago, Oregon chose to leave the Pac-12 and join the Big Ten, even though this decision meant receiving only half of the annual revenue payout given to long-time members for several years.
The Ducks really had no other option.
In today’s college football, there are three groups: those in the Big Ten or the Southeastern Conference; those trying to join the Big Ten or SEC; and those worried about being left behind by these two conferences.
Leshon Williams runs with the ball
The era of the Power Five conferences is over. Now, it’s a Super Two.
It’s unclear if this is beneficial for major college athletics as a whole. But for now, during a time when college sports are more unstable than ever, the Big Ten and SEC are stable and wealthy.
“An incredibly strong conference, amazing TV deals, incredible partner, certainly exciting times to be part of the Big Ten,” Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens recently said on the Navigating Sports Business podcast. “So lots of excitement from our student-athletes, our coaches. Our fans are thrilled.”
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game
The Auburn Tigers are hoping for a better season from quarterback Payton Thorne, who now has more talented playmakers around him.
Thorne’s average passing stats, lack of reliable targets, and occasional poor pass protection contributed to the Tigers’ third straight losing record last season. After transferring from Michigan State, Thorne now has a full year of experience.
He also has a group of receivers that should help improve a passing offense that was among the least effective in the country last season. The Tigers will start their season on Aug. 31 against Alabama A&M.
The support from teammates is crucial for any quarterback. Thorne appreciates the new group of players Auburn has put around him for this season.
“People say it’s the ultimate team game, and it really is,” he said. “It’s tough. You’ve seen great quarterbacks in the NFL; if things start to fall apart around them, they’re still good. But they’re not the same as when they have all their pieces.
“It’s definitely a tough situation sometimes, and you just have to deal with what you’ve got at times.”
Payton Thorne
However, Thorne’s own performance needs to improve. Last season, he threw for 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns with 10 interceptions and struggled in the bowl game.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said that Thorne is in the leading position for the starting job after spring practice but did not confirm he has the job over Hank Brown and Holden Geriner. Brown seems to be Thorne’s backup going into the season.
Freeze brought in a strong group of receivers to replace a unit that didn’t have a single wideout reach 350 yards last season. Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, the only main target returning, led the team with 38 catches for 394 yards.
Auburn added three transfers and four freshman receivers. Transfers KeAndre Lambert-Smith (from Penn State) and Robert Lewis (from Georgia State), along with five-star freshman Cam Coleman, are expected to be key players right away.
“I feel really good with where we’re at right now,” Thorne said. “We still have young guys. We still have four freshmen who are going to potentially play for us. That’s not exactly common.
Auburn Quarterback Payton Thorne during the TransPerfect Music City Bowl game
And two, at the end of the day they’re still young. You can’t go out there and expect them to be these veteran receivers who know everything.
“There’s still going to be some times where you’re like, what the heck? But you remind yourself this kid was playing high school ball last year.” Coleman, he mentioned, has had few such issues.
With all these new targets, the Tigers are hoping Thorne can come closer to his performance at Michigan State. He passed for 6,494 yards in 29 games and had a 16-10 record as a starter for the Spartans.
He’s no longer learning Freeze’s offense from scratch.
“We’re totally different than last year,” Freeze said. “From the spring until now, his understanding of what the expectations are from him has grown leaps and bounds. He does some things out there right now that I’m really, really proud of.”
Miami (Ohio) coach Chuck Martin is accusing Alabama of “illegally” recruiting his former All-America placekicker Graham Nicholson, a claim that Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer denies.
Martin made the accusation after being asked in a video for the school website about “losing” his star kicker through the transfer portal. Nicholson, who won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top placekicker last season, is set to replace Will Reichard at preseason No. 5 Alabama, which starts the season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky.
“We didn’t lose him,” Martin said. “He’s at Alabama. We know exactly where he’s at. You media people, it’s all pretend. Like, no, Alabama stole our kicker. They illegally recruited our kicker and stole him from us.
“That’s a fact. But we act like it’s not … We live in this la-la type world, like hey let’s not talk (reality).
Graham Nicholson in the second half of the game
I don’t know why, everyone knows what’s going on. Alabama stole our kicker. A couple of other schools tried to steal him.”
DeBoer said after practice Thursday that Alabama followed the correct procedures.
“I mean, he entered the portal and we reached out to him,” the Tide coach said. “That’s how that goes, right? So we did everything the way you’re supposed to.”
In a separate matter, Iowa suspended head coach Kirk Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr on Thursday for the No. 25 Hawkeyes’ opener against Illinois State on Aug. 31 due to a violation during the recruitment of a player.
Ferentz and the school did not specify which player was involved. According to The Athletic, citing an unnamed source, it was starting quarterback Cade McNamara, who transferred from Michigan before the 2023 season.
Kyle Busch is introduced before a NASCAR Cup Series
Kyle Busch is hiding his frustration. He’s concealing his disappointment and moving through the NASCAR garage, trying not to show how tough this season has been for the two-time Cup Series champion.
“I’m a great actor, apparently,” he joked.
Busch hasn’t won in 45 races, with his last victory being at Gateway Park near St. Louis on June 4, 2023. This losing streak puts him in a difficult position as he heads into Saturday night’s race at Daytona International Speedway.
Busch needs to win one of the two remaining regular-season races—Daytona and Darlington—to make the playoffs for the 12th consecutive year. He last missed the postseason in 2012.
“We could legit win Daytona,” Busch confidently said on Thursday during a Zoom call. He pointed to a 12th-place finish at Daytona in February, good performances at similar tracks in Atlanta and Talladega, and even a fourth-place finish last week at Michigan.
Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. drive during a NASCAR Cup
He might be trying to stay positive despite his record of just one win in 38 starts at the track where NASCAR began. Either way, Busch didn’t hide his frustration with how his season has gone.
“It’s tough because, when you have done as well as you’ve done and the success and the accolades and everything that you’ve had and you get run over, beat down, all that sort of stuff, it’s hard to get yourself back up again and to go back out there,” Busch said.
“But I’ve been down before, although probably never as long or as low as this has been.”
The 39-year-old Busch said the results haven’t matched his team’s efforts. He is spending more time in the simulator and has even swapped some crew members between the two Richard Childress Racing cars, but he’s not seeing much improvement.
Denny Hamlin signs the autographs for before the introductions of a NASCAR Cup
NASCAR took away 75 points and 10 playoff points from Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin on Thursday, which removed his chance of winning the regular-season title and made it harder for him to win the championship.
This large penalty was given because Hamlin’s engine, which won the race at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, was rebuilt by Toyota before NASCAR had a chance to inspect it. NASCAR also fined Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gabehart, $100,000.
Toyota Racing Development reported the “serious mistake,” as described by TRD president David Wilson, and NASCAR applied the same penalty that would be given to any team that alters its engine before it is inspected.
Hamlin, who was third in the Cup standings and 28 points behind leader Tyler Reddick, has fallen to sixth place and out of the running for the regular-season title with only two races left.
Denny Hamlin in introduced before the NASCAR Cup series
His playoff points decreased from 21 to 11, which means he has less room for mistakes in the first three races of the playoffs.
Wilson said that Toyota is fully responsible and added that Hamlin’s team, Joe Gibbs Racing, was not involved in the engine disassembly.
“TRD is solely responsible for the handling and disposition of all our engines pre- and post-race,” Wilson said in a statement.
“Despite procedures being in place, Denny’s race-winning engine from Bristol was mistakenly returned to our Costa Mesa facility (in California), disassembled and rebuilt instead of being torn down and inspected by NASCAR as required by the rulebook.”
