Search result for Blake Hemmel

Life behind the bases as partners of MLB players reveal highs, lows

PHOENIX – As the Arizona Diamondbacks fight for their first World Series in two decades, some of their spouses reveal the ups and downs of dating a professional baseball player.

Andrew Saalfrank posing for photo with girlfriend Madisyn Stauffer.

Heated race likely to succeed Lesko, who will leave ‘broken’ Washington

WASHINGTON - Declaring Washington "broken," four-term Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, surprised observers by saying she will not seek re-election, opening the door to what could be a crowded, and costly, GOP primary to replace her in a solidly Republican district.


Likely Lake entry into Arizona Senate race sets up ‘Super Bowl’ of elections

WASHINGTON - Kari Lake's expected entrance Tuesday into the already-crowded field seeking to unseat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., sets the stage for what one analyst said has the potential to be "the greatest race in United States Senate history."


Douglas dynamo: Cochise’s JUCO basketball thrives under guidance of Jerry Carrillo

DOUGLAS – Located miles from the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona, Cochise College men’s basketball has become a powerhouse under recently-inducted Jerry Carrillo, who has 629 wins with the school since he was hired in 1995.

Cochise men's basketball coach Jerry Carrillo started building his program into a powerhouse by recruiting students from New Mexico. Now international players seek out Cochise as a destination school for junior colleges. (Photo courtesy of Cochise College Athletics)

Tribal artists, leaders want update to law to protect Native arts, crafts

WASHINGTON - Native American artists say they continue to struggle with the theft of their work, and tribal leaders are urging Congress to strengthen the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a 1990 law to prohibit any advertisement and all sales of counterfeit Indian arts and crafts.


Balancing highs and lows: ASU baseball hopes to find rhythm in Pac-12 tournament

TEMPE – Arizona State baseball is focused on Pac-12 tournament play this week at Scottsdale Stadium. The Sun Devils will face Arizona and Oregon State in pool play on Tuesday and Thursday.


Thrilling comeback leads ASU baseball to 13-10 win, series sweep over Grand Canyon

PHOENIX – Contributions from Nick McLain, Jacob Tobias, Luke Hill and Luke Keaschall flipped a seven-run deficit into a three-run victory for Arizona State baseball over Grand Canyon Tuesday night.


NASCAR levies severe penalties to Hendrick Motorsports, Justin Haley and Denny Hamlin for Phoenix incidents

AVONDALE – For Hendrick Motorsports and Justin Haley, NASCAR issued a historic punishment for illegal modifications made before Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. Denny Hamlin also received penalties for intentionally trying to wreck Ross Chastain during the race.

Kyle Larson is one of four drivers who will receive a 100-point deduction as part of NASCAR's historic ruling on Wednesday. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Giants twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers make historic pairing in bullpen

SCOTTSDALE – With Taylor Rogers signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, fans will be doing double takes all season long. Identical twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers are looking to provide solid innings out of the Giants bullpen while making MLB history.

Taylor Rogers hopes to regain his 2021 form in his first season with the San Francisco Giants. (Photo by Kaitlyn Parohinog/Cronkite News)

New technology is helping Phoenix divert waste from landfills and turning it into clean compost

PHOENIX — Arizona is going greener with new technology that creates clean compost. The compost facility located in Phoenix is the first in Arizona to receive the "depackager."

Trash enters the sorting machine at the 27th Avenue Compost Facility in Phoenix Feb. 2, 2023. (Photo by Lydia Curry/Cronkite News)

Hope springs anew: Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers report to spring training

SCOTTSDALE – Pitchers and catchers for the Arizona Diamondbacks reported to spring training for the 2023 season this week. The players are excited to be back in the clubhouse and eager to improve on last year’s 74-88 mark.

Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply fires a pitch to catcher Carson Kelly on the first day of pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale. (Photo by Brevin Monroe/Cronkite News)

With owners including Larry Fitzgerald, Major League Pickleball launches season in Mesa

MESA – Major League Pickleball kicked off its first event of 2023 in Mesa, Arizona this past weekend. The sport is the fastest growing sport across the U.S. and the tournament was televised on the tennis channel from Jan. 26 - Jan. 29.

Major League Pickleball opened the 2023 season last weekend at Legacy Sports Complex in Mesa, Arizona. Players competed in a high-stakes four-day tournament. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)