Sam Huff’s eye-popping power could lead to spot on Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster

SURPRISE – Arizona native Sam Huff is a catcher in the Rangers organization who has dealt with a slew of injuries over the past two years. The towering slugger looks to “power” his way onto the club’s Opening Day roster.

Texas Rangers catcher Sam Huff is batting .364 with one homer and 3 RBI in eight spring training games. (Photo by John Cascella/Cronkite News)

‘Where’s the River?’ event calls attention to Arizona’s depleted waterways

PHOENIX — “Where’s The River?” an environmental event hosted by the Sustainable Water Network, aims to spread awareness about Arizona’s depleting rivers and what people can do to help conservation efforts

The Salt River is popular for water recreation, including this spot near Granite Reef, pictured on Feb. 24, 2023. (Photo by Izabella Hernandez/Cronkite News)

William Byron snatches victory amid late-race chaos at Phoenix Raceway

AVONDALE – William Byron’s teammate Kyle Larson led 201 laps of Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. However, a late race caution opened the door just wide enough for Byron to squeeze his way to victory.

William Byron is on a roll after earning his second consecutive win Sunday at NASCAR’s United Rentals 500 Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Returners Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado longed to defend Team USA’s 2017 World Baseball Classic gold

PHOENIX – Team USA hoisted the World Baseball Classic trophy at Dodger Stadium in 2017. Veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinal are the only returners to Team USA in 2023.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is one of two players on Team USA to play in two World Baseball Classic tournaments. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Mercy! Team Canada dominates Great Britain, announces presence at World Baseball Classic

PHOENIX – In the first game of two on Sunday in group C, Canada took on Great Britain and mercied them 18-8 in a matchup that only lasted seven innings but almost four hours. It was a breath of fresh air for the Canadians, who didn’t make it past the group stages in 2017 but are looking to make a serious run in 2023.

Chicago Cubs prospect Owen Caissie is soaking up his first World Baseball Classic as a member of Team Canada. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

‘Honored and humbled’ Mark DeRosa goes from microphone to manager at helm of Team USA in World Baseball Classic

PHOENIX – Mark DeRosa has been one of the faces of MLB Network since his retirement from the Toronto Blue Jays a decade ago. Since then, he has found a home behind the roundtable almost every night. Now, DeRosa takes his talents to the dugout, becoming manager of the United States baseball team in his managerial debut.

After playing in the majors for more than a decade, Mark DeRosa brings his knowledge from the booth to the dugout as a first-time manager for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Let’s dance: Arizona well represented in NCAA tournament with ASU, UArizona and GCU receiving invitations

TUCSON – Although there were a few nervous moments for Arizona State, ASU, UArizona and GCU received invitations to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, which meant three out of the state's four Division I schools will participate in March Madness.


Pac to Pac: Courtney Ramey, Azuolas Tubelis lead Arizona men to second straight tournament title

LAS VEGAS – A back-and-forth battle between UCLA and Arizona ended with a victory for the Wildcats in the Pac–12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, thanks to the prolific offense of Azuolas Tubelis and a late 3-pointer from Courtney Ramey.


Wildcats double down with effort in Vegas, advance to Pac-12 tournament title game

LAS VEGAS – The Arizona Wildcats hope what happens in Vegas doesn't stay there. Their impressive effort against Arizona State, especially late in the game, send the Wildcats into the championship game of the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament against UCLA Saturday night.


Jimaya Neal surfaces as bright spot for ASU as it awaits NCAA Tournament news

LAS VEGAS – In Arizona State’s semifinal game of the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament, the Sun Devils lost to Arizona, 78-59. ASU now set its sights on Selection Sunday and remain pleased with the play of Jamiya Neal.


3 years later, ASU reflects on how COVID-19 stalled a burgeoning athletic program

TEMPE – The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on many athletic programs, but it was particularly tough on Arizona State, which was on a roll when the coronavirus halted sports.

Arizona State’s athletic teams were on a roll when the pandemic struck three years ago. In some ways, ASU is still recovering. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

With NCAA tournament implications on line, ASU men’s basketball makes strong case in USC win

LAS VEGAS – In Arizona State’s second-round game of the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Sun Devils defeated USC 77-72 to set up an in-state matchup against the Arizona Wildcats.

ASU guard Jamiya Neal, dribbling swiftly across the baseline against USC, came off the bench and finished the game with nine points, three rebounds and three assists. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)