Aaron Schmidt
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Sports Reporter, Phoenix

Aaron Schmidt expects to graduate in spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a minor in film and media production. In addition to the Phoenix Sports Bureau, Schmidt reports for The Arizona Republic and The State Press. He has also interned with Arizona’s Family and Arizona Sports 98.7.

Latest from Aaron Schmidt

Ryne Nelson’s dominant spring signals resurgent 2024 campaign with Arizona Diamondbacks

PHOENIX – After a grim 2023 campaign, Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson’s excellent spring signals a bounce-back season. Due to the team’s offseason additions, Nelson will likely fill a bullpen role this season.

Overcoming past struggles, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson secures a spot in the rotation but struggled in his first start Monday against the New York Yankees. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

‘This team will be ready’: Arizona Diamondbacks’ expectations high entering 2024

PHOENIX – After a shocking 2023 season that saw an underdog Arizona Diamondbacks team take center stage in the World Series, the team has no intentions of backing down now. They’re gunning for it all.

Corbin Carroll had a monster season on the base paths in 2023, stealing 54 bases. He will be a key offensive weapon for the Diamondbacks. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

Jordan Montgomery addition exemplifies Arizona Diamondbacks’ willingness to compete for another World Series

PHOENIX – After Eduardo Rodriguez went down with a lat sprain late into spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks filled the hole by signing southpaw Jordan Montgomery to a one-year contract.

The Arizona Diamondbacks surprised the baseball community by signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million deal. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

As spring practice opens, ASU football enters second year of Kenny Dillingham era with higher expectations in 2024

TEMPE – After back-to-back forgettable seasons, ASU football looks to improve in a plethora of ways ahead of 2024 spring practices.

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham sets the tone for spring practice with an emphasis on competition and improvement after a challenging 3-9 season in 2023. Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Colorado’s Cal Quantrill, Dakota Hudson bring leadership, experience to Rockies pitching staff

SCOTTSDALE – After a season of injuries in 2023, the Colorado Rockies bolstered their depleted pitching staff by bringing in right-handers Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson. The Rockies hope the additions will give them a chance to compete in a loaded NL West this season.


Topps Spot: A week-long card-signing event in Scottsdale mansion draws Cactus League players

SCOTTSDALE – Tucked deep into Scottsdale, a rented house offers numerous amenities for MLB players to escape the craziness of spring training, all while they autograph cards for Topps Series packs.

Players take a break from signings to enjoy the luxurious amenities at the Topps Spot, including the "Chrome Throne" and a variety of refreshments. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

‘Looseness to this group’: Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen enters 2024 Spring Training with sense of relief

SCOTTSDALE – After being a major factor in the team’s 2023 postseason run, the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen is prepared to take the next step forward and build off the team’s National League pennant.

Ryan Thompson says he's open to stepping into any bullpen role for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2024 season. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

MLB managers praise Arizona Diamondbacks for improbable success in 2023

GLENDALE — The Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world with their improbable 2023 postseason run that resulted in a World Series appearance. Looking toward 2024, numerous MLB managers have praised the team for the team’s recent success.

San Diego Padres manager and part-time Valley resident Bob Melvin discusses the 2023 run of the Diamondbacks, a team he used to manage. (Photo by Joseph Eigo/Cronktie News)

An underdog story: In tournament lacking big names, some longshots were making theirs at WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE - While Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas and others were players to watch during the WM Phoenix Open, numerous underdogs emerged over the rain-filled weekend as the tournament ran its course.

Charley Hoffman walks defeated after missing his birdie putt during the second playoff hole at the WM Phoenix Open.(Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)

Snell, Bellinger, Kershaw, oh my! Notable MLB players remain unsigned as spring training nears

PHOENIX – With two weeks until pitchers and catchers report, some notable names are still available in the free agent market. What’s causing the standstill in free agency?

Cody Bellinger, a Chandler Hamilton High School product, is among the notable free agents still available with spring training nearing its start. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)

Get on your soap box: Bisbee Coaster Races return with rich history

BISBEE – For the first time since 2019, Bisbee will hold its Fourth of July Coaster Races. Started in 1914, racers spend thousands of dollars to build soap box derby style cars that race down Tombstone Canyon into downtown Bisbee.

Coasters reach between 40-42 mph, and safety for all is always a priority, with required safety inspections, weigh-ins and brake checks. (Photo courtesy of City of Bisbee)

Pat’s Run returns to Tempe for 19th annual race honoring Pat Tillman’s legacy

TEMPE – The 19th annual Pat’s Run, a 4.2-mile race that honors former Arizona State and Cardinals star Pat Tillman took place Saturday, with runners of all ages coming together to raise money for the Pat Tillman foundation.

The 19th annual Pat's Run took place Saturday in Tempe. Approximately 28,000 people participated in the 4.2-mile race in honor of Pat Tillman. (Photo by John Cascella/Cronkite News)

Diamondbacks open Chase Field with early optimism to start 2023 season: ‘Good things are on the way’

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the toughest April schedules in Major League Baseball. Finishing 3-3 after a six-game road trip to open the regular season, the Diamondbacks return to host the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo understands the season is young after a 3-4 start. "But good things are on the way," he said before Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in their home opener at Chase Field. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs’ Ryan Borucki excited for new opportunity with hometown team

New Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Borucki is not necessarily the new kid in town. Raised in Mundelein, Illinois, the former Blue Jays and Mariners pitcher signed with the Cubs during the offseason and is excited for a new opportunity with a hometown team.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Ryan Borucki, who spent most of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, hopes to find health and good fortune after dealing with injuries throughout his career. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Colorado counts on rebuilt bullpen to prove doubters wrong, turn around franchise

SCOTTSDALE – The Colorado Rockies were active in the pitching market this past offseason with the notable signings of Brent Suter, Pierce Johnson, and Brad Hand. These veterans look to help turn the team around after the club has recorded a losing record in 8 of its last 10 seasons.

The Colorado Rockies' Pierce Johnson pitches a baseball.

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)

‘I want to win’: Former Diamondbacks star David Peralta eyes World Series ring with rival Dodgers

PHOENIX – David Peralta is one of the best Diamondbacks players of all time, helping lead the team to a 2017 wild-card appearance as a staple in the lineup from 2014-2022. This past offseason, Peralta signed a one-year deal with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers with one goal in mind.


Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Kyle Lewis looks to swat injury bug and return to form with new club

SCOTTSDALE – Named the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year, Kyle Lewis has caught the injury bug in recent seasons. The power hitter has played in only 54 games since his breakout campaign but hopes to get back on track as an offseason acquisition of the Diamondbacks.

The Arizona Diamondbacks added power with the offseason trade for Kyle Lewis, who hopes to get back on track after injuries derailed him with the Seattle Mariners. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

New Suns acquisition Kevin Durant: ‘I know what a championship would mean to this city’

PHOENIX – The deal was done but fans had yet to hear Kevin Durant speak. That changed Thursday when the newest Phoenix Suns player met the media in front of a cheering crowd.

Durant acknowledges the crowd after he was introduced and said, “I know what a championship would mean to this city.” (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Despite recent struggles, ASU baseball looks to end Men’s College World Series drought

PHOENIX – ASU has one of the more storied programs in all of college baseball, yet the Sun Devils have failed to reach the Men’s College World Series since 2010. Will that trend end this season? The Sun Devils enter Friday’s opener with optimism.

Arizona State baseball coach Willie Bloomquist sounds optimistic about the upcoming season, saying, “I’m sleeping better this time than I was last year at this time.” (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Legend for Charity: Howie Long honored with prestigious Pat Summerall Award at St. Jude event

PHOENIX – More than 500 attendees gathered at the St. Jude Legends for Charity dinner during Super Bowl week, where former NFL great and Fox Sports NFL analyst Howie Long was honored with the Pat Summerall Award for his contributions to cancer research. More than $800,000 was raised for St. Jude families that will impact the lives of kids with cancer like Owen Church, who Long visited during Church’s treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital years ago.

Add Pat Summerall Award recipient to Hall of Famer Howie Long's extensive list of accolades. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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)