James Lotts
James Lotts(he/him/his)
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

James Lotts expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism. Lotts interned for Times Media Group, where he has been published in a number of different newspapers and magazines in Arizona and Southern California.

Latest from James Lotts

Nod to the past: The ties between baseball and bobbleheads

PHOENIX – Bobbleheads are some of the most popular giveaways around MLB, which makes them a hot commodity for baseball fanatics. Here’s why teams give so many away, why fans collect them and the significance they have for players and their families.


Hometown kid: Carter Jensen’s baseball journey continues at first MLB camp with Kansas City Royals

SURPRISE – Kansas City Royals prospect Carter Jensen grew up cheering for the team and now he finds himself as a member. In his first major league camp, Jensen was able to soak it all in and learn from one of his idols in the process.

Kansas City royals catcher Carter Jensen said, “It was just a surreal feeling knowing I was going to be a part of the team I grew up watching.” (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Kansas City Royals embrace veteran presence in clubhouse, hope to return to winning ways

SURPRISE – The Kansas City Royals have had to rely on a young core in recent years, leading to inconsistent results. With the arrival of proven veterans to the Royals clubhouse, the team is embracing their presence heading into what hopes to be a very competitive season.

Kansas City infielder Nick Pratto looks back during the Royals’ recent game against the A’s. The team overall is looking forward with the addition of veterans that could help the organization return to its winning ways. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto wows Los Angeles Dodgers fans in Cactus League debut

SURPRISE — Yoshinobu Yamamoto finally made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a long offseason of anticipation, the ace’s impressive debut only has fans more excited for the Dodgers’ potential in 2024.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers a stellar performance in Wednesday's spring training debut at Surprise Stadium. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

‘I feel really good’: Brady Singer poised for redemption season with Kansas City Royals in 2024

SURPRISE – After a relatively down year for Brady Singer in which he dealt with injuries, the Kansas City Royals starter enters spring training feeling good and expecting better results.

Despite setbacks, Brady Singer remains focused on refining his craft during spring training to return to top form for the Kansas City Royals in the 2024 MLB season. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Swinging into spring: Previewing every Cactus League team as countdown to 2024 Opening Day begins

PHOENIX - The Cactus League has started and that leaves many fans eager to learn what’s in store for their team in 2024. As teams prepare to play spring training games, learn what’s new and what to expect from all 15 Cactus League teams.

With anticipation in the air and dreams of World Series glory, the Cactus League sets the stage for the 2024 MLB season. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

Baseball is almost back: Surprise gears up for busy spring as World Series champion Texas Rangers arrive

SURPRISE – From a lineup of spring training events to enhanced stadium features like the upgraded scoreboard, Surprise Stadium is poised to provide top-notch experiences for all visitors during the spring training season.

As preparations ramp up, Surprise readies to welcome the Texas Rangers and their devoted fans to spring training at Surprise Stadium. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Title talk: Dodgers fans expect to be back in the World Series in 2024

GLENDALE – After a disappointing postseason in 2023 and a record-breaking offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the the center of conversation around the league. Coming into spring training, Dodgers fans are looking for nothing less than a World Series appearance in 2024.

Amid the buzz of the Los Angeles Dodgers' ambitious offseason, one name stands out: Shohei Ohtani. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Game on: Arizona high school esports embraces changes, challenges entering fifth season

PHOENIX – Arizona's high school esports scene faces the dual task of balancing evolving game preferences while navigating challenges in attracting players to traditional titles.

Students from various high schools across Arizona prepare their gaming setups as they anticipate the start of the fifth season of esports competition. (Photo by Daniella Trujillo/Cronkite News)