Latest from Joe Eigo
Paradise lost: Coyotes, fans share emotional embrace in Arizona swan song
TEMPE — In an emotionally charged atmosphere at a sold-out Mullett Arena, the Arizona Coyotes played what was likely their final game in the Valley after 28 years.
Pressure? What pressure? Beyond rankings, top Chicago Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong focused on MLB glory
PHOENIX — Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, 22, is a future star in MLB. He was drafted by the New York Mets out of Harvard-Westlake School — baseball royalty in the 2010s. One of MiLB’s top prospects, Crow-Armstrong wants to win the World Series.
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.
Full court success: Flooring for Men’s Final Four successfully installed
GLENDALE – One of the last big pieces associated with hosting the Men’s Final Four in Glendale is complete. It is made from first-grade northern hard maple and is 70 feet by 140 feet.
Final chapter: Teams set, storylines aplenty at NCAA Men’s Final Four
PHOENIX – Final Four week has arrived in the Valley, as UConn, Purdue, NC State, and Alabama fans descend upon Phoenix to watch their teams on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Oscar Valdez captures WBO interim junior lightweight world title for all his ‘beautiful Mexican fans’
GLENDALE – Born in Nogales, Mexico, and raised in Tucson, no one understands Mexican boxing culture like Oscar Valdez. Defeating Liam Wilson in Glendale Friday was just a singular moment in his inspiring career.
‘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.
Photo essay: ‘Saddened and shocked’ Ohtani, Dodgers try to move forward after translator betting scandal
GLENDALE – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani and his teammates enjoyed a promising spring training, but a gambling scandal involving the player’s translator changed the tone of the exhibition season.
Coming home: Chicago native Nicky Lopez brings leadership, culture change to White Sox
GLENDALE - After learning he was being traded to the White Sox the day before his wedding, Nicky Lopez is excited to return home and help change the culture in Chicago.
‘I drove a rocketship today’: Christopher Bell surges to victory at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – Christopher Bell surged into the lead and then victory when Martin Truex Jr. was forced to pit in an emotional NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Phoenix Raceway for Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing.
‘It’s 0-0’: ASU women’s basketball hopes to disrupt Pac-12 tournament despite 11th seed
TEMPE – ASU women’s basketball coach Natasha Adair enters her second Pac-12 tournament with experience and a young team growing together.
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.
Spring ahead: Six Cactus League teams feature new managers in dugout, all with same goal
GLENDALE – There are six managers with new teams participating in the Cactus League for spring training. Even though they all bring heaps of experience, they have taken different journeys to get here.
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.
Connected, dangerous and complete: Arizona Diamondbacks aim to cement place among MLB’s elite teams
SCOTTSDALE — As the Arizona Diamondbacks enter 2024 Spring Training, they carry the momentum of their surprising 2023 World Series journey, armed with a bolstered roster and a renewed sense of determination.
‘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.
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.
Photo essay: Early play at WM Phoenix Open defined by wild weather, record score
SCOTTSDALE – After a three-and-a half- hour rain delay on Thursday, the WM Phoenix Open finished it’s first round Friday with a record-tying score heading into the second round. Here’s a look at the early days of the tournament in pictures.
O Canada! Nick Taylor impresses fans to north by shooting 60 at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – After a weather delay cut short an excellent start, Nick Taylor finished off his first round by shooting an 11-under bogey-free 60 for a five-shot lead, a PGA Tour record. The effort pleased the many Canadians that were in attendance to see it.
‘Embrace the craziness’: Despite rain delay, players endure at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open is known for its raucous environment and even though Thursday’s rain delay chased away fans, the true environment showcased itself through the chaos.
Thrill ride: Radford Racing School drives enthusiasm to new heights at Barrett-Jackson auction
SCOTTSDALE – At the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Radford Racing School seized the opportunity to engage with car enthusiasts, offering them the chance to not only admire fast cars but also experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel themselves.
NASCAR’s Next Gen era raises questions of credibility, transparency and the future following Phoenix Raceway fallout
PHOENIX – After NASCAR penalized six different teams after the Phoenix race, the appeals sent shockwaves through the sport, leaving some to call out NASCAR’s inconsistencies in punishment and wonder how the sport will evolve.
Milwaukee Brewers, off to 2-1 start, excited about pitching staff
PHOENIX – 2021 Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes earned the Opening Day starter spot for the Brew Crew as Milwaukee banks on pitching strength for the 2023 season.
No time to lose: How MLB teams plan to beat the new pitch clock
PHOENIX – The introduction of the pitch clock has changed the game of baseball forever. From a strategic standpoint, clubs around the league shared a wide array of opinions regarding the significance of the difference.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation enters 2023 strong as ever amid absences
GLENDALE – Featuring young stars and veteran leadership, the Dodgers’ starting five boasts a wide array of stories. Regardless, the rotation enters 2023 stronger than ever, ready to compete in a strong NL West.
Edmonton’s ‘Cheat Code’ Connor McDavid showcases skills against Coyotes at Mullett Arena
TEMPE – Oilers centerman Connor McDavid is considered by many to be the best hockey player on the planet. On Monday, he made his debut at Mullett Arena facing the Arizona Coyotes in a unique atmosphere.
ASU men’s swimming & diving seeks NCAA title with star-studded squad
TEMPE – Bob Bowman took over the scraps of what was left of ASU’s swim program in 2015. Since then, he’s converted the program into a powerhouse, building the strongest swim team in the country. Now, they’re poised to capture the national championship.
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.
Trayce Thompson writing his own tale in Los Angeles Dodgers outfield
GLENDALE – Trayce Thompson never really got his footing in the big leagues prior to last season. After a good stint with LA last season, the brother of Klay Thompson looks to be the man for Dave Roberts in center field.
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.
Gavin Lux’s injury ignites more questions about Dodgers’ stranglehold on NL West
GLENDALE – Gavin Lux, like many young baseball players, dreamed of playing shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With that goal within his grasp, it was taken from him in an instant Monday when he tore his ACL and learned he was out for the season. The Dodgers now have a huge role to fill.
Abraham Toro enters Brewers camp with clean slate following wild ride to big leagues
PHOENIX – After a wild ride from Houston to Seattle and Milwaukee, Abraham Toro hopes to earn a role on the Brewers roster in spring training after a career defined by wild moments and difficulty finding playing time.
Head over wheels: Inside NASCAR’s solution to concussion issues with enhanced Next Gen car
AVONDALE – After three NASCAR drivers suffered concussions this past season, including Arizona’s own Alex Bowman, concerns about the safety of the Gen-7 car were put into question and sparked immediate action from NASCAR.
A-Rod in a Cardinals jersey? Pujols with a pitching wedge? Celebrities compete in WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – With two popular sporting events in the Valley this week, celebrities have descended on Arizona. Several, including Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Michael Phelps, headlined the WM Phoenix Open celebrity Pro-AM.
Camp Freedom collaboration car sells for $350,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE – Camp Freedom collaborated with Count’s Kustoms and Shelby America on a custom 2021 Shelby Super Snake. The funds from the auction at Barrett-Jackson will fund Camp Freedom’s work providing outdoor experiences to veterans & first responders in need.
Superb Bowl Sundays: Arizona has knack for delivering the goods in big game
PHOENIX – Those who have taken part in three previous Super Bowls played in Arizona remember their historical importance, the big plays and the wild finishes. Will Super Bowl LVI at State Farm Stadium in Glendale deliver again?
Jimmie Johnson test drives NASCAR’s Next Gen car in Phoenix Raceway return
AVONDALE – It was a big week in the world of NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway. Not only was NASCAR testing new modifications to the Next Gen 7 car, seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson got behind the wheel of the new race car for the first time before his return to the sport.
Jim Harbaugh’s future with Michigan uncertain after Fiesta Bowl loss
GLENDALE - Michigan has now lost in back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals after its stunning Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU Saturday, sparking new questions about the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines program.
Two good! Joey Logano secures second NASCAR Cup Series title in Phoenix
AVONDALE – Joey Logano won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in dominant fashion Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, where he joined an elite group and took his son for victory doughnuts on the track.
All gas, no breaks: NASCAR Cup Series Championship revs up for Phoenix finale
PHOENIX – Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain will battle it out for the title Sunday at Phoenix Raceway following a dramatic Round of 8.
Best of the best: Arizona Sports Hall of Fame inducts six Valley legends
PHOENIX – Several Valley legends were inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Tuesday, with Larry Fitzgerald and the late Pedro Gomez highlighting the class.
Local celebrities, athletes put pedal to the medal at NASCAR Racing Experience
AVONDALE – Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR invited local athletes and celebrities to do the NASCAR Racing Experience, driving real race cars and even riding with three-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Jarrett.
ASU soccer’s Nicole Douglas is one for the record books
TEMPE — Nicole Douglas figures to remain atop ASU soccer’s all-time scoring list for a long time to come, but there are other aspects of her game that coach Graham Winkworth believes are too often overlooked.
Jackpot Joey: Logano secures spot at NASCAR Championship 4 in Phoenix with Las Vegas win
LAS VEGAS – Joey Logano will look to win his second NASCAR Cup Series title in Phoenix in three weeks after he secured his ticket Sunday to the Championship 4 in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
‘Greatest show on surf’: Léon Marchand poised to be ASU’s next superstar
TEMPE – Léon Marchand did something this summer only Michael Phelps has ever done better. Arizona State’s next prodigy has his and his teams sights set for the top this season.
‘Be patient with us’: Arizona State players seek stronger fan backing against Utah
TEMPE – Multiple Arizona State players expressed concern over the lack of fan support Saturday during a loss to Eastern Michigan. They hope for a more positive environment against No. 13 Utah.
Serena Williams’ retirement ripples through the Arizona tennis community
PHOENIX – Serena Williams’ retirement: Arizona tennis community discusses the impact of legend’s legacy
