Latest from John Cascella
WNBA’s inclusion efforts in leadership ranks receive low marks for gender, racial hiring
PHOENIX – A report from The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sport highlighted the lack of representation of women of color in WNBA leadership, making it difficult to create a lasting impact across the league.
After stop at Chase Field, Fernando Tatis Jr. prepares for first game at Petco Park since suspension
PHOENIX – Coming off a 564-day MLB hiatus because of PED suspension and injury, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. made his return at Chase Field and now will play.
With tears and laughter, Mercury center Brittney Griner speaks for first time since Russian detainment
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner met with reporters for the first time since her arrest in Russia on Feb. 17, 2022, on drug-related charges. The press conference attracted local and national media and included Gov. Katie Hobbs and Griner’s wife, Cherelle.
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.
Zac Veen poised to become ‘smiley face’ of the franchise for Colorado Rockies
SCOTTSDALE – Colorado’s Zac Veen is regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, a five-tool player who towers over people at 6 feet-4, draws smiley faces in the dirt and has a knack for stealing bases.
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.
‘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.
Reality checks: MLB veterans hope one-year deals lead to major payoff
GLENDALE – Heading into spring training, many Cactus League veterans are on new teams after signing one-year contracts. There are many different factors that go into a MLB player's decision to sign a short-term deal, and a few players explained their reasoning at spring training.
Baseball’s back! Cactus League expects full crowds, significant economic impact with 2023 spring training
SURPRISE – In 2018, the W.P. Carey School of Business reported that the Cactus League generated $644.2 million in economic impact for Arizona. But between the COVID-19 pandemic and MLB lockout, the economy has taken a hit. With the first normal spring training in four years beginning on Feb. 24, the Cactus League expects full crowds, and a massive turn for the better.
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.
Valley’s latest sportsbook expected to hit TPC Scottsdale next fall
SCOTTSDALE – The DraftKings Sportsbook, located across the street from TPC Scottsdale, is expected to be completed this fall, making it the first on-site sportsbook at a PGA Tour event.
Above the fray: Scottie Scheffler wins back-to-back at raucous WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Scottie Scheffler is unflappable on the golf course, even when that course is the TPC Scottsdale with hundreds of thousands of raucous fans there to party at the WM Phoenix Open.
Backyard Bowl: Devon Allen, an Olympian, an Eagle and Brophy alum, returns home for Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – Devon Allen is a two-time Olympian and a wide receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. As a Brophy College Prep graduate, Allen is looking forward to returning home on one of the biggest stages in the world.
