Latest from Tyler Bednar
President Donald Trump’s ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’ carves transgender female athlete divide
PHOENIX – President Donald Trump signed an executive order, ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,’ on Feb. 5 with the intention to protect opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports. Groups have varying opinions on the executive order.
San Francisco Giants’ starting rotation combines ‘old school’ pitching with young, unproven starters
PHOENIX — With the addition of three-time Cy Young Winner Justin Verlander, the San Francisco Giants’ starting rotation is built through its “old school” mentality: throwing as many innings as possible.
‘Really depressing’: Athletics fans voice discontent with move from Oakland Coliseum to Las Vegas
MESA – As the Athletics move on from Oakland after playing 57 seasons at the Oakland Coliseum, fans showcased a wide range of emotions during spring training.
Making their voices heard: ‘Showdown in the Desert’ highlights Arizona’s growing show choir presence
ANTHEM – Show choir, popularized by “Glee” in the early-to-mid 2010s, is taking off in Arizona. For the first time, the state will host two show choir competitions.
New season, new tech: MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike System takes center stage in Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues
PHOENIX – Baseball is steeped in tradition and stubborn to change. But attendance and viewership are on the rise in the major leagues after rules changes that were tested in the Arizona Fall League now shift to spring training.
What makes Miracle League of Arizona so special for players with disabilities? Just ask Drew Boedigheimer
PHOENIX – The Miracle League of Arizona, located in North Scottsdale, provides Arizona residents with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. One of the members, Drew Boedigheimer, has a strong connection to Oregon State University’s baseball program.
Kansas City Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone makes waves in Arizona Fall League debut
PHOENIX – Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ 2024 first-round pick, has had a long year of playing baseball. From competing in fall baseball to the University of Florida’s regular season to 29 games in High Single-A, his 2024 baseball journey ends in the Valley.
‘I’m heartbroken’ to ‘Nobody deserves this more’: Athletes deliver mixed reactions to Donald Trump presidential victory
PHOENIX – The 2024 election is over, and Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. Athletes all over the country shared mixed reactions to Trump’s comeback victory.
Adrian Del Castillo in line for designation to key role for Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025
PHOENIX – Catcher Adrian Del Castillo made his MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks in early August. During his first 25 games, he hit four home runs and his bat proved to be MLB ready.
They made their bed … Diamondbacks out of postseason after Mets-Braves split doubleheader
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks missed the postseason after the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves split their doubleheader Monday. Arizona had plenty of opportunities to create their own destiny, but lost five of the last seven games, including blowing an eight-run lead.
Surging Diamondbacks prepare for crucial series against Brewers, hope for healthy lineup
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are the top Wild Card team, with a few weeks left in the regular season. As key series loom, the Diamondbacks hope important bats can return to the lineup for the postseason push.
From Snoop Dogg blowing Olympic-like rings to Simone Biles’ heart, pins remain the talk post-Paris Games
PARIS – While the Olympics have dramatically changed over the years, the art and hobby of pin trading has persisted. The Paris Games featured an eclectic selection of options.
Phrygees: One Paris Olympics mascot sports running blade to promote inclusivity, another symbolizes liberty
PARIS – The Paris Olympics mascots symbolize the French Republic. The Phrygian caps were worn by revolutionaries during the French Revolution, especially at the Storming of the Bastille. These mascots can be seen all over France during the Olympics.
Bobby Winkles enshrined in bronze at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, cementing ASU baseball legacy
PHOENIX – Former Arizona State baseball coach Bobby Winkles is immortalized after a successful 13-year career. He earned three national championships during his career and made a lasting impact on Sun Devil sports.
Inspired: Football mom’s idea brings HBCU programs, local players together at Arizona camp
PHOENIX – Britney Buckles was watching her son Xavier playing football for Williams Field High when an idea came to her. Why not bring coaches from HBCU programs to Arizona for a camp that would connect them with local players they otherwise couldn’t afford to recruit? The result is a May 18 HBCU camp at Higley High School featuring at least four HBCU programs.
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.
Countdown to tip-off: Final Four Week brings hoops fever to Arizona with fan festivities, college basketball’s best
PHOENIX – The NCAA Men’s Final Four is four days away, with many behind the scenes working tirelessly to plan a fun weekend for Arizonans and fans who will travel thousands of miles for the biggest college basketball tournament in the world.
Former ASU swimmer Kyle Sockwell, the self-proclaimed CEO of swimming social media, upends the sport’s coverage
PHOENIX — The 2024 Paris Olympics will be underway in just over four months. Swimming coverage on social media is led by former Arizona State swimmer Kyle Sockwell. He began his career posting on Vine, and is now the self-proclaimed President & CEO of Swimming Twitter.
How Dartmouth College’s men’s basketball unionization case could impact athletes at Arizona State, University of Arizona
PHOENIX – The National Labor Relations Board regional director announced Dartmouth College’s men’s basketball players could vote to unionize. While Dartmouth’s players are protected by the NLRB, ASU and Arizona athletes might be impacted by the ruling.
Baseball’s finishing school: How the Arizona Fall League shapes the destiny of MLB’s best
PHOENIX – Since 1992, the Arizona Fall League has been the epicenter of Major League Baseball’s future superstars. In total, AFL alumni have amassed 355 All-Star Game appearances, 22 MVPs and eight Cy Young Awards.
Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll wins first Rookie of the Year Award in franchise history
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll won the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old led the Diamondbacks to 84 wins, their first postseason appearance since 2017 and the first World Series trip since 2001.
His home runs will go on: Céline Dion’s song highlights Diamondbacks prospect Ivan Melendez’s journey
PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks’ No. 8 prospect Ivan Melendez has suffered numerous setbacks while being the minor league’s most powerful slugger. Melendez gained notoriety when the Texas Longhorns played Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” after big hits.
All signs point to … a missed opportunity by Diamondbacks in Game 3 World Series loss to Rangers
PHOENIX – In position to score the first run in Game 3 of the World Series, Christian Walker made a costly mistakes in the second inning of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 3-1 loss to the Texas Rangers Monday night, and it came at the expense of momentum.
How Arizona native Merrill Kelly’s long, winding path led him to pitching for hometown team in World Series
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are playing in the World Series for the first time since 2001. The trip to the Fall Classic means even more for Scottsdale product Merrill Kelly, who endured numerous bumps before pitching for his hometown team.
Tickets, times and more: How to attend the 2023 World Series
PHOENIX – For the first time since 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks are returning to the World Series. As ticket prices skyrocket, fans look for way to attend World Series
A hard-Pfaadt battle: Diamondbacks rookie delivers in Game 3 victory over Phillies
PHOENIX – After losing the first two games of the National League Championship Series, the Diamondbacks found themselves in a difficult position. Rookie pitcher Brandon Pfaadt changed the narrative of the series by leading his team to a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Arizona Pickleball Players League’s growth empowered by sport’s increase in popularity
PHOENIX – Since its founding in 2019, the Arizona Pickleball Players League has earned increased popularity among the Phoenix and Tucson regions. The league hopes to expand to neighboring states to create regional tournament.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen, young hitters thrive in Game 1 Wild Card victory against the Milwaukee Brewers
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3 in the opening game of the NL Wild Card Series. In Arizona’s first appearance since 2017, manager Torey Lovullo relied on six bullpen arms to shut down the Brewers’ offense.
‘Without refs, it’s only recess’: Former ref says recruiting women could be answer to high school officiating shortage
PHOENIX – Amid abuse from parents, coaches and athletes, many high school officials are leaving the profession. Anne Montgomery, who spent 29 years officiating football and other sports in Arizona, believes that recruiting more women could be the answer to the shortage.
