Search result for Cronkite News Staff

Team USA renews World Baseball Classic hopes with rout of Team Canada

After Monday’s victory against Team Canada, Team USA stayed alive with a 12-1 victory and sit only one win away from advancing to the next round of the World Baseball Classic.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout drilled a 3-run homer in Team USA's pivotal win over Team Canada. After the game, he said Team USA "a little swagger" entering the matchup. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

‘Honored and humbled’ Mark DeRosa goes from microphone to manager at helm of Team USA in World Baseball Classic

PHOENIX – Mark DeRosa has been one of the faces of MLB Network since his retirement from the Toronto Blue Jays a decade ago. Since then, he has found a home behind the roundtable almost every night. Now, DeRosa takes his talents to the dugout, becoming manager of the United States baseball team in his managerial debut.

After playing in the majors for more than a decade, Mark DeRosa brings his knowledge from the booth to the dugout as a first-time manager for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Let’s dance: Arizona well represented in NCAA tournament with ASU, UArizona and GCU receiving invitations

TUCSON – Although there were a few nervous moments for Arizona State, ASU, UArizona and GCU received invitations to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, which meant three out of the state's four Division I schools will participate in March Madness.


3 years later, ASU reflects on how COVID-19 stalled a burgeoning athletic program

TEMPE – The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on many athletic programs, but it was particularly tough on Arizona State, which was on a roll when the coronavirus halted sports.

Arizona State’s athletic teams were on a roll when the pandemic struck three years ago. In some ways, ASU is still recovering. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

Second-half surge pushes Arizona men past Stanford to stay alive in Pac-12 tournament

LAS VEGAS – Despite a quiet night from Kerr Kriisa, the Wildcats rallied to defeat a resilient Stanford team Thursday in Las Vegas.

The Arizona Wildcats’ Cedric Henderson Jr. breaks through the Stanford defense en route to a layup at the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

‘Full circle’ moment: Composer Ben Shirley returns to LA’s Skid Row

LOS ANGELES – Ben Shirley credits his time at the Midnight Mission on Los Angeles’ Skid Row for his success. Once homeless, he kicked his alcohol addiction.


Student of the game: ASU junior Cris Valle working overtime as Hamilton boys basketball coach

CHANDLER – Former Hamilton basketball star Cris Valle had a dream of playing professional basketball. However, he found a true passion for coaching and giving back what he learned to the next generation of players.

Hamilton boys freshman assistant coach Cris Valle has successfully transitioned from player to coach, while balancing the demands of his school work at Arizona State University. (Photo by Hayden Cilley/Cronkite News)

Arizona Cardinals facilities grade poorly in anonymous NFLPA poll

PHOENIX – Ahead of the NFL new year on March 15, the NFL Player’s Association released team report cards for various aspects of player relations. The Arizona Cardinals ranked 31st in aggregate grade.

Although Arizona Cardinals players gave high marks to the team’s training staff, they gave low marks to the weight room, training room and locker room in a survey conducted by the NFL Players Association. (File photo by Omar Iakub/Cronkite News)

Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone usher in new era of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching

GLENDALE – Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone are two of the best young pitchers in not only the Dodgers farm system, but also in the whole league. Despite opposite journeys to the major leagues, the two now share the same clubhouse.

Caption: Bobby Miller, the Dodgers top pitching prospect, blazed through the minor leagues to earn an opportunity to play with his childhood idol, Clayton Kershaw. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

12-year drought: Yavapai College basketball teams finish first seasons since programs cut

PHOENIX – For the first time in over a decade, basketball has returned to Yavapai Community College in Prescott. Although both the men’s and women's teams posted losing records, the programs are hopeful for the future and happy to have basketball back on campus.

Keyla Cervantes, a freshman on the Yavapai Community College women’s basketball team, runs onto the court before a recent game. (Photo courtesy of Chris Henstra/Yavapai Athletics)

‘Are the KD jerseys here yet?’ Valley businesses excited about possible economic boost from Kevin Durant

PHOENIX – Local bars, restaurants, and sports memorabilia shops have felt the residual effects of Kevin Durant’s arrival in the Valley. Ahead of his Suns debut, downtown is prepared for an increase in foot traffic and sales.

The Kevin Durant era is underway in Phoenix after the Suns pulled off a blockbuster trade last month to land the 13-time All-Star. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Luke Voit, Tyler Naquin travel similar roads to arrive in Brewers camp

PHOENIX – Luke Voit and Tyler Naquin have followed similar paths in their baseball careers, and it led them both to the Milwaukee Brewers. The major league veterans signed minor league contracts on Feb. 21 and were invited to spring training as non-roster additions. They have about a month to carve out a niche that will earn them a roster spot on Opening Day.

After recently signing with the Brewers, Luke Voit is campaigning for a spot on the Opening Day roster as a non-roster addition. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)