Casa Grande boxing family hits Las Vegas strip in fight to put Valley on the map
CASA GRANDE – Abel Ramos and his nephew, Jesus Ramos Jr., are professional fighters out of Casa Grande. The boxers will fight on Showtime’s PPV card in Las Vegas this weekend, headlined by Phoenix native David Benavidez.
How should fans ask for autographs at spring training? MLB players say politeness is a good start
GLENDALE – Major league players often find themselves in a mosh pit of autograph seekers during spring training and not everybody is coming out of the pack with a signature on their ball, cap or photo. However, players from the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, along with some experienced autograph seekers, say there are ways to improve the odds. Being polite is a good place to start.
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.
World Baseball Classic’s return to Chase Field brings 2013 nostalgia
PHOENIX – This week, Chase Field is hosting the World Baseball Classic for the first time in 10 years. Team USA, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain and Colombia are playing on the world stage in Phoenix for the first time since 2013.
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.
With his father, Pedro, on his mind, Rio Gomez returns to Arizona with Team Colombia
MESA – Red Sox minor leaguer Rio Gomez, the son of former ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez, returned to Arizona to pitch for Team Colombia in preparation of the World Baseball Classic.
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.
‘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.
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.
Time for change: MLB players, managers offer first impressions of pitch clock, new rules
SURPRISE – Several days into spring training, players and managers alike are forced to adjust to the pitch timer introduced for the 2023 MLB season. Key stakeholders in the change share their thoughts in this adjustment period.
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.
‘Legend in the booth’: Tim McCarver, voice of Diamondbacks’ World Series win, remembered
PHOENIX – Tim McCarver, legendary baseball broadcaster, died Thursday at the age of 81. He broadcasted the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series victory, which included his prediction of Luis Gonzalez’s walk-off single in Game 7.
