A Clean Sweep: New York Rangers Dominate the Washington Capitals to Advance in the Playoffs"
In an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and teamwork, the New York Rangers have swept the Washington Capitals in a 4-0 series victory, propelling them forward in the playoff rotation. This triumph not only showcases the Rangers’ prowess on the ice but also marks a significant milestone in their quest for the coveted Stanley Cup.
**The Road to Victory:**
The Rangers, known for their dynamic play and resilient spirit, entered the series against the Capitals with determination and focus. From the opening face-off of Game 1 to the final buzzer of Game 4, the Rangers dominated the ice, outplaying the Capitals in every aspect of the game.
**Impact on the Playoff Rotation:**
The Rangers’ triumph over the Capitals not only advances them in the playoff rotation but also sends a strong message to their upcoming opponents. With momentum on their side and a team that’s firing on all cylinders, the Rangers are a formidable force to be reckoned with.
**Looking Ahead:**
As the Rangers prepare for the next round, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation. Can they maintain their winning streak and edge closer to the Stanley Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the New York Rangers are a team united in their quest for glory, and they’ve just proven they have what it takes to go all the way.
The New York Rangers’ sweep of the Washington Capitals is more than just a series win; it’s a testament to the team’s talent, hard work, and determination. As they advance in the playoffs, the Rangers are not just playing for victory; they’re playing for history. And for Rangers fans everywhere, this is a journey they won’t want to miss.
The NY Rangers Clinched The President's Trophy
In a dazzling display of skill and teamwork, the New York Rangers have clinched the prestigious Presidents’ Trophy, marking them as the team to beat this NHL season. Artemi Panarin, the Rangers’ star forward, was in the spotlight as he netted his 49th goal of the season, a milestone that contributed significantly to the Rangers’ 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
The Rangers’ triumph on Monday night was not just a testament to their offensive prowess but also highlighted their defensive strength, thanks to Igor Shesterkin’s impeccable performance between the pipes. Shesterkin, the Rangers’ goaltending maestro, recorded 26 saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season, showcasing why he’s considered one of the league’s elite netminders.
The scoring was opened by Jack Roslovic, followed by Adam Fox and Alexis Lafreniere, who each found the back of the net, adding depth to the Rangers’ scoring and demonstrating the team’s well-rounded attack. Chris Kreider, known for his speed and agility, contributed two assists, further cementing his role as a key playmaker for the team.
This victory not only secured the Rangers their league-best 55th win of the season but also set a new franchise record with 114 points. Such an outstanding achievement ensures that the Rangers will enjoy home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, a significant edge as they pursue the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. As the Rangers prepare for the playoffs, their performance against the Senators is a clear message to their rivals: they are a formidable force, united in their quest for glory. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the Rangers are poised to make a deep run in the postseason, aiming to bring the Stanley Cup back to New York.
MIRROR To Perform at UBS Arena on Saturday, April 13
MIRROR, a Hong Kong Cantopop group, was formed through ViuTV’s reality talent show Good Night Show – King Maker in 2018. The group consists of twelve members: Frankie Chan, Alton Wong, Lokman Yeung, Stanley Yau, Anson Kong, Jer Lau, Ian Chan, Anson Lo, Jeremy Lee, Edan Lui, Keung To, and Tiger Yau.
WHEN
On Sale – Saturday, February 24 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster
GLOBAL SENSATION JENNIFER LOPEZ THIS IS ME…NOW THE TOUR UBS ARENA - BELMONT PARK, NY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 Tickets Available Starting on Tuesday, February 20 at 9 AM via Presales; General On-sale Begins on Friday, February 23 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com
UBS Arena at Belmont Park is made for music and built for hockey. New York’s newest premier entertainment and sports venue and home of the New York Islanders is developed in partnership with Oak View Group, the New York Islanders, and Jeff Wilpon. The state of the art arena opened in November 2021 and has welcomed numerous top artists including Harry Styles, Sebastian Maniscalco, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, TWICE, Eagles, John Mayer, Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone. The venue delivers an unmatched live entertainment experience for guests including clear sightlines and premier acoustics.
TRINIFLY PROMOTIONS PRESENTS MACHEL MONTANO'S FIRST PERFORMANCE IN NEW YORK FOR 2024 -- LIVE AT UBS ARENA ON APRIL 14
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE (PWHL) ANNOUNCES 2024 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE INCLUDING GAMES AT UBS ARENA
12:30 p.m. ET – New York at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
7:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
7:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
7:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at New York – Total Mortgage Arena
3:30 p.m. ET – Montreal at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
6:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
7:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at New York – UBS Arena
8:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
1:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
3:30 p.m. ET – Boston at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
4:00 p.m. ET – New York at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
7:00 p.m. ET – New York at Montreal – Place Bell
7:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
7:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
12:30 p.m. ET – New York at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
8:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
7:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
7:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
8:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
7:00 p.m. ET – New York at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
3:30 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Montreal – Place Bell
4:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
1:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at New York – Total Mortgage Arena
6:00 p.m. ET – CANADIAN TIRE PWHL 3-ON-3 SHOWCASE™– Scotiabank Arena
12:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
1:00 p.m. ET – New York at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
3:30 p.m. ET – Montreal at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
8:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
8:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
7:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
2:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
4:00 p.m. ET – New York at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
1:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Montreal – Place Bell
7:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
7:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at New York – UBS Arena
7:00 p.m. ET – New York at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
2:30 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
4:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
Time TBA – Toronto at Minnesota – Venue TBA
7:00 p.m. ET – New York at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
3:30 p.m. ET – Toronto at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
4:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
12:30 p.m. ET – Minnesota at New York – UBS Arena
8:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
7:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
7:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at New York – Total Mortgage Arena
7:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
3:30 p.m. ET – New York at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
4:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Montreal – Place Bell
8:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
3:30 p.m. ET – New York at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
Time TBA – Ottawa at Boston – Venue TBA
Time TBA – Toronto at Montreal – Venue TBA
7:00 p.m. ET – Boston at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
7:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa at New York – Total Mortgage Arena
3:30 p.m. ET – Toronto at Ottawa – The Arena at TD Place
4:00 p.m. ET – Montreal at Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center
7:00 p.m. ET – Boston at New York – UBS Arena
7:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
7:00 p.m. ET – New York at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
3:30 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Ottawa – Venue TBA
Time TBA – Toronto at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
Time TBA – Boston at New York – Venue TBA
Time TBA – Boston at Ottawa – Venue TBA
7:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Montreal – Verdun Auditorium
7:00 p.m. ET – Toronto at New York – Total Mortgage Arena
Time TBA – Boston at Minnesota – Venue TBA
3:30 p.m. ET – Montreal at Ottawa – Venue TBA
Time TBA – Ottawa at New York – Venue TBA
7:30 p.m. ET – Minnesota at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
3:30 p.m. ET – Montreal at Boston – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
Time TBA – Minnesota at New York – Venue TBA
Time TBA – Ottawa at Toronto – Mattamy Athletic Centre
UBS Arena Unveils New Sustainability Agenda “Sustainable Brilliance & Community Resilience” In Honor of Second Anniversary, Venue Furthers Commitment to the Environment and the Community Sustainability Forum Will Be Hosted at Arena in 2024
- Build Community Resilience – Develop community resilience plan, such as energy storage solutions for emergency situations, with a target completion date by 2030.
- Activate Local Workforce – Fill 30% of jobs at the venue with local residents.
- Engage Visitors – Engage the community to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle through at least one program or campaign annually starting in 2024.
Protecting Our Planet: We prioritize our planet’s future through strategic investments in sustainable operations.
- Lead With Sustainable Brilliance – Maintain carbon neutrality of Scope 1 & 2 emissions while measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions by 25% under 2022 baseline by 2030. Install 6MW (DC) of on-site renewable energy by the end of 2024.
- Divert All Waste From Landfill – Achieve zero waste by the end of 2023.
- Invest In Biodiversity – Participate in at least one conservation or restorative initiative on Long Island by 2025.
- Create An Impact Fund – Donate at least $100,000 to action-oriented organizations focused on career development, health & wellness, the arts & climate justice by 2025.
- Leverage Our Stage – Plan to host 15 impact-focused events and content by the end of 2025.
- Promote Impactful Partnerships – Activate at least $1 million sponsorship dollars from brands with sustainability solutions and community impact by 2024.
New York State Parks Seeks New Website Design Upgrade Will Engage, Inspire and Enhance Visitor Experience
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a new agency website design and content management system highlighting the popular system of state parks and historic sites which drew 84.1 million visitors to its properties in 2023.
Vendors are being solicited to create the new website on the Drupal platform and provide a world-class, user-friendly resource to showcase the more than 250 parks, sites, golf courses, campgrounds, marinas, trails, and boat launches, as well as the many recreation and historic preservation programs and events the agency oversees.
Once launched, the new website will be a pre-eminent source of information and inspiration for planning travel, spending time in New York’s outdoors and discovering its cultural and historic treasures.
The RFP and details related to submission deadlines and contact information are found on the existing website’s Procurement Opportunities page (https://parks.ny.gov/
For more information on any of the state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (
State Parks Reminds Boaters to be Cautious of Early Spring Cold Water
OPRHP Cautions Pre-Season Boaters of Water Temperatures for Those Viewing the Eclipse | |
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) reminds boaters of the dangers of cold water if venturing out this spring for recreation or to view the rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. OPRHP recommends to boaters and paddlers that, even in the first few weeks of spring, the water is still very cold, and precautions should be taken. “Even though the calendar has turned to spring, we recommend you protect yourself as the temperature fluctuates during the day, night and on our waterways,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Our top priority is ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors are safe. Please wear a life jacket, insulated clothing and, for the solar eclipse, make sure to protect your eyes. Our park personnel are welcoming visitors from near and far and want it to be safe and memorable.” State Parks and Historic Sites is hosting a range of events and activities to celebrate the rare total solar eclipse. All campsites that opened early along the path of totality have been filled. However, those patrons who may head to parks or onto bodies of water to experience the eclipse need to be aware as well. “With spring beginning and the excitement of the eclipse, it can be easy to forget the unforgivable nature of the cold water,” said OPRHP Director of Marine and Recreational Services Alexi Howland. “Please make a few adjustments to your planning. We look forward to celebrating with you and having a safe and enjoyable day.” OPRHP reminds park patrons to please keep in mind the following for safe boating:
Additionally, in 2024, all operators of motorized vessels born on or after January 1, 1978, need to carry a safe boating certificate while operating motorized vessels, including personal watercraft. Starting January 1, 2025, a safety certificate will be required of all operators, regardless of age. Both in-person and online options are available for earning a certificate. To learn more, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/boating/ |
New Tool for Local Trail Advocates Will Help Expand New York’s Growing Greenway Trail Network
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) release a new handbook to guide grassroots advocates through the steps to take the vision for a new multi-use path from concept to reality.
ALBANY, NY (Jan. 16) – PTNY and OPRHP today announced the release of the Trails Across New York: A Grassroots Guide to Developing Greenway Trails. The new resource provides detailed information to support Greenway trails development in communities around the state. The steps outlined in the guide provide a high-level overview of the various aspects of trail development from initial concept to construction, as well as how participation from a broad range of individuals, agencies, organizations, and landowners will factor in throughout the process.
Greenway trails are shared-use paths that can be used by persons of all ages for healthy, fun recreation. As long linear corridors, they also provide unique transportation opportunities. Often born from old rail lines and canal towpaths, greenway trails are popular local resources and provide essential public health infrastructure for active recreation and connection to nature. Greenway trails are also valuable tourism generators, attracting thousands of new visitors to New York State each year, especially since the opening of the increasingly popular 750-mile Empire State Trail.
Already home to over two thousand miles of greenway trails, New York State has the potential to nearly double its greenway trail network, thereby expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation and active transportation to millions of New Yorkers. These trails, however, will only come to fruition with the vision and dedication of local advocates, municipal leaders, and planners who recognize the benefits of developing a trail in their community and work devotedly to make it happen.
The trail development process can be challenging even for the most experienced community organizers. The 2021 Statewide Greenway Trails Plan identified the need to provide resources for local advocates to navigate the process for future trail development opportunities. To address this gap, Trails Across New York: A Grassroots Guide to Developing Greenway Trails aims to inspire creativity and enthusiasm among various stakeholder groups about the important role that local residents and stakeholders can play in this process.
The new guide walks advocates and trail planners through the steps needed to see a greenway trail to completion. The first section outlines the necessary steps to get a project started: from identifying the corridor to cultivating a vision that will help inspire engagement and public support, eventually leading to buy-in from state and/or local government. The second section walks through the trail planning and development process, including conducting a feasibility study for a trail, securing the corridor through purchase or easements, identifying grant funding opportunities, and finally getting the project designed, permitted and built. Finally, the guide provides guidance for maximizing the ongoing visitation and value of local trails once they are built.
The full Trails Across New York: A Grassroots Guide to Developing Greenway Trails can be found at ptny.org/greenwaytrails.
“Greenway trails have the power to transform our environment, economy, and communities. We hope that this guide makes the greenway trail development process more transparent so that local advocates have a clear path to follow. Whether it’s an abandoned railroad, canal towpath, neglected waterfront or highway shoulder, we hope for more advocates to be ready to transform these corridors into beloved community assets.” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York.
“Greenway Trails offer New York residents and visitors the opportunity to explore our state’s incredible scenery and diverse communities. There’s great potential to expand our greenway recreational network throughout New York with the help of community advocates and grassroots partners. I’m excited to make this guide available to help navigate the development process and make more greenway trails a reality,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid.
New York State Parks Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with New Staff Initiatives and Special Programming
Kim Hill, New OPRHP Interpreter of Native American History, has been Integral in Identifying and Activating Opportunities for Agency’s Our Whole History Initiative
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is pleased to announce that environmental educator and interpreter Yehehnakwáhstha? (pronounced yeh-heh-naw-gwaw-staw) Kim Hill has joined the Bureau of Historic Sites staff as Interpreter of Native American History. Hill, Tuscarora Beaver Clan, is from the Tuscarora Nation, near Niagara Falls, New York.
Since her arrival in late 2022, Ms. Hill has worked closely with staff throughout the agency to establish a framework for incorporating Indigenous stories into historic interpretation and contemporary programming by initiating educational opportunities, providing guidance on projects, and creating a network of content experts. From reviewing and writing materials for exhibitions to hosting workshops and working with Indigenous artists to create interpretive illustrations, she is helping projects of all sizes reflect Our Whole History priorities and building the groundwork for sustainable successes.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “As we continue to activate the agency’s Our Whole History initiative, it is essential that we develop authentic ways to incorporate Indigenous stories into the interpretive work happening at our historic sites and parks. Kim has already been a tremendous resource and we value the passion and perspective she brings to all her projects.”
“I am excited to have the opportunity to be the representation I wish I had as a child growing up on the reservation,” Native American History interpreter Kim Hill said. “I also look forward to illuminating the vast Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing at all our historic sites and parks.”
- Hill’s passion for interpretation, parks, and increasing the visibility of Native American communities and cultures through representation and education will support OPRHP efforts to share a more complete and inclusive history with the public through the agency’s Our Whole History initiative. Her priorities will focus on creating Indigenous educational guides, developing interpretive materials, and providing guidelines around Indigenous resources, perspectives, and consultations. Hill has already made an impact system-wide, by connecting Parks staff with local Indigenous speakers and performers in their regions. Some of her current projects include facilitating the first Indigenous Cultural Awareness Workshops across the state and Johnson Hall State Historic Site’s new visitor center exhibit.
More about Kim Hill: Hill brings a decade of experience of work and thought on the intersections of park systems, education, and Indigeneity. She is a graduate in Natural Resources Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she was a Fellow in the Indigenous Environmental Leaders for the Future program. She also completed the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at Northern Arizona University. During her studies, she had the opportunity to study, work, and lead with Indigenous scholars and mentors. Prior to joining OPRHP, Hill traveled throughout New York as an Environmental Educator with the Student Conservation Association. She taught at state parks and Department of Environmental Conservation campgrounds and she was later headquartered at Saratoga Spa State Park. Throughout her career, Hill has continued to learn and share her culture, history, and traditions both on and off the reservation.
More about Ganondagan State Historic Site: Spanning 569 acres, Ganondagan (ga·NON·da·gan) is the original site of a 17th century Seneca town, that existed there peacefully more than 350 years ago. The culture, art, agriculture, and government of the Seneca people influenced our modern understanding of equality, democratic government, women’s rights, ecology and natural foods. Ganondagan’s full-size, Seneca Bark Longhouse is fully furnished to reflect a typical Seneca family from the late 1600’s, complete with reproductions of 17th century Seneca objects and colonial-era trade goods. The Seneca Art & Culture Center is a 17,300-square-foot center that tells the story of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) contributions to art, culture, and society. The grounds surrounding the center include two signed interpretive trails that educate visitors about the significance of plant life, Haudenosaunee culture, and history.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Joins us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and the OPRHP Blog.
State Parks Seeks Partnerships to Renew York Hall in Nissequogue River State Park
Preservation and new programing sought for historic theater building
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a potential private and/or not-for-profit partner to rehabilitate, restore and operate the historic York Hall in Nissequogue River State Park as a performance space or similar park-appropriate venue.
“There is potential for a unique artistic and cultural partnership to create vital community space at Nissequogue River State Park,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “State Parks is seeking creative ideas to bring new life to York Hall.”
The RFP seeks proposals for private capital investment and preferred end uses for York Hall to include performing arts, community theater, and related programming consistent with the Suffolk County park’s setting and the park master plan. The scope of this opportunity includes a private partner’s operation and maintenance of York Hall and management of a compatible program. Proposals must demonstrate a respondent’s relevant experience, expertise, program alignment, and the financial resources necessary to fund the design, preservation, rehabilitation, and construction, and to successfully operate the venue in collaboration with State Parks.
Proposals are due by December 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. The RFP will be available on the New York State Contract Reporter website. Visit https://www.nyscr.ny.gov and search for X001461.
State Parks would award a lease or license to the business or organization that would provide the greatest public benefit and financial value to the park. State Parks has authority to contract for a term up to 40 years, in consideration of a private capital investment exceeding $1 million provided it is sufficient to comply with the terms of the RFP and complete and operate the improvements.
Built between 1930 and 1932, the Colonial Revival-style theatre building was conceived to function as a mixed-use facility providing theatre, auditorium, sports, and social space for the Kings Park Psychiatric Center and those it served. The building was also used by the outlying Kings Park community throughout the course of its active life.
Nissequogue River State Park is located on the north shore of Long Island on the former campus of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. It features variety of habitats including tidal and freshwater wetlands and hardwood forests provide habitat to a variety of shore birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The Greenbelt Trail, for walking and hiking, parallels the Nissequogue River and provides scenic views of the river and the Long Island Sound from the top of the bluffs. The park also has athletic fields, a canoe and kayak launch, fishing, bird watching, and environmental education programs.
Tickets Available for St. John’s Basketball Games at UBS Arena on Tuesday The Red Storm men’s basketball team to play three games and women’s team set to play one contest at UBS Arena in 2023-24
- Web Release
- Buy Tickets – MBB vs. Hofstra
- Buy Tickets – MBB vs. DePaul
- Buy Tickets – MBB vs. Seton Hall
- Buy Tickets – WBB vs. UConn
DEC REMINDS OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS TO SHARE THE WOODS SAFELY THIS SEASON
Be Seen, Stay Safe, and Show Respect During Fall and Winter Hunting Seasons | |
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow safety precautions this fall and winter. Hikers, nature photographers, leaf peepers, and mountain bikers are encouraged to follow safety measures while hunters and trappers are afield. Regular big game hunting season in the Northern Zone began Oct. 21 and closes Dec. 3. Bowhunting season for deer and bear is ongoing in the Southern Zone and ends at the beginning of the regular firearms season on Nov. 18.
Tips for hikers and hunters venturing afield this fall include:
For more tips on sharing the woods this fall, check out this recent DEC video. While hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare, DEC encourages all outdoor adventurers to be aware of the presence of others enjoying New York’s natural resources. Hikers should be aware they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Hunters are fellow outdoor recreationists and hunting is permitted on Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands. Hunters should likewise recognize they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the outdoors.
Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in the state, drawing an estimated 600,000 New Yorkers. Hunting is safe and economically important, helping to manage wildlife populations and promote family traditions while fostering an understanding and respect for the environment.
Hunters looking for solitude can minimize the disturbance associated with other forms of recreation by following a few tips. Before a season opens, when hunters are scouting for the perfect spot or stand location, take the time to check if the planned location is a popular one. Avoid crowding other hunters and recognize that if a hunting location is near a popular hiking spot, noise can be a factor. If a preferred hunting spot is too crowded, identify an alternative location ahead of time. When adventuring with a pet, make sure to keep them on a leash. Loose pets can cause problems with other recreators and can get into trouble with wild animals. Also, to make pets more identifiable in the woods, give them a brightly colored collar, leash or other covering. DEC maintains hiking trails and permits hunting in many areas of forest preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, as well as in state forests, wildlife management areas, and unique areas. Find a place by visiting our website, checking out DECinfo Locator, or downloading the HuntFishNY Wildlife App. Many trails are also accessible to people with disabilities. Chronic Wasting Disease Hunters are critical to protecting New York deer and moose from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is an untreatable, fatal disease of the brain and nervous system disease caused by a misfolded protein called a prion that is spread in deer tissues, saliva, urine, and feces. Hunters can bring CWD prions into to New York without realizing it. To protect deer, do not bring hunter-killed deer, elk, moose, or caribou carcasses into New York from other states and do not use deer urine-based lures. DEC reminds hunters of the importance of reporting their harvest. Harvest reporting is critical to wildlife management, and hunters are required to report their harvest of deer, bear, and turkey within seven days of taking the animal. Hunters may still use the phone report system, but the online and mobile systems are fast, convenient, and easy for hunters to accurately enter information. For more information on harvest reporting: https://www.dec.ny.gov/ For more information on CWD: https://www.dec.ny.gov/ |
2023 New York City FC Mastercard City Assist Winner
New York City FC Fans,
Meet Black People Will Swim, a mission-based organization created to encourage and empower Black and Brown people to conquer their fears and learn how to swim. Established in 2019, this Queens-based organization uses the acronym F.A.C.E. encouraging their community to face their fears by making swimming Fun, building Awareness, creating Community all through Education.
As a result of their hard work, they have taught over 500 students to date and have no plans of slowing down. Many may wonder why name an organization after a race? Not only is drowning the leading cause of death for children under the age of 4, Black children are 7.6 times more likely to drown than White children according to the CDC. With their program, they aim to bring that number down to zero and eliminate drownings in the community by making swimming affordable, accessible, and inclusive.
In their program, they serve the ages of 2 to 85, where people of all ages take advantage of learning this life skill. What makes BPWS swim program unique is that they truly prioritize the student experience and understanding the pain points one may encounter that prevents them from learning this life skill. From offering low-cost classes to providing swim caps that will fit those who have long, luscious locs, braids, and curls—BPWS is all about educating and empowering the community to learn this life skill.
Thanks to the Mastercard x New York City FC partnership, with the $20,000 Black People Will Swim was able to cover pool costs, hire and certify water safety instructors, and offer swim lessons year-round. This grant increased enrollment by 100 students.
In the near future, Black People Will Swim hopes to open its own location offering swim lessons 7 days a week and making swimming readily accessible for all. To learn more about the impactful work they’re doing in the community, head over to BlackPeopleWillSwim.com and sign up for their newsletter by Making the Promise here.
1 week left ️to purchase tickets to Women’s Empowerment Night on March 16!
Happy No Fee Friday! Purchase any single game tickets today, including NYC vs. MIA, with no additional fees. Act now, offer valid April 12-19.
Stadium Update: “The Cube,” Coming 2027
New York City FC is excited to share new renderings and a short fly-through video of the main entrance for our proposed stadium project in Queens! We believe our stadium’s entrance, “The Cube,” will be the most dynamic entrance of any MLS stadium. Click here to see the new renderings and video! As the main entrance to our stadium and the first thing you’ll see as you arrive at the stadium from the south, The Cube will be integral to the matchday experience. We’re confident that it will give our fans a real sense of pride and its uniqueness will naturally draw people in. The Cube also serves as a symbol, representing two things. First, the cube represents stability and permanence; this is our home and we’re here to stay. Second, its equal dimensions will represent equality and fair play – two values that are at the heart of our club. Standing at over 7 stories high, The Cube will be an immersive experience, lined with 11,000+ square feet of LEDs. It will be an everlasting, experiential installation capable of projecting incredible video, photography, and graphic elements. To secure your spot in New York City FC’s new proposed stadium, sign up for a membership today! |
arlier today, New York City FC’s stadium project reached a significant milestone: the New York City Council voted to approve the construction of the next phase of the Willets Point development project, including our stadium! Following today’s vote, the only step left to complete the ULURP process is for Mayor Adams to review and sign off on the project, which is expected in the coming days.
This is a long-awaited moment in our club’s history. New York City FC’s new stadium will be the first-ever soccer-specific stadium in New York City, opening in 2027 in Willets Point, Queens. Click here to sign up to get the latest news about New York City’s new stadium and to find out how to become a member and gain priority to reserve your seat in the future!
New York City FC
Join us on March 16 for Women’s Empowerment Night!
New York City FC has teamed up with Women in Soccer, a free network supporting ALL women and underrepresented individuals connected to the soccer industry to bring you a special evening at Yankee Stadium.
For just $30, you can get a ticket to the match, as well as access to a pre-match panel discussion and networking event hosted by Women in Soccer. The three panels available to attend include the following:
- Club and League Leadership
- Community Impact
- Media in Soccer
New York City FC Announces Gianni Lee as the Club’s Art & Culture Consultant
NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2024 — New York City FC today announced a partnership with fine artist and multidisciplinary creative Gianni Lee. Lee will be the Club’s Art & Culture Consultant for the 2024 MLS season.
The New York City-based artist is known for his work in fine art, fashion, and music. Renowned for his innovative approach, Lee has made a significant impact in the art world as a pioneer of futurism. Utilizing both his New York studio and the urban landscapes of Brooklyn and Manhattan, Lee addresses contemporary issues in technology, politics, society, and race through his art. His unconventional canvases range from walls to discarded furniture and street objects.
“Our aim is to elevate New York City FC beyond the pitch and be a representation of our fans and the cultural melting pot that is New York City,” said Lauren Scrima, Vice President of Marketing at New York City FC. “The best way to do so is by bringing to life the many layers of the city’s identity, and Gianni Lee is the ideal partner for this vision in the coming season. We’re thrilled to welcome him as our Art & Culture Consultant.”
The partnership between the Club and Lee’s unique work will be evident in key moments during the upcoming season. This includes art direction for New York City FC’s 2024 kit launch event and this year’s Community Cup jersey design. He will also lead the direction of merchandising design and visual identity for our City Celebration Series matches, which include Women’s Empowerment, Black Excellence, Healthy Lives, Pride, Kids Night and Noche Latina matches.
“I really think it’s amazing that NYCFC wants to incorporate music, fashion and art culture into their identity,” Lee said. “I believe all three pillars are important to the game of football and have always had some influence since the beginning.”
Lee’s style has drawn comparisons to Basquiat in an i-D Magazine interview. His collaborations include projects with Levi’s, Gucci and Fendi, and he has been featured in WWD, Interview Magazine, and campaigns for Kenneth Cole and Hennessy. He also creatively directed Major League Soccer’s Juneteenth Initiative, “The Seeds We Plant, The Flowers We Share.”
New York City FC Release 2024 Schedule
New York City FC fans,
The club is thrilled to announce the team’s full MLS slate for the 2024 season.
Mark your calendars and clear your schedules for some key dates below:
Feb. 24 (A) – Season kick-off at Charlotte FC
Mar. 9 (H) – Home opener vs. Portland Timbers
May 18 (H) – Hudson River Derby at Citi Field
Sept. 21 (H) – Messi comes to Yankee Stadium
It’s your last chance – secure your ticket to see Messi in NYC now.
Each Pack includes 1 seat to each of the following matches;
- Inter Miami – Sept. 21
- NYRB (Hudson River Derby) – May 18
- Philadelphia Union – Sept. 18
- Portland Timbers (Home Opener) – Mar. 9
- Leagues Cup – TBA
Don’t miss out on NYCFC vs. Inter Miami, and four other HUGE games.
Get your Marquee Match Pack today!
| New York City Football Club fans, the first look at your new planned STADIUM is finally here. Yesterday, NYCFC presented early renderings of the proposed Willets Point project. Inclusive of that project is what one day will be the best soccer-specific stadium in North America. This public-private partnership with the City of New York will not only include New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium, but it will also feature:
Click here to become a member and secure your spot in NYCFC’s new planned stadium! |
MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAYER TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP
Queens, NY – Big Apple Basketball President and Coach, Jason Curry, spoke with middle school basketball players during a recent practice session.
While the players were scrimmaging, Curry asked them about the key attributes that coaches might look for in players when their team is short-handed or lacking talent versus a superior team.
Sixth-grader Ampersand proceeded to share his thoughts, which included the importance of leadership
CLASSIC HIGH SCHOOL FOOTAGE OF LANCE STEPHENSON PLAYING IN BAB INVITATIONAL, ALONG W/ OTHER STARS
FORMER BAB PLAYER SHOT & KILLED AFTER CELEBRATING BIRTHDAY IN MARYLAND
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF OVER $26 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING TO FURTHER NEW YORK’S COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION, ENVIROMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY EFFORTS
Smart Growth, Waterfront Revitalization, Brownfield Redevelopment & Resiliency Planning Funds Available to Spark Community Growth and Development
Local Government Efficiency Funds Available to Develop and Implement New Opportunities for Financial Savings and Operational Efficiencies
The New York Department of State today announced over $26 million in available funding through five programs – Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning, Countywide Resiliency Planning, Brownfield Opportunity Area, Local Waterfront Revitalization and Local Government Efficiency. Applications for this funding are being solicited through the State’s Consolidated Funding Application, the single application for State resources which is designed to give project applicants expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.
“New York State offers an unparalleled suite of programs that have proven to be key to our state’s economic and social resurgence after the pandemic,” Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said. “These five programs administered by the Department of State will provide critical funding to municipalities and local governments so they can continue to grow and improve, putting us on a path to a safer, greener and more business-friendly New York.”
Smart Growth Planning and Zoning Grant Program ($2 Million)
The Smart Growth Planning and Zoning Grant Program is offering $2 million for communities to develop comprehensive municipal-wide plans and zoning ordinances, as well as targeted area plans and zoning, such as downtowns, central business districts and transit-orient development districts. Communities must commit to incorporating the principles of Smart Growth into their planning and zoning. Smart Growth principles include walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly streetscapes; compact, mixed-use community design; vibrant downtowns and other municipal centers; a diversity of housing options for all incomes, ages and abilities; safe, accessible public spaces; ample parks and outdoor recreational opportunities; green buildings; and sustainable and equitable infrastructure, among others. Over the past two years of the program, DOS has awarded over $3.9 million to 58 communities in the State. More information about this funding opportunity is available here.
Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning Program ($2 million)
This program provides funding to counties to develop countywide plans that address climate change resiliency, risks and vulnerabilities and identify strategies for planning and implementing projects in a socially, environmentally, fiscally and economically sustainable way. This is the second round of the program; in round one, the DOS funded resiliency plans in five Upstate counties – Albany, Genesee, Orange, Sullivan and Tompkins. More information about this funding opportunity is available here.
Brownfield Opportunity Area Program ($2 million)
The Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program transforms brownfield sites—i.e., areas with real or perceived contamination—from liabilities to community assets, which in turn generate and support new businesses, jobs, housing and public amenities. The program provides grants for BOA plans which, once completed, are submitted to the New York State Secretary of State for approval or “designation.” Such designated BOA plans then entitle projects that are consistent with the plan to priority funding among certain state programs and an additional 5 percent brownfield developer tax credit. The BOA program also provides grants for phase II environmental site assessments and pre-development activities in State-designated BOAs, such as environmental, housing and economic studies, infrastructure analyses, marketing strategies, public engagement and zoning and regulatory updates, among others. There are currently 69 designated BOAs in New York State. More information about this funding opportunity is available here.
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program ($16.3 million)
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) provides grants to communities to develop a community-driven plan with a vision for their waterfront, guided by several environmental policies that ensure that projects work in harmony with waterfront natural resources and ecosystems. Once an LWRP is approved by the Secretary of State and adopted by a local community, or is substantially complete, the community can apply for implementation funds for projects that support the plan. There are currently 93 fully approved LWRPs, representing 113 municipalities in New York State. More information about this funding opportunity is available here.
These four programs are administered by the DOS Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure and funded through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which Governor Hochul increased from $300 million to $400 million in 2022. In conjunction with the DOS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward (NYF), these programs form the cornerstone of the State’s economic and community revitalization efforts aimed at fostering innovative, sustainable and equitable growth and development throughout the State. Many DRI and NYF communities have a history of community engaged planning as past BOA and LWRP award recipients.
Local Government Efficiency Grant Program ($4 million)
The Local Government Efficiency (LGE) Grant program is intended to incentivize new actions between local governments that will reduce the cost of municipal operations and modernize the delivery of local services, thereby limiting growth in property taxes. Applicants must illustrate significant commitment to project completion and clearly demonstrate, through financial estimates and performance measures, the long-term benefit to New York taxpayers. Approximately $4 million is being made available for awards. Of that amount, approximately $3.6 million will be awarded for implementation projects, and approximately $400,000 will be awarded for planning projects. More information about this funding opportunity is available here.
The Local Government Efficiency Grant program is administered by the Division of Local Government Services within the Department of State. The Division provides technical assistance and competitive grants to local governments.
About the Consolidated Funding Application
The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way State resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple State funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.
Predicting the All-MLB Team after the season's first full month
Brian Murphy
With the season’s first full month nearing its end, a panel of MLB.com experts have reconvened for a second round of All-MLB Team predictions.
The All-MLB Team has annually recognized the best players at each position since its introduction in 2019. While what we’ve seen so far can certainly impact each expert’s picks, their predictions are based on who they think will be on the All-MLB Team at season’s end, not who should be on the team as of right now.
As a reminder, there are All-MLB First and Second Teams for every position. Each team features one selection at catcher, first base, second base, shortstop, third base and DH, as well as three outfielders (regardless of specific outfield position), five starting pitchers and two relievers.
Here are the latest predictions.
Stats updated entering Monday.
CATCHER
First team: Adley Rutschman (BAL)
Second team: William Contreras (MIL)
Rutschman just keeps getting better. He made the All-MLB First Team last year after batting .277 with a 128 OPS+. He owns a .318 average and a 140 OPS+ through 26 games this year. His hard-hit rate is at 50%, a 12-point leap from last season.
Data Viz: Adley Rutschman’s 416-foot homer
Apr 27, 2024 · 0:30
Data Viz: Adley Rutschman’s 416-foot homer
Contreras is scalding baseballs as well, as noted by his 94.3 mph average exit velocity and 57.8% hard-hit rate. Those rank in the 96th and 98th percentiles, respectively. He is slashing .352/.432/.556 through 125 plate appearances.
Others receiving votes: Will Smith (LAD)
FIRST BASE
First team: Freddie Freeman (LAD)
Second team: Bryce Harper (PHI)
There has never been an All-MLB Team that didn’t include Freeman. A two-time First Team selection, Freeman has really picked up his production following a relatively quiet first few weeks of the season. In his previous eight games, he has tallied 12 hits in 27 at-bats, driven in 11 runs and recorded a 1.259 OPS.
Besides hitting a couple of homers and displaying some “dad strength” last week, Harper has really settled in defensively in his first full season as a first baseman. His 4 outs above average are second-best at the position.
Others receiving votes: Josh Naylor (CLE), Pete Alonso (NYM)
SECOND BASE
First team: Jose Altuve (HOU)
Second team: Ketel Marte (AZ)
The Astros have had an April to forget despite outstanding production from their team leader. Altuve, who turns 34 next week, is pacing the American League in batting average (.342), OPS (1.010) and total bases (68). He moves up to the First Team after being a Second Team selection in our first set of All-MLB Team predictions at the start of April.
You may remember that Marte made postseason history last year with a record-setting hitting streak that eventually reached 20 games. The 30-year-old has kept right on hitting into 2024, he’s batting .307 with an .880 OPS. He is one of seven players with at least five three-hit games this season.
Others receiving votes: Marcus Semien (TEX), Luis Arraez (MIA), Ozzie Albies (ATL)
THIRD BASE
First team: José Ramírez (CLE)
Second team: Austin Riley (ATL)
J-Ram has had a somewhat cold month of April, highlighted by a .289 on-base percentage. But he did drill a couple of homers, including a grand slam, during the team’s series victory over the Red Sox last week. He remains one of the toughest batters in baseball to strike out; his 10.7% K rate ranks in the 97th percentile.
Perhaps Riley’s walk-off single versus Ramírez’s Guardians on Sunday will be the spark he needs to get hot at the plate. He’s slugging .393 with two homers in 26 games, but it’s far too early to write off a player who has been a First Team selection in two of the past three years.
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Others receiving votes: Rafael Devers (BOS), Jordan Westburg (BAL)
SHORTSTOP
First team: Mookie Betts (LAD)
Second team: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC)
In our first MVP poll of season, Betts was the clear frontrunner in the NL. You can name just about any statistic and find his name at or near the top of the charts. He has the best batting average (.387) and on-base percentage (.482) in the Majors while his .655 slugging ranks second to the Braves’ Marcell Ozuna (.670).
After an incredible first couple of weeks, Witt hasn’t homered in his last 16 games and is batting .266 with a .669 OPS since a two-homer game on April 11. However, just one look at his Baseball Savant page offers a quick reminder that he is one of the most talented players in the sport. His 30.2 feet-per-second sprint speed and his 58.9% hard-hit rate rank second and fourth, respectively, among qualified players.
Others receiving votes: Gunnar Henderson (BAL)
OUTFIELD
First team: Juan Soto (NYY), Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL), Mike Trout (LAA)
Second team: Kyle Tucker (HOU), Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD), Aaron Judge (NYY)
Soto is making hard contact at a career-high rate of 56.8% and is hitting the ball harder than ever (95.1 mph average exit velocity). Those are two reasons why he’s off to a fabulous start with the Yankees and was the American League leader in that aforementioned MVP poll.
Acuña, last season’s NL MVP, has been a little slow out of the gate, batting .255 with one homer and a .715 OPS. But fear not — he should start piling up the stats soon.
Trout has just five hits in his previous 11 games, but three of them have left the ballpark. He was the first player to 10 homers this season and has already notched five stolen bases — one fewer than his combined total from 2020-23.
Tucker has gotten into a groove at the dish over the past couple of weeks. He is slashing .347/.484/.755 with five dingers and 10 extra-base hits in his past 14 games. He went deep in each end of Houston’s two-game weekend sweep of the Rockies in Mexico City.
Tatis’ .244 average and .445 slugging percentage are well below his expected number in each category (.308 and .555). He’s making plenty of solid contact, owns a solid 10.4% walk rate and has a career-low 18.5% strikeout rate, so you could say he has been a tad unlucky in the early going.
Over his past couple of games, Judge has done exactly what was necessary for him to snap out of his funk: barrel up the ball more. He had a couple of barrels against the Brewers, including a 115.9 mph home run that soared 441 feet.
Aaron Judge’s 441-foot home run
Apr 28, 2024 · 0:32
Aaron Judge’s 441-foot home run
Others receiving votes: Julio Rodríguez (SEA), Adolis García (TEX)
DESIGNATED HITTER
First team: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)
Second team: Yordan Alvarez (HOU)
Ohtani continues to churn out amazing Statcast numbers. On April 23, he hit a home run at 118.7 mph, the hardest-hit homer by a Dodger in the Statcast Era (since 2015). A few days later, he socked a single that had an exit velocity of 119.2 mph, the hardest-hit ball of his career. Ohtani is well on his way to making the All-MLB Team for a fourth straight season.
Shohei Ohtani’s 450-foot home run
Apr 23, 2024 · 0:31
Shohei Ohtani’s 450-foot home run
Speaking of Statcast, Alvarez clobbered two homers that each flew a Statcast-projected 461 feet during Houston’s win over the Rockies in Mexico City on Saturday. He has seven homers on the year and ranks among the top five in MLB in expected slugging (.672) and expected weighted on-base percentage (.440)
STARTING PITCHER
First team: Zack Wheeler (PHI), Corbin Burnes (BAL), Tarik Skubal (DET), Logan Webb (SF), Tyler Glasnow (LAD)
Second team: Dylan Cease (SD), Cole Ragans (KC), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD), George Kirby (SEA), Max Fried (ATL)
Wheeler led qualified pitchers in with 5.9 fWAR last season, and he’s tied at the top of that leaderboard this season with 1.4 fWAR. He’s permitted only two hits in his last two starts, spanning 13 1/3 scoreless innings.
Burnes has been exactly what the Orioles hoped for when they acquired him from the Brewers in February. The team is 5-1 in his starts, he possesses a 2.55 ERA, and his cutter has been one of the most valuable pitches of the season.
The Tarik Skubal breakout season is in full effect. He has the lowest ERA of any starter on this list (1.72), and his 0.74 WHIP is the best in the AL. He’s recorded 21 K’s next to only two walks over his previous three starts, and his 25.4% K-BB rate is tied for fifth best among qualified starters.
Webb, an NL Cy Young finalist in 2023, succeeds foremost by getting ground balls in bulk. This season has been no different — his 59.7% grounder rate is in the 93rd percentile. The Giants’ ace has given up two earned runs and three walks in his previous 23 frames.
Glasnow, who leads the Majors with 53 strikeouts in 43 innings, had one of the best starts of the year when he struck out 14 Padres over seven innings — and just 88 pitches — on April 9. Twelve days later, he K’d 10 Mets through eight scoreless innings.
Batters are having no fun trying to hit Cease. He’s limiting opposing hitters to a .140 average, tops in MLB. His four-seamer and slider are up a tick from last year — and much closer in velocity to where they were during his Cy Young-caliber 2022 campaign. Opponents are hitting just .119 against Cease’s slider with 26 K’s over 59 at-bats ending on that pitch.
Ragans has had a couple of hiccups during his first full season as a big league starter, but he has also mixed in some dominant outings, too. He has allowed only one homer this season while striking out 37 batters in 30 innings.
Since his forgettable MLB debut in Korea on March 21, Yamamoto has been as advertised. He’s logged a 2.00 ERA, a .198 opponents’ batting average and a 35-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his five other starts.
The 26-year-old Kirby remains one of baseball’s best control artists (3% walk rate), and he has added a little more swing-and-miss to his game. His K rate is at 28.4% — up about six percentage points from last year — and he’s coming off a dominant 12-strikeout performance against the D-backs.
Fried pitched like a Braves legend on Wednesday, completing a “Maddux” against the Marlins. The left-hander’s 65.4% ground-ball rate and 25.9% hard-hit rate each rank second-best among the 154 pitchers with at least 50 batted balls this year.
Others receiving votes: Luis Castillo (SEA), Kutter Crawford (BOS), Logan Gilbert (SEA), Sonny Gray (STL), Tanner Houck (BOS), Shota Imanaga (CHC), Jared Jones (PIT), Aaron Nola (PHI) Freddy Peralta (MIL), Joe Ryan (MIN)
RELIEF PITCHER
First team: Mason Miller (OAK), Edwin Díaz (NYM)
Second team: Emmanuel Clase (CLE), Ryan Helsley (STL)
Miller, the most electric closer in baseball, has struck out 25 batters in 12 1/3 innings. Leading with a fastball that reaches 103 mph, the A’s rookie has an expected opponents’ batting average of .086.
Mason Miller fans the side with 100+ mph fastballs
Apr 22, 2024 · 1:18
Mason Miller fans the side with 100+ mph fastballs
The title of most electric closer belonged to Díaz not too long ago, but the man known as “Sugar” has still been pretty sweet this season. He’s allowed only one earned run in 9 2/3 frames to go along with 14 strikeouts. His 37.8% whiff rate ranks 10th among all pitchers who have faced at least 25 batters.
Holmes and Helsley are tied for the MLB lead with nine saves, and they each have a 1.00 WHIP. The Yankees’ closer has tossed 13 scoreless innings this season while Helsley has 17 K’s and only two walks across 15 frames.
Others receiving votes: Camilo Doval (SF), Clay Holmes (NYY), David Robertson (TEX)
Voters: David Adler, Jason Catania, Theo DeRosa, Thomas Harrigan, Cole Jacobson, Brent Maguire, Brian Murphy, Manny Randhawa, Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru, Andrew Simon, Dylan Svoboda
Did you like this story?
In this story:
Adley Rutschman
Freddie Freeman
Jose Altuve
José Ramírez
Mookie Betts
Juan Soto
Ronald Acuna Jr.
Mike Trout
Shohei Ohtani
Zack Wheeler
Tyler Glasnow
Corbin Burnes
Tarik Skubal
Logan Webb
Mason Miller
Edwin Diaz
Brian Murphy is a reporter for MLB.com.
Here is what's behind Soto's incredible start
Sarah Langs
Juan Soto’s career in pinstripes is off to a stellar start, surprising no one.
Here’s a look at where this start ranks for him and beginnings to Yankees careers overall, and how he’s doing it.
One of his best starts
When a player is in his seventh MLB season, the idea of ranking his starts to seasons may sound a bit silly. But not with a player like Soto, whose start to his career has been well-documented as being on a Hall of Fame track. Just look at the company he was in with his career OPS+ entering this year.
Highest OPS+ through age-24 season, min 3000 PA:
Ty Cobb: 176
Mike Trout: 170
Mickey Mantle: 166
Jimmie Foxx: 166
Juan Soto: 157
By almost any metric you choose, Soto is off to his best start since his next-level 2020, when he hit .351 with a .490 on-base percentage and .695 slugging percentage in 47 games. We’ll never know what his final line would’ve looked like had that season not been 60 games, but Soto’s rate stats were eye-popping.
Each element of his .316/.429/.553 slashline is his best in his first 30 games of a season since a .368/.492/.764 in 2020. His seven homers, 63 total bases, 24 RBIs and 60 times reaching base safely are all his second-best in any 30-game start, behind only ‘20 (11 HR, 81 TB, 31 RBI, 65 TOB).
This is the second time he’s reached base safely at least 60 times in his first 30 games. The only players with more such starts before turning 26 since 1900 are Mickey Mantle (four), Lou Gehrig (three) and Jimmie Foxx (three).
Putting recent starts behind him
Another reason it’s worth flagging this stellar start? His last few had been a bit less productive, amidst winds of change over the last few years. Remember, Soto is the first player to make at least three All-Star teams and change teams twice all before turning 26. In other words, a few things have been going on.
Soto’s slashlines in his first 30 games in 2021-23:
2023: .214/.382/.398
2022: .257/.396/.468
2021: .279/.392/.423
Keep in mind, he rebounded for a classic Soto season in each of those years. This year’s starting point is just that much better.
Field View: Juan Soto’s solo home run
Apr 24, 2024 · 0:16
Field View: Juan Soto’s solo home run
Joining Yankees history
With a player as good as Soto and a franchise as historic as the Yankees, it’s worth putting this 30-game start into perspective.
He was doing historic things from the first series of the season. Soto became the first player in the expansion era (1961) to record a go-ahead RBI in the 7th inning or later in three of his first four games with a team, and the first to do so in three of his four with the Yankees, specifically, since RBI became official in 1920, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Now 30 games in, Soto has a .981 OPS, fifth-highest in a player’s first 30 games with the Yankees (min. 125 plate appearances). He trails only Roger Maris (1.058), Joe DiMaggio (1.044), Whitey Witt (1.028) and Bob Meusel (.989).
As noted above, Soto has reached base safely 60 times. That’s the third-most in a player’s first 30 games with the Yankees, behind only Witt’s 66 and Bobby Abreu’s 63.
Juan Soto hits a go-ahead single in top of the 9th
Mar 31, 2024 · 0:29
Juan Soto hits a go-ahead single in top of the 9th
How he’s doing it
Soto has a recipe to his success, one that’s held true throughout his career: being selective with his swings and then making them count. And indeed, this season he has the fifth-lowest swing rate and third-lowest chase rate among qualified hitters.
But when he does swing, he makes hard contact 27.0% of the time, the highest rate among all players with at least 55 batted balls. Hard contact, with a 95-plus mph exit velocity, is an important goal because it leads to good results. So far this season, players are hitting .483 and slugging .926 on hard-hit batted balls. For Soto specifically, it’s .528 and 1.038, respectively.
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The other goal? Hit the ball in the air. Soto’s current 41.1% ground-ball rate would be a career low, and is more than 10 percentage points lower than last year.
Soto is hitting .521 and slugging 1.083 on fly balls and line drives, and has always had similar numbers on such batted balls. By hitting fewer grounders, he’s positioning himself for those positive outcomes even more.
The culmination of all of this: he isn’t just hitting the ball in the air more overall, but also when making hard contact. 66.7% of his hard-hit batted balls have been fly balls and line drives. The only season where he had a higher such rate was 2019, 71.4%. In related news, that year was his lowest ground-ball rate for an entire season, at 42.9%.
The 1st Hitter Power Rankings of 2024
Will Leitch
Ah, Opening Day. Were we ever so young?
Believe it or not, Tuesday marks the last day of the first full month of the MLB season. There are six of these — if you count March and April as one, as we are — and the first one will soon be in the rearview mirror.
A lot can happen in one month of the baseball calendar, so after each one we’ll be looking back: What changed, what didn’t, who thrived, who struggled, what we may have learned, what we didn’t.
Here’s a look at the best baseball had to offer in April (and a few days of March).
7 early breakout stars nobody saw coming
Team That Doesn’t Want This Month to End: Guardians
Before the season, the Guardians looked like a team that was spinning its wheels. It had barely made any offseason moves, mostly running everyone back from a team that finished 10 games under .500 in 2023. And despite a strong start early in 2024, it lost ace Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after two starts. That’s a recipe for disaster, right?
Power Rankings: Fascinating week sends teams shuffling
Josh Naylor’s go-ahead double
Apr 27, 2024 · 0:30
Josh Naylor’s go-ahead double
Well, the Guardians proved everyone wrong in April, storming out to a 19-9 start thanks to a surprisingly strong offense, led by Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan and Estevan Florial. (And by the end of the month, José Ramírez was back to smashing the ball again.) It once looked like Guardians brass was being passive in the offseason. In April, it just looked like they were being patient. And smart.
Team That Is Eager For the Calendar to Turn: Astros
Look, it was reasonable to think that the Astros wouldn’t be as dominant in 2024 as they’ve been for most of the past decade. The team is older, it has a first-time manager in Joe Espada, and it was dealing with pitching injuries even before Opening Day. But goodness gracious, who foresaw this? After their first 28 games, the Astros sit in last place in the AL West, behind both the A’s and the Angels.
That’s despite fantastic starts from Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Ronel Blanco, all of whom made our All-Star squad for the first month (see below). Can you imagine where they’d be without those guys? The Astros showed some signs of steadying the ship over the weekend in Mexico City, with a convincing two-game sweep of the Rockies. Even so, we haven’t seen them endure a month like this since before their current run of seven straight ALCS appearances began. If they have another month like April, that streak may just be over.
Play of the Month: Cedric Mullins goes all out
Cedric Mullins was in Baltimore before the Orioles turned it around and became one of the best teams in baseball, and he plays every day like he is deeply appreciative. He actually had two truly fantastic catches this month — here’s the other one — but this one made our jaws drop.
Cedric Mullins’ leaping catch wins Play of the Week
Apr 22, 2024 · 0:24
Cedric Mullins’ leaping catch wins Play of the Week
Best Single-Game Performance: Tanner Houck’s Maddux
Houck’s transition into being a full-time starter has been a somewhat bumpy one after he posted a 5.01 ERA in 21 starts for the Red Sox last year. But in April 2024, he was incredible for a surprisingly strong Boston rotation, putting up a 1.60 ERA in six starts. None were better than his three-hit shutout of the Guardians on April 17, in which he struck out nine and walked none, the first “Maddux” of 2024. It was also the shortest nine-inning game in nearly 14 years, if you’re into that sort of thing.
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Tanner Houck fans nine in complete-game shutout
Apr 17, 2024 · 1:40
Tanner Houck fans nine in complete-game shutout
Where Red Sox win ranks among fastest games this century
Wildest Game: Rays vs. Angels (April 16)
The Rays have hardly enjoyed the electric start to 2024 that they did in 2023, but they certainly played a barnburner against the Angels at Tropicana Field on April 16. They entered the bottom of the ninth inning trailing, 3-1, then made two quick outs against Angels closer Carlos Estévez before rallying. José Caballero tied the score with a two-run triple. Tampa Bay had to come from behind in the 10th, 11th and again in the 13th, when Richie Palacios kept them alive with a two-out, game-tying RBI double, before an infield hit from Amed Rosario walked it off. We got worn out writing this paragraph, so we can’t imagine what it was like to actually play in this game.
Amed Rosario’s walk-off single
Apr 16, 2024 · 0:29
Amed Rosario’s walk-off single
Best Player to Make His MLB Debut: Shota Imanaga, Cubs
It helps when you’ve had a long career in Japan to help prepare you for the big leagues, but the Cubs’ 30-year-old left-hander — aptly nicknamed the “Throwing Philosopher” for his studious approach — took Wrigley Field by storm in his first month. In five starts, Imanaga went 4-0 with an 0.98 ERA, striking out 28 and walking just three in 27 2/3 innings. The Cubs sure needed it, too, with their rotation getting hammered by injuries.
Player of the Game Leader: Juan Soto, Yankees (6)
MLB launched the Player of the Game initiative this season, and as the first month draws to a close, it’s Soto who has taken that honor more than any other player so far. The Yankees came storming out of the gates, and their offseason trade acquisition, a guy who sure looks like he’s going to win multiple MVPs in his career (and may well do so this year), was a primary reason why.
MLB Player of the Game FAQ
All-Star Squad of the Month
C: Salvador Perez, Royals — 1.000 OPS, 7 HRs, 26 RBIs
1B: Josh Naylor, Guardians — .895 OPS, 6 HR, 21 RBIs
2B: Jose Altuve, Astros — .342 AVG, 1.010 OPS, 7 HR
SS: Mookie Betts, Dodgers — .377 AVG, 1.118 OPS, 6 HR
3B: Alec Bohm, Phillies — .364 AVG, 1.046 OPS, 29 RBIs
OF: Mike Trout, Angels — .541 SLG, 10 HR, 14 RBIs
OF: Juan Soto, Yankees — 7 HR, 24 RBIs, 24 BB
OF: Kyle Tucker, Astros — .948 OPS, 7 HR, 20 RBIs
DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers — 1.041 OPS, 14 2B, 7 HR
Utility: Elly De La Cruz, Reds — 8 HR, 19 RBIs, 18 SB
SP: Ranger Suárez, Phillies — 5-0, 1.32 ERA, SHO
SP: Ronel Blanco, Astros — 1.65 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, no-hitter 4/1 vs. TOR
SP: Shota Imanaga, Cubs — 4-0, 0.98 ERA, 0.80 WHIP
SP: José Berríos, Blue Jays — 4-1, 1.23 ERA, CG
SP: Tanner Houck, Red Sox — 1.60 ERA, 41 K’s, SHO
RP: Mason Miller, A’s — 1.46 ERA, 25 K’s in 12 1/3 IP
RP: Clay Holmes, Yankees — 0.00 ERA, 12.00 K/BB, 9 SV
Three Storylines For Next Month
1) Are the Astros going to turn this around?
When you’ve made seven straight ALCS appearances, your absence is going to leave a pretty big crater in the American League playoff picture. The AL West has collectively gotten off to a slow start, allowing the Astros to keep their heads above water, but this is still a last-place team after one month. Can they recover in time?
2) What’s up with the NL Central?
The Brewers and the Pirates leapt out to a hot start, but both have cooled a bit, especially the Pirates. Meanwhile, the Cubs are holding on despite a gaggle of injuries; the Reds are enjoying Elly De La Cruz’s ascendance; and the Cardinals, despite being in last place, have the feel of a team that’s a lot better than last year’s last-place team. This division may be toggling positions 1-5 all season.
3) Will Aaron Judge warm up in time to give us an all-time 1-2 punch?
The excitement for the Yankees this year was the opportunity to watch two of the best hitters in baseball, Soto and Aaron Judge, hit back to back. Soto has looked like an MVP in the early going, but Judge sure hasn’t, hitting only .211. But by the end of the month, he was warming up, and if he can have one of those Judge Months at the same time Soto is being Soto … look out.
In battle of heavyweight bats, O's edge Yanks in pitchers' duel Gunnar hits 10th HR with historic context; G-Rod keeps holding Bombers scoreless
Jake Rill
BALTIMORE — Two of MLB’s most prolific offenses went head-to-head for the first time this year on Monday night — the homer-happy Orioles and the red-hot Yankees.
So, of course, only two runs were scored during the series opener at Camden Yards.
Gunnar Henderson swatted his MLB-high-tying 10th home run of the season to lead off the bottom of the first inning, then Baltimore’s pitching staff cooled off New York in a 2-0 win. Grayson Rodriguez (5 2/3 frames) and three O’s relievers combined to power the club’s third shutout victory of 2024, all coming in its past eight games.
It might only be late April, but the stakes feel high whenever the Yankees (19-11) and Orioles (18-10) — now tied atop the American League East — meet these days. This marked the first time they faced off as the top two teams in the division at least 25 days into a season since July 21, 2015.
“Any time you can face a lineup like that, especially in the division, you know you’re going to be in for a dogfight,” Rodriguez said, “and that’s what that was.”
If Monday is also a sign of what’s to come, there could be plenty of thrilling clashes this year as the rivals battle for the AL East crown.
Grayson Rodriguez’s three-strikeout start
Apr 29, 2024 · 0:45
Grayson Rodriguez’s three-strikeout start
Henderson’s leadoff homer off Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt pulled him even with the Angels’ Mike Trout atop MLB’s home run leaderboard. The defending AL Rookie of the Year also became only the third player in O’s history (since 1954) to hit 10-plus homers before May 1, joining Brady Anderson (11 in ‘96) and Frank Robinson (10 in ‘69).
Baltimore has 45 home runs this season, its most through 28 games in franchise history. Three of those long balls have been leadoff blasts by Henderson, who is the only O’s player to bat in the No. 1 spot this year.
“It’s always a big boost. You’re not really expecting a leadoff homer to start the game, but our guy’s definitely got the ability to,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “He’s 22 years old, too. It’s pretty scary how good this guy’s going to be — how good he is already.”
Brandon Hyde talks Orioles’ 2-0 win vs. Yankees
Apr 29, 2024 · 1:01
Brandon Hyde talks Orioles’ 2-0 win vs. Yankees
Henderson (22 years, 305 days) is the youngest player in AL/NL history with 10 home runs before May. If he had been told prior to the season that he’d have this many homers this quickly, would he have been surprised?
“I mean, I’d like to say I know I can do it, but yeah, it’d definitely be a little surprising,” Henderson said. “Definitely feeling good, a little bit.”
Gunnar Henderson on the shutout win, his confidence
Apr 29, 2024 · 1:29
Gunnar Henderson on the shutout win, his confidence
Rodriguez and the Orioles’ shorthanded bullpen made the early lead stand. Rodriguez has never allowed a run against the Yankees, as he threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings in his first career start against them on July 28, 2023. He and Tony Arnold (1986-87) are the only pitchers in team history with a 0.00 ERA over their first 12 career innings vs. New York.
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Grayson Rodriguez K’s Juan Soto in the 5th inning
Apr 29, 2024 · 0:08
Grayson Rodriguez K’s Juan Soto in the 5th inning
The Yanks — who scored 30 runs over their previous two games — had a baserunner against Rodriguez in every inning, but the 24-year-old sophomore right-hander continually worked out of jams. He stranded runners on the corners in the third, striking out Aaron Judge and getting Anthony Rizzo to hit into an inning-ending groundout.
“Obviously, a lot of stacked lineups in this division. That’s one of the best in the league,” said Rodriguez, who allowed five hits and three walks while striking out three. “Any time you keep them off the board, it’s a good night.”
Cionel Pérez (one inning) and Yennier Cano (1 1/3) kept the shutout intact before Danny Coulombe recorded the final three outs for his third career save (and first this season). The 34-year-old left-hander pitched in place of closer Craig Kimbrel, who is day to day with upper back tightness.
Hyde’s bullpen usage was reminiscent of late in the 2023 season, when the O’s were without All-Star closer Félix Bautista (who is also out for all of ‘24 following Tommy John surgery).
“It felt exactly like that. But everybody’s up for it,” Coulombe said. “Any time you get to pitch in a leverage situation, that’s why you play this game. When Kimbrel’s down, it’s going to be a team effort.”
Danny Coulombe seals the shutout win
Apr 29, 2024 · 0:10
Danny Coulombe seals the shutout win
It was an encouraging start for the Orioles — who are 4-0 in divisional games this year — in their season series vs. the Yankees. But they still have 12 meetings to go, including three more this week.
Regardless, every win against an AL East team counts the same and could eventually play a factor in a standings tiebreaker for the postseason.
BYLINE: By Ryan A. Berenz
1. What Italian manufacturer became the official tire supplier of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2011?
2. What Norwegian female long-distance runner won both the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon in 1989?
3. Former professional boxer Tony Burton first portrayed trainer Tony “Duke” Evers in what 1976 film?
4. What American swimmer upset Australia’s Susie O’Neill to win gold in the women’s 200-meter butterfly at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics?
5. What Chicago White Sox pitcher recorded the 18th perfect game in Major League Baseball history in a 5-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on July 23, 2009?
6. Alan Eagleson, who was convicted of fraud and embezzlement in 1998, was the first executive director of what sports labor union?
7. What Kansas City Chiefs quarterback threw for 504 yards and two touchdowns and ran for one score in a 49-31 loss to the Oakland Raiders in November 2000?
15 Negro Leagues locations you need to see
The Negro Leagues are responsible for some of the greatest moments, players and stories in baseball history. Birthed during a meeting at a Kansas City YMCA in 1920, the Negro National League and others that followed gave the country’s greatest African-American players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Buck Leonard a place to show off their skills.
While much of the Major Leagues’ biggest moments have been recorded and kept, archived and collected, little remains from the Negro Leagues. Sure, there are the stories: Paige sitting the outfield down to strike out the side or tales of how far Gibson was able to smash the baseball. But so much of it is gone — teams barnstormed throughout the country and statistics and mementos were hard to track down.
Fortunately, not all of it is gone, with small pockets of history often available if you’re willing to drive by and look out the window. So, next time you’re on a road trip, set your maps for one of these 15 locations.
Hamtramck Stadium – Hamtramck, Mich.
There was a time when people thought this stadium was already gone. But as researcher Gary Gillette discovered, many had confused Hamtramck Stadium — built in 1930 and home to the Detroit Stars — with nearby Keyworth Stadium.
Obscured by vines and weeds, the grandstand rotted in what’s now called Veterans Park. Few remembered the legends like Hall of Fame outfielder Turkey Stearnes who played here. But the field has been rehabilitated, with Detroit rock n’ roll legend and baseball fan Jack White organizing pickup games to raise funds.
Rickwood Field – Birmingham, Ala.
The oldest baseball stadium in the country was once the home stadium for the Birmingham Black Barons, where players like Paige, Willie Mays, Mule Suttles and Dan Bankhead — the first African-American pitcher to make the Major Leagues — patrolled the field.
While many of the existing Negro League stadiums now are nothing more than a grass field with a grandstand or wall left remaining, Rickwood Field hosts games every year as a kind of “living museum.” In 2024, the Cardinals and Giants will play on the hallowed grounds.
League Park – Cleveland, Ohio
Home to the short-lived Cleveland Buckeyes for eight years in Cleveland’s historic Hough district, including the Buckeyes’ Negro World Series title in 1945, there was a time when League Park was about to go the way of many other Negro Leagues stadiums.
But the space has been rejuvenated and is once again home to local baseball games. The field was converted to artificial turf and the old ticket office became the home of the Heritage Baseball Museum.
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hinchliffe Stadium – Paterson, N.J.
One of Hinchliffe Stadium’s refurbished gates. (Courtesy Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium)
One of Hinchliffe Stadium’s refurbished gates. (Courtesy Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium)
Built in 1932, Hinchliffe Stadium soon became the full-time home for the New York Black Yankees. The New York Cubans also played their home games there for two seasons.
Some of the Leagues’ best players passed through the stadium’s gates, including Monte Irvin and Cool Papa Bell, but the true star of the city was Larry Doby, who grew up in Paterson playing baseball and football long before he reached the Major Leagues.
Hinchliffe Stadium reopened in 2023. (Dan Cichalski)
Hinchliffe Stadium reopened in 2023. (Dan Cichalski)
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After decades of neglect, Hinchliffe Stadium was renovated and became the home field for the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League, an MLB Partner League, in 2023.
Downs Field – Austin, Texas
Photo by Chris Landers / MLB.com
Photo by Chris Landers / MLB.com
One of the most beautiful fields still in existence, and currently used by the Huston-Tillotson Rams college baseball team, is Downs Field. The Austin ballpark played host to some of the best players in Negro Leagues history. The Texas Black Senators, a Minor Negro Leagues team, played here as a member of the Texas Colored League. Hall of Fame shortstop Willie Wells began his career with Texas, before moving on to his best-known years with the St. Louis Stars. Players like Paige, Mays, Smokey Joe Williams and Buck O’Neil also came through the city for games on the field, and their impact is noted by a series of tiled murals by local artists to commemorate the space.
Photo by Chris Landers / MLB.com
Photo by Chris Landers / MLB.com
Red Cap Stadium – Jacksonville, Fla.
Now known as J.P. Small Memorial Stadium — but called Durkee Field (and briefly Red Cap Stadium) in its heyday — this ballpark housed the short-lived Jacksonville Red Caps in 1938 and from 1941-42. (They would continue playing as Minor League team after World War II.)
Renovated in the early 2000s, the field is still in use and has a small Negro Leagues exhibit inside with a statue of Buck O’Neil outside the gates.
Stadium Lofts – Indianapolis, Ind.
While most of the Negro Leagues stadiums have been torn down and replaced, this one is a little different. Instead of tearing down Bush Stadium, this apartment complex was built to honor the stadium. Now your home could be in the same place where Hank Aaron, Oscar Charleston and String Bean Williams took the field while playing for the Clowns and ABCs.
The structure of the stadium has been kept in place, giving an absolutely cathedral-like entrance to your home. Even better: Look out your window and there’s still a baseball field as your backyard. You can almost picture the Clowns winning the 1950 championship on this field if you think hard enough.
Judy Johnson’s house – Marshallton, Del.
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Judy Johnson was arguably the greatest third baseman in the history of the Negro Leagues, with Arthur Ashe calling him, “the standard by which other third basemen were measured.”
You can see the place he called his home with his wife Anita from 1934 until shortly before his death in 1989. After seeing the house, drive over to see the statue of Johnson that resides outside Frawley Stadium — home of the High-A Blue Rocks — in nearby Wilmington.
Cool Papa Bell Marker – Starkville, Miss.
Cool Papa Bell may be one of the fastest people to ever walk — er, run — on the face of the planet. It was said that he was so fast, he could turn out the light and be in bed before the room got dark.
But even the greatest players have to come from somewhere, and so his hometown of Starkville has a marker honoring his skills. You can find this one by the McKee Park ballfield, located off Lynn Lane.
Because Bell’s best period of play was with the St. Louis Stars, there is also a star with his name on it in the St. Louis Walk of Fame, along with a large tombstone designed by his daughter in a nearby cemetery.
History of African-American baseball marker – Philadelphia
At the intersection of Belmont & Parkside Avenues stands a marker in honor of the African-American ballplayers and clubs who hailed from Philadelphia.
That includes the Philadelphia Giants, which formed in 1902 and won five of six championships from 1904-09; the Hilldale Club, which featured Judy Johnson, Oscar Charleston and Biz Mackey among others; and the Philadelphia Stars, which featured Mackey and Jud Wilson and were the final Negro Leagues team that Paige pitched for in 1950. The marker also stands near the Parkside Ballpark that the Stars called their home.
Hank Aaron’s childhood home – Mobile, Ala.
Originally built by Hank’s father, Herbert, in 1942 in the Toulminville area of Mobile, the family home was moved to the site of Hank Aaron Stadium in 2008 — where the Mobile BayBears played. There, the house was converted into a museum honoring Hank Aaron’s legendary career. Stuffed full of memorabilia, it includes materials from his short one-season stint with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1952.
When the BayBears left Mobile to become the Rocket City Trash Pandas in Madison, Ala., following the 2019 season, the city — which owns the house — relocated it back to the Toulminville neighborhood, though it remains closed to tours.
Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center – Kansas City
It may be named after Buck O’Neil now, but the building — and its original awning — was the Paseo YMCA. It was here in 1920 that Andrew “Rube” Foster and a handful of other Midwestern team owners met and formed the Negro National League. From there, the Negro Leagues blossomed with separate leagues beginning in the eastern and southern United States.
In 2023, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announced plans to build a new facility adjacent to the historic site.
Ponce de Leon Park – Atlanta
Sadly, the original stadium for the Atlanta Black Crackers is long gone, but don’t despair. While the field no longer exists, having been paved over long ago, you can still pay homage to the team that played at Ponce de Leon Park from 1919-38. That’s because the Magnolia trees that were part of the grounds in center field are still standing inside a parking lot.
Jackie Robinson’s birthplace – Cairo, Ga.
Keep your eyes peeled while driving through the town of Cairo. Because there, on Hadley Ferry Road, north of Meridian Road, you’ll find the place where the great Jackie Robinson was born. Only the chimney remains after the house burned down in 1996, but a marker was erected to commemorate the site in 2001.
Homestead Grays plaque – Homestead, Pa.
They are arguably the greatest team — regardless of race — to ever walk the face of the planet. Led by players like Josh Gibson, Jud “Boojum” Wilson, Smokey Joe Williams and others, they were a near unstoppable force.
Though the field they played upon is long gone, a marker remains at the corner of Amity and East 5th Streets in Homestead, and you can just imagine the dingers that Gibson would have hit flying over your head.
Sports Quiz Answer
Answers
1. Pirelli.
2. Ingrid Kristiansen.
3. “Rocky.”
4. Misty Hyman.
5. Mark Buehrle.
6. The NHL Players Association (NHLPA).
7. Elvis Grbac.
