Mayor Ron Nirenberg throws first pitch at Missionsโ season opener; Nolan Ryan comments on new ownership
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg threw out a ceremonial first pitch to San Antonio Spurs great and Hall-of-Famer David Robinson at the San Antonio Missions season opener Tuesday night at Wolff Stadium.
OโConnor softball wins first UIL State title; DโHanis sweeps softball, baseball titles for first time since 2019
O'Connor capped their magical season with the program's first UIL State title, while D'Hanis repeated their incredible performance in 2019 by claiming both the softball and baseball Class 1A State titles.
Is this prep baseball team from Michigan REALLY countryโs best? Evidence suggests yes
Whenever any high school baseball rankings come out, itโs hard to ever see a team in those rankings not from states such as Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, Mississippi or Georgia. But for most of the year, St. Maryโs was ranked No. 1 in the country by MaxPreps.
Light of inspiration: Detroit Edison baseball team advances to state championship against all odds
Itโs hard enough for any school to get to a state baseball final, let alone a school in a city where prep baseball is an afterthought. But the improbable nature of Edisonโs run goes even further than that.
5 reasons we might not see another 3,000-hitter in baseball for a while, if ever
The camera phones were raised high and the anticipation was buzzing through the stadium. When it finally happened, nearly 40,000 fans in Detroit cheered, got goosebumps, and even cried tears of joy that they got to be part of baseball history on Saturday.
Smithson Valley baseballโs season ends in UIL Class 6A State semifinals against Rockwall Heath
Making the program's first appearance in the state baseball tournament since 2005, Smithson Valley fell behind early and was unable to mount a late comeback in a loss to Rockwall Heath in the Class 6A semifinals on Friday night.
Smithson Valley baseball preparing for first UIL State Tournament appearance since 2005
After defeating Los Fresnos in a one-game, winner-take-all Regional Final on Friday, the Smithson Valley baseball hit the practice field on Monday to prepare for the program's first berth in the UIL Class 6A State tournament since 2005.
Smithson Valley baseball defeats Los Fresnos, returns to UIL State tournament
After yet another rain delay forced the final innings to be postponed until Friday afternoon, Smithson Valley baseball survived another rally to defeat Los Fresnos in their one-game Regional Final playoff at Cabaniss Field.
Smithson Valley baseball gets sendoff prior to Regional Final against Los Fresnos
The Smithson Valley baseball team was shown a lot of love by their hometown community, as they officially left on a chartered bus headed for Corpus Christi to take on Los Fresnos in a one-game Regional Final playoff on Thursday at 4 p.m.
HIGHLIGHTS: Smithson Valley baseball completes regional semifinal sweep of Eagle Pass
The Smithson Valley baseball team returned to play on Saturday and completed the two-game sweep of Eagle Pass, racking up 19 hits in a 13-6 victory and punching their tickets to the UIL Class 6A Regional Final for the first time since 2005.
HIGHLIGHTS: Smithson Valley baseball takes game 1, Navarro, Marion start Regional Semifinal series
Smithson Valley scores three runs in the top of the 6th to defeat Eagle Pass in game one of their best-of-three Class 6A Regional Semifinal, while Navarro takes on Calallen in Class 4A and Marion comes up short in a pair of close contests with London in Class 3A.
HIGHLIGHTS: OโConnor softball roars past Judson in game 1, Reagan and Navarro baseball keep seasons alive
In the fourth round of the UIL Class 6A softball playoffs, O'Connor scored 6-runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to defeat Judson in game 1, while the Reagan and Navarro baseball teams keep their seasons alive with game two victories over Smithson Valley and Canyon Lake respectively.
HIGHLIGHTS: Alamo Heights baseball, OโConnor softball advance in playoffs
In the Area Round of the high school baseball playoffs, Alamo Heights roars past Eagle Pass Winn with a 9-1 victory, while Johnson battles Round Rock looking to keep their season alive. In the high school softball playoffs, O'Connor jumps out to an early lead and survives a late rally to top Brennan and advance to the Regional Semifinals.
Roberto Clemente: More than Latin Americaโs baseball star
Roberto Clemente was the first Latino to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The legacy of Roberto Clemente is still treasured today, proven nearly 50 years after his death. In fact, the Orange County School Board unanimously voted to rename the facility Roberto Clemente Middle on Sept. 21, coincidentally during Hispanic Heritage Month. Becoming baseballโs most prominent Afro-LatinoRoberto Clemente started his Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburg Pirates. The son of a sugarcane worker, Clemente began his professional baseball career just after finishing high school.
Astrosโ Baker gets COVID-19 vaccine after initial reticence
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. walks out to the infield for the national anthem before Game 7 of a baseball American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the Tampa Bay Rays, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)HOUSTON โ Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said he had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as the team began spring training Thursday. But the 71-year-old Baker, who is Black, understands the reticence of some in his community to get the vaccine because of this countryโs history with medical studies on Black people without permission. โI was very aware of the experiment and so was my mom and dad,โ Baker said. Though Baker decided getting the vaccine was right for him, he wonโt try to change the mind of people who are โstaunchly againstโ getting it.
San Antonio Missions unveil 2021 schedule, first home game on May 18
SAN ANTONIO โ Minor league baseball will officially return to the Alamo City in May. On Thursday afternoon, a week removed from announcing their reunion with the San Diego Padres to play Double-A baseball, the San Antonio Missions unveiled their 2021 schedule. San Antonio opens this yearโs campaign with 12 straight road games, two six-game series against Corpus Christi and Midland starting on Tuesday, May 3. https://t.co/e20KFaG3sV โ๏ธโพ pic.twitter.com/1UszCdNfbu โ San Antonio Missions (@missionsmilb) February 18, 2021San Antonio will play exactly half of their 120 scheduled games at home. The Missions have three vital stretches of 12 straight home games starting in mid June, early July and the latter stages of August.
San Antonio Missions reunite with Padres, sign 10-year development license
SAN ANTONIO โ Double-A baseball is returning to the San Antonio area courtesy of a familiar franchise. On Thursday afternoon, the San Antonio Missions announced via press release that they have signed a โprofessional development license (PDL) with San Diego Padresโ and will operate as their Minor League Affiliate for the upcoming season. โWe are excited to come to an agreement with the San Diego Padres,โ Missions President Burl Yarbrough said in the press release. We look to continue that success with San Diego for many years to come. We are thrilled to have professional baseball back in San Antonio for the 2021 season.โโWeโre thrilled to continue our established relationship with San Antonio,โ explained Padres Senior Director of Player Development Sam Geaney.
If he were alive in 2021, baseball great Satchel Paige would have lots to celebrate
(Photo by The Stanley Weston Archive)If Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Satchel Paige were alive today (he died in 1982), 2021 would already be a great year for him. First came the news at the end of 2020 that MLB retroactively will give the Negro Leagues Major League status. During his induction speech at the Hall of Fame, he explained how he developed that rubber arm as a youngster playing minor league baseball in Canada. โWe played up in Canada and if I didnโt pitch every day, they didnโt want the ball club,โ Paige said during his speech, according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. I pitched, in all, 165 ball games in a row because if I didnโt pitch, they didnโt want the club in town, let alone there.
AP source: Astros agree to $7M, 2-year deal with Castro
(AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)HOUSTON โ Catcher Jason Castro has agreed to a $7 million, two-year contract with the Houston Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal had not been announced. Castro played for both the Angels and the Padres last season where he appeared in 27 games and hit .188 with two homers and nine RBIs. He spent the previous three seasons with the Twins where he played 208 games and hit .229. Castro had his best years with the Astros where he 617 games and was named to the All-Star game in 2013.
AP source: Springer agrees to $150M, 6-year deal with Jays
A slow free agent market saw only 21 of 181 players who became free agents following the World Series enter Tuesday with finalized agreements. Toronto has been linked to most of the top free agents this winter, but now has the one it wanted most. It's not clear where the Blue Jays will begin the 2021 season. The Blue Jays have had to overpay free agents to play in Canada before, but the Springer contract will be just the second $100 million-plus deal in team history. Vernon Wells and the Blue Jays agreed to a $126 million, seven-year contract in 2006.
Can you bat 1.000 on this quiz about the designated hitter?
Former designated hitter David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox reacts during a team workout on February 20, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. Itโs likely on this day 48 years ago, there wasnโt much fanfare for a seemingly minor vote taken by owners of American League baseball teams. On Jan. 11, 1973, owners of American League clubs, by an 8-4 margin, voted to adopt the designated hitter. Last year, it was instituted in the National League for the first time, but only due to the shortened-season caused by the pandemic. Take this quiz and try to bat 1.000.
What happens to record book, now that Negro Leagues have been given Major League status?
But arguably the greatest player in the history of the Negro Leagues, Josh Gibson, hit .466 in 1943 for the Homestead Grays. Career batting average. The three players with the best career batting averages are Ty Cobb (.367), Rogers Hornsby (.358) and Joe Jackson (.356). There 24 known no-hitters from the Negro Leagues, according to author Dirk Lammers, which would raise the all-time total from 305 to 329. Numerous players who played in both the Negro Leagues from 1920-48 and the Major Leagues will have their stats padded.
Morganโs Wonderland opens first inclusive field
SAN ANTONIO โ Morganโs Wonderland is once again ensuring that everyone can play together by teaming up with the YMCA on Sunday to open its first ever inclusive field. The field allows anyone, regardless of their physical or mental ability, to play on it. According to a statement by the park, the field is capable of hosting baseball and softball games. You can watch the full story in the video player above. Related: Morganโs Wonderland celebrates 10th anniversary with virtual gala
Exclusive look: Showtimeโs โBad Hombresโ explores border politics surrounding binational baseball team in Laredo
The Tecolotes play home games both in Laredo and across the border in Nuevo Laredo. Bad Hombres explores the contentious U.S.-Mexico border relations through the lens of the world's only binational baseball team. You donโt realize how fun a baseball game can be until you go down to Mexico and check one out. One of the inescapable visuals is the cartel violence in Nuevo Laredo that threatens both the baseball team and the film crew. Laredo and Nuevo Laredo come united for one team.
Baseball legend Joe Morganโs legacy includes remarkable season in San Antonio
Joe Morgan was an invaluable member of the โBig Red Machine,โ one of the most dominant lineups in Major League Baseball history. His legacy on the game of baseball is enormous, but before he made his mark on the biggest stage, Morgan had a brief, yet memorable, stint in San Antonio. The organization currently known as the Missions had rebranded themselves as the San Antonio Bullets in 1963, a decision that was made in tandem with their new association to the parent teamโs gun-themed name. In 1964, Joe had one of the best seasons in San Antonio baseball history while leading the San Antonio Bullets to a Texas League Pennant. pic.twitter.com/eMCyTWum1J โ San Antonio Missions (@missionsmilb) October 12, 2020With the Bullets, Morgan tore up the Texas League.
Pittman-Sullivan Park has rich baseball history that hosted community teams
SAN ANTONIO โ Before blacks were welcomed in Major League Baseball, many talented athletes resorted to playing in the Negro Leagues, and on neighborhood teams. โI feel we really got started because we couldnโt go play in other leagues,โ said former minor/major league baseball player Odie Davis III. And they were teaching us sportsmanship, and responsibility,โ said former Denver Heights Bears baseball player, James Napper. Odie Davis III got the chance to play in the major leagues for the Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Indians. RELATED: South Texas Negro League baseball featured local talent who created legacy on East Side
South Texas Negro League baseball featured local talent who created legacy on East Side
SAN ANTONIO โ This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the start of National League Baseball, which began in 1920. In 1949, nearly two decades after that sports milestone, the South Texas Negro League was created and much of the talent played on teams in San Antonio at Pittman-Sullivan Park. Itโs the exact field where Swain played the position of third baseman for the South Texas Negro League team, known as the San Antonio Yankees, starting back in 1964. The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum has a digital exhibit on Negro League Baseball Happening right now. KSAT-TV EXTRA: St. Maryโs University student details career of Negro League baseball player from Texas who went on to have great success with the Kansas City Monarchs and other teams.
Field of dreams: Volunteers keep baseball going in this community after COVID-19 cancels league play
Photo by Keith Dunlap (GMG)Instead of a league with organized games, ORBA decided to send an invite to community members to play pickup baseball games throughout the summer. Its sandlot baseball in its truest form. Photo by Keith Dunlap (GMG)For example, 7- and 8-year-olds play Mondays, while younger kids who participate in T-ball come Tuesdays. The parents come and separate themselves and its been a good time.The organization obviously hopes next summer will mean a full return to normalcy. Weve had so many parents happy that their kids have had some sense of normalcy during all this craziness, Bachner said.
Oakland As coach apologizes for apparent Nazi salute after Texas Rangers game
OAKLAND, Calif. Oakland Athletics bench coach Ryan Christenson has apologized for raising his arm during a postgame celebration in what looked like a Nazi salute. Christenson made the gesture while greeting closer Liam Hendriks following the A's 6-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday. Full video of @Athletics bench coach Ryan Christenson apparently giving two Nazi salutes #Athletics pic.twitter.com/xK8R4SWnHh @laaabaseball (@laaabaseball) August 7, 2020I made a mistake and will not deny it, Christenson said in a statement issued through the team. What I did is unacceptable and I deeply apologize.The A's called the gesture offensive and apologized for it. He later spent several years coaching in the minors before becoming bench coach for the As in 2018.
Flying Chanclas season ends, swept by Brazos Valley in first round
BRYAN โ The Flying Chanclasโ remarkable season has come to an end. After clinching a playoff berth thanks to a pair of cancellations at the end of the regular season, San Antonio bowed out of postseason play after a pair of losses to their South Division rivals, Brazos Valley. San Antonio fell behind 7-0 through five innings and mounted a comeback that ultimately fell short. Chanclas season comes to an end in Bryan. pic.twitter.com/FpOOV633XO โ Flying Chanclas de San Antonio (@missionsmilb) August 6, 2020With the losses, the Chanclas finish their first season in the Texas Collegiate League with a 16-14 overall record.
Flying Chanclas to face Brazos Valley in first round of TCL playoffs
SAN ANTONIO โ The Flying Chanclas have finalized their playoff scheduleSan Antonio will face Brazos Valley in a best-of-three series starting on Tuesday night. Brazos Valley defeated the Generals 11-1 on Sunday night to claim the South Division title and secure home field advantage in their first round series against the Chanclas. Flying Chanclas will take on @bv_bombers in a best of three series. #FearLasChanclas pic.twitter.com/tUz0Gih2bA โ Flying Chanclas de San Antonio (@missionsmilb) August 3, 2020Brazos Valley faced San Antonio six times this season over the course of six straight days from July 21-26. The Chanclas won two of the three games played at Wolff Stadium before the Bombers returned home to Travis Field and swept San Antonio.
What to make of the MLB coronavirus outbreak: And what to think about next, as start of college football looms
The first major college football games are a little more than a month away. COVID-19 flare-ups have shut down voluntary workouts throughout July at about two dozen major college football programs, including Ohio State, North Carolina, Kansas State and Houston. Because if thats the case, were not testing enough.Recent NCAA guidelines recommended testing college football players once a week during the season, within 72 hours of a game. There will be positive tests in other sports, too. There will be positive tests on campuses when students return and within athletics programs.
Cardboard fans? Masks? MLB is back, but it doesnโt look real -- these photos might weird you out
(2020 Getty Images)A lone Boston Red Sox employee eats a hot dog in the stands before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on July 26, 2020 in Boston. (2020 Getty Images)A peek at Tropicana Field during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves on July 27, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (2020 Getty Images)A mask is placed on the Teammates Statue on Opening Day at Fenway Park on July 24, 2020 in Boston. (2020 Getty Images)A general view of of cardboard cutouts placed in the seats before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on July 25, 2020. (2020 Getty Images)With information from the Associated Press.
Flying Chanclas win second straight game, take sole possession of South Division lead
SAN ANTONIO โ After Saturdayโs dramatic, extra-inning, walk-off 7-6 victory, the Flying Chanclas faced the possibility of a letdown with Sundayโs rubber match against the Generals. Thanks to a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by a Jordan Thompson two-run double, San Antonio knocked off Victoria for the second straight night, 5-3. With the win, the Chanclas improve to 11-6 overall and take sole possession of the South Division lead. San Antonio holds on late and takes series! pic.twitter.com/q56eVW3vvr โ Flying Chanclas de San Antonio (@missionsmilb) July 20, 2020San Antonio faced a difficult situation in the top of the 9th.
Flying Chanclas sweep Cane Cutters, win fourth straight game
SAN ANTONIO โ After starting the season 0-2, the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio have hit their stride and reeled off four straight wins, highlighted by a three-game sweep of the Cane Cutters thanks to Sunday nightโs 6-3 victory. With the win, San Antonio improves to 4-2. MORE LOCAL BASEBALL COVERAGE
Flying Chanclas power past Cane Cutters, win third straight
SAN ANTONIO โ Thanks to a potent offense, the Flying Chanclas erupt for six runs in the 4th inning and claim their third straight victory Saturday night over the Cane Cutters. With the win, San Antonio improves to 3-2. MORE LOCAL BASEBALL COVERAGE
Flying Chanclas win home opener against Cane Cutters
SAN ANTONIO โ The Flying Chanclas opened Texas Collegiate League play at Wolff Stadium and put on a show in front of the hometown fans, using a 5-run 4th inning to top the Cane Cutters 7-4. With the win, San Antonio improves to 2-2. MORE LOCAL BASEBALL COVERAGE
Seniors bid farewell to high school careers with All-Star doubleheader at Wolff Stadium
SAN ANTONIO โ After their final seasons were cut short by the coronavirus, San Antonio area senior baseball players donned their high school jerseys for the final time Thursday night at Wolff Stadium for a doubleheader filled with All-Stars from 5A and 6A schools.
Missions, Minor League Baseball seasons canceled
SAN ANTONIO The Missions season is officially over before it even began. Tuesday afternoon, Major League Baseball informed Minor League Baseball that they would not provide any players to affiliated minor league teams due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision effectively canceled the 2020 Minor League Baseball season. These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that weve had a summer without Minor League Baseball played, said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat OConner. Baseball fans in San Antonio have always supported us.While the Missions will not play at Wolff Stadium this year, the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio will.
Texas Collegiate League Flying Chanclas hold media day
SAN ANTONIO โ With a bevy of local talent on the roster, the Flying Chanclas of the Texas Collegiate League held media day on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the upcoming season. MORE: Flying Chanclas sign 4 local players to TCL rosterBASEBALL RETURNS: Flying Chanclas will play at Wolff Stadium this summer
Texas Rangers new stadium is complete, but Twitter users arent pleased
ARLINGTON, Texas Globe Life Field is officially ready to house the Texas Rangers, but many fans are taking to Twitter, claiming they are unhappy with the final results. The estimated $1.1 billion stadium was scheduled to open for the 2020 baseball season, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team posted a video to Twitter on Tuesday, showing the completed exterior. However, many Twitter users responded to the post comparing the new facility to a grill, a Costco warehouse, a storage container and more. RELATED: Baseballs back: MLB sets 60-game sked, opens July 23, 24The games will take place in empty ballparks and the league said this will be the shortest season since 1878, the AP reports.
Flying Chanclas sign 4 local players to Texas Collegiate League roster
SAN ANTONIO โ The Flying Chanclas de San Antonio announced the signing of four players, all with ties to the city, to the Texas Collegiate League roster on Tuesday. Flying Chanclas Return June 30Garrett, an infielder, was selected by Washington in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft. Brandon, also an infielder, played in six games during the 2020 season for Grayson College. Flying Chanclas Return In Less Than Three WeeksThe Flying Chanclas full roster will be announced Tuesday afternoon. San Antonio will open the 2020 TCL season in Amarillo with a three-game set from June 30-July 2.
Roaming mountain lion caught in downtown San Francisco
In this image from surveillance camera video provided by KGO-TV/ABC7, a young mountain lion wanders through the station's parking lot in San Francisco Tuesday, June 16, 2020. The disoriented cougar roamed the streets of the city for two days until he was spotted by a police officer near Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Campbell said officials get reports of cougars in San Francisco about once a year. We never had a mountain lion right in the middle of downtown San Francisco, Campbell said. If approached by the mountain lion, make yourself appear big and shout."
Antonian graduate Brandon Beckel talks about his Texas Tech commitment
SAN ANTONIO Brandon Beckel made his commitment to attend Texas Tech last June after receiving attention at the area code tryouts a showcase for top prep talent with MLB scouts and NCAA coaches in attendance. Although Beckels senior season was cut short, he was still able to compile impressive numbers: 63 strikeouts and 10 hits allowed in 29 innings. His junior year he was a 1st Team All-District Selection and an All-State Honorable Mention.
Reaganโs Will Carsten fields Division I opportunities in baseball and basketball
However, thatโs exactly what Ronald Reagan High School graduating senior, Will Carsten, accomplished with opportunities to play baseball at Texas State, Miami and Oklahoma State among others or basketball at Southeast Missouri State, an offer he received in April. Carsten was coached by John Hirst and Chans Chapman at Reagan in baseball and baseball, respectively, and both coaches said Carstenโs work ethic allowed him to be such a successful multisport athlete. โI think heโs a great player. I think heโs got a really high ceiling,โ said Hirst. Carsten decommitted from playing baseball at Tulane in December but the 6-8 right-handed pitcher knew his physical attributes could still make a bigger difference in baseball.