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SEE IT: Mets legends arrive at Citi Field for 2025 Alumni Classic Game

Over 40 Mets legends were back in Queens on Saturday afternoon, on the field getting ready for the 2025 Alumni Classic Game at Citi Field.

Before the game, the legends – including Mike Piazza, Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, Bartolo Colon, and Carlos Beltran – spent time hanging out on the field, warming up, taking batting practice, and even saying hello to ex-Met Jacob deGrom.

"It's pretty cool," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said about the Alumni Classic. "There's some really good players there... It's always cool to see some of those players that meant so much to this organization. And to have them together for one day is special."

Coverage of the Shea Stadium vs. Citi Field three-inning game begins with a special pregame at 1:30 p.m. on SNY.

Here's a look at some of the fun...

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Championship roundup: Hansen’s late strike at Preston keeps Middlesbrough top

  • West Brom lose at home to derby so do not leapfrog leaders

  • Stoke second after beating Birmingham; Bristol City third

The substitute Sontje Hansen scored a stoppage-time equaliser three minutes after coming on to earn Middlesbrough, the leaders, a 2-2 draw at Preston. The 23-year-old came off the bench after Jordan Storey looked to have won it for Preston and provided the telling touch from close range after the hosts failed to clear their lines from a corner.

Lewis Dobbin put the visitors ahead with a sublime solo effort early on before the visitors got a deserved 72nd-minute leveller through Matt Targett. Storey put Preston back in front with an 88th-minute glancing header before the final twist in the tale.

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Former Aspiration CEO says idea Kawhi Leonard had 'no-show contract is false'

The entire salary cap circumvention case against Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers rests on this premise: Kawhi Leonard had a "no-show" endorsement contract with Clippers' sponsor Aspiration. That endorsement paid him $48 million ($28 million in payments, $20 million in now worthless stock options) but there is no evidence he did any promotional work for the company (no appearances, no marketing, no posts on social media).

Andrei Cherny, the former CEO of Aspiration, released a statement pushing back on the idea that Leonard had a "no-show" contract — the endorsement contract listed things he had to do — and said there was never a discussion of the NBA salary cap during discussions of the contract. He added that the much-discussed "beliefs" clause in Leonard's contract — that he couldn't be forced to do anything he didn't believe in — is standard in celebrity contracts and does not apply to things like talking to the camera or posting on social media.

Two things can be true. As Cherny noted, Leonard's endorsement contract had specific provisions he had to fulfill — one eight-hour "day of work," making five social media posts (including retweets) over the course of a year, and more.

Also true: There is no evidence he ever did any of that work. Yet the checks kept coming.

What the Clippers can argue — and what might give the other owners pause when it comes time to punish Los Angeles — is that it is not their job to police players' endorsement contracts. The Clippers can claim they were not in any way involved with what Leonard did or did not do with Aspiration. Both the other owners and the players' union are going to be hesitant to set a precedent where the team has to monitor endorsement deals.

Ballmer and the Clippers have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, with Ballmer saying he was "duped" by Aspiration and its founder, like many other investors. He and the Clippers have repeatedly said they had nothing to do with Leonard's endorsement deals.

Still, it's hard for the Clippers and Ballmer to pass the smell test considering the totality of the evidence, including investments with Aspiration. Ballmer made a personal $50 million investment in Aspiration in 2021, and months later Leonard had an endorsement contract with the company that ultimately was worth $48 million. In December 2022, after it became clear that Aspiration was failing, Clippers minority owner Dennis Wong made a $2 million investment in the company. Shortly thereafter, Leonard received a delayed $1.75 million endorsement contract check. In March of 2023, when things were bad at Aspiration and it was struggling to make payroll, Ballmer made another $10 million investment.

From Commissioner Adam Silver and the league's perspective, the bar is high to prove the Clippers tried to circumvent the cap.
Silver said this week that the burden of proof is on the league — which has hired a law firm to do its investigation as a third, neutral party — and that he "would be reluctant to act if there was sort of a mere appearance of impropriety."

Expect the NBA's investigation to drag out into the NBA season, a cloud that will hang over the league even as play tips off.

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Robin Roefs heroics earn Sunderland deserved point at Crystal Palace

First the positive news for Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner’s side are now 15 matches unbeaten in a run that stretches back to their 5-0 thrashing by Newcastle in mid-April. But having endured a dramatic end to the transfer window that saw chair Steve Parish pull the plug on captain Marc Guéhi’s move to Liverpool, Glasner was hoping for more from this meeting with promoted Sunderland.

While Guéhi was barely troubled as he eased back into his role on the left side of Palace’s three-man defence with the minimum of fuss, they deservedly left with a point after thriving in the role of spoilers.

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Nick Woltemade makes instant impact on Newcastle debut to see off Wolves

Anonymity and Nick Woltemade were already well on the way to becoming strangers but, after this, there seems zero chance of the Germany striker ever being able to blend seamlessly into the background on Tyneside.

Given that Woltemade’s awkwardly angular 6ft 6in frame is topped by a curly mop of bright blond hair and his distinctive moustache screams 1970s rock star – or perhaps a shambolic yet brilliant television detective of the sort ideally suited to Death in Paradise – he was already hard to miss.

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Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo spot-on to see off Brighton revival

Antoine Semenyo scored one goal and set up the other as Bournemouth beat Brighton 2-1. Alex Scott netted his first league goal since December 2023, with Kaoru Mitoma equalising for the visitors.

The Cherries handed a surprise top-flight debut to Veljko Milosavljevic, their 18-year-old transfer deadline day signing, with the centre-back Bafodé Diakité injured. At the other end of the age spectrum, the 39-year-old James Milner replaced Carlos Baleba in Brighton’s starting lineup.

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Mets recall RHP Dom Hamel from Triple-A, option reliever Huascar Brazobán

The Mets made a move to freshen up the bullpen after Jonah Tong's short outing in Friday night's defeat to the Texas Rangers.

Right-hander Dom Hamel has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, with righty reliever Huascar Brazobán going down in the corresponding move.

Brazobán, who was added to the big league roster ahead of Friday's series opener, pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief after Tong failed to get out of the first inning. He allowed just two hits and a walk, throwing 51 pitches (35 strikes).

Hamel, 26, was called up to the big leagues for the first time in early August, but was sent back down before he could make his MLB debut.

In 31 games (11 starts) with Triple-A this year, Hamel has pitched to a 5.32 ERA and 1.330 WHIP with 75 strikeouts and 22 walks in 67.2 innings. This is the first season he has worked extensively out of the bullpen after making 52 starts in 57 appearances with Syracuse and Double-A Binghampton during the 2023 and 2022 campaigns.

Brazobán, the unfortunate recipient of the demotion with New York needing a fresh arm, has yo-yoed between the majors and Triple-A this year. With the Mets, he has pitched to a 3.67 ERA and 1.296 WHIP in 47 games (three starts as an opener) with 51 strikeouts to 27 walks in 56.1 innings.

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BREAKING NEWS: Blackhawks Extend Goalie Spencer Knight

On Saturday morning, not long after wrapping up rookie camp, the Chicago Blackhawks announced the extension of goaltender Spencer Knight. 

Chicago acquired Knight ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline in the deal that sent defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers. Now, they have a great young goalie locked up for a handful of years. 

This is a three-year deal worth $17.5 million with a cap hit of $5.83 million. There is a 15-team no-trade list that kicks in during the third year of the deal. Knight will play 2025-26 on his previous contract, and then the new one will kick in next year. 

“After joining the team in March, Spencer quickly cemented himself as a crucial piece of our future,” said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. “A talented, young goaltender, he brings athleticism, sound positioning, and a calm demeanor to his game, and we’re excited to watch Spencer continue to flourish in Chicago over the next four seasons.”

If Knight plays well in a Blackhawks uniform going forward, as he did when he first arrived in 2024-25, they will begin to take steps as a franchise. The skaters in front of him are only getting better, which should lead to the rise of the team as a whole now that their goaltending is figured out. 

Being a former first-round pick, a player with his name on the Stanley Cup, and a World Junior Champion, he has a lot of big-time experience on his resume. That knowledge will go a long way in helping the players who are part of the core with him now. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Dominic Smith lands on IL with hamstring injury after hustle play vs. Dodgers

Dominic Smith lands on IL with hamstring injury after hustle play vs. Dodgers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants will be without their best defensive first baseman for the foreseeable future.

San Francisco placed Dominic Smith on the IL on Saturday with a right hamstring strain after the 30-year-old made an incredible hustle play with third baseman Matt Chapman to end the top of the fourth inning in a crucial 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night at Oracle Park.

After Chapman dove into the 5-6 hole and popped up with a throw to first, Smith stretched out and did the splits to ensure the Giants got the out — but it cost him.

Giants manager Bob Melvin said they are deeming it a “moderate” sprain until further evaluation Saturday night, adding it will be at least a 10-day IL stint.

Sitting at 75-72 and a half-game back of the third and final NL wild-card spot, the Giants have 15 games to continue trending upward. Melvin believes it’s a long shot that Smith will be a part of that challenge.

“Well, he’s not a speedster,” Melvin said. “Hamstrings typically take a couple of weeks. I know he’ll be itching, so it just kind of depends on what we need him to do. Our doctors will have more clarity today.”

Jerar Encarnacion will take Smith’s roster spot, but the Giants will stick with Wilmer Flores and Rafael Devers interchanging at first base during Smith’s absence.

Devers has played first base for the Giants 20 times this season since being traded to San Francisco.

“I think he’s way more comfortable now than he was early on,” Melvin said of Devers. “But he looks like he’s fine out there. The only thing I worry about is the ankle thing he had going on, but I think he’s past that now. And talking to him yesterday, he was ready to play first base today.”

The Giants have won 13 of their last 18 games, and they’ll have to find a way to keep the momentum going without Smith’s impact both defensively and offensively.

“He’s been great, both offensively and defensively, hitting in the middle of the order and getting big hits for us,” Melvin said. “I think this is probably as comfortable as he’s been in a long time with the team, too. He’s well-received here and respected here. You’re going to have certain injuries over the course of the season that are impactful.

“This is definitely one for us.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Pidcock ready for podium as Vingegaard all but guarantees Vuelta triumph with stage win

  • Pidcock: ‘It’s the biggest performance of my career’

  • Leader takes 1:16 advantage into Sunday’s final stage

Tom Pidcock stands to finish on the podium of the Vuelta a España on Sunday after surviving the final mountain test as Jonas Vingegaard rode away to take a stage 20 win that all but seals his overall victory.

Pidcock, defending an advantage of 39sec over Jai Hindley, wrestled his bike up gradients in excess of 20% to the summit of the Bola del Mundo – the last 3km of which were ridden on broken concrete in a brutal test of stamina at the end of three weeks.

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Predators Prospects Shine In Opener Of Prospect Tournament

Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces Brady Martin is selected as the fifth overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It wasn’t a regular-season game, or even a pre-season contest with veterans present, but a win is a win.

The Nashville Predators prospects played their first of three games in four days in the NHL Prospect Tournament Friday afternoon and came away with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning prospects at AdventHealth Center Ice in Tampa.

It was an all-around team effort, as Joakim Kemell, Andrew Gibson and Brady Martin each tallied a goal in the victory for the Preds, who hosted last year’s prospect showcase. Martin also picked up an assist for two points on the evening.

Ethan Haider started in net for Nashville before giving way to Jakub Milota just over halfway through the game. Each netminder only gave up one goal in the victory.

As expected, both teams were a bit rusty through the first several minutes. After Tampa Bay scored first on the man advantage in the opening period, Martin got the puck to Kemell at the top of the right circle. The winger from Finland didn’t miss, going top-shelf to tie the game 1-1.

“I thought a lot of guys played well, and you can see some of the younger guys were a little nervous in the first but then settled in,” Milwaukee Admirals head coach Karl Taylor told reporters after the game. “The nice part was, as the game went on, we started sticking together a little better, just supporting each other and cheering and activating on the bench.”

After Martin was prevented from completing a breakaway, the fifth overall draft pick was awarded a penalty shot. He went wide to the right before cutting back and nailing a shot from the slot to the low blocker side for a 2-1 Preds lead. That lead held up after two periods.

Martin, who helped Team Canada defeat the U.S. in the World Junior Showcase last month, continues to show a maturity beyond his years.

“I was kind of just coming in, and I was going to deke, but then the ice was kind of bad, so I was like, I'll just shoot it,” Martin said of his penalty shot. “And kind of just eyeballed it, I guess.”

The Lightning tied the game midway through the final period, but Gibson fired a shot from the right point that found its way through traffic and tickled the twine for what proved to be the winning goal.

The Preds held off a late push by Tampa including a penalty kill to earn the win and start off the prospect tournament on a high note.

“The guys really want to win,” Taylor said. “When you're in these scenarios, you want to do well. The guys bond together. They've been together for a while through drafts and development camps and the rest of it. So, it's a fun place to coach, and there's not a lot of pressure to it. We just want to enjoy and make sure everybody gets an opportunity.”

The Predators will play their second game of the tournament Saturday afternoon against the Carolina Hurricanes. Puck drop is slated for 1 Pm CT, and the game will be streamed live at NashvillePredators.com.

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Blues' Adam Jiricek Continues To Add Weight; Excited To Compete In Training Camp

St. Louis Blues defensive prospect Adam Jiricek has continued to add muscle to his frame and hopes to utilize that weight to compete at training camp. 

Matthew DeFranks spoke with the 19-year-old who claims he has added 25 pounds since he was drafted 16th overall by the Blues in the 2024 NHL Draft. Currently listed at 6-foot-3, 178 pounds, the added weight will do Jiricek wonders as he competes for a roster spot and for his health.

"I go to the gym, and they already have the plan ready. I’m just doing what they told me to do," said Jiricek. 

The 2024-25 campaign was marred by injuries, limiting Jiricek to just 27 games in the OHL with the Brantford Bulldogs; however, Jiricek is now healthy and ready to play hockey regularly.

"I feel great right now," Jiricek said at the Blues development camp in July. "I'm 100 percent healthy, so I enjoy coming here. I'm playing hockey, which is what I like to do."

Jiricek acknowledges that earning a spot on the Blues roster is a tall task, but he's hoping to do his best to make the decision as difficult as possible. If/when Jiricek is sent back to the Bulldogs, the Klatovy, CZE native will rejoin a Bulldogs roster that should be among the top competitors for the OHL Championship.

The Bulldogs lost Chicago Blackhawks Nick Lardis and Washington Capitals' Patrick Thomas, but the team still features Seattle Kraken 2025 top 10 pick Jake O'Brien, Blackhawks Marek Vanacker and Minnesota Wild's Adam Benak.

Adam Jiricek (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

"I will go to camp in September and see what happens," Jiricek said. "My goal is to stay here in St. Louis, but if that's not going to happen, we'll see what's going to be next. But I will do my best to stay here. I know there is good players here, but my job is to fight to try and stay here."

Including his participation in the OHL season, Jiricek will likely play a key role on Team Czechia's World Junior Championship roster. At last year's event, Jiricek recorded five assists in seven games, leading Team Czechia in points by a defenseman. 

The 2025-26 campaign will be a vital season for Jiricek. He needs to prove that he can stay healthy, but also that despite the injuries, his development hasn't been stunted. 

Last night in the opener of the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, Jiricek scored and was a difference maker from the backend. It was the formula the Blues want Jiricek to continue to replicate. 

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Oilers' Friday Faceoff: More McDavid News, Goalie Talk, Perry Injured, and More

This week's Edmonton Oilers Friday Faceoff is loaded with news as rookie camp and games begin, Hockey Canada players are reinstated, and big-name free agents make big-time decisions. 

Of course, everyone is still waiting on Connor McDavid. He's getting ready for the season and walking out with country stars at concerts in front of Edmonton fans. 

Let's get to it...

Oilers Star Leon Draisaitl Leaves Quiz Show Players Baffled

Carter Hart Nearing NHL Return, Eyes U.S. Team Over Oilers

Carter Hart is among the five Hockey Canada players the NHL and NHLPA have reinstated this season. Hart is expected to have an NHL deal in place by October 1, though he can’t officially sign until October 15, reports Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

While the Philadelphia Flyers are not an option, Hart is prioritizing a fresh start with a U.S.-based team where he can get meaningful starts and join a contender. That rules out all Canadian markets, including speculation about his hometown Edmonton Oilers. 

Hart is projected to sign a two- or three-year deal, with reinstatement terms allowing him to do conditioning stints as early as mid-November. He’s eligible to return to the NHL by early December. While Oilers fans speculated about Hart as a solution to Edmonton’s goalie concerns, if he's not prepared to subject himself to the scrutiny of playing in a Canadian market, the Oilers aren't an option. 

It was never made known that the Oilers were actually interested, with some reports saying they were not. 

Fleury’s PTO Will Spark Mid-Season Goalie Speculation With OilersFleury’s PTO Will Spark Mid-Season Goalie Speculation With OilersThe Pittsburgh Penguins recently announced that legendary goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will return to the organization on a professional tryout (PTO) contract. The signing and pre-season event does not mean Fleury is coming out of retirement or making an NHL comeback, but that won't stop fans of the Edmonton Oilers from making assumptions and connecting some dots.

Fleury Looks Out For the Oilers, Too

It appears Marc-Andre Fleury is also not an option for the Oilers. He signed a professional tryout (PTO)  on Friday to play an exhibition game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, seemingly done as a way to say a proper goodbye to the team and fans with whom he started his NHL career. 

If Fleury is making decisions like this and lining up his final skates, it seems he's firmly sticking with his decision to retire. The Oilers were thought of as a team that might be open mid-season for a goalie upgrade, and if Fleury wanted one last run and to come out of retirement, the fit made sense. 

Corey Perry Injured

Former Edmonton Oilers forward and now Los Angeles Kings forward Corey Perry may have suffered an injury during an on-ice workout at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo on Friday, sources report.  

Former Oiler Corey Perry was injured this week. Photo by: © Sergei Belski Imagn Images

He was helped off the ice with the assistance of a wheelchair, and it's unknown how severe the injury is at this time. He’s being evaluated further and has no timetable for a return. An update may not be given until Kings' training camp opens.

Kaprizov Turns Down $16M Per Season

Kirill Kaprizov’s contract talks with the Minnesota Wild have become one of the NHL’s hottest storylines, overshadowing Connor McDavid’s pending extension. Reports, including one from NHL Trade Talk, suggest Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $16 million-per-year deal, though GM Bill Guerin denied a formal offer or reports that Kaprizov said no. 

Sources indicate Kaprizov seeks $18–$19 million annually, aiming for 20 percent of the salary cap. His camp is waiting on McDavid’s deal to shape the market, with speculation that rival teams might pay more. The Wild remain committed to keeping him long-term, but with rising cap space and pressure from McDavid’s decision, Kaprizov’s next contract could redefine NHL superstar salaries.

Oilers Have Two Deals Ready To Go Once McDavid Signs

Edmonton Oilers insider Bob Stauffer is reporting that top-four defenseman Jake Walman could receive a six-year deal, while winger Vasily Podkolzin is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Oilers once the McDavid deal is done and officially signed. 

Walman, 29, is entering the final year of a $3.4 million contract and some thought the Oilers might go for an eight-year deal, using upcoming changes to the CBA and term lengths as leverage. But, because those changes won't come into effect until after next July 1, the Oilers can't exclusively offer Walman two extra seasons on a UFA deal.

Stauffer projects Walman’s six-year deal will fall in the “sixes,” meaning he'll get at least $6 million per season. 

Prime Minister Weighs In On McDavid Contract Drama in Edmonton

 Oilers Remain Patient on McDavid... But How Patient?

While the McDavid contract situation remains unresolved, insiders and hosts continue to chime in with their takes on what he might do. A recent take by Spittin’ Chiclets podcast host Keith Yandle this week included him saying, “I think he should wait the whole year, whether he wants to sign long-term there or not.”

Arguing that Connor McDavid has earned the right to take his time on a contract extension, Yandle believes McDavid should play out the season first. 

While many believe the Oilers could still trade McDavid at the draft if they had to, letting him get past the trade deadline feels like a non-starter for the Oilers.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

 

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Jacob deGrom gets present in Citi Field return: a six-run lead before throwing his first pitch

NEW YORK — Jacob deGrom received a gift in his Citi Field return: not just a video tribute but a six-run lead before he threw a pitch.

A montage of the slender star’s highlights flashed across the ballpark video board Friday night as he started to throw long toss to Lynard Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” his old warmup song. He tipped his cap as “Welcome back Jacob” flashed in large letters.

“I looked at it for a second, then I had to kind of look down, gather myself and continue playing catch to get ready for the game,” he said after pitching the soaring Texas Rangers over the skidding New York Mets 8-3.

A two-time Cy Young Award winner who went 82-57 in nine seasons for the Mets, DeGrom gave up three runs in the third inning on a homer and a pair of sacrifice flies but steadied to retire his final 15 batters. He allowed four hits over seven innings and is 12-7 with a 2.82 ERA in a season in which he earned his fifth All-Star selection and first since 2021.

“The mound felt the exact same,” he said.

DeGrom had not been to Citi Field since leaving the Mets in December 2022 for a $185 million, five-year contract with the Rangers. His return was a focal point since the schedule was issued in July 2024.

“I wanted a chance to pitch here,” he said.

DeGrom went back to the batting cage behind the dugout while the Rangers knocked out rookie Josh Tong after two outs in a 22-minute top of the first. DeGrom averaged 98 mph with his fastball, topping at 99.6 mph. He induced 14 outfield putouts, three more than his previous career high.

“They just hit the bottom of the baseball,” he said. “They go up.”

DeGrom’s 2.14 regular-season ERA at Citi Field is the second-lowest for a pitcher since 1920 throwing at least 500 innings at a ballpark, trailing only Sandy Koufax’s 1.37 at Dodger Stadium.

“He was a show. He was the guy that people came to the ballpark to watch him pitch,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.

DeGrom, who turned 37 in June, won the 2014 NL Rookie of the Year and 2018 and ’19 NL Cy Youngs with the Mets. He is the franchise leader in ERA (2.52), WHIP (.998) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.91) among pitchers with at least 500 innings.

Given his time in New York, deGrom felt strange to face former teammates Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil.

“He’s always going to come after you with everything he’s got and always respected that about him when he was here,” said Nimmo, who gave his old pal a pat on the back after the pitcher beat him to the first-base bag for the final out of the sixth.

His parents, sisters, wife and kids were in the ballpark.

“They were here when I made my debut so they wanted to come back up for this and be a part of it,” he said of the adults.

DeGrom smiled when asked how he’d feel about the Mets eventually retiring his No. 48, saying it wasn’t his decision but would “be a huge honor.”

DeGrom’s final two seasons in New York were shortened by injuries. He limited to 26 starts in 2021-22 because of right side tightness, his ’21 season ended before the All-Star break by right forearm tightness and his 2022 debut delayed until August by a right shoulder injury.

DeGrom opted out of his Mets contract after the 2022 season, giving up a $30.5 million salary, for 2023. He made just six starts and had Tommy John surgery for the second time that June 12.

“You try not to let doubt set in.” he said. “Every day you get to put this uniform on, I’m thankful for that.”

He didn’t return to the big leagues until Sept. 13 last season.

“Taking the mound for the three starts last year was huge for me,” he said. “I was able to say, hey, I got back out there. Now I can prepare like a normal offseason.”

DeGrom has been his old self this year, with a 97.5 mph fastball velocity that is second in the major leagues behind Paul Skenes’ 98.2 mph for those throwing at least 1,000 pitches. DeGrom retired Baltimore’s first 18 batters on June 25 before Colton Cowser’s leadoff single in the seventh.

He is 96-64 with a 2.55 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, best among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings since the live ball era started in 1920.

“Just the way he’s bouncing back off his starts, there’s no reason why he won’t pitch in his 40s,” Bochy said.

DeGrom might generate Hall of Fame consideration if he pitches five or six more years at this level.

“Maybe. We’ll see,” he said. “My goal is to just keep it going.”

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The Hockey Show: Several superstars possibly on the move, Team USA gold medal prediction

Day by day, minute by minute, a new NHL season is getting closer and closer.

As the excitement continues to build, hockey news has been picking up and getting juicy, and The Hockey Show is all over it.

This week, co-hosts Roy Bellamy and David Dwork welcomed ESPN Senior NHL Writer Greg Wyshynski back on the show to dive into several hot button topics.

Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turning down the biggest offer in hockey history was something that deserved some attention, as did the possibility of Sidney Crosby leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins in order to play for a playoff team.

The future of Connor McDavid in Edmonton is always a fun thing to discuss, as this week, even the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney chimed in on the looming national crisis.

Don't forget about the Hughes brothers potentially all joining forces in a couple of seasons if Quinn decides to leave Vancouver and head east to New Jersey. 

Also discussed was the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, and Wysh had a bold take on who he thinks will take home the gold medal, and why.

Hint: It’s not Canada.

This week’s wins and fails included Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov becoming part-owner of another pro sports franchise, a wise signing in Calgary, a poor effort on Jeopardy and a ‘Screaming Bear’ jersey that may or may not have fallen a little short of the mark.

You can check out this week’s episode of The Hockey Show and the extended interview with Wysh in the video’s below:

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