Bob Iger, left, and Joshua Kushner. (Getty Images)
What a difference a year makes.
Less than a year after Dodgers owner Mark Walter bought the Lakers for a record-breaking sum, L.A.’s iconic NBA franchise is now being sold to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, sources familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to The Times, $2.5 billion more than the reported number when Walter bought the team in October from the Buss family.
Kushner, of permanent-capital holding company Thrive Eternal and younger brother of Jared Kushner, and Iger, Disney’s former chief executive, were recently looking into an expansion franchise as the NBA eyed new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. Walter, who also owns the Dodgers and the Sparks, has been at the center of a federal loan investigation. The Dodgers and Sparks were not involved in the deal, according to a source familiar with the transaction but not authorized to speak publicly.
“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,” Kushner and Iger said in a statement. “We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”
Jeanie Buss, whose family owned the Lakers for more than four decades, remained the governor of the Lakers despite the family selling the team to Walter last year. She remained a fixture at games, sitting courtside during the season, with Walter occasionally joining her or sitting courtside near the baseline. The NBA announced in October after the sale was finalized that Buss would be the team’s governor for at least five years.
“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life — an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,” Walter said in the statement to ESPN, who first reported the sale Wednesday morning. “I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”
Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the L.A. Times Media Group and minority owner in the Lakers, welcomed his new business partners on social media.
“Go Lakers!” he posted on X. “Congrats Bob and Josh.”
Iger stepped down from his role as Disney CEO in mid-March, but remains on the board of directors through December. The longtime executive and his wife Willow Bay, the dean of USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, bought a controlling stake in NWSL club Angel City FC in 2024 and led a project to build an NFL stadium in Carson before the NFL instead returned to Inglewood, where Rams owner Stan Kroenke built SoFi Stadium.
Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, acknowledges a fan before a game against the Chicago Cubs last week. (Melissa Tamez / Associated Press)
Kushner also owns a minority stake in the Miami Heat, which he bought in 2024 and must now sell to finalize the Lakers purchase. He was previously a minority owner in the Memphis Grizzlies. This year, his venture capital firm Thrive Capital launched Thrive Eternal, which is focused on long-term ownership of a small number of iconic franchises and cultural institutions, and acquired a stake in the San Francisco Giants as its first foray into sports. Thrive Eternal was at the center of a plan to buy tournament rights to the FIFA World Cup, but the controversial deal collapsed amid outrage, including a boycott from UEFA, the governing body for European soccer.
“Both of them love basketball,” Lakers legend Magic Johnson said in an interview with The Times. “And I think they’ll take us in the right direction. … First I was happy because it was Mark Walter and now I’m even happier that it’s Bob Iger and Josh Kushner so we got the right two people to own the team. Bob lived here, Bob worked here, on and on and on. And he wants to win. Both of them want to win. And you gotta have people who want to win. They’ll bring all the resources and make sure they bring a championship to Laker fans and L.A.”
In his short tenure, Walter and TWG Global started remaking front-office and business operations with the Lakers. The franchise was investing in assistant general manager positions this offseason, growing its sports science resources with the help of the Dodgers and moving G League operations from the South Bay to the Coachella Valley. Lakers general manager and president of basketball Rob Pelinka called the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers and Lakers “brother-sister” organizations.
Despite being one of the NBA’s marquee franchises, the Lakers, who had been a family-run team for 46 years since Jerry Buss bought the franchise in 1979, were starting to fall behind in the booming NBA business. Within months of buying the team, Walter installed Dodgers executive Lon Rosen to oversee business operations. Rosen added new roles to drive revenue, oversee business strategy and grow interest in the franchise domestically and internationally.
The Lakers added a second row for courtside seats during playoff games, sold a uniform sponsorship to Daiso for the Laker Girls dance team and agreed to a new jersey patch deal with Albert, a personal financial assistant app. The team also laid off more than a dozen employees in May, soon after the season ended with a second-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Usually, there is no reason to focus on MLB free agency in August. It's three months away and there's playoffs to worry about.
Except this year, baseball's traditionally drawn-out free agency period is expected to be a frenzy, condensed into the three weeks between the end of the World Series and the end of the collective bargaining agreement.
The market opens five days after the World Series ends. The labor deal expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, and a lockout is widely expected the moment it does. The last one ran 99 days and froze every signing and trade in the sport. This one could be worse, because the owners want a salary cap and the union has spent decades saying that's not even in the conversation.
So, the players about to hit the market are looking at a narrow chance in November where deals can actually get done under the current CBA before the expected lockout.
These last two months will matter more than they normally would. Almost every name in this free agent class just changed teams at the deadline. Tarik Skubal is a Dodger. Freddy Peralta is a Ray. Luis Arraez is a Phillie. Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes are Cubs.
They're all auditioning somewhere new, right now, for a market that might slam shut before anyone gets their money.
Here's the top free agents heading into 2027 ... or 2028:
Why Tarik Skubal is the only sure thing on the market
He is the class of the class and it isn't close. Two Cy Youngs, 29 years old, chasing the biggest contract ever handed to a starting pitcher. He had a bone chip taken out of his elbow earlier this year, which is the only question about an otherwise simple market.
His agent, Scott Boras, doesn't mind a slow winter − he's managed them before. He has the ace of the class and the wallets will open up for him whenever the business of baseball returns to wins and losses.
Top MLB free agent pitchers for 2027
The class has pitching depth, but most of it comes with questions attached. These aren't guys sailing into November on career years, they are trying to prove something in these last six weeks.
Freddy Peralta, 30, went 17-6 last year with a 2.70 ERA and finished fifth in the Cy Young voting. He's 5-9 with a 5.33 ERA this year and struggles to miss bats. He has the last few weeks with the Tampa Bay Rays and their magic pitching factory to resurrect his free agent value.
Kevin Gausman is 35 − he'll 36 by Opening Day − and he's been a middle-of-the-rotation arm this season. But he's made 31 starts every year since 2022, and somebody always pays for innings. He's continuing his case with the Cubs after Toronto dealt him.
Behind them are Shane Bieber, 30; Brandon Woodruff, 33; Robbie Ray, 34; and Luis Severino, 32.
The best position players in the 2027 free agent class
There aren't many bats available in this class.
Luis Arraez, 29, is a three-time batting champ who just landed in the Phillies lineup, which is about the best setup he can get two months before he hits the market. Jazz Chisholm Jr., 28, and Randy Arozarena, 31, come after him. Ian Happ, 31, Brandon Lowe, 32, Seiya Suzuki, 31, J.P. Crawford, 31, Trent Grisham, 29 and Taylor Ward, 32, are also in this thin group.
Gleyber Torres, 29, is worth watching too. He is only one of three second baseman in this class who hasn't turned 30 yet.
Which MLB players will opt out after the 2026 season?
Injuries took care of a lot of these decisions.
Corbin Burnes, 31, can walk away from four years and $140 million in Arizona. He had Tommy John surgery in June 2025 and has yet to return, so he's probably not going anywhere. Jose Berrios, 32, had Tommy John in May and won't pitch again until the middle of 2027. It will certainly be with Toronto.
Michael King has been here before. The 31-year-old hit the market last winter and came right back to San Diego for three years and $75 million. The deal lets him leave after this season with a $5 million buyout instead of collecting $53 million over the next two years. If he's healthy, he's probably taking the buyout.
Clay Holmes, 33 is an interesting case. He closed for the Yankees, made two All-Star teams doing it, then turned into a legitimate starter with the Mets. He suffered a broken fibula in May and just made his first start back and after being dealt to the Cubs. He has a $12 million option and if he has a strong August, September and October, he will decline.
Bo Bichette, 28, is the genuinely interesting one. He signed for three years and $126 million with the Mets, including opt-outs every season. Walking after his first miserable season in Queens is over means giving up $84 million after hitting .236. Still, many in the business believe he will leave.
Why the pending MLB lockout makes November a deadline
Every player here knows what's coming. Take the November deal and there is the security of knowing exactly what you have, or wait it out and find out what the new rules look like − with nobody able to tell you when the waiting ends.
The unofficial deadline for losing regular season games is early-to-mid-March. That's a long time to sit unemployed.
The guys with the least leverage will try to sign in November. Teams know that and will take advantage of it.
Skubal, on the other hand, can wait as long as he likes. The money will be there.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 08: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Globe Life Field on August 08, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rangers fans and fans across the country.
The Rangers are fighting for a playoff spot, and are currently a half game back of Houston in the American League West and a half game up on the Detroit Tigers for the third Wild Card spot.
It seems to be a given that, if healthy, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi would be the top two starters in a playoff series. What we want to know this week is, who would you feel best about having the third starter spot?
The Cubs are now 8-2 in August after what was a really nice win in Washington. The Nationals are almost certainly going to miss the playoffs again, but they have a talented and young team. If you missed the stat, the Nats have had exactly one plate appearance by a player 29 or over, and that was by Miles Mikolas of all people. Even if that changes in September after roster expansion, they should set a nearly unbeatable record. The future is bright and the present isn’t all that dim. They stubbornly fought this game all of the way down to the last pitch.
Alas, the Cubs got just enough of everything to pull out yet another win. This was another team effort, with at least half a dozen players making significant contributions. This offense is relentless, this defense is excellent. They just need to pull together enough pitching to be able to hold the line when an opposing pitcher is going off and shutting them down. Can they do that? That is the question.
Let’s break out the perspective check before we further discuss this. Four teams with more wins than the Cubs. The Cubs now own a 6.5 game lead on the first Wild Card spot. The Diamondbacks have caught the Phillies for the second spot. The Brewers got clobbered in San Diego and just like that, the Cubs are only four out in the division. I think it’s probably a little too early to get excited about that. But definitely time to start peeking over the fence a little. The Cubs are now on a 94.5 win pace. The Cubs are a season high 20 games over .500 and only need to split their remaining games to win 91. This team is starting to feel like the 2015 Cubs to me.
This was a game shaped a little unusual for this 2026 season. The Cubs fell behind early, trailing by two after each of the first two innings. But they scored in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings (and added an insurance run in the eighth). That turned a two-run deficit into a four-run lead heading to the bottom of the eighth. The Cubs have come from behind all across the map. They score so many runs that it isn’t terribly unusual for them to trail at some point and then bounce back. But usually once they get their offense going, they take off and leave the other team in the dust. I thought for a minute this one would go that way.
I thought wrong. That led to Jacob Webb being called upon for a four-out save. One of the fun things about a guy ascending to the closer role mid-season is that you sometimes end up with a multi-inning closer. Webb has seven saves to lead the team and in three of those he recorded more than three outs. He’d twice previously recorded six-out saves. That’s the benefit of Monday’s off day and having a very well-rested bullpen. Even with four relievers being used, there will be four other relievers with at least two days of rest heading into Wednesday’s game.
Offensively, the Cubs were fairly efficient. They had nine hits and drew five walks and had two HBPs. They turned that into eight runs. That’s a strong offensive output. Unsurprisingly, there were three homers and a couple of doubles. One of the walks scored, one of the walks drove in a run and one of the hit by pitches contributed to another run scoring. Free bases, they will kill you.
The Cubs survived a subpar start and a subpar evening out of the bullpen. That’s generally hard to do. But this team is playing exceptional baseball right now. Keep it rolling.
Three Positives plus Pete:
Alex Bregman had another excellent night at the plate. He worked long counts all night, had a homer and a single, drew a walk and scored three times.
Jacob Webb’s four out save was enormous.
Seiya Suzuki had a double and a homer, he drove in two runs.
Pete hit his 27th homer of the year. He’s had such a strong year that he homered and saw his wRC+ drop on the season. He already has 30 steals, so he’s just three homers away from back-to-back 30/30 seasons. At 24 years of age. Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez are two active players that got their second such season in their age-24 season.
Game 120, August 11: Cubs 8, Nationals 6 (70-50)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Jacob Webb (.177). 1.1 IP, 5 BF, H, 2 K (Sv 7)
Billy Goat: Shōta Imanaga (-.189). 4.2 IP, 21 BF, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 ER, 5 K
Goat: Ryan Zeferjahn (-.115). 0.2 IP, 6 BF, 3 H, BB, 2 ER
Kid: Michael Busch (.090). 0-5
WPA Play of the Game: CJ Abrams hit a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the first for the game’s first two runs. (.185)
Cubs Play of the Game: Nico Hoerner batted with a runner on first and no outs in the fourth, the Cubs down one. He doubled. (.134)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 119 Winner: Matthew Boyd received 58 of 91 votes
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Pete Crow-Armstrong +29
Alex Bregman +19
Carson Kelly +15.5
Shōta Imanaga +14
Trent Thornton +13.5
Edward Cabrera -9.5
Phil Maton -10
Jameson Taillon -13
Caleb Thielbar -19.5
Dansby Swanson -21
Up Next: Game two of the series Wednesday night. David Peterson (6-7, 5.35) will pitch for the Cubs. Peterson is 3-1 with a 4.03 (38 IP) over his last seven starts. He’s had no decisions in his last two starts despite allowing two earned runs in 11. 1 innings. Jackson Kent gets the call for the Nats to make his MLB debut. The 23-year-old lefty is 9-4 with a 3.72 in 20 starts (94.1 IP) across two levels this season. He averages more than a strikeout an inning and has allowed opponents a .216 batting average. He’s done a little worse at Triple-A, so there is some question if he’s ready yet for this test. He was a fourth round pick out of the University of Arizona in the 2024 draft. He’s originally from Roselle, IL. So I imagine he has some thoughts one way or the other about debuting versus the Cubs. He was 13 when the Cubs won their championship.
Just 14 months ago, Mark Walter bought the iconic Los Angeles Lakers for an NBA record $10 billion, ending the franchise's run as a family-run business. Now he is flipping the team for a cool $2.5 billion profit.
In a stunning turn of events, Walter is selling the Lakers for a new record $12.5 billion to American businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, a story broken by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. This sale ultimately will have to be approved by the league's Board of Governors (made up of the other 29 owners), but that seems a mere formality (as it was for Walter 10 months ago). Kushner and Iger were in discussions about buying the expected NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, meaning the league certainly has already started the vetting process.
"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."
"Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead."
It's worth noting that federal investigators have been looking into Walter and his conglomerate and holding company, TWG Global, for alleged fraud tied to insurance companies it owns (based on reports from a whistleblower), according to reporting in the Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. Walter and TWG have denied any wrongdoing. It's unclear if the investigations had any impact on the sale of the team. Walter is not selling the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of, or adjacent to, this deal.
It's unclear what percentage of the team the Buss family will retain through this sale. It still had a 15% ownership stake after the sale to Walter, and Jeanie Buss was continuing as governor of the team, overseeing day-to-day operations.
Since taking over the Lakers, Walter has been aggressive in reshaping the Lakers' front office and scouting staff, which had been one of the smallest in the NBA despite the size of the Lakers' brand. The Lakers have been building out a much more robust and diversified front office, with Rob Pelinka still in charge as general manager. Walter made sweeping changes to business-side personnel as well, changing much of the organization.
Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, however, Josh does not have a role in the White House. Kushner founded Thrive Capital, which is a venture capital firm that invested in companies such as Instagram and OpenAI, among others. Kushner is worth an estimated $5.2 billion.
Iger is well known in Southern California for his two turns as the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. He is a consultant with Thive.
George Springer loves what he sees from Ranger Suarez, so we’re riding with him as part of our Red Sox vs. Blue Jays predictions tonight.
The Toronto Blue Jays host the Boston Red Sox for Game 3 of their four-game series tonight at the Rogers Centre as slight +105 underdogs at BET99.
They’ve shrunk their path to the Wild Card to just 2.5 games and are looking for a third straight win against the Red Sox with Jose Soriano on the mound.
Let’s dive into my MLB picks for Wednesday, Aug. 12, and win our third consecutive best bet.
Red Sox vs Blue Jays predictions
Red Sox vs Blue Jays best bet: George Springer Over 1.5 hits+runs+RBI (-105)
George Springer has cashed this play in two consecutive games against the Boston Red Sox, and we’re getting some tremendous value for him to do it one more time.
Now, Springer hasn’t seen a ton of Robert Suarez over the course of his career, but when he has, he’s found his way on base. The Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter is 2-for-5 lifetime against the lefty with an xBA of .344 and hasn’t struck out once, meaning we should see some balls in play tonight.
To take it a step further, Springer owns an above-average 105 wRC+ vs. lefties on the season.
Hissolid contact percentage is among the best of his career this year, and with Springer hitting in the four-spot routinely, we may only need one or two at-bats to build our bankroll.
COVERS INTEL: Springer has been one of the best hitters in the American League following the All-Star break, owning a .824 OPS since returning to action. And out of his 36 RBI this season, 15 have come from hitting in the four-hole. Yes, he's had 20 from the leadoff position, but with 164 more at-bats.
Red Sox vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
We’ll keep Springer as the heart of our Blue Jays same-game parlay, but behind him, we’re rolling with the Blue Jays to keep things close, and for Jose Soriano and the now-rested bullpen to hold the Red Sox Under 3.5 runs.
Toronto has just found a way to scrape and claw themselves back into games against Boston, a big reason why they have won nine of their last 13 games and four straight series.
With Soriano on the mound making his home debut,I’m expecting him to hold the Red Sox bats at bay after allowing just three earned runs across his last 16 2/3 innings. Boston hasn’t scored more than three in four straight — let’s cash this one.
Red Sox vs Blue Jays SGP
George Springer Over 1.5 hits+runs+RBI
Blue Jays +1.5
Red Sox team total Under 3.5
Alberta: Sports betting is now live!
Regulated Alberta sports betting has officially launched, allowing sportsbooks to operate under provincial oversight.
You can sign up and join BET99 — one of the best Alberta betting apps — now to get in on the Blue Jays action!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/82/bet99.svg" alt="BET99" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
Red Sox vs Blue Jays home run pick: Alejandro Kirk (+675)
The Blue Jays haven’t been hitting the long ball this season like in years past, but if anyone is going deep off Suarez today, it’s Alejandro Kirk.
The catcher owns a .599 xBA and a massive .714 xSLG against the lefty, leading me to believe he’s the man for the job. With his average exit velocity sitting at 98 MPH in this matchup, you should, too.
Let’s ride Kirky to go deep tonight.
2026 Transparency Record
Best bets: 2-0, +2.95 units
SGPs: 0-2, -0.4 units
HR picks: 0-2, -0.4 units
Red Sox vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: Boston (-125) | Toronto (+105)
Run line: Boston -1.5 (+140) | Toronto +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+105) | Under 7.5 (-125)
Red Sox vs Blue Jays trend
If you're looking for a play on the total, the Under is 6-0 in the Red Sox's last six games as a road favorite. Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Red Sox vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
First pitch
7:07 p.m. ET
TV
NESN, SN
Red Sox starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (4-3, 3.32 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Jose Soriano (9-6, 3.24 ERA)
Red Sox vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Red Sox vs Blue Jays weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.
The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers.
"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles," Kushner and Iger said in a statement.
Walter bought the Lakers in 2025 from the family of Dr. Jerry Buss, who owned the franchise from 1979 until his death in 2013. At the time of his death, the franchise was passed on to his six children, with his daughter Jeanie becoming the team's governor and being named controlling owner in 2017.
Buss remained the governor even with the sale to Walter, as the team moves forward in a new era with superstar Luka Doncic, but must replace the production of NBA all-time scoring leader LeBron James, who led them to a championship in 2020 but left in free agency this summer to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Walter has not commented on why he is selling the team, but two companies tied to Walter are currently under federal investigation as the government looks into the financial dealings of the billionaire’s businesses.
"Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead," Walter said in a statement.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Domenick Fensore #89 of the Carolina Hurricanes takes the ice prior to the first period of their game against the Florida Panthers. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Seven writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of September 1, 2026. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.
Coming in as one of the new Colorado Avalanche signings of this summer’s free agency class is left shot defenseman Domenick Fensore. Originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round of the 2019 NHL draft, the 24-year-old defenseman is coming off a solid AHL campaign with the Chicago Wolves. In his third season with Chicago, Fensore posted career highs in goals (10), assists (25) and points (35) in 60 regular season games.
Fensore was a fixture on the Chicago blue line during the Wolves’ playoff run. In 18 playoff games, he recorded four goals and two assists. One of his goals came as a shorthanded tally during Game Three of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Eagles, where Fensore will likely spend the upcoming season. Fensore’s regular season numbers would have placed him second in goal scoring among Eagles defensemen, just one shy of the now-departed Jack Ahcan, who had eleven (11) goals in 61 regular season games. Fensore should fit right into the role of offensive defenseman with the Eagles.
Fensore’s prospects of breaking into the Avs lineup are pretty slim, provided that the blue line doesn’t get rocked by a rash of multiple injuries at the same time. That said, the 5’8” Ahcan was (somehow) an appealing option to Avs head coach Jared Bednar at various points in the regular season and playoffs, and if a rash of injuries strike at the likes of Sam Malinski, Josh Manson, or Cale Makar, perhaps the 5’9” Fensore may see some limited NHL usage. He does have three games of NHL experience, all with the Carolina Hurricanes, in which he produced zero points.
Fensore’s AHL playoff experience may prove beneficial for the Eagles this season. Colorado had Chicago on the ropes in their Western Conference Final series, but ultimately fell short in their bid for their first-ever Calder Cup Final appearance, losing in a winner-take-all Game Seven. Will Fensore be a difference-maker for the Eagles this season? Tough to say at this point, but it could be a compelling reason to keep an eye on how things play out in Loveland as the season progresses.
Most of us here on staff ranked Fensore in the mid-to-low teens in our rankings, with Ryan being the most skeptical of us at 28. The 24-year-old will be serviceable on the blue line in Loveland, but being tasked to serve in an NHL-level capacity may be beyond his capabilities.
Let us know what you think of this prospect in the comments!
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Will Bush #56 of the Houston Astros in the field during the seventh inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below.
AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (59-55) lost 9-8 (BOX SCORE)
Hendrickson started for Sugar Land but struggled allowing 7 runs, 4 earned, over 6 innings of work. The offense got on the board in the 4th inning on an Alexander 3 run home run. They got 2 more runs in the 5th on a Biggio RBI triple and Ferreras RBI double. An Alexander double in the 7th brought Sugar Land within a run. In the 9th, Sugar Land tied it on a Brooks walk. The game went to extras and in the 10th, Salazar drove in a run on a sac fly. Unfortunately Santa wasn’t able to hold the lead as Sugar Land fell 9-8.
Roddery Munoz, RHP: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Miguel Ullola, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Alimber Santa, RHP: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (52-57) won 3-2 (BOX SCORE)
Dombroski started for the Hooks and tossed 2.2 scoreless innings. The Hooks got on the board in the 2nd inning on a Call sac fly and Holy RBI double. In the 5th, Bush connected on a solo home run. Mancini went 2.1 innings in relief allowing 2 runs, 1 earned. He was followed by Perez who tossed 2 scoreless innings. The rest of the pen was solid as they closed out the 3-2 win.
A+: Asheville Tourists (37-70) won 14-9 (BOX SCORE)
Asheville got on the board in the first inning scoring 2 runs on a Moss RBI double and Garcia RBI single. They scored 5 more runs in the 2nd inning on a fielder’s choice, Neyens walk, Huezo walk, Moss sac fly and Walker sac fly. In the 3rd, the offense got 4 more runs on a Newman groundout and Huezo 3 run home run. Potter got the start and allowed one run over 3 innings of work. Santos pitched in relief and allowed 6 runs but the offense got another in the 4th on a Newman single and then 2 runs in the 7th on Newman and Thomas back to back home runs. Varela allowed a couple of runs in the 9th but held on as Asheville won 14-9.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Mikey Romero #72 of the Boston Red Sox takes batting practice during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was close, but in a game that featured twenty-seven hits between the two teams, the WooSox fell just short against the Bison (Blue Jays AAA) after a late rally. Mikey Romero had a two-RBI single to score Mickey Gasper and Franklin Arias (both of whom looked good Tuesday, obviously good enough to get within scoring position) to add to his sac fly. The former first rounder has hit .364 with an OPS of 1.072 in the month of August. This one was decided early in retrospect, though; John Holobetz finally looked a bit too human after an awesome start to his Triple-A campaign, was pulled early, and the bullpen (mostly Eduardo Rivera) didn’t help matters on a night where the offense certainly did enough to win most other games.
By the time the Sea Dogs got a ball over the fence, Brooks Brannon’s 19th of the season that also scored Jack Winnay, the score was 16-4 and the expected winning percentage stayed securely at 0.1%. The Rumble Ponies (Mets AA) had an outstanding sixth inning off the mitt of Cooper Adams, beckoning seven runs and turning a 7-1 game into an absolute laugher. The game didn’t start off right as Dalton Rogers allowed a first-inning home run to Jefferson Rojas and the pitching staff then allowed two doubles to the young shortstop. That was just one indication of a night that would just not let up.
Greenville: PPD in 3rd, Make-Up Today
The Drive have a pretty good handle on this one as the rain came down too quickly in Spartanburg (Astros High-A) to continue. They’re up 5-0 in the third, having jumped to an early lead thanks to Isaiah Jackson’s 16th of 2026. “First” pitch at 5:00.
The bullpen held up their end of the bargain against Delmarva (Orioles A) on Tuesday night, allowing just one hit after the third, but the offense was extremely lackluster, getting just six total bases on the night and only drawing two walks. As a result, the RidgeYaks were unceremoniously walked off without recording an out in the bottom of the ninth. Franklin Primera had two hits as he and Skylar King remain maybe the two most intriguing batting prospects in Salem, but when you can’t get the ducks across the pond… I can’t think of an analogy to end this, but you get the point, it’s tough to win.
Dinger Tuesday was good to me, with two of three cashing for +7 units and one step closer to digging out of what seemed like an impossible home run hole. MLB player props have been better for me in the summer months. Let's crush Wednesday.
In addition to targeting the two leaders in the NL MVP race, I'm adding the new Tampa Bay Rays catcher, Liam Hicks, to take advantage of a favorable situation in Sacramento.
These are my favorite MLB home run props for Wednesday, August 12.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
MLB home run props for today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Shohei Ohtani
+276
Pete Crow-Armstrong
+344
Liam Hicks
+830
💲Today's HR parlay
+11684
Home run prediction: Shohei Ohtani (+276)
Shohei Ohtani for a homer at +250 or better is usually a price point for me, but it’s not something we see daily, with his average HR price closer to $2. I’m a Pete Crow-Armstrong guy all the way for NL MVP right now, but I’m willing to back Ohtani at this price against the Kansas City Royals and their bullpen.
Lefty Daniel Lynch is getting the start, which is why the price is higher with the lefty-on-lefty matchup. However, Lynch threw just 35 pitches and recorded five outs in his last turn, his first start of the season, before handing things over to the relievers. Kansas City currently has no left-handed options in its bullpen, which sets up well for Ohtani later in the game.
Since 2024, 71% of Ohtani’s home runs have come against right-handed pitching, so the matchup gets considerably better once the Royals go to their right-handed relievers.
Dodger Stadium is also a favorable home run environment, with some of the shortest fence distances in MLB. THE BAT has the fair price all the way down to +220.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet LA, Royals.TV
Home run prediction: Pete Crow-Armstrong (+344)
This is a huge outlier price at Polymarket. I hit this winner last night at +325, and tonight’s matchup is just as good, with a fair price of +260.
Pete Crow-Armstrong launched a 111-mph missile last night and has moved to -125 as the NL MVP betting favorite. He saw Jake Irvin last night but can do some damage against the Washington Nationals and rookie left-hander Jackson Kent, who is making his first MLB start.
The southpaw started the year at Double-A and is getting the promotion after Zack Littell was finally designated for assignment. Kent was a strikeout-per-inning pitcher at Triple-A this year but also allowed eight home runs over 63-plus frames. He’s tough on lefties from a batting average perspective, but left-handed hitters have taken him deep at a rate similar to righties.
Nothing cute here — just backing a great bat in a great spot at a great price with my MLB picks.
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Nationals.TV, Marquee Sports Network
Home run prediction: Liam Hicks (+830)
The Tampa Bay Rays might have the best HR matchup on the slate today. They get Sutter Health Park, which is ranked as the best home run park by a fair margin, according to Ballpark Pal.
Jack Perkins is also one of the best HR starters to target. He ranks in the Bottom 20 of all MLB pitchers in HR/9 and the bottom 40 in HR/FB rate. He's allowed nine home runs over his last 28 innings at home.
Liam Hicks is projected to hit out of the cleanup spot and is paying a robust +830, with some books as short as +500. He has a solid .884 OPS since joining the Rays and gets to face a right-handed starter, with 14 of his 15 homers coming against RHPs. The A's are also down their best lefty middle reliever and are a bottom-three bullpen in terms of HR/9.
It's a buy to +650.
Time: 11:59 p.m. ET
Where to watch: One National or Two local
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 29-149, -10.43 units
Best home run combo for Aug. 12
Shohei Ohtani
Trade Now +11684
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Liam Hicks
Want more baseball parlays? Check out our MLB parlay picks page!
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 2: Adam Silver, Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger are seen on Day 10 of the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2025 in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)
In a completely unexpected and shocking move, the Lakers are reportedly being sold again.
On Wednesday morning, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the franchise was being sold for a record-breaking $12 billion to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.
Shortly after the news came out, Kushner and Iger released a statement to ESPN confirming the sale.
Statement to ESPN from Josh Kushner and Bob Iger:
“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry… https://t.co/IMvaW0Iolr
“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”
Statement to ESPN from Mark Walter: “Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the… https://t.co/IMvaW0Iolr
“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”
For now, it’s unclear what caused this sale, but it’s not hard to look at the ongoing federal investigation into Walter and assume that had a role. Without knowing much about the investigation, many people will likely try to connect dots and assume something is going on with that investigation that prompted Walter to sell the team.
Even if that is the case, he sold the team for a profit after owning it for less than a year. When he purchased the Lakers, it was at a valuation of $10 billion. Fast forward to 2026 and he made $2.5 billion on the sale.
There’s certainly a lot to unpack from all this with lots of the answers we’re looking for not coming for some time. First, who are Kushner and Iger and what experience do they have in running a team?
Well, Josh Kushner is, in fact, Jared Kushner’s brother, which means the Lakers are alarmingly close to Donald Trump now. He is also a minority owner of the Miami Heat, a move he made back in early 2025 that he will now, obviously, have to divest from. To acquire a stake in the Heat, he sold his stake in the Grizzlies, which he acquired in 2019. That’s all to say he does have a history of being around the NBA.
Outside of basketball, sports fans more recently likely heard his name as part of the FIFA World Cup controversy in which FIFA President Gianni Infantino was attempting to sell stakes of competitions to private investors, specifically to an investment fund run by Kushner. The plan backfired spectacularly and might cost Infantino his job, so Kushner pivoted to buying the Lakers, it seems.
Iger is likely a name sports fans have at least heard before as he served as the CEO of Walt Disney Company for nearly 20 years. When it comes to sports ownership, he is the majority owner of Angel City FC, the LA-based National Women’s Soccer League franchise.
Another fair question from this is what happens to Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka. The answer is that we don’t know and likely won’t for some time.
With Jeanie, though, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this is the end of the road. Her agreement to stay with the team was with Walter. If he is no longer the controlling owner, that deal won’t exist. It was already a very unique deal that was hard to grasp, so it’d be a surprise if another set of owners agrees to a similar deal.
As for Pelinka, his immediate future is not in any imminent danger. It took months to finalize the deal last time around, so we’ll likely be well into the season once this move gains league approval and becomes official. It’s unlikely, as much as some Lakers fans may want it, that the new owners are going to come in and immediately clean house during the season.
To that point about the front office, though, this will end the partnership between the Dodgers and Lakers, which had grown throughout the last year. All of the expansion of the front office that was ongoing under Walter likely will be put on hold to some degree.
There are a lot of questions that won’t have answers for some time and a lot to unpack from this. But what a shocking bit of news that no one anticipated.
Duo are notable omissions from England’s 25-man list
Alex Coles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour both included
Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly have both lost their central contracts, with Steve Borthwick omitting the pair from his 25-man squad a year before England’s World Cup campaign begins.
Neither Lawrence nor Daly – who was nursing an arm injury – featured in the three Nations Championship matches this summer but both played during the Six Nations and are the standout exclusions from Borthwick’s selections which point towards his thinking for the World Cup squad next year.
The Los Angeles Dodgers took the first two games of this series against the Kansas City Royals, and they're -215 favorites to complete the sweep tonight.
L.A.'s lethal offense is finally waking up, and I'm backing it to put forth another productive outing with my Royals vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Who will win Royals vs Dodgers tonight: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-110)
The Dodgers have scored at least five runs in each of the first two games of this series, and I project them to do so again tonight.
Daniel Lynch conceded three runs in less than two innings of work in his first start. He will not give the Royals much length, and he’ll be backed by the league’s worst bullpen in FIP.
Back Dodgers bats to lead the way in a one-sided affair. Play to -115.
Royals vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (+120)
The Royals’ bullpen ranks dead last in HR/9, and that’s with Lynch, normally a staple out of the ‘pen, playing a regular role rather than starting things off.
The Dodgers sit second in OPS this season, and conditions are expected to provide a 14% boost to home runs.
I expect the Dodgers to score early and often in this game, and the Royals should chip in against Eric Lauer.
He has pitched better with the Dodgers but has still conceded 2.15 HR/9. Favorable hitting conditions in the forecast won’t help his cause, either.
Back to -120.
Royals vs Dodgers home run prediction: Shohei Ohtani (+245)
Shohei Ohtani is as good as anybody when he’s on, and it looks like he’s starting to heat up.
Ohtani has hit .417 over the past 10 games with a .333 ISO, .503 wOBA, and team-leading 17.6% barrel rate.
He will face poor pitching in this contest, and winds blowing out should only highlight the crazy power Ohtani possesses.
Ohtani has homered in 29% of home games, and 34.5% when seeing a HR boost of at least 10%.
I like his chances of taking the Royals deep, and would back him to +215.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 75-69, -8.70 units
Over/Under bets: 78-61-6, +8.64 units
Royals vs Dodgers weather
The forecast calls for temperatures in the mid 70s with outward winds blowing near 10 miles per hour. Boost to the bats.
Royals vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Royals +175 | Dodgers -215
Run line: Royals +1.5 (-115) | Dodgers -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under: Over 9.0 (-120) | Under 9.0 (+100)
Royals vs Dodgers trend
The Over is 5-0-1 in Kansas City's last six games against teams with winning records. Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Royals vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
Royals.TV, SNLA
Royals starting pitcher
Daniel Lynch (4-3, 2.46 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Eric Lauer (6-6, 4.89 ERA)
Royals vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
CIRCA 1970's : Manager Whitey Herzog (R) of the Kansas City Royals talking with the homeplate umpire during an MLB baseball game circa late 1970's. Herzog Managed the Royals from 1975-79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I have a client who just turned 104 years old. She was alive in the era of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, Cool Papa Bell and Walter Johnson. She also would have been alive when the United States celebrated its 150th anniversary. It made me think how rare it is for someone to see three fifty-year anniversaries. I’ve witnessed the 200th and the 250th but won’t be alive for the 300th unless there is some yet-undiscovered medical miracle. Even if there is, I’m not sure I can stomach that much more bad Royals baseball.
Okay, that was kind of a cheap shot, but it is what it is. Watching the country celebrate the 250th anniversary got me thinking back to the glorious summer of 1976. Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Were things better in 1976 than they are today? Probably not. I can only say that our music and the Royals were better in 1976. I’m probably overlooking something that you’ll tell me about, but nostalgia has a way of making your brain forget about the bad things.
Sometimes we forget or take for granted some of the glorious things that make our lives easier today, such as medical advances and modern technology. Our houses are better. Our automobiles are better. Our food choices are more plentiful and better. Jet travel is faster and safer. I could go on, but you get the idea.
I thought of this often as the country hosted the World Cup this summer. I must give the United States a round of applause for the World Cup. Everything I’ve read from our visitors has been positive, eye-opening and refreshing. I loved hearing about the surprises our visitors encountered. Buc-ee’s! Waffle House! Stores open 24/7! Biscuits and gravy! Walmart! Ice in our drinks! Unlimited refills! Air conditioning! So many choices of beer! Ranch dressing! Barbecue! Over a million people came to the US for the games, and many raved about how friendly and hospitable Americans were. That warms my heart and makes me proud to be an American. I hope they come back for another visit.
1976 was a special year for the country and for baseball. Who can forget Mark Fidrych and his goofball antics on the mound? He was a pretty darn good pitcher that summer, winning 19 games, and became a national icon. Henry Aaron hit the 755th and last home run of his career off former Royal Dick Drago. The White Sox played some games in shorts. With free agency looming, Athletics owner Charlie Finley began to sell players. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn vetoed the sales “in the best interest of the game.” Nolan Ryan struck out 327 batters.
It’s hard to believe it’s been fifty years. What a time to be alive. I was just 15, working that summer pumping gas at Jensen’s Standard station and thinking about my upcoming junior year in high school. Our Cookie League baseball team was still wearing wool jerseys, which made day games under the scorching Kansas sun a miserable event. The wool jerseys were a leftover remnant from the 1960s. In the summer of ’77, the city leaders found a little cash to outfit us in more fashionable and cooler polyester jerseys.
We were poor kids, living in an impoverished small town. We scrounged around for extra bats, and most of us used hand-me-down gloves. Spikes were rarely seen. We never gave it a second thought; the teams we played against looked a lot like us. We just loved playing the game.
The year kicked off with the Steelers dynasty beating the Cowboys 21-17 in an exciting Super Bowl X.
A couple of guys named Steve founded a company they called Apple on April 1st and eventually changed the world.
The NBA and ABA merged on June 17th.
The big local news in June was the passing of Les Milgram on June 19th. The Milgram family were grocers and at one time owned 61 stores in the metro and surrounding area. Les Milgram, a name unknown to many younger fans, was a noted civic leader who was influential in getting the Philadelphia Athletics to relocate to Kansas City. He also played a large role in getting the Dallas Texans to relocate to Kansas City in 1963. He could often be found sitting a couple of rows behind the Athletics dugout.
After the Athletics left town, Milgram persuaded his childhood friend, Ewing Kauffman, to become the owner of the city’s new expansion baseball team.
Milgram served on the Royals Board of Directors and, through his love of baseball, played a large role in keeping the Ban Johnson League afloat after World War II.
Today, the Royals reward their best player each season with the Les Milgram Player of the Year Award. Milgram was truly a titan on the local civic scene, and his passing at the age of 58 left a huge void. He was survived by his wife, Ann, and children Betsy, Nancy, Sally and Nat.
July was a big month in the States. The United States celebrated its 200th anniversary on July 4th, which seemed like a much bigger deal than the recent 250th anniversary.
Family Feud made its debut on July 12th.
Son of Sam murdered his first victim on the 29th, setting off a year of angst and anxiety among New Yorkers.
On July 30th, Bruce Jenner captivated the nation by winning the gold medal in the decathlon at the Montreal Summer Olympics.
In November, Jimmy Carter upset incumbent Gerald Ford to win the presidency. On November 29th, the New York Yankees sent shockwaves through the baseball world when they signed Reggie Jackson to a five-year, $3 million contract. Imagine that. Five years of a superstar for $3 million.
Rocky was the movie of the year, while MASH, All in the Family, and Happy Days were the hit television shows. Culturally, 1976 was probably closer to the 1950s. With no internet or cell phones, kids still cruised Main Street on the weekends and went to school dances. The swimming pool was the nerve center of the community in the summer months. Life moved at a slower pace.
1976 was also the first year that the Royals won the American League West and, in just their eighth season of existence, made their playoff debut. The Royals were a young team, with only two starters, Freddie Patek and Hal McRae, aged 30 or over. The Royals had accumulated an impressive array of young talent. Royal hitters had 6,199 plate appearances that summer. Only 1,522 were taken by players age 30 or over, and the bulk of those were taken by Patek (age 31), McRae (30), Bob Stinson (30) and Cookie Rojas, the gray beard of the Royals at the age of 37. Even the pitching staff was young, with Al Fitzmorris, Marty Pattin and Steve Mingori being the only three age 30 or over who collected significant innings. That’s how you build a winner.
Whitey Herzog was in his first full season as manager, and George Brett followed up on his strong 1975 season with a season that announced him as a superstar. It was a great time to be a Royal fan.
Brett won the league batting title in his last at-bat of the final game of the season, edging out teammate Hal McRae, .333 to .332. George also led the league in hits (215), triples (14) and total bases (298), put up a 7.50 WAR season and still lost the MVP vote to Thurman Munson. Munson was a great player and had a decent season, but the voters blew this one.
McRae, the Butch Cassidy to Brett’s Sundance Kid, had some bitterness about losing the batting title but still had an outstanding season, leading the league in on-base percentage (.407) and OPS (.868) and infusing the Royals with a hard-nosed style of play.
The Royals offense was clicking early in 1976. They had a three-game stretch in May in which they scored 37 runs. They dropped 14 runs on Texas on consecutive nights in late May. They peaked on June 15th when they jumped out to a 20-0 lead against Detroit before settling in for a 21- 7 win. They lashed the Tigers with 24 hits. Tom Poquette had five. George had four.
The Royals’ division lead swelled to 12 games after they swept a doubleheader from the White Sox on August 6th.
The Royals and Sox played another doubleheader on August 8. This was notable because Chicago wore shorts for the first game. They took a lot of heat for the shorts, but I thought they looked kind of snazzy, and why not? July and August can be crazy hot, and if the shorts are more comfortable, let them wear them.
After the August 6th sweep, the young team battled injuries and the pressure of a pennant race and slumped to the finish line by losing 32 of their last 58 games.
Pitching ace Steve Busby was lost early in the season. Doug Bird lost significant time to elbow soreness. Tom Poquette, who had emerged as a solid force in left field, missed 58 games after he crashed into the wall in foul territory chasing a fly ball. He was briefly knocked unconscious and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher.
Patek, Rojas and Otis all missed games during the season due to injury. Fortunately, the Royals had built some depth, with guys like Dave Nelson, Jim Wohlford and Jamie Quirk stepping in. Frank White covered shortstop during Patek’s absence.
The Royals made one huge trade during the season, when they sent catcher Fran Healy to the Yankees for pitcher Larry Gura. Gura had fallen into Billy Martin’s doghouse and desperately needed a change of scenery. Gura only pitched 62 innings, toggling between starting and relief.
The second acquisition flew under the radar but was just as important. On July 5, they purchased the contract of pitcher Andy Hassler from division rival California. Hassler gave them 14 starts and almost 100 innings of work, which was desperately needed.
On September 29th, with the Royals clinging to a 2.5 game lead, Herzog surprised everyone by giving the ball to Gura. In what has become known as one of the most clutch performances in club history, Gura shut down the hard-charging A’s with a four-hit, complete-game shutout. The win gave the Royals a 3.5-game lead with three games to play and clinched their first American League West crown. The Royals lost nine of their last 11 games but still managed to win the division by 2½ games.
Two future Royal Hall of Famers, John Wathan and Willie Wilson, made their debuts in 1976, as did Ruppert Jones, a 21-year-old phenom. After the season ended, the Royals lost Jones, Al Fitzmorris, Stinson and Tom Bruno in the expansion draft.
It was a sad departure for Fitzmorris, who had been an original Royal and a fan favorite. Fitz had a fantastic 1976 season, making 33 starts, pitching 220 innings with a record of 15-11.
From 1974 to 1976, Fitzmorris was nails, making 95 starts and posting a 44 and 27 record with a 3.17 ERA. Despite being the Royals’ best starter in the regular season, Whitey Herzog did not pitch Fitzmorris in the Championship Series. It was a puzzling move and left many fans questioning the wisdom. I loved Whitey and will always have a soft spot for him, but this was a bad piece of managing. When Herzog informed Fitz that he wouldn’t be pitching against the Yankees, it sparked a heated argument between the two. Fitzmorris’ time with the Royals was over.
The magical summer soon came to an end at the hands of the damn Yankees. The teams split the first four games and were tied 6-6 going into the bottom of the 9th, thanks to George’s titanic three-run blast in the 8th off Grant Jackson. After a five-minute delay while miscreant Yankee fans had their moment, Chris Chambliss hit the first pitch from Mark Littell over the right-field wall to send New York to the World Series.
I always felt bad for Littell, who’d had a fantastic season and was one of baseball’s good guys. I spoke to him a few months before his untimely death, and he made no excuses. He said he’d cooled off a little while Yankee fans rioted, which delayed the start of the inning. Of the pitch, he said, “It was a high fastball, out of the strike zone. Chambliss just did a great job of hitting it.”
Despite the bitter ending, it was a great summer. Due to my own heavy work and baseball schedule, I was only able to attend two games but remember them fondly. The first came in early June against the Orioles. We arrived late to the game, and there were four young men sitting in our seats. Pop asked them to move. They refused. An usher showed up, looked at our tickets and told the guys to take a hike. The leader of the group told the usher to bleep off. The usher grabbed him by the nape of his neck and his belt, yanked him from the seat and hurled him down the steps. The other three meekly filed out. I loved every second of it. Can you imagine something like that happening today? The game was notable for being one of Steve Busby’s last great starts.
For younger fans, it’s hard to describe Busby’s greatness. The fact that he has two of the Royals’ four no-hitters should be some clue.
The game was also highlighted by a three-run bomb off the bat of Reggie Jackson. Brooks Robinson, nearing the end of his illustrious 23-year career, made a late-game appearance as a defensive replacement. Brooks’ appearance was brought on when future Royal manager Tony Muser took a bad hop to the cup, off the bat of John Mayberry. Muser went down like he’d been hit with a deer slug. He was carried off on a stretcher to a round of polite applause while the ground crew raked up what remained of his shattered sack.
The second game came in early September and wasn’t notable for anything other than Bert Blyleven stifling the Royals’ bats. It was a beautiful late-summer Sunday. My friend Dennis and I had ridden the bus from Salina to the stadium on one of those package deals, which was a bargain. Our seats were in the lower bowl, halfway up behind third base.
Before the game, we soaked up the sun while the PA system blared hit music from the summer. One of the songs they played was “Moonlight Feels Right,” which featured a fantastic marimba solo. Every time I hear that song, it takes me back to that day.
COVERS INTEL: Springer has been one of the best hitters in the American League following the All-Star break, owning a 
Shohei Ohtani
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Liam Hicks
