OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 21: Brady Tkachuk #8 of the Florida Panthers skates during warm-up before a game against the Ottawa Senators on October 21, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Colorado Avalanche News
T.J. Hughes is quickly adjusting to the NHL, earning praise from Nathan MacKinnon and Jared Bednar for his work ethic, hockey IQ, and ability to turn lessons into results. [The Hockey News]
What an NHL expansion draft could mean for the Colorado Avalanche. With a potential NHL expansion team on the rise, it’s time to take a quick look at the rules of what an expansion draft could look like based on past occurrences. [Sports Illustrated]
Avalanche prospect Egor Shilov putting together a solid season in the QMJHL. [Mile High Sticking]
News Around the League
What we learned from Connor Hellebuyck’s first weekend with the Devils. [Sportsnet]
Hurricanes, D Nikishin end stalemate with one-year contract. [TSN]
NHL, Rogers need to figure out, together, how to make more games accessible. [Toronto Sun]
Connor McDavid is off to a historic start. Could some of Gretzky’s records fall this season? [CBC]
Senators rout Panthers in Brady Tkachuk’s hostile return to Ottawa, fans chant some NSFW things, and some PG ones including “You eat crayons” and “You can’t read”. [The Score]
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki out 2-4 weeks with upper-body injury. [ESPN]
The Warriors are 0-3 and still in search of their first win of the 2026-27 NBA season, but rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has been a major bright spot to start the campaign, averaging 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds while starting every game.
But that does not mean he can’t improve. Speaking to reporters Saturday’s loss to the Suns, Warriors coach Steve Kerr pinpointed where he needs to see Lendeborg improve his game in order to be the ideal star for the franchise.
Steve Kerr on Yaxel Lendeborg's defense:
"His weak-side awareness right now is very poor. And with his size, he should be one of our best defenders at the rim. And right now, he's unaware on the weak-side" pic.twitter.com/g5cGzAqdqS
“He’s fearless and he’s huge and he’s got a great skill set,” Kerr told reporters. “He can dribble, pass, and shoot. The biggest thing is just continuing to learn the NBA, and he’s going to feel that, he’s going to do that. He had a play in the first half [against the Suns on Oct. 24] where he got free and then he launched himself into [Suns big man Khaman Maluach]. We saw that play a few times [on Oct. 23 against the Grizzlies] with Edey [Grizzlies big man Zach Edey].
“That’s got to be a pull-up jumper. That’s got to be a Euro step. That’s got to be a kick it out. In college, he could do that, but this is a different league, and he’ll learn. He’s playing a ton, and he’s going to get all these reps, and we’re going to keep showing him film, and he’ll get better and better. The defensive side is where I want to see the most improvement, though. His weak side awareness right now is very poor, and with his size, he should be one of our best defenders at the rim. Right now, he’s unaware on the weak side, and that’s an area he really has to improve.”
Lendeborg took the league by storm as soon as the Warriors selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft. Leading the team to a summer league title, he won MVP for both the championship game and the entire summer league after averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Lendeborg has faced tough tests early on, guarding Lakers star Luka Dončić on opening night. That game, Dončić dropped 28 points and led all players in the game in scoring. It is games like that could be good lessons to help him improve and become a defensive anchor.
The Warriors take the floor again on Monday night, when they travel to Denver to face the Nuggets. The Nuggets have a lot of scorers on their team, headlined by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, making it a crucial defensive game. Lendeborg will need to put his best foot forward if he wants to lead Golden State to its first win of the season.
Steve Smith showed discomfort while batting for the best part of an hour in the nets on the eve of the series-deciding Test against South Africa but the Australians are confident the champion will be fit to play on Tuesday in Cape Town.
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Ashby #26 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches in the ninth inning during Game Two of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After winning Games 1 & 2 of the World Series in Milwaukee, the Brewers are now in St. Petersburg as they’re set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays for Games 3, 4, & 5 (if needed). In Sunday’s workout day press conferences, Pat Murphy, Aaron Ashby, & Brice Turang all chatted with the media. Here’s what they had to say.
Pat Murphy
Pat Murphy — in typical Pat Murphy fashion — started his press conference with some icebreaking, as a reporter let Murphy know that Mike Vasallo figured out he moved past legend Casey Stengel for managerial wins in his first three seasons, with plenty of other legendary names on the list. Murphy, never one to toot his own horn, was then asked what traits he likes about some of those other guys, including Joe Torre.
“I like about Joe Torre that he looked like he was sleeping in the dugout. I’m like, are his eyes open? He told me all about it. So I’m grateful for that friendship. He was at Game 1, did you know that? He was there, and I got to see him,” Murphy deadpanned.
When it came to “real” questions, as Murphy called them, he was asked about potential check swing challenges, specifically in regard to Yandy Díaz’s controversial swing call to end Game 2.
“I can say this in general, that’s why the league is testing this opportunity to maybe be having a check bat and have a definition of what it really is because it is so tough to see and tough to judge,” Murphy said. “We’ve had a couple like that go against us, and you see the barrel at some point — stop action, you see the barrel out in front of the plate, and you’re like, wait a minute. If he hits that ball, it’s maybe half pulled, and you can tend to see that. The one that I saw last night, from the view that I saw last night, I’m like, no, he didn’t go. He did it so nicely, so quick, then brought his hands up. I didn’t feel like where I’m standing — I’ve got a pretty good view, but I didn’t think they were going to call it. Now, when you slow it down, sure enough, his barrel’s in front. That’s why we’re getting into these rule changes and ways to make the game even better.”
Despite the seven-day layoff between the NLCS and World Series, Milwaukee has come out strong in the first couple of games, and Murphy explained that he chatted with several former managers who went through these long layoffs previously.
“I’ve talked to a lot of managers that have went through it. They all had great things to add. Everybody has a different makeup of a team. Everybody’s team makeup is different. I try to blend it all together and see what works,” Murphy said. “The one thing I arrived at is contrived antics to create a game probably has to come from within. The players would have to kind of make it that competitive themselves. So bringing in fans and doing things like that, I didn’t feel like was going to feel organic. And I just wanted — I wanted the guys to rest and I wanted them — and we’re still — you can see the rust that we still have from being off that long.”
He went on to add that he’s been impressed with the team’s competitiveness even with that long layoff.
“We went out yesterday and saw 184 pitches. That’s abnormal, and that’s what — now, we left 12 guys on base. When you see 184, you usually score more than whatever number of runs we scored. So it’s one of those things where the competing part, but the layoff is a real deal,” Murphy said. “I’m sure MLB has had this on their plate for a long time.”
Murphy ended by answering a question about how to help his team avoid looking ahead too far with a 2-0 series lead.
“These guys are Major League players. They’ve been through all sorts of ups and downs over the last seven months, all sorts of, oh, my career is going this way, oh, injuries, adversity, stuff off the field, whatever it might be. These guys go through it, and they know the reality of playing today in the now. What can I get out of today? Tomorrow will take care of itself. What do I get out of today? I think that’s number one. Hopefully we reiterate it or they reiterate it to each other. Hey, take care of business today. It really becomes a team sport, and they let each other know like, hey, you got the responsibility in me, I have it to you. So that starts up here. The mentality is crucial,” Murphy said.
Aaron Ashby & Brice Turang
Building off of that last question Murphy answered, both Aaron Ashby and Brice Turang addressed the key to avoiding looking ahead to begin their joint press conference.
“I think we just go out and continue to play our game, just trying to win tonight. Like that mentality of winning tonight is so big for us. It’s been big for us during the season as well. I think with that mentality moving forward, trying to win every pitch, win every game, it doesn’t matter what happened the previous days, it matters about tonight and winning tonight,“ Turang said.
“Yeah, just kind of this mindset of like 0-0. We know they’re going to come out and fight us hard. Just got to keep our head down and play as hard as we can as many games as it takes,” Ashby said.
They were also asked about William Contreras’ game management and the impact he’s had on Milwaukee’s postseason run.
“I feel like I’ve been blessed to have him as kind of our back stop for three years ago now. So I get to see it night in and night out,” Ashby said. “He’s certainly one of those guys that locks it in and just seems to do those extraordinary things in the bigger moments, which is special. Not everyone has the ability to do that. He’s just kind of our captain out there, man, especially for the pitchers. He’s in control. You trust what he sees behind the plate with hitter swings and maybe what our stuff looks like, if it’s good or not as good as the night before. Easy guy to follow from a pitcher’s standpoint for sure.”
“The confidence he carries, the — I mean, just the weight of being a catcher is already hard, having to deal with the pitching staff and then your offense and your defense, and he does a great job at all three,” Turang said. “The way he handles the game and takes control is really impressive. It speaks for himself. He’s one of the best catchers in baseball. It’s been a pleasure to have him on the team and see him work. Yeah, I’m excited to see how things continue for him.”
Ashby was also happy to answer a question about Brewers fans traveling to Tampa for the series.
“Maybe this postseason is just — you know, with the craziness and ticket prices maybe in Milwaukee, and then for some of those fans to be able to get down here, that’s super special for them. I hope we can make them happy and make it worth their trip to come down here and support us,” Ashby said. Any time you can get some of your home fans on the road, it makes a huge difference when they’re on your side.”
Both players were asked about what it will be like to face former teammate Freddy Peralta in Game 3.
“Yeah, it will be fun. We’ll be having some fun going to compete against him. It’s part of his story. Part of everyone’s kind of story is learning, and it makes you better. Going through some rough times makes you better. But I think it will be fun being able to go out there and compete against him,” Turang said.
“I’m sure you’ve heard it from everyone, but everyone in our clubhouse was around him last year for the most part, and he’s like one of the best teammates you can have. He’s an unbelievable pitcher, but maybe another — like just the same, exact, awesome, fun dude every single day. He was a huge part in our organization’s success, and everyone over there in our clubhouse loves that dude,” Ashby said. “Excited for him and what’s to come for him. I hope we compete our butts off against him tomorrow.”
In one of the funnier moments of the day, Ashby and Turang were both taken aback with pleasure when they found out about the stingray tank in Tampa Bay’s outfield concourse.
Ashby: “They have stingrays in the outfield here? I didn’t know that.”
Turang: “I think it’s cool. Can you touch them, like the two-finger touch? Yeah, that’s cool. That’s really cool.”
Ashby: “Maybe we should have a brewery.”
Turang: “I think we have some. I think we’ve got some, right?”
Ashby: “We have a brewery in the stadium? … We need a bigger brewery and more in sight so I can see it; I guess, it would probably help.”
Draymond Green has stood witness to greatness before. Nearly a decade ago, Green was a pillar of the Warriors’ budding dynasty, spearheaded by two MVP seasons from Steph Curry.
Since Curry’s first MVP in the 2014-15 season, half of the award’s winners have been guards, including Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the last two seasons.
But one name has been around the conversation and never won it: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić.
On Monday’s episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” Green explained why he does not envision Dončić ever taking home the trophy.
“I still don’t think there’s any chance that he’s going to win MVP, because the moment he has a few bad games or an injury that costs him a couple games, people are going to flip back on ‘Oh, same Luka,’ and that’s just my opinion,” Green said. “I think people get bored with with greatness. I think Luka’s been doing great things for a very long time now, and I think they’re going to stay bored with it.”
In his first season on the Lakers without LeBron James, who now is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Dončić has led the Lakers to a 3-0 start.
Dončić had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers’ 127-105 season-opening win over the Warriors, where rookie Yaxel Lendeborg said he lost respect for Dončić.
Dončić has ended up top five in the MVP race on four different occasions, with a career-high finish of third place in the 2023-24 season as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, before he was shockingly traded to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The Lakers superstar also is a two-time scoring champion and a five-time First-Team All-NBA selection this decade.
Green mentioned that voters are likely to look at previous MVP winners like Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, in addition to San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, and the lack of an MVP award would not be an indictment on Dončić’s production.
“He’s in Year 9, and the people who vote, they’ve already moved on,” Green added. “Hopefully, for his sake, he can go beat that out. But I stand by what I said. Voters get fatigued with seeing you be great over and over again, and if you haven’t jumped that threshold of the MVP-great, then they move on, and they’ve moved on … But not because of his play, as I said from the gate. It’s just the way it goes.”
Through three games, Dončić is second in the NBA in points (34.3), ninth in assists (8), fourth in free throws made per game (8) and first in 3-pointers made per game (5).
His seven turnovers per game also are a league-high, a number which needs to come down if he does want a shot at winning his first MVP.
But, if Dončić is able to maintain this level of play as the Lakers continue to win, Green’s prediction could be quickly proven wrong.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks is defended by Otega Oweh #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of a preseason game at State Farm Arena on October 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last season’s star for the Kentucky Wildcats, Otega Oweh, heard his name called this past summer in the NBA draft when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the 41st overall pick.
He showed flashes in the preseason and it looked like he would have a very good chance at carving out an immediate roll with the NBA title-contenders until he ruptured his achilles just before the regular season began.
It got worse this weekend when the Thunder — after using a second round pick on Oweh just a handful of months ago — decided to waive him from the team.
Professional sports can certainly be “ruthless” and we should all come together to wish him a speedy recovery.
In more Kentucky basketball news, head coach Mark Pope and this year’s team will face UCF in their final exhibition game this Wednesday.
Kentucky is fresh off an impressive comeback over Top-25 Texas Tech last Friday in Rupp Arena.
This Wednesday’s game is scheduled for 6 PM ET with coverage on the SEC Network.
In addition, the Mavericks have removed point guard Kyrie Irving from their updated injury report. Irving missed Saturday's game against the Spurs as a precaution in managing his left knee injury.
James Hagens is the Boston Bruins’ youngest player at just 19 years old. And through the first 12 games of the 2026-27 NHL season, the rookie forward is proving to be one of the team’s most important players, too.
Hagens has given the Bruins everything they’ve needed and more so far.
Let’s start with his offensive production.
Hagens picked up an assist on Casey Mittelstadt’s goal that opened the scoring in Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden. He gave the Bruins a 4-3 lead in the third period by cashing in on a loose puck in the crease. The goal came just 40 seconds after David Pastrnak tied the score. The Garden crowd went crazy after Hagens’ go-ahead tally.
Hagens is tied for the NHL lead in rookie scoring with nine points (four goals, five assists). He has tallied at least one point in seven of his 12 games. He’s posting these numbers with third-line ice time and without being on the top power-play unit.
The speed and playmaking ability he has displayed at 5-on-5 and the power play has been impressive. The Bruins desperately needed to add high-end offensive talent to their roster after scoring just 1.25 goals over the final four games of their first-round playoff series loss to the Buffalo Sabres last season. Hagens is helping give the Bruins an offensive jolt, and he’s doing it in ways not often seen by a teenage rookie.
Three of his four goals have come within seven feet of the net. He has no fear driving hard to the net and battling taller, bigger and stronger defensemen. Hagens fights for good position and often gets the prime real estate around the crease. One great example came in last week’s overtime loss to the Dallas Stars.
Hagens beat Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen to the net and deflected a Mittelstadt pass past Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger to give Boston a lead in the second period.
James Hagens continues his hot start to the season with a goal 🚨
“He’s smart. He’s obviously not a big guy, but for his age, he’s very smart around the net, and even the goal in Dallas, that’s even more impressive than today, I feel like, with outmuscling the D over there,” David Pastrnak told reporters after Saturday’s win. “Like I said, fun to watch and seeing him every game being more comfortable and it’s up to us to push him and be here for him and help him every day.”
For years, the Bruins have not gotten inside ice enough. Hagens is helping to turn the tide in that regard. Hagens has been a high-end skill guy at every level he’s played. He’ll be that in the NHL, too. But to score consistently at this level, you have to be willing to pay the price and battle in the tough areas of the ice.
“We’re pushing him pretty hard, getting more to the paint and getting more to the inside,” Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said after the win vs. the Sharks. “That’s where you score the goals. Good for him that he realized that. Look at his four goals he scored, right? Good for him just listening and taking it really seriously.”
Hagens is showing his toughness in other ways, too.
He leads all NHL forwards, not just rookies, with 16 blocked shots. His willingness to put his body on the line and thwart potential scoring chances is admirable. It’s a great example of how he’s doing all the little things to make an impact.
“It’s definitely something that I try to take pride in,” Hagens told reporters last week when asked about blocking shots. “It’s just the d-zone, and when a guy is getting ready to shoot, if that’s your guy, you’re going to make sure that you’re in the shooting lane.”
There are still a ton of games left in Hagens’ rookie season. There will likely be a few tough stretches, like any other rookie goes through. But the early results from his first full NHL campaign have been fantastic.
The Bruins didn’t get lucky in the 2025 or 2026 draft lotteries. In fact, they were very unlucky in those two instances.
But Hagens falling all the way to No. 7 in 2025 — when he was projected to go No. 1 overall early in his draft year — was a pretty massive stroke of luck for the Bruins that should benefit the franchise for a long, long time.
Gli Azzurri show positive signs of improvement in seesaw 3-3 draw against a Roma side inspired by Messi-like Matías Soulé
Scott McTominay was leaving nothing to doubt. He appeared to have scored with a close-range header early in the second half of Napoli’s game at home to Roma, but Pierluigi Gollini clawed the ball out from inside the goal. McTominay got his noggin to the rebound, nudging it back across the line. Roma’s keeper pushed away again, so the Napoli midfielder got to his feet and smashed a shot into the back of the net.
Just typical. You wait two months for your first goal of the Serie A season, then three show up at once. They only counted for one, of course, but McTominay looked happy enough with that as he ran to thank Matteo Politano for the assist.
‘‘The San Antonio Spurs today announced Sinclair Broadcast Group (Sinclair) as the team’s new over-the-air media partner, bringing Spurs basketball to local fans beginning with the 2026-27 season. Twenty-two games throughout the season will be broadcast on CW SA in San Antonio, as well as on other local stations across the wider Spurs market, ensuring fans will have access to exciting game action this season.”
Spurs announced Sinclair Broadcast Group (Sinclair) as the team’s new over-the-air media partner, bringing Spurs basketball to local fans beginning with the 2026-27 season. Twenty-two games throughout the season will be broadcast on CW SA in San Antonio, as well as on other local… pic.twitter.com/L5SIb6689A
Rob Weisbord, chief operating officer and president of local media, Sinclair stated
“The Spurs are an important part of the fabric of South Texas, and we’re proud to partner with the team to bring more games to fans across the region. Live local sports are a natural fit for broadcast television, and this partnership reflects our commitment to making compelling content that enriches local lives.”
Frank Miceli, chief commercial officer of Spurs Sports & Entertainment added,
“Our fans are incredibly passionate and supportive and should have as many ways as possible to watch and connect with the Spurs. We’re excited to make this over-the-air option available, giving more fans a convenient way to watch the team, share in the Spurs spirit and stay connected throughout the season. This partnership with Sinclair helps us create more opportunities for viewers across our market to experience Spurs basketball.”
Fans should visit Spurs.com/Watch or text WATCH to 210-444-5940 to find channel details for their market and more information.
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 24: Sunny Mehta and Connor Hellebuyck pose for a photo for the media after being traded to the New Jersey Devils from the Winnipeg Jets at Prudential Center on October 24, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On the Hellebuyck acquisition: “The fit seems obvious. New Jersey has been one of the NHL’s best defensive teams this season by every metric, except for goals against. Hellebuyck, meanwhile, has spent more than a decade establishing himself as the league’s most consistent performer at the position. But dig a little deeper into the numbers, and there’s reason to believe this could be an even better match than it appears on the surface. Perhaps Hellebuyck’s most valuable trait, especially in the eyes of Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, is his unmatched consistency.” [The Athletic ($)]
“If the Devils are serious about reuniting the three Hughes brothers over the next year, whether via trade or free agency, Mehta made the ultimate chess move. As of now, after checking in again this week, Hughes remains undecided on his future. He hasn’t told the Wild he won’t extend. However, he also hasn’t told them he will. He’s undecided, period.” [The Athletic ($)]
“By all accounts, this is the best goalie the Devils have had since Martin Brodeur. It couldn’t have come at a better time, either. As of today, the Devils rank 29th in the league in GSAx, with a blasphemously poor -5.8 in just ten games. Nico Daws and Jake Allen combined to put together some solid performances but have largely been subpar in the aggregate.” [Infernal Access ($)]
“Connor Hellebuyck is coming off a down season, but he should still be a sizable upgrade for the New Jersey Devils.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]
Arseny Gritsyuk extended his goal streak to five games, as the Devils took a 3-1 win over the Kings on Saturday. [Devils NHL]
Hockey Links
Alexander Nikishin signs a one-year deal:
One year, $3M. Nikishin had asked for a trade but the Hurricanes had been trying to convince him to sign a one year deal and both sides could re-visit things next off-season if he still wanted out. He will also be eligible for an offer sheet next summer. He wasn’t currently. https://t.co/d5UYbofVBM
“The boys are fighting. According to the NHL, there has been an uptick in on-ice fisticuffs this season. Through 120 games, there were 34 games with one or more fights. That’s up over last season (25) and the 2024-25 season (26).” [ESPN]
A great moment:
Last game Michael McCarron apparently handed a fan $20 through a hole in the glass after knocking his beer over earlier in the evening. What a beauty 😂 #mnwild
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 24: Sal Frelick #10 of the Milwaukee Brewers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning during Game Two of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the 2026 major league season is going to end this week. It might not happen until Saturday. Or it could be as soon as tomorrow. But by this time next week, MLB will have crowned a first-time World Series champion and will have begun a potentially very, very long and painful offseason.
Exactly how many more days of baseball we’ll get depends on whether the Tampa Bay Rays can find a spark and climb their way out of their 2-0 series hole against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Rays didn’t exactly get blown out in the first two games in Milwaukee, losing each game by one and ending with the potential tying run at third base in both cases. One swing of the bat in each game could’ve made this a 2-0 Tampa Bay lead. But the Rays — like most teams this postseason — have had no answer for the Brewers’ dominant bullpen, and have squandered the opportunities they’ve had, going 3-for-20 with runners in scoring position so far.
The good news for the Rays is that the next three games will be at friendly Tropicana Field, where their 55-26 mark this season was tied for the best home record in baseball with — you guessed it — the Brewers. The Rays also figure to have the starting pitching advantage for Games 3 and 4, sending former Brewer Freddy Peralta and Griffin Jax to the mound against Milwaukee’s lesser-tier starters and bullpen games. With Jacob Misiorowski looming for the Brewers in Game 5, it would behoove the Rays to win the next two games and even up the series before dealing with the Miz.
I’ve said before that I’m rooting for the Brewers to win it all, but that doesn’t mean I want this series to end in a clean sweep. Sweeps are boring (unless it’s the Orioles doing it). I want a seven-game World Series, and I want every moment of every game to be exciting. Both games have been decided by one run so far — why not make it all seven? Is that too much to ask?
This might be the last time we get to watch Major League Baseball for a long while, so we need to make it count. Let’s stretch this thing out as long as we can before we delve into the bleak reality of an extended baseball hiatus.
If you happened to attend an Orioles game in Minnesota, Kansas City, or Texas in the early 1980s and still have your ticket stub, maybe you can help Rick Taylor complete his truly impressive collection.
I like what I’ve read about Mike Shildt and his emphasis on fundamentals. I just wish there was some evidence that it was actually working.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Three former Orioles were born on this day, including outfielder and MLB The Show aficionado Dwight Smith Jr. (34), left-hander Danny Coulombe (37), and righty Wayne Garland (76).
On this day in 1998, Hall of Fame Orioles second baseman Roberto Alomar declared free agency after three seasons with the Birds. He certainly had an eventful tenure in Baltimore. The O’s stunned the baseball world in December 1995 by signing Alomar, one of baseball’s most coveted free agents, to a three-year, $18 million deal (which was a lot of money at the time). Production-wise, Alomar was one of the best signings the Orioles ever made, earning an All-Star nod all three years and winning two Gold Gloves, and boasting a potent .862 OPS and 50 homers as he helped the O’s make the playoffs in 1996 and 1997. But his tenure was forever stained in September 1996 when he spit on umpire John Hirschbeck, turning him into an oft-booed pariah among baseball fans. After leaving the Orioles, Alomar signed with Cleveland to join his brother, Sandy Jr.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 01: Philadelphia interim manager Don Mattingly (8) talks with infielder Alec Bohm (28) prior to the start of the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Atlanta Braves in game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series on October 1st, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Remember when Cowboys week actually meant something to the Eagles? Those were fun times. Now, tonight, we have to see which team stinks less.
At least there is the World Series, which has been very good so far.
TALKING STICK, AZ - OCTOBER 06: Boston Baro #3 of the Surprise Saguaros bats during the game between the Surprise Saguaros and the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 in Talking Stick, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
1934 – The Boston Red Sox acquire shortstop Joe Cronin from the Washington Senators for his counterpart Lyn Lary and an estimated $250,000. Senators owner Clark Griffith needs the money to keep his franchise afloat during the Great Depression and is willing to see his best player leave in order to do so. Cronin will hit .295 with 95 RBI in 1935, the first of his 11 seasons as a Boston player.
1940 – Detroit Tigers outfielder Hank Greenberg is named the American League MVP with Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller finishing second. Greenberg hit .340 with 41 home runs and 150 RBI, while Feller posted a 27-11 record with a 2.61 ERA. Having won the award in 1935 as a first baseman, Greenberg becomes the first player to win the MVP again playing a different position.
1985 – The Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 6 of the World Series, thanks in part to a controversial ninth-inning call by Don Denkinger. The umpire rules the Royals’ Jorge Orta safe at first base, when replays show he was out. The Royals will go on to score two runs to win, 2-1, forcing a seventh game.
1991 – OutfielderKirby Puckett prevents two Atlanta runs with a leaping catch in the third inning and then lofts a sacrifice fly in the fifth to give the Twins the lead in Game 6 of the World Series. The Braves tie it in the seventh, but Puckett turns out the lights in the 11th with a home run to force a seventh game. (Jack Buck: “”And we’ll see you ..… tomorrow night!”)
1997 – Edgar Renteria ends one of the most thrilling Game 7 in World Series history, singling with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Florida Marlins their first World championship with a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians. The five-year-old Marlins become the youngest expansion team to win the Fall Classic. Pitcher Livan Hernandez wins the Series MVP award. Following the 2010 season, a panel of experts at the MLB Network will vote this game the 13th greatest game of the past fifty years.
2004 – Prior to Game 3 of the World Series, Edgar Martinez receives the Roberto Clemente Award, an honor given to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team. A native of Puerto Rico, the Marinersdesignated hitter, like the award’s namesake, is involved in a number of charitable causes.
2005 – In the World Series, the Chicago White Sox complete a sweep of the Houston Astros with a 1-0 victory in Game 4. Freddy Garcia pitches seven solid shutout innings. Series MVPJermaine Dye connects for an RBI single off Brad Lidge in the eighth for the only run of the game, as Juan Uribe adds strong defensive support at shortstop. Garcia becomes the first Venezuelan starter to win a World Series game. He also accomplishes the feat with good friend and fellow countryman Ozzie Guillen at the helm, who manages the White Sox to earn the franchise’s first World Championship since 1917.
2018 – The Dodgers win a marathon Game 3 in the World Series, 3-2 over the Red Sox, on a walk-off homer by Max Muncy off Nathan Eovaldi to lead off the 18th inning. The game lasts 7 hours and 20 minutes and begins with a great start by Walker Buehler, who shuts out the Sox for seven innings. But Los Angeles can only score one run on a solo homer by Joc Pederson in the third, and in the eighth Boston ties the score on a two-out homer by Jackie Bradley off Kenley Jansen. The two teams trade runs in the 13th when the Dodgers manage to score on a two-out error by 2B Ian Kinsler. The score remains at 2-2 until Muncy ends the game as Eovaldi begins his seventh inning of work. The game’s total time and the 18 pitchers used are both postseason records.
1774 – First Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia.
1776 – Benjamin Franklin departs for France on a mission to seek French support for the American Revolution.
1824 – First presidential election in American history where the popular vote is important with 18 states choosing presidential electors by popular vote. Andrew Jackson wins the most votes but is short of a majority, forcing a contingent election in the House of Representatives which John Quincy Adams wins.
1861 – The Pony Express (Missouri to California) ends after 19 months.
1881 – Gunfight at the O.K. Corral: The most famous shootout in the Wild West occurs between lawmen, including Wyatt Earp, and the Cowboys, with Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton killed.
1951 – Future world heavyweight boxing champion Rocky Marciano defeats former champion Joe Louis by TKO in the eighth round at Madison Square Garden.
1962 – Nikita Khrushchev sends note to JFK offering to withdraw his missiles from Cuba if US closes its bases in Turkey. Offer is rejected and JFK warns Russia that the USA will not allow Soviet missiles to remain in Cuba.
1968 – Future world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman wins the Olympic heavyweight gold medal when the final against Jonas Čepulis (Soviet Union) is stopped in round 2 at the Mexico City Games.
1970 – The “Doonesbury” comic strip debuts in 28 newspapers.
Today in music history:
1927 – American jazz vocalist Adelaide Hall makes her 1st recordings – “Creole Love Call” and “Blues I Love to Sing” – with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, for Victor Records in Camden, New Jersey.
1956 – Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis leads his new quintet — Paul Chambers (double bass and cello), John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Red Garland (piano), and Philly Joe Jones (drums) — in the second of two marathon sessions at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Hackensack, New Jersey; released by Columbia as the classic albums ‘Cookin'” (1957),”Relaxin'” (1958),”Workin'” (1960), and “Steamin'” (1961).
1965 – Queen Elizabeth decorates The Beatles with medals making them members Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Buckingham Palace.
