SEE IT: Mets to wear retro caps for Hall of Fame weekend

Major League Baseball is planning a special weekend for the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony, which includes all 30 teams wearing retro-style caps.

From July 25-27, each team will wear these new hats, and the Mets have their own retro version of the iconic blue and orange cap, which you can see below.

The caps are designed by New Era and will feature a retro or retro-inspired logo with a vintage look and feel. The caps will also have a commemorative Hall of Fame patch stitched to the right side of the hats.

Sportslogos.net had an opportunity to speak with a New Era rep about each team's hat concept and here's what they had to say about the Mets' retro cap:

"Nearly identical to their usual cap, but with a wider 'NY' and a blue button, this version was worn from 1962 to 1992, spanning both Mets championships."

It should be noted that the jerseys will remain the same for all the teams, the caps will be the only change this weekend.

The 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Sunday, July 27, in Cooperstown. The inductees include CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and former Mets reliever Billy Wagner.

Mariners acquire Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks for 2 pitchers as trade deadline deals begin

PHOENIX (AP) The Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday as the franchise tries to beef up its lineup ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

The 28-year-old Naylor is hitting .292 with 11 homers and 59 RBIs this season, which was his first with the D-backs. He was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in a trade during the offseason.

Naylor hit a winning grand slam against the Mariners in June.

“We are thrilled to add Josh as we make a push for the postseason,” Seattle general manager Justin Hollander said in a statement. “Josh’s ability to hit for both average and power is unique and we are excited to not face him anymore.”

The D-backs acquired left-hander Brandyn Garcia, who has two appearances for the Mariners this season, and minor-league lefty Ashton Izzi.

The Mariners currently have a 54-48 record, which is good for second place in the AL West. They are in the second wild-card position.

The D-backs - who have a disappointing 50-53 record - are expected to continue dealing players ahead of next week's trade deadline. Third baseman Eugenio Suarez and pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen are among the players with expiring contracts who could be on the move.

Naylor was an All-Star last season with a career-high 31 homers and 108 RBIs for the Guardians.

---

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Venus Williams, 45, falls short in bid for first win streak since 2019

  • Venus Williams loses to Magdalena Frech in DC

  • Williams, 45, was chasing first streak since 2019

  • Raducanu beats Osaka; Fernandez ousts Pegula

Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 ended with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech at the DC Open on Thursday night.

Williams is 45, and her victory in the first round Tuesday night against 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns made the seven-time grand slam singles champion the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova was 47 in 2004.

Continue reading...

Kitchener Rangers Replace Goaltender Of The Year With San Jose Sharks Prospect


The Kitchener Rangers might have discovered their new goaltender to step in for the reigning Goaltender of the Year, Jackson Parsons.

On Thursday, the Rangers organization announced that they have signed Swiss netminder Christian Kirsch to an OHL Standard Player Agreement. 

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound netminder was drafted in the fourth round (116th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks are still in their rebuild and on the search for a goaltender they feel will be their starter for years to come. Is Kirsch the answer?

The Basel, Switzerland native was picked in the first round (44th overall) by Kitchener in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Ottawa 67’s forward Kimi Korbler was the only Swiss forward in the OHL last season, and he is expected to return home to play for the EHC Kloten organization. 

Kitchener Rangers Announce Roster Changes For The 2025-26 Season, Two NHL Prospects Set To ReturnKitchener Rangers Announce Roster Changes For The 2025-26 Season, Two NHL Prospects Set To ReturnThe Kitchener Rangers announced updates to their roster regarding five of their players for the upcoming 2025-26 season. 

Kirsch recorded an 8-15-0 record with a 3.16 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage for the Janesville Jets of the NAHL during the 2024-25 season. He also played three games in the USHL for the Green Bay Gamblers, but struggled in his appearances in the crease, posting a 5.09 goals-against-average and a .842 save percentage. 

The Gamblers traded Kirsch to the Chicago Steel in exchange for a Phase 2 seventh-round draft pick, and he was recently at their development camp. However, Rangers GM Mike McKenzie mentioned after drafting him earlier this month that Kirsch sounded very keen and excited to join Kitchener and play in the OHL next season. 

The Rangers roll into the 2025-26 season now with a one-two punch in the net with the Sharks prospect Kirsch and 2026 NHL draft-eligible Jason Schaubel. 

North Bay Battalion Sign Russian Import First-Round Pick North Bay Battalion Sign Russian Import First-Round Pick The import signings in the OHL continue, with another first-round pick from the 2025 CHL Import Draft committing. After the Niagara IceDogs were able to sign all three of their draft picks, the North Bay Battalion have joined in on the action. 

Although the 2008-born Schaubel didn’t perform poorly as the backup to Parsons last season, asking the kid to take on the role of a starter would’ve been a task, potentially setting him up for failure in a pivotal season of his career. 

Kirsch represented his country at the 2025 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, recording a 3.52 goals-against-average and a .878 save percentage. He stopped 11-of-12 against Kazakhstan in Switzerland’s only win of the tournament, a victory that saved them from the relegation game. 

Kirsch becomes the eighth NHL-affiliated prospect on the Rangers’ roster for the 2025-26 season. There will be many NHL scouts watching Kitchener this season, tracking their players' development. 

(Top photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)


Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Latest OHL News:

Guelph Storm Add Size With New Imports; Both 2025 CHL Import Draft Selections SignedGuelph Storm Add Size With New Imports; Both 2025 CHL Import Draft Selections SignedThe Guelph Storm are looking to bounce back after a challenging season, where they finished second-last in the league with a record of 21-38-9. They also allowed the second-most goals against, with a total of 301. The organization is hopeful that their young players are prepared to improve, and they have provided additional support through the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Niagara IceDogs ForwardTampa Bay Lightning Sign Niagara IceDogs ForwardPorter Martone is reportedly leaving the OHL to join Michigan State University in the NCAA, but the Niagara IceDogs won't be losing one of their top six forwards, after he signed his entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday morning.  The Misiak Family Continues On In Erie; Otters Sign Younger Brother Of Chicago Blackhawks Prospect The Misiak Family Continues On In Erie; Otters Sign Younger Brother Of Chicago Blackhawks Prospect As older brother Martin heads out the door, younger brother Alex steps in to keep the fun going. The Misiak family in Erie carries on.

Prudential Center, Home of the Devils, Wins Stanley Award for Venue Innovation

At the NHL’s 2025 Club Business Meetings, the Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils were awarded the Stanley Award for Best Venue Business Initiative.

The Stanley Award recognizes the club and arena that have most significantly enhanced the fan experience through innovations in premium offerings, food and beverage, guest services, or mixed-use developments. This marks the third time the Devils and their home arena have earned this honor.

This year, the Devils were recognized for two standout initiatives: Eastback Kitchen and the Pier Club, both of which elevated the game-day experience in unique and meaningful ways.

Eastback Kitchen 

First, the Eastback Kitchen is a culinary and white label hospitality brand. It offers fans 20 signature offerings that range from a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich to Funnel Cake Fries. 

Not only does the Eastback Kitchen offer good food, they also strive to do good in the community. 

They partner with companies like Greens Do Good and Popcorn for the People. Greens Do Good works with the neurodivergent community while Popcorn for the People works with those on the autism spectrum. 

“Like me, so many chefs on our culinary team grew up cooking across Jersey, and we’re incredibly passionate about making sure the arena reflects the dishes fans know and love,” said Aron Zaks, Executive Chef of Eastback Kitchen, told the Prudential Center. “We spent the offseason out in the community, eating and taking notes to create our own recipes made fresh at the arena. From diner classics to favorite local restaurants and purveyors, we’re showcasing Jersey in every area fans experience hospitality at Prudential Center.”

The Pier Club

The second initiative that helped them win the honor was the Pier Club. The club is a space in the Prudential for fans to hang out. They have the option to watch whatever game is going on in the arena, a private bar, access to the Eastback Kitchen, and more. This initiative pushed the Prudential Center above others when the NHL met to determine who would be awarded this season. 

“As a Top 5 venue worldwide, Prudential Center prides itself on the continuous rollout of renovations to ensure that guests are offered the best experience possible,” said Stephen Rosebrook, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Prudential Center told the Prudential Center.

Other NHL Business Award Winners

While the Devils and the Prudential Center stood out for venue innovation, several other teams were honored across a range of categories during Tuesday night’s ceremony in Boston:

  • Anaheim Ducks – Best Marketing Campaign
  • Washington Capitals – Best Social Impact & Growth Initiatives
  • Boston Bruins – Best Sponsorship Activation
  • Philadelphia Flyers – Social Media Club of the Year
  • Calgary Flames – Best Ticketing Initiative (First-time winner)
  • Vegas Golden Knights – Game Presentation of the Year (Third win)
  • New York Islanders – Venue Business Initiative for The Park at UBS Arena (First Stanley Award)
  • Dallas Stars – Best in Strategy, Analytics & Innovation

The recognition for the Prudential Center highlights the Devils’ continued commitment to enhancing the fan experience both on and off the ice.

Photo Credit: © Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com-Imagn Images

Mets pitching prospects Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean deliver dominant outings for Binghamton, Syracuse

The Mets' duo of pitching prospects shone on Thursday evening as Nolan McLean and Jonah Tongprovided their respective teams with strong starts in the minors.

At Double-A Binghamton, Tong pitched five innings (79 pitches/53 strikes), allowing one run on three hits, no walks and striking out six batters. It's the ninth consecutive start where Tong went at least five innings.

Tong's lone run allowed came early in the game. In the first inning, Aidan Miller of the Fightin Phils picked up a leadoff single off of Tong before stealing second and advancing to third base on a throwing error by catcher Kevin Parada. Tong bounced back to strike out the next batter, but a Hendry Mendez groundout allowed Miller to score from third base. After a two-out single by Paul McIntosh, the first inning was done and the Fightin Phils would get just one more baserunner off of Tong the rest of the game.

Tong punctuated his night by striking out the side in the fifth inning.

Despite his performance on Thursday, Tong's ERA actually went up a tick to 1.72, but he still remains one of the best pitchers in Double-A.

With Triple-A Syracuse, McLean helped the team win their fourth straight game on Thursday.

The right-hander pitched a career-high 7.1 innings (85 pitches/55 strikes), allowing two runs on four hits, no walks and striking out six batters. McLean is now 4-4 in 13 games (10 starts) with Triple-A, pitching to a 3.01 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.

Similar to Tong down in Double-A, the opponent got all their runs in one inning off of McLean. In the second, Cavan Biggio doubled off of McLean to lead off the inning. Peyton Wilson drove in Biggio with a two-out double. Nick Pratto followed with a single to drive in Wilson to give Omaha the early 2-0 lead.

But that's all Omaha would get off of McLean, who would allow just one more hit the rest of the game.

On the Syracuse offensive side, prospect Drew Gilbert went 0-for-4, but veteran Joey Meneses hit a three-run bomb off of former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to give Syracuse the lead for good and help McLean pick up his fourth win.

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has 2 stents inserted to treat blocked arteries

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self had two stents inserted into his heart to treat blocked arteries Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after he "felt unwell and experienced some concerning symptoms.” “The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery,” the Kansas athletic department said in a statement. Self has led Kansas to national titles in 2008 and 2022 and is the school's career victory leader with a 609-156 record.

Know. Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Ottawa Senators Could Be Standing In Way Between Buffalo, Playoffs

Tage Thompson (left); Brady Tkachuk (right) -- (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres happen to play in the NHL's most competitive division, the Atlantic Division, Every one of the Atlantic's eight teams have designs on being a playoff team next season -- and as part of this continuing THN.com series, we're analyzing each of the Sabres' seven divisional rivals to see what chance Buffalo has against each of them.

We've moved alphabetically through the first four teams in the Atlantic, including Boston, Detroit, Florida and Montreal. And in this file, we're turning to the Ottawa Senators, the team that ended a seven-season playoff drought last year, when they finished with the Atlantic's fourth-best record (45-30-7). How did the Sabres fare against the Senators last season -- and what chance does Buffalo have at getting the best of Ottawa this coming year? Those are the questions you'll find answers to below.

BUFFALO SABRES VS. OTTAWA SENATORS

NEW SENATORS PLAYERS: Lars Eller, C; Arthur Kaliyev, LW; Jordan Spence, D

2024-25 SERIES: Sabres 4-0-0, Senators 0-4-0

2025-26 GAMES AGAINST EACH OTHER:  October 15 at Buffalo; December 23 at Ottawa; April 2 at Ottawa

CAN THE SABRES BEAT THIS TEAM?  The Sabres laid out the Senators last season, winning all four of their regular-season games. And with the Senators making few additions to their roster -- including greybeard Eller, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings castoff Kaliyev, and young defenseman Spence (a move we actually really like for Ottawa) -- the Sens could be prone to losing repeatedly to Buffalo again this season.

The teams only play on three occasions next year -- and two of them are essentially season-opening and season-closing bookmarks: the first game will be the Sabres' fourth game of the year, while the third game will be Buffalo's seventh-to-last game of the year. So it's rather likely the Sens team the Sabres see in October will be significantly different than the Sens team that greets them in April.

With that said, we like Buffalo's chances of being better than the Senators the way they were better than them last season. Ottawa was a mediocre defensive team last season, but their offense was worse, ranking 19th in the league at an average of 2.95 goals-for per game.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Will The New-Look Montreal Canadiens Edge Out Buffalo For A Playoff Spot?Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Will The New-Look Montreal Canadiens Edge Out Buffalo For A Playoff Spot?The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to be a playoff team next season -- but they're in the NHL's toughest division -- the Atlantic Division. And their games against Atlantic teams will be crucial to help decided whether or not they'll be a playoff team next year. As such, we're analyzing Buffalo's chances against each Atlantic team in a THN.com series; We started alphabetically with the Boston Bruins, then turned our attention to the Detroit Red Wings, followed by the defending Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers.

Let's return, then, to see what Ottawa did this summer: they brought in Eller, who won't move the needle offensively; they brought in Kaliyev, who couldn't produce enough offense to justify the Kings or Rangers hanging onto him. And they brought in Spence, who can contribute some offense, but who also isn't regarded for his defensive play. 

So it seems, then, that the Sabres can indeed take advantage of their structural advantages over the Senators. Buffalo's offense, even without the departed J.J. Peterka, should be able to poke holes in Ottawa's defense, The Sabres' defense corps, meanwhile, is deeper and more talented than the Sens' group of blueliners. And while Ottawa's netminding is better than Buffalo's, the Sabres still managed to outscore the Senators 17-5 last year. 

Having one fewer game against one another might temporarily dampen the natural rivalry between Ottawa and Buffalo. But don't kid yourself -- if the Metropolitan Division improves next season and four Metro teams make it into the playoffs, only four teams will be getting a playoff berth in the Atlantic. And that almost certainly means one, if not both the Senators and Sabres will miss out on playoff action next year.

Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Does Buffalo Have Any Hope Of Beating The Defending Stanley Cup-Champion Panthers?Know Your Enemy, Sabres Edition: Does Buffalo Have Any Hope Of Beating The Defending Stanley Cup-Champion Panthers?The Buffalo Sabres are under massive pressure to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 15 years. To do so, they're going to have to make the most of their games with their Atlantic Division rivals. And in this continuing THN.com series, we're analyzing Buffalo's chances against each of their seven Atlantic rivals.

You have to give the Sens their due -- they've got plenty to like, and reason for optimism next season and beyond. However, the sports world is littered with the husks of better-than-average teams that faltered under the weight of expectation.

We're not here to guarantee you that Ottawa is going to be one of those teams. However, if the Sabres are to end their 14-year playoff drought, they need to get a leg up on many, if not most Atlantic teams.

The Senators aren't yet regarded as a top-two-or-better team, and that may change soon enough. But Buffalo needs to do whatever it can to replicate the success they had against Ottawa last season. Because if they don't, and the Sabres miss out on the playoffs yet again, their losses at the hands of the Sens may be the reason why.