ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 28: Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner celebrates following Game Six of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians on October 28, 1995 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) | Sporting News via Getty Images
It looks like Braves Country will be on Hall of Fame Watch once again this offseason, as another Atlanta luminary has been named to the Contemporary Baseball Era ballot for the 2027 class of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Former Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner has made the star-studded list of eight candidates for this year’s class.
Ted Turner joins a list that includes legends like Dusty Baker, Lou Pinella, Bruce Bochy, and Bill White. Sandy Alderson, Brian Sabean and Joe Maddon also made the list as well, so this is about as stacked of a ballot as you can get when it comes to former executives, managers and umpires.
As the linked article mentions, Turner was responsible for getting the Braves on TBS during his time as owner, which allowed for Atlanta’s games to be televised across the country on cable — hence the nickname of “America’s Team” during that time period. While Turner was known for that and some colorfully strange hijinks during his time as a hands-on owner, it was only after he took a more hands-off approach that the ballclub blossomed into the perennial contender that it is today.
Turner was the owner as the Braves became a powerhouse throughout the 1990s and with Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz already in the Hall of Fame from that era, it would only make sense if the owner joined them as well. It’s a shame that the honor is coming posthumously (assuming Turner gets into the Hall) but it would still be well deserved for one of the more forward-thinking and unique baseball owners of his time.
As usual, any given candidate must receive 75 percent of the vote from the 16-person panel to receive induction. We’re likely going to see multiple inductions on this ballot and hopefully Ted Turner is among them. We’ll see what happens once the votes are revealed on December 6.
UPDATE: Here’s Jayson Stark explaining the voting process
This is a loaded ballot filled with great names.
Just a reminder that the committee members only have 3 ballot slots apiece.
So mathematically it's almost impossible to elect more than two of these guys. https://t.co/9nebfENIg0
Former Mets general manager and team president Sandy Alderson has been named a candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Alderson was announced as one of the eight people named to the non-player ballot to be voted on by the Hall of Fame's Contemporary Baseball Era Committee when it meets on Dec. 6 in San Diego.
Alderson's biggest success with the Mets came in 2015 as New York captured the National League pennant, and he was named Executive of the Year by Baseball America. In eight seasons under Alderson, the Mets made two postseason appearances and had a .485 winning percentage.
Before coming to Queens, Alderson was the general manager of the Oakland Athletics (1983-1997), winning three straight American League pennants and the World Series title in 1989.
Alderson joins three other executives and four former managers, including Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon, former Yankees manager Lou Piniella, Brian Sabean, Ted Turner, and Bill White. The candidates come from a pool of people whose primary contribution to the game came since 1980.
Any candidate who appears on 75 percent of committee members' ballots earns their place in Cooperstown, with induction set for the summer of 2027.
Golden State Warriors Yaxel Lendeborg discusses his performance against the Clippers.
In Sunday’s 124-112 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors rookie phenom Yaxel Lendeborg fell just shy of scoring 40 points. It is the most for a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010.
Lendeborg finished with 37 points and was asked why he didn’t go for the 40-point figure. He indeed tried, but fell short because of the pressure from his peers.
Yaxel Lendeborg scores 37 points in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. NBAE via Getty Images
“I’ve never been a stat chaser in my life, so just falling into peer pressure like I did just now was pretty much bad on my part,” Lendeborg said. “Especially because I’m a guy that just loves ethical hoops. I’m a guy that loves efficient basketball, and I didn’t do that the last two or three minutes. So it’s kind of bad on my part.”
Lendeborg said his teammate De’Anthony Melton approached him and said, “Hey man you need to get 40. You’re three points away.’ And I’m like, ‘Nah, man. It’s all good.’ And he peer pressured me into doing it.”
Yaxel Lendeborg celebrating with Will Richard during his 37 point performance on Sunday night. NBAE via Getty Images
“He said he’s going to give me the ball. And he literally like, was holding it just to give me the ball. And I’m like, ‘All right, fine. I’ll shoot it.’ And I missed.”
Lendeborg said he tried to barter with Melton about being content with his 37 points, but then Will Richard approached him and said, “You got to do it.”
“Everybody was just egging me on, and I kind of just fell into it. But I know next time, I’mma just play in the flow of the game, ’cause they came out of me like four threes in a row, and we almost lost the game because of that. So, next time I’m never doing that again.”
It is not often you hear a professional athlete openly talk about trying to pad their stats. Yet, the Warriors rookie is not one for holding back.
Golden State Warriors rookie, Yaxel Lendeborg scores 37 points against the Clippers on Sunday night. Getty Images
“If it comes to me, it does. If I don’t get it, then I wasn’t meant to get it that day,” Lendeborg said. “Imma be way better next time.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins are once again throwing things back to their days wearing blue for an alternate uniform.
The team unveiled its kits that will be part of the broader NHL Hometown Remix series on Nov. 2.
The jerseys will be primarily a darker shade than the baby blue throwbacks they deployed starting in 2008. Those were designed to mimic the uniforms they wore upon breaking into the league in 1967.
These, apparently, drew similar inspiration as the team celebrates its 60th anniversary season, according to its announcement. Even as they look closer to the jerseys they used starting in 1972 that were a deeper shade of blue.
"This Hometown Remix jersey draws from the offset compositions, halftone textures, and unmistakable graphic style of the ‘60s," the team wrote. "The crest gets a pop art treatment that gives the Penguins mark a fresh, modern pulse. The shoulder patches deliver the same offset aesthetic: the igloo for the much-loved old Penguins’ arena, the triangle for the three rivers. On the hem, Pittsburgh’s unique neighborhoods are represented through glorious colors, grounding the jersey in hometown warmth and cultural pride. The numbers on the back leave a lasting impact, with halftone and offset detailing that mirrors the crest’s pop art language. The palette feels both classic Penguins and unmistakably iconic. A tribute to a city that isn't afraid to be bold and make it count."
The uniforms will debut for the Nov. 3 home game against the Vegas Golden Knights at PPG Paints Arena. Fans will be able to see them at nine more regular season home games in 2026-27.
The Penguins started wearing black and gold in the 1980s to align themselves more closely with the Pirates and Steelers, who themselves drew inspiration from the city’s crest and flag that use those colors.
They’ve done so mostly uninterrupted since. The baby blues returned for a brief interlude around the first-ever NHL Winter Classic against the Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium back in 2008.
Sidney Crosby scored one of his iconic goals that day, beating Sabres goalie Ryan Miller for the winner in the shootout that broke a 1-1 tie after regulation and overtime.
For that reason, fans have maintained a soft spot for the color blue since. It’s not uncommon to see a blue Crosby jersey in the stands for games at PPG Paints Arena, nearly 20 years later.
It will be interesting to see if these catch on in a similar way, considering their origin is a leaner period of team history before the arrival of icons including Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr beginning in the 1980s.
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Former Kansas City Royals player Lou Piniella throws out the first pitch before a game between the Royals and New York Yankees on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Former Royals outfielder Lou Piniella, who was Rookie of the Year with the team in 1969, is up for consideration in Cooperstown. The National Baseball Hall of Fame has announced eight nominees for the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot for potential induction in 2027. The candidates are Sandy Alderson, Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon, Lou Piniella, Brian Sabean, Ted Turner, and Bill White.
The Contemporary Baseball Era ballot features four managers and four executives for consideration in the Hall of Fame Class of 2027.
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) November 2, 2026
Sandy Alderson became the Athletics general manager at age 35 and built the team that won three consecutive American League pennants and a World Series title from 1988-90. Alderson later worked in the Commissioner’s Office as executive vice president for baseball operations before serving in the front offices of the Padres and Mets, where he helped lead both franchises to Postseason appearances.
Dusty Baker managed the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals and Astros over 26 seasons, compiling 13 postseason appearances, 10 first-place finishes and a World Series title in 2022. A three-time Manager of the Year Award winner (1993, 1997, 2000) and three-time runner-up, Baker led his teams to the postseason in each of his final eight seasons as a manager. He was also a two-time All-Star as a player over a 19-year career with the Braves, Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and was a champion in 1981 with Los Angeles.
Bruce Bochy managed the Padres, Giants and Rangers over 28 seasons, compiling 2,252 wins while leading his clubs to nine postseason appearances, six first-place finishes and four World Series titles. The 1996 National League Manager of the Year, Bochy finished in the top three of the voting seven times. A former catcher who played nine seasons in the big leagues, Bochy is one of only six managers in history with at least four World Series championships.
Joe Maddon managed the Angels, Rays and Cubs over 19 seasons, winning 1,382 games while leading his teams to the postseason eight times. A three-time Manager of the Year Award winner, Maddon led the Rays to their first American League pennant and first winning season in franchise history in 2008. He later skippered the Cubs to their first World Series championship in 108 years in 2016.
Lou Piniella won Rookie of the Year with the Royals in their inaugural season of 1969. He spent five seasons with the Royals, part of an 18-year career that also included 11 years with the Yankees. He was an All-Star in 1972 with the Royals, and he finished his career with 1,705 career hits. After a stint in the Yankees front office, he got into managing, running the Yankees, Reds, Mariners, Devil Rays and Cubs over 23 seasons, winning 1,835 games and leading his teams to seven Postseason appearances. He won a title in 1990 with the Reds, and led the 2001 Mariners to an American League-record 116 victories. He was named Manager of the Year three times (1995, 2001, 2008).
Brian Sabean joined the Yankees front office and helped sign and develop many of the players who powered New York to four World Series titles from 1996-2000. He joined the Giants in 1997 winning three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and his 2014 team defeated the Royals. His 18 years as Giants general manager marked the longest tenure in franchise history.
Ted Turner purchased the Atlanta Braves in 1976 and quickly established the team on the national stage by putting their games on his TBS television station, which was distributed to cable providers across the country and helped establish a new model for sports broadcasting. Turner owned the team as the Braves developed into a dynasty, winning 14 consecutive division titles from 1991-2005 in completed seasons, an MLB record.
Bill White spent 13 years in the big leagues as a first baseman and outfielder with the Giants, Cardinals, and Phillies. He was an eight-time All-Star, seven-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a World Series champion with the Cardinals in 1964. After serving as a broadcaster, White served as president of the National League from 1989-94. White presided over the addition of the Marlins and Rockies to the National League and helped consolidate the American and National leagues under one administrative umbrella. He was named the Hall of Fame’s Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2026.
Candidates will have to appear on 75 percent of the ballots of the 16 voters, who have not yet been announced. The results of the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee vote will be announced on Sunday, December 6.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick made it clear that what happened on Sunday night won’t occur again.
And that there are consequences, especially for end-of-bench players, for not being ready to play in an NBA game when their number is called.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick wasn’t pleased with how his team closed out Sunday’s win over the Raptors. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers coach thought his team’s lead was safe when he subbed out most of his main rotation players – Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and Matisse Thybulle – with the Lakers leading by 14 points (123-109) with 1:43 left of their home game against the Raptors.
Luka Dončić, who had already scored 41 points by that point, had been out of the game for 45 seconds, with the Lakers and Redick believing the end-of-bench players would put the finishing touches on securing the victory.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick had plenty to be frustrated about with how the team’s end-of-bench players performed late in the win over the Raptors. AP Photo/Scott Strazzante
Even though the Lakers did eventually beat the Raptors, it didn’t come to fruition as Redick and the team hoped, with the end-of-bench players nearly blowing a double-digit lead in less than a minute.
“I won’t make that mistake again,” Redick said. “I’ll leave the guys in. You gotta play to the final buzzer, and if guys are not ready to play, then I just won’t put them in.”
After one of the lone rotation players, Quentin Grimes, split a pair of free throws to put the Lakers up 124-109 with 1:24 left, Jamison Battle hit a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to cut the Raptors’ deficit to 12.
JJ Redick on the Lakers' lead being cut from 15 points to 5 in 40 seconds after LAL subbed its main rotation players out against the Raptors, leading to JJ subbing them back in to close the game: "We just didn't do a good job of taking care of the ball in that situation. So I… pic.twitter.com/pUhIHhvMLp
A failed lob attempt from Grimes to Jarred Vanderbilt that resulted in a turnover turned into another Battle catch-and-shoot 3 in transition that quickly cut the Lakers’ lead to nine points.
And a failed inbounds pass by Bronny James led to the Lakers’ lead dropping down to seven after Battle hit a floater on the Raptors’ ensuing possession, making it eight straight points in less than 20 seconds of game time for the 2024 undrafted forward out of Ohio State.
Jamison Battle scored eight straight points in less than 20 seconds of game time to make a significant dent in the Lakers’ lead. NBAE via Getty Images
Redick had seen enough by the time Jaden Bradley converted an and-1 layup to trim the Raptors’ deficit to six points with 44 seconds left (and five points after making the free throw) after the Lakers led by 15 points just 40 seconds prior.
Dončić, Reaves, Kessler and Thybulle all subbed back in for James, Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy and Cameron Carr (who was making his NBA debut) before Bradley shot his free throw.
The Lakers did just enough to secure the win with its main players back in the game, but it wasn’t pretty.
“A lot of times as a player when you kind of get something like that in that point, you kind of look at it as garbage minutes but the reality is, every time you step on the court, you got to treat it like it’s minutes to play the game,” Kessler said.
“Because my rookie and sophomore year, I got put in the garbage minutes and you got to play to the whistle because the reality is you’re only going to get your shot. And I’m not saying that those guys aren’t competitors ‘cause a lot of them are, but they got to be a lot more more fundamental, for sure.”
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 01: Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) greets Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) after he hit a solo home run in the first inning during a Major League interleague baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Kansas City Royals on October 01, 2017, at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This year’s Royals Hall of Fame ballot features several players from the club’s memorable 2014-15 pennant-winning teams. Zack Greinke, Eric Hosmer, Ian Kennedy, and Mike Moustakas join the list as first-time candidates, joining carry over candidates Carlos Beltrán, Billy Butler, Lorenzo Cain, Wade Davis, Alcides Escobar, Kelvin Herrera, Greg Holland, and Joakim Soria.
Fan voting is now open for the Royals Hall of Fame Class of 2027!
Beltrán played for the Royals from 1998 to 2004, winning American League Rookie of the Year honors in 1999. He became just the eighth rookie in MLB history to score 100 runs and drive in 100 runs in the same season. He was named American League Player of the Week three times with the Royals and earned Player of the Month honors in April 2004. Beltrán finished among the league’s top ten in stolen bases three times during his Royals tenure and ranks eighth among all Royals position players in rWAR. His 164 stolen bases rank eighth in club history, and he converted on an impressive 87 percent of his attempts.
Billy Butler
1,166 games, .295/.359/.449, 12.5 rWAR
Butler was a first-round pick in 2004 who spent several years as the Royals’ designated hitter, including during their pennant-winning 2014 season. His best season came in 2012, when he hit .313/.373/.510 with a career-high 29 home runs, earning Silver Slugger honors. He also made his only All-Star appearance that year, playing in front of his hometown fans at Kauffman Stadium. Butler finished among the league’s top ten in doubles three times and ranked sixth in RBI in 2012. He is tied for tenth in club history in home runs, ninth in hits, and eighth in doubles. His .295 career batting average ranks sixth in franchise history among players with at least 1,000 plate appearances.
Lorenzo Cain
713 games, .289/.342/.421, 24.6 rWAR
Cain is appearing on the ballot for the first time after receiving a retirement ceremony from the club in 2023. Originally acquired from the Brewers in the Zack Greinke trade, Cain quickly developed into one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. From 2013 to 2017, he ranked third among all outfielders in Defensive Runs Saved with 75. His defensive brilliance was on full display during the Royals’ 2014 postseason run, when he hit .533 against the Orioles to earn ALCS MVP honors.
Cain made his first All-Star team in 2015 and finished third in American League MVP voting. That season, he ranked fifth in the league in runs scored (101), fifth in batting average (.307), third in defensive WAR (2.1), and fourth in overall rWAR (6.9). His dash home from first base on Eric Hosmer’s single in the deciding game of the 2015 ALCS against the Blue Jays remains one of the most iconic moments in franchise history. Cain ranks ninth in club history in career rWAR with 24.6.
Wade Davis
256 games, 3.39 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 6.6 rWAR
Davis was a starting pitcher in 2013, his first season with the Royals after being acquired from the Rays. But a move to the bullpen transformed his career, turning him into arguably the most dominant reliever in baseball. From 2014 to 2016, he appeared in 185 games and posted a remarkable 1.85 ERA while recording 47 saves. He struck out 33 percent of the batters he faced during that stretch. Davis was a two-time All-Star, received Cy Young votes in 2014 and 2015, and earned MVP votes in 2015. He recorded the final out of the 2015 World Series to clinch the championship for Kansas City. His 49 career saves with the Royals rank tenth in club history.
Alcides Escobar
1,245 games, .259/.292/.344, 8.2 rWAR
Escobar is another first-time candidate. A defense-first shortstop, he frequently hit near the top of the lineup for the Royals’ pennant-winning teams. Originally acquired from the Brewers in the Greinke trade, Escobar became an iron man for Kansas City, playing at least 155 games in six of his eight seasons with the club, including three seasons in which he appeared in all 162 games. He was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2015, then hit .478 against the Blue Jays that fall to earn ALCS MVP honors. He also famously opened the bottom of the first inning of Game 1 of the 2015 World Series with an inside-the-park home run, setting the tone for the series. His 160 stolen bases rank ninth in club history, while his 1,208 career hits rank tenth.
Zack Greinke
266 games, 3.93 ERA, 3.76 FIP, 29.8 rWAR
Greinke was originally drafted by the Royals with the sixth overall pick in 2002 and made his major league debut in 2004. He quickly established himself as one of the team’s best young pitchers, but his breakout season came in 2009, when he won the American League Cy Young Award. Greinke went 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA and 242 strikeouts, leading the league in ERA and finishing sixth in MVP voting. He also earned his first All-Star selection that year. Greinke was traded to Milwaukee after the 2010 season, but returned to Kansas City in 2022 for two more seasons. His 29.8 rWAR ranks fourth among all pitchers in Royals history, and he remains the last Royals pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.
Kelvin Herrera
442 games, 2.75 ERA, 3.16 FIP, 10.6 rWAR
Herrera was a two-time All-Star who recorded four seasons with at least 70 appearances and an ERA below 3.00. He was a key member of the vaunted “HDH” bullpen trio alongside Wade Davis and Greg Holland. Herrera was particularly dominant in the postseason, posting a 1.26 ERA in 22 appearances while striking out 38 batters in 28 2/3 innings. He ranks sixth in club history in saves and third in games pitched.
Eric Hosmer
1,048 games, .284/.342/.439, 15.5 rWAR
Hosmer was the third overall pick in the 2008 draft and quickly became a cornerstone of the Royals’ rebuilding effort. He debuted in 2011 and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. He developed into one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball, winning four Gold Glove Awards with the Royals. His best season came in 2017, when he hit .318/.385/.498 with 25 home runs and 94 RBI. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2016 and was named All-Star Game MVP after hitting a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning. But Hosmer’s most memorable moment came in the 2015 World Series, when his aggressive dash home on a ground ball to first base tied Game 5 in the ninth inning and helped the Royals eventually clinch the championship. His 127 home runs are tied for tenth in club history, while his 566 RBI rank ninth.
Greg Holland
394 games, 2.72 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 11.3 rWAR
Holland was an elite closer and a key member of one of the best bullpens in baseball. Drafted in the tenth round out of Western Carolina University, he made his Royals debut in 2010 and posted a 1.80 ERA the following season. By 2012, he had taken over as the team’s closer. Holland became an All-Star in both 2013 and 2014, earning Cy Young and MVP votes in each season. He recorded 46 saves in 2013 and 47 in 2014, finishing second in the American League both years. He allowed just one run in 11 postseason innings in 2014.
Holland recorded another 32 saves in 2015 but suffered an elbow injury late in the season that kept him out of the postseason. He eventually returned to Kansas City for another stint in 2020-21, appearing in 85 games. His 159 career saves rank fourth in club history.
Ian Kennedy
163 games, 4.48 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 6.3 rWAR
Kennedy signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Royals following their 2015 World Series championship, becoming the team’s highest-paid player at the time. He delivered a solid first season in 2016, going 11-11 with a 3.68 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 195 2/3 innings. Kennedy found new life after moving to the bullpen in 2019, when he converted 30 saves with a 3.41 ERA, giving the Royals a reliable closer. He finished his Royals career with 163 appearances, including 86 starts, and was worth 6.3 rWAR.
Mike Moustakas
934 games, .251/.306/.430, 11.4 rWAR
Moustakas was the second overall pick in the 2007 draft and one of the key prospects in the Royals’ rebuilding effort. He debuted in 2011 and endured some early struggles, but developed into a productive power hitter and an important part of the Royals’ championship teams. He hit .284/.348/.470 with 22 home runs in 2015, earning his first All-Star selection. He had his best season in 2017, when he set a Royals single-season record with 38 home runs and earned another All-Star selection. Moustakas also provided one of the defining defensive plays of the 2014 postseason, making a spectacular catch while tumbling over the third-base dugout in the ALCS. He ranks ninth in club history with 139 home runs and 14th with 441 RBI. “Moose” returned to Kansas City for a retirement ceremony in 2025, signing a one-day contract to retire as a Royal.
Joakim Soria
427 games, 2.82 ERA, 3.03 FIP, 14.3 rWAR
Soria had two separate stints with the Royals, pitching for the club from 2007-11 and again from 2016-17. Originally selected from the Padres in the Rule 5 Draft, he developed into a two-time All-Star with Kansas City and received Cy Young and MVP votes in 2010. Soria finished among the league’s top ten in saves four times with the Royals, including a second-place finish in 2010 when he recorded 43 saves. He ranks third in club history in saves and fifth in games pitched.
To be eligible for the Royals Hall of Fame, a candidate must have spent at least three seasons with the club, accumulated a minimum of 1,500 plate appearances or 300 innings pitched, and been retired for at least three years.
Fans can vote here, with the fan vote counting as three electors. Other electors include members of the Royals Hall of Fame, Royals front office staff, Royals Associates with at least 15 years of service, and select members of the media. The online fan ballot will account for three full votes for each of the five candidates receiving the most votes. Any candidate receiving at least 75 percent of the vote will be elected and scheduled for induction during the 2026 Royals season. Eligible alumni who receive at least 10 percent of the vote can remain on the ballot for five regular-phase election cycles.
Last year, John Wathan was elected into the Royals Hall of Fame. Yordano Ventura is the only candidate from last year’s ballot that did not carry over to this years ballot. The Royals Hall of Fame includes Kevin Appier, George Brett, Joe Burke, Steve Busby, Ewing Kauffman, Muriel Kauffman, Mark Gubicza, Alex Gordon, Larry Gura, Dick Howser, Whitey Herzog, Bo Jackson, Dennis Leonard, Denny Matthews, John Mayberry, Hal McRae, Jeff Montgomery, Fred Patek, Dan Quisenberry, Cookie Rojas, Bret Saberhagen, John Schuerholz, Paul Splittorff, Art Stewart, Mike Sweeney, Cedric Tallis, George Toma, Amos Otis, Frank White, Willie Wilson, John Wathan, and Ned Yost.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the rest of the NHL have unveiled their Hometown Remix jerseys by Fanatics.
The jersey has a beige or off-white base color, with navy blue accents on the arms around the elbow area, as well as one strip on the waist. That design continues on the socks and gloves, with navy blue pants.
On the chest, Toronto has a new logo, matching the crest that has been designed at center ice of Scotiabank Arena to begin this season.
The Maple Leafs will wear these jerseys six times this season, with the first instance coming on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils, with the new look making its debut. On top of the uniform making its first appearance in an NHL game, it will also be Hockey Hall of Fame night.
Nov. 19 against the Los Angeles Kings would be next on the Hometown Remix schedule, with an 80s night theme. On the 30th, the Maple Leafs will host the Philadelphia Flyers for 70s night, which rounds out the dates in November.
On Dec. 19, Toronto will see the Tampa Bay Lightning for 90s night. And the final day comes on Feb. 16 against the Carolina Hurricanes for '100 years of the Leaf."
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Along with the 31 other NHL teams on Monday morning, they showed off their new Hometown Remix sweaters that are meant to "celebrate the fans, fabric and culture of Ottawa."
Senators
Along with their usual home blacks and road whites, the Sens already have a third jersey that's primarily red with black and gold trim, letters and numbers.
The remix will be the club's fourth jersey in 20 games this season. They'll wear this one nine times in 2026-27, beginning on Nov. 12, when they host the Colorado Avalanche at Canadian Tire Centre.
It arrives just in time for Christmas, starting at $225. If you want a name and number, it's $355, and if you want the authentic pro version, it's $580. Youth sizes go for $130 and toddlers at $105.
“This jersey represents several elements that are unique to our region and history,” said Peter Shier, Senators VP of Marketing in a club press release. “We are confident that our fans will appreciate the subtle touches that ensure they are representing the fabric of Ottawa-Gatineau every time they put this on.”
Here's the full league view (graphic from NHL/Sportsnet) of all 32 Hometown Remix jerseys.
The Lakers improved to 5-2 on the young season with a 131-125 win over the Raptors on Sunday night. The score is not indicative of how much Los Angeles controlled the game, which set in motion the most hysterical moment of the game.
When Austin Reaves subbed out with 1:43 remaining in the Lakers’ eventual win over the Raptors, he did so with clear intentions of not returning to the game.
The biggest tell: The Lakers star guard gave his signature headband to a fan sitting behind the team’s bench, with Reaves expecting to watch the remainder of the game from the sidelines.
Austin Reaves (15) had to get his signature headband back when Lakers coach JJ Redick needed to put him back in the game. NBAE via Getty Images
That didn’t come to fruition as planned.
With their end-of-bench players in the game, the Lakers’ lead was cut from 15 points with 1:24 left to single digits within 20 seconds of game time.
Austin Reaves didn’t expect to be needed for the closing stretch. NBAE via Getty Images
Coach JJ Redick had seen enough from the reserves when Jaden Bradley converted the and-1 layup that trimmed the Raptors’ deficit to six points with 44 seconds left (and five points after making the free throw), deciding to sub his main rotation players back in to close the game out.
Which meant that Reaves had to retrieve his headband as he, Matisse Thybulle, Walker Kessler and Luka Dončić all subbed back in the game with 44 seconds left to secure the victory.
Luckily for Reaves, it didn’t appear the fan had any issues with handing the headband back over.
The Lakers got the job done after getting their main rotation players back in the game. NBAE via Getty Images
With Redick saying he won’t make this mistake again, subbing in players if they aren’t ready to play late in games, it appears to be unlikely that the 6-foot-5 guard will be in this position again.
But in case it does, Reaves better hold onto his headband until the game’s officially over.
The Winnipeg Jets are bringing the Northern Lights to the ice this season.
On Monday, the Jets, the NHL and Fanatics officially unveiled the team's new Hometown Remix uniforms, featuring a design inspired by the Aurora Borealis and Manitoba's night skies.
The special edition jerseys are part of a leaguewide initiative involving all 32 NHL clubs, with each team's design celebrating the history, culture and identity of its hometown.
Photo courtesy of Fanatics
Winnipeg's newest look features a dark, night-sky-inspired base with blue and light-green accents representing the Northern Lights. The sleeves incorporate a blue-to-green gradient, while the bottom of the jersey features a full aurora scene.
The team's familiar crest has also received a makeover, with colours and highlights intended to reflect the glow of the Northern Lights. Player names and numbers feature a blended effect, giving the appearance of being illuminated against the darker background.
“We wanted this jersey to reflect something that is uniquely connected to Winnipeg and Manitoba, and the Northern Lights felt like a natural choice,” said Dorian Morphy, Senior Vice President, Brand and Chief Marketing Officer.
“They’re something that makes our province so special, and we saw an opportunity to bring that to life in a unique way for our team and our fans.”
The Jets will wear the Hometown Remix uniforms eight times throughout the 2026-27 regular season, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 17 against the Ottawa Senators at Canada Life Centre.
Winnipeg's eight scheduled Hometown Remix games:
Nov. 17 vs. Ottawa Senators
Nov. 21 vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Nov. 23 vs. Utah Mammoth
Dec. 10 vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Jan. 19 vs. Minnesota Wild
Jan. 21 vs. New York Rangers
March 23 vs. Seattle Kraken
March 25 vs. Colorado Avalanche
The collection was developed over two years through a collaboration between the NHL, Fanatics and its member clubs.
For Winnipeg, the design also carries a deeper connection to the city's hockey history, recognizing a franchise that departed in 1996 before NHL hockey returned to Manitoba in 2011.
“Few symbols in sports carry the history, pride, and emotional connection of an NHL sweater,” said Brian Jennings, NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Partnerships and Club Strategy Officer.
“Hometown Remix builds on that legacy in a fresh and authentic way, celebrating the fans, culture and communities that make each NHL market unique.”
Alongside the jerseys, the Jets have released a corresponding collection of apparel and headwear, including hoodies, T-shirts, fleece and outerwear.
Both Authentic Pro and Premium versions of the jerseys are available beginning Monday through True North Shop, Jets Gear locations, NHLShop.ca and Fanatics.
The new uniforms will make their on-ice debut in just over two weeks when Winnipeg welcomes Ottawa to Canada Life Centre.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 30: Devin Booker #15 and Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You wouldn’t think the sky would be falling in most fanbases four games into the season where the team has picked up a win, but here we are with the Phoenix Suns and their 1-3 start. The frustration from the fanbase has gotten so loud that we’ve got the team’s TV play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Ray comparing how to manage the freezing nature of a cold plunge to coping with the early season struggles.
With an 0-2 week in the books, reports that there’s growing “frustration” in the locker room over a lack of a true point guard, and with many key players going down with injuries around the NBA, here are some questions we want your answers on:
Starting guards trade struggling games
In last week’s loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Devin Booker had one of the worst games of his career, scoring just three points on seven shots. In the following game, Jalen Green scored just two points on 1/6 shooting from the field, his lowest scoring output as a member of the Suns in a game where he didn’t leave early because of injury. Both games the Suns lost.
Coming into the season, the Suns’ lack of point guard in the starting lineup caused some controversy around the team, and with NBA Insider Chris Haynes’ latest report about the backcourt not working well together, many are calling for the team to trade for a point guard or replace Green with Collin Gillespie in the starting lineup, who’s had success playing alongside Devin Booker in the past.
If you’re Jordan Ott and the coaching staff, how would you handle the guard controversy?
A massive break between games?
Phoenix has played the fewest games in the NBA so far, with a lot of that attributed to the 96-hour break they had between their two games this week. The Suns have played just two games since October 25th. In turn, this week will be more intense. They’ll play four games in a six-day span, including their first back-to-back of the year.
As a fan, how did you enjoy the massive break between games so early into the season, and how do you think it will impact them as their schedule ramps up?
Injuries around the West
The Western Conference suffered a bevy of significant injuries in the past week. The Oklahoma City Thunder have lost three starters: Anthony Edwards is expected out for about two months, Jaren Jackson Jr. will be sidelined for the next 5-7 weeks, and Ja Morant is expected to miss nearly all of November.
While the Suns remain without Mark Williams, the rest of the roster is healthy, and they’ve known they’d be without Williams more than a month before the season started.
How do the injuries impact where you think the Suns stand in the West?
Weird, but True
The Suns have played four of their last five postseason opponents to start their season. Their only win came against the only team they beat in postseason play, the Golden State Warriors, whom they beat in last year’s 8/9 Play-In game.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 26: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 26, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On the Suns’ Plate This Week
Phoenix will play the same amount of games this week as they’ve played in the entirety of the first two weeks of the season this week, along with their first back-to-back of the year. After they face the Golden State Warriors tonight, they’ll host the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday and then the Orlando Magic on Thursday, capping the week off with Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. The home games this week are the first three of the franchise’s longest homestand since 2021 during Covid.
BRONX, NY - JULY 29: New York Yankees Pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning of a Major League Baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees on July 29, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Everybody loves the big-name acquisition, but sometimes, the small, unheralded move that pays dividends can be a real difference maker for a ballclub. On February 6, 2016, the Yankees made one such move, signing minor league free agent Jonathan Loáisiga after he was cut by the San Francisco Giants, as they sought to add pitching depth to the farm system during a transitory period in the organization’s history. The man who would come to be known as “Johnny Lasagna” would go on to fill a critical role in the Yankees’ bullpen during the 2021 season, before injuries ultimately robbed him derailed his Yankees career.
Jonathan Stanley Loáisiga Estrada Born: November 2, 1994 (Managua, Nicaragua) Yankees Tenure: 2018-2025
Born and raised in Nicaragua, Loáisiga signed as an international amateur free agent with the San Francisco Giants on September 23, 2012. He made his professional debut the following season, going on to make 13 appearances with the DSL Giants. Although his performance was encouraging — he had just a 2.75 ERA and 1.107 WHIP in that span — his Giants career was effectively over after that; injuries robbed him of the entire 2014 and 2015 seasons, and as a result, the Giants cut him loose.
As noted above, Loáisiga signed with the Yankees that winter, and was assigned to Single-A Charleston (the Yankees cut ties with them during the 2020-2021 restructuring, and they are now a member of the Rays family). Immediately, the injury woes followed the young right-hander: just 2.1 innings into his first start he tore his UCL and underwent Tommy John surgery. Unlike the Giants, though, the Yankees were willing to be patient, and added him to the 40-man roster in 2017 in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft (something they did not do with Garrett Whitlock a few years later).
When he returned to the mound with the GCL Yankees that summer, Loáisiga rewarded that faith. He flew through the farm system, and by the middle of the 2018 season, when the Yankees needed a spot starter in June, they recalled him straight from Double-A Trenton — bypassing the entire Scranton RailRiders roster.
Making his MLB debut at Yankee Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays, Loáisiga rose to the challenge, striking out six in five scoreless innings to earn his first major league win. He would make three more starts before being sent down to make his Scranton debut, posting an even 3.00 ERA and allowing just one home run in that span. Arm troubles in the minors, however, prevented him from being an option for the big league roster in July and August, and when he returned as part of September call-ups — this time in a relief role — he struggled to the tune of a 10.80 ERA.
The next three seasons followed the pattern set in Loáisiga’s rookie campaign: flash potential as a starter, miss time with arm injuries, and struggle to gain any real consistency as a swingman. Then, 2021 happened. Finally deciding that Loáisiga’s body could not handle a starter’s workload, the team officially began to develop him as a full-time reliever, and he more than delivered. Taking over Chad Green’s old role as team fireman, he was one of the most reliable bullpen arms not just on the Yankees, but in all of baseball: his 2.4 fWAR ranked behind only Liam Hendriks and Josh Hader, and his 2.18 xERA second to Hendriks among relievers with enough balls in play to qualify for the Statcast leaderboards.
Unfortunately, that campaign would turn out to be the highlight of Lasagna’s Yankees career. He was absolutely terrible to start the 2022 season, with an ERA upwards of seven across the season’s first two months, and he battled shoulder injuries during that time as well. For his part, though, he rebounded well, with a 1.76 ERA after July 17th, and he allowed just one earned run in the postseason. Bone spurs in his elbow limited him to just 17 appearances in 2023, however, all but three of which came after the trade deadline (i.e., after we had already discounted it as a lost season). A right flexor strain and a torn UCL then ended his 2024 before it could begin, and although the Yankees did bring him back for 2025, he struggled with consistency and injuries once again. To nobody’s surprise, the team opted to decline his team option for 2026, making him a free agent.
Loáisiga signed a minor league deal last January with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and to his credit, he made the most of it. Not only did he make the team out of spring training, he put together his best season since 2021, posting a 2.42 ERA and a 1.030 WHIP, recording the lowest strikeout rate of his career but surrendering just three homers all year long. Loáisiga stayed healthy with a personal-best 67 appearances for the Wild Card contender.
Now a free agent once again, he represents an intriguing, if risky, option for teams looking to bolster the middle part of their bullpen; for his sake, hopefully he is able to parlay his bounceback into a nice contract for himself. It may not be in New York, but we wish Loáisiga the best and a happy 32nd birthday to boot!
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
NEW YORK, NY - UNKNOWN: Jerry Koosman #36 of the New York Mets poses for a photo with Jerry Koosmans Big Bite Fan Club prior to a National League game on an unknown date at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Louis Requena/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Yesterday, the baseball world learned of the passing of Jerry Koosman, a member of both the 1969 World Champion and 1973 National League Champion New York Mets, at 83 year old. Koosman, a member of the Mets Hall of Fame and whose number 36 is retired by the Mets, is one of the most identifiable Mets from their first golden era.
Born in Appleton, Minnesota, the left-hander was discovered while in the military, and the Mets signed him one his service was over. He made his big league debut in 1967, but joined the Mets full time in 1968, going 19-12 with a 2.08 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 263.2 innings. Koosman finished second to Johnny Bench in the Rookie of the Year voting.
In 1969, Koosman had another fantastic season, and won two games in the ‘69 World Series, pitching 17 and two-thirds innings over two games, and was awarded the ball Cleon Jones caught for the final out of the game.
Koosman continued to be the Mets’ number two starter behind Tom Seaver, and he had a number of very good seasons as Met, including winning 21 games in 1976 and coming in second in the Cy Young voting in 1976. After the Mets’ terrible 1978 season, Koosman requested a trade and was traded to the Twins in exchange for Greg Field and, as a player to be named later, fellow Mets legend Jesse Orosco.
Over his 12 year Mets career, Koosman put up a 3.07, with a 140-137 record. He was an All-Star in 1968 and 1969.
After a fantastic year in 1979 for the Twins, Koosman’s career never quite hit those high marks again. After two and a half seasons with the Twins, two and a half for the White Sox, and two for the Phillies, Koosman retured after the 1985 season. He ended his career with 53.6 bWAR.
Koosman has the third most pitching wins in Mets history (140), behind teammate Seaver and Dwight Gooden. The Mets inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1989 and retired his number in 2021. He was just the third Met player to have his number retired.
Koosman is survived by three children and four grandchildren.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 01: Otto Kemp #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies strikes out to end the game against the Atlanta Braves in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on October 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Against Chris Sale, with two outs in the ninth inning of game three of the National League Wild Card in Atlanta, Otto Kemp ended the Phillies season by swinging right over a slider.
He clearly checked the intangible boxes and showed some real ability at the plate. He slugged .411 with a 92 OPS+ as a rookie and did not look incompetent against right-handed pitching most of the time. Dave Dombrowski clearly liked what he saw, insisting he thought Kemp could turn into an everyday player but they settled on the short-side platoon LF spot.
He was never a good defender but he wasn’t completely unathletic and should hit lefties. Sounds like a perfectly acceptable platoon partner for Brandon Marsh, right?
Nope.
It was a disaster.
What went right?
Kemp made the opening day roster and the Phillies came into the season with him in mind so clearly something went fine in spring training, at least enough so the Phillies could maintain the course.
What went wrong?
After going 2 for 20 with nine strikeouts, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch, not to mention he was a disaster in left field, Kemp was optioned in the middle of the Phillies 10 game losing streak. Felix Reyes came in his place, hit a home run off Chris Sale but nothing else and would later get optioned.
Kemp would find himself back in the big leagues a month after his option, with another chance to prove he could platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field. He played in three more games, getting five at bats and didn’t record a hit.
With Marsh on a linsanity run against left handed pitchers, there was no place for Otto Kemp on the roster and he would not play for the Phillies for four months.
Until October, Kemp was put on the Phillies playoff roster after a rash of minor league injuries to end the season. The 2026 Phillies postseason roster for their series against the Atlanta Braves included Kemp, Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs, along with Tanner Banks and Chase Shugart in the bullpen. Not that you would need to find a role for all 26 players in a three game series, but that is an insane amount of dead weight going into October.
Kemp would play when Don Mattingly hit him for Brandon Marsh against Chris Sale. It was supposed to be this way heading into the season and it would be the way the season ended. Kemp had no chance on a backfoot slider and the Phillies went home empty handed.
Final Grade: D-
Does Kemp deserve an F? Yes, but I don’t want to give it to him. He wasn’t supposed to be as miscast as a short-side platoon left fielder as he was and nothing worked but the role does have a level of variance to it that should absolve Kemp from an F.
