Game Changer Returns: Best On The Game, Corbin Carroll Activated by Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks welcomed back a key piece of their lineup as they reinstated star outfielder Corbin Carroll from the 10-day injured list ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals. Carroll had been sidelined for 15 games after being hit by a pitch on June 18 in Toronto, resulting in a fractured wrist.

To make room on the roster, the Diamondbacks optioned utility man Tim Tawa to Triple-A Reno. Carroll’s return brings Arizona’s lineup close to full strength, with only catcher Gabriel Moreno still on the IL due to a fractured finger.

Determined to return as quickly as possible, Carroll remained active during his recovery by fielding and running bases at Chase Field long before he was cleared to swing a bat. This past week, he began taking swings and gradually progressed to hitting in batting cages. Eager to test himself, Carroll requested to play in an Arizona Complex League game on Thursday, returning to live action earlier than expected. On Friday, he took live batting practice against reliever Kendall Graveman.

Carroll spoke to reporters before Saturday’s game, saying, “The bat speed came back—that’s what I was really watching. At first, I thought, ‘Oh no,’ but by yesterday, it felt much better. I got to the point where it felt right.”

The 23-year-old outfielder sustained a chip fracture in his wrist, but the injury was deemed not at risk of further damage. His return timeline depended primarily on his pain tolerance. “It’s not really painful anymore, so it’s not really an issue,” Carroll noted. “It’s not something that’s going to get worse.”

Manager Torey Lovullo shared that Carroll had described early swings as feeling like a “bee sting,” but that sensation had faded throughout the week. Once medical staff confirmed there was no threat of aggravating the injury, Carroll’s confidence in returning soared.

Carroll has been a major contributor to the Diamondbacks’ offense this season, posting a .914 OPS with 20 home runs and a league-leading nine triples. Before his injury, he was red-hot in June, sporting a 1.099 OPS in just 14 games.

With All-Star Game reserves being announced soon, Carroll’s performance before the injury and his rapid return have made a strong case for inclusion.

American Best: Hokie Excellence on Display with 12 All-ACC Academic Selections

Twelve Virginia Tech Softball Players Earn All-ACC Academic Honors

Virginia Tech softball continues to excel on and off the field, as twelve Hokies have earned spots on the prestigious All-ACC Academic Team, the conference announced Thursday. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA both for the previous semester and overall, in addition to appearing in at least 50 percent of team contests—or 20 percent for pitchers.

Here’s a breakdown of the twelve standout Hokies who achieved this academic-athletic balance:

  • Kylie Aldridge (Jr., Public Health, Catcher) played in 40 games, hitting .368 with 46 hits, 7 home runs, and a 1.040 OPS. She earned Second Team All-ACC and NFCA Mid-Atlantic Third Team honors.

  • Lyla Blackwell (So., Wildlife Conservation, Outfielder) hit .270 in 43 games and made history with a diving catch to begin the program’s second-ever triple play against No. 16 Stanford.

  • Michelle Chatfield (So., Aerospace Engineering, Infielder) delivered a breakout season, batting .386 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs. She was named First Team All-ACC and NFCA Mid-Atlantic First Team.

  • Cassie Grizzard (Jr., Management, Pitcher) posted a 2-0 record and 3.15 ERA over 17 appearances, contributing to six combined shutouts while holding opponents to a .198 average.

  • Sophie Kleiman (Jr., Human Development, Pitcher) went 12-2 in her debut season, striking out 66 in 71.1 innings with a 2.45 ERA.

  • Emily LeGette (So., Consumer Studies, Infielder) appeared in 31 games, hitting .328 with 15 RBIs and 4 homers as a designated player.

  • Emma Lemley (Sr., Sports Media and Analytics, Pitcher) finished 18-8 with a 2.65 ERA. She tied the national lead with four no-hitters and was a three-time ACC Pitcher of the Week.

  • Jordan Lynch (Fr., Elementary Education, Utility) made an immediate impact with a .381 average, 43 RBIs, and 10 homers across 56 starts. She was a Top 25 NFCA Freshman of the Year Finalist.

  • Trinity Martin (Jr., Human Development, Outfielder) hit .259 with a career-best 5 home runs and 15 RBIs.

  • Emma Mazzarone (So., Agribusiness, Pitcher/Utility) had an 11-3 record and 95 strikeouts with a 3.32 ERA, while also adding 4 home runs at the plate.

  • Cori McMillan (Sr., Exercise and Health Sciences, Outfielder) turned in a record-setting season with 31 home runs, a .432 batting average, and 65 RBIs. She earned ACC Player of the Year and First Team All-America honors.

  • Annika Rohs (So., Real Estate, Infielder) anchored shortstop with a .966 fielding percentage and 8 double plays while contributing 9 RBIs at the plate.

This exceptional group represents the best of student-athlete excellence at Virginia Tech.

Auburn Star Secures the Bag – Signs Whopping $24 Million Contract!

Former Auburn guard Davion Mitchell has officially secured his future with the Miami Heat, signing a fully guaranteed two-year, $24 million contract. The deal was confirmed on Monday, marking a major offseason move for both Mitchell and the Heat.

Mitchell entered the summer as a restricted free agent, but Miami made sure to keep the rising star in their backcourt plans. His return strengthens a Heat guard rotation that now includes high-scoring talents Tyler Herro and newly acquired Norman Powell. Powell joined the Heat in a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz.

Following the announcement, Mitchell expressed confidence and excitement about the team’s direction. “We’re going to the championship,” he declared, signaling high expectations for the upcoming season.

Mitchell was traded to the Heat from the Toronto Raptors on February 6. During his stint in Toronto, he started 22 of 44 games, averaging 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in just under 25 minutes per contest. His performance improved significantly after the move to Miami, where he started in 15 of 30 games, averaging 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals over 31.6 minutes per game.

One standout aspect of Mitchell’s time with the Heat was his shooting efficiency. He boosted his 3-point shooting percentage from 35.9% in Toronto to an impressive 44.7% with Miami, showcasing his value as both a playmaker and a scoring threat.

Mitchell’s impact was particularly evident during the play-in tournament. He dropped 16 points—9 of which came in overtime—to lead Miami past the Atlanta Hawks 123-114, securing the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Though the Heat were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, Mitchell held his own, averaging 15 points and 6.3 assists in the series.

Speaking about his return, Mitchell said, “I’m excited and a little nervous, but mostly happy to be back. I love the fans, the coaching staff, and the culture here. It just feels right.”

He emphasized that with a full training camp ahead, the team chemistry will improve dramatically. “Now that we’ll have more time together, we’ll be a better, more connected team,” he added.

The Heat are betting big on Mitchell—and he’s ready to deliver.

New King of the Diamond! Astros Climb to No. 1 in MLB Power Rankings – But the Chase Isn’t Over

With the All-Star break just a week away, the MLB season has hit one of its key checkpoints. By this point in the year, there’s usually one team clearly standing above the rest — but 2025 is different. Right now, three powerhouse clubs are making strong claims for the title of “best team in baseball”: the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Detroit Tigers, and the Houston Astros.

Starting with the Dodgers, they currently sit at 56-35 with a +77 run differential. They began the season red hot at 8-0, stumbled a bit afterward, and then caught fire again, winning 18 of their last 23 games heading into this past Thursday. Despite multiple injuries—especially within the rotation—the Dodgers are beginning to heal and look even more dangerous. The argument for them lies not just in past performance, but in the surging momentum and returning talent. But how much weight should their improving health and potential carry in the rankings?

Then there’s the Detroit Tigers, boasting a 57-34 record and an impressive +106 run differential—better than both the Dodgers and Astros. After being swept to open the season by the Dodgers, they’ve bounced back and maintained control of the AL Central nearly all season, now holding the biggest division lead in the league at 13.5 games. Critics might point to their relatively weak division and soft schedule—the second-easiest in baseball so far—but their dominance is hard to ignore. Led by ace Tarik Skubal and strong No. 2 Casey Mize, the Tigers have star power at the top of their rotation, though depth could be a concern later in the season. Head-to-head? Not great—they’ve lost series to both the Dodgers and Astros.

And finally, the Astros sit at 55-35 with a +71 run differential. After a sluggish start to the season, they’ve caught fire, going 29-10 recently. This includes a dominant three-game sweep of the Dodgers in L.A., outscoring them 29-6 over the series. That’s a huge statement win. And they’ve done all this while battling injuries—six pitchers and multiple key position players, including Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña, are on the injured list. Their depth and resilience are undeniable.

With all three teams making legitimate cases, ranking them isn’t easy. But one thing is clear — the battle for MLB’s top spot is heating up fast.

CONFIRMED: Turning Down $50 Million for the Love of Home – Matt Olson Stuns MLB by Choosing Braves Over Mets!

In an era where money often dictates an athlete’s career path, Matt Olson has reminded the baseball world that loyalty still holds power. The Atlanta Braves’ star first baseman reportedly turned down a massive $50 million contract offer from the New York Mets — a decision that has stunned MLB fans and sports analysts alike.

While many players might have jumped at the opportunity to join a high-paying, big-market team like the Mets, Olson’s response was both heartfelt and bold. “Atlanta Braves is my home,” he reportedly said, sending a clear message that his commitment goes beyond dollar signs. For Olson, it’s about identity, pride, and staying true to the organization and fanbase that has embraced him.

The Mets’ $50 million offer was reportedly structured to pull Olson into their lineup as a key piece in their ongoing rebuild. However, despite the financial incentive and the chance to shine in a new market, Olson chose instead to stay where his heart is — with the Braves, a team that has become synonymous with his professional journey.

This move has sparked a wave of admiration among MLB fans. In an age of frequent trades and short-term contracts, Olson’s loyalty feels like a throwback to the golden days of baseball — when players were icons of their cities, not just assets on a spreadsheet. Braves fans, in particular, are celebrating the decision as a major moral victory, praising Olson not just for his skill on the field but for his character off it.

Olson has been a cornerstone for the Braves since joining, delivering consistent performance, leadership, and stability to the roster. With this decision, he has further solidified his legacy in Atlanta, not just as a talented player but as someone who values the team, the fans, and the city that surrounds him.

While $50 million might sound like a dream offer to many, Olson’s choice proves that not all dreams are about wealth — some are about belonging. In the battle between legacy and loyalty, Matt Olson just showed the world which one truly lasts.

MLB fans, take note — this one’s for those who believe in playing for the love of the game.

Panthers’ Offseason Splash Already Making Waves—But Not in a Good Way

The Carolina Panthers have drawn significant praise for their aggressive offseason moves as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. Among their most high-profile acquisitions was former Las Vegas Raiders safety Trevon Moehrig, who signed a lucrative three-year contract worth $51 million to bolster Carolina’s secondary.

At the time, the deal was seen as a strong move, with Moehrig coming off a career-best season in 2024. Over 17 starts, he tallied 104 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a sack—earning praise for his consistent production and playmaking ability.

However, not everyone is convinced Moehrig’s payday matches his actual impact. In a recent article from Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Gary Davenport singled out Moehrig as the league’s most overpaid safety heading into 2025. Despite his impressive stats last season, Davenport questioned the value of Moehrig’s deal, calling it a “gamble” by the Panthers.

Davenport acknowledged Moehrig’s breakout campaign in 2024, referring to it as a potential “lightbulb season” that may have signaled a turning point in the young safety’s career. Yet he pointed to a troubling trend in Moehrig’s performance over the past three years: 65% of passes thrown his way have been completed. This stat, Davenport argues, raises concerns about Moehrig’s coverage consistency and whether he truly deserves to be among the NFL’s highest-paid safeties.

Currently, Moehrig ranks as the sixth-highest paid safety in the league, a figure that stands out even more given his mixed results in coverage. While the Panthers clearly believe Moehrig is on the rise and worthy of the investment, critics suggest that the team may have overreached in its effort to quickly improve its defense.

The Panthers are banking on Moehrig to be a key piece of their revamped defense, but Davenport’s critique has brought new attention—and pressure—to the big-money signing. If Moehrig can build on his 2024 performance and tighten his coverage skills, he could quickly silence the doubters. But until then, this once-celebrated free agent addition may serve as a cautionary tale about paying top dollar for potential rather than proven consistency.

Game-Time Chaos: Fan Ejected and Banned by Diamondbacks After Interference Stunt

The Arizona Diamondbacks have banned a season ticket holder for the remainder of the 2025 season following an incident of fan interference during a game at Chase Field on June 30.

The fan, identified as Dave McCaskill, was involved in a controversial play during the eighth inning of a close game against the San Francisco Giants. With the Diamondbacks leading 3-2, San Francisco’s Christian Koss hit a deep fly ball to left field. Arizona outfielder Tim Tawa attempted a leaping catch at the wall, but McCaskill reached over and caught the ball, appearing to interfere with the play.

Initially, umpires ruled Koss out. However, after a video review, the call was overturned, and Koss was awarded second base due to the fan interference. Despite the confusion, the D-backs held on to win the game 4-2. McCaskill was ejected from the stadium shortly after the incident.

The Diamondbacks released a statement the following day confirming that McCaskill had been banned from returning to Chase Field for the remainder of the season. According to the team, McCaskill has a history of inappropriate behavior at the ballpark. The team also noted that they typically avoid releasing information about specific fans, but chose to address this situation publicly due to mounting media interest and speculation.

“This particular fan has been involved in multiple offenses at Chase Field,” the team said. “As a result, we’ve terminated his Advantage Member account. He is prohibited from attending any more games at Chase Field in 2025. However, he may return in 2026 if he complies with the Fan Code of Conduct.”

McCaskill, a longtime fan and known collector of baseball memorabilia, responded to the ban in an interview with FOX 10. He expressed regret for the incident, stating that his actions weren’t intentional.

“I want to apologize to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the fans,” McCaskill said. “I didn’t mean to interfere with the play. I’m glad they ejected me—it was the right call. That’s not how the game should be affected.”

He also mentioned that he’s been part of 10 previous fan interference reviews and has caught over two dozen home run balls from his seat in left field over the years.

Hugh Freeze Under Fire: More Golf, Less Recruiting?

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is facing some scrutiny—not just for the Tigers’ recent recruiting struggles, but for how he’s spending his free time. Freeze’s frequent golf outings have drawn attention, leading some to question whether his time on the links is coming at the expense of Auburn’s success on the recruiting trail.

The buzz began after a June 24 article by Matt Stahl of AL.com titled “Which SEC football coaches are playing the most golf in 2025?” In the piece, Stahl pointed out that Freeze had logged a score of 78 on the USGA’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN.com), prompting curiosity about how often he’s hitting the course. While that might seem harmless, the timing raised eyebrows: Auburn had just lost commitments from three high-profile recruits in a two-week span.

As frustration built among fans, speculation grew that Freeze’s golf schedule might be interfering with his recruiting responsibilities. Some supporters took to message boards and social media, criticizing what they perceived as misplaced priorities during a crucial period in college football recruiting.

Adding fuel to the fire, AL.com reporter Peter Rauterkus followed up with a separate story titled “What’s the reason for Auburn football’s recent recruiting struggles?”—a question many fans felt was already partially answered by Freeze’s golfing activity.

According to GHIN records, Freeze played 11 rounds of golf in June and another eight in May. While his handicap sits at a solid 7.6, it’s worth noting that his previous low index was 4.5—suggesting he’s no stranger to the sport and plays frequently enough to maintain a competitive edge.

Critics argue that, in an era where recruiting is a 24/7 game, top-tier college coaches can’t afford to spend that much time away from building relationships with prospects. Supporters, however, point out that coaches need outlets to decompress and that Freeze’s transparency about his golf habits at least shows he isn’t hiding anything.

Whether or not Freeze’s time on the course is directly impacting Auburn’s recruiting remains up for debate. But in the high-stakes world of SEC football, even a hobby like golf can quickly become part of the larger conversation about a coach’s commitment and priorities.

America First Football Surprise Ranking: Hokies Climb Higher Than Expected in ESPN’s Preseason FPI

Virginia Tech football fans have reason for cautious optimism this season. According to ESPN’s preseason Football Power Index (FPI), the Hokies are ranked higher than many expected, landing in fourth place among ACC teams. This suggests ESPN sees potential in the program, despite its recent struggles.

This season is pivotal for head coach Brent Pry. Entering his fourth year at the helm, Pry holds a 16-21 overall record — a mark that falls short of expectations. The 2024 campaign ended in disappointment, with the Hokies going 6-6 in the regular season before losing their bowl game. With pressure mounting, Pry knows he needs results this year.

The offseason has been anything but quiet in Blacksburg. Defensive coordinator Chris Marve was let go, and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen left in February to join Ohio State’s staff. The Hokies also saw a wave of talent depart for the NFL, including All-ACC players like Bhayshul Tuten, Jaylin Lane, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, and Aeneas Peebles — a significant loss for both sides of the ball.

However, Pry responded with bold moves. In a surprising but promising hire, he brought in Sam Siefkes from the NFL ranks to serve as the new defensive coordinator. Siefkes arrived with strong endorsements and is already earning positive reviews. On the offensive side, former Tulsa head coach and veteran coordinator Phillip Montgomery was tapped to replace Bowen. Known for his quarterback development and high-powered offenses, Montgomery could elevate the Hokies’ offensive attack.

These coaching changes, combined with strategic additions from the transfer portal, have given Virginia Tech a fresh start. Although fans may be managing their expectations after last season’s letdown, ESPN’s analytics suggest a competitive campaign could be on the horizon.

Fall camp kicks off in early August, with the season opener set for Atlanta against South Carolina, coached by former Hokie Shane Beamer. With new leadership on both sides of the ball and a favorable outlook from ESPN, Virginia Tech has a chance to turn the page and surprise the ACC this fall.

One of the Best Ever! Ex-Virginia Tech Star Named Top 15 Freshman Since 2000

Virginia Tech has seen its share of standout freshmen over the years, but few have made an immediate impact like cornerback Kendall Fuller. Recently, Fuller was honored by CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer, who ranked him 14th on a list of the Top 25 true freshmen in college football since 2000. Among cornerbacks, only LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr., who was ranked 5th, came in higher.

Fuller’s freshman season in 2013 was nothing short of dominant. He recorded 58 total tackles, including three for a loss, and snagged six interceptions—tying him for seventh in the nation. His elite play helped the Hokies’ defense become one of the most formidable in the country that year. Virginia Tech finished eighth nationally in passing yards allowed per game and held opposing quarterbacks to a mere 48.2% completion rate, the fourth-best mark in the country.

What made Fuller’s freshman campaign even more impressive was that he did it alongside another true freshman, Brandon Facyson, who tallied five interceptions himself. Together, they helped anchor a secondary that wreaked havoc on offenses throughout the season.

Fuller’s stellar freshman year was only the beginning. Over his three-year career at Virginia Tech, he appeared in 29 games and totaled 119 tackles—73 of them solo—and eight interceptions. His performance made him a cornerstone of Bud Foster’s defensive unit during that period.

In the 2016 NFL Draft, Fuller was selected in the third round (84th overall) by the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders). Since then, he’s carved out a solid NFL career and currently plays for the Miami Dolphins. In the 2024 season, Fuller played 11 games for the Dolphins and recorded 50 tackles, proving he still brings the same intensity and intelligence to the pro level that he did as a freshman in Blacksburg.

Fuller’s recognition as one of the top true freshmen of the century is a testament to his rare talent, immediate impact, and lasting legacy at Virginia Tech. For Hokie fans, his name stands tall among the program’s all-time greats—and now, the college football world is giving him his due.