Tag: MVP

Baseball

No. 1 MLB Draft Pick Spencer Torkelson Becomes First Player in History to Be Taken Out of Zoom University
by Alex Poletti
Photo by Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP

When the Detroit Tigers selected third baseman Spencer Torkelson with the first overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft, they made history on two fronts; the highly-regarded hitter became the first infielder taken at the top spot in franchise history and the first ever player taken out of Zoom University. Continue reading “No. 1 MLB Draft Pick Spencer Torkelson Becomes First Player in History to Be Taken Out of Zoom University” →

Baseball

MLB to Give Draft Picks Signed Copy of ‘Bull Durham’ in Lieu of Signing Bonus
by Alex Poletti
Photo by Orion Pictures

Looking to cut costs amid the coronavirus epidemic, Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have agreed to give all draft picks in the upcoming shortened 2020 draft a signed copy of the 1988 hit romantic comedy sports film “Bull Durham” instead of a signing bonus. Continue reading “MLB to Give Draft Picks Signed Copy of ‘Bull Durham’ in Lieu of Signing Bonus” →

Baseball

MLB Hypothesizes It Could Adhere to Social Distancing Guidelines by Holding All Games at Marlins Park with Standard Attendance
by Alex Poletti
Photo by Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

Looking for a way to start the season as soon as possible, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred disclosed that the league has considered holding all games at Marlins Park in Miami with no restrictions on fan attendance, as the number of fans generally going to Marlins games would adhere to all social distancing guidelines. Continue reading “MLB Hypothesizes It Could Adhere to Social Distancing Guidelines by Holding All Games at Marlins Park with Standard Attendance” →

Basketball

LeBron James to Honor Class of 2020 by Dunking on Several Seniors

by Alex Poletti
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Digital First Media/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty

NBA star and philanthropist LeBron James has done it again this week, vowing to honor the class of 2020 by hosting a graduation event which will feature the all-time great dunking on a few lucky graduating seniors. Continue reading “LeBron James to Honor Class of 2020 by Dunking on Several Seniors” →

Baseball

Derek Jeter Forgoes $5 Million Salary So He Doesn’t Have to Appear on Marlins Payroll
by Alex Poletti
Photo by AP Photo

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, some industry leaders are doing what they can to help their business and employees stay afloat during these uncertain times. Hall of Fame shortstop and Marlins CEO Derek Jeter has joined that list, forgoing his salary of $5 million; however, Jeter tells The Second String that this was only to avoid the embarrassment of being listed on the Marlins’ payroll. Continue reading “Derek Jeter Forgoes $5 Million Salary So He Doesn’t Have to Appear on Marlins Payroll” →

Basketball

In Desperate Attempt at Publicity, Washington Wizards Sign Harry Potter to One-Year Contract

by Alex Poletti
Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking as the least important Washington sports team after the recent success of the Nationals and Capitals, and with sports declining in influence as a whole during the pandemic, the Washington Wizards announced on Tuesday that they have come to terms with fictional wizard Harry Potter on a one-year contract, hoping it will increase publicity for the squad.

Continue reading “In Desperate Attempt at Publicity, Washington Wizards Sign Harry Potter to One-Year Contract” →

Basketball

Kevin Garnett Celebrates Hall of Fame Selection by Shooting Adam Sandler

by Alex Poletti
Photo by A24

A surprise to no one, Kevin Garnett was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday in a class that included fellow legends like Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. To celebrate the tremendous achievement, the power forward expressed his joy by shooting his “Uncut Gems” co-star Adam Sandler in the face with a handgun. Continue reading “Kevin Garnett Celebrates Hall of Fame Selection by Shooting Adam Sandler” →

Basketball

Utah Jazz Layoff Employees to Reflect Music World at Large

by Alex Poletti
Photo by Sam Forencich

The economic downturn of 2020 has found its way to the NBA, with the Utah Jazz laying off some non-basketball personnel. While the decision was in part for economic necessity, Jazz president Jim Olson says this is inspired by the current state of the jazz musicians in the world at large.

Continue reading “Utah Jazz Layoff Employees to Reflect Music World at Large” →

Basketball

NBA Players Contemplate Singing ‘Imagine’ as Influence Wanes

by Alex Poletti
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images

While the NBA has done its best to limit the spread of coronavirus by halting play until further notice, with some players going above and beyond by covering the salary of arena employees, basketball stars are still struggling with the loss of influence they’ve had since commissioner Adam Silver postponed the season. With this in mind, a coalition of players has started to contemplate singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” as a way to stay in the public consciousness.

Continue reading “NBA Players Contemplate Singing ‘Imagine’ as Influence Wanes” →

Basketball

LeBron James Closing Gap in MVP Race Now That No Teams Are Playing

by Alex Poletti
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images

With NBA games postponed until further notice, attention turns to the MVP race, where Lakers forward LeBron James is climbing up the MVP ladder. According to some voters, the distance between season-long front runner Giannis Antetokounmpo and James is less than ever before, especially now that neither star is playing. Continue reading “LeBron James Closing Gap in MVP Race Now That No Teams Are Playing” →