Tommy John, Pitching Pioneer, Dies at 83
Tommy John, a 288‑win veteran of 26 major‑league seasons, died at 83, leaving behind a legacy of durability, innovation, and a lifelong wish to join the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Robin Roberts across Baseball, Basketball, Soccer.
Tommy John, a 288‑win veteran of 26 major‑league seasons, died at 83, leaving behind a legacy of durability, innovation, and a lifelong wish to join the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Across more than a century, August 11 has witnessed milestones that reshaped records and captivated fans. The day features feats by legends such as Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson, record‑breaking performances by modern players, and even a cinematic showdown on a Iowa cornfield.

From Ed Karger’s 1907 perfect game to the Cubs’ 2022 Field of Dreams victory, this article traces the milestones that have left an indelible mark on baseball history.

The first game of the Women’s Pro Baseball League delivered drama, historic firsts and a rain‑soaked showdown that ended with a 10‑8 win for the Los Angeles Queens.

The Los Angeles Queens rallied from a five‑run deficit to defeat the New York Heights 10‑8 in the league’s first game, held at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois.

Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.

UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma is debuting a new podcast that examines high achievers across industries, while also making a notable appearance on ESPN’s WNBA coverage. He stresses that his primary focus remains on the court.

Fox Sports’ John Strong and Stu Holden recently urged American viewers to keep supporting soccer, but the sport’s rapid rise in broadcast quality makes such pleas redundant. This article explores the progress of soccer coverage, the growth of MLS, and the confident future of sports media.

The Women’s Professional Baseball League reveals team names inspired by historic figures who advanced gender equality, with games scheduled for Springfield, Illinois, on August 1, 2026.

The new league will begin on August 1, featuring four franchises, upgraded facilities at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium, and a schedule that runs through September 6, followed by playoffs.

Geno Auriemma, the all‑time winningest coach in college basketball, will join Good Morning America co‑anchor Robin Roberts to call a marquee WNBA matchup on July 7.

After a celebrated 16‑year run at ESPN, LaChina Robinson is charting a new chapter at NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video, where she continues to champion women’s basketball and mentor the next generation through her Rising Media Stars initiative.

Bob Skinner, a Hall of Fame‑caliber figure in Major League Baseball, passed away on May 4 at the age of 94 in San Diego. His 12‑season playing career, three‑time All‑Star status, and later managerial roles left an indelible mark on the sport.