6 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Sarah Hodel and Rachel Koehler arrived at Robin Roberts Stadium more than four hours before the first game of the Women's Professional Baseball League. Once inside, Hodel stopped periodically for pictures as she walked along the concourse.
She wanted to savor every moment.
"Back in high school I was on my speech team and my informative speech was on women in baseball," said Hodel, a 43-year-old athletic trainer from Duluth, Minnesota. "So as soon as I saw this happening a couple years ago it was my goal to come."
That moment finally arrived on Saturday night, when Mo'ne Davis and the Los Angeles Queens took on Denae Benites and the New York Heights in a rainy debut for the first women's professional baseball league in the United States in almost 30 years.
"Growing up I played softball," said Koehler, 33, of St. Paul, Minnesota. "I wanted to play baseball because going professional was always like the dream, but there (were) no opportunities. ... So now that that's actually an opportunity and something that girls can look up to I think is amazing."
#Baseball #hodel #koehler
She wanted to savor every moment.
"Back in high school I was on my speech team and my informative speech was on women in baseball," said Hodel, a 43-year-old athletic trainer from Duluth, Minnesota. "So as soon as I saw this happening a couple years ago it was my goal to come."
That moment finally arrived on Saturday night, when Mo'ne Davis and the Los Angeles Queens took on Denae Benites and the New York Heights in a rainy debut for the first women's professional baseball league in the United States in almost 30 years.
"Growing up I played softball," said Koehler, 33, of St. Paul, Minnesota. "I wanted to play baseball because going professional was always like the dream, but there (were) no opportunities. ... So now that that's actually an opportunity and something that girls can look up to I think is amazing."
#Baseball #hodel #koehler
14 hours ago
The Los Angeles Queens will face the New York Heights in the first game of the Women's Pro Baseball League today in Springfield, Illinois.
The best-known member of the Queens is outfielder Mo'ne Davis, who in 2014 became the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series and first Little Leaguer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Davis played softball at Hampton University in 2020 and 2022, was an intern in the Dodgers' video production department in 2023, received a master's degree in sports management from Columbia University in 2024 and played for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Banana Ball Championship League earlier this year.
The Queens chose ******* anese right-handed pitcher Ayami Sato with their first selection in the league's draft, the second overall pick. The 36-year-old has helped lead ******* an to six Women's Baseball World Cup championships. The Queens' lone Southern Californian is catcher Jamie Mackay, who played on the baseball team at Pacifica Christian High School in Newport Beach and college softball at Mississippi and South Carolina.
Saturday's 3 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time game will be streamed by ESPN Select.
#played #little #World #sports
The best-known member of the Queens is outfielder Mo'ne Davis, who in 2014 became the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series and first Little Leaguer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Davis played softball at Hampton University in 2020 and 2022, was an intern in the Dodgers' video production department in 2023, received a master's degree in sports management from Columbia University in 2024 and played for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Banana Ball Championship League earlier this year.
The Queens chose ******* anese right-handed pitcher Ayami Sato with their first selection in the league's draft, the second overall pick. The 36-year-old has helped lead ******* an to six Women's Baseball World Cup championships. The Queens' lone Southern Californian is catcher Jamie Mackay, who played on the baseball team at Pacifica Christian High School in Newport Beach and college softball at Mississippi and South Carolina.
Saturday's 3 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time game will be streamed by ESPN Select.
#played #little #World #sports
1 day ago
CHICAGO (AP) — A former Illinois sheriff's deputy won't get an early medical release from his two-decade prison sentence for killing Sonya Massey inside her home after the Black woman called 911 about a possible prowler, state officials decided Friday.
Sean Grayson had been diagnosed with colon cancer prior to the 2024 shooting, and his attorney noted in January that the cancer had advanced to his liver and lungs.
The three-member Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously Friday to deny Grayson's application for early medical release, Liz Mitchell, a board spokesperson, said in an email.
Grayson, who is white, was convicted in October of second-degree murder for Massey's killing, a case that sparked protests over systemic racism and a U.S. Department of Justice review.
Body camera footage showed Grayson and another deputy enter Massey's home in Springfield, Illinois. Minutes later, Grayson shot the 36-year-old single mother in the face as she moved a pot of hot water from the stove and told him, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."
#board #deputy #release
Sean Grayson had been diagnosed with colon cancer prior to the 2024 shooting, and his attorney noted in January that the cancer had advanced to his liver and lungs.
The three-member Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously Friday to deny Grayson's application for early medical release, Liz Mitchell, a board spokesperson, said in an email.
Grayson, who is white, was convicted in October of second-degree murder for Massey's killing, a case that sparked protests over systemic racism and a U.S. Department of Justice review.
Body camera footage showed Grayson and another deputy enter Massey's home in Springfield, Illinois. Minutes later, Grayson shot the 36-year-old single mother in the face as she moved a pot of hot water from the stove and told him, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."
#board #deputy #release
2 days ago
When Ayami Sato takes the mound as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Queens on Saturday, it will be the culmination of a professional career that has spanned 16 years and three countries. The right-handed hurler is largely considered the best pitcher in the history of women's baseball. She has the awards and experience to prove it, and now she's taking on America when she makes her debut in the Women's Professional Baseball League, the first pro women's baseball league in the United States since the 1950s.
Even though most Americans tuning into the WPBL may not have heard of her, Sato's resume speaks for itself. Sato's fastball has been clocked at nearly 80mph and her curveball has a devastating spin rate that is higher than many Major League Baseball pitchers. As a member of the ****** an National Team since 2010, Sato has won six gold medals. She is the only player in Women's Baseball World Cup history to win three consecutive MVP awards. As a member of the now-defunct ****** an's Women's Baseball League, Sato led the league in strikeouts in three of the last four seasons. And most recently, in 2024 she became the first woman to play pro baseball in Canada as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League.
Now, she is bringing her talent to the US and the WPBL. "This is a brand new league for all of us," Sato tells the Guardian through a translator. "So I also want to approach it with the mindset of a rookie –staying curious, paying attention to everything around me, and embracing this new challenge with an open mind."
The league will play all its games in a centralized location for its first season, at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. There are four teams – the Queens, the New York Heights, the San Francisco Firebells and the Boston Hunters. And the best players from all over the world will take the field together for the first time as one league, including at least nine players from the US women's national baseball team. On the Queens, Sato will play alongside USA star third baseman Ashton Lansdell and Little League World Series star Mo'ne Davis.
WPBL co-founder and commissioner Justine Seigel says it was always the plan to recruit internationally for the league. "We want many of the best players, and to have many of the best players, you have to go out into the world and find the best shortstop in Venezuela, and who's pitching in ****** an," Seigel says. "It's also fun because baseball is baseball, but it's also got its own little nuances country-to-country, and it's kind of fun to see in a game, as well."
#Baseball #league
Even though most Americans tuning into the WPBL may not have heard of her, Sato's resume speaks for itself. Sato's fastball has been clocked at nearly 80mph and her curveball has a devastating spin rate that is higher than many Major League Baseball pitchers. As a member of the ****** an National Team since 2010, Sato has won six gold medals. She is the only player in Women's Baseball World Cup history to win three consecutive MVP awards. As a member of the now-defunct ****** an's Women's Baseball League, Sato led the league in strikeouts in three of the last four seasons. And most recently, in 2024 she became the first woman to play pro baseball in Canada as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League.
Now, she is bringing her talent to the US and the WPBL. "This is a brand new league for all of us," Sato tells the Guardian through a translator. "So I also want to approach it with the mindset of a rookie –staying curious, paying attention to everything around me, and embracing this new challenge with an open mind."
The league will play all its games in a centralized location for its first season, at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. There are four teams – the Queens, the New York Heights, the San Francisco Firebells and the Boston Hunters. And the best players from all over the world will take the field together for the first time as one league, including at least nine players from the US women's national baseball team. On the Queens, Sato will play alongside USA star third baseman Ashton Lansdell and Little League World Series star Mo'ne Davis.
WPBL co-founder and commissioner Justine Seigel says it was always the plan to recruit internationally for the league. "We want many of the best players, and to have many of the best players, you have to go out into the world and find the best shortstop in Venezuela, and who's pitching in ****** an," Seigel says. "It's also fun because baseball is baseball, but it's also got its own little nuances country-to-country, and it's kind of fun to see in a game, as well."
#Baseball #league
4 days ago
CHICAGO (AP) — The nation's first women's professional baseball league in nearly 30 years is about to embark on its inaugural season in what marks a major milestone in the scattered history of the sport in the United States.
The Women's Pro Baseball League is also part of a timeline that goes back to the very beginning of the sport.
"Women have always been part of this game," said Kat Williams, the chief executive officer of the International Women's Baseball Center. "We've always played, we've always umpired, we've always coached. And in some of the earliest references in the 17th century, the earliest references to something like a game of baseball, it was women that were playing it."
Next up is the WPBL, which plays its first game Saturday. The league has four teams — New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco — for its first year, but the 15 regular-season games for each club and the playoffs will be held at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. The ballpark has a seating capacity of 5,200, and Springfield hosted one of the earliest paid women's games when the Blondes faced the Brunettes on Sept. 11, 1875.
Kelsie Whitmore, Mo'ne Davis and Ayami Sato are among the marquee names expected to play in the league's first season. Each team will have 15 active players for the seven-inning games.
#Baseball #we 've #games #springfield
The Women's Pro Baseball League is also part of a timeline that goes back to the very beginning of the sport.
"Women have always been part of this game," said Kat Williams, the chief executive officer of the International Women's Baseball Center. "We've always played, we've always umpired, we've always coached. And in some of the earliest references in the 17th century, the earliest references to something like a game of baseball, it was women that were playing it."
Next up is the WPBL, which plays its first game Saturday. The league has four teams — New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco — for its first year, but the 15 regular-season games for each club and the playoffs will be held at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. The ballpark has a seating capacity of 5,200, and Springfield hosted one of the earliest paid women's games when the Blondes faced the Brunettes on Sept. 11, 1875.
Kelsie Whitmore, Mo'ne Davis and Ayami Sato are among the marquee names expected to play in the league's first season. Each team will have 15 active players for the seven-inning games.
#Baseball #we 've #games #springfield
5 days ago
The inaugural season of the Women's Pro Baseball League is nearly here.
The first professional women's baseball league in the United States since the 1950s will throw its first pitch on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois.
It kicks off nearly two months of play for the WPBL, with a five-week regular season followed by a championship series.
The best players in the world are among the four teams in the league, which held a draft earlier this year.
The league's full schedule, which runs primarily Wednesday-Sunday each week, along with all players on the four teams, is below.
#league #players #four #united
The first professional women's baseball league in the United States since the 1950s will throw its first pitch on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois.
It kicks off nearly two months of play for the WPBL, with a five-week regular season followed by a championship series.
The best players in the world are among the four teams in the league, which held a draft earlier this year.
The league's full schedule, which runs primarily Wednesday-Sunday each week, along with all players on the four teams, is below.
#league #players #four #united
5 days ago
The Boston Bruins hired Trent Whitfield to coach their American Hockey League team in Providence. It's a move many circled once Ryan Mougenel left for the NHL, and now it's confirmed by the team.
Whitfield was waiting in the wings for this chance to coach the P-Bruins. He was behind their bench for the past decade and coached in multiple leagues before that. Now, Whitfield is handed a tough task with the Bruins turning the page on their AHL team.
Mougenel was among the best coaches in the AHL. He built Providence into a great team over the years and had them built in his vision, as a physical and smart team that was different, yet successful. The 2025-26 team was his finest, one that finished the season with the best record in the league to earn him the AHL's Coach of the Year award.
The Bruins came up short in the Calder Cup Playoffs, losing to the Springfield Thunderbirds in a four-game series that exposed their weaknesses. That said, the season showed that Mougenel was one of the league's top coaches and deserving of an NHL promotion.
American Hockey League Mailbag: 2026 Offseason EditionWe asked, and you delivered with a loaded mailbag diving into all things AHL. The changes, where the league is heading, and more.
#coach #providence #mailbag
Whitfield was waiting in the wings for this chance to coach the P-Bruins. He was behind their bench for the past decade and coached in multiple leagues before that. Now, Whitfield is handed a tough task with the Bruins turning the page on their AHL team.
Mougenel was among the best coaches in the AHL. He built Providence into a great team over the years and had them built in his vision, as a physical and smart team that was different, yet successful. The 2025-26 team was his finest, one that finished the season with the best record in the league to earn him the AHL's Coach of the Year award.
The Bruins came up short in the Calder Cup Playoffs, losing to the Springfield Thunderbirds in a four-game series that exposed their weaknesses. That said, the season showed that Mougenel was one of the league's top coaches and deserving of an NHL promotion.
American Hockey League Mailbag: 2026 Offseason EditionWe asked, and you delivered with a loaded mailbag diving into all things AHL. The changes, where the league is heading, and more.
#coach #providence #mailbag
11 days ago
Stephen Curry makes NBA history with unprecedented Hall of Fame honor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Stephen Curry is still adding to his legacy with the Golden State Warriors, but his latest achievement will not come with a basketball in his hands. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is honoring Curry with a dedicated exhibit while the four-time NBA champion remains an active player. According to an announcement shared by the Warriors on Tuesday, "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" will open Friday as part of "The Vault," an immersive gallery at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Curry will become the first active NBA player to receive his own exhibit in the museum's 75-year history.
"He changed the game for good," the Warriors wrote on Instagram. "And now, he makes history yet again. Beginning this Friday, Stephen Curry will become the first active player EVER to have an exhibit at the hoophall."
It is an unprecedented honor for a player whose impact has stretched far beyond his statistics, championships and individual awards.
#fame #Warriors #exhibit #sporting
Stephen Curry is still adding to his legacy with the Golden State Warriors, but his latest achievement will not come with a basketball in his hands. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is honoring Curry with a dedicated exhibit while the four-time NBA champion remains an active player. According to an announcement shared by the Warriors on Tuesday, "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" will open Friday as part of "The Vault," an immersive gallery at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Curry will become the first active NBA player to receive his own exhibit in the museum's 75-year history.
"He changed the game for good," the Warriors wrote on Instagram. "And now, he makes history yet again. Beginning this Friday, Stephen Curry will become the first active player EVER to have an exhibit at the hoophall."
It is an unprecedented honor for a player whose impact has stretched far beyond his statistics, championships and individual awards.
#fame #Warriors #exhibit #sporting
11 days ago
How Stephen Curry made NBA Hall of Fame history with latest exhibit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Stephen Curry has written his name in the NBA history books mainly for his ability to shoot the three-ball. Now, he's become the first active NBA player to have his own exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
On Tuesday, the Hall of Fame announced that the Golden State Warriors' future Hall of Famer will have his own exhibit opening later this week. "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" will feature exclusive memorabilia, rare footage and firsthand storytelling to outline the four-time NBA champion's career.
Here's a quick rundown of what is included in Curry's limited-time exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
MORE: Updated NBA Power Rankings after free agency, trades
#fame #Basketball #history #time
Stephen Curry has written his name in the NBA history books mainly for his ability to shoot the three-ball. Now, he's become the first active NBA player to have his own exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
On Tuesday, the Hall of Fame announced that the Golden State Warriors' future Hall of Famer will have his own exhibit opening later this week. "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" will feature exclusive memorabilia, rare footage and firsthand storytelling to outline the four-time NBA champion's career.
Here's a quick rundown of what is included in Curry's limited-time exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
MORE: Updated NBA Power Rankings after free agency, trades
#fame #Basketball #history #time
19 days ago
There are no duds when it comes to Garfield's nonleague schedule as the G-Men take on a longtime rival (Crestwood) and two small-school powers (Springfield Local and Warren JFK).
The G-Men's Thursday night opener against the Eagles will mark the eighth straight season they've squared off (Garfield has won five of seven), though they've never played in Week 1 before.
While the G-Men have faced the Eagles every year since 2019, they haven't played the Red Devils (their Week 2 opponent) since that same season. Garfield won a 21-20 thriller in Mantua in 2019 after topping the Red Devils in overtime the year prior.
The G-Men's Week 3 opponent, the Tigers, have been one of the area's most consistent winners, not having a losing season since 2015. Garfield topped Springfield 40-21 a year ago.
The G-Men will have to wait a little longer before facing their leading Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Gray Tier rivals: Liberty (Week 7) and Crestview (Week 9). Garfield won back-to-back league ***** les in 2023 and 2024 before the Rebels snapped that streak a season ago. The Leopards are coming off a 9-3 season and lost by a single point to the G-Men in 2025.
The G-Men's Thursday night opener against the Eagles will mark the eighth straight season they've squared off (Garfield has won five of seven), though they've never played in Week 1 before.
While the G-Men have faced the Eagles every year since 2019, they haven't played the Red Devils (their Week 2 opponent) since that same season. Garfield won a 21-20 thriller in Mantua in 2019 after topping the Red Devils in overtime the year prior.
The G-Men's Week 3 opponent, the Tigers, have been one of the area's most consistent winners, not having a losing season since 2015. Garfield topped Springfield 40-21 a year ago.
The G-Men will have to wait a little longer before facing their leading Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Gray Tier rivals: Liberty (Week 7) and Crestview (Week 9). Garfield won back-to-back league ***** les in 2023 and 2024 before the Rebels snapped that streak a season ago. The Leopards are coming off a 9-3 season and lost by a single point to the G-Men in 2025.
20 days ago
Jersey Bulls have re-signed winger Sammy Henia-Kamau following his release by Hull City.
The 20-year-old featured for the Bulls as a teenager before leaving the island to join Swansea City's academy in 2023.
He moved to Hull City two years later but was released by the Tigers in May.
Last month he made his debut for Kenya after coming on in a 4-0 friendly win over Lesotho.
He started Jersey Bulls' 5-1 loss to Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday in their opening pre-season game at Springfield.
The 20-year-old featured for the Bulls as a teenager before leaving the island to join Swansea City's academy in 2023.
He moved to Hull City two years later but was released by the Tigers in May.
Last month he made his debut for Kenya after coming on in a 4-0 friendly win over Lesotho.
He started Jersey Bulls' 5-1 loss to Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday in their opening pre-season game at Springfield.
21 days ago
Jul. 12—Thirty-two years ago, coach Larry Ham let senior Chris Wallace, the star quarterback for the South High School football team, call the plays on defense for the basketball team.
"I'm offense on the football field," Wallace said, "but when it comes to basketball, I think it starts and stops with who's playing defense and who's getting after 50-50 **** and who's winning the rebound war."
That was Wallace's thinking in the 1993-94 season, and it remains his philosophy as he prepares for his first season as the head coach of the Springfield boys basketball team.
"(Defense) dictates a lot of what we do offensively," Wallace said, "and that's getting out and trying to score off the break. If we can't, we'll get into what we do, but that's the precedent we're trying to set right now with our student-athletes."
Springfield announced the hiring of Wallace on June 1. Wallace replaces Matt Yinger, who stepped down in April. Yinger was 28-48 over three seasons.
"I'm offense on the football field," Wallace said, "but when it comes to basketball, I think it starts and stops with who's playing defense and who's getting after 50-50 **** and who's winning the rebound war."
That was Wallace's thinking in the 1993-94 season, and it remains his philosophy as he prepares for his first season as the head coach of the Springfield boys basketball team.
"(Defense) dictates a lot of what we do offensively," Wallace said, "and that's getting out and trying to score off the break. If we can't, we'll get into what we do, but that's the precedent we're trying to set right now with our student-athletes."
Springfield announced the hiring of Wallace on June 1. Wallace replaces Matt Yinger, who stepped down in April. Yinger was 28-48 over three seasons.
25 days ago
With a busy draft week and the start of free agency in the rearview mirror, the St. Louis Blues moved on from two forwards while adding four. In GM Alex Steen’s first weeks at the helm, many wonder if he has something bigger up his sleeve.
As the 2025-26 season quickly devolved into one to forget, the Blues began unleashing the kids. This was especially the case up top, as captain Brayden Schenn was sent to the Islanders. Doug Armstrong prioritized giving opportunities to players aged 25 or younger, including a full-time role for Dalibor Dvorsky, the debut of Otto Stenberg, and waiver claims for Jonatan Berggren and Jack Finley.
All of those players are still on the team, including Berggren, who signed a one-year extension. One departing forward is Jonathan Drouin. After being part of the Schenn trade, the former No. 3 overall pick was bought out of his contract, a move Armstrong never made in his time running the Blues.
Since the season ended, the Blues traded Jordan Kyrou to the Capitals in exchange for a package that included Connor McMichael. Additionally, they brought in Mason McTavish, signed Ross Johnston, and signed Dillon Dube, who spent this past season with AHL Springfield, to a one-way contract.
As it stands, the Blues will have 15 NHL-caliber forwards on their roster when RFA McMichael signs a contract extension. That number doesn’t include 2025 first-round pick Justin Carbonneau, who scored 51 goals in the QMJHL last season.
As the 2025-26 season quickly devolved into one to forget, the Blues began unleashing the kids. This was especially the case up top, as captain Brayden Schenn was sent to the Islanders. Doug Armstrong prioritized giving opportunities to players aged 25 or younger, including a full-time role for Dalibor Dvorsky, the debut of Otto Stenberg, and waiver claims for Jonatan Berggren and Jack Finley.
All of those players are still on the team, including Berggren, who signed a one-year extension. One departing forward is Jonathan Drouin. After being part of the Schenn trade, the former No. 3 overall pick was bought out of his contract, a move Armstrong never made in his time running the Blues.
Since the season ended, the Blues traded Jordan Kyrou to the Capitals in exchange for a package that included Connor McMichael. Additionally, they brought in Mason McTavish, signed Ross Johnston, and signed Dillon Dube, who spent this past season with AHL Springfield, to a one-way contract.
As it stands, the Blues will have 15 NHL-caliber forwards on their roster when RFA McMichael signs a contract extension. That number doesn’t include 2025 first-round pick Justin Carbonneau, who scored 51 goals in the QMJHL last season.
28 days ago
Despite high heat and blazing sun, hundreds turned out to celebrate America's 250th birthday with the Springfield Cardinals on July 4, 2026. Before the gates opened, local heavy metal band Transylvania kept the crowd's energy up with dancing and music.
As guests filtered in, they were greeted with carnival games like axe throwing as well as a dunk tank that let kids submerge Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter. Tracy Pierce, with Touch of Color Body Art, painted faces with patriotic colors and glitter.
Before the game, the Cardinals hosted their third annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Participants included KOLR 10's Chris Pinson, who won last year's contest, as well as St. Louis food influencer Jay Pippi, local musician Josh Heinrichs and Missouri State University baseball player Michael Yusypchuk. Yusypchuk dethroned Pinson by eating nine hotdogs in 7 minutes. Pinson managed eight.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Music, hot dogs and face paint mark Fourth of July at Route 66 Stadium
As guests filtered in, they were greeted with carnival games like axe throwing as well as a dunk tank that let kids submerge Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter. Tracy Pierce, with Touch of Color Body Art, painted faces with patriotic colors and glitter.
Before the game, the Cardinals hosted their third annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Participants included KOLR 10's Chris Pinson, who won last year's contest, as well as St. Louis food influencer Jay Pippi, local musician Josh Heinrichs and Missouri State University baseball player Michael Yusypchuk. Yusypchuk dethroned Pinson by eating nine hotdogs in 7 minutes. Pinson managed eight.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Music, hot dogs and face paint mark Fourth of July at Route 66 Stadium
1 month ago
The Boston Bruins are hosting their annual development camp. It’s a crucial summer session that joins the Bruins’ staff with some of the organization’s recent draft picks and top prospects.
It’s hard to miss one of the B’s best prospects, 6-foot-7-inch Boston College forward Dean Letourneau.
Boston drafted him with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. That winter in his freshman season at Boston College, Letourneau struggled, only posting three points. Then, he bounced back for a hugely successful sophomore season that featured 22 goals and 39 points.
“Yeah, I think it was a mix of confidence and just the work I put in in the summer,” Letourneau said. “I didn’t really think about making it, it wasn’t necessary to think, ‘Oh I have to go from the bottom all the way to this.’ It was just, I have to go a little bit each day, and so, basically it was just getting better every day.”
Elliott Groenewold is another prospect with regional ties. He is a defenseman at Quinnipiac and grew up in Springfield, Vermont. Boston 25 sports reporter Lauren Walsh asked him what it means to wear the Bruins “B” on his chest.
It’s hard to miss one of the B’s best prospects, 6-foot-7-inch Boston College forward Dean Letourneau.
Boston drafted him with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. That winter in his freshman season at Boston College, Letourneau struggled, only posting three points. Then, he bounced back for a hugely successful sophomore season that featured 22 goals and 39 points.
“Yeah, I think it was a mix of confidence and just the work I put in in the summer,” Letourneau said. “I didn’t really think about making it, it wasn’t necessary to think, ‘Oh I have to go from the bottom all the way to this.’ It was just, I have to go a little bit each day, and so, basically it was just getting better every day.”
Elliott Groenewold is another prospect with regional ties. He is a defenseman at Quinnipiac and grew up in Springfield, Vermont. Boston 25 sports reporter Lauren Walsh asked him what it means to wear the Bruins “B” on his chest.
1 month ago
It's never too early for college hockey bracketology, right?
College Puck NXT has released an updated batch of bracketology for the 2027 NCAA Tournament and to no surprise Michigan State is included in the mix. The popular college hockey social media channel has the Spartans landing as the No. 1 seed in the Springfield Region.
Michigan State is projected to play No. 4 seed Boston College in the opening round. If they were to get past the Eagles, then they'd play the winner of host No. 2 seed UMass and No. 3 seed Minnesota.
Michigan State has been a No. 1 seed in each of the last three NCAA Tournaments, but have failed to make it out of the opening weekend to reach the Frozen Four. The Spartans blew a late two-goal lead against Wisconsin this past year to end their season short of the Frozen Four.
Check out the complete bracket projection from College Puck NXT below:
College Puck NXT has released an updated batch of bracketology for the 2027 NCAA Tournament and to no surprise Michigan State is included in the mix. The popular college hockey social media channel has the Spartans landing as the No. 1 seed in the Springfield Region.
Michigan State is projected to play No. 4 seed Boston College in the opening round. If they were to get past the Eagles, then they'd play the winner of host No. 2 seed UMass and No. 3 seed Minnesota.
Michigan State has been a No. 1 seed in each of the last three NCAA Tournaments, but have failed to make it out of the opening weekend to reach the Frozen Four. The Spartans blew a late two-goal lead against Wisconsin this past year to end their season short of the Frozen Four.
Check out the complete bracket projection from College Puck NXT below:
1 month ago
Drivers from Western Australia, North Dakota and Nebraska won sprint specials over the weekend at Brown County Speedway in Aberdeen, Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron and Casino Speedway in Watertown.
A number of sprint cars were part of the Midwest Sprint Touring Series and Northern Outlaw Sprint **** ociation scheduled events.
Feature winners included Dayne Kingshott of Bunbury, Western Australia on Friday, June 26 at Aberdeen; Mark Dobmeier of Grand Forks, ND on Saturday, June 27 at Huron; and Jack Dover of Springfield, NE on Sunday, June 28 at Watertown.
Here's more of area stock car racing programs from the past week (for complete results, visit myracepass.com):
WATERTOWN — Maria Broksieck of Goodwin (street stocks) and Tony Croninger of Watertown (Gen X late models) each won their first features of the season on a night when Dover won the biggest prize.
A number of sprint cars were part of the Midwest Sprint Touring Series and Northern Outlaw Sprint **** ociation scheduled events.
Feature winners included Dayne Kingshott of Bunbury, Western Australia on Friday, June 26 at Aberdeen; Mark Dobmeier of Grand Forks, ND on Saturday, June 27 at Huron; and Jack Dover of Springfield, NE on Sunday, June 28 at Watertown.
Here's more of area stock car racing programs from the past week (for complete results, visit myracepass.com):
WATERTOWN — Maria Broksieck of Goodwin (street stocks) and Tony Croninger of Watertown (Gen X late models) each won their first features of the season on a night when Dover won the biggest prize.
1 month ago
Every year we see a crop of promising freshmen begin their varsity careers on softball fields in and around Bucks County. But this spring? The Class of 2029 might be the most impressive we've seen in a while. These rookies earned starting roles on top teams, pitched in the biggest games of the season, and came up with clutch hits or defensive plays.
Check out some of the most promising freshmen softball players here, then, be sure to vote for the top freshman softball player from the Class of 2029.
The pitcher started her varsity career with a three-hitter against Springfield, giving up one earned run while striking out four in her first start. Against Westtown, she didn’t give up a hit or run through three innings, striking out four in the win. In a win over Lower Moreland, she pitched a complete-game shutout, giving up only five hits.
As the Patriots’ primary pitcher, Helmsetter recorded a 4.50 ERA over 50 innings with 36 strikeouts. She also contributed at the plate, driving in 10 runs and scoring nine times.
The shortstop’s varsity career couldn't have started much better. For the season, Hahn hit .385 with 25 hits and a team-best 25 RBIs. She hit eight doubles and six home runs, leading the Patriots in both categories. She also saw time in the circle, where she was just as impressive, finishing with a 2.13 ERA in 25 innings.
Check out some of the most promising freshmen softball players here, then, be sure to vote for the top freshman softball player from the Class of 2029.
The pitcher started her varsity career with a three-hitter against Springfield, giving up one earned run while striking out four in her first start. Against Westtown, she didn’t give up a hit or run through three innings, striking out four in the win. In a win over Lower Moreland, she pitched a complete-game shutout, giving up only five hits.
As the Patriots’ primary pitcher, Helmsetter recorded a 4.50 ERA over 50 innings with 36 strikeouts. She also contributed at the plate, driving in 10 runs and scoring nine times.
The shortstop’s varsity career couldn't have started much better. For the season, Hahn hit .385 with 25 hits and a team-best 25 RBIs. She hit eight doubles and six home runs, leading the Patriots in both categories. She also saw time in the circle, where she was just as impressive, finishing with a 2.13 ERA in 25 innings.
1 month ago
A reefer unit burns its own diesel. Anyone who runs refrigerated freight knows this, because they are paying for two fuel burns on every load: the diesel that moves the truck down the road, and the separate diesel that runs the refrigeration unit on the trailer keeping the freight cold. Both come out of the same pocket. Only one of them is actually pushing the truck down the highway.
Prime Inc., the Springfield, Missouri carrier that runs roughly 9,000 trucks and is one of the largest refrigerated carriers in the country, has decided that the distinction is worth more than $11 million, and it is now making that case in federal court against the Internal Revenue Service.
In a complaint filed June 16, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Prime petitioned the IRS for a refund of $11,016,644 in federal fuel excise tax that it paid between 2018 and 2021. The basis for the claim is specific and, on its face, straightforward. Prime argues that the diesel used exclusively to power the refrigeration units on its trailers, fuel that never propelled a vehicle, constitutes an off-highway, nontaxable business use, and that taxing it as standard highway fuel was improper.
The logic rests on what the federal fuel excise tax is actually for. That tax, currently 24.3 cents per gallon on undyed diesel, exists to fund "highway infrastructure". It is, in effect, a user fee for the roads. Fuel that runs a refrigeration unit on a trailer does not use the highway in that sense. It is burned to spin a compressor and keep a box cold, whether the truck is rolling down the interstate or parked at a dock overnight. Prime's position is that fuel doing that work was never highway fuel and should never have carried the highway tax. This is where technically, the point is very valid.
This is not Prime's first attempt to recover the money. According to the complaint, Prime previously filed for refunds covering the periods ending March 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, and the IRS denied all of those claims. Prime then filed an additional claim on September 12, 2025 covering 2021, and as of the complaint, it had received neither a refund nor a denial notice for that year. Having exhausted the administrative route without success, Prime has moved the fight to federal court. In addition to the $11 million, it is seeking litigation costs, attorney fees, and prejudgment and post-judgment interest.
Prime Inc., the Springfield, Missouri carrier that runs roughly 9,000 trucks and is one of the largest refrigerated carriers in the country, has decided that the distinction is worth more than $11 million, and it is now making that case in federal court against the Internal Revenue Service.
In a complaint filed June 16, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Prime petitioned the IRS for a refund of $11,016,644 in federal fuel excise tax that it paid between 2018 and 2021. The basis for the claim is specific and, on its face, straightforward. Prime argues that the diesel used exclusively to power the refrigeration units on its trailers, fuel that never propelled a vehicle, constitutes an off-highway, nontaxable business use, and that taxing it as standard highway fuel was improper.
The logic rests on what the federal fuel excise tax is actually for. That tax, currently 24.3 cents per gallon on undyed diesel, exists to fund "highway infrastructure". It is, in effect, a user fee for the roads. Fuel that runs a refrigeration unit on a trailer does not use the highway in that sense. It is burned to spin a compressor and keep a box cold, whether the truck is rolling down the interstate or parked at a dock overnight. Prime's position is that fuel doing that work was never highway fuel and should never have carried the highway tax. This is where technically, the point is very valid.
This is not Prime's first attempt to recover the money. According to the complaint, Prime previously filed for refunds covering the periods ending March 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020, and the IRS denied all of those claims. Prime then filed an additional claim on September 12, 2025 covering 2021, and as of the complaint, it had received neither a refund nor a denial notice for that year. Having exhausted the administrative route without success, Prime has moved the fight to federal court. In addition to the $11 million, it is seeking litigation costs, attorney fees, and prejudgment and post-judgment interest.
1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – Though Westfield came into Sunday afternoon’s fourth annual Summer Classic against the second-place Worcester Bravehearts on a five-game losing streak, the Starfires showed their hometown faithful their roster still consisted of heart and courage.
Despite being hitless through five innings of action, the Starfires countered by scoring eight combined runs between the seventh and eighth innings to set up a photo finish. The effort wasn’t enough, though, as Mason Bordelon ultimately snapped Westfield’s momentum with a run-scoring single at the top of the ninth inning to ensure the Bravehearts an eventual 11-8 win against the Starfires from Walker Memorial Grandstand at Forest Park.
“I thought today was an exciting game,” Starfires manager Paul Bonfiglio said. “I thought that it was another successful day here at Forest Park. It was beautiful here, and it’s really hard to beat this venue. And I thought that the game and its competitiveness and its kind of quirkiness. So it was a special opportunity for the community here in the Forest Park area of Springfield.”
It was a productive start for Worcester to begin the top of the first inning, as teammates Andrew Schmit earned a one-out walk before Benny Hess hit a single through first and second base to ensure the road team a runner in scoring position. And that proved essential, as Julian Mercado connected for a run-scoring single into right field before Jack Murray worked a bases-loaded walk that helped Mason Bordelon score from third to double the Bravehearts’ lead to 2-0.
Worcester was threatening for more in the top half, but Starfires starting pitcher Cam Fisher forced John Ramsey to chase a low pitch for the final out to ensure the Bravehearts stranded the bases loaded, but not before the road team recorded one walk and three combined hits to move ahead first.
Despite being hitless through five innings of action, the Starfires countered by scoring eight combined runs between the seventh and eighth innings to set up a photo finish. The effort wasn’t enough, though, as Mason Bordelon ultimately snapped Westfield’s momentum with a run-scoring single at the top of the ninth inning to ensure the Bravehearts an eventual 11-8 win against the Starfires from Walker Memorial Grandstand at Forest Park.
“I thought today was an exciting game,” Starfires manager Paul Bonfiglio said. “I thought that it was another successful day here at Forest Park. It was beautiful here, and it’s really hard to beat this venue. And I thought that the game and its competitiveness and its kind of quirkiness. So it was a special opportunity for the community here in the Forest Park area of Springfield.”
It was a productive start for Worcester to begin the top of the first inning, as teammates Andrew Schmit earned a one-out walk before Benny Hess hit a single through first and second base to ensure the road team a runner in scoring position. And that proved essential, as Julian Mercado connected for a run-scoring single into right field before Jack Murray worked a bases-loaded walk that helped Mason Bordelon score from third to double the Bravehearts’ lead to 2-0.
Worcester was threatening for more in the top half, but Starfires starting pitcher Cam Fisher forced John Ramsey to chase a low pitch for the final out to ensure the Bravehearts stranded the bases loaded, but not before the road team recorded one walk and three combined hits to move ahead first.
1 month ago
The Virginia Tech Hokies continue to add to their 2027 recruiting class. After going about two weeks without a commitment, the Hokies added another one on Sunday, when defensive athlete Tyson Washington officially announced his commitment.
Washington is a 6-foot-3, 205-pounder from Springfield, Virginia, who plays at The St. James. As a junior, Washington played on both sides of the ball at wide receiver, edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. He’s expected to play on the defensive side of the ball when he arrives in Blacksburg.
Washington picked the Hokies over his other finalists, Penn State, Syracuse, Clemson, Wake Forest and Virginia. He had official visits at all five schools over the past month, but the Hokies got the last visit, and it paid off.
At St. James, Washington’s defensive coordinator is Jeffrey Overton Sr., the father of Virginia Tech redshirt freshman running back Jeffrey Overton Jr. The elder Overton congratulated Washington on Sunday.
Another big win for head coach James Franklin on the recruiting trail.
Washington is a 6-foot-3, 205-pounder from Springfield, Virginia, who plays at The St. James. As a junior, Washington played on both sides of the ball at wide receiver, edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. He’s expected to play on the defensive side of the ball when he arrives in Blacksburg.
Washington picked the Hokies over his other finalists, Penn State, Syracuse, Clemson, Wake Forest and Virginia. He had official visits at all five schools over the past month, but the Hokies got the last visit, and it paid off.
At St. James, Washington’s defensive coordinator is Jeffrey Overton Sr., the father of Virginia Tech redshirt freshman running back Jeffrey Overton Jr. The elder Overton congratulated Washington on Sunday.
Another big win for head coach James Franklin on the recruiting trail.
1 month ago
DANVILLE — For the past 35 years, the Danville Open Horseshoe Tournament has seen the best ringers in the nation come to the Douglas Park.
While the tournament has taken a hit in attendance recently, the 36th edition of the event will be filled with great competition.
“We are not as big as we used to be,” Danville Horseshoe Club President Leo Bratland said. “We used to have a great sponsor that we don’t have anymore and we used to get a lot more entries from a lot more states. We are still around even though the numbers are smaller nationally and a little bit smaller here.”
But among the numbers today are some of the biggest names in the Midwest , like current Men’s World Champion Alan Francis of Defiance, Ohio, current Women’s World Champion Jennifer Gegg of Ste Genevieve, Mo., and Illinois Men’s Champion Austin Bailey of Springfield.
According to Bratland, Bailey was the main reason those top pitchers returned to Douglas Park.
While the tournament has taken a hit in attendance recently, the 36th edition of the event will be filled with great competition.
“We are not as big as we used to be,” Danville Horseshoe Club President Leo Bratland said. “We used to have a great sponsor that we don’t have anymore and we used to get a lot more entries from a lot more states. We are still around even though the numbers are smaller nationally and a little bit smaller here.”
But among the numbers today are some of the biggest names in the Midwest , like current Men’s World Champion Alan Francis of Defiance, Ohio, current Women’s World Champion Jennifer Gegg of Ste Genevieve, Mo., and Illinois Men’s Champion Austin Bailey of Springfield.
According to Bratland, Bailey was the main reason those top pitchers returned to Douglas Park.
1 month ago
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS returns for its 11th year at Panther Creek Country Club.
The Korn Ferry Tour tournament runs Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28. The purse remains $1 million, with $180,000 to the winner.
Your complete guide to America’s 250th birthday in Springfield region
Springfield airport sees damage, quick recovery from recent storm
General admission tickets are free.
The Korn Ferry Tour tournament runs Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28. The purse remains $1 million, with $180,000 to the winner.
Your complete guide to America’s 250th birthday in Springfield region
Springfield airport sees damage, quick recovery from recent storm
General admission tickets are free.
1 month ago
RIO RANCHO — Zack Stortini wasn’t naive. Certainly not to the business of professional hockey.
Before the 2018-19 season came to an end, the right-winger, the one who made his livelihood as an enforcer protecting his team’s best player and punishing whoever was across the ice, knew his playing career was coming to an end.
“More days behind you than ahead of you,” reminisced Stortini, the 40-year-old who was introduced Saturday as the first coach of the expansion New Mexico Goatheads, the East Coast Hockey League minor-league affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche at a fan event hosted by The Block in Rio Rancho.
Experience — 14 professional seasons of it — taught him that. From the parts of the six he spent in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and the Nashville Predators to the hodgepodge of American Hockey League stops that had him crisscrossing North America.
He spent time in Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee; Hamilton, Ontario; Springfield, Massachusetts; Oklahoma City; Norfolk, Virginia; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Birmingham, Alabama; San Jose; and Charlotte, North Carolina and countless other cities in between.
Before the 2018-19 season came to an end, the right-winger, the one who made his livelihood as an enforcer protecting his team’s best player and punishing whoever was across the ice, knew his playing career was coming to an end.
“More days behind you than ahead of you,” reminisced Stortini, the 40-year-old who was introduced Saturday as the first coach of the expansion New Mexico Goatheads, the East Coast Hockey League minor-league affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche at a fan event hosted by The Block in Rio Rancho.
Experience — 14 professional seasons of it — taught him that. From the parts of the six he spent in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and the Nashville Predators to the hodgepodge of American Hockey League stops that had him crisscrossing North America.
He spent time in Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee; Hamilton, Ontario; Springfield, Massachusetts; Oklahoma City; Norfolk, Virginia; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Birmingham, Alabama; San Jose; and Charlotte, North Carolina and countless other cities in between.
2 months ago
Among those taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, exercise rates are decreasing, according to new research.
The study, set to be presented at ENDO 2026 (the Endocrine Society's annual meeting) in Chicago this week, found that adults with obesity who lost weight with a GLP-1, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, "significantly reduced" their physical activity.
In an Endocrine Society press release, study lead Sajana Maharjan, MD, of HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, noted that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide reduce both fat and lean muscle mass.
'Wild West' Peptide Craze Surges Beyond Glp-1s As Fda Faces Pressure To Ease Access
This means physical activity is "essential for preserving strength and long-term health," she said.
The study, set to be presented at ENDO 2026 (the Endocrine Society's annual meeting) in Chicago this week, found that adults with obesity who lost weight with a GLP-1, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, "significantly reduced" their physical activity.
In an Endocrine Society press release, study lead Sajana Maharjan, MD, of HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, noted that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide reduce both fat and lean muscle mass.
'Wild West' Peptide Craze Surges Beyond Glp-1s As Fda Faces Pressure To Ease Access
This means physical activity is "essential for preserving strength and long-term health," she said.
2 months ago
The spring season wraps up this week with the conclusion of the PIAA state championships. One Phillyburbs' team is among the eight that are looking to return home from Penn State as state champions. Check out the final scores and game recaps from all four boys and girls lacrosse finals.
What started as a close game, with La Salle even trailing at times, turned into a decisive victory for the Explorers in their first state **** le win since 2019. While La Salle took an early 3-0 lead, Radnor scored four straight goals to take a 4-3 advantage. The Explorers outscored Radnor 7-2 in the second quarter to take a comfortable four-goal lead, which they added on to the rest of the game.
This was Radnor's sixth straight appearance in the PIAA championship game, with the Raptors losing only twice − last year against Springfield-Delco, and Saturday against La Salle. One of their four championships came against La Salle in 2024. In their regular season meeting in April, La Salle defeated Radnor 7-3. This is La Salle's fourth state **** le, with the Explorers' last championship occurring in 2019.
The Hofstra commit and Philadelphia Catholic League MVP scored a game-high five goals.
The senior Duke commit scored three goals and dished out one **** ist.
What started as a close game, with La Salle even trailing at times, turned into a decisive victory for the Explorers in their first state **** le win since 2019. While La Salle took an early 3-0 lead, Radnor scored four straight goals to take a 4-3 advantage. The Explorers outscored Radnor 7-2 in the second quarter to take a comfortable four-goal lead, which they added on to the rest of the game.
This was Radnor's sixth straight appearance in the PIAA championship game, with the Raptors losing only twice − last year against Springfield-Delco, and Saturday against La Salle. One of their four championships came against La Salle in 2024. In their regular season meeting in April, La Salle defeated Radnor 7-3. This is La Salle's fourth state **** le, with the Explorers' last championship occurring in 2019.
The Hofstra commit and Philadelphia Catholic League MVP scored a game-high five goals.
The senior Duke commit scored three goals and dished out one **** ist.
