Not a Happ-y Day For Yankees As Orioles Win Opening Series

Baltimore's Renato Nunez about to touch the plate on his first inning home run, with Yankees pitcher J.A. Happ looking on. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Baltimore Orioles jumped out to an early lead against Yankees starter J.A. Happ and, despite a furious Yankee comeback, held on for a 7-5 win on Sunday night to take two of three in the opening weekend series.

Judge Sets Tone Early On What Yankees Have To Do In 2019

Aaron Judge. Photo by Jason Schott.

Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is entering his third full major league season, and it is clear that he is the leader of the team by what he says about what the team has to do this season to build on what they achieved the past two seasons.

MLS Road Report: Red Bulls Crushed In Chicago; NYCFC Trounced in Toronto

Danny Royer of the Red Bulls battles Chicago's Bastian Schweinsteiger. @NewYorkRedBulls.

It was a tough weekend for the New York-area MLS teams on the road, as the Red Bulls lost a tough one to the Chicago Fire, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon, while NYCFC lost 4-0 to Toronto FC on Friday night.

New At Citi Field This Season - Mets Home Opener Is April 4

Tribute to the 1969 championship team in the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. All photos by Jason Schott. 

The Mets recently unveiled what fans can expect to see this season at Citi Field. The Mets' Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4 at 1:00 p.m. against the Washington Nationals.

St. John's Ponds Declares For NBA Draft

Shamorie Ponds during St. John's NCAA Tournament game on March 20. @StJohnsBBall.

While the nation was watching March Madness on Thursday night, St. John's star point guard Shamorie Ponds announced on Instagram that he will be entering the NBA Draft, leaving the school after three seasons.

Stanton All Set For Second Season With Bombers

Giancarlo Stanton during his press conference on Wednesday. All photos by Jason Schott.

Giancarlo Stanton experienced everything possible in his first year with the Yankees: excitement when he was acquired, boos from the home crowds on Opening Day and well into the season, followed by an up-and-down performance as he got adjusted to the American League, and concluding with a tough playoff series against the Boston Red Sox.

Yankees Opening Day Roster

Miguel Andujar on Wednesday. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees made the following roster moves ahead of Thursday afternoon's Opening Day game against the Baltimore Orioles:

Mets Announce Opening Day Roster, Which Includes Alonso

Pete Alonso.

The Mets announced their final roster moves ahead of Opening Day on Thursday afternoon, most notably that first baseman Pete Alonso is on the team to start the season.

Yankees Are "A hungry team," Boone Says Ahead Of Opening Day

Giancarlo Stanton taking batting practice with Yankee Stadium ready for Opening Day. All photos by Jason Schott.

"Happy New Year's Eve" is how Yankees Manager Aaron Boone greeted the media on Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium as the team worked out ahead of Opening Day.

The Yankees will open the season against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

Yankees Opening Day This Thursday - All The Information You Need

Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees will open the 2019 regular season at Yankee Stadium on Thursday with a 1:05 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles.

All Yankee Stadium gates will open to Guests with valid tickets beginning at 11:00 a.m.

CBS & TBS Announcers for NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal

Jim Nantz, Grant Hill, and Bill Raftery.

CBS Sports and Turner Sports will be broadcasting the Regional Semifinals of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29 (7 p.m.-Midnight ET, both days), with all remaining games available in their entirety across CBS and TBS, in addition to NCAA March Madness Live.

Mets Take Care Of Their Cy Young Award Winner

Jacob deGrom.

The Mets made a major announcement on Tuesday morning that is a statement about what they think this franchise can achieve going forward.

The Mets signed 2018 National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom to a five-year extension. The deal will run through the 2023 season with a club option for the 2024 season.

Books: On President Trump Investigations

President Donald J. Trump.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report is in, but there are still many investigations of President Donald Trump's business dealings and how his campaign was run. Two books that will deepen your knowledge on what you see in the news are Deep State Target by George Papadopoulos, and Michael Cohen's House Testimony from The House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Books: "Inside the Empire" Of The Yankees

Photo by Jason Schott.

Inside the Empire: The True Power Behind the New York Yankees
By Bob Klapisch and Paul Solotaroff
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; hardcover, $28.00; available Tuesday, March 26

There always has been fascination about the operations of the New York Yankees, one of the greatest and most successful franchises in the world.

Veteran baseball writer Bob Klapisch, who has written for the New York Post, Daily News, and the Bergen Record, Paul Solotaroff, a veteran feature writer at Rolling Stone and Men's Journal, pull back the curtain of the Bronx Bombers in their new book, Inside the Empire.

Books: "Gray Day" On Cyber Warfare

Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America's First Cyber Spy
By Eric O'Neill 
Crown; hardcover, 304 pages;  $27.00; available Tuesday, March 26

Eric O'Neill is a cybersecurity expert and former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative. He founded the Georgetown Group, the premier investigative and security services firm; serves as national security strategist for Carbon Black; and is the General Counsel for Global Communities, an international charity. He lectures about espionage and national security, cybersecurity, hacking and fraud. and has appeared as a national security expert on CNN and Fox.

New York City FC Sign Brazilian Striker Héber

Provided by NYCFC.

New York City Football Club recently announced that Héber Araujo dos Santos, known as “Héber,” has joined the Club from Croatian side HNK Rijeka, subject to receipt of a P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The 27-year-old was acquired using Targeted Allocation Money.

Books: "What You Have Heard Is True" by Carolyn Forché

What You Have Heard Is True: a Memoir of Witness and Resistance
By Carolyn Forché
Penguin Press; hardcover, 400 pages; $28.00

Carolyn Forché is one of the most gifted poets of her generation. Her works, including Blue Hour, The Angel of History, The Country Between Us, and Gathering the Tribes; has been translated into over twenty languages. She has received the Windham-Campbell Prize and the Academy of American Poets Fellowship given for distinguished poetic achievement.  

Books: "They Said It Couldn't Be Done" On 1969 Mets

They Said It Couldn't Be Done: The '69 Mets, New York City, and the Most Astounding Season in Baseball History
By Wayne Coffey
Crown Archetype; hardcover, $28.00; available this Tuesday, March 26

1969 was a remarkable year for America, as it brought the moon landing, Woodstock, nonstop protests against the Vietnam War, and the most tumultuous and fractious New York City mayoral race in memory.

Books: On Classical Music

Leonard Bernstein.

With spring upon us, it is almost the time for classical music in New York City books. Let's take a look at three books that will deepen your knowledge of this musical genre: Famous Father Girl by Jamie Bernstein, A Mad Love by Vivian Schweitzer, and The Indispensable Composers by Anthony Tommasini.

Books: On The Most Famous Protest By Athletes

Something in the Air: American Passion and Defiance in the 1968 Mexico Olympics
By Richard Hoffer
University Of Nebraska Press; paperback, 276 pages;. $19.95

In this era of the activist athlete, it is a good time to look back to where it all started, at the Olympics in Mexico City in 1968.

Defending National Champs Villanova Out Of March Madness

Eric Paschall driving the lane. @VillanovaMBB.

The defending National Champion Villanova Wildcats lost to Purdue, 87-61, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday in Hartford, Connecticut.

Yankees Trim Roster, Make Trade With Rockies, As Spring Training Winds Down

Yankee Stadium. Photo by Jason Schott.

With spring training winding down, the Yankees have trimmed their roster and who is in the major league camp over the past couple of days. The Yankees also made a trade with the Rockies, acquiring outfielder Mike Tauchman.

Red Bulls Outlasted By Orlando City & Old Friend

Sacha Kljestan (16) making a big defensive play early. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Red Bulls lost a tough one on Saturday night, 1-0, to Orlando City SC, on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena.

Sacha Kljestan, who used to star for the Red Bulls, got the lone goal of the night for Orlando City in the 73rd minute.

Yankees' Stephen Tarpley Wins Dawson Awar

Stephen Tarpley.

The Yankees today announced that left-handed pitcher Stephen Tarpley is the recipient of the 2019 James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the most outstanding Yankees rookie in spring training.

Sunday March Madness Tip Times

Duke's Zion Williamson will be in action Sunday. @DukeMBB.

Turner Sports and CBS Sports announced the tip times and matchups for Second Round coverage of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on Sunday, March 24 (Noon-Midnight ET).

Saturday's March Madness Tip Time

Villanova and Head Coach Jay Wright are in action on Saturday. @VillanovaMBB.

CBS Sports and Turner Sports recently announced the tip times and matchups for Second Round coverage of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 23 (Noon-Midnight ET). The night’s coverage will conclude with Inside March Madness Presented by Buick following Auburn vs. Kansas on TBS.

New Food & Dining Options At Yankee Stadium In 2019

The field being prepared for Opening Day. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees recently unveiled numerous new exciting dining options which will be available to all Yankee Stadium guests throughout the 2019 season, beginning with their home opener on Thursday, March 28 vs. the Baltimore Orioles.

Books: A Look At "Funny Man" Mel Brooks

Funny Man: Mel Brooks
By Patrick McGilligan
Harper; an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; hardcover, 656 pages; $40.00; available today, Tuesday, March 19

Mel Brooks is one of the greatest comedic minds of our times, creator of some of the most influential comedy hits of our time, including The 2,000 Year Old Man, Get Smart, The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein.

NCAA Tournament: Seton Hall Stunned Late By Wofford

Myles Powell (13) nearly led the Pirates to victory. @SetonHallMBB.

The Seton Hall Pirates' season came to an end on Thursday night in Jacksonville, as they lost their NCAA Tournament first-round matchup to Wofford, 84-68.

Mets Will Change Citi Field Address To Honor Tom Seaver

The Seaver Gate entrance at Citi Field. Photo by Jason Schott.

Two weeks ago, Tom Seaver's family announced that the greatest pitcher in Mets history was diagnosed with dementia and would be retiring from public life.

On Thursday morning, the Mets announced that they will be renaming the street address to Citi Field to honor Tom Terrific.

Cashman On Ichiro: He had a "truly astonishing career"

Ichiro in Japan saying goodbye.

Ichiro Suzuki announced his retirement on Thursday morning after his Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland A's 5-4 in 12 innings in his native Japan.

St. John's Season Ends In Dayton

Shamorie Ponds. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm were the last name announced for the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night, and they were one of the first to exit as they played listlessly in a 74-65 loss to Arizona State on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio.

Handsome Ransom Jackson, Who Holds Place In Brooklyn Dodgers History, Dies

Ransom Jackson with Jackie Robinson.

Handsome Ransom Jackson, who hit the final home run for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957 before their move to Los Angeles, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, at his home in Athens, Georgia, at the age of 93.

Below is my review of his autobiography, published on this site in September, where he wrote about his time with the Cubs and being traded to Brooklyn to take on the monumental task of replacing Jackie Robinson at third base.

Books: On Baseball History

Yankee Stadium. Photo by Jason Schott.

With the new baseball season set to open on Thursday, March 28, it is a great time to look at some books on the history of the sport: Here's the Pitch by Roberta J. Newman, Last Seasons in Havana by Cesar Brioso, Once Upon a Team: The Epic Rise and HIstoric Fall of Baseball's Wilmington Quicksteps by Jon Springer, and Warren Spahn: A Biography of the Legendary Lefty by Lew Freedman.

Yankees Sign Gio Gonzalez To Add Depth To Rotation

Gio Gonzalez with the Washington Nationals.

The Yankees have announced the signing of two-time All-Star LHP Gio Gonzalez to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training in the hopes that he can give them depth in their starting rotation.

CBS & Turner Sports March Madness Announcer Teams

Jim Nantz, Grant Hill, and Bill Raftery.

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will tip off with the NCAA First Four on truTV tonight, Tuesday, March 19, and Wednesday, March 20 starting at 6 p.m. ET both days.

Books: Kobe Bryant's "The Wizenard Series"

The Wizenard Series: Training Camp
Created by Kobe Bryant & written by Wesley King
Granity Studios; hardcover, 592 pages; $18.99; available tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19

Kobe Bryant made his name on the basketball court for 20 years, winning five world championships for the Los Angeles Lakers and becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Seton Hall Makes NCAA Tournament For 4th Straight Time

Myles Powell. @SetonHallMBB.

The Seton Hall men's basketball team has turned into a perennial power in the Big East Conference, as they reached the conference tournament final on Saturday night as lost a nail-biter to Villanova.

On Sunday, The Pirates earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. received an at-large bid and and have been slotted in as a No. 10 seed in the Midwest Region and will face No. 7 seed Wofford in Jacksonville on Thursday.

St. John's Makes March Madness

Shamorie Ponds. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm have made the NCAA Tournament for the first time with Head Coach Chris Mullin at the helm.

The Red Storm won 21 games this season, the This season, the Red Storm has matched its highest win total since 1999-2000 by emerging victorious in 21 games. 

Atlantic 10 Championship: Saint Louis Completes Unbelievable Run To Title

Saint Louis celebrated as soon as the clock hit 0:00. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Saint Louis Billikens won the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship on Sunday afternoon at Barclays Center with a 55-53 win over St. Bonaventure.

This completed a run of four wins in four days for Saint Louis. The sixth-seed knocked off #11 Richmond, 71-68, on Thursday night, #3 Dayton, 64-55, on Friday night, #2 Davidson, 67-44, on Saturday night, and finally, #4 St. Bonaventure.

Villanova Vanquishes Seton Hall To Win Big East Championship

Villanova celebrating. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Villanova Wildcats won their third straight Big East Tournament, and fourth in five years, when they outlasted the Seton Hall Pirates, 74-72, on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

Atlantic 10 Semis: Bonnies & Billikens Roll To Title Game

The scene during St. Bonaventure-Rhode Island. Photo by Jason Schott.

In the Atlantic 10 Tournament semifinals on Saturday afternoon, the St. Bonaventure Bonnies rolled past the Rhode Island Rams, 68-51, to open the session, followed by the Saint Louis Billikens dominating the Davidson Wildcats, 67-44.

Big East Semis: Villanova, Seton Hall Set Date With Destiny

Myles Powell (13) and Jared Rhoden (14) celebrate a recent Seton Hall victory over Villanova. @SetonHallMBB.

Seton Hall and Villanova has become two of the most consistently dominant teams in the Big East Conference, and in the process, formed one of the best rivalries in college basketball.

It all started when they faced off in the Big East Championship Game in 2016, which Seton Hall won in an upset.

A10 Quarters: Davidson & Saint Louis Move On

Battle of legendary coaches: Davidson's Bob McKillop (top) right and St. Joseph's Phil Martelli. Photo by Jason Schott. 

In the night session of the Atlantic 10 Quarterfinals on Friday at Barclays Center, second-seeded Davidson outlasted #10 Saint Joseph's 70-60, while #6 Saint Louis upset third-seeded Dayton, 64-55. They will face off in the Semifinals on Saturday afternoon around 3:30 p.m.

A10 Quarterfinals: Rhode Island Upsets Top-Seeded VCU

Rhode Island celebrated after the final whistle. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Atlantic 10 Tournament quarterfinals on Friday afternoon at Barclays Center opened with a bang, as the eighth-seeded Rhode Island Rams upset the top-seed VCU Rams, 75-70. The Rams and Bonnies will face off in the first semifinal on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

Charles Barkley On Zion, The Warriors, KD, Kyrie, & The Knicks

Charles Barkley.

Charles Barkley will be on NCAA Tournament coverage for CBS and Turner Sports. He will be in the studio from New York with his NBA on TNT co-stars Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith, and CBS' Greg Gumbel and Clark Kellogg.

Atlantic 10 2018-19 Men's Basketball Awards

Barclays Center. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Atlantic 10 Conference, whose men's basketball tournament will be held at Barclays Center through Sunday, announced their End-Of-Year Awards.

Big East Quarters: Seton Hall, Led By A Record Night For Powell, Advances

Myles Powell. @SetonHallMBB.

Seton Hall, led by a record-breaking night from Myles Powell, ran out the Georgetown Hoyas, 73-57, in the Big East quarterfinals, on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

Atlantic 10 Day 2: URI, George Mason, St. Joe's, & SLU Move On

The scene at Barclays Center during Rhode Island - La Salle. Photo by Jason Schott.

In the second day of action at the Atlantic 10 Tournament at Barclays Center, Rhode Island rolled to a 76-57 win over La Salle to open the day, followed by George Mason outlasting George Washington, 61-57. In the night session, Saint Joseph's won a shootout with Duquesne, 92-86, and Saint Louis won a close one with Richmond, 71-68.

On Friday afternoon, in the A-10 quarterfinals, Np. 1 VCU will play No. 8 Rhode Island at noon, followed by No. 4 St. Bonaventure taking on No. 5 George Mason at 2:30. The night session begins at 6:00 p.m. with No. 2 Davidson facing off against No. 10 Saint Joseph's, followed by No. 3 Dayton and No. 6 Saint Louis at 8:30 p.m.

Big East Quarters: St. John's Mauled By Marquette

The celebration was on for Marquette. @MarquetteMBB.

The St. John's Red Storm beat a team they lost two twice in the regular season, DePaul, on Wednesday night to open the Big East Tournament, 82-74.
On Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm faced the exact opposite scenario, as they faced a team they beat twice in the regular season, Marquette, in the quarterfinals.