Books: "After Life" By Alice Marie Johnson

After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom
By Alice Marie Johnson, with Nancy French; Foreword by Kim Kardashian West
Harper; hardcover; $26.99

The criminal justice reform movement was given a major boost last year when Kim Kardashian West lobbied President Donald Trump, his daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, on behalf of Alice Marie Johnson, who was serving a life sentence for non-violent drug trafficking.

Books: "Confirmation Bias" on Recent Supreme Court Battles

Confirmation Bias: Inside Washington's War Over the Supreme Court, from Scalia's Death to Justice Kavanaugh
By Carl Hulse
Harper; hardcover, $28.99

The battle to fill the Supreme Court seat of Antonin Scalia after his untimely passing in 2016 sparked a political clash decades in the making. It unleashed reverberations that will impact the country for generations, as it upended Senate norms, influenced the outcome of the last presidential election, injected partisanship into the high court, and eroded public trust in the three branches of our government.

Boone Confident Yankees Pitchers Will Get Back on Track

Yankees Manager Aaron Boone. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees returned home on Tuesday night after a road trip in which they went a respectable 3-4 in Minnesota and Boston, but in which their pitchers gave up some pretty historic numbers.

Mets Keep Shockers Coming As They Ship Vargas To Philadelphia

Jason Vargas.

On Monday, the Mets continued their trade deadline rotation reshuffling by trading one of their most reliable starters, Jason Vargas, and cash considerations to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league catcher Austin Bossart.

Books: Suspense Novels Including "Too Close"

There are threw new suspense thrillers that are sure to excite you this summer as you enjoy long afternoons and days on the beach: Too Close by Natalie Daniels; Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson; and The Churchgoer by Patrick Coleman.

Books: "The Cartoon Guide To Biology"

The Cartoon Guide To Biology
By Larry Gonick & Dave Wessner
William Morrow; paperback; $19.99; eBook, $12.99; available July 30

Larry Gonick is a New York Times bestselling author who has created comics explaining history, science, and other subjects for more than forty years. He wrote his first book, Blood from a Stone: A Cartoon Guide to Tax Reform, with Steve Atlas in 1971. Dave Wessner is a Professor of Biology and chair of the Department of Health and Human Values at Davidson College. 

Red Bulls Academy Names McCafferty As Its New Director

Sean McCafferty. Provided by Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls Academy has named Sean McCafferty as its new Director.

Mets Shock Baseball World By Adding Stroman To Already-Strong Rotation

Marcus Stroman. 

The Mets shocked the baseball world on Sunday night when they announced the acquisition of one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the market ahead of the trade deadline, Marcus Stroman, from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Mets Complete Big Homestand With Sweep Of Pirates

Michael Conforto celebrating his first inning home run after crossing the plate. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Mets completed a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with an 8-7 win on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

Red Bulls Fall To Columbus, Allowing NYCFC To Pass Them

The Columbus Crew taking a penalty kick against the Red Bulls. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club got the weekend started by beating Sporting Kansas City, 3-1, at Yankee Stadium Friday night. The Red Bulls were also home this weekend, and they fell, 3-2, to the Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena.

Mets' Pete Alonso Presents Donations To Wounded Warriors & Tunnel To Towers

Pete Alonso presenting the checks to Tunnel to Towers Chairman & CEO Frank Siller (l.) and Wounded Warriors Project CEO Lt. General Mike Linnington (r.). Photo by Jason Schott. 

When Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso won the Home Run Derby on July 8, he pledged to donate a portion of his $1 million winnings to charity.

Mets, Powered By Wheeler & Four Homers, Pound Pirates

The Mets' Zack Wheeler looks in for the sign before the first hitter of the game. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Mets, behind a strong outing from Zach Wheeler and four home runs, beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-3, to open this three-game series on Friday night at Citi Field.

Yankees Bring Maybin Back After Missing Month On IL

Cameron Maybin. 

On Friday morning, the Yankees reinstated Cameron Maybin from the 10-day injured list from the 10-day injured list. Following last night’s game, they optioned left-handed pitcher Stephen Tarpley to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Cyclones' Offense On Fire

MCU Park. Photo by Jason Schott.

By Joey Jarzynka

After a seven-run victory over the Tri-City ValleyCats on Wednesday night, the Brooklyn Cyclones followed suit by putting up nine runs in the first couple innings to earn a series win over the Houston Astros Class-A affiliate with a 9-4 victory on Thursday night in Coney Island.

Yankees' Troy Tulowitzki Announces His Retirement

Troy Tulowitzki (12) during a workout early this season. Photo by Jason Schott.

Troy Tulowitzki, the five-time All-Star with the Colorado Rockies who then went on to play for the Toronto Blue Jays and joined the Yankees at the start of this season, announced his retirement on Thursday.

Cyclones, Led By Cleveland, Trounce Tri-City

Matt Cleveland pitching for the Cyclones with Coney Island in the distance. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Cyclones got one of their best wins of the season, as starting pitcher Matt Cleveland had a strong outing, and the offense staked him to a big lead early on their way to a 9-4 victory over the Tri-City ValleyCats on Thursday night at MCU Park.

Amazin' Year For McNeil

Jeff McNeil. @Mets.

Jeff McNeil made his Mets debut one year ago, July 24, 2018, with the expectation was that he could be a solid hitter in the Major Leagues, and he has certainly surpassed all expectations.

After Dream Night, Mets Get Reality Check

Thor vs. Tatis: Noah Syndergaard pitching to Fernando Tatis, Jr. Photo by Jason Schott.

If Tuesday night was a dream for the Mets, where they could have visions of making a miracle run, then Wednesday night was a major dose of reality as they lost to the Padres, 7-2.

Three-Homer Night Shows Mets' Cano Coming Around

Robinson Cano. @Mets.

Robinson Cano had the night the Mets have been waiting for all season when he hit three home runs to lead them to a 5-2 win on  Tuesday night over the San Diego Padres.

Books: The Mueller Report, Presented by The Washington Post

The Mueller Report - Presented With Related Materials By The Washington Post
Introduction and Analysis by Reporters Rosalind S. Helderman and Matt Zapotosky
Scribner; trade paperback; $15.00

The Mueller Report, with the findings of the Special Counsel’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and President Donald J. Trump's campaign, was released last month.
This book is the only one with exclusive analysis by the Pulitzer Prize–winning staff of The Washington Post, who have covered the story from the beginning.

Mets-Padres Series Showcases Young Stars, But Vets Steal Show In Opener

Pete Alonso of the Mets digging in against San Diego's Chris Paddack. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Mets opened a three-game set with the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on Tuesday night, and it was clear this series would be a showcase of four of the best young stars in the game.

Yankees Honor Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Former Yankee pitcher Jack Aker and astronaut Mike Massamino. Photo by Jason Schott.

On Saturday, the Yankees honored the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20, 1969.

Before their game against the Colorado Rockies, there was an Apollo 11 video tribute and astronaut Mike Massamino threw out the first pitch.

Books: Summer Reads

Miami Beach. Photo by Jason Schott.

As summer rolls on, we will keep looking at perfect books to read on the beach, including The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke; False Step by Victoria Helen Stone; and Last Summer by Kerry Lonsdale.

Books: A New Look At Charles V In "Emperor"

Emperor: A New Life of Charles V
By Geoffrey Parker
Yale University Press; hardcover; $35.00

Top historian Geoffrey Parker draws on new evidence to reinterpret the ruler of the world's first transatlantic empire in the deeply researched Emperor.

Red Bulls Outlast Orlando City

The Red Bulls celebrate the big win. @NewYorkRedBulls.

The Red Bulls earned a big road win, 1-0, over Orlando City SC on Sunday night. A first-half goal from Brian White proved enough to give the Red Bulls three points at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.

Rivera & Mussina Hall of Fame Induction Speeches

Mariano Rivera. @baseballhall.

Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina, Edgar Martinez, Roy Halladay, Lee Smith, and Harold Baines were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Read what Yankees legends Rivera and Mussina said to the big crowd on hand in Cooperstown, New York:

Books: On What It Was Like To Face Mariano

Facing Mariano Rivera: Players Recall The Greatest Relief Pitcher Who Ever Lived
Edited by David Fischer, foreword by Dave Anderson
Sports Publishing; paperback, 312 pages; $15.99

Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in baseball history who won five championships with the Yankees, was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday after being the first unanimous selection this past January.

Boone Marveled By Rivera's Ability To "Just completely turn the page"

Mariano Rivera (r.) with fellow inductees Mike Mussina (c.) and Edgar Martinez (l.) in January. Photo by Jason Schott.

Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in history who won five World Series championships with the Yankees, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday as the first unanimous selection ever.

Yankees Keep Home Cookin' Going As They Roll Past Rockies

Masahiro Tanaka on the mound at Yankee Stadium on a sun-drenched day. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees have raced to a big lead in the American League East on the strength of how they have played at Yankee Stadium, especially on this homestand.

DJ LeMahieu, The Difference-Maker For Yankees

DJ LeMahieu.

With the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium this weekend, it is natural to think of who they let go and allowed the Yankees to sign in the offseason. 

A Look Back: Mo, Moose, & Edgar In January After They Were Selected For Hall

Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, and Mariano Rivera in January. Photo by Jason Schott.

On Sunday afternoon in Cooperstown, Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina, Edgar Martinez, Roy Halladay, Lee Smith, and Harold Baines will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Read our coverage from this past January of the press conference the day after Rivera, Mussina, and Martinez were selected:

Books: Joe Namath's "All the Way"

All the Way: My Life in Four Quarters
By Joe Namath; with Sean Mortimer and Don Yeager
Little, Brown and Company; hardcover; $30.00

Joe Namath became a New York sports icon in the 1960s when he led the Jets to victory in Super Bowl III against the mighty Baltimore Colts after he predicted his team would deliver.

Mets Blood Drive At Citi Field On Monday

Citi Field. Photo by Jason Schott.

The New York Mets, in conjunction with New York Blood Center (NYBC), will sponsor their semi-annual drive on Monday, July 22, from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Citi Field, Hodges VIP Entrance.  Blood donations decrease during the difficult summer period with school breaks, the holidays and family vacations. 

Book Chat: David Cone On His Thrilling Memoir "Full Count"

David Cone, a five-time All-Star and a five-time World Champion, is a New York baseball legend, and he tells his story in the entertaining new book, Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher, written with Jack Curry on (Grand Central Publishing; hardcover, $28; E-book, $14.99; downloadable audiobook, $25.98).

DJ LeMahieu Wins Yankees Heart and Hustle Award

DJ LeMahieu.

The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) announced that DJ LeMahieu is the New York Yankees 2019 Heart and Hustle Award winner.

Books: Daniel Silva Examines a Reform-Minded Saudi Prince In "The New Girl"

The New Girl
By Daniel Silva
Harper; hardcover, $28.99; available today, July 16

In his #1 New York Times bestselling series featuring Gabriel Allon, art restorer and assassin, Daniel Silva has long placed his finger on the pulse of contemporary geopolitics. With his much-anticipated twenty-second novel, The New Girl, Silva focuses a fictional lens on one of the world’s most controversial figures.

Yankees Dominated By d'Arnaud Again

Yankee closer Aroldis Chapman battling Travis d'Arnaud in the ninth inning Monday night. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Tampa Bay Rays got a stunning 5-4 win over the Yankees on Monday night at The Stadium, as ex-Met Travis d'Arnaud led the way with three home runs.

This was just the fifth time in Tampa Bay's franchise history that someone hit three or more homers in a game, with Evan Longoria the last Ray to do it on October 3, 2012.

Red Bulls Outlast NYCFC, Who Question Refs' Actions On Game-Winner

The Red Bulls celebrate the game-winner while NYCFC protests. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Red Bulls won the first installment of the Hudson River Derby on Sunday night at Red Bull Arena, 2-1, over New York City Football Club.

Books: "Justice on Trial" On The Fight Over Kavanaugh's Nomination To Court

Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court
By Mollie Hemingway and Carrie Severino
Regnery Publishing; hardcover; $28.99

The retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy last summer sparked a political firestorm as President Donald Trump would now have to choose a nominee to replace the swing vote on the Court.

Books: "Elevated" On The Rise Of The NBA

Elevated: The Global Rise of the N.B.A.
By Harvey Araton and the staff of The New York Times; Foreword by Jeff Van Gundy
Triumph Books; hardcover, 483 pages; $30.00

The NBA has grown into a world game, with stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry helping turn it into a sport that generates attention every single day. These players have become business tycoons, Hollywood celebrities, and advocates for many causes.

Judge's Four Hits Not Enough To Lift Yankees Past Jays

A member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team arriving in style on Military Appreciation Day. Photo by Jason Schott.

Aaron Judge had four hits for the Yankees, who had plenty of chances, but couldn't get the big hit as they lost a nailbiter to the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon at The Stadium.

Books: On Baseball Trivia & History

Photo by Jason Schott.

The baseball season is approaching the second half of the season, making it a perfect time to brush up on some trivia and learn more about the history of the game.

Three books will help illuminate America's pastime: Incredible Baseball Trivia by Daivd Nemec; The Baseball Maniac's Almanac, edited by Bert Randolph Sugar with Ken Samelson; and Incredible Baseball Stats by Kevin Reavy and Ryan Spaeder.

Books: Janice Dean's "Mostly Sunny"

Mostly Sunny: How I Learned To Keep Smiling Through The Rainiest Days
By Janice Dean
Harper; hardcover, 256 pages; $26.99

Meteorologist Janice Dean is beloved by many people from the morning show Fox & Friends. She is well-suited to her profession because she looks for the silver lining in every cloud after weathering her share of setbacks and indignities while maintaining her infectious joy and optimism.

Books: "How to Hold a Grudge" By Sophie Hannah

How to Hold a Grudge: From Resentment to Contentment - the Power of Grudges to Transform Your Life
By Sophie Hannah
Scribner; hardcover; $20.00

Holding grudges is seen by many people as a bad thing, but what it out grudges, when managed correctly, are good for us?

What if they can protect and inspire us, and help us to clarify our highest values and priorities? What if they can even make us more forgiving?

Books: By Paul Tremblay

Paul Tremblay has established himself as a rising star in the literary world since the release of his seminal novel A Head Full of Ghosts in 2015.

Books: "Something Like Gravity" By Amber Smith

Something Like Gravity
By Amber Smith
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; hardcover, 400 pages; $18.99

Amber Smith has written stories about teenagers whose experiences reflect her own personal struggles while growing up.

Books: Ron Swoboda's "Here's The Catch"

Here's The Catch: A Memoir of the Miracle Mets and More
By Rob Swoboda
Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press; hardcover; 256 pages, includes eight pages of black and white photos; $27.99

Ron Swoboda joined the Mets in 1965 when they were still in the franchise's early stages and not having much success on the field. Four years later, the Miracle Mets were on top of the world when they won the 1969 World Series over the mighty Baltimore Orioles.

Books: Bud Selig On A Life In Baseball

For The Good Of The Game: The Inside Story of the Surprising and Dramatic Transformation of Major League Baseball 
By Bud Selig
William Morrow; hardcover, $28.99; available July 9

For more than a century, the game of baseball was resistant to change, as everyone from the owners to the managers to the players, and certainly, the fans, were against it.

Books: "Breathe In, Cash Out" By Madeleine Henry

Breathe In, Cash Out
By Madeleine Henry
Atria Books Hardcover; $26.00; available July 9

Madeleine Henry worked at Goldman Sachs an in investment management in New York City after she graduated from Yale in 2014, where she wrote comedy for The Yale Record, America's oldest college humor magazine.

Books: The Love Prison Made and Unmade

The Love Prison Made and Unmade: My Story
By Ebony Roberts
Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; hardcover, $25.99; available July 9

Ebony Roberts is a writer, researcher, and activist, who has worked in the food justice and prison abolition movements for nearly twenty years. She recently served as program director for #BeyondPrisons, an organization designed to uplift the voices of those impacted by the criminal justice system. She received her BA in Social Relations and Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University.