St. John’s Snatches Share Of Big East Championship

 

Kadary Richmond driving to the hoop. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm clinched a share of the Big East regular season championship, its first since the 1991-92 season, with a road win at Butler, 76-70, on Wednesday night. 

St. John's #7 In National Polls, Best Since 1991

 

The celebration was on Sunday at Madison Square Garden during a late timeout in St. John's win over UConn. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm made a major move in the Top 25 rankings on Monday, as they came in at No. 7 in both the Associated Press poll, and the USA Today Coaches' poll.

St. John's Cruises By UConn With “Championship-level defense”

 

Zuby Ejiofor (24) set off a celebration after he slammed one home with 9:50 left that put St. John's ahead, 68-55. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm made their latest statement with another win over the defending National Champions, the Connecticut Huskies, but this time it was in dominating fashion, 89-75, on Sunday afternoon at a sold-out Madison Square Garden.

NYCFC Earns A Draw With Messi & Miami

NYCFC celebrates one of their goals. Provided by the team.

NYCFC opened the MLS season against the star-studded Inter Miami FC on the road, and they earned a 2-2 draw on Saturday night.

Duke Dominance On Display At The Garden

 

Sion James cashing in a layup at the 7:44 mark of the first half to give Duke a 35-20 lead. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Duke Blue Devils put on quite a show at a raucous Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, as they took care of the Illinois Fighting Illini, 110-67.

So Long To Santi: NYCFC Sends Rodriguez To Brazil

  

Santi Rodriguez in action against Cincinnati during last season’s playoffs. @NYCFC.

New York City Football Club announced some rather stunning news ahead of opening night in Miami, as midfielder Santiago Rodríguez was sold to to Brazilian side Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas in exchange for the club’s second highest transfer fee, also one of the highest in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. NYCFC will receive a sell-on percentage if he is sold in the future. 

Books: "Killing the Witches" By Bill O'Reilly

 

Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts

By Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard

St. Martin's Press; paperback, 304 pages; $20.00

This is the latest book in TV journalist and radio host Bill O'Reilly's Killing series, which he has written with Martin Dugard, who has authored several bestselling books of history, including Taking Paris and Taking Berlin, plus the most recent, Confronting the Presidents (our review from September 2024). This is the most popular series of narrative histories in world, with 19 million copies in print and a remarkable run of #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestsellers. 

High Noon: St. John’s Set To Battle Champs At The Garden

 

The scene at Madison Square Garden when St. John's played Creighton last Sunday. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm will host the two-time defending National Champion Connecticut Huskies on Sunday at high noon in the latest massive game of their incredible season.

Yankees Make Another Break From The Past

 

Yankee Stadium's trademark facade. Photo by Jason Schott.

In recent years, the Yankees have adapted to current trends in baseball, as they allowed the Nike swoosh and an ad for Starr insurance on their once-clean pinstripe uniforms, as well as wearing the endless special caps Major League Baseball trots out each year.

NYCFC Sign Pair Of Draftees Ahead Of Opener

 

NYCFC plays some of their games at Citi Field. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club announced on Friday that they signed a pair of players they selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, defenders Max Murray and Nico Cavallo.

Yankees Extend Boone’s Contract, Set For Decade At Helm

 

Aaron Boone at the batting cage. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees announced on Thursday morning that they have signed Manager Aaron Boone to a two-year extension that will extend to the 2027 season.

St. John’s Downs DePaul In Romp On Road

 

Zuby Ejiofor slams one home. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm hit the road on Wednesday night, and put together a dominating performance to down DePaul, 82-58.

Books: New Novels From Preslaysa Williams & Shara Moon

 

A Wedding in the Lowcountry

By Preslaysa Williams

Avon; paperback, 304 pages; $18.99; available today, Tuesday, February 18th

Preslaysa Williams is an award-winning author known for writing heartwarming romance and women's fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist. Her first  Avon book, A Lowcountry Bride, received praise from Oprah Daily, which called it an "emotionally stirring debut," Buzzfeed, and Pop Sugar. A graduate of Columbia University, Williams is a professional actress who has appeared in Nickelodeon's The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a busy mom.

In her new novel, A Wedding in the Lowcountry, Avila's mother passes away, and she must return to Charleston to get her mother's house ready to put on the market. Returning home means that she'll have to face relationships that were best left behind. 

Avila's feelings are complicated, and they get even more so when she runs into her childhood friend, Terence, who's now a professor at the local college. Years ago, Avila felt abandoned when Terence left Charleston to attend Hampton University, but it's clear their connection is still strong, possibly something more than their longtime friendship.

Terence is very supportive of Avila in the wake of her mother's passing, and they have to deal with the feelings they have for one another. Avila, who's used to taking care of herself and her daughter, is wary of trusting others, but Terence could be the one with the key that opens her heart.

Let Us March On

By Shara Moon

William Morrow Paperbacks; paperback, 336 pages; $18.99

Shara Moon is a first-generation Haitian American and amateur historian who enjoys investigating Black world history. She is a former college writing instructor with degrees from the City College of New York and the University of Central Florida.

Let Us March On is Moon's debut historical fiction novel, and it explores the life and story of Elizabeth McDuffie, FDR's maid, who was an influential but widely known Black female figure in history. In addition to the work she did for the Roosevelts, in which she became indispensable, she served as a liaison between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Civil Rights activists.

McDuffie boldly proclaimed that she was FDR's "Secretary-On-Colored-People's-Affairs," as she became the President's eyes and ears into the Black community. She was never shy about pointing out injustices, and advocated for the needs and rights of her fellow African Americans, when those in the White House blocked access to the President.

This is a window into a piece of history that is not widely taught, and sheds light on what went on behind-the-scenes of one of the most significant presidential terms. This pulls the curtain back on how the White House is run, and in reading it, mirrors the movie The Butler, which starred Forest Whitaker. The other link to films is that McDuffie had a surprising connection to the classic Gone With the Wind.

McDuffie's was college educated, and while she had to settle for the "official" role of maid, it was her unofficial leadership in Washington that laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and '60s. She also paved the way for Congresswomen such as Shirley Chisholm, who represented Brooklyn and ran for President in 1972, up to this era, with newly elected Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester.

St. John's Still In Top 10 Nationally

 

RJ Luis Jr. leads St. John's up the court early in Sunday's win over Marquette. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm took a tick down in the Top 25 rankings on Monday, as they came in at No. 10 in the Associated Press poll, and No. 9 in the USA Today Coaches' poll.

St. John’s Crushes Creighton, In Prime Position To Win Big East

 

Zuby Ejiofor putting up a layup that gave St. John's a 56-53 edge with 11:16 remaining. Photos by Jason Schott.

This came amidst a game-defining run by St. John's. 

One of many moments the crowd went wild. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm continue to make "some basketball history," as Head Coach Rick Pitino put it, with their latest win, a 79-73 triumph over the Creighton Bluejays, 79-73, in front of a sellout crowd of 19,812 on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

Books: "Custodians of Wonder" By Eliot Stein

 

Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive

By Eliot Stein

St. Martin's Press; hardcover, 336 pages; $29.00

Eliot Stein is a journalist and editor at BBC Travel who currently lives in Brooklyn with his wife and young son. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Wired, The Guardian, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and The Independent. 

Battle For Big East Supremacy Sunday At MSG

 

The scene at Madison Square Garden during St. John's win over Xavier on January 22nd. Photo by Jason Schott.

Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden will feature a matchup between the St. John's Red Storm and Creighton Bluejays to see who will reign supreme in the Big East Conference.

St. John's Vanquished By Villanova

 

Simeon Wilcher takes one to the hoop. @StJohnsBBall.

For years, the Villanova Wildcats were the ones hunted down in the Big East Conference, especially by teams like the St. John's Red Storm. 

Mets Officially Re-Sign Pete Alonso, Who Cohen Says Is "Adored by fanbase"

 

Pete Alonso at bat in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Phillies. Photo by Jason Schott.

The long Pete Alonso saga officially ended on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 4:21 p.m. when the team sent out the press release that the first baseman is officially signed.

St. John's Moves March 1 Game To Madison Square Garden

RJ Luis Jr. being introduced before St. John's game with Providence on February 1. Photo by Jason Schott

The St. John's Red Storm, who are in the midst of their best season in a quarter century, made a move reflecting the excitement around the team, by moving their game with Seton Hall on Saturday, March 1, to Madison Square Garden.

Books: "Magic in the Air,” A History Of The Slam Dunk, By Mike Sielski

 

Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk

By Mike Sielski

St. Martin's Press; hardcover, 320 pages, with a 24-page photo insert; $32.00; available today, Tuesday, February 11th

Mike Sielski is a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the author of four books, including the bestseller The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality. He was formerly a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, and his work has been anthologized three times in The Best American Sports Writing and The Year's Best Sports Writing.

Books: "The Umbrella Maker's Son," By Tod Lending

 

The Umbrella Maker's Son

By Tod Lending

Harper Paperbacks/HarperCollins Publishers; paperback, 387 pages; $18.99; available today, Tuesday, February 11th

Tod Lending is an Academy Award-nominated and national Emmy-winning producer, director, writer, and cinematographer. His work has aired nationally on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and HBO; has been screened theatrically and received awards at national and international festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival; and has been televised in Europe and Asia. He is the founder and president of Nomadic Pictures, a documentary film production company based in Chicago. 

Books: "Les Normaux: A Graphic Novel" By Janine Janssen

 

Les Normaux: A Graphic Novel

By Janine Janssen with S. Al Sabado

Avon and HarperAlley; hardcover, $30.00; paperback, $22.99; available today, Tuesday, February 11th

Janine Janssen (aka J.J.) has been drawing ever since she could hold a pencil, leading to a BA in illustration and MA in animation. She loves telling stories about oddballs in society, and has been sharing them online as webcomics since 2013. She lives in the south of the Netherlands, but takes trips around the world in her mind every day.

St. John's Cracks Top 10 In Both National Rankings For First Time In Quarter Century

 

Deivon Smith leading a fast break on Tuesday night against Marquette. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm took another big step in the Top 25 rankings on Monday, as they came in at No. 9 in the Associated Press poll, and No. 8 in the USA Today Coaches' poll.

Yankees Bring Back Reliable Lefty Tim Hill

 

Yankee Stadium's landmark facade. Photo by Jason Schott.

One of the bigger bright spots in the Yankees' bullpen last season was left-hander Tim Hill, and he will be returning to The Bronx on a one-year deal, with a club option for the 2026 season.

St. John's Stakes Their Claim With Takedown Of UConn

 

Kadary Richmond waiting to defend an inbounds pass. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm made quite the statement as they took down the two-time defending National Champion Connecticut Huskies, 68-62, on Friday night.

Yankees Welcome A Pair Of Former Mets To Camp

 

Yankee Stadium. Photo by Jason Schott.

While Citi Field is starting to look like Yankee Stadium East, the Yankees might balance it out with a couple of invitees to spring training who have played for the Mets in recent years.

Billy Joel & Sting At Citi Field This Summer

 

Citi Field will host two of the greatest musicians of all-time, Billy Joel and Sting, in a one-night only concert on Thursday, August 21.

Books: "What Truth Sounds Like" By Michael Eric Dyson

  

What Truth Sounds Like: Robert F. Kennedy, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America

By Michael Eric Dyson

St. Martin's; paperback, 304 pages; $18.00

Michael Eric Dyson, one of the premier public intellectuals, is a Distinguished University Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, College of Arts and Science, and of Ethics and Society, Divinity School, and NEH Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University. He is the author of many New York Times bestsellers, including Tears We Cannot Stop, JAY-Z, and Long Time Coming. 

St. John's Jolts Marquette With Late Surge

 

The scene after St. John's took a 57-55 lead with 4:43 remaining. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm notched another signature win, as they pulled away down the stretch to outlast Marquette, 70-64, on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

NYCFC To Stream Coachella Valley Invitational

 

Provided by NYCFC.

New York City Football Club announced its on Monday that it will to stream their upcoming matches at the 2025 Coachella Valley Invitational.  

St. John's Now Top 10 In The Nation

 

The scene at Madison Square Garden Saturday during St. John's win over Providence. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm made another massive jump in the Top 25 rankings on Monday, as they came in at No. 12 in the Associated Press poll, and No. 10 in the USA Today Coaches' poll.

Books: "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke" By Smith & Sirianni

Buy What You Love Without Going Broke: Transform Your Spending and Get More of What Money Can't Buy 

By Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni

Harvest; 208 pages; hardcover, $25.00

Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni are the co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast. Smith is the personal finance expert who has written for Forbes, Money Magazine, and Business Insider. Before becoming a sought-after writer and speaker helping people live for today while saving for tomorrow, she and her husband paid off $78,000 of debt in two years while battling unemployment and buying a house. Sirianni is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience in doing a lot with a little, from starting small businesses to downsizing to an RV, all of it leveraged to pay off $60,000 in debt, and cash flow her masters degree. Helping others is Sirianni's highest value, and integrating her mental health perspective with personal finance is how she supports others to identify, and live out, what they value most.

St. John's Survives Persistent Providence Attack At Packed Garden

 

The celebration was on at the end of a chaotic afternoon at Madison Square Garden. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm survived a vigorous comeback down the stretch to outlast the Providence Friars, 68-66, on Saturday afternoon in front of 19,196 fans at Madison Square Garden.