MLB
Two of Cleveland’s stars from the 1990s, Kenny Lofton and Carlos Baerga, will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the World Series.
Lofton, the fleet-footed center fielder, will have the honor before Game 1 as the Indians host the Chicago Cubs. Baerga, a three-time All-Star second baseman, will handle the duties before Game 2.
Indians fans had pushed on social media to have actor Charlie Sheen, who played Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, a hard-throwing pitcher in the iconic movie “Major League,” throw out the first pitch. However, the Indians had already decided on Lofton and Baerga.
CHICAGO — Fans hoping to see the Cubs play in the World Series for the first time since 1945 are finding a seat could cost more than what their grandparents paid for their houses.
A look at ticket-selling sites on the internet Monday reveals ticket owners are willing to part with theirs for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Ticket brokers say fans are starting to spend as much as $12,000.
Fans with more creativity than money are making some unusual offers.
Ticket owners who like to ski might be interested in the offer from a Southern California woman for a week in her mountain cabin for a couple of tickets. A Portland, Oregon, firefighter is offering a Pacific Northwest tour in exchange for a ticket.
LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw is unlikely to need back surgery for the herniated disk that sidelined the Dodgers ace for 2 ½ months during the season.
That’s according to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who says Kershaw feels good and that he doesn’t anticipate surgery being necessary for the left-hander.
Friedman made his comments Monday, two days after Kershaw got pummeled in the Dodgers’ 5-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series that ended Los Angeles’ season.
NBA
NEW YORK — The Golden State Warriors and TNT will begin the season with a tribute to sideline reporter Craig Sager, who is battling leukemia.
TNT will unveil a T-shirt during its Tuesday night studio show that was inspired by the suit Sager wore while receiving the Jimmy Valvano Award at this year’s ESPY Awards. Proceeds from the sale of the shirt will benefit the SagerStrong Foundation .
The popular reporter, best known for his colorful suits, won’t be able to work the game as he continues treatment.
NFL
Saying that he is “walking away with peace,” Arian Foster announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday. “My body just can’t take the punishment this game asks for any longer,” the Dolphins running back wrote in a short essay published online.
The 30-year-old Foster is in his first season in Miami, following seven in Houston. His career has been marked by impressive production - when he has been able to stay on the field.
However, since 2010, Foster has suited up for 80 of a possible 102 regular season games because of a litany of ailments, including calf, back, hamstring and Achilles’ injuries. This year, he had been trying to work his way back after straining his groin in Week 2.
“There comes a time in every athlete’s career when their ambition and their body are not on the same page,” Foster wrote Monday. “I’ve reached that point. I have to walk away.”
Associated Press
