Sports
Baseball history unpacked, January 1
Thanks for reading. Common sources: Also, the ‘history’ segment is highly edited for space and interest. Of course a great many other things happened on those days. We try to follow up on the interesting or unfamiliar ones. 1923 – Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Keeler dies in Brooklyn, NY, at the age of 50. […]


Thanks for reading.
Common sources:
Also, the ‘history’ segment is highly edited for space and interest. Of course a great many other things happened on those days. We try to follow up on the interesting or unfamiliar ones.
- 1923 – Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Keeler dies in Brooklyn, NY, at the age of 50. In 19 major league seasons, Keller hit .341, amassed 2,932 hits, and won consecutive batting titles in 1897 and 1898. (2)
- 1961 – Briggs Stadium is renamed Tiger Stadium.
- 1970 – Chub Feeney begins his 16-year presidency of the National League taking over for Warren Giles, who held the position for 18 years. (1,2)
- 1974 – Lee MacPhail takes over as American League president, succeeding Joe Cronin, who retires. MacPhail will serve in this role until 1984. He will join his father, Larry MacPhail, as a member of the Hall of Fame in 1998. (1,2)
- 2009 – Major League Baseball launches MLB Network, a cable and satellite television channel based out of Secaucus, NJ. The channel debuts in nearly 50 million cable and satellite homes – the largest debut in cable television history, exceeding any other cable television launch by approximately 20 million homes. (2)
- 2009 – The friendly confines of Wrigley Field see a different type of action as the ballpark is fitted with an outdoor hockey rink to welcome an afternoon NHL game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. The event is a huge success with 40,818 in attendance and a huge television audience in place to watch the Wings beat the Hawks, 6-4. Other ballparks are lining up to host future editions of what will become an annual New Year’s Day event. (2)
- 2010 – Boston’s historic Fenway Park is host to a National Hockey League game for the first time, as the Boston Bruins defeat the Philadelphia Flyers, 2-1 in overtime in the league’s annual New Year’s Day outdoor game. (2)
- 2015 – It’s the Nation’s Capital’s turn to host the annual National Hockey League Winter Classic, with Nationals Park transformed into an outdoor hockey rink for the occasion. The Washington Capitals defeat the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2, thanks to a goal with under 13 seconds left to play. The game draws a crowd of 42,832. (2)
- 2020 – Don Larsen*, who threw the only perfect game in World Series history in Game 5 in 1956, dies at age 90. (2)
Today in baseball history:
*pictured.
- 45 BC – Julian calendar takes effect for the first time by edict of Roman dictator Julius Caesar.
- 630 – Prophet Muhammad sets out with an army 10,000 strong to conquer Mecca.
- 1700 – Protestant Western Europe (except England) begins using the Gregorian calendar.
- 1724 – Glassblower Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit proposes system for making thermometers and the Fahrenheit temperature scale in a paper to the Royal Society of London and is elected a fellow on its basis.
- 1863 – Emancipation Proclamation is issued by Abraham Lincoln to free slaves in Confederate states.
- 1896 – German physicist Wilhelm Röentgen announces his discovery of X-rays.
- 1912 Sun Yat-sen forms the Republic of China.
- 1943 – Chicago Black Hawks field first trio of brothers to play together in an NHL game; Max, Doug and Reggie Bentley appear for the Hawks in a 6-5 win over the New York Rangers at Chicago Stadium.
“Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past, with plenty of the lore and various narratives to follow as they unfold over the course of time. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow along.
Today in History:
Some of these items spread from site to site without being verified. That is exactly why we ask for reputable sources if you have differences with a posted factoid. We are trying to set the record as straight as possible. But it isn’t brain surgery.
Cubs birthdays: Hugh Nicol, Ned Garvin, Tom Downey, Hack Miller, Teddy Kearns, Ethan Allen, Randy Bobb, Roberto Rivera. Also notable: Tim Keefe HOF, Hank Greenberg HOF.
Sports
Inside Shedeur Sanders’ Rap Career: Examining the Colorado QB’s Music Aspirations, Top Songs, and More
Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been making waves both on and off the football field. While he’s projected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders is also building a music career that reflects his self-confidence, ambition and desire to break the mold […]

Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been making waves both on and off the football field. While he’s projected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders is also building a music career that reflects his self-confidence, ambition and desire to break the mold of the traditional athlete.

Shedeur Sanders’ Vision Beyond the Field
Sanders’ interest in music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a parallel dream he’s pursuing with real intensity. He’s stated publicly that if he gave music the same focus he gives football, he’d be a “No. 1 pick” there too. That belief reflects a growing trend among Gen Z athletes who are crafting personal brands that extend into entertainment and culture.
His commitment to music reflects a new generation’s mindset—where pro sports careers can coexist with creative ambitions. Unlike past athletes who dabbled in music after retirement, Sanders is growing both identities simultaneously, showing how modern athletes are redefining what it means to be multifaceted.
While his father, Deion, briefly explored music in the 1990s, Sanders has made it clear their artistic paths are separate. Joking that Deion would need to “pay me to get on my song,” Sanders is carving out his own space in the rap world. He’s even expressed interest in collaborating with big names like Snoop Dogg, suggesting a long-term vision for his music career.
‘Perfect Timing’ and the Rise of a Player-Rapper
Sanders debuted his rap career with the single “Perfect Timing,” inspired by his $70,000 Audemars Piguet watch and the celebration that shares its name. Dropped during Colorado’s spring game, the track includes luxury-driven lines like, “It’s never hot around, my jewelry change the climate.” The song became a stadium anthem at Folsom Field and earned over two million streams on Apple Music.
Critics offered mixed reviews — some dismissing it as “garbage” — but the numbers highlight its cultural impact. “Perfect Timing” resonated with fans through heavy rotation at games and a strong presence on social media.
Sanders followed up with “Life,” a more introspective track featuring Que and Junior. Paired with a video that includes Super Bowl 59 highlights, the song leans into a Drake-like tone, exploring themes of ambition and reflection. While not yet available on major streaming platforms, “Life” signals Sanders’ artistic growth and a shift toward deeper lyrical storytelling.
Balancing football stardom with artistic ambition, Sanders is proving to be a rare figure — an elite quarterback making a serious play in the music industry. His dual path reflects the evolving identity of today’s athlete, where pursuing multiple passions isn’t just accepted — it’s expected.
Sports
Shedeur Sanders’ Flashy Draft-Day Outfit: See the Colorado QB’s Viral Fit, Including His Enormous Chain
Shedeur Sanders may not be in Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft, but he’s making headlines anyway, thanks to his flashy draft-day fashion. While some projected Sanders as a first-round pick earlier in the process, a late slide in his stock has potentially pushed the Colorado quarterback into Day 2 territory. Instead of attending […]
Shedeur Sanders may not be in Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft, but he’s making headlines anyway, thanks to his flashy draft-day fashion. While some projected Sanders as a first-round pick earlier in the process, a late slide in his stock has potentially pushed the Colorado quarterback into Day 2 territory. Instead of attending the draft in person, he chose to stay home in Canton, Texas, surrounded by family and his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders Steals the Show From Home With Iconic All-Black Fit, Signature Chain
Even without the primetime spotlight, Sanders is showing the world he’s built for the big stage. ESPN aired footage of the 23-year-old sporting all black and an enormous dollar sign squared chain. It, along with his brand name “Legendary,” is Sanders’ signature logo, a nod to his jersey number and his father, Deion’s, rich history with the brand. Deion wore No. 2 during his college football career at Florida State University.
Shedeur Sanders Draft Day Chain Is INSANE!!!
pic.twitter.com/eZRC5srN9L
— GUCCE
(@gucceCU) April 24, 2025
While 17 other prospects are in the green room in Green Bay hoping to hear their names called tonight, Sanders’ fashion choice proves he’s still embracing the moment — his way. Despite the draft uncertainty, he’s keeping the spotlight on his terms. Whether he goes on Day 1 or 2, Sanders is telling the world that he’s ready for the league, and he’s doing it with style.
Quarterback to Mic Check: Sanders Is Rewriting the Playbook for Gen Z Athletes
Sanders is not just preparing for his name to be called at the 2025 NFL Draft; he’s also laying down verses and beats as part of a legitimate push into the music industry. He is part of a new generation of athletes who are rejecting the idea that success has to come in one arena. For Sanders, football and music aren’t competing priorities — they’re twin lanes of ambition he’s determined to drive forward at full speed.
Sanders debuted his rap career with the single “Perfect Timing,” which made waves during Colorado’s spring game. Not just because of its references to luxury watches and high-end lifestyle, but also because it connected with fans in a stadium setting and racked up over two million streams. The track sparked debate — some critics called it weak — but the reception shows that his influence extends beyond the field. His follow-up single, “Life,” takes on a more introspective vibe, showing early signs of artistic evolution and a long-term interest in music as more than a side project.
With an unapologetically confident outlook and eyes on potential collaborations with legends like Snoop Dogg, Sanders is challenging the traditional athlete mold. Instead of waiting until after football, he’s building a personal brand now — one that fuses stardom, swagger, and self-expression.
Sports
Water Polo Set For MAAC Semifinal Against Villanova
Story Links POUGHKEEPSIE, New York- The Marist water polo team is set to play in its 2025 MAAC Championships Semifinal match, Saturday afternoon. The Red Foxes compete against Villanova for the third time this season, splitting the previous two matches. The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, […]
POUGHKEEPSIE, New York- The Marist water polo team is set to play in its 2025 MAAC Championships Semifinal match, Saturday afternoon. The Red Foxes compete against Villanova for the third time this season, splitting the previous two matches.
The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, at 23-10 overall and 8-3 in MAAC play.
- The Red Foxes swept their final two matches of the regular season.
- Match One vs Siena: 14-11, win
- Match Two vs Iona: 13-12, win
- In the win against Iona, the Red Foxes clinched the Blue Division in the MAAC.
- Baumgarten had a dominant season for the Red Foxes in her senior year.
- Baumgarten tallied 40 goals on the season for the Red Foxes.
- Baumgarten scored a season-high seven goals in the Red Foxes Blue Division clinching win against Iona 13-12.
- Baumgarten is a two-time ACWPC All-American Honorable Mention and earned her second Second Team All-MAAC selection.
- The Wildcats finished the regular season 21-11 overall and 7-5 in MAAC play.
- In the MAAC quarterfinal match, Villanova triumphed against Iona 9-6.
- The Wildcats had four All-MAAC honorees for an impressive 2025 season.
- Adrienne Grimes was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year for the Wildcats.
- Michael Gordan was named MAAC Coach of the Year
Sports
Drake Maye reacts to Patriots’ selection of Will Campbell
The New England Patriots selected LSU left tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the pick, the Patriots filled their largest need on the roster, bolstering Drake Maye’s blind side on the offensive line, and Campbell is ready to “fight and die,” to protect Maye at all […]

The New England Patriots selected LSU left tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the pick, the Patriots filled their largest need on the roster, bolstering Drake Maye’s blind side on the offensive line, and Campbell is ready to “fight and die,” to protect Maye at all costs.
And Maye seems quite happy about the pick. The Patriots starting quarterback took to X to react to Campbell’s emotional interview on the draft stage with the caption:
“Love this guy already [fire emoji] LFG,” Maye said.
Campbell was the top-rated tackle in the draft. The first team All-American stands at 6-foot-6, 319 pounds and possesses high-end athleticism for the tackle position in this year’s class. The major concern for him is his arm length, as he at 32 5/8 inches at the combine. He did measure 33 inches at LSU’s Pro Day, but it’s a still less-than-ideal number. Nonetheless, Campbell is confident about his ability to play tackle at the highest level.
“Nasty,” Campbell said about his play style during a press conference on Thursday. “I’m going to go out there and give everything I have every single play to protect my teammates, protect my quarterback, and just put the Patriots in the best position possible to help win games on Sundays.”
Campbell’s character is undeniable. It is still to be determined if he has what it takes to be an elite left tackle in the NFL. Regardless, the Patriots addressed their biggest need and protected their most important asset. Obviously there are risks with the pick, but it was probably their best option and, at the very least, their young quarterback is excited about it.
College Sports
Water Polo Set For MAAC Semifinal Against Villanova
Story Links POUGHKEEPSIE, New York- The Marist water polo team is set to play in its 2025 MAAC Championships Semifinal match, Saturday afternoon. The Red Foxes compete against Villanova for the third time this season, splitting the previous two matches. The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, at 23-10 overall […]

POUGHKEEPSIE, New York- The Marist water polo team is set to play in its 2025 MAAC Championships Semifinal match, Saturday afternoon. The Red Foxes compete against Villanova for the third time this season, splitting the previous two matches.
The Red Foxes enter the match ranked first in the Blue Division, at 23-10 overall and 8-3 in MAAC play.
- The Red Foxes swept their final two matches of the regular season.
- Match One vs Siena: 14-11, win
- Match Two vs Iona: 13-12, win
- In the win against Iona, the Red Foxes clinched the Blue Division in the MAAC.
- Baumgarten had a dominant season for the Red Foxes in her senior year.
- Baumgarten tallied 40 goals on the season for the Red Foxes.
- Baumgarten scored a season-high seven goals in the Red Foxes Blue Division clinching win against Iona 13-12.
- Baumgarten is a two-time ACWPC All-American Honorable Mention and earned her second Second Team All-MAAC selection.
- The Wildcats finished the regular season 21-11 overall and 7-5 in MAAC play.
- In the MAAC quarterfinal match, Villanova triumphed against Iona 9-6.
- The Wildcats had four All-MAAC honorees for an impressive 2025 season.
- Adrienne Grimes was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year for the Wildcats.
- Michael Gordan was named MAAC Coach of the Year
Sports
No. 21 Women’s Water Polo Dismisses Azusa Pacific to Advance to GCC Semifinals
Next Match: vs. No. 2 Fresno State 4/26/2025 | 2 p.m. Apr. 26 (Sat) / 2 p.m. vs. No. 2 Fresno State History LOS ANGELES – In control from start to finish, the No. 21 Pacific women’s water polo program submitted a wire-to-wire 16-9 victory over Azusa Pacific on Friday […]

LOS ANGELES – In control from start to finish, the No. 21 Pacific women’s water polo program submitted a wire-to-wire 16-9 victory over Azusa Pacific on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Golden Coast Conference Tournament at the Burns Aquatics Center on the campus of LMU.
The third-seeded Tigers (13-9, 5-2 GCC) pounced on sixth-seeded APU (16-15, 2-5 GCC) early and built a 6-3 first quarter lead. Pacific upped it to 10-3 in the second quarter to catapult ahead. The Tigers never trailed in the contest.
Each recording a hat trick were junior Dora Alaksza and sophomore Ella Cowan. Alaksza, an All-Conference First-Team selection, is up to 235 career goals, which ranks third all-time in Pacific history. She’s chasing Molly Smith’s program-leading tally of 286 goals from 1997-00 and Jessica Schroeder who is second with 268 goals from 2001-05.
Pacific, which has now won four of its last five games, garnered a pair of goals from senior Addison McGowan, senior Hila Futorian, senior Sierra Cavano and sophomore Alicia Petkov. McGowan, who was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention, registered a team-high five points after dishing out three assists. Futorian, an All-Conference Second-Team honoree, distributed a pair of assists.
Seniors Ilyana Zlobinsky and Natasha Dykman scored a goal apiece. Sophomore Maja Lizy Dulic, an All-Conference Honorable Mention, made nine saves in net and turned in a .500 save percentage.
APU was led by Jaeden Johnson’s three goals and two assists. GCC Newcomer of the Year Jessie Nelson was held scoreless.
Pacific knocked APU out of the conference tournament for the third year in a row. The Tigers are now 17-1 all-time against the Cougars and 6-0 at a neutral site.
With the win, the Tigers advanced to Saturday’s 2 p.m. semifinals. They’ll take on second-seeded and eighth-ranked Fresno State in a revenge match after dropping the regular season meeting 12-10.
Precision passing and a goal by A. Petkov. Tigers lead Azusa Pacific 13-6 in the 3Q.#PacificProud || #DreamBig || #WaterPoloU pic.twitter.com/SV4GQ7vLlt
— Pacific Water Polo (@UOPWaterPoloU) April 25, 2025
Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific women’s water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo) and “like” the team’s official Facebook page (Pacific Women’s Water Polo).
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