Sports
Get ready for a fun and inclusive Samo Pride month!
May 28, 2025 8:42 AM by Christopher J. Smith The beloved SaMo Pride is back this June with a month full of programming designed to celebrate, honor and support the LGBTQ+ community. SaMo Pride was established in 2019 as a citywide partnership between the city of Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism […]
May 28, 2025 8:42 AM
by Christopher J. Smith
The beloved SaMo Pride is back this June with a month full of programming designed to celebrate, honor and support the LGBTQ+ community.
SaMo Pride was established in 2019 as a citywide partnership between the city of Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism and Main Street Santa Monica, dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and providing a platform to champion individuality and acceptance. And, this year, we welcome the Main Street Business Improvement District and the Summer Soulstice open streets event into the SaMoPride umbrella.
SaMo Pride continues to strive to increase visibility and understanding of the broad spectrum of gender identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
The month kicked off with a Proclamation at the Santa Monica City Council meeting on May 27, written and designed by this year’s cohort from the Crow Comedy’s Family Pride Story-echtomy Program participants. Watch the video here.
Pride Month will culminate in a community SaMo Pride celebration on June 21, which is bigger and better than ever before with activations throughout the Promenade, Santa Monica Place, Main Street, the Pier and even on the beach.
See below for a list of SaMo Pride happenings throughout the city in June.
Please visit smpride.com for more information and check back often as event details may change.
Thursday, May 29, 4-5 p.m., Main Library Central Courtyard (601 Santa Monica Blvd.)
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ Community by making signs to wave at the upcoming West Hollywood and Los Angeles Pride Marches. Materials and sample slogans provided!
Thursday, June 5, 6:30-9 p.m., Solidarity Restaurant (1414 Lincoln Blvd.)
Head to Solidarity for a fun night of Drag Bingo, with legendary co-hosts Miss Barbie-Q and Mini Horrorwitz! Win fabulous prizes playing bingo while supporting the Trans Equity Scholarship fund, which helps individuals cover the fees for making their name and gender change official in California.
Saturday, June 7, 12–6 p.m., Santa Monica Beach Lot 4 South (2030 Ocean Ave.)
Get ready to witness an incredible feat of determination and resilience as the extraordinary Cyclists and Roadies conclude their remarkable 7-day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy.)
Pickle, the first Drag Laureate of the city of West Hollywood, returns to the Beach House to host an interactive Drag Storytime that delightfully challenges restrictive gender stereotypes and encourages self-expression. Enjoy face painting, surprises, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends.
LGBTQ+ Self Defense Training
Saturday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Miles Memorial Playhouse (1130 Lincoln Blvd.)
This self-defense training, specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community, is a deeply empowering and highly applicable 4-hour workshop that offers an in-depth overview of effective everyday safety and self-defense concepts, including: awareness, target denial and violence avoidance.
Tuesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. –12 p.m., Ocean Park Branch Library (2601 Main St.)
Celebrate Pride Month with an inclusive storytime for LGBTQIA+ and ally families. Ages 3+
Friday, June 20, 6-9 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy.)
Enjoy a queer, safe, accessible, judgment-free space for every and all bodies, with fabulous pool floats and s’mores at the historic Beach House pool. PRIDE Happy Hour at the adjacent Back on the Beach Café will be hosted from 5 – 7 p.m. Age 18+.
Saturday, June 21, Promenade | Pier | Santa Monica Place | Main Street
10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fabulous Fables: Drag Queen Pride Family-Edition
A family-friendly event with face painting, a live performance by Santa Monica Playhouse, poetry by Santa Monica Poet Laureate Anne Carmack, Drag Storytelling, and a Books & Cookies pop-up in the Santa Monica Pier Historic Merry Go-Round Building
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pride at the Pier Beach Sporting Experience
Join OutLoud Sports for a day of mini tournaments in kickball, dodgeball, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, and cornhole, along with music, food, and drinks on the beach near Santa Monica Pier
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pride at the Pier Beach Volleyball
Pride Point Volleyball hosts open-format play for all skill levels, inviting participants to spike, set, and connect in a welcoming, community-driven event on the beach north of Santa Monica Pier.
12-4 p.m., Pride Disco and Kid Zone
Enjoy a family-friendly Silent Disco along with inclusive craft activities, in partnership with Cayton Children’s Museum, at Santa Monica Place.
3-6 p.m., Main Street Drag Bingo
On Main Street Santa Monica, Pride-goers can enjoy Drag Bingo in the Beer Garden as part of the return of the Main Street Summer Soulstice celebration.
2–7 p.m., Pride on the Promenade
Enjoy musical performances, fun giveaways, interactive games and a curated selection of LGBTQ+ businesses on Third Street Promenade. New this year, Pride on the Promenade is part of Downtown Santa Monica’s expanded Entertainment Zone, which allows guests to responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages as they stroll the Promenade.
7 p.m. & 9 p.m., Crow Comedy Family Pride Story-echtomy
LGBTQ+ community members and allies share personal and comedic stories alongside pro comedians like Netflix’s Cameron Esposito.
Sunday, June 22, 12-8 p.m., Santa Monica Pier
With the ocean as the backdrop and the Pier as the stage, this unforgettable event brings together the entire community to celebrate love, unity and the beautiful diversity of Santa Monica’s LGBTQIA+ family. A portion of the proceeds from this spectacular event will go directly back into the community, supporting local LGBTQIA+ organizations and initiatives to ensure that the spirit of Pride continues long after the celebration ends.
Authored By
Christopher J. Smith
Deputy City Manager
Categories
Arts, Culture & Fun, Library, Programs
Sports
ALMONT VOLLEYBALL YOUTH CAMP – The County Press
ALMONT — The Almont varsity volleyball team and coaches ended a week of fun Thursday capping off their annual youth volleyball camp that ran Monday-Thursday at the high school. New varsity coach Michelle Wangler, along with assistant coach Cortney Kendall, stressed not hitting the ball as hard as you can, rather, hitting it up, out […]

ALMONT — The Almont varsity volleyball team and coaches ended a week of fun Thursday capping off their annual youth volleyball camp that ran Monday-Thursday at the high school. New varsity coach Michelle Wangler, along with assistant coach Cortney Kendall, stressed not hitting the ball as hard as you can, rather, hitting it up, out and fast to serve across […]
Sports
Sports on TV for Sunday, June 22 -newspressnow.com
By The Associated Press (All times Eastern)Schedule subject to change and/or blackoutsSunday, June 22AUTO RACING 7:30 a.m. FS1 — FIM MotoGP: The Brembo Grand Prix of Italy, Tuscany, Italy 10 a.m. FS1 — NTT IndyCar Series: Warmup, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis. 11 a.m. FS1 — NXT IndyCar Series: The Grand Prix at Road America, […]

By The Associated Press
(All times Eastern)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Sunday, June 22
AUTO RACING
7:30 a.m.
FS1 — FIM MotoGP: The Brembo Grand Prix of Italy, Tuscany, Italy
10 a.m.
FS1 — NTT IndyCar Series: Warmup, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
11 a.m.
FS1 — NXT IndyCar Series: The Grand Prix at Road America, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Noon
CBS — ABB FIA Formula-E: The Jakarta Grand Prix – Round 12, North Jakarta, Indonesia (Taped)
NBC — IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: The Saleh’s Six Hours of Glen, Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, N.Y.
1:30 p.m.
FOX — NTT IndyCar Series: The Xpel Grand Prix at Road America, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
2 p.m.
FS1 — NHRA: Qualifying, Virginia Motorsports Park, North Dinwiddie, Va. (Taped)
PRIME VIDEO — NASCAR Cup Series: The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
4 p.m.
CBSSN — FIM Motocross: The MX2, Matterly Basin, Great Britain (Taped)
FOX — NHRA: The Virginia NHRA Nationals, Virginia Motorsports Park, North Dinwiddie, Va.
5 p.m.
CBSSN — FIM Motocross: The MXGP, Matterly Basin, Great Britain (Taped)
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
1 p.m.
CBSSN — AVP League: Week 4 – Day 2, East Hampton, N.Y.
3 p.m.
CW — AVP League: Week 4 – Day 2, East Hampton, N.Y.
BIG3 BASKETBALL
1 p.m.
CBS — Week 2: Detroit Amps vs. Miami 305, Boston Ball Hogs vs. DMV Trilogy, Houston Rig Hands vs. Chicago Triplets, L.A. Riot vs. Dallas Power, Baltimore
COLLEGE BASEBALL
2:30 p.m.
ABC — Men’s College World Series – Final: LSU vs. Coastal Carolina, Game 2, Omaha, Neb.
ESPNU — Men’s College World Series – Final: LSU vs. Coastal Carolina, Game 2, Omaha, Neb. (UmpCast)
GOLF
1 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour: The Travelers Championship, Final Round, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Conn.
3 p.m.
CBS — PGA Tour: The Travelers Championship, Final Round, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Conn.
GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: The Kaulig Companies Championship, Final Round, Firestone Country Club South Course, Akron, Ohio
NBC — LPGA Tour: The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Final Round, Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, Frisco, Texas
HORSE RACING
12:30 p.m.
FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
2 p.m.
FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
4 p.m.
FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
LACROSSE (MEN’S)
Noon
ABC — PLL: Utah vs. Denver, Baltimore
MLB BASEBALL
1:30 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Texas at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m.) OR Atlanta at Miami (1:40 p.m.)
4:30 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Kansas City at San Diego (4:10 p.m.) OR Boston at San Francisco (4:05 p.m.)
7 p.m.
ESPN — N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia
ESPN2 — N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (StatCast)
NBA BASKETBALL
8 p.m.
ABC — NBA Finals: Indiana at Oklahoma City, Game 7
SOCCER (MEN’S)
3 p.m.
TNT — FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage: Real Madrid vs. CF Pachuca, Group H, Charlotte, N.C.
TRUTV — FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage: Real Madrid vs. CF Pachuca, Group H, Charlotte, N.C.
7 p.m.
FOX — CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage: U.S. vs. Haiti, Group D, Arlington, Texas
FS1 — CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage: Saudi Arabia vs. Trinidad and Tobago, Group D, Las Vegas
9 p.m.
TNT — FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage: Manchester City vs. Al Ain FC, Group G, Atlanta
TRUTV — FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage: Manchester City vs. Al Ain FC, Group G, Atlanta
10 p.m.
FS1 — CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage: Mexico vs. Costa Rica, Group A, Las Vegas
FS2 — CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage: Dominican Republic vs. Suriname, Group A, Arlington, Texas
SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
10 p.m.
CBSSN — NWSL: Washington at San Diego
SOFTBALL
7 p.m.
ESPNU — Athletes Unlimited: Talons vs. Volts, Norman, Okla.
TENNIS
6 a.m.
TENNIS — London-ATP, Halle-ATP, Berlin-WTA, Nottingham-WTA Finals
11:30 a.m.
TENNIS — Bad Hoburg-WTA Early Rounds
5:30 a.m. (Monday)
TENNIS — Eastbourne-ATP/WTA, Mallorca-ATP, Bad Homburg-WTA Early Rounds
6 a.m. (Monday)
TENNIS — Eastbourne-ATP/WTA, Mallorca-ATP, Bad Homburg-WTA Early Rounds
VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)
10:30 a.m.
CBSSN — FIVB Nations League Pool Play: France vs. U.S., Pool 6, Belgrade, Serbia
WNBA BASKETBALL
3 p.m.
ESPN — Indiana at Las Vegas
7 p.m.
NBATV — New York at Seattle
_____
Sports
Carcarey Earns Silver Medal with Team USA at U20 Water Polo World Championships
Jon Carcarey, a rising junior at Pepperdine University, secured a silver medal with Team USA at the U20 Water Polo World Championships in Croatia, marking the nation’s best finish ever at this level. The team advanced to the championship match after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Serbia and a tight semifinal victory over Hungary, […]
Jon Carcarey, a rising junior at Pepperdine University, secured a silver medal with Team USA at the U20 Water Polo World Championships in Croatia, marking the nation’s best finish ever at this level. The team advanced to the championship match after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Serbia and a tight semifinal victory over Hungary, with Carcarey contributing four goals throughout the tournament. The U.S. began the competition with losses against Croatia and Hungary but rebounded by defeating Montenegro and Iran in knockout stages. In the final match, they faced Spain but were edged out 14-11. This achievement marks only the second medal for the U.S. in the tournament’s history.
By the Numbers
- The U.S. finished with a silver medal, the highest-ever at a Junior World Championship.
- Carcarey scored four goals during the tournament, including three against Hungary.
State of Play
- Team USA started the tournament with a 19-10 loss to Croatia and a 13-12 defeat to Hungary.
- They rebounded by defeating Montenegro (16-10) and Iran (23-5), leading to a quarterfinal win over Serbia.
What’s Next
Carcarey will return to Pepperdine, where he has a total of 60 goals over two previous seasons. The Waves are set to begin their next season at the Triton Invite in San Diego from August 30-31.
Bottom Line
Carcarey’s performance at the U20 World Championships not only highlights his personal achievements but also signals a rising trajectory for U.S. water polo on the international stage, making it a pivotal moment for future competitions.
Sports
Smoky Mountain’s Ella Gamble and her Team USA Deaf Volleyball Journey
SYLVA, N.C. — (WLOS) – The 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan in November will have a WNC native as a member of its USA deaf volleyball team. “As you can tell, I can talk completely normal, I can interact completely normal. Growing up, a lot of people didn’t know I was deaf unless I told […]
SYLVA, N.C. — (WLOS) – The 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan in November will have a WNC native as a member of its USA deaf volleyball team.
“As you can tell, I can talk completely normal, I can interact completely normal. Growing up, a lot of people didn’t know I was deaf unless I told them, or they saw the implant,” said Ella Gamble.
Gamble, who attends Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. is home in Sylva for just a little bit as she prepares for another season, teaching, playing, and studying.
“We are in the middle of the city, on campus it’s nice because it’s kind of secluded. It’s fenced in so you kind of have your own world. But then you go out and have so many people and so many things, it’s definitely different. But I’m getting used to it, when I come back home, it’s definitely a breath of fresh air.”
First attending Carson-Newman out of high school, Gamble transferred to Gallaudet, a school that specializes in deaf and hard-of-hearing. Before her time in D.C., sign language wasn’t an essential part of her daily life. Though being born deaf, her life was most predicated by her implants, as the sign language community in Western North Carolina isn’t too large of a community.
“Whenever I transferred to Gallaudet, they had all signed there. So when I got there, I didn’t really know anything except the absolute basics. I’ve become fluent in sign since being there. Obviously I don’t really use it here because there’s nobody to talk to. I will with my sister every once in awhile, she knows a little bit. When I go back up there, sometimes I won’t even wear my implants just because that’s the language, and that’s what I feel more natural doing, even though spoken English is my first language.”
Volleyball has been Ella’s whole life, something she saw her mom doing and coaching, and a path she seeks to follow.
“I’ve thankfully had a lot of opportunities because I want to coach in the future. That’s my dream job right now, my goal. I’ve been helping my mom for years, her club team, and now she’s coaching the middle school District team here. I’ve been helping her out with practices and stuff. This past year, Gallaudet started men’s volleyball, I coached their club team the year before that through an internship as an assistant. This past year, I’ve been able to be a student assistant, and that’s been a lot of fun. It’s weird because all the guys are my age, or older and younger you know. It’s a little bit weird because we’re the same age, because I’m friends with some of them.”
Teaching, coach, learning, clearly a passion of hers. Ella is the eldest of four in her family, with two brothers between her and the youngest, her sister.
“She’s been in the gym since she was four. Her experience is very different from mine. I started playing in maybe fifth grade and I wasn’t really good until my sophomore year of school. While she’s been in the gym and she’s been going at it for awhile. The stuff I was doing when I was older, seeing her doing it now, and seeing her be as good as she is, it’s really cool.”
Volleyball has already taken Ella to one Deaflympics, and world championship, and to-be another Deaflympics this fall. Seeing the world because of her lack of ability to hear, something she never could have foreseen.
“It’s been really cool to see where I started here, in little Cullowhee, Sylva. And playing for Smoky Mountain, to going to do this. I never would have imagined, my little high school self would never imagined – ,my little high school self would never have thought I’d be doing this one day.”
Sports
With a heat wave June 21-22 here’s where to swim in the Fox Cities
8 pools and splash pads to try in the Fox Cities Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Little Chute and Kaukauna offer pools and splash pads. Here’s a run-down of some of the headlining amenities at each facility. There are 6 pools in the area, including in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Little Chute and Kaukauna. Three cities have splash […]


8 pools and splash pads to try in the Fox Cities
Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Little Chute and Kaukauna offer pools and splash pads. Here’s a run-down of some of the headlining amenities at each facility.
- There are 6 pools in the area, including in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Little Chute and Kaukauna.
- Three cities have splash pads, ranging in size, shape and age.
- Swimmers can find man-made beaches in five communities, depending on which part of the Fox Cities is your starting point.
- There are three beaches which grant access to Lake Winnebago, though checking the DNR website ahead of time to make sure the water quality is up to snuff.
The Fox Cities are expecting a heat wave.
Temperatures will peak in the mid-90s June 21 and 22, and in the low-90s on June 23, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay. The heat index — what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature — will be between 95 and 105 degrees June 21 and June 22, the NWS said.
Those looking to cool off with a weekend swim day in the greater Appleton area have several options, both chlorinated and non-chlorinated.
Here’s our list of pools, splash pads, ponds and lake beaches, along with their weekend hours where applicable.
Here’s where to find pools in Appleton
Erb Pool, 1800 N. Morrison St. in Appleton, has open swim hours from 1 to 6 p.m. on weekends. The Olympic-sized pool is available for open and lap swimming, and has zero-depth entry with spray features, two water slides, diving boards, shade, concession stand, and more. There is a supply of lifejackets that can be borrowed for non-swimmers.
Mead Pool, 1430 E. John St. in Appleton, also has open swim from 1 to 6 p.m. on weekends. Some pool features include a water slide, diving boards, zero-depth entry, snack bar and a sand volleyball court.
For rates and more information on Erb or Mead pool, visit appletonparkandrec.org.
Here’s where to find pools in Neenah, Menasha
Neenah Pool, 600 S. Park Ave., Neenah, has open swim from 1 to 6 p.m. on weekends. Neenah’s outdoor pool features lap lanes, a tot sand play area, sand volleyball court, drop slide, concessions, lounge chairs and more. For more information, visit ci.neenah.wi.us.
Neenah’s free splash pad is located within Washington Park, 631 W. Winneconne Ave., and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The pad can be activated by running your hand over the motion sensor on top of the red fire hydrant and will keep going for four minutes at a time. For more information, visit ci.neenah.wi.us.
Jefferson Park Swimming Pool, 915 Third St., Menasha, is open 1 to 6:30 p.m. on weekends. Park amenities include a water slide, zero-depth entry, kid’s fountain, drop slide, inflatable toy area, concessions, events and games. For more information, visit menashawi.gov.
Here’s where to find pools in the Heart of the Valley
Doyle Pool, at Doyle Park, 100 Van Buren St. in Little Chute, is open from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. There is a small children’s pool and a large pool that features diving boards and a water slide. There also is a concession stand. For more information, visit littlechutewi.org.
Kimberly’s new splash pad is open at the Sunset Beach Swimming Facility at 1010 Fulcer Ave. in Kimberly from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and is included with admission to the facility. For more information, visit vokimberly.org.
Kaukauna Municipal Pool, 607 Dodge St. in Kaukauna, has open swim hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The pool offers two slides, lap lanes, an aqua climbing wall, concessions and more. The more-than-4,000 square foot splash pad is also open at the city’s municipal pool from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Its schedule includes some hours with a fee and some which are free. For more information, visit kaukauna.gov.
Here’s where to find man-made beaches in Appleton, Kimberly, Seymour and Shiocton
Plamann Lake, 1375 E. Broadway Drive in Appleton, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Plamann Park boasts an inflatable water park that includes a trampoline and a climbing wall. Swimming lessons and concessions are also available. For rates and more information, visit outagamie.org.
The Sunset Beach Swimming Facility at 1010 Fulcer Ave. in Kimberly, is open noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The beach is staffed by certified lifeguards. Other amenities include sand beach with shallow water slides, a diving well with a slide, playground, shelters, diving boards and a sand volleyball court. For more information, visit vokimberly.org.
About a half-hour drive due north of Appleton, there’s Seymour Lake Park, 1200 Lake Road, Seymour. The park has a beach where you can play in the sand or go swimming. There is no fee to swim and it is at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards on duty. There’s also a public restroom available.
Heading a half-hour northwest gets you to Shiocton Lake Park, N5684 Lake Park St., in Shiocton. Swimming in the pond is at your own risk. There is a playground, pavilion and picnic tables, and a public restroom is available during the summer.
To the southwest, across the Wolf River, there’s also Marble Park, 639 W. Main St. in Winneconne. Weekend hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The beach is staffed by certified lifeguards and has a diving platform on the deep end. There is a public restroom and picnic tables available. For more information including admission fees, visit winneconnewi.gov.
Here’s where to swim in Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne
High Cliff State Park, N7630 State Park Road, in Sherwood, has a swimming beach that sits on Lake Winnebago’s east shore, though the swim area does not provide lifeguards. There is a bathhouse with toilets, showers, and changing areas as well as open shelters. Note that a vehicle admission sticker is required, which can be purchased daily or for the year. More information is available on the Wisconsin DNR website.
Fresh Air Park, 495 Maple Lane, Neenah, accesses the west shore of Lake Winnebago. A public beach is available at this park, along with picnic tables.
Municipal Beach, Brighton Beach Road, Menasha, accesses Lake Winnebago’s north shore. The beachfront offers a swimming area that ranges from 2 to 9 feet. There is an area for sand volleyball, and there are picnic tables for visitors to use as well as portable bathrooms.
Lake Winneconne Park, 498 Parkway Drive, Winneconne, has a small swimming beach with no lifeguard on duty, and three buildings and a gazebo that may be rented. There is also a boat launch and a boat docking facility.
Larry Gallup contributed to this report.
Sports
Twins' Minor Leaguer Gets Huge Surprise as He Catches the Ceremonial First Pitch
Randy Dobnak has had plenty of ups and downs since joining the Minnesota Twins organization in 2017, and he experienced both Saturday night as his Triple-A St. Paul Saints met the Toledo Mud Hens. The right-handed reliever threw three innings, giving up six runs, and was charged with the 9-4 loss to Toledo, the top […]


Randy Dobnak has had plenty of ups and downs since joining the Minnesota Twins organization in 2017, and he experienced both Saturday night as his Triple-A St. Paul Saints met the Toledo Mud Hens.
The right-handed reliever threw three innings, giving up six runs, and was charged with the 9-4 loss to Toledo, the top affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
But before the game, his wife and young daughter joined him on the field for the ceremonial first pitch. Dobnak, 30, crouched behind home plate as his wife, Aerial, and the girl walked to the plate.
Aerial handed their toddler girl, River, a ball, and she walked toward her dad, plunking the ball into his glove
When he removed it from his blue glove, he saw the message written on the ball.
“We’ve seen good first pitches. We’ve seen bad ones. But THIS may be the cutest,” read a statement posted on the Minor League Baseball account on X.
We’ve seen good first pitches. We’ve seen bad ones. But THIS may be the cutest
#MNTwins pitcher Randy Dobnak gets some adorable help on a gender reveal in St. Paul: https://t.co/fplylhk8Lb pic.twitter.com/x5QvRUPa4e
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 22, 2025
“It’s a girl,” he saw, looking both happy and surprised.
Dobnak gave the ball back to his wife and embraced her, as well as River.
On-field gender reveals could be the next big thing, apparently.
In April, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner had the inside scoop — straight from the doctor’s office — on the gender of the fourth child of Bryce and Kayla Harper. Turner had both a pink bat and blue bat at his disposal, and he handed Turner the blue one as he went to the plate in an April 14 game against the San Francisco Giants.
This, apparently, is how Kayla Harper found out the gender of the child she is carrying, too.
They’re having a boy!
Bryce Harper gets the gender reveal for his fourth child thanks to a custom blue bat handed to him by Trea Turner
pic.twitter.com/m4xP2wGv3U
— MLB (@MLB) April 14, 2025
Best wishes to the Dobnak family about the coming arrival of their next little girl. The next Twins fan is on the way.
AFTER THE ROMAN EMPIRE: With Roman Anthony called up to the Boston Red Sox, who is the next No. 1 prospect in baseball? CLICK HERE
‘THAT IS INSANE!’: Marcelo Mayer really, really liked his bobblehead. CLICK HERE
FUTURES GAME: An Atlanta Braves icon will manage the National League minor leaguers in the Futures Game in July. CLICK HERE
-
High School Sports2 weeks ago
Parents Speak Out As Trans Pitcher Throws Shutout In MN State Quarterfinals
-
Professional Sports2 weeks ago
'I asked Anderson privately'… UFC legend retells secret sparring session between Jon Jones …
-
Health2 weeks ago
Oregon track star wages legal battle against trans athlete policy after medal ceremony protest
-
Professional Sports2 weeks ago
UFC 316 star storms out of Media Day when asked about bitter feud with Rampage Jackson
-
NIL3 weeks ago
Men's college basketball Top 25 reset
-
Motorsports1 week ago
NASCAR Weekend Preview: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
-
Rec Sports3 weeks ago
2x NBA All-Star Reacts to Viral LeBron James Statement
-
Social Media3 weeks ago
Controversial Athletics Gender Dispute Goes Viral After Riley Gaines Lashes Over Authorities
-
College Sports3 weeks ago
OKC’s Mark Daigneault knows what it takes to win championships. His wife has won a ton of them
-
NIL2 weeks ago
Patrick Mahomes in OKC for WCWS, praises NiJaree Canady and Texas Tech