Baseball

Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Honors Late Grandmother

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Cincinnati Reds starting pitching Graham Ashcraft went to the mound with a heavy heart on Wednesday. Ashcraft lost his grandmother on Monday. However, to honor her, Ashcraft decided to pitch his scheduled start before leaving to be with his family. The ability to go out and deliver the best of your ability for your team in a moment like this is special. Ashcraft changed his walk-out song for today’s game for one of his grandmother’s favorites. The Reds pitcher said she would always listen to it while thinking of her grandson.

Ashcraft delivered for his team. Going six innings, giving up two runs in the process. When Ashcraft was pulled from the game, the Reds held a 3-2 series lead. So if that score holds, Ashcraft will be in line for the victory over the Texas Rangers. Upon leaving the game, Ashcraft became emotional when heading to the dugout. The Reds pitcher could be seen hugging teammates and coaches after his incredible performance. Check out some of the videos from the emotional moment below.

Cincinnati Reds Pitcher’s Emotional Moment

The Reds are currently riding a hot streak this week. A win today over the Rangers will complete a sweep for the team in the series. The last two victories were completed in a dramatic fashion. As the Reds worked late comeback victories on Monday and Tuesday. However, the Reds haven’t been the hottest team in MLB this season. The team currently sits at 9-15 with their overall record. However, the team has won eight of their nine at home. Which is where their current game is happening.

Ashcraft showed incredible bravery and toughness with his performance on Wednesday. However, Ashcraft claims that pitching today would be exactly what his grandmother would have wanted. It seems Ashcraft and his grandmother had a very close bond. Our thoughts are with the Ashcraft family at this time. As for the Cincinnati Reds, the team will not be back in action until Friday. The team will take on the Oakland Athletics in a weekend series. For the latest news in the MLB, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Drake Seen Rocking Reds Jersey: Photo

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Drake has long been known as a massive fan of sports. Fans can spot the musical icon every now and then sitting courtside watching his Toronto Raptors. However, the Toronto native sometimes has a change in taste when it comes to rooting for certain teams. But along the way, a legend has been born in the process. The hip-hop sensation has been known to curse any team he has been known to root for. The list of teams that could have been potentially affected by the said curse is longer than a CVS receipt. However, Canada’s native son has chosen an easy team to root for this time.

Champagne Papi was recently seen rocking a Cincinnati Reds jersey. The latest snapshot shows him wearing the red top, celebrating a classic Reds look. The Reds are a franchise in desperate need of a bolt of energy. Cincinnati’s baseball team has long been the butt of many baseball jokes. The team’s last World Series win was in 1990. Since then, the franchise hasn’t even sniffed a playoff series victory. But now, could Aubrey’s so-called curse be a reverse jinx for the Reds? Check out the photo below.

Drake Repping For Cincinnati

Jumping on the bandwagon of a loveable loser isn’t a popular move. Trust me, I’ve been a Reds fan since birth. It isn’t as fun as some may tell you that it is. However, Drizzy may be looking to turn around the lackluster franchise by reversing his own curse. Hey, the Cincinnati Bengals have become a winning franchise. Why can’t the Reds try to emulate that success? Whatever the case may be, everyone can agree that the Reds have amazing gear. Also, at one time, the franchise was home to the most popular baseball player of all time, Ken Griffey Jr.

Unfortunately, Griffey Jr. isn’t walking through that door with a healthy hamstring any time soon. However, the team is still paying him for his previous services. The baseball season is a long one. Having something to cheer about in the Reds organization has been few and far between. Now would be the best time for Drake to turn around his bad luck of cheering for different sports teams. Will the Reds become a different franchise with a musical titan under their banner? Let us know what you think in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Andrew McCutchen’s Emotional Return to PNC Park: Video

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Andrew McCutchen had a hard time hiding his emotions during his first at-bat on Friday. McCutchen made his emotional return to Pittsburgh. The team that gave him his start in professional baseball. The former league MVP gave a salute to the fans of Pittsburgh. Unquestionably, McCutchen is one of the most beloved players to play for the Pirates. A fact that McCutchen doesn’t take too lightly. The moment is already an all-timer. Even with the MLB only in their first full week of the season.

The five-time MLB All-Star spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Pirates. In 2018, the Pirates star was shipped to San Francisco. Pittsburgh began what they hoped would be a quick rebuild. However, the franchise hasn’t been able to duplicate the magic it once had with McCutchen in tow. Without a doubt, McCutchen had an unbelievable run in his first stint with the Pirates. McCutchen finished top 5 in MVP for four straight seasons. Also winning the award in 2013.

Andrew McCutchen Thanks The City Of Pittsburgh

In what feels like a retirement tour, this was a perfect way to get it started. McCutchen is in his 15th year in the league. Besides the countless individual awards, the Pirates outfielder will be known as a Pirate by all. The Pirates may not be a team on everyone’s radar. However, they are still attempting to deliver great memories to their fanbase. Everyone in attendance at PNC Park today will now have a special moment with one of their favorites.

To make the day even more special, the Pirate brought home the win. Pittsburgh put up a whopping 13 runs in a four-run victory over the Chicago White Sox. Baseball has seen more headlines this year. Because of the new rules that are speeding up the game. Also, due to the success of The World Baseball Classic. Which saw Japan take down Team USA in the finals. Today was just another reminder that baseball is special. If you build it, you get the point. For the latest news in the MLB, stay locked in with us at HNHH.

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Shohei Ohtani Makes History With Two Blunders

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Shohei Ohtani has quickly risen to stardom in the MLB. The Los Angeles Angels star is known for doing it all, literally. Ohtani is a starting pitcher and one of the best offensive weapons on the team. The league has never seen someone with the talent of the Japanese sensation. However, on Wednesday, Ohtani made baseball history for all the wrong reasons. But the moment will forever be remembered by all the fans of the MLB.

The MLB has started a set of new rules this season. One of those rules is the pitch clock. The pitch clock is an attempt to speed up the game while gaining new eyes on the product. Baseball has long been known as the game that drags on, with very little action in downtime. Now with the pitch clock, pitchers only have 20 seconds to deliver their next pitch. On the other side, batters have 15 seconds to be in the batter’s box for said pitch. Failing to do so as a pitcher results in a ball call for the batter. While for the batter, it is a called strike. On Wednesday, Ohtani was the first player to ever have a violation as a pitcher and hitter in the same game.

Shohei Ohtani Creates History In Less Than Satisfying Fashion

The chances of this happening were larger than most think. Ohtani takes the mound at least once a week. While during those appearances, Ohtani will also perform hitting duties. The Angels phenom took the incidents in stride. Because, really, there’s no other way to take the violations. Ohtani has already had a huge year on the diamond. The do it all athlete helped lead Japan to the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship. The final moment of that game saw Ohtani striking out his Angels teammate Mike Trout.

The pitch clock has seemed to be a positive impact on baseball. Games are finishing up a lot faster than in previous years. However, the most important rule change this season may very well be the banning of the shift. Now it seems as if we are seeing more hits. Especially up the middle of the field. Baseball is changing for the better, and no one seems to have that big of an issue. What are your thoughts on the new rules in the MLB? Sounds off in the comment section with your thoughts. For the latest happenings inside the MLB, stay right here at HNHH.

Anthony Rendon Suspended For Altercation With Fan

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Anthony Rendon made headlines late last week after an altercation with a fan. Rendon was filmed grabbing a fan by the collar after a Los Angeles Angels game. The former World Series champ can be heard in the video stating the fan called him a name during the game. While Rendon’s actions aren’t justifiable, fan and player altercations are becoming popular. Bradley Beal has recently been involved in an altercation with a fan after a Washington Wizards game. As issues continue to grow, players will continue to take the brunt of the punishments.

On Monday, Rendon learned that he will be suspended for five games stemming from the incident. In the video, you can see that Rendon attempts to strike the fan. If Rendon would have connected with the strike, his issues would have been far more than a suspension. However, the fan altercation does bring up a more significant issue. Can players be better protected from harassing fans? While Rendon’s actions aren’t acceptable, fans shouldn’t be able to be that close in that situation.

Anthony Rendon Can Appeal Suspension

Heckling has long been a part of sports. Sadly, it is what comes with the territory. However, there has to be a better way to protect the players and even the harassing fans. The situation with Anthony Rendon could have been a lot uglier. Though it was bad, thankfully, the situation didn’t escalate. We’ve seen horrific situations in the past involving athletes and fans. “The Malice At The Palace” is the first incident that comes to mind.

Grabbing control of these situations is vital to the safety of everyone at the game. It is sad that these are situations that have to be thought about. However, plans must be in place to de-escalate situations like this. Players must be more aware of these situations. But at the same time, players don’t have situations like this on their radar at an event. What can leagues do to protect players and fans in situations like this? Let us know your recommendations in the comment section below. As always, stay right here at HNHH for all the latest news in sports.

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Drake Loses Out On Huge National Championship Game Bet

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Drake has always been someone who likes to place a friendly wager. However, the main difference between him and everyone else is that he has the money to go big. Whenever the artist takes to Instagram with a recent sports bet, you can be sure that it will be between the $250,000 and $1,000,000 range. Overall, it is always fun to watch, especially when you consider the Drake curse that has plagued numerous sports teams. More often than not, the legend finds himself losing a lot of money, but there is plenty more from where that came from.

Last night was the National Championship game for men’s basketball. For the most part, it was a very boring game between the University of Connecticut Huskies, and San Diego State University. UConn won the game by a final score of 76-59, and the game was never really close. Below, you can see that Drake made two bets on this game. He made one worth $250K, claiming that the Huskies would win by 6-10 points. Additionally, he wagered $100K that they would win by over 11. Ultimately, he was simply hedging his bets. Had he won the first bet, he would win over $1,000,000. For winning the second, he would get $230,000 which would more or less offset the losses of the first wager.

Drake Still Got Some Money Back

In the end, Drake came out as a loser in the situation. With the Huskies winning by 17, he consequently lost his very first bet. Moreover, he ended up hitting on the second bet. This means he ended the night with less money than he started. It may be unfortunate, but Drake is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, so he won’t be hurting too much. Besides, the Huskies overcame the curse. They were dominant all night long, and by the end of it all, they got to take down the nets.

Subsequently, it will be interesting to see what bets Drake will make in the future. Of course, the NBA playoffs are on the horizon, which is the perfect occasion to make some wagers. Furthermore, the NHL playoffs are also on the horizon, and we’re sure he will be watching the Toronto Maple Leafs, very intently. Let us know what you thought of the title game, in the comments below.

Stephen A. Smith Thirsts Over Megan Thee Stallion

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Stephen A. Smith continues to be one of the most entertaining people in the sports media world. Overall, he is a pioneer in the space who continues to do great things. In fact, he has expanded his horizons beyond just doing First Take. He now has his own podcast called Know Mercy where he is able to talk about anything he wants. Although the show can be political at times, sports fans have shown their appreciation for it. After all, who doesn’t want to hear Smith give his unfiltered takes on all facets of life?

Recently, Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Megan Thee Stallion and her first pitch at the Houston Astros home opener. Of course, Meg went viral for her pitch, although mainly because of how she looked. The artist wore an all-white outfit that showed off her curves. Subsequently, many commenters on social media were thirsting for her. As it turns out, Stephen A. is one of them. While taking to Know Mercy this weekend, Smith spoke about her look and how he didn’t appreciate David Hensley, who slyly put his glove on Meg’s butt.

Stephen A. Smith Loves Megan Thee Stallion

“I know that there’s a lot to walk away from,” Smith said in regard to Meg’s pitch. “I mean that white outfit she was wearing was pretty nice. She looked pretty nice in that. And that’s one thought to walk away from. The other thought to walk away from was the pitch itself, which wasn’t that great, but you didn’t expect it to be. So props to her. She came close enough. But the one thing I walked away from, and I forgot the guy’s name, but he had his hand on her backside. He did it quick. But he ain’t supposed to be touching her like that. “

Stephen A. Smith makes a great point about Hensley’s sly move. Everyone saw him do it, and he consequently went viral for it. As for Megan Thee Stallion, it seems like she still had a great time at the game. She got to do something that many have dreamed of. You can check out the moment that Smith was speaking on, down below.

The Moment In Question

Anthony Rendon Grabs By The Collar During Tense Exchange: Watch

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Issues with heckling fans seem to be spilling over to every sport. Recently, the NBA has had to deal with the issue. As Chris Boucher and Bradley Beal have dealt with recent fan altercations. Now baseball is the sport at the forefront. Angels star Anthony Rendon was seen on video grabbing a fan after the team’s game on Thursday. Thursday marked Opening Day for the MLB. A day that is normally celebrated by fans around the world. However, for one Athletics fan, he may think twice before heckling another player.

Rendon can be heard in the video saying, “You called me a b**ch, huh?” Whereas the fan looks frightened by the entire exchange. However, the fan did seem to instigate the reaction from Rendon. As the start of the video shows the fan walking directly over to the star. Whatever the case may be, Rendon looked to take a swipe at the fan before leaving the heated exchange. Check out the clip below.

Anthony Rendon Seemingly Takes Shot At Fan

We can only speculate what else was said to start the exchange. Although one thing is for certain, leagues must start policing fans more often. It seems like a daily occurrence that a fan believes they’re more important than the game. Including fans rushing the field for 15 seconds of lame fame. Clout chasers have realized they can get more than they bargain for by being hecklers. Unfortunately, one of these situations will go too far, and we will be telling a different story.

Neither side can claim they are right in this situation. Heckling is wrong, and laying your hands on a fan is wrong. However, it is easier for me to say these things while not being a part of the situation. The temperature between obnoxious fans and athletes is reaching a boiling point. What can leagues like the MLB do to police situations like this? Should Rendon face a fine for putting his hands on a fan? Let us know your opinions on the topic in the comment section below. For the latest news in sports, be sure to follow HNHH.

Megan Thee Stallion Serves “Body-ody” As She Throws First Pitch At Astros Game

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Spring is upon us, and Megan Thee Stallion is back outside. There was a lull for a few months during and after Tory Lanez’s trial, where Megan seemed to be shying away from the spotlight. Her fans supported the retreat, who understood that the Traumazine rapper needed a few moments outside of the prying eyes of critics. When she returned, Megan Thee Stallion served big hair at Vanity Fair‘s coveted Oscar’s afterparty. It was there that she confirmed she was working on a new album. Since then, the Houston Hottie has hopped from one event to the next.

Today, Hip Hop fans had their eyes on the Houston Astros game—not only because they love baseball, but because Meg was throwing the first pitch. She was decked out in an almost all-white ensemble, complete with her Astros jersey. It isn’t uncommon for rappers to take to the pitcher’s mound; Houston native Travis Scott also did so. Megan looked great as the crowd looked on, making silly faces to the cameras that circled her closely. Then, it was her time to shine.

Megan Thee Stallion Laughs As She Misses The Mark

The announcer remarked that Megan was seen practicing, which didn’t look so promising. However, she was all smiles as the crowd anticipated the first throw. It was a little far off to the left, but it was all in good fun. The hitmaker received hugs from players and cheers from the crowd for her attempt. Meanwhile, fellow Texas native and country star Cody Johnson delivered the national anthem before the Astros faced off against the Chicago White Sox. At the time of this publication, neither team has scored just yet.

Megan Thee Stallion is reportedly in her hometown because she has a big show tomorrow (March 31). The NCAA March Madness Music Festival is taking over the weekend, and Meg is set to hit the stage for the first time this year. Yesterday, 1501 Certified Entertainment even waved a white flag in an open letter from the desk of Carl Crawford. Megan has been at war with 1501 for years, and amid litigation, Crawford showed support. He asked for Houston to celebrate Meg’s arrival and praised her accomplishments as an artist. Meg hasn’t publicly reacted to Crawford’s support or addressed their ongoing case. Check out Megan Thee Stallion at the Astros game above and more photos below.

Take Me-gan Out To The Ballgame

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Megan Thee Stallion throws oiut the first pitch as the Houston Astros play the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Megan Thee Stallion throws oiut the first pitch as the Houston Astros play the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Megan Thee Stallion throws oiut the first pitch as the Houston Astros play the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Metro Boomin Teams with MLB Network for Baseball’s Opening Day

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Metro Boomin Teams with MLB Network for Baseball's Opening Day

Metro Boomin, a producer with a Diamond certification and a GRAMMY® Award nomination, has teamed up with MLB Network to appear in its Opening Day programming in 2023.

The piece will be broadcast throughout the MLB Network’s extensive studio programming starting at 9 a.m. ET today (Thursday), an award-winning platform for MLB content. The opening, which is set to the songs “On Time” and “Trance” from the HEROES & VILLAINS album, draws on Metro Boomin’s love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals and compares the process of writing new music to players getting ready for a 162-game regular season.

At one point in the video, Metro Boomin says, “But all throughout, you gotta be true to yourself. Inject that flavor that makes what you’re creating different from everything anyone else has ever come up with.”

The opening features a number of shots and highlights of Major League Baseball’s seasoned veterans and up-and-comers, including Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners), Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels), Justin Verlander (NY Mets), and Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Miami Marlins).

“You can’t beat this time of year. Everybody’s staring at 162. 162 chances to make that beautiful music you can’t get anywhere else. Play ball.”

– Metro Boomin

The post Metro Boomin Teams with MLB Network for Baseball’s Opening Day appeared first on The Source.