Baseball

Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver has been diagnosed with dementia and "has chosen to completely retire from public life" ... his family announced Thursday.

Seaver -- a World Series champ, 13-time All-Star and 3-time Cy Young winner -- played in the majors from 1968 to '86 ... and was a first-ballot entry into Cooperstown.

"Tom will continue to work in his beloved vineyard at his California home" the statement says ... explaining that he will no longer make public appearances.

"The family is deeply appreciative of those who have supported Tom throughout his career, on and off the field, and who do so now by honoring his request for privacy."

Seaver is one of the greatest to ever wear a Mets jersey -- he had his No. 41 jersey retired in 1988 and was given the nicknames "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise" during his playing days.

Seaver also played for the Reds, White Sox and Red Sox ... raking in 311 wins.

Mike Trout has officially reached legendary status ... 'cause after just 8 seasons in the MLB -- his rookie card just sold for an INSANE $186,000!!!

Okay ... it ain't just your average rookie card -- it's signed AND numbered to only 25 ... but that price puts the Trout RC in ultra-rare air.

Consider this ... a Michael Jordan autographed JERSEY card only sold for $95,000 last year -- while a WILT CHAMBERLAIN rookie card fetched just $60,000.

And, if you really want perspective on how insane that price is for Trout's card ... a similar Tom Brady autographed RC famously just sold for $400,000 -- AND HE'S THE G.O.A.T.!!!

So, what makes this card so special? Well, Trout has been absurd through 8 MLB seasons so far ... batting .307 with 240 home runs and 189 steals.

But, the card is graded out at a 9.5 (out of 10) with a perfect 10 surface and perfect 10 corners ... according to Goldin Auctions.

The craziest part of the auction? We're told the same Trout card sold for just $50,000 a little over a year ago ... and just $13,000 back in April 2016!!!

03/06 -- Maybin addressed the arrest Wednesday morning ... saying "Life's greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes."

"I take full responsibility for my actions and am deeply sorry to all those that I let down - my family, my friends, my supporters, my teammates, and the entire SF Giants front office."

"Life is about growth and I'm choosing to learn and grow from this valuable life lesson."

More bad news for the San Francisco Giants ...

This time, outfielder Cameron Maybin was arrested for drunk driving in Arizona -- after going on a sad 0-16 slump in spring training.

31-year-old Maybin was pulled over around 2:25 AM on Friday morning after cops say he was speeding and swerving in Scottsdale.

During the stop, Maybin told officers he had 5 glasses of wine at a fancy restaurant earlier that evening -- but tried to take a nap to sleep it off ... and thought he was fine to get back on the road.

Spoiler alert: he wasn't.

Cops say Maybin took a breathalyzer test and blew a .127 -- well over the .08 legal limit.

The Giants -- which just signed Maybin to a $1.75 million contract last month -- said they're aware of the situation and gathering information.

Maybin made his MLB debut back in 2007 for the Detroit Tigers -- he's bounced around the league ever since ... playing for the Marlins, Braves, Padres, Angels. He also won a World Series with the Houston Astros in 2017.

It's been a bad month for the Giants ... just a few days ago, Giants CEO Larry Baer was caught on video in a physical altercation with his wife.

Baer has since stepped away from the team to take "personal time" to reflect on the incident.

The MLB has launched an investigation into the Baer incident and the Giants say they are cooperating with investigators.

Tim Tebow needs to get another J.C. in his life -- Jose Canseco -- with the ex-MLB slugger telling TMZ Sports he can turn Tim into a legit power hitter.

Jose is dead serious ... he wants to be Tim's personal hitting coach. And, he's offering up his services for FREE!

And, why? Jose sees real potential in Tim but says his swing sucks ... and he's just the guy to fix it.

"I can definitely turn him into a power hitter," Canseco tells TMZ Sports.

"He's extremely strong, extremely physical ... I can easily get him up to 35 to 45 home runs [at the MLB level]. At the AAA level, he could hit 50."

Jose says there's an art to power hitting -- and it doesn't appear like Tim has had proper instruction on how to hit the long ball.

This ain't a joke -- Jose says he really likes Tim, he's a big fan and he wants to help the guy make his MLB dreams come true.

Of course, Canseco has a pretty solid resume -- the guy hit 462 home runs during his MLB career. And, if you want to point to steroids, there were a TON of guys juicing up back then and Jose still outhit most everybody else by a mile.

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer says he's stepping away from the MLB team to take some "personal time" in the wake of a physical altercation with his wife that was captured on video.

TMZ Sports posted footage of Baer knocking his wife, Pam, to the ground during an altercation in a public park in San Francisco on Friday ... while his wife screamed for help.

Both Pam and Larry had chalked the whole thing up to a marital spat that got out of hand -- Pam said she would NOT be pursuing charges and had already forgiven her husband.

Now, Larry has issued a new statement admitting his behavior was "unacceptable" --- and will take time away from the team.

The Giants board of directors issued a statement saying, "Mr. Baer has acknowledged that his behavior was unacceptable, apologized to the organization and is committed to taking steps to make sure that this never happens again."

"He has also requested, and the board has accepted, his request to take personal time away from the Giants beginning today. The Board has asked the Giants executive team to manage the day to day operations of the Club during this period, reporting directly to the Board."

The team says they are also "closely monitoring the matter" and still gathering information.

"Major League Baseball is taking the lead in gathering all facts surrounding the situation. The organization is cooperating fully with the process."

Baer has been involved with the Giants organization for decades. He was named chief operating officer in May 1996, team president in October 2008 and CEO on January 1, 2012.

7:30 PM PT -- Larry Baer has released a new statement ... saying, “I am truly sorry for the pain that I have brought to my wife, children and to the organization. It is not reflective of the kind of a person that I aspire to be, but it happened and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I never behave in such an inappropriate manner again.”

Pam Baer also released a 2nd statement ... saying, “I would like to clarify the events of today. My husband and I had an argument in public about which we are quite embarrassed."

"I took his cellphone. He wanted it back and I did not want to give it back. I started to get up and the chair I was sitting in began to tip. Due to an injury I sustained in my foot three days ago, I lost my balance. I did not sustain any injury based on what happened today. Larry and I always have been and still are happily married.”

2:36 PM PT -- MLB released a statement addressing the incident involving Baer ... saying, “Major League Baseball is aware of the incident and, just like any other situation like this, will immediately begin to gather the facts. We will have no further comment until this process is completed.”

2:09 PM PT -- Police are currently interviewing witnesses, including the person who shot the video, and are investigating the incident, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

1:47 PM PT -- Baer spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle about the incident ... saying, "My wife and I had an unfortunate public argument related to a family member & she had an injured foot and she fell off her chair in the course of the argument."

"The matter is resolved. It was a squabble over a cell phone. Obviously it’s embarrassing.”

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer was involved in a physical altercation with his wife at a public park Friday ... with his wife screaming as he knocks her to the ground -- and it was all captured on video.

Multiple people witnessed Baer and his wife, Pam, in a loud verbal argument around noon on Friday at a park in San Fran. At one point, Larry was trying to pry a cell phone out of Pam's hands, which she clearly did not want to give up.

During the struggle, Larry knocks Pam out of her chair and onto the ground -- you can hear her screaming, "Oh my god. Help!"

You can see Baer walking away from the altercation with the phone in his hand -- while telling his wife, "Stop. Pam, stop."

Pam continues to repeat, "Oh my god. Oh my god."

In between video clips, the person who shot the footage tells us he got involved and helped break up the altercation. Another witness corroborated that.

Witnesses tell us police were not called to the scene. Unclear if they were contacted after the altercation. We're reaching out.

We spoke with Pam on the phone who told us, "We were having a family fight about someone in my family and that's it."

We've also reached out to Baer's camp for comment. So far, no word back.

Baer has been involved with the Giants organization for decades. He was named chief operating officer in May 1996, team president in October 2008 and CEO on January 1, 2012.

According to the Giants website, Baer and Pam co-chaired the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation Campaign Committee in support of the new hospital, which opened in 2016 as Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

The couple has 4 children together.

Originally published -- 03/01/19 1:03 PM PST.

Chuck Todd is MAD AS HELL that Bryce Harper left his beloved Washington Nationals to sign with the rival Phillies ... and used "Meet the Press" to rip the guy a new one!

"PHILLY?! PHILLY?! Seriously???"

"They will never love you the way Washington would have loved you ... I hope you enjoy 3rd place!"

Ouch.

Of course, Washington and Philly are both in the NL East -- Todd is clearly taking the move pretty hard.

"There will never be a statue of Bryce Harper at National Park in Washington D.C."

Bryce has 330 MILLION reasons to not give a crap about Todd's opinion -- because that's how much cash he'll be making over 13 seasons thanks to his new deal with the Phillies.

By the way, the Nationals only finished 2 games ahead of the Phillies last year -- and now that they have the Nats biggest bat, it ain't looking good in D.C.

Bryce Harper could have another HIGHLY paid teammate in the near future -- because Curt Schilling believes the Phillies are gearing up to make a serious run at Mike Trout.

Of course, Philly just signed Harper to a 13-year, $330 MILLION contract in a move that Curt believes immediately turns the Phillies into a World Series contender.

But, Schilling says he doesn't believe the spending ends with Harper ... telling TMZ Sports, "I believe after next season, Mike Trout goes on the market ... and I can see the Phillies making stupid money offers in that direction as well."

Trout is a 7-time All-Star, 2-time AL MVP and widely regarded as the best player in baseball. He's expected to fetch a contract in the neighborhood of $400 million when he becomes a free agent after the 2020 season.

Everyone knows Trout is a big Philly guy -- he's a staple at Eagles games -- and grew up nearby in south New Jersey.

"My god, could you imagine throwing Bryce Harper in right field and Mike Trout in center field?!"

Bryce Harper's having the best Thursday ever ... dude just made $330 million -- AND HE GOT A MANKINI STRIP SHOW FROM HIS NEW TEAMMATE, JAKE ARRIETA!!!

Bryce just inked a monster 13-year deal worth around $25 MIL per season with the Philadelphia Phillies ... and to celebrate -- his new team's stud pitcher decided to give him a show.

Jake popped on his bikini briefs and sandals ... and broke out his broom for a little victory dance.

"Getting the house ready for [Harper]," Arrieta said.

By the way, Jake spared no expense for the occasion ... 'cause the Versace skivvies he was wearing come in at a cool $225 a piece!!!

Not that that's expensive for Jake ... dude is in the middle of a 3-year, $75 MILLION contract of his own!!!

As for Harper's Phillies deal ... it's the richest free-agent contract in baseball history -- blowing by the 10-year, $300 million contract Manny Machado just inked with the Padres earlier this month.

But, some wonder if Harper could have actually gotten MORE ... saying his per-season salary is actually NOT ENOUGH for a 26-year-old MVP in his prime.

Stand-up comedian Brody Stevens was found dead Friday after an apparent suicide at his home in Los Angeles.

Law enforcement sources confirm to TMZ ... Brody was found hanging in his home Friday afternoon, shortly after 1 PM.

Brody -- who co-created his own Comedy Central series, "Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!" with his friend Zach Galifianakis -- had struggled with mental health issues in the past. He was hospitalized in 2011 after suffering a bipolar episode.

He was a mainstay at huge comedy events like the Montreal and Vancouver Comedy Festivals -- and just 2 days ago he was at the Festival of Friendship in Burbank.

Later that night he did a set -- which appears to have been his last -- at the famed Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip.

Brody also had several roles in movies, such as "The Hangover" and "The Hangover II."

He was also an avid baseball fan. He pitched in college at Arizona State University until he suffered an elbow injury.

Reps for Brody tell us, "Brody was an inspiring voice who was a friend to many in the comedy community. He pushed creative boundaries and his passion for his work and his love of baseball were contagious. He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed."

We had a lot of fun run-ins with Brody over the years -- he always turned it on for our camera guys.

However, the last time we saw him, in 2018, we had a serious conversation with him about Kanye West and mental health.

Brody was 48.

The Dodgers will pay tribute to the late Don Newcombe this season ... stitching a special No. 36 patch on their uniforms for all of 2019 -- the team announced Thursday.

The legendary pitcher -- one of the most important black athletes in MLB history -- died Tuesday at the age of 92 ... and the team says they plan to honor him on their jerseys.

Team president Stan Kasten says the patch will be on every uniform beginning on Opening Day next month ... with Newcombe becoming just the 7th Dodger player EVER to receive that honor.

Newcombe played 8 seasons for the Brooklyn-Los Angeles Dodgers from 1949 to 1958 ... winning Rookie of the Year honors, the Cy Young AND the NL MVP during his career.

Athletes all across the globe were devastated to learn of his passing from an undisclosed illness ... and current Dodgers paid tribute to the man all over social media this week.

"I learned so much from this man," star closer Kenley Jansen said ... "Sitting together, knowing his stories, his storytelling, what he, Jackie and Roy Campanella had to go through for us to be here today."

"He taught me about the history of the game."

Dodgers legend Don Newcombe -- one of the most important black athletes in MLB history -- died Tuesday morning after battling an undisclosed "lengthy illness," the Dodgers confirmed. He was 92.

Newcombe started off as a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues -- before making his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949.

Once in the Big Leagues, Don was a STUD -- racking up 17 wins while leading MLB in shutouts. He also pitched 32 consecutive scoreless innings. He also won Rookie of the Year.

Along with Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Larry Doby, Newcombe was among the first 4 black players to make the All-Star game. He was named an All Star 3 more times during his career.

"Don Newcombe's presence and life established him as a role model for major leaguers across the country," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said in a statement.

"He was a constant presence at Dodger Stadium and players always gravitated to him for his endless advice and leadership. The Dodgers mean everything to him and we are all fortunate he was part of our lives."

The Dodgers consider him one of the greatest pitchers in team history -- and for good reason.

He won the National League MVP and Cy Young in 1956 ... the same year he led the league in wins. He also led MLB in strikeouts in 1951.

Newcombe took a hiatus from pro baseball in 1952 and 1953 to serve in the Korean War.

In 2013, he talked about his service to USA Today saying, "I served my country. I was going to fight for my country and my flag if I was asked. I didn't dodge bullets, but I'm proud of my contribution."

Back in 2010, Barack Obama credited Newcombe -- along with Jackie Robinson -- with helping to change America for the better.

"I would not be here if it were not for Jackie and it were not for Don Newcombe," Obama said.

Trevor Bauer might be the MLB's best pitcher ... but he's the WORST first date ever -- 'cause he's got a set of rules for potential romantic partners, including, "No feelings" allowed!

The Cleveland Indians superstar just revealed when he goes on dates with girls ... he's blunt and to the point -- telling them straight-up he'll NEVER be their boyfriend.

"I have three rules," Bauer tells Sports Illustrated.

No. 1? "No feelings."

No. 2? "No social media posts about me while we’re together."

No. 3? "I sleep with other people. I’m going to continue to sleep with other people. If you’re not O.K. with that, we won’t sleep together, and that’s perfectly fine."

Think Bauer -- who's known as baseball's mad scientist for the painstaking way he approaches pitching -- is being selfish???

Think again ... the ace actually says he's HELPING his romantic partners -- 'cause, "I imagine if I was married at this point, I would be a very bad husband."

Bauer says he's too devoted to pitching to deal with a girlfriend right now.

Flea HATES the Boston Celtics with the red, hot, fiery passion of 1,000 suns -- and when we saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers star at LAX ... HE WENT NUCLEAR on Beantown!!!

Oh, we should mention he's a die-hard Lakers fan ... if you couldn't tell by his throwback Magic Johnson shirt.

"I just think the Boston Celtics SUCK ASS," Flea proclaimed, "They're like the Satanic bottom of the basketball world! They are the shadow side."

It didn't stop there ... Flea reached way back into the rivalry to throw even more shade at the Celtics.

"Magic Johnson owned Larry Bird in college, owned him in the pros ... more championships, smoked him in college -- it's a simple fact."

We asked Flea if he'd like to see a Lakers vs. Celtics series in the NBA Finals -- and he went even HARDER!

"That would be thrilling. I'd like to see Lonzo dunk right on Jason Tatum's head!"

So, how do people in Boston feel about that? We got Mark Wahlberg out the other day, and he's already counting on the Celtics and the Boston Bruins to make it a clean 4-team championship sweep this year.

2018 Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray says he's "firmly committing" his life to being an NFL quarterback -- and will choose football over a pro baseball career.

Aside from being a stud QB at Oklahoma, 21-year-old Murray is also a top MLB prospect and was drafted by the Oakland A's in the 1st round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

Two major pro sports career paths -- and everyone has been wondering which sport Murray will choose.

Well, now Kyler says he's made up his mind -- and it's bad news for the A's.

"Moving forward, I am firmly ... committing my life and time to becoming an NFL quarterback," Murray said.

"Football has been my love and passion my entire life. I was raised to play QB, and I very much look forward ... to being the best QB possible and winning NFL championships."

"I have started an extensive training program to further prepare myself for upcoming NFL workouts and interviews."

"I eagerly await the opportunity to continue to prove the NFL decision makers that I am the franchise QB in this draft."

The NFL Draft begins April 25 -- Murray could be a first-round pick ... but nothing's guaranteed.

Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio's marriage only lasted 9 months, but the memories of their honeymoon live on ... and you can own the photos!!

Hollywood's "it" couple for a hot minute in the '50s eloped in San Fran in January 1954 and took a plane to Japan shortly afterward to celebrate ... but there was also some baseball business to handle.

Their photo album from the trip features several shots of the couple, but there's also a running storyline of the MLB legend -- who was a few years retired at the time -- and his old baseball buddy, Lefty O'Doul, trying to get baseball up and running in Japan.

Looks like Lefty didn't mind being the third wheel either.

All in all, there are 30 honeymoon pics in the velvet-bound album, with each photo measuring 7x9 inches or larger. It hits the auction block on February 22 at Heritage Auctions with a bid of $5,520 to kick things off, but it's expected to fetch over $10k.