Baseball

The vibes were at an all-time high after the Philadelphia Phillies secured their spot in the playoffs ... and outfielder Brandon Marsh was the MVP of the party -- even hopping on a mechanical bull to celebrate the big moment!!

The defending National League champs clinched the top wild card spot after a walk-off win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday ... and Marsh -- who had a homer in the effort -- led the charge as the squad let loose after the game.

The Phils jumped up and down in the locker room as the champagne flew through the air ... jamming out to Robyn's "Dancing On My Own."

But the rager didn't stop there -- Marsh hit up PBR Philly at Xfinity Live! later on in the night ... where he ripped off his belt and hopped up on the infamous mechanical bull!!

Don't worry, Philly fans -- the guy appeared to avoid any potential injury throughout his ride ... staying on top as Ginuwine's "Pony" played over the speakers.

If you needed further proof it was a helluva night, Marsh even danced and sang along to "Pop That" by French Montana.

Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson -- one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history -- has passed away, the Baltimore Orioles announced Tuesday.

He was 86 years old.

The O's released a statement on the tragic news ... saying, "We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball."

Robinson -- who earned the nicknames "Mr. Hoover" and "The Human Vacuum Cleaner" as a result of his defensive playmaking abilities -- spent his entire career in Baltimore from 1955-1977 ... winning the World Series in 1966 and 1970, and being named the Most Valuable Player during his second championship.

Robinson had stellar longevity -- he was an 18-time All-Star and 16-time Gold Glove winner and won the 1964 MVP.

While he turned heads on the field, he was also a force in the batter's box -- recording 2,848 hits, 268 homers and 1,357 RBI.

Robinson was a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame -- he was inducted in his first year of eligibility in 1983, which had never happened before for a third baseman.

His No. 5 jersey was retired by the organization.

The legend remained close to the franchise over the years -- the O's honored him on the 45th anniversary of his retirement in 2022 ... where he rode on the field and greeted fans before a game.

Here it is -- the first audio snippet of Joey Votto's performance in a local production of "The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition" ... and the MLB star is really good!!

As we previously reported, the Reds great recently partnered with The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati for its upcoming iteration of the musical based on the classic animated show ... taking on the role of the iconic "French Narrator."

TMZ Sports has obtained a short clip of one of Votto's voiceovers ... and the guy sounds pretty close to the original!!

Votto is comfortable with his French accent -- after all, he was raised in Toronto, so he has plenty of experience speaking the language.

The 2010 MVP spent a solid amount of time in the booth as he recited his lines ... and while he won't be present on stage October 14-23, the attendees will certainly appreciate his involvement in the production.

In fact, a ton of fans are praising Votto for offering his time to participate in the show ... but it shouldn't come as a surprise, as he's been heavily involved in the community throughout his career.

La mujer que Julio Urias presuntamente maltrató en un partido de fútbol a principios de este mes tenía la nariz sangrando después del incidente, según han dicho fuentes policiales a TMZ Sports.

Además, tenía marcas de estrangulamiento, así como enrojecimiento en la cara.

El presunto altercado ocurrió el 3 de septiembre en el estadio BMO de Los Ángeles durante el partido entre LAFC y el Inter Miami, y nuestras fuentes policiales dicen que al parecer todo comenzó cuando Urias se estaba tomando fotos con las fans del lugar.

Nos dicen que la mujer que estaba con Urias se molestó con la sesión fotográfica y se fue antes, pero mientras caminaba hacia una puerta, la estrella de los Dodgers se acercó por detrás, puso su brazo alrededor de ella, la golpeó contra una valla y le tiró el pelo.

Fuentes policiales nos dicen que luego Urias se habría abalanzado sobre ella, pero aún no se sabe si la habría golpeado. Se nos dice que después el entorno de Urias disolvió la aparente pelea, pero cuando el jugador y la mujer entraron a un servicio de carros más tarde, algo más habría pasado entre ellos, según se le ha informado a la policía.

Como informamos anteriormente, Urias fue arrestado con un cargo de delito grave de violencia doméstica. Por ello pagó una fianza de $50,000.

Los policías dicen que todavía están investigando el incidente y entrevistando a testigos, mientras buscan un video adicional del presunto incidente.

Desde el arresto, los Dodgers se han distanciado del jugador de 27 años, limpiando su taquilla y borrando sus imágenes del Dodger Stadium.

La MLB, por su parte, ha puesto al lanzador en licencia administrativa mientras investiga las acusaciones.

The woman who Julio Urias allegedly roughed up at a soccer match earlier this month had blood coming out of her nose following the incident ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports.

In addition, we're told the woman also had strangulation marks on her as well as redness on her face.

The alleged altercation happened on Sept. 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles during the LAFC vs. Inter Miami match ... and our law enforcement sources say it appeared to all start after Urias had been taking photos with female fans at the venue.

We're told the woman who was with Urias got upset over the picture-taking ... and left early -- but as she was walking toward a gate, the Dodgers star came up from behind her, put his arm around her, slammed her against a fence, and pulled her hair.

Law enforcement sources tell us Urias then allegedly swung at her ... though it's not yet known if he landed a punch. We're told Urias' entourage then broke up the apparent scuffle -- but when Urias and the woman later got into a car service, cops say they were told something further may have gone down between the couple.

As we previously reported, Urias was arrested at the scene ... and booked on a felony domestic violence charge. He went on to post $50,000 bail.

Cops say they are still investigating the incident ... and we're told they're interviewing witnesses -- while looking for additional video of the alleged incident.

Since the arrest, the Dodgers have distanced themselves from the 27-year-old ... cleaning out his locker and wiping away his images from Dodger Stadium.

The MLB, meanwhile, has placed the pitcher on administrative leave while it investigates the allegations.

The Oakland Athletics didn't pull out many stops when it came to Miguel Cabrera's retirement gift -- they simply handed the future Hall of Famer an $80 bottle of wine ... and MLB fans everywhere have been clowning the org. over it ever since.

The gesture was supposed to be a sweet one ... as Cabrera's been landing gifts from teams throughout his final season in the Big Leagues this year -- but many have been calling the A's cheap over the present that they doled out on Thursday night.

After all, the team is worth over $1 billion ... and there's been a loud roar from social media users claiming it should have sprung for far more than some Cabernet Sauvignon.

Granted, the bottle was signed by the team ... but supporters of the Tigers star have noted other teams have gone far more above and beyond for Cabrera during his last season.

For example ... the New York Yankees gave the slugger his own custom subway sign of 161st Street and a $10k check for his foundation that aims to help young athletes by improving communities through sports and education.

The Los Angeles Dodgers got him his own Hollywood star ... while the Angels gifted him a custom surfboard -- since Cabrera is known to hit the waves here and there.

Some other notable mentions came from the Guardians, who gave Miggy a custom guitar; the Texas Rangers, who got him a custom saddle; and the Marlins, who hooked him up with cigars, a custom cigar box and his favorite rum.

Joey Votto is taking his talents to Bikini Bottom -- the Cincinnati Reds star is lending his voice for a local kids' production of "The Spongebob Musical!!"

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 2010 MVP has teamed up with The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati for its rendition of the show based on the hit Nickelodeon series -- officially joining the cast as the iconic "French Narrator."

Of course, Votto is fluent in French after growing up in Toronto ... so the guy won't have to work too hard on nailing the accent.

The first baseman won't be present when the kiddos take the stage October 14-23, but the production company says the work he put into his role will be a treat for everyone involved ... including the folks in the seats.

"We are so thankful to Joey Votto and his team for being a part of the 23-24 TCT Season," TCT CEO Kim Kern said. "Our audiences will enjoy hearing a Cincinnati icon bring this character to life."

The best play in Wednesday's Braves game wasn't made by Ronald Acuna Jr. or Matt Olson ... no, a fan in the stands nabbed that honor when he impressively caught a home run ball -- while holding a baby!!

The wild scene played out in the second inning of Atlanta's tilt with Philadelphia at Truist Park ... when Phillies star Nick Castellanos smashed a ball 432 feet to dead center field.

As the ball cleared the wall, a Braves fan holding his child in one arm decided to make an attempt at pulling the souvenir in. And, as it turns out, the guy had some great hands ... 'cause he caught it -- without even remotely bothering his kid!!

Then, he showed off his arm too ... chucking the ball back onto the field in support of his hometown team.

The play was so impressive ... even the game's broadcasters had to highlight it while live on-air.

The afternoon at the park, though, didn't come with the happiest of endings for the Braves fan or his team ... the Phils won, 6-5.

El campeón de la Serie Mundial, Matt Williams, está listo para ser un hombre soltero una vez más ... TMZ Sports ha indagado que su esposa acaba de solicitar el divorcio.

Erika Monroe presentó los documentos en el condado de Los Ángeles el miércoles, cuando ya han pasado más de 20 años desde que la pareja se casó inicialmente.

En los documentos, Monroe alude a "diferencias irreconciliables" como la razón de la separación. Estos también muestran que le pidió manutención conyugal a Williams, que según los informes ascienden a alrededor de $80 millones en sus 17 años de carrera MLB.

Nos pusimos en contacto con el abogado de Monroe para que nos hiciera algún comentario, pero hasta ahora no hay respuesta.

Williams, de 57 años, cinco veces All-Star y 378 jonrones en su carrera, se casó con Monroe, ex presentadora de noticias, el 15 de julio de 2003. Ambos copresentaron los programas previos a los partidos de los Diamondbacks de Arizona en los años posteriores a su boda.

La pareja también tuvo una hija. Aunque ahora es mayor de edad, por lo que la manutención no será un problema.

World Series champion Matt Williams is set to be a single man once again ... TMZ Sports has learned his wife just filed for divorce.

Erika Monroe filed the docs in Los Angeles County on Wednesday ... over 20 years after the couple initially married.

In the documents, Monroe listed "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split. The docs show she also asked for spousal support from Williams, who reportedly made around $80 million in his 17-year MLB career.

We've reached out to Monroe's attorney for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

57-year-old Williams -- a five-time All-Star who hit 378 home runs in his career -- married Monroe, a former news anchor, on July 15, 2003. The two went on to cohost pregame shows for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the years after they got hitched.

The couple also had one daughter together ... although she's an adult now, so child support won't be an issue.

Jalen Hurts, Angel Reese and Ronald Acuña Jr. got 'Next' ... 'cause the star athletes were just named to a prestigious Time magazine list naming the future leaders of the world!

The "100Next" list, compiled by Time, recognizes the "100 emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership" ... from sports stars to scientists.

Hurts -- who earned the cover spot on the magazine (there are also versions with singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini and Chef Mory Sacko) -- along with Reese, and Acuña Jr. are three of seven athletes to grace the list.

21-year-old Reese led the LSU Tigers women's basketball team to their first National Championship last year ... making history along the way with 34 double-doubles. Hoops great Candace Parker wrote about Angel for Time ... and she phrased it perfectly.

"Angel Reese is having more than just a moment. She’s just getting started."

As for 25-year-old Acuna Jr., the Braves star is the overwhelming favorite for National League MVP ... and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera believes Ronald could be one of the best ever.

"Ronald? He has a great chance of becoming the best Venezuelan-born baseball player ever. It’s as simple as that," Venezulean-born Cabrera wrote for Time.

Let that sink in ... better than Cabrera. The Cabrera that's hit 510 home runs, made 12 All-Star teams, won 2 AL MVPs and a Triple Crown in 2012. Oh, he's also a World Series champ.

With Acuna, Miggy says it's more than just numbers.

"Ronald is more than just his statistics. He is the kind of player that fans pay to watch play. He can change the game with a single hit, his defense, or his baserunning."

As for Jalen, he's one of the best football players in the league ... and is expected to be in the mix for yet another trip to the Super Bowl this season. Hurts was paid very handsomely in the offseason ... signing a $255 million extension.

Peyton Manning, writing for Time, heaped praise on the Eagles QB.

"He’s not celebrating. He doesn’t see it as a reward. He sees it for what it is: the Eagles are paying him for what they expect him to do now," Manning said.

"He’s a model of how to approach a job. This is where the hard work begins."

USWNT's Sophia Smith, American golfer Rose Zhang, Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, and Spanish soccer star Salma Paralluelo were the other athletes who earned a spot on the list.

The Dodgers appear to be done with Julio Urias following his arrest earlier this month ... the team has removed the star's locker from its clubhouse -- and scrubbed a couple murals he was featured in around its home stadium as well.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the ace's locker was given away to the team's new infielder, Kolten Wong, after Urias was arrested for allegedly roughing up his girlfriend back on Sept. 3 at an MLS game in L.A.

In an interview with reporters Monday afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he believed the decision indicated the team was moving on from Urias.

"It's sad," he said, revealing he hasn't spoken to Urias since the arrest. "It's sad on every level."

He added, "It's a very, very unfortunate, sad situation."

In addition to booting him from the locker room, the Dodgers also removed at least two images of Urias from Dodger Stadium -- including painting over one mural he was prominently featured in.

Urias is currently away from the team after the MLB put him on administrative leave while it investigates claims he pushed a woman into a fence after watching Lionel Messi compete against LAFC. Urias is facing one felony charge of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant over the allegations.

Fernando Tatis Jr. will evoke the Mamba Mentality when the Padres visit the L.A. Dodgers this week ... 'cause the MLB star copped some custom Jordans in honor of Kobe Bryant.

TMZ Sports has learned ... El Niño hit up Stadium Custom Kicks to get some special cleats for San Diego's upcoming series at Dodger Stadium ... requesting a tribute to the late Lakers legend.

Tatis -- who signed a $340 million deal with SD in 2021 -- is now the proud owner of a truly one-of-a-kind, purple and gold pair of Jordan 1s ... decked out in around 4,750 crystals.

The cleats also feature Bryant's two retired jersey numbers on the heel -- No. 8 and No. 24.

It's fitting for Tatis to rock the Kobe kicks in the series, which kicks off Monday night ... considering Bryant hit up several Dodger games during his time in Los Angeles. He also threw the first ceremonial pitch in 2000.

DraftKings issued a mea culpa on Monday morning ... after the gambling site posted a 9/11-themed parlay that many viewed as insensitive.

The bet that fans could place money on was called "Never Forget" ... and it allowed people to wager on if the New York Mets, New York Yankees and New York Jets would all win on Monday -- the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in NY.

Immediately after it was posted, though, it was ripped by social media users ... who called it tone-deaf and crass.

In wake of the backlash hours later, DraftKings pulled it from its site ... and issued an apology.

"We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11," a DK spokesperson said in a statement to the Boston Globe. We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the familys of those who were directly affected.”

DraftKings emitió un mea culpa el lunes por la mañana, después de que el sitio de apuestas publicara una apuesta temática del 11-S que muchos consideraron insensible.

La apuesta se llamaba "Nunca Olvides" y permitía a los aficionados apostar a si los Met, los Yankees o los Jets de Nueva York, ganarían el lunes, cuando se conmemora el 22 aniversario de los ataques del 11 de septiembre de 2001 en Nueva York.

Inmediatamente después de su publicación, los usuarios de las redes sociales empezaron a tacharla de insensible y grosera.

A raíz de esta reacción DraftKings lo retiró de su sitio horas más tarde y emitió una disculpa.

"Nos disculpamos sinceramente por el parlay (apuesta) destacado que se compartió brevemente en conmemoración del 11-S", dijo un portavoz del sitio en un comunicado al Boston Globe. Respetamos el significado de este día para nuestro país y especialmente para las familias de aquellos que fueron directamente afectados."

Ricky Williams was one of the best running backs of his era ... but he says he had the potential to dominate in a completely different sport -- the former Miami Dolphins standout tells TMZ Sports he could have been an All-Star if he pursued a career on the baseball diamond!!

Before he made his way to the NFL gridiron, Ricky -- whose legal name is now Errick Miron -- played several seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system while juggling his time with the Texas Longhorns football team.

Ricky -- an 8th-round pick to the Phils in the '95 MLB Amateur Draft -- was an outfielder for the organization's rookie league and Single-A teams for four years ... and footage of one of his early games actually exists!!

So when we caught up with Ricky last week, we asked if he's ever wondered how things would've panned out had he switched his focus to baseball ... and he believes he had the skills to hang with the big leaguers.

"I wouldn't say I was great, I had a lot of potential," Ricky told us. "I love to get better at things. If I would have devoted my full time to baseball, I would have been an All-Star baseball player."

So, what led him to football instead of baseball?? A pretty understandable reason.

"It's a fantasy, but the reality is I'm kind of the person where 162 games -- that's too much for me.

"Football is intense, but you got a nice offseason. That's more my speed."

Safe to say it all worked out -- Ricky won the Heisman Trophy in 1998 ... and went on to rush for more than 10,000 yards in his career.