Baseball

Can "The Kid" fix baseball's diversity problem? He's sure as hell gonna try!

Ken Griffey Jr. has been tapped to be a Senior Advisor to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred -- to consult on several issues including "improving diversity at amateur levels of the game."

It's a big problem in baseball -- where less than 8% of players on 2020 opening day rosters were Black, according to USA Today.

And, get this ... 3 teams in the league had ZERO Black players on their 2020 opening-day rosters.

The 51-year-old Hall of Famer -- one of the most exciting baseball players of all time -- will also be involved in baseball operations and youth baseball development.

"Griffey also will serve as an MLB ambassador at youth baseball initiatives and at its special events, such as the All-Star Game and during the Postseason," the league announced.

"I am humbled to be asked to work with Major League Baseball in this role," Griffey said ... "It will be an honor to represent the best sport in the world and to promote our game among today’s youth."

Commissioner Rob Manfred also praised KGJ -- saying, "We are thrilled that Ken will represent Major League Baseball on some of our sport’s most important stages, alongside our current and future stars."

"We welcome the perspective and insights that Ken gained as an historic player, as a parent, and as someone who has spent his life in and around our great game."

Griffey was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 -- the same year he began serving as a youth ambassador for both MLB and the MLB Players Association on their joint baseball development initiatives.

On the field, Junior was an absolute monster in his 22-year MLB career -- making 13 All-Star teams, smashing 630 career HRs and winning the AL MVP in 1997.

Curt Schilling says he's so "mentally done" after being snubbed by Baseball's Hall of Fame again this year ... he's now asking to be removed from next year's voting process altogether.

The legendary MLB pitcher has been HOF-eligible since 2012 ... but all nine times his name has appeared on the ballot -- baseball's most prestigious writers have shunned him.

The reason? He's made several controversial comments since his retirement ... including a 2016, since-deleted tweet in which he appeared to advocate for the killing of journalists.

Schilling was also suspended from his role as an ESPN analyst for posting an anti-Muslim photo in 2015. He was eventually fired from the gig after sharing imagery that was very offensive to the transgender community.

Writers have been reluctant to put him on their ballot because of it all ... snubbing him for the 9th-straight year on Tuesday.

But, Schilling did see his odds of getting in climb in 2021 ... the number of votes he got this year was only 16 shy of hitting the required amount -- and many believe he'd likely get in next year in his final year of eligibility.

Schilling, though, is asking the Hall to remove him from the process ... saying he'd rather take his chances with the veteran's committee than go through another round of writers' voting.

"Nothing, zero, none of the claims being made by any of the writers hold merit," Schilling wrote in a lengthy letter to Hall of Fame officials that he shared on his Facebook page.

"In my 22 years playing professional baseball in the most culturally diverse locker rooms in sports, I’ve never said or acted in any capacity other than being a good teammate."

Schilling continued, "I am requesting to be removed from the ballot. I’ll defer to the veterans committee and men whose opinions actually matter and who are in a position to actually judge a player."

Schilling added he was sick over being lumped in with guys like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, who writers snubbed again this year because of their alleged ties to steroids.

"I’m now somehow in a conversation with two men who cheated," Schilling said, "and instead of being accountable they chose to destroy others lives to protect their lie."

Schilling likely did enough to eventually earn a bust in Cooperstown someday -- he was a 6-time All-Star with 3,116 strikeouts and 216 career wins.

Hank Aaron's closest friends and teammates joined to pay their respects to the late baseball legend on Tuesday ... with the Atlanta Braves hosting an emotional memorial service.

Hammerin' Hank -- who famously finished his career with 755 home runs -- died last Friday of natural causes.

Names like Chipper Jones, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and Marquis Grissom spoke at the ceremony in person.

Chipper told the story about how Hank told the Braves to draft him back in the day.

"Y'all better draft that Jones boy. I'll never forget that," Jones regaled ... "That comment must carry some weight."

Jones added, "I respected the man so much. I wouldn't want to disappoint him or his family."

Rob Manfred explained why it was destiny for Hank to break Babe Ruth's career home run record.

"Just like Jackie Robinson was the perfect person to change our game forever, Hank Aaron was the perfect person to see the historic moment he created in 1974."

Other stars like John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Dusty Baker, Dale Murphy, Freddie Freeman and more paid tribute via pre-recorded videos.

Glavine said, "We've all seen the movie 'Field of Dreams' ... if there is a baseball team in heaven, they just picked up one heck of a clean-up hitter."

Hannah Viverette -- the woman whose TikTok recording captured the moment a man busted into her home -- can sleep like a baby now that she's moved into a new apartment ... with help from a former MLB pitcher and his wife.

Hannah has moved into a new, upscale apartment complex that offers, among other things, round-the-clock security. The building has lots of amenities ... but the most important feature's definitely security.

Former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins and his wife, Anita Hawkins, have fronted Hannah's rent for the next 6 months to help her get back on her feet following her terrifying confrontation with a home intruder last month.

As for how the Hawkins got involved ... Anita had a personal connection, having been a single, teen mom and homeless herself, she was moved by Hannah's story when it made national headlines.

Hannah showed the Hawkins tons of love for the assist. She tells TMZ ... "I am so excited to settle into my new place! Thank you so much Mrs. Hawkins, you have given me and my son so many reasons to smile!"

Symone Redwine, the attorney who helped Hannah get out of her lease, tells TMZ ... "We are truly grateful to Mrs. Hawkins and the Find One Reason to Smile foundation for their generosity. They have turned this nightmare into a dream come true for Hannah and her son.”

A bat Lou Gehrig used more than 80 years ago is hitting the auction block ... and the insane piece of history can be all yours -- if you've got a fortune laying around!!

Officials at SCP Auctions tell TMZ Sports ... the bat is seriously one of a kind -- they believe Gehrig used it during his final days as a New York Yankee, possibly even in the 1938 World Series.

According to the SCP reps, authenticators believe Gehrig ordered the bat in Sept. 1938 and possibly used it into the 1939 season -- just before his ALS diagnosis and subsequent retirement.

We’re told the bat was graded a perfect 10 by PSA/DNA.

Reps for the bat say Gehrig gifted the piece to former Yankees teammate and coach Earle Combs, who kept it as one of his prized possessions for YEARS.

Just recently, though, Combs' family decided to put it up for auction -- and now, SCP tells us it could sell for as much as $1 MILLION.

Of course, Gehrig is one of the greatest baseball players that have ever lived -- so the potential price tag ain't too surprising.

Gehrig -- who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939 under a special circumstance due to his illness -- was a two-time MVP, 7-time All-Star, and had a career batting average of .340.

Hank Aaron -- one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- has died. He was 86.

The Hall of Famer reportedly passed away Friday morning. We're working on the details.

Hammerin' Hank is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- he famously broke Babe Ruth's home run record of 714 in 1973.

During his legendary career, he made 25 All-Star teams and won the NL MVP in 1957.

Aaron made his MLB debut when he was only 20 -- launching a 23-year career that would go down in the record books.

He retired from playing in 1976 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1982. He's also in the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame and the team retired his #44 uniform.

In fact, he's such a legend in Atlanta ... the city's mayor said Friday his death is nothing short of devastating.

"While the world knew him as 'Hammering Hank Aaron' because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career," Keisha Lance Bottoms said, "he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place."

Among his many career highlights, a World Series victory in 1957 -- the same year he won National League MVP. He also won 3 Gold Gloves, 2 NL batting titles and led the NL in home runs in 4 separate years.

Hank finished his career with an unreal 755 home runs -- a record that lasted decades until Barry Bonds broke it in 2007.

Aaron was a hero right up until the end of his life -- earlier this month, Hank and his wife Billye went to the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to get their COVID vaccine shots in the hopes of inspiring other Black Americans to follow his lead.

Aaron started off in the Negro Leagues, signing with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1951. He played with the team for 3 months -- earning just $200 per month. He signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1952 and kicked around the minor leagues until 1954.

Superstars from sports, entertainment, politics and more are paying tribute to Aaron …

"Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron," Magic Johnson said. "I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader."

"While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business. Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest In Peace my friend."

Added Bill Russell, "Heartbroken to see another true friend & pioneer has passed away. [Hank Aaron] was so much better than his reputation! His contributions were much more than just baseball. Jeannine & I send our prayers & deepest condolences to his wife & kids."

Legendary MLB slugger Frank Thomas also issued a statement on Twitter, writing, "I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!!"

Mike Trout added ... "You were and are an inspiration to be a better person on and off the field. We lost a true LEGEND of the game today... #RIPHankAaron 🙏🏼"

Cal Ripkin, Jr. shared his condolences, saying, "I’m saddened to learn of Hank’s passing. He was a giant in our game and inspired so many on and off the field."

"What he endured and how he persevered to surpass the all-time HR record, thought to be unbreakable, was remarkable. My thoughts are with his family and @Braves fans."

RIP

Time to make some room in the binders, collectors ... Bernie Sanders is now getting a baseball card based on his 'fit at Wednesday's inauguration -- and it's pretty amazing!!

The guys at Topps just designed a piece based on the incredibly meme-able shot of Sanders at Joe Biden's historic event ... offering up the one-of-a-kind card for $9.99.

As part of the Topps Now program, collectors have until Jan. 28 to purchase the card ... and Topps will then print off however many were sold and send them out.

The beauty of it all for collectors? Topps says the Jan. 21 to Jan. 28 timeframe is the ONLY times in history they'll produce this card -- so it could make the thing super valuable down the road.

Unique spin on the hobby, right??

Sanders' iconic shot at POTUS' festivities won't just be memorialized in a card form, though ... he's also getting a bobblehead treatment!

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame unveiled Thursday they've created a piece based on Sanders' mask, jacket and gloves for $25 a pop!

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Don Sutton -- one of the greatest pitchers of his generation -- has died at the age of 75.

Sutton's son, Daron, made the announcement on social media on Tuesday ... saying his Hall of Fame father passed away overnight.

"Saddened to share that my dad passed away in his sleep last night. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever known and he treated those he encountered with great respect ... and he took me to work a lot. For all these things, I am very grateful. Rest In Peace," Daron wrote.

Sutton -- who was inducted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 -- pitched 23 seasons in the big leagues ... including 16 years with the Dodgers.

Don was a 4x All-Star and was MLB's ERA leader in 1980. He won 324 games ... and struck out 3,574 batters -- good enough for 7th all-time.

In addition to his time in Los Angeles, Sutton also pitched for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, California Angels.

The Dodgers retired his #20 jersey in 1998.

New York Mets GM Jared Porter -- who had just helped the team land Francisco Lindor in a blockbuster trade -- has been fired ... after he admitted to sending a penis picture to a female reporter.

The journalist -- described in a bombshell ESPN report as "a foreign correspondent who had moved to the United States to cover Major League Baseball" --- told ESPN through an interpreter under the condition of anonymity that she had met Porter while he was working in the Chicago Cubs' front office in 2016.

The woman says the two had seen each other in an elevator at Yankee Stadium and exchanged business cards. Soon after, she claims he began texting her.

Copies of the texts were obtained by ESPN ... and they showed Porter and the woman initially had casual conversations. But, the baseball exec began complimenting her, messages show, calling her "pretty," "beautiful," and "gorgeous."

At one point, she says Porter asked if she had a boyfriend.

The messages show Porter invited the woman repeatedly to meet up with him in different cities across the U.S. ... and, eventually, the messages show Porter sent her a picture of a man with a bulge in the groin area on a bed in front of a TV.

The woman says she stopped responding after that photo ... but says Porter kept on messaging.

The woman claims Porter sent over 60 texts to her ... with one featuring a naked, erect penis. She says after he sent her that photo, she demanded he stop.

"This is extremely inappropriate, very offensive, and getting out of line. Could you please stop sending offensive photos or msg," the woman wrote.

The woman says Porter later apologized.

When reached by ESPN for comment, Porter admitted to texting with the woman ... adding, "the more explicit ones are not of me. Those are like, kinda like joke-stock images."

The Mets said Monday they would look into it all ... and early Tuesday morning, team owner Steve Cohen announced he was firing Porter.

"We have terminated Jared Porter this morning," Cohen said. "In my initial press conference I spoke about the importance of integrity and I meant it. There should be zero tolerance for this type of behavior."

Team president Sandy Alderson added in a statement, "Jared's actions, as reflected by events disclosed last night, failed to meet the Mets' standards for professionalism and personal conduct."

If Urban Meyer lands in the NFL ... Tim Tebow says he will NOT be joining his former head coach there -- the ex-Heisman Trophy winner tells TMZ Sports he's still fully committed to baseball!!

"For me," Tebow says, "I'm super excited about spring training. So, that's where my focus kind of swirls right now."

It wouldn't have been farfetched to see Tim come along with Meyer in some capacity if Urban gets a new gig with The Shield ... the two have an incredible relationship.

They won a TON of games together at the Univ. of Florida -- and Tebow even admits the guy is "like a father figure to me."

Plus, Meyer is rumored to be possibly the next head man in Jacksonville -- which is where Tebow spent most of his childhood days!

But, Tim tells us his dream of joining the New York Mets' big-league roster has ALL of his attention right now ... and he won't pursue being Meyer's next QB or even a coach on Urban's staff.

Tebow, though, says he's sure the 56-year-old will do well regardless if he gets the NFL role ... saying, "I believe he'll do a great job."

As for his Mets career ... Tebow says he's fired up over the Francisco Lindor trade -- and he's hopeful he can be batting in the same lineup as the star shortstop at some point this season.

By the way, Tebow just dropped his new children's book, "Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember", and he tells us it definitely won't be the last one he writes!!

A Mickey Mantle baseball card just sold for $5.2 MILLION at auction ... smashing the previous record by over a million bucks!!

The 5 million dollar card?? A 1952 #311 Topps Mickey Mantle ... considered one of the most desirable trading cards in existence.

We're told the card -- graded in mint condition and 1 of only a few in existence -- was brokered by the people at the online auction site, PWCC.

Aside from Mickey being a 20x All-Star and 7x World Series champ ... 1952 was also the 1st year Topps produced baseball cards.

This isn't the only time this particular Mantle card has been sold ... back in 2018 it raked in $2.88 mil at auction. 2 years later ... it's almost doubled in value.

Before the Mantle card set the new record ...a Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor held the title -- with a $3.9 million price tag.

So, who has a big enough fortune to drop $5 mil plus on a 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch (albeit extremely valuable) piece of cardboard?

The guys' name is Rob Gough ... and if that name rings a bell, it's because he's the man behind the iconic CBD brand, DOPE CBD.

Rob's bank account is $5 mil lighter today ... but on the bright side, he now owns the most valuable baseball card ever made.

Did you know Yankees centerfielder Aaron Hicks is really good at hitting fastballs AND stationary golf balls?!

It's true ... check out footage of the 31-year-old MLB player at Top Golf this month -- DUDE HAS AN INSANE SWING!!!

Hicks' brother posted the clip to social media Monday ... showing Hicks sending a golf ball into orbit with one monstrous stroke.

You can see in the video ... the ball cleared the range -- well over the netting some 300 yards away -- and according to the Hicks bros, it CARRIED 330 yards before finally touching down!!

"Light work," the Hicks bros captioned the vid.

If this looks familiar ... it's 'cause it kind of is when it comes to MLB stars on the driving range -- remember when Nelson Cruz launched one into outer space at a Top Golf last year??

University of Kentucky athlete Ben Jordan -- who played both baseball and basketball for the Wildcats -- has died, according to local reports. He was 22.

Details surrounding his death are unclear at this time.

The 6'9", 250-lb. Jordan was a star 2-sport athlete in high school -- he was rated the 97th best overall prospect in the country and third in the state of Kentucky for the Class of 2017.

He was named all-area in baseball and basketball during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons at West Carter High School.

The Kentucky native arrived in Lexington and redshirted in 2018, making his collegiate debut in 2019 ... appearing in 10 games and striking out 8 men.

As for on the hardwood, Jordan walked on to the basketball team in mid-October ... making 2 appearances with John Calipari's 2019-20 squad.

Cal released a statement on Jordan's passing, saying, "Our hearts are broken today."

"It is difficult for me to express and to put into words what a tragedy it is to lose a young person too early."

He added, "Ben impacted our team last season in so many ways with his kind heart, his big smile and his wonderful personality. He cared so deeply about this place and it meant so much to him to be a part of this team."

"We are grieving today over the loss of a teammate and a brother, but Ben will not be forgotten. We ask that everyone keep Ben and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this time as we try to find a way forward."

A 3rd ring is on the horizon for Mookie Betts, 'cause the Dodgers superstar just popped the question to longtime GF Brianna Hammonds -- and she said yes!!!!

28-year-old Betts and Hammonds met way back in middle school ... and have been dating for 15 years. They have a 2-year-old baby girl together.

Of course, Mookie is fresh off winning a World Series ring with the Dodgers (his 2nd WS title) ... but says this is the real highlight.

"Winning another World Series was great, but putting a ring on MY MVP is the REAL BLESSING! I am a blessed man," Betts says.

"(Brianna) has been by my side since we were teenagers. Together we’ve grown mentally, physically, and spiritually. She is my best friend, mother of my child, my lover and my soon to be wife."

As for the ring ... it's a huge 7-carat rock, according to People.

And get this, Betts got an assist from his buddy C.C. Sabathia for the big moment -- the ex-MLB ace staged an awards ceremony to honor Mookie with his pitch in Foundation's 2020 Legacy Award ... but there was a huge surprise.

During his acceptance speech, Mookie revealed the real reason for the night -- he asked Brianna on stage, read her a heartfelt poem and then got on one knee!!

Tommy Lasorda -- a Dodgers legend and arguably the most famous manager in MLB history -- has died, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

He was 93 years old.

The Dodgers released a statement Friday morning ... saying Lasorda suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his California home and was transported to the hospital with resuscitation in progress.

He was pronounced dead at 10:57 PM Thursday night.

As we previously reported, Lasorda was admitted to a Southern California hospital back in mid-November in "serious condition" ... and required sedation. He was also put on a ventilator.

But, Tommy's condition improved over the past few weeks ... and just a few days ago, he returned home.

Though, tragically, Lasorda passed on Thursday.

"Words can not express my feelings," legendary manager Bobby Valentine said on Twitter. "A friend and mentor for 52 years is no longer with us. Tommy no one will ever fill the void you left. Thank you for everything. R.I.P."

Lasorda was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. He led L.A. to World Series titles in 1981 and 1988.

Lasorda also won Manager of the Year twice in 1983 and 1988.

"In a franchise that has celebrated such great legends of the game, no one who wore the uniform embodied the Dodger spirit as much as Tommy Lasorda," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said.

"A tireless spokesman for baseball, his dedication to the sport and the team he loved was unmatched."

Kasten continued, "The Dodgers and their fans will miss him terribly. Tommy is quite simply irreplaceable and unforgettable."

Lasorda wasn't only a big deal on the baseball field ... he became an incredibly popular pitch man in the 90's -- starring in commercials for brands like Slim Fast.

Cleveland's baseball team no longer has a permanent name OR a star shortstop ... 'cause the Indians just traded away Francisco Lindor in a blockbuster deal with the Mets.

The swap was just finalized Thursday morning ... and it's a HUGE win for New York.

The Mets will reportedly get Lindor and star pitcher Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco ... all in exchange for infielder Amed Rosario, shortstop Andrés Giménez, and a pair of minor leaguers.

Not bad for the Mets at all ... considering Lindor has all the makings of a future Hall of Famer.

In just 6 years with Cleveland, Lindor made 4 All-Star teams, hit 138 home runs and stole 99 bases.

In fact, the Indians would have no doubt kept him if his contract demands weren't so sky-high.

As for Carrasco, he's been slowly regaining his ace form since his 2019 battle with leukemia -- posting a 2.91 ERA in the shortened 2020 season -- and he should slide right into a stacked Mets rotation that will feature Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.

Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman summed up all of New York's feelings on the matter nicely in tweets on Thursday, writing, "I’m turnt right now. Lol @Mets."

Stro added, "You’re a legend @StevenACohen2!"