Baseball

MLB star Aroldis Chapman is apparently quite the mama's boy ... 'cause the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher shared a bizarre video of himself grabbing an older lady's boobs this week -- and many believe it is his very own mother.

The two-time World Series champion posted the disturbing clip to his Instagram story ... showing him cozying up on a couch with a woman who resembles his mom, Maria Caridad De La Cruz.

Chapman -- who's grinning from ear to ear -- is super handsy throughout the vid ... squeezing both boobs as the woman pats his back.

At one point, the woman seemingly tries to get the Cuban Missile to move his hand ... but the groping continues.

Naturally, Chapman -- who signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Pirates in January -- started trending on X shortly after the video surfaced ... with a lot of folks sharing their horror.

Darryl Strawberry says he sustained a heart attack on Monday evening -- but, thankfully, medics were able to save his life ... and he's now recovering at a hospital.

The three-time World Series champion explained in a social media post the health scare happened in the St. Louis area.

He didn't go into too much detail about the emergency ... although he did say docs had to bring him "through a stent-procedure" to fix his ticker.

Fortunately, he added the process "brought my heart to total restoration!!!"

"Your prayers are so absolutely appreciated as I continue to recover," he wrote on his Instagram page, "in Jesus Name! #savedbyHisgrace❤️❤️."

Several celebs commented on the post, including Alex Rodriguez, Matt Barnes and Cecil Fielder, showing the ex-baseball star love and gratitude that he's now doing OK.

Straw's got a big few weeks coming up ... Tuesday is actually his 62nd birthday -- and on June 1, he's slated to have his No. 18 retired by the New York Mets.

Vanessa Hudgens is pregnant, and she let the world know in the biggest way possible -- showing up to the Oscars ... with a big ol' baby bump in tow!

The actress is one of the hosts on the red carpet Sunday at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood -- where the ceremony will be going down later today -- and before all the stars arrived to take their own pictures ... Vanessa made sure to steal the spotlight with shots of her own.

She had a very good reason, too ... clearly, Vanessa is expecting a child -- and this is the first time anyone's hearing about it publicly. On its face, it seems she's fairly far along.

Of course, this is major news ... seeing how this would be VH's first child, and ditto for her husband, Cole Tucker. Remember, they just got married a few months ago down in Mexico ... and now, they're having a kid together in record time. No time like the present, right?!

Cole and Vanessa have been together as a couple since 2020 ... after she broke things off with her longtime boyfriend, Austin Butler -- with whom she'd been with for many years.

Vanessa and Cole were two peas in a pod ... she said she knew he was the one right away.

While she's clearly happy with her hubby ... the topic of her relationship with Austin has come up quite a bit lately -- especially with him being launched into superstardom through all these movies he's been in the past couple years, including 'Elvis.'

Vanessa just said last week she's happy her split with Austin led her to Cole -- and Austin, meanwhile, has said he valued his time with Vanessa ... and still respected/cared about her.

Austin himself is not scheduled to be at today's Oscars ceremony -- although, he has been out and about for Oscars-related parties this weekend.

So, he might be around somewhere later tonight as well. Ya gotta wonder how he might feel about this big development.

Alex Rodríguez se anotó algunos puntos como padre tras llevar a su hija de 15 años a un concierto de Olivia Rodrigo, a pesar de que habría querido ir a dormir en su lugar.

El legendario bateador documentó su salida la noche del miércoles en un, sin querer, hilarante video de Instagram. En el clip, Rodríguez admite que está agotado de andar filmando, pero que está dando prioridad a pasar un buen momento con Ella en el concierto de Miami, a pesar de que claramente no sabe quién es la cantante.

De hecho, le dice a sus seguidores que está en un concierto de "Rodrigo", ¡antes de que Ella le enseñe el nombre completo de la cantante!

A-Rod estaba en el centro del Kaseya Center, donde pudo obtener una buena panorámica del concierto con la leyenda a través de la pantalla: "Olivia Rodrigo concierto rodeado de 22.000 chicas adolescentes y todo lo que quiero es ir a dormir".

Luego se acerca a Ella, quien está totalmente sumergida en el show, cantando el éxito "Vampire", de Rodrigo, como una verdadera fan. Incluso con sus ojos de padre dormido y viejo, Alex le dio un espaldarazo a la cantante con el mensaje: "Rodrigo es bastante buena para ser honestos".

A-Rod, que también es papá de Natasha, de 19 años, incluso se disculpó con Olivia en el pie de foto por confundir su nombre y prometió que no volvería a suceder.

Alex Rodriguez scored some serious dad points by tagging along with his 15-year-old daughter to an Olivia Rodrigo concert -- even though he wanted to catch some zzz's instead.

The legendary slugger documented their outing Wednesday night in an, inadvertently, hilarious IG video ... as he admitted he was exhausted from filming all day, but was prioritizing some quality time with Ella at the Miami gig -- despite clearly not knowing who the singer is.

In fact, he tells his followers he's at a "Rodrigo" concert ... before Ella schools him on the singer's full name!

A-Rod was in the thick of it inside Kaseya Center, panning the camera around with the caption across the screen, "Olivia Rodrigo concert surrounded by 22,000 teenage girls, and all I wanna do is go to sleep."

He then zooms in on Ella, who's totally in her element, belting out Olivia's hit track "Vampire" like a true fan. Even with his sleepy/old dad eyes, Alex had to give the singer props with his caption, "Rodrigo is pretty good TBH."

A-Rod, who is also dad to 19-year-old Natasha, even apologized to Olivia in the caption for messing up her name, and promised it won't happen again.

Vanessa Hudgens has an optimistic outlook regarding her breakup with Austin Butler ... 'cause she says it led her to her husband, so she's happy things ended with him.

The actress got candid about how prior failed relationships made her reevaluate things on Wednesday's episode of the "She Pivots" podcast. As Vanessa explained ... her splitting from AB in 2020 led her to Cole Tucker, whom she calls the "right person."

Vanessa -- who married Cole in December in a lavish wedding in Mexico -- made it clear she couldn't be more grateful for her MLB player spouse in the wake of the Butler split.

She says, "He's just the most supportive, real understanding human being that I've ever met."

Despite VH and AB's frosty reunion at the 2023 Oscars -- where Vanessa infamously walked by Austin at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party without saying a word -- it seems there's no bad blood between the exes ... but then again, her words here do kinda sound like a dig.

Austin recently emphasized the love and care he says he still has for Vanessa in an interview from February ... this after catching flak for labeling her as nothing more than a friend, even though they dated for nearly 10 years.

As we reported ... Austin referred to his ex of almost a decade as just a friend when detailing how his iconic role in Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" came to be. Yet ... during a chat with Esquire last month -- he defended that he didn't mean to downplay their love story -- he just wanted to protect her from having to comment on their past relationship.

It's clear that everyone has happily moved on these days -- with Austin now dating Kaia Gerber. Of course, Vanessa is now a married woman herself ... and looks smitten with Cole.

Closure all around ... or so it seems!

For the first time in the history of the franchise, "MLB The Show 24" will have a story mode dedicated to female athletes ... with the hit video game announcing the groundbreaking addition on Tuesday.

The new feature -- titled "Road to the Show: Women Pave the Way" -- allows users to create and play as a woman in the Major League Baseball simulation game ... with a unique narrative and scenes separate from the usual RTTS experience.

The mode's narrative designer, Mollie Braley, said the story was inspired by real-life stories from women in baseball ... including star athletes like Toni Stone and Kelsie Whitmore.

Braley explained to the PlayStation Blog the importance of inclusion for women in baseball as the fan base continues to rise ... and she's hoping it will shine a light on the adversity many have faced within the sport.

Whitmore -- who provided insight for the project -- added she hopes the story mode helps inspire gamers to pursue their dreams ... and educate them on what women and girls are able to do on the baseball diamond.

A baseball that's roughly a decade old is about to sell for thousands of dollars ... and it's all 'cause Patrick Mahomes put his "John Hancock" on it way back when he was a high school senior!!

The ball was just discovered at a thrift store in Rockwall, Texas last month ... and it's super cool. It features signatures from some of the players who took the diamond in Texas for the Whitehouse H.S. Wildcats during the 2013-14 season.

In total, there are six names scribbled on it ... but, of course, none is bigger than Mahomes -- who put a "#5" next to his autograph when he inscribed the sweet spot.

Leland's just put the piece on its auction block -- and while bidding has started at $2,500 ... TMZ Sports is told it could fetch $10,000 and up!!

While it might sound a little crazy -- considering Mahomes, after all, does play football ... it's actually not the first Mahomes-autographed H.S. baseball that's sold for a wad of cash.

Back in 2020, one that the Chiefs star and the rest of his Whitehouse teammates signed in 2013 netted its seller a whopping $6,510.

Seems like a ton of cash ... but, hey, an autographed baseball signed by Michael Jordan during his high school days did go for $36,000 -- so it doesn't seem to be a bad investment by any means.

1:47 PM PT -- Shohei Ohtani just revealed more about his wife during a meeting with media members out at spring training on Thursday ... saying the two knew each other around three or four years before tying the knot.

The baseball star also said she had "nothing to do" with his decision to leave the Angels and join the Dodgers this offseason.

Shohei Ohtani is officially off the dating market ... the MLB superstar revealed late Wednesday night he's now married!!!

The Dodgers' designated hitter said in a post on his Instagram page his new spouse is "someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me" ... although he did not reveal the person's name.

"I am excited for what is come," he wrote ... before adding, "thank you for your support."

Ohtani included a picture of his adorable dog, Decoy, on the announcement as well.

Of course, it's now the second time in the last three months the 29-year-old has told the world of a life-changing event on IG ... back in December, he shared he was moving on from the Angels to the Dodgers for the foreseeable future.

That announcement got over two million "likes" on the social media app ... and so far, it's appeared to be a great decision for the two-way player.

Ohtani homered in his first spring training game with the team earlier this week, and he looks poised for a huge 2024 -- even if he won't pitch this year while recovering from elbow surgery.

Only about three more weeks until the at-bats actually count for L.A. ... get that popcorn ready!

Stacy Wakefield -- the widow of former Red Sox great Tim Wakefield -- has tragically passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer, the team announced Wednesday.

She was surrounded by her family, friends, caretakers and nurses at her home in Massachusetts.

The news comes less than five months after the longtime MLB pitcher died from brain cancer at 57 years old ... a loss that rocked the sports world.

The family released a statement on Stacy's passing ... saying, "Our hearts are beyond broken."

"We will remember Stacy as a strong, loving, thoughtful and kind person, who was as down-to-earth as they come. We feel so lucky to have had her in our lives, and we take comfort in the fact that she will be reunited with Tim, the love of her life."

The Wakefields also shined a light on those who took care of Stacy -- doctors, nurses and caretakers -- who were by her side since her diagnosis.

"We are eternally grateful for your unmatched care and support. And to all of you who have sent well wishes over these last several months, we truly appreciate your kindness."

Tim -- a two-time World Series champion and Red Sox Hall of Famer -- and Stacy got married in November 2002.

Stacy Wakefield, la viuda del ex jugador de los Red Sox, Tim Wakefield, falleció trágicamente tras una batalla contra el cáncer de páncreas, anunció el equipo el miércoles.

Stacy estaba rodeada de su familia, amigos, cuidadores y enfermeras en su casa de Massachusetts.

La noticia llega menos de cinco meses después de que el lanzador de la MLB de larga data falleciera de cáncer cerebral a los 57 años, una pérdida que sacudió al mundo del deporte.

La familia emitió un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento de Stacy, que dice: "Nuestros corazones están más que rotos".

"Recordaremos a Stacy como una persona fuerte, cariñosa, atenta y amable, con los pies bien en la tierra. Nos sentimos muy afortunados de haberla tenido en nuestras vidas y nos consuela el hecho de que se reunirá con Tim, el amor de su vida".

Los Wakefield también arrojaron luz sobre aquellos que cuidaron de Stacy: médicos, enfermeras y cuidadores, que estuvieron a su lado desde su diagnóstico.

"Estamos eternamente agradecidos por su inigualable cuidado y apoyo. Y a todos los que han enviado buenos deseos durante estos últimos meses, apreciamos de verdad su amabilidad".

Tim, dos veces campeón de la Serie Mundial y miembro del Salón de la Fama de los Red Sox, y Stacy se casaron en noviembre de 2002.

Andruw Jones is staying upbeat despite being snubbed for the Hall of Fame yet again this year ... telling TMZ Sports he's still got hope that he'll get in "one day."

The former Atlanta Braves superstar appeared on 61.6 percent of the writers' ballots in the latest round of HOF voting last month ... up from 58.1 percent last year.

But, with players needing at least 75 percent in order to officially get a plaque in Cooperstown, he fell short for the seventh straight year.

However, when we spoke with the 10-time Gold Glover out at Super Bowl week in Las Vegas earlier this month ... he told us he wasn't sweating things one bit.

Obviously, he'd love to get in ... but he explained, "If I don't make it, I will be the same person."

Jones certainly has a deserving resume. In his 17 Big League seasons, he made five All-Star teams and smacked 434 home runs with a .254 batting average. He also tallied 1,933 hits and 1,289 RBIs.

"I'm gracious that I'm still on [the ballot]," said Jones, who has three years left of eligibility. "Hopefully I can say one day I make it."

Meanwhile, Jones' son, Druw Jones, is trying to begin building a Hall of Fame resume of his own sooner rather than later after the Arizona Diamondbacks took him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft.

Andruw says he's hoping his boy has a better career than he had ... although he made sure to say he won't be bothered if the younger Jones never suits up for his beloved Braves.

Los Angeles Angels star Anthony Rendon is currently being pummeled by fans on social media ... and it's all 'cause he basically admitted on Monday he really can't stand baseball.

The third baseman got candid with reporters during a Q&A out at spring training practice in Arizona ... revealing the game that's made him over $160 million the past 13 years has "never been a top priority for me."

Rendon explained he views the sport as "a job," and not much more than that.

"I do this to make a living," he said. "My faith, my family come first before this job."

Of course, seamheads all over haven't taken lightly to his comments ... firing away on him on X for the remarks.

There were Spiderman memes of people who also claimed to hate their professions ... and others who compared his feelings on baseball to the way his teammate, Mike Trout, absolutely loves it.

But, if you think that's going to sway Rendon's opinion ... it almost certainly won't -- as he's been critical of the sport for a long time now.

In fact, back in January he said he wished the season would be considerably shorter ... saying, "It's too many dang games."

Lenny Dykstra has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, according to former teammate Darryl Strawberry ... but the former NY Mets star is on the mend!

A local Pennsylvania watering hole, Dolan's Bar, was the first to report the medical emergency, saying the 61-year-old suffered a small stroke.

Dysktra's former Mets teammates, Straw and Kevin Mitchell, confirmed the news of the stroke to the NY Post on Thursday ... saying he's getting better and has been released from the ICU, but is still receiving treatment in the hospital.

Thankfully, Lenny's in good spirits.

"He knew it was me, so that is always a good sign," Strawberry said. "He’s in the process of recovering."

Dykstra, Strawberry, and Mitchell go way back ... they played several seasons together in the 1980s on the New York Mets and won the World Series together in 1986.

Lenny was traded to the Phillies in 1989 ... but dealt with several injuries during his seven-year stint in Philly.

The 3x MLB All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, known as "Nails," retired in 1996 ... after accumulating nearly 1,300 hits.

"He’s a special friend and I will never turn my back on him and say negative things about him because his life has had some challenges," Strawberry said. "We’ve all had challenges."

Matthew Blit, Dykstra's attorney, gave us a statement.

"Lenny Dykstra has suffered a mini-stroke and is currently recovering in a Los Angeles Hospital surrounded by family and loved ones. I must say that the outpouring of support has been so welcome and is helping him on his road to recovery."

A 45-year-old man is now in police custody after cops claim he stole and destroyed a beloved Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas ... but authorities say they believe his actions were NOT motivated by hate.

According to the Wichita Police Department, Ricky Alderete has been hit with four criminal charges -- including felony theft and aggravated criminal damage to property -- after authorities say he nabbed the famed JR monument from outside a youth baseball facility late last month and then burnt it down to a pile of rubble.

Cops say their investigation revealed Alderete committed the act in order to cash in on the figurine's metal scraps.

Officials added they believe there might be more individuals involved in the crime.

"Our detectives remain committed to gathering information to identify and charge all individuals involved in the theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue," cops said in a statement Tuesday. "The WPD extends its gratitude to the community for their support, patience, and information related to this case."

City officials, meanwhile, have already said they plan to replace the Robinson sculpture with another one in the near future.

Un hombre de 45 años está bajo custodia policial después de que los policías afirmaran que robó y destruyó una estatua del querido Jackie Robinson en Kansas, aunque las autoridades piensan que sus acciones no fueron motivadas por el odio.

De acuerdo con el Departamento Policial de Wichita (WPD), Ricky Alderete ha sido golpeado con cuatro cargos criminales, incluyendo un delito grave de robo y otro de daños a la propiedad criminal agravado, después de que las autoridades dijeran que agarró el famoso monumento de Jackie Robinson desde fuera de una instalación juvenil de béisbol a finales del mes pasado y luego lo quemara entre un montón de escombros.

La policía dice que su investigación reveló que Alderete cometió el acto con el fin de sacar provecho de los restos de metal de la estatuilla.

Añadieron que creen que podría haber más individuos involucrados en el crimen.

"Nuestros detectives siguen comprometidos con la recopilación de información para identificar y acusar a todos los individuos involucrados en el robo y destrucción de la estatua de Jackie Robinson", dijo la policía en un comunicado el martes. "El WPD extiende su gratitud a la comunidad por su apoyo, paciencia e información relacionada con el caso".

Los funcionarios de la ciudad, mientras tanto, ya han dicho que planean reemplazar la escultura de Robinson con otra en un futuro próximo.