Red Sox Manager Alex Cora
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora says he will NOT join the team to visit Donald Trump on Thursday ... and several Red Sox players are boycotting with him.
The team was invited to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to be honored for winning the 2018 World Series -- and it's all set to go down on Thursday -- but Cora says he ain't going.
The 43-year-old issued a statement in Spanish saying he doesn't feel "comfortable" visiting Trump after the way POTUS handled recovery efforts in his native Puerto Rico after the 2017 hurricane.
"Puerto Rico is very important to me," Cora said ... "Unfortunately, we are still struggling, still fighting. Some people still lack basic necessities, others remain without electricity and many homes and schools are in pretty bad shape almost a year and a half after Hurricane María struck."
"Even though the United States Government has helped, there’s still a long road ahead and that is OUR reality."
"I’ve used my voice on many occasions so that Puerto Ricans are not forgotten and my absence [from the White House] is no different."
"As such, at this moment, I don’t feel comfortable celebrating in the White House."
Cora said he told Red Sox officials about his decision before informing the media.
Play video content
10/28/18 RAGING THE NIGHT AWAYOther Red Sox stars who will NOT go to the White House include shortstop Xander Bogaerts, David Price and Mookie Betts.
Trump has hosted a bunch of athletes recently -- including NASCAR champ Joey Logano.
Before that, Trump hosted the Baylor women's basketball team and served up a platter of fast food, which he has offered every college team that has come by since the government shutdown.
See also
Donald Trump Says Two Years of His Presidency Were 'Stollen'
Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner Also Targeted by Ben Shapiro Death Threats Suspect
CC Sabathia 'Surefire Hall Of Famer' ... Says Twins' Odorizzi
5/3/2019 12:50 PM PT
Play video content
LEFTY ROYALTYCC Sabathia is hands down a slam dunk Hall of Famer, so says a guy who tried to beat him for YEARS ... 'cause Jake Odorizzi tells TMZ Sports the Yankee belongs in Cooperstown.
"He's a surefire Hall of Famer," the Minnesota Twins pitcher says ... "I really enjoyed watching him pitch."
It's a pretty big compliment from Jake ... considering the guy threw against CC PLENTY from 2013 to 2017 when Odorizzi was a Tampa Bay Ray and Sabathia was in NY.
But, game recognizes game ... and Odorizzi says CC is one of the best to ever do it.
And, why? Jake tells us the way Sabathia changed his approach from a flame-throwing lefty to a crafty pitcher is really impressive.
"He's the third lefty that's ever got 3,000 strikeouts," Jake says ... "So, I think that's pretty special."
38-year-old Sabathia has a pretty strong resume -- 6-time All-Star, 2009 World Series champion and he won the Cy Young in 2007.
Plus, he won the MLB in wins in 2009 and 2010.
Sabathia has said he's retiring after the 2019 season -- so, see you in Cooperstown?
See also
CC Sabathia Signs 'That's For You, B*tch' Balls, Immortalizes Famous Ejection
CC Sabathia Cleared to Work Out After Heart Surgery
Astros' George Springer Punished By MLB Mouthed Homophobic Slur at Umpire
5/3/2019 6:40 AM PT
Houston Astros star George Springer has been disciplined by the MLB ... and it's over a homophobic slur he mouthed at an umpire after a strikeout.
The incident went down back on April 23 during the Astros-Twins game -- when Springer was called out on strikes by umpire Angel Hernandez on a pitch GP clearly thought was WAY too low.
As Springer was venting about the call in the dugout ... cameras caught the outfielder mouthing the words to Angel, "f**king c*** sucker!"
George Springer to Angel Hernandez: “Angel! That’s the same pitch you just called a ball.” pic.twitter.com/9ArWZVlYwg
@Chron_MattYoungNow, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has issued a statement to Outsports ... saying the MLB has internally punished the 'Stros star for the vulgar language.
"This inappropriate behavior was addressed with Mr. Springer and the Houston Astros,” Manfred said ... “and he has been disciplined.”
Unclear what the punishment was for Springer ... but he has NOT been suspended for the altercation.
Neither Springer nor the Astros have yet to comment on the situation.
For his part, George has been a key contributor to the 'Stros this season ... batting .274 with 9 home runs already.
See also
Houston Astros Fan's Gnarly Finger Injury Photos In T-Shirt Cannon Incident
Astros' Ryan Pressly Confronts Roberto Osuna Heckler, 'You're Being a Dickhead'
Yasiel Puig Snaps Bat Like a Toothpick ... After Strikeout
5/2/2019 7:55 AM PT
RIP to Yasiel Puig's bat ... the Cincinnati Reds slugger snapped his lumber over his knee like the Hulk on Wednesday ... and it looked incredibly easy.
Puig Your Friend is no friend to the wood -- the dude is known for destroying his bat after frustrating plate appearances... and he put his special talent on display during the 4th inning of the Reds vs. Mets game after striking out swinging.
If you're not impressed by this ... pick up a wooden bat and try to do it yourself and NOT be in a world of pain after. Actually, don't do that ... just trust us.
Puig's been known to break bats during his career ... so he was able to regroup and walk back to the dugout without so much of a limp.
As for the game ... Puig went 0-4 with 2 total strikeouts (he's only batting .184 on the season) ... but the Reds still came out on top, 1-0.
See also
Joel Embiid Dwarfs Yasiel Puig In Beverly Hills Bro Down
10 Gang Members Charged In Rihanna, Yasiel Puig Burglaries
LeBron James Gettin' Shots Up At Son's Game ... In Offseason Training Mode
4/29/2019 7:20 AM PT
Play video content
OFFSEASON SHOTSMore proof LeBron James is a lifetime member of the #GetBetterGang (shout-out Stephen Jackson) 'cause here's video of the King getting a little shooting practice in at his son's hoops game.
Bronny had a run this weekend at the Elite Youth Basketball League in Atlanta, and during a little down time in the action, his pops took the opportunity to get some shots up.
The L.A. Lakers star drained two shots (not exactly NBA range), all while the players were off the court. BTW, we also got video of LeBron rebounding while the kids shot around ... dude's a team player.
Coach K just pulled up to watch Bronny James 🤩 pic.twitter.com/A7dsjljsSh
@overtimeAs for Bronny, a hoops superstar himself ... he had a very special guest in attendance to watch him hoop ... Duke's Mike Krzyzewski was in the building.
If you were wondering, Bronny James is 14 ... get in there, Coach K.
See also
Bill Laimbeer Says LeBron James is the G.O.A.T. 'Every Day of the Week'
LeBron James Disputes Reported Rift with Lakers, 'Not True At All!'
ScHoolboy Q State of the L.A. Angels Address ... 'Get Some Pitching!!!'
4/26/2019 10:20 AM PT
Play video content
NEW PITCHING WANTEDThe Los Angeles Angels are dead last in the AL West right now ... and here's Halos superfan ScHoolboy Q to passionately explain what needs to happen to turn things around!!
"Get some pitching," the "Numb Numb Juice" rapper told TMZ Sports out in NYC on Thursday.
"You can't win if you can't strike nobody out and stop walking people and then people hit the sh*t over the f*cking gate."
Q is a MASSIVE Angels fan -- he's even thrown out the ceremonial first pitch!!
Man of the Year for sure. @ScHoolboyQ looking good tHrowing out tHat first pitcH! pic.twitter.com/FugngH1Gva
@AngelsQ's got a point -- the Angels' team ERA is one of the worst in the league with nearly 5 runs allowed per game.
L.A.'s 2-8 in their last 10 games -- they'll have to make it all season without their superstar pitcher Shohei Ohtani ... and the players ain't the only guys missing him.
BTW -- Q just dropped his new album, "CrasH Talk" on Friday ... and if you're a rap fan, it would behoove you to check it out.
See also
Shohei Ohtani Serenades Angels Teammates With Japanese 'Despacito'
David Eckstein Says Shohei Ohtani Should Still Pitch & Hit Despite Arm Injury
Kurt Warner To Josh Rosen If Cards Draft Kyler ... Prove You're Better!!!
4/25/2019 1:39 PM PT
Play video content
HOF ADVICEJosh Rosen, listen up ... if the Cardinals DO draft Kyler Murray tonight, Kurt Warner is handing out some sage advice -- JUST PROVE YOU'RE BETTER!!!
"Bottom line is it's just part of it," Warner tells TMZ Sports out in Nashville ... "You gotta go and just prove you're the best guy for the job."
Of course, Arizona drafted Rosen last season thinking he'd be the guy for the franchise's future ... but now, with Kliff Kingsbury at the helm, they're expected to take Murray tonight.
Many have wondered if JR should be upset if the draft pick does go down ... but Warner says Rosen should actually see it as a chance to prove he's the right guy for the job!!!
"I don't think you can ever be offended by a team trying to figure out the best thing for their organization to get better. And your job is to compete."
Josh should take the advice ... Warner bounced around the league for several years -- even after MVP seasons with the Rams -- proving he was a Hall of Fame caliber guy at nearly every stop.
For his part, Warner says Rosen's done a great job of handling it all so far, telling us, "He's going to get an opportunity to play somewhere. Just be ready for that opportunity and continue to shine."
See also
Josh Rosen Thanks Sam Bradford, It's Not Awkward!
Josh Rosen's Advice to Jewish Athletes, 'Keep Grinding'
Jason Giambi $11 Mil Cabo Pad Hits Auction ... With Infinity Pool!!!
4/25/2019 9:13 AM PT
Gallery Concierge AuctionsWanna get outta the country and live like an MLB slugger at the same time??? Jason Giambi's awesome Cabo villa is hitting the auction block -- hope ya got a few MILLION laying around!!!
The crib (nicknamed Casa Cielo) is sick -- featuring 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, an infinity pool with a hot tub, insane ocean views, home gym, game room, bar ... and a cool tiki hut thing.
Oh, he also has parking for 13 cars ... just in case.
Look at the pics ... it's the ultimate vacation pad. It makes you want to pound a Corona RIGHT NOW!!!
The 48-year-old previously listed his 12,079-square-foot Mexican villa for $10.7 million ... but now he's decided to expedite the process by listing the place with Concierge Auctions.
The auction starts on May 21 and runs to the 24 -- and there's no reserve ... meaning highest bid wins!!!
Hope you saved up ...
So, why is Giambi selling the place? Simple ... he wants to free up some cash.
"The auction of Casa Cielo marks an exciting new chapter for me as I move on to other ventures," Giambi said.
Giambi made a TON of cash during his nearly 20 years in the Bigs ... raking in a reported $133 MILLION!!!
He was a 5-time All-Star and won the American League MVP in 2000.
Gallery GettySee also
MLB Foodfest, Pig Out On Bull Testicles & Fat Roosters!
MLB's Joey Gallo & Nomar Mazara Celebrate Home Run With Double Crotch Grab
MLB's Aaron Nola Automatic Strike Zones? Nah, Save The Umps!
4/24/2019 3:19 PM PT
Play video content
SAVE THE UMPIRESAaron Nola -- one of the MLB's best pitchers -- says baseball should NOT move on from umpires in favor of automatic strike zones, telling TMZ Sports, "I don't think it should happen."
Of course, balls, strikes and umps have been a huge topic in the sport recently ... especially after Nola's famous teammate, Bryce Harper, got ejected for arguing a strike earlier this week.
It's led to all kinds of baseball players and pundits wondering if the game should ditch the guys behind the plate in favor of some sort of laser-like strike zone.
But, when we got Nola out in NYC before the Phils took on the Mets on Wednesday ... he told us, "No, I don't think it should happen."
It's interesting, 'cause Nola would be one of the biggest beneficiaries of an automatic strike zone -- dude is one of the league's most precise pitchers ... he had 224 strikeouts last season!!!
Perhaps a little ump buttering-up going on?!?!
See also
Bryce Harper Says Wife Kay Harper Is Having A Baby Boy
Ryan Howard Says Phillies Are Perfect Fit For Bryce Harper, Here's Why
Ty Cobb Extremely Rare Baseball Card Sells For $504K!!!
4/23/2019 3:04 PM PT
A Ty Cobb baseball card more than ONE HUNDRED years old just sold for -- are you sitting down??? -- a whopping $504k!!! ... TMZ Sports has learned.
The card is Ty Cobb's 1915 Cracker Jack card ... and it's one of only three of its kind to ever receive a Mint 9 rating from PSA ... which is just one step below the perfect Gem Mint 10.
If you think coughing up half a milli for a baseball card is insane, just remember the Honus Wagner card holds the record for the most expensive baseball card at $3.12 million!!!
The Cobb card -- sold via Heritage Auctions -- fetched $504k, which is around $70k more than when another was sold back in 2017.
No word on who bought the prized item ... but here's a clue -- they're RICH!!!
See also
Colts Owner Jim Irsay Drops $718k for John Lennon's Piano
Barry Bonds' Home Run Record Ball Hits Auction Block, Could Fetch $750K!
Esteban Loaiza Begins 3-Year Prison Sentence ... In Cocaine Case
4/19/2019 3:35 PM PT
Wasn't a Good Friday for Esteban Loaiza ...
The ex-MLB star surrendered to authorities in San Diego on Friday to begin his 3-year prison sentence in his cocaine case -- and after his sentence, he's expected to be deported to Mexico.
As we previously reported, Loaiza -- who made more than $40 MILLION during his 14-year MLB career -- was arrested last year after cops say he was trying to move 44 pounds of cocaine from a house located near a school.
Cops say the coke stash is worth more than $500,000!!!
The 47-year-old was quiet and stone-faced as he walked into the federal courthouse on Friday -- not saying a word to the waiting media.
The whole story is insane ... Loaiza was busted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. back in Feb. 2018 during a routine traffic stop.
Cops say a search of the baseball player's car led to the discovery of a "sophisticated aftermarket compartment used to conceal contraband."
Cops then got a warrant to search a home that Loaiza had been renting since early February -- located "steps away from an area preschool" -- and found roughly 20 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
Loaiza was initially booked into San Diego County Jail for 3 felonies -- Possession of cocaine over 20 kilograms, possession of cocaine for sale, and transportation of cocaine.
He later pled guilty to felony cocaine possession with intent to distribute.
Loaiza, the second-winningest pitcher from Mexico in MLB history, played for 8 different teams in his career -- earning over $43 million.
He last played for the White Sox in 2008 -- the same team he played for when he was an All-Star in 2003 and 2004.
See also
Alex Rodriguez 'Prays' He Gets In Hall of Fame Despite PED Scandals
Stephen Jackson Blasts 'Cokehead' Darryl Strawberry Over Weed Comments
- Esteban Loaiza Crime & Arrests CELEBRITY JUSTICE ™ TMZ Sports Breaking News Drugs & Alcohol Crime MLB Baseball
Carlos Santana, Hanley Ramirez We're U.S. Citizens!!! ... Sworn in at Ceremony
4/19/2019 12:51 PM PT
The Cleveland Indians game got rained out on Friday ... but there's still a lot to celebrate, 'cause Carlos Santana was officially sworn in as United States citizen!!
The Dominican slugger took his oath of citizenship in front of his family and friends in federal court in Cleveland early Friday ... after passing all the requirements to get dual citizenship.
Santana ain't the only Tribe player to earn his citizenship ... his teammate Hanley Ramirez -- who is also from the Dominican Republic -- was sworn in at a ceremony last week.
The best part?? Santana and Ramirez's teammates held a little party to congratulate them after passing their tests last week ... presenting the guys with their own patriotic cake!!
“I hope I can get a home run for this special day today,” Santana said on Friday (before the game got rained out) ... but now he'll have 2 chances in a doubleheader against the Braves.
Play video content
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICANCongratulations to both!!
See also
Tom Green Becomes U.S. Citizen 20 Years After Arriving from Canada
Judge Mathis Slams Trump for Politicizing Birthright Citizenship
Rob Gronkowski Puts Massive Dent in Lombardi Trophy ... Using it as a Baseball Bat
4/17/2019 3:36 PM PT
If this isn't the most Gronk story to date ...
Rob Gronkowski made sure to leave his mark on the Patriots before retiring from the NFL ... putting a HUGE dent in their 6th Lombardi trophy while trying to use it as a baseball bat.
Yes ... Gronk used a freakin' Super Bowl trophy to try to hit a baseball because ... we don't know why he would do this, actually.
It all went down when the Patriots were honored at Fenway Park before a Red Sox game earlier this month ... when players like Gronk and Julian Edelman were having some fun and *pretending* to hit baseballs while using the trophy as a bat.
Gronk must've missed the memo about PRETENDING ... 'cause the dude switched up his batting stance to bunt the ball ... and he made contact.
.@RobGronkowski left a mark on this organization.
And on the sixth Lombardi. pic.twitter.com/t5IVTyCXcA
@PatriotsThe bunt resulted in a massive dent in ol' Vinny ... and the Patriots hilariously released a mini-mockumentary to give the play-by-play of the whole thing.
No word if the Patriots will repair the trophy -- though we hope they don't ... it's better this way!!!
See also
Rob Gronkowski's GF Camille Kostek Channels Margot Robbie In Sexy Shoot
Rob Gronkowski Sells Awesome Boston Condo for $2.3 Mil
- Rob Gronkowski You Might Want to Rethink Humor New England Patriots Boston Red Sox TMZ Sports Breaking News MLB Football Baseball NFL
Yasiel Puig Power Shopping In Bev Hills ... Before Late Dodgers Arrival
4/16/2019 6:36 AM PT
Play video content
SHOP TILL YA DROPYasiel Puig was more than AN HOUR late to Dodger Stadium on Monday -- missing a ring presentation from his former boss -- and it's all because he was out SHOPPING!
TMZ Sports shot video of the Cincinnati Reds star lunching at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills around noon -- and then going on a fancy shopping spree to some of the most expensive shops in L.A. ... James Perse, Saint Laurent and more.
Our photog says Puig ventured out to Rodeo Drive and shopped until at least 3 PM -- the exact time Puig was scheduled to meet with media members at Dodger Stadium.
The former Dodgers outfielder didn't get to the Stadium until 4:10 -- missing a planned media session.
Also, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and owner Mark Walter tried to meet with all of the Dodgers who were traded to the Reds this off-season to present them with their 2018 NLCS rings ... but since Puig was tardy, he missed that moment too.
Instead, Roberts and Walter met with Matt Kemp, Kyle Farmer and Alex Wood outside the Reds clubhouse ... while Puig was still M.I.A.
The good news for Puig ... when he did finally show up, he showed out -- smacking a 2-run home run off Clayton Kershaw in the 1st inning.
The Dodgers battled back and ended up winning the game on a Joc Pederson walk-off home run in the 9th inning ... a home run that sailed right over Puig's head in right field.
See also
George Lopez's Boozy Day at Dodger Stadium Ends with Raunchy Trump Convo
L.A. Dodgers Honoring Don Newcombe With Uniform Patch
MLB Fooodfest ... Bull Testicles And Fat Roosters!!!
4/14/2019 12:40 AM PT
Gallery Peanuts ... cracker jacks ... and bull testes?!?!
Yeah, MLB ballparks are featuring ALL THAT these days ... and now the craziest stadium food from baseball diamonds all over the country are heading to L.A. for a giant food fare.
It's called MLB Foodfest ... and it kicks off later this month from April 26-28 in Downtown L.A. -- and it features one unique food item from every MLB team in the country.
Some of the highlights that'll be in attendance? Colorado Rockies' Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cleveland Indians' Fat Rooster sandwiches and Seattle Mariners' toasted grasshoppers.
Don't worry ... it's not all weird dishes -- the Chicago Cubs are bringing their classic Chicago Dogs and the Philadelphia Phillies are bringing cheesesteaks.
Tickets for the festival cost between $45-$90 -- pending on if ya wanna wash down your Elote Nuggets with beer or not.
... Bring napkins.
See also
Barack Obama Eats at Ayesha Curry's Restaurant with Steph, Chrissy & John Legend
U.S. Open Fan Who Dunks Chicken Tenders in Coke Launching Cola Sauce
Barry Bonds HR Record Ball Hits Auction Block ... Could Fetch $750K!!!
4/13/2019 12:10 AM PT
The baseball Barry Bonds smacked for his last-ever home run is hitting the auction block ... and it could fetch $750,000 (!!!!!!!!!) -- TMZ Sports has learned.
Baseball's home run king launched the final dinger of his career -- No. 762 -- on Sept. 5, 2007 ... when Bonds took Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez deep at Coors Field in Denver.
It was a mad scramble to catch the ball -- and turns out, for good reason ... 'cause the first time the ball went up for sale back in 2008 -- it sold for $376,612.
Now, we're told the ball is set to hit the auction block on Monday at Goldin Auctions -- and it could fetch three-quarters of a million dollars by the time bidding ends!!!
The ball is a pretty remarkable piece of history ... it has dirt smudges all over it and comes with three separate affidavits that prove its authenticity -- and it could be all yours if ya got the cash.
Bonds -- in addition to being MLB's all-time home run leader -- was a 7-time MVP, 14-time All-Star and 8-time Gold Glove winner.
He finished his 22-year career with a .298 batting average.
See also
Barry Bonds 'Crying' Over Death of Willie McCovey
David Eckstein Says Barry Bonds Deserves Hall of Fame, Despite PED Scandal
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbnZZ5qopV%2BYrrWxxqipop2jZK%2Biv8SbmKWkX3S9orPEdmhxXpOqv7S70XacsoKmmLqTuMKlcKSRiIe5mX6ppZGmcamPoIqCrI2Maoaqen%2BOtqCwhIFo