5 Things To Know About MLB’s Young Superstars

A recent report revealed that current baseball players are not recognizable. With familiar faces like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez gone from the game, we thought you should get know to this group since you’ll be hearing a lot about them this summer.

On second thought, we should’ve made a boys of summer calendar instead,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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Five things to know about MLB’s (Major League Baseball’s) Young Superstars

1. Bryce Harper, 24, Washington Nationals outfielder The Las Vegas native first appeared on the scene on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16-years-old and was dubbed "The Chosen One." He’s known for talent, his hair and his temper.  
2. Mike Trout, 25, Anaheim Angels outfielder In his five-year career, the two-time MVP has become only the second player to have his own signature Nike shoe. He also popped the question to his high school sweetheart by hiring a sky writer.
3. Noah Syndergaard, 24, New York Mets pitcher Syndergaard (pronounced SIN-der-guard) is known as “Thor” because of his long flowing hair. His biggest rivalry isn’t with an opposing team but with the Mets’ mascot, Mr. Met, who was recently photographed with his mom.
4. Kris Bryant, 25, Chicago Cubs third baseman He played baseball in Vegas with Bryce Harper (see #1). A member of the Cubs' World Series teams, the Rookie of the Year and NL MVP likes shoes as much as you do (although he gets paid to wear them), signing a record-breaking shoe deal with Adidas reportedly worth $1M a year.
5. Carlos Correa, 22, Houston Astros shortstop The youngest one of the bunch began his MLB career in 2015 and was named Rookie of the Year. He was the first Puerto Rican born player to be drafted at number one. Rumor has it he has a tattoo of Food Network star Guy Fieri on his leg. Big fan or lost a bet?

Overtime

• Recently retired Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (NFL – National Football League) was honored by the Dallas Mavericks (NBA – National Basketball Association) last night. While he suited up and warmed up with the team, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver vetoed owner Mark Cuban’s idea to put Romo in the game. Party pooper.

Sideline stat

• Forbes released its annual valuation of MLB franchises. The average franchise is worth $1.54 billion, up 19% from last year. The top three franchises are:
  • New York Yankees, valued at $3.7 billion 
  • Los Angeles Dodgers, $2.75 billion 
  • Boston Red Sox, $2.7 billion

Coaches’ corner

• The NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs begin tonight. The pressure is on the Pittsburgh Penguins to repeat last year’s Stanley Cup win. (The Stanley Cup is the name of the trophy given to the NHL champions). Need a cheat sheet on the playoffs? Here you go.

The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition – Hotline Bling

Who doesn’t love the holiday season? It offers so many delightful things like a plethora of sports, family and Grandma’s apple pie. It also has its awkward moments such as election talk and rapper Drake wearing a shirt with your face on it.

Started from the bottom now we're here, 

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS - Speaking of apple pie, today’s tailgate treat is like your grandma’s apple pie but in a glass, with alcohol. We’re warming hearts and bellies everywhere. Recipe

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NCAA Football (College)

• About last night. The University of Louisville was sitting pretty at #5 in the college football rankings and their quarterback Lamar Jackson was the front runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Then last night happened. They were blown out by the University of Houston. Jackson all but had the Heisman locked up going into the game, but after his sub-par performance the field is wide open. Find out who’s still in contention for the Heisman. 
• All aboard. ESPN’s College GameDay heads to an unlikely destination on Saturday - Kalamazoo, MI. There they will cover the undefeated Western Michigan Broncos as they take on the Buffalo Bulls. Western Michigan’s coach, 35-year-old P.J. Fleck, is one of the top emerging coaches in the nation. His “Row the Boat” mantra has taken his team from one of the worst in college football to an undefeated one this season.  

NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing)

• Shake and bake. Sunday’s race is the final race of the season therefore the “Sprint Cup Champion” will be crowned. One of the four drivers in contention for the title, Jimmie Johnson, is looking to tie legends Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Richard Petty with his seventh championship. 

MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)

• Forever young. MLB announced its 2016 season MVPs yesterday. Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs and Mike Trout of the Los Angles Angels took home the prestigious award. Both of the MVPs are 25 years old or younger. Ahh remember those days?

Overtime

• Canadian rapper Drake is the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors (NBA – National Basketball Association). During the season the team hosts a “Drake Night.” Drake took advantage of his namesake evening to share his affinity for ESPN reporter Doris Burke. He wore a shirt with her face on it that said “Women Crush Everyday” and then invited her over for dinner, alone. No word from Rihanna if she will chaperone.

Sideline stat

• This is the last year Sprint will be the main sponsor of NASCAR, a partnership that began in 2008. Sprint paid between $50-$75 million a year for the right. NASCAR has yet to name a replacement and is seeking $100 million per year for 10 years. Will they take a check? 

Coaches’ corner

• The Stanford University band has been banned from traveling to away games since May 2015 due to various violations (offensive acts, hazing and violations of alcohol and controlled substances to name a few). There was hope they would be eligible to travel to rival Cal this weekend to support their team with music, but alas the ban remains as not all issues have been resolved. This one time at band camp….