The Rundown: BBQ Banter

Lincoln’s speech about four scores and seven years ago actually had nothing to do with sports. While that’s true and pretty obvious, it’s not always so obvious how to start a conversation at your fourth of July barbecue. That’s why we’re here for you.

Baby you're a firework,

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS- Lincoln might have not been talking sports but he was referencing the year 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

MLB (Major League Baseball)

• Vote for me. The players participating in the MLB All-Star Game have been revealed and the rosters feature 23 first-time all-stars. (The game is next Tuesday in Miami). Fans can vote for the two players who will take the final spots on each roster until Thursday. Vote here.
• A good luck donkey. Cincinnati Reds player Joey Votto bet his teammate Zack Cozart that he would buy him a donkey if Cozart made the all-star team. Well, Cozart is now the proud owner of a donkey after being selected as the starting shortstop for the national league in next week’s game.

Overtime

• Tomorrow’s celebrations aren’t only about the fireworks and the red, white and blue. They also includes America’s most gluttonous competition…the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. American Joey Chestnut is the fan favorite. Last year he won by eating 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Do not try this at home.

Sideline stat

• Saturday was a good day to be a free agent in the NBA (National Basketball Association) with nearly $1 billion in deals signed on the first day. It was an especially great day to be Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors who signed a five year, $201 million contract. His contract is the largest in NBA history.

Not to be outdone, some players used emojis in an attempt to recruit new team members. Who needs words when there’s a thumbs up emoji?

Coaches’ corner

• June was a record setting month for home runs in MLB. Rumors were circulating that the ball was “juiced” and that’s why the record was set. The baseballs are inspected prior to use in a game by MLB. They sent a memo to the teams stating that the baseballs were within guidelines. Guess it was pure man power. 

The Rundown: When I Met You In The Summer

Summer is here and it’s no more evident than in sports. From weddings to awaiting the announcement of the NBA (National Basketball Association) League MVP to figuring out why blondes have more fun, we have all you need to know to start a conversation with a tan stranger on a beach blanket.

Will you put sunscreen on my back?

The Last Night’s Game team

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College Baseball World Series

• Do I know you? The final series in the College Baseball World Series begins tonight.  The LSU Tigers (Louisiana State University) will face the University of Florida Gators in the best-of-three series to determine the national champion. These two teams are familiar foes as they play together in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) and shared a regular season title.
• Blondes have more fun. Baseball players are known for being superstitious and LSU player Kramer Robertson is no exception to the rule. He dyed his hair blonde after a previous loss in the tournament and they’re now playing in the finals. Much to the distain of his mother, Baylor University’s women’s basketball coach, he plans on keeping his good luck charm lightened locks. Whatever floats your boat.

MLB (Major League Baseball)

• What no puffy shirt? Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger has continued his home run hot streak, hitting two more on Sunday (yes in one game). Even more impressive (or frightening) than his record-breaking home run streak? He doesn’t know who Jerry Seinfeld is. Apparently, he’s never met Kramer (above) either.  

Overtime

• Sports reporter extraordinaire and Dancing With The Stars host, Erin Andrews married hockey player Jarret Stoll this weekend in Montana. The two were introduced by a mutual friend, former NFL (National Football League) player and morning show host, Michael Strahan. See all the pics.   

Sideline stat

• Miami Marlins Ichiro Suzuki must have found the fountain of youth. He made history on Sunday, becoming the oldest player (43) to start a game in centerfield, breaking Ricky Henderson’s previous record.

Coaches’ corner

• Sports and music always seem to collide and that’s the case in the “Big 3,” a three-on-three basketball tournament started by rapper Ice Cube. The games have no time limit, the first team to 60 points wins. The players and coaches include former NBA (National Basketball Association) legends like Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Allen Iverson.

You can catch the games on Fox Sports 1 on Mondays for the next eight weeks.

The Rundown: Making Connections

Conquer your Monday with the same swagger and confidence as Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, who will be racing a great white shark during Shark Week in July.

Now that’s what we’re talking about (at the watercooler),

The Last Night’s Game Team

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MLB (Major League Baseball)

• Making it look easy. Colorado Rockies standout third baseman Nolan Arenado achieved the tough feat of hitting for the cycle yesterday, completing it with a game winning walk-off home run. Arenado cut his face during the celebration, completing his postgame interviews in a lovely bloody jersey. (Click here for more on a walk-off and see below for more on hitting for the cycle).

WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)

• Leading the pack. Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi made history yesterday. The Olympic and WNBA Champion is now the all-time leading scorer in WNBA history.

Overtime

• Former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter Tim Hague, 34, died yesterday just two days after a knockout loss in a boxing match. It's tough news for the boxing world that has been reveling in the buzz surrounding UFC Champion Conor McGregor’s switch over to boxing to fight Floyd Mayweather.

Sideline stat

• Golfer Brooks Koepka won his first major yesterday, the U.S. Open. He smoked his competition, winning by a massive margin (by U.S. Open standards) and collecting a record $2.16 million purse. Broadcaster Joe Buck did not take home a win yesterday, identifying Koepka's post-win kiss recipient as his ex-girlfriend and not his current one. That makes for an awkward moment. 

Coaches’ corner

• What does it mean to ‘hit for the cycle?’ When a baseball player hits for the cycle it means in one game (and in no particular order) they hit a single (a hit where they made it to first base), double, triple and a home run.