Category: Sports

’00 All-Star Game in Atlanta Airing Wednesday

Chipper Jones homered in front of his hometown crowd, and 12 other Hall of Famers participated in the 2000 All-Star Game, which will be shown on MLB’s TwitterFacebook and YouTube platforms on Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT.

Hank Aaron threw the ceremonial first pitch that night at Turner Field and Derek Jeter was named the game’s MVP after the American League claimed a 6-3 win over the National League. Jeter doubled in the first inning against Randy Johnson and later highlighted his three-hit performance with a two-run single in the fourth against current MLB Network analyst Al Leiter.

Jones gave Braves fans something to remember when he singled in the first inning against AL starter David Wells and then smacked a two-out solo homer in the third against James Baldwin. Coincidently, Aaron also homered in front of his hometown fans when Atlanta hosted its first All-Star Game in 1972.

Andruw Jones drove in the NL’s only other run during this game that featured appearances from two All-Star closers. After the Padres’ Trevor Hoffman surrendered three runs in the ninth, Mariano Rivera limited his damage to just one run in the bottom half of the inning.

The Hall of Famers who participated in this Midsummer Classic included Jones, Jeter, Johnson, Hoffman, Rivera, Ivan Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez, Barry Larkin, Vladimir Guerrero and Tom Glavine. Both of the game’s managers, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre, have also been enshrined alongside these legends in Cooperstown.

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.

Nashville Soccer Club and Captain Morgan Team Up To Help Local Covid-19 Relief Effort As Part Of MLS Unites

The Nashville and Middle Tennessee community is one of many across the globe that are currently facing a series of unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of MLS Unites, a league-wide platform designed to educate communities, entertain fans and elevate heroic efforts during the pandemic, and to show our love and commitment to the city and region we call home, our Nashville SC partner Captain Morgan has pledged an initial donation of at least $55,000 (US) to The Nashville Food Project.

Coinciding with this week’s MLS Unites programming, supporting those in need, the donation to The Nashville Food Project is part of Captain Morgan’s initial pledge of $500,000 (US) across the United States and Canada to assist local MLS communities affected by COVID-19. Captain Morgan is working with each of their nine local club partners, including Nashville SC, to facilitate an initial donation of at least $55,000 (US) to a charitable organization of the clubs’ choosing, and we couldn’t be more excited to have IRS 501(c)(3) The Nashville Food Project be the recipient of the donation. Each of the charities is focused on providing meals and relief to local COVID-19 frontline workers and community members in need during this difficult time. A full list of the organizations to which their donations are being distributed can be found here.

The Nashville Food Project uses community driven solutions to fight food insecurity through its ongoing programs. In the weeks since the March tornadoes that devastated Nashville and Middle Tennessee and in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Nashville Food Project has prepared and shared over 25,000 nutritious meals in communities most affected. The Food Project, in partnership with Fat Bottom Brewery and Nashville SC, has also launched a new initiative called Community Cupboard, which offers high-quality groceries to displaced hospitality workers and others who have experienced job or wage loss due to COVID-19. Captain Morgan’s donation will help provide 520 grocery shares for 270 families along with 20,000 meals for those facing food insecurity at this time. Fans can support by donating via the club’s ‘Never Give Up On You’ Donation platform.

“In times of crisis, it is crucial that we come together as a community to help our most vulnerable citizens,” said Brandon Hill, Nashville SC Sr. Director of Community Engagement. “One in eight Middle Tennesseans experience food insecurity so we’re proud to partner with The Nashville Food Project and Captain Morgan to support those neighbors in need. This project will provide thousands of meals to those individuals and families who are desperately in need of our help during these trying times.”

“Captain Morgan is proud and honored to be in partnership with Major League Soccer, and we remain committed to supporting this incredible league,” Captain Morgan, Vice President, Sam Salameh said. “During these challenging times, it’s important that we unite as a community and work to overcome this together. Captain Morgan is proud to be united with MLS and each of our partner clubs, in an effort to bring relief to our club communities across the United States and within Canada.”

For Nashville SC fans interested in getting involved in the relief effort, Captain Morgan will kick off The Captain’s Challenge on its Instagram channel (@CaptainMorganUSA) today Tuesday, April 21. The Captain’s Challenge will feature fans showing off their best nutmegging skills – that is, kicking a ball between someone’s or something’s legs.  Don’t have a soccer ball at home? Feel free to get creative – a balled up pair of socks, a pillow, a roll of TP – almost anything will work. For those who live by themselves, it’s possible to nutmeg anything with legs, whether that be a table or chair. Captain Morgan will be taking select fan submissions and showcasing them alongside commentary from MLS legend Taylor Twellman.

For every qualifying video U.S. fans (21+) share to their public Instagram (in feed or stories) tagging @CaptainMorganUSA and including the hashtag #CaptainMorganDonation, Captain Morgan will donate $25 (US) up to an additional $50,000 (US)[1] on top of the initial pledge of $500,000 (US) to assist MLS communities affected by this crisis.

Nashville SC encourages all of our fans and fellow community members to join us, Captain Morgan and MLS to Unite for Those In Need. If you’re 21 or over, get ‘megging – we can’t wait to see what you’ve got. Please do it safely and responsibly: Captain’s Orders.

For more information on “MLS Unites,” visit mlssoccer.com/mls-unites.


[1] Final amount to be split evenly among nine charities. The Captain’s Challenge ends Tuesday, May 5. Videos which do not qualify (e.g., show irresponsible or dangerous behavior) will not result in donation. See LINK for additional information.

Who Will the Titans Pick? A Tour of 50 Mock Drafts – Just Three Days Before the NFL Draft

It’s almost here – the NFL Draft is now just three days away.

The Titans joined teams across the NFL on Monday for a practice mock draft, before the real deal takes place beginning on Thursday night. The 29th overall pick of the first round belongs to the Titans.

Thunder Radio will carry the Titans Radio Network broadcast of the first 3 rounds of the draft on Thursday and Friday. Live coverage will begin at 7 PM on Thursday with Round #1. Coverage of Rounds 2 and 3 will begin at 6 PM on Friday. Thunder Radio is your exclusive home for the Titans Radio Network in Coffee County.

Let’s take another tour of the mock drafts to see what 50 analysts think the Titans will do ….

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

Peter King, NBC Sports: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Peter Schrager, NFL Network: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Mel Kiper, Jr, ESPN: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Pat Kirwan, SIRIUSXM: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus: Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

John McClain, Houston Chronicle: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB, Penn State

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Jenny Vrentas, Sports Illustrated: Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press: Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin

John Glennon, The Athletic: DT Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB, Penn State

Steve Serby, New York Post: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Roy Larking, Sports Illustrated: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB, Penn State

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois

Kevin Hanson, Sports Illustrated: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB, Penn State

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football: A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa

Eddie Brown, San Diego Union Tribune: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

John Breech, CBS Sports: A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa

Joel Klatt, FOX Sports: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Jim Miller, SIRIUSXM: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Turron Davenport, ESPN: Jeff Gladney, CB, ESPN

John Clayton, Washington Post: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Todd McShay, ESPN: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Cory Curtis, WKRN: Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin

Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Cynthia Freland, NFL.com: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB, Penn State

Nate Davis, USA Today: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Clarence Hill, Dallas Star Telegram: Terrell Lewis, DE, Alabama

Corey Parson, Sports Illustrated: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Ryan O’Halloran, Denver Post: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Charley Casserly, NFL.com: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Lance Zierlein, CBS Sports: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Preds Official Podcast: Joining Crispy’s Corner

The NHL and other sports leagues comment on the possibility of returning to empty arenas. Preds broadcaster and former NHL player and coach Terry Crisp joins the show. Plus, Thomas Willis and Brooks Bratten take a look at the Predators’ pending UFAs and RFAs. 

  • Updates from the NHL as the 2019-20 season pause finishes its fifth week
  • Hear from Predators General Manager David Poile on the NHL’s pause
  • Interview with Preds Broadcaster Terry Crisp
  • Discussing Nashville’s pending UFAs and RFAs
  • Answering your Twitter questions

Visit NashvillePredators.com/Podcast to subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, iHeartRadio, Spotify and others.

Watch These 10 Fun Braves Games Right Now

While the 2020 season is on hold, fans still have plenty of opportunities to satisfy their baseball cravings.

Every single MLB game from the past two seasons is available, for free, on MLB.TV. That equates to more than 4,800 games, including regular season and postseason, from 2018 and ‘19.

This dive into the archives is free to all users, on any supported device, with zero blackout restrictions. Simply visit MLB.TV for details or download the MLB App on your favorite device.

There is no shortage of viewing options, whether you prefer to relive the ups and downs of your favorite team’s season or discover something you might have missed the first time around. There are fantastic individual performances, dramatic October classics, and much more. There’s also a large collection of classic games available on YouTube.

To help fans find a place to start amid those two seasons’ worth of baseball, we’ve curated the top 10 games for each of the 30 teams. Here is a recommended viewing guide for the Braves.

May 20, 2018: Braves 10, Marlins 9: A six-run ninth
Facing a 9-4 deficit entering the bottom of the ninth, the Braves staged a six-run rally that Dansby Swanson capped with an RBI single after fouling a couple of 99-mph fastballs.

July 29, 2018: Braves 4, Dodgers 1: A near no-no
As Chipper Jones was being inducted in Cooperstown, Sean Newcomb was flirting with history in Atlanta. The lefty came within one strike of no-hitting the Dodgers during this masterpiece.

Aug. 14, 2018: Braves 10, Marlins 6: Acuña Again
Ronald Acuña Jr. began the first two-homer game of his career with a third straight leadoff homer. This marked the end of the stretch during which he homered eight times over eight games.

Sept. 9, 2018: Braves 9, D-backs 5: Swanson’s save
Swanson ended a key 10-inning thriller in Arizona by denying Nick Ahmed’s attempt to score from second base on a bouncer the Braves’ shortstop unexpectedly snared behind second base.

April 20, 2019: Braves 8, Indians 7: Cleveland comeback
Down 7-1 through six innings, the Braves drew up two more runs in the seventh before constructing a memorable five-run ninth at the end of a long, cold doubleheader in Cleveland.

June 14, 2019: Braves 9, Phillies 8: McCann caps comeback
The Braves tallied five runs over the final two innings, including three with two outs in the ninth. Brian McCann ended this thriller in celebratory fashion.

June 1, 2018: Braves 4, Nationals 0: Folty’s gem
Mike Foltynewicz produced a two-hit shutout and the Braves halted a pitchers’ duel by erupting against Stephen Strasburg in the seventh.

Sept. 5, 2019: Braves 4, Nationals 2: Max effort
Given a 2-0 first-inning lead against Strasburg, Max Fried began a key four-game series by limiting the Nationals to one hit over seven innings

June 12, 2019: Braves 8, Pirates 7: Riley’s big night
Austin Riley tripled during a three-run first and hit a game-tying, ninth-inning homer that set the stage for Ozzie Albies’ walk-off double in the 11th.

May 29, 2018: Braves 7, Mets 6: Another walk-off
One day after Charlie Culberson had doomed the Mets with a walk-off homer in the first game of a doubleheader, Johan Camargo delivered his own game-ending blast to complete a late three-run rally.

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.

Westwood Basketball Coach Jerry Brown Appears on Coffee Coaches Show

Jerry Brown, new Westwood Middle School basketball coach (Photo provided)

New Westwood Middle School boys’ basketball coach Jerry Brown was a guest on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show.  Brown, who was named to the position last week, served as an assistant coach at Coffee County Central High School last season.  Coach Brown reiterated his desire to prepare his players for an easy transition to high school basketball.  Coach Brown also expressed his gratitude for this opportunity. 

Coach Jerry Brown expressing thanks

You can hear the complete interview by downloading the Coffee Coaches Show broadcast.  The Coffee Coaches Show is heard each Saturday live from the showroom of Al White Ford/Lincoln.  The Coffee Coaches Show is broadcast exclusively on Thunder Radio beginning at 10 AM. 

Is There Still a Chance the Titans Sign Jadeveon Clowney? GM Jon Robinson Answers the Question

On a conference call with reporters back on April 1st, Titans general manager Jon Robinson indicated the team has some interest in free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

It wasn’t an April Fools’ Day joke.

Over two weeks later, however, the former Seahawks and Texans pass rusher remains in the market.

On Friday morning, while appearing on a special live episode of the Official Titans Podcast with Voice of the Titans Mike Keith and Amie Wells, Robinson was asked if there’s still a chance the team signs Clowney.

“We’ll see,” Robinson said. “Like I said a couple of weeks ago, we’ve had some discussions there and we’ve had some dialogue back and forth. You never close the door on anything.”

Clowney played his first five NFL seasons with the Texans before being traded to Seattle prior to the 2019 season.

Clowney, 27, suffered a core muscle injury during the 2019 season, and he had surgery earlier this offseason.

Clowney has 32 sacks in six NFL seasons, but he had just three sacks in 13 games last season. He added 1.5 sacks in Seattle’s two playoff games.

During the conference call on April 1, Robinson said Clowney’s health has been a topic of conversation.

“As I said earlier, I don’t think there’s anything imminent in the works,” Robinson said of Clowney on Friday. “But we’ll continue to try and work though things and see how they go.”

A Binge-Watching Option from Every MLB team

With some unexpected free time on their hands, players, coaches and broadcasters across Major League Baseball are passing the time the same way as many of us — by binge-watching their favorite shows.

Whether it’s revisiting a tried-and-true classic or catching up on something that seemingly everyone else has already seen, here are some binge-watching recommendations from players, managers and other club personnel from all 30 big league teams.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

BLUE JAYS

Ben Wagner, broadcaster — Bloodline, Breaking Bad, Billions (and more): “Bloodline has it all! Family drama and power struggles, great hooks, cliffhangers and ‘What the?!’ moments. Breaking Bad, I was behind the times with this one, but once I started, I was the one addicted. When it ramps up in season three or so, you can’t stop watching it. Billions is everything you love to hate about the elite and how and why they hold their power. A cat-and-mouse chase between good and greed — and, in recent news, parallels to today’s global issues.”

Honorable mention: Mad Men, West Wing, Nip Tuck, Ozark, Mr. Selfridge, Downton Abbey, Scandal, House of Cards

ORIOLES

Sig Mejdal, assistant GM for analytics — Sunderland ‘Til I Die, Tiger King: After cruising through Tiger King, the viral sensation miniseries starring Joe Exotic, Mejdal has turned to Sunderland Until I Die to get his sports fix. The Netflix documentary chronicles the English soccer club Sunderland F.C’s relegation from the English Football League (EFL) Championship.

“It is so good,” Medjal said. “It shows so much of what is right — and wrong — with sports. It is impossible not to feel for their uber-passionate fans as they, and you, endure their failures. I’m just starting season two now. This is a great way to get your sports fix in during these times, with plenty of real life thrown in.”

RAYS

Brian O’Grady, utility — Peaky Blinders: This gangster drama follows the exploits of a crime family in England in the immediate aftermath of World War I.

Honorable mention: Hell on Wheels, Breaking Bad

RED SOX

Michael Chavis, INF — The Office: Steve Carell and John Krasinski star in this mockumentary sitcom that followed the employees of a fictional paper comany in Scranton, Pa., for nine seasons from 2005-13.

“Obviously, I’m a huge fan of The Office,” Chavis said. “If you haven’t seen it, grind through the first few episodes of the first season to truly understand the characters, and you’ll fall in love.”

YANKEES

Aaron Judge, RF — Tiger King, Ozark: “I’m all over the map. I started with Tiger King. Everybody’s been talking about that Joe Exotic, man. I was hooked for a while. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Ozark; I just started season three. We’re getting to the good stuff, man. Everybody keeps telling me season three is where more twists and turns come. I ain’t ready for it — my anxiety is already through the roof.”

AL CENTRAL

INDIANS

Oscar Mercado, OF — Prison Break, Money Heist: Prison Break is an action drama that revolves around a pair of brothers, one of whom is sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. The other brother hatches a plan — one that involves getting sent to prison himself — to rescue his sibling. As for Money Heist, this two-season drama focuses on a criminal mastermind who assembles an All-Star team of sorts to help him pull off the biggest heist of all time.

ROYALS

Whit Merrifield, utility player — Locke and Key: Asked what show he would recommend fans binge watch in the absence of baseball, Merrifield quipped: “The 2010 College World Series.”

Merrifield won the 2010 title for South Carolina with a walk-off hit, but his actual binge-watch recommendation was Locke and Key, described as an American supernatural horror drama based on a comic book series with the same name.

TIGERS

Niko Goodrum, utility player — Ozark: Though Goodrum said he is primarily splitting his time between exercising and playing video games (including a lot of Call of Duty), he added that he just started season two of Ozark, a thrilling crime drama series starring Jason Bateman.

Ron Gardenhire, manager — Let’s Make a Deal, Price is Right: The manager joked with WXYT-FM that he enjoys the daily morning game shows, “then I actually move off of my couch.”

Matt Manning, SP — The Office: Manning wore custom-made spikes to last year’s Futures Game that featured several characters from the long-running mockumentary sitcom. In true binge-watching fashion, Manning said last year that he’d run through all of the show’s episodes seven or eight times each.

TWINS

Mitch Garver, C — Better Call Saul, The Masked Singer: It comes as no surprise that Garver points out that the fifth season of Better Call Saul is currently airing on AMC. Like its award-winning predecessor, Breaking Bad, the show is set in Garver’s hometown of Albuquerque, N.M., where he also attended the University of New Mexico from 2010-13.

Also on Garver’s mind? The Masked Singer. For those inclined toward video games, Garver would also like to direct fans to his Twitch.tv channel, where he was excited to use the new gaming computer setup built for him this spring by one of the clubhouse attendants. (Just don’t tell Trevor May.)

WHITE SOX

Jason Benetti, broadcaster — McMillions, Curb Your Enthusiasm: McMillions is a documentary miniseries from HBO that detailed the Monopoly game scam by McDonald’s from 1989-2001.

“For a kid who grew up in the 1980s and ’90s, the fraudulent Monopoly game at McDonald’s is a really compelling topic,” Benetti said. “It’s an awesome series. You should watch it.”

Benetti also enjoys Curb Your Enthusiasm, “even though Larry David is super awkward.”

Lucas Giolito, SP — Curb Your Enthusiasm: Like Benetti, Giolito is a fan of the comedy starring Seinfield co-creator Larry David. Giolito has introduced his wife, Ariana, to the show during this break. In a recent interview on ESPN 1000 in Chicago, an amused Giolito said he has no intention of opening any “Spite Stores,” which is a line understood by anyone who watched the latest season of Curb.

AL WEST

ANGELS

Joe Maddon, manager — The Office, MLB Network: Maddon loves The Office and often quotes Steve Carell’s character, Michael Scott, during his meetings with the media. One of his favorite things to say is: “To quote Michael Scott, it’s alllll goooood.” Maddon also said he’s been watching plenty of MLB Network.

“MLB Network has been great,” Maddon said. “I watched [a show] on the 1983 season. I played with and knew a lot of those guys. I watched the [George Brett] pine-tar game and Buddy Black was pitching, so I had to text him.”

Mickey Callaway, pitching coach — Tiger King: Callaway watched this wacky viral documentary with his wife, but said he wouldn’t let his two daughters watch it — and he added that the show gave him nightmares.

ASTROS

Alex Bregman, 3B — Love is Blind: This reality series attempts to help people find a match and fall in love, without seeing each other face-to-face.

Lance McCullers Jr., SP — Schitt’s Creek: McCullers recommended this Canadian sitcom featuring a wealthy couple that suddenly finds itself completely broke, but added: “I would plug in any game console you have and play some video games!”

Geoff Blum, former player and current broadcaster — The Man in the High Castle: Blum suggested fans check out this drama series that focuses on what the world might look like in an alternate reality had World War II turned out differently. He added, via text: “Through the course of trying to figure out what to do with all this time on my hands, I decided to go through some of my old equipment and news clippings. Found a couple of my old hitting videos and decided to watch ’em, #GloryDays.”

ATHLETICS

Jesús Luzardo, SP — Ozark, Money Heist, Tiger King: “I’ve been watching Ozark and Money Heist. Tiger King intrigues me to see someone so out there and not care what anyone thinks. I wake up and work out as much as I can, then it’s pretty much just Netflix and video games (FIFA 20 and Call of Duty) all day.”

MARINERS

Marco Gonzales, SP — Explained: This Netflix series takes an in-depth look at topics, questions and ideas that aren’t typically covered by daily news outlets.

“It’s a bunch of different episodes on random and interesting topics,” Gonzales said. “Plus, they’re only 20 minutes long.”

RANGERS

Nick Solak, OF — Narcos: This crime drama series, which is set and filmed in Colombia, chronicles the life of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, as well as the billionaire’s interactions with drug lords and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), among others.

National League East

BRAVES

Mike Soroka, SP — Peaky Blinders: “It’s a show that is so well acted throughout and one that takes a step back from all the sci-fi, futuristic shows that have been airing lately.”

MARLINS

Matt Kemp, OF — Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, New Amsterdam: A spin-off of the original Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, or “SVU,” is a drama centered around a group of New York City detectives. New Amsterdam, meanwhile, is a drama that follows a doctor who plays by his own rules to help patients after becoming the medical director at America’s oldest public hospital.

Honorable mention: The Good Doctor, The Resident

METS

Seth Lugo, RP — The Office: “I love the stupid, awkward stuff.”

NATIONALS

Sean Doolittle, LHP — Parasite, Knives Out: Parasite, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture this past February, is a Korean-language dark comedy thriller that follows a poor family who schemes to become employed in the household of a wealthy family. Knives Out is a whodunit film centered around a detective’s investigation of a family after the mysterious death of its patriarch.

Honorable mention: 1917

Mike Rizzo, general manager — Rocky, Major League, Miracle: Rocky is a classic sports drama centered around a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship of the world. Major League, another sports movie, is a comedy that follows the trials and tribulations of a fictionalized version of the Cleveland Indians. Lastly, Miracle recounts the United States men’s ice hockey team’s historic upset of the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

PHILLIES

Andrew Knapp, C — Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Schitt’s Creek, The Office: Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a documentary series that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Formula 1 auto racing.

NL CENTRAL

BREWERS

Christian Yelich, OF — 24: This action drama is centered around counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer’s efforts to protect America by any means necessary. Each season follows 24 hours in Bauer’s life, and episodes take place over the course of one hour, with events depicted as they happen in real time.

CARDINALS

Paul DeJong, SS — True Detective, Breaking Bad, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Entourage: “I’m more into Parks and Rec lately than I am The Office, because it’s funnier, and it’s more Midwest, which I like,” said DeJong, who grew up in Illinois and has family in Wisconsin. “I can always just put on The Office or Parks and Rec whenever I’m cooking or something.”

CUBS

Jason Heyward, OF — Westworld, See, Truth Be Told, Handmaid’s Tale, Black-ish: “We just started on Westworld. I think we’re on season two,” Heyward said in a recent interview on ESPN 1000. “What’s it called, See — that’s a good one with Aquaman, Jason Momoa. That’s a good one. Truth Be Told is awesome on Apple TV+, that’s a cool one. Handmaid’s Tale is also crazy. There’s a lot of different stuff going on in those, man. And also, Black-ish. Black-ish is a good one for families — it’s light-hearted, it’s funny, it’s got daily issues throughout the world and the country and also just something you see in any family home.”

PIRATES

Jameson Taillon, SP — Entourage, The League, Portlandia, The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Schitt’s Creek: Taillon is always in the middle of one show or another — he was watching the second season of Bloodline on Netflix when he got the call to the Majors in 2016, and he burned through Schitt’s Creek during his career-best ‘18 season — which explains why he couldn’t narrow down his list.

“How do you really pick just one, though?” he asked.

Derek Shelton, manager — Tiger King: Shelton acknowledged recently that he, like many across the country, binge-watched the seven-episode Netflix series that turned Joe Exotic into a household name.

REDS

Jesse Winker, OF — Bad Blood: “It’s a gangster show. I love gangster stuff, so it’s right down my alley. If anybody has any other suggestions, throw them my way.”

NL WEST

D-BACKS

Mike Ferrin, pre- and post-game host — Tiger King: “The biggest upset of the series is that the whole thing doesn’t take place in Florida,” Ferrin said. “Never before has there been a collection of absurd personalities quite like this. And every time you think the documentary couldn’t get any weirder or have a more bizarre turn, well, it does. Not appropriate for kids, but definitely worth watching for parents right before bed.”

Steve Berthiaume, broadcaster — The Crown: “The dialogue, the attention to historic detail and the engaging character development using multiple sets of actors over different generations makes this my most engaging binge watch. Not just the Windsors, but multiple British political and historical figures. Beautifully produced and very compelling. I really enjoy Downton Abbey for much the same reason.”

DODGERS

Will Smith, C — Ozark, The Sinner, Little Fires Everywhere: Ozark is a thrilling crime drama series starring Jason Bateman, whose character relocates his family after a money-laundering scheme takes a turn for the worse. The Sinner, meanwhile, is a suspenseful crime drama that follows detective Harry Ambrose as he works through mysterious cases. As for Little Fires Everywhere, the miniseries drama — based on the book by the same title — stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.

GIANTS

Wilmer Flores, INF — Friends: No surprise here, considering Flores has used the classic show’s theme song as his walk-up music for several years. This one shouldn’t need much description, but for those that have yet to give it a shot, the sitcom centers around six friends living in New York City.

“I still watch it,” Flores said. “Before I go to bed. Whenever I take a shower, I’m just listening.”

PADRES

Wil Myers, OF — The Office: “I’ve watched The Office over 10 times, and each time I find something funny that I’ve missed before. Michael Scott is the single best character in any show.”

ROCKIES

Ryan McMahon, 2B — Money Heist, Narcos, QB1: “My big recommendation is Money Heist. Definitely not a show for kids, but my fiancé and I watched it in about two weeks. It’s a cool storyline of a bank robbery in the Mint of Spain. I also really like all the Narcos shows on Netflix, and QB1 was a cool show if you’re into high school football. It follows some big-time quarterbacks around for their senior year of high school before they become stars at the next level.”

Bella Vinson Makes Verbal Commitment to Lipscomb University

Graphic provided

Coffee County CHS junior basketball player Bella Vinson announced her verbal commitment to Lipscomb University on Wednesday.  Vinson received her offer from Lipscomb in October and after receiving a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State last week, Vinson had some thinking to do. “I sat down with my family and I knew Lipscomb is where I wanted to be in the first place” said Vinson. 

Vinson made her commitment to Lipscomb head coach Lauren Sumski on the telephone Tuesday night.  “She was so excited and all the coaches texted me and some of the players texted me and it made we feel really good that I am wanted there” said Vinson.  Coach Sumski expects Bella to compete at the “stretch 4” position to take advantage of her ability to play inside and outside.  When asked if playing close to home was something she was looking forward to, Vinson had this to say:

Bella Vinson talking about the allure of playing close to home

When Thunder Radio contacted head coach Joe Pat Cope of the Lady Raiders, he showered Bella with praise.  “She’s the perfect college athlete; her work ethic is off the charts” said Cope. “She works every day on her game.  I know she will excel in the classroom and on the court.”  When asked about what her recruitment meant to the program, Cope said “this just shows that Lady Raider basketball is getting looked at.”

Vinson led the Lady Raider team to the District 8AAA Championship in 2020. Additionally, Vinson helped lead Coffee County to the Region 4AAA Tournament for the last 3 seasons and a 24 game regular season district winning streak. Vinson was named the District 8AAA Most Valuable Player the last 2 seasons and won the District Tourney MVP Award in February. Vinson was named to the Tennessean All-Midstate team and was selected for the Class AAA TN Report All-State Team.  Vinson finished the 2019-2020 season averaging 17.5 points and 7 rebounds per game. Vinson scored her 1,000th career point in November.

Predators Sign Alexandre Carrier to Three-Year Contract

Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced today that the team has signed defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a three-year contract worth $700,000 in the NHL or $125,000 in the AHL in 2020-21, $750,000 in the NHL or $175,000 in the AHL in 2021-22, and $750,000 in the NHL or $200,000 in the AHL in 2022-23.

Carrier, 23 (10/8/96), was on pace to post the best statistical season of his professional career prior to the AHL’s suspension of play on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In only 55 games in 2019-20, compared to his 76 games in 2018-19, the blueliner produced the exact same number of goals and assists (5g-32a-37pts). Carrier’s 32 assists this season are good for the top spot among all Milwaukee skaters, and his 37 total points put him in first among Admirals defensemen. He also ranks fifth in the AHL in blueliner assists.

Making his NHL debut on Jan. 17, 2017 at Vancouver, Carrier then appeared in one more game with Nashville two nights later against Calgary, tallying one shot on goal. This season, he appeared in three games with the Predators and posted a plus-two rating.

Originally drafted by Nashville in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Carrier has played in 276 career AHL games with the Admirals, producing 141 points (20g-121a), the most by a Milwaukee blueliner since he made his debut in the 2016-17 season. In addition to being named an AHL All-Star in 2016-17 and 2019-20, he is the only Admirals defenseman to tally 100 career assists since the team joined the AHL in 2001. The Quebec City, Que., native played four seasons with the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques prior to turning pro, recording 137 points (29g-108a) in 242 games.