Dodgers star Mookie Betts refused to stay at a haunted hotel in Milwaukee (again)

Mookie Betts doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he’s still not taking any chances this time around.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Los Angeles Dodgers star right fielder Mookie Betts may not, but regardless, he’s not taking any chances.

Once again, Betts has refused to stay with the team at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, which was built in 1893 and is (allegedly) haunted. Instead, Betts has booked a separate Airbnb as he did last May when the Dodgers made the trip to face the Milwaukee Brewers.

At the time, he said that he didn’t really believe in ghosts but wanted separate accommodations “just in case” the ghost stories were true. He reaffirmed his commitment to never staying at the Pfister again this time around.

“No,” Betts said. “That ain’t going to change.”

Betts has stayed at the hotel in the past, and though he didn’t encounter anything from the great beyond, but he couldn’t sleep out of paranoia.

“Every noise, I’d be like, ‘Is that something?!?” Betts said last year.

He should be much better rested this time around for Los Angeles’ four-game series against the Brewers, which begins on Monday night.

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Brewers rising star Jackson Chourio is younger than Wisconsin great Braelon Allen

Brewers rising star Jackson Chourio is younger than Wisconsin great Braelon Allen

The sporting discussion in the state of Wisconsin currently revolves around Milwaukee Brewers breakout star Jackson Chourio.

The 20-year-old outfielder is hitting .339 (62/183) with 9 home runs and 34 RBI in his last 50 games, leading the Brewers to a 66-49 record — only 0.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second-best record in the National League.

Related: Every former Wisconsin Badger currently on an NFL roster entering 2024 training camp

His season-long numbers are up to .274/.321/.758, 14 home runs, 50 RBI and 16 stolen bases. The rising star could near a 20 home-run, 20 stolen-base season. That mark has only been previously accomplished by two players of his age: Mike Trout (2012) and Vada Pinson (1959), numbers courtesy of MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy.

The summary: after an offseason full of headlines including former manager Craig Counsell taking the Chicago Cubs job and ace Corbin Burnes being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, a young rising star has become the story of the season. The age of that rising star (20 years old) is the story almost as much as how his play is helping the team.

Wisconsin Badgers fans are familiar with such a storyline. A mention of age was at the center of every discussion regarding running back Braelon Allen during his breakout true freshman season in 2021.

Allen was only 17 years old at the time after reclassifying in high school and joining the Badgers early.

Flash-forward three years, the 20-year-old Allen is a rookie on the New York Jets and enters the 2024 NFL season as the youngest player in the league. He is the league’s first active player to be born in 2004.

Allen’s age is a strong point of comparison for Badgers fans after his decorated college career. It can help contextualize Chourio’s record-setting breakout.

For further context on the Chourio’s headline-grabbing 2024 season, he’s actually 51 days younger than the former Badger running back, that note courtesy of @JaymesL on X.

Chourio recently signed an 8-year, $82 million extension with the Brewers in April. The club gave him the deal on April 4, 2024 — only five games into his professional career. That vote of confidence has already begun to pay off with his play this season.

Allen’s professional career, meanwhile, is beginning outside the state of Wisconsin, so he’ll no longer command the same headlines as when he was rushing for 1,200-plus yards with the Badgers. But his age can still serve as a benchmark for topics like this one — when another team in the state has a young player in the midst of a breakout.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. 

EXCLUSIVE: Incoming RHP Jayden Dubanewicz signs with Milwaukee Brewers

Florida survived the 2024 MLB draft mostly unscathed but the Gators won’t be getting Marjory Stoneman Douglas right-hander Jayden Dubanewicz. who signed with Milwaukee just ahead of the deadline.

The 2024 MLB draft was mostly kind to the Florida Gators, but incoming freshman right-hander Jayden Dubanewicz became the second signee to turn pro on Thursday.

Dubanewicz signed a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers worth $665,000 in bonuses, plus a $2,500 contingency bonus that doesn’t count against the pool.

“This is an absolute dream come true,” Dubanewicz said to Gators Wire. “I wouldn’t be anywhere near this (opportunity) without the constant support of my parents and coaches along the way; however, this is just the start!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-I6qfhSl5N/

A dominant high school career

Dubanewicz earned three varsity letters at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and was a key piece of the starting rotation that won two of four straight state championships.

He ends his high school career with a 21-2 record and a 1.31 ERA over 29 appearances (21 starts). Dubanewicz struck out 146 and walked just 31 over 123 complete innings.

His 0.76 career WHIP is a school record (since 2013) — besting current Miami Marlins pitcher Jesus Luzardo and three current/former Gators (Chris Arroyo, Jake Clemente and Christian Rodriguez).

Florida or the pros?

Dubanewicz committed to the University of Florida on July 25, 2022 and had long anticipated playing for the Gators. Major league scouts showed an increased interest in the projectable right-hander as he threw more quality innings over the spring, and he was a scout’s request invite at the FACA All-Star Game.

Still, prying Dubanewicz away from an SEC commitment was no easy task. Things were still “50-50” less than 24 hours from the deadline, but a deal came together overnight. Dubanewicz spent the summer in Gainesville, making the decision that much more difficult.

“It was by far one of the hardest decisions I had to make,” Dubanewicz said of his decision to forgo the college experience. “UF is one of the best, if not the best, programs there is, but I knew I wanted to start my pro career.”

What’s next for Dubanewicz?

With complex league play over, Dubanewicz won’t pitch in the Brewers’ organization until next year. He will still report to rookie ball to get acclimated to his new environment and will continue his development in a fall instructional league.

Dubanewicz features a 91-93 mph fastball that has topped out at 94 mph, a low-80s slider with sweeping action and an 82-84 mph changeup with good run. He is 6-foot-3-inches tall with room to grow and a projectable frame — long arms and legs.

Stoneman Douglas pitching coach Michael Cimilluca described “Duby” as  “a true competitor that goes right at hitters.” He expects the 18-year-old to add velocity as his body matures and puts on more muscle.

A year ago, signing a pro deal was simply a hope for Dubanewicz, who was just stepping into the ace role for one of the nation’s top high school baseball programs. Now that dream is a reality for Dubanewicz, and he’s ready to put in the work needed to move up the chain.

“The Brewers are getting a workhorse,” he said. “I am ready for everything that comes my way, and I am dedicating myself to getting better. I know the Brewers are good at developing starting pitching, which fits perfectly.”

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Former Notre Dame tight end throws out first pitch for Chicago Cubs

Dude still can throw off a mound.

Former Notre Dame tight end [autotag]Cole Kmet[/autotag] is entering his fifth season with the Chicago Bears. He’ll look to add to his 15 career NFL touchdowns with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams added to the mix. Training camp definitely will help with that.

But Kmet and the Bears had a day off, so Kmet, who grew up in nearby Lake Barrington, Illinois, decided to have some fun. Specifically, he decided to say yes to throwing out the first pitch before the hometown Chicago Cubs battled the Milwaukee Brewers. Luckily for us, the whole thing was captured on video:

As you can gather, Kmet threw it a little outside to Clark the Cub. Here’s a closer view of the pitch:

If he looks like he could have gone for a baseball career, it’s true. Many Irish fans probably know that Kmet also was on Notre Dame’s baseball team. In two seasons with that team, he recorded 10 saves and accumulated a 2-7 record along with a 4.43 ERA over 34 games.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Blake Burke selected No. 34 overall by Brewers

Former Tennessee first baseman Blake Burke selected No. 34 overall by the Brewers.

The 2024 Major League Baseball draft is taking place Sunday-Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas. The draft is being held in conjunction with MLB’s All-Star Game on Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Former Tennessee first baseman Blake Burke was selected by Milwaukee with the 34th overall pick in the draft.

Burke appeared in 182 games, including 159 starts, from 2022-24 at Tennessee. He recorded a .332 batting average, 50 home runs, 136 RBIs, 152 runs, 80 walks and 17 stolen bases.

Tennessee won the national championship in 2024.

Rounds 3-10 of the MLB draft will be held on Monday, while rounds 11-20 are slated for Tuesday.

READ: Tennessee baseball career home run tracker

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Paul Skenes nearly throws a no-hitter in another fantastic start for Pirates

Paul Skenes was six outs away from throwing a no-hitter against the best team in the National League Central Division.

[autotag]Paul Skenes[/autotag] was six outs away from throwing a no-hitter against the best team in the National League Central Division.

The [autotag]Pittsburgh Pirates[/autotag] took a trip to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers who are leading the NL Central with a 54-40 record. Skenes made his final start before he headed to Arlington, Texas, to participate in the All-Star Game. He saved his best performance of the season for this game.

Skenes threw 99 pitches as he allowed zero hits and zero runs to the Brewers in seven full innings. He struck out 11 hitters and only walked one during those seven innings. Baseball fans all around the world are asking the same question, “Why was Skenes pulled after seven innings and not allowed to try to finish the no-hitter?”

 

These days a lot of teams use analytics when they make moves during games. For Pittsburgh, their manager Derek Shelton said, “He was trusting his eyes.”

Nevertheless, it was a great start for Skenes as he dropped his ERA to 1.90. He has pitched 66.1 innings and has 89 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Elly De La Cruz had MLB fans in awe when he electrifyingly scored from second on an errant pick-off attempt

He really might be the fastest man alive.

At this point, Elly De La Cruz’s speed shouldn’t be a surprise. But the more we see that speed in action, the more it continues to amaze.

He seriously might be the fastest person on the planet.

During Sunday’s game between the Reds and Brewers, De La Cruz stole second with two outs in the third. Yet instead of focusing on the batter in a 1-2 count, Brewers pitcher Colin Rea inexplicably had his attention on De La Cruz at second. He made a pick-off attempt with De La Cruz just a couple steps off the bag, and that throw went into center field.

And just like that, it was off to the races for De La Cruz.

De La Cruz seemingly hit top speed after a couple steps and got the green light to make the turn home from third base. No other player in baseball is scoring from second on that error with two outs. De La Cruz’s speed is just different like that.

No wonder MLB fans were in awe of the electrifying play. His speed produced a run out of thin air.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

Phillies fans gave Rhys Hoskins a classy ovation in his emotional return to Philadelphia

Phillies fans welcomed back Rhys Hoskins with an emotional standing ovation.

Rhys Hoskins may not wear red pinstripes anymore, but he’ll always be a Philadelphia Phillie in the minds of the fans.

On Monday, Hoskins made his emotional return to Philadelphia for the first time after leaving the team in free agency last winter to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers. Hoskins spent his last year in Philadelphia on the injured list with a torn ACL that occurred during spring training, a disappointing end to his six-year career with the team.

Fans packed Citizens Bank Park to give Hoskins a warm welcome back and it all culminated in an emotional first at-bat of the game during the second inning.

What a classy ovation from Phillies fans. Bringing back Hoskins’ old walk-up song — “Slide” by Calvin Harris — was a great touch too. Before Hoskins came to bat, the Phillies also showed a video tribute to the first baseman’s time with the team.

Here’s how Phillies fans reacted to Rhys Hoskins’ return to Philadelphia

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Tommy Pham was fuming at the Brewers after he was thrown out at home on an atrocious path to the plate

Pham had a dirty slide but was the angry one here.

The White Sox went into Sunday’s game against the Brewers riding a 10-game losing streak, so the desperation to end that streak was understandable. But in true White Sox fashion, Tommy Pham managed to add to the embarrassment.

With the White Sox trailing by one run in the eighth inning, Pham wanted to test Christian Yelich’s arm on a fly out to left field. There was nothing wrong with the decision to send Pham there — even with Pham’s below-average speed. Yelich’s arm strength ranks in the 42nd percentile amongst MLB outfielders, so why not force him to make a play?

Yet, you won’t see any base runner take a worse path than Pham did on a tag from third.

Pham was running on the infield grass and took a direct path towards Brewers catcher William Contreras who tagged him out at home. Pham — the same guy who slapped Joc Pederson over fantasy football — took exception with how Contreras reacted to the play (apparently he can’t celebrate?). It got to the point where White Sox players and coaches had to intervene to calm Pham down.

But really, Contreras was the one who should have been upset with Pham, if anything. Contreras gave Pham a window to slide into home, but the White Sox outfielder opted to go straight at the catcher. Good teams don’t make mistakes like this:

Cooler heads would eventually prevail, and the Brewers went on to hand the White Sox their 11th straight loss.

Pham spoke about what happened after the game, and let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled. (Warning: Strong language)

 

Twins’ Byron Buxton smoothly avoided getting decked by the Bratwurst during the Brewers’ Sausage Race

This was a very close call.

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton had a very close call during the Milwaukee Brewers’ annual Sausage Race.

As Buxton was exiting the dugout to head onto the field on Tuesday in his team’s game against the Brewers, he nearly collided with the Bratwurst in the Sausage Race as it was rounding the lap.

Buxton made a smooth move to get back into the dugout before the Bratwurst ran into him, which would’ve been deeply unfortunate for everyone involved.

The poor person in the Bratwurst costume can’t see very well while they’re running, so we’re guessing that the Brewers might try to help the visibility for those running in the Sausage Race from here on out.

For Buxton and the Bratwurst, it was a very lucky miss that could’ve gone horribly wrong.

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