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Boston Globe
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Ex-Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is managing in the Cape Cod League, his eyes on someday being a college skipper
'You can't be too picky,' Saltalamacchia said. 'Early in the season, I'm like, 'Oh, this guy's [throwing] 95 to 98 [miles per hour] with three other pitches, perfect.' Now, it's more like, 'Hey, can he throw strikes? Does he have offspeed stuff? Does it move? OK, we can use that.' ' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up For Saltalamacchia, 40, identifying talent, scouting, and recruiting are among the many hats he wears each day. The managerial role has come naturally to him after 12 years as a major league catcher with seven teams, Advertisement Since retiring in 2019, Saltalamacchia has resided in his hometown of Palm Beach, Fla., with his wife and four daughters. He coaches at a Florida high school in the spring, and spent the past three summers as an assistant with the Cape League's Bourne Braves, before Falmouth hired him in September. Advertisement 'I've scouted guys my whole career,' said Saltalamacchia. 'As a catcher, you're looking at film on hitters, you're looking at film on pitchers, and so I've always been able to see that and pick up on things that now come into play [as a manager].' Now in its 102nd season, the Cape Cod League has long been the premier summer baseball destination for college players seeking additional experience and exposure to major league scouts. Because of the focus on player development and the constant roster churn, wins and losses are not considered the sole measure of success (Through Sunday, Falmouth was 13-20-1, last out of five teams in the West Division). While the coaching staff is compensated, the rest of the Commodores' operations rely on 34 unpaid student interns and 83 local volunteers, and game admission is free. Saltalamacchia's presence has helped stir support and community engagement. 'He has helped us as an organization because we've been able to kind of grow our volunteer base, the community base, and everything else,' said Paul Aries, the Commodores' general manager. 'He's great about community events. He's great about signing autographs for kids. It brings a lot more people out to the ballpark.' Saltalamacchia and Aries began mapping out their plans for the roster in November, and were in daily communication beginning in January. 'He has connections all up and down baseball from his many years in the game,' Aries said. 'He's a World Series champion, and I'm not. And so he does most of [the recruiting] himself.' Saltalamacchia was a first-round pick of the Atlanta Braves out of high school in 2003, so he never played summer league baseball. But as an major league journeyman, he was constantly fighting for his spot, an experience he feels players can relate to. Advertisement 'I think the best coaches that played professional ball are the ones that weren't the best players, because they had to struggle,' Saltalamacchia said. 'I struggled with the bat, and I was a switch-hitter, so I had to do extra things. I had to learn catching — I was a bigger guy, so I had to learn how to be able to get low and catch the low pitch.' Because of Saltalamacchia's administrative responsibilities, he has less time to work with individual players than when he was an assistant. However, he still carves out pockets of time for on-field instruction, such as working with catchers before batting practice. 'I'm just trying to soak in all the knowledge that he has,' said starting catcher Bear Harrison, an incoming junior at Texas A&M and the younger brother of Worcester Red Sox pitcher Kyle Harrison. 'I watched him back in the day when he was winning that World Series, on a run with the Red Sox. So it's pretty special [to be coached by him].' Falmouth catcher Bear Harrison said it's "pretty special" to be managed by former major league backstop Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Even in just two months on the Cape, Saltalamacchia feels players can make major strides in their development. One example he cites is Maika Niu, Falmouth's center fielder, who through Sunday led the league with seven home runs and was second with 21 RBIs. Entering the summer as an under-the-radar prospect from Marshall University, Niu used his strong play in Falmouth to secure a transfer to Arkansas and get on the Major League Baseball draft radar. Advertisement 'He just understands the balance as a summer coach of how to support us,' said Niu. 'He likes to challenge us, just little things. You'll be in the dugout, and a couple batters before you he'll just hit you with, 'Bet you won't do this.' And as an athlete, a competitor, that really gets you going.' Falmouth manager Jarrod Saltalamacchia chats with center fielder Maika Niu, who through Sunday led the Cape Cod League with seven home runs. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Through an MLB-funded college scholarship plan, Saltalamacchia recently graduated from an online program at Northeastern University, where he majored in both business and leadership. He hopes the qualifications will strengthen his résumé as he looks for assistant coaching roles in college baseball, with his eye on a managerial spot someday. But for now, Saltalamacchia is content embracing the daily grind of the Cape Cod, League, which he views as a training ground for himself, much like his players. 'Being a manager [in college], that's the ultimate goal,' Saltalamacchia said. 'But I always like to be prepared. Preparation is key for everything. And it's just taking those steps.' Matty Wasserman can be reached at
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Doechii Reacts To Backlash Over Viral Clip Of Her And Her Team Before The Met Gala
Doechii has spoken out after a clip of her getting ready to attend this year's Met Gala generated a lot of attention on social media for all the wrong reasons. On Monday night, the Anxiety rapper was caught on camera leaving her hotel for the Met Ball inside of a huge white box, intended to cover up her Louis Vuitton outfit, using a luggage trolley and several oversized umbrellas to conceal her ensemble from the photographers outside. Who's behind all the umbrellas 👀 #MetGala# — E! Entertainment (@eentertainment) May 5, 2025 Admittedly, people were loving the footage of the ridiculous scene when it was first posted online on Monday night. However, when more videos emerged, Doechii faced some criticism over the way in which she spoke to the members of her team who were helping her make her way out of the hotel. This how yall fav treats her team? Yikes..😬 — Joshi Xcreature (@JXcreature) May 6, 2025 Doechii goes off trying to hide her outfit from cameras I need four F^CKING UMBRELLAS 😆😆🤣This was a little dramatic for this outfit no shade 🤣🤣 — Armon Wiggins (@ArmonWiggins) May 6, 2025 Doechii is being accused of 'mistreating' her assistants during the Met Gala. — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 6, 2025 Shrugging off the media furore, Doechii shared a TikTok of herself on Wednesday night set to the Commodores' laidback hit Easy, joking: 'God forbid a girl needs more umbrellas.' 'All jokes aside this was such an overstimulating night but I wouldn't trade it for the world!' the Grammy winner wrote in the caption, saying her Met Gala debut was 'the night we all dreamed of' and that her team 'killed it (umbrellas aside)'. Posting on her Instagram story that same night, she said: 'And all jokes aside I'm so so so proud of my glam team and the [Louis Vuitton] team for an incredible night! 'We've been dreaming about this Met for a long time and the theme this year is in such alignment with who I am [and] what I stand for.' 'It's nothing but God that this year was our debut. Everyone killed it. We nailed the theme. And a time was had,' she added, signing off her post with an umbrella emoji. Doechii responds to accusations she mistreated her team at the Met Gala. — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 7, 2025 Check out all the must-see photos from this year's Met Gala red carpet here. Artist Responds To 'Rosa Parks' Controversy Over White Lotus Star Lisa's Met Gala Outfit Madonna's 5-Word Met Gala Post Is A Must-See Treat For Pop Fans Rihanna And Ciara Put 'Good Luck Booking That Stage You Speak Of' Beef Behind Them At The Met Gala
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why daughter, not pro day, was most pressing part of Vanderbilt football's De'Rickey Wright's day
His final huff and his final puff behind him Wednesday, Vanderbilt safety/linebacker De'Rickey Wright walked purposefully toward the door at the Commodores' practice facility. Scouts from 21 NFL teams had just finished watching him and 15 other players with pro football aspirations run and jump and lift weights and run some more during one of the most important days of their athletic lives — pro day. But impressing scouts was second on Wright's priority list this day. He had to get home to the first — his 4-month-old daughter. "Today's the first day I'm going to watch her all by myself," Wright said proudly, but with a hint of trepidation. Pro day for Wright, you see, was nothing to be nervous about compared those plans. "I wouldn't say I was that nervous," Wright said of performing during pro day. "I had a kid. If y'all had kids, you know it can be pretty nerve-wracking." The football part of his life, he said, is old hat. "I've been doing this since I was 4 years old. Really, 3. So just another day to come out and perform and put your best forward." Wright did not receive an invite to the NFL combine in February, which left a "chip on his shoulder." But not going to Indianapolis in February was just as well because Wright had surgery to repair a major pectoral tendon tear after the Commodores' 35-27 victory against Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl, and he couldn't train until about a week and a half ago. The 6-foot-4, 229-pounder, who spent parts of his childhood in Gadsden, Alabama, without a permanent home, is projected to be at best a late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Wright had 48 tackles and one interception in 13 games for the Commodores this past season. He compiled 179 tackles, six interceptions, 14 pass breakups and forced three fumbles in 48 career games spanning five seasons with Vanderbilt, which he chose over schools such as Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, all three of which he once committed to. Those numbers mattered less Wednesday, though, when he recorded a 34-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 6-inch broad jump to go with a 4.62 40-yard dashamd a 4.37 shuttle. "Some of the numbers I put up weren't the numbers I know I can put up, so that was kind of disappointing," Wright said. "But it's chill . . . Whatever team picks me is getting all the best of me." Wright accidentally fell in love with the idea of playing football when he tagged along with his mother to his cousin's practice. He's in love with the idea of playing professionally. He's also realistic. Understands the odds of making it to the NFL are long and the odds of sticking are longer. So what are his plans should football not work out? Try football. Vanderbilt assistant coach Melvin Rice planted that seed in Wright's head. "He wants to get me into coaching," Wright said. "Sports in general is what I've known, what I've been interested in. So if we can't play it, why not try to affect it in another way, in coaching." Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@ and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @paulskrbina. Follow his work here. SPRING AHEAD: Why Vanderbilt football is holding a spring game in 2025 despite transfer portal concerns LEA SAYS: Why Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea decided he didn't want to be defensive coordinator again in 2025 This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Pro day not most stressful for Vanderbilt football's De'Rickey Wright
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea promotes two defensive coaches ahead of spring practice
There's a new defensive coordinator in town. A new co-defensive coordinator, too. Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea on Monday named Steve Gregory the Commodores' new defensive coordinator, while Nick Lezynski was promoted to co-defensive coordinator. Gregory and Lezynski take over the position from Lea. Gregory served as the Commodores' associate defensive coordinator and secondary coach last season, his first with the team. He and Lea were on the same coaching staff at Syracuse in 2015. Lezynski began his time at Vanderbilt in 2022, when he was a linebackers coach. The following season he was the defensive run game coordinator. He and Lea coached together for three years at Notre Dame. The Commodores finished 7-6 last season after defeating Georgia Tech 35-27 in Birmingham Bowl. Vanderbilt begins spring practice Tuesday and its spring game is scheduled for April 12. Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@ and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @paulskrbina. Follow his work here. MORE: Vanderbilt women's basketball to be No. 8 seed in SEC tournament; could rematch with Tennessee This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea promotes two defensive coaches
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
American Idol's Carrie Underwood Was ‘Nervous' About Judging Her First Audition — How Did She Do?
ABC allowed Carrie Underwood to reintroduce herself on Sunday, offering curious viewers a taste of what she'll bring to the judges' table when American Idol officially returns for Season 23 on March 9 (8/7c). The 30-minute post-Oscars special kicked off with Underwood's 'first day on the other side of the table,' a mere 20 years after she won Idol herself. One of the biggest changes she noticed was the impressive quality of the golden tickets, a considerable upgrade from the 'yellow piece of paper' she recalled being handed back in 2005. More from TVLine The Rookie Cliffhanger: What Do You Think Happens Next for Nyla/James? (And Can It Not Be Cringey?) The Rookie: Season 7's Wiiildest Episode Gave Us an Iconic #Chenford Scene and 3-1/2 Other Big Twists Grey's Anatomy Enlists Lena Waithe for Multi-Episode Arc - What's Her Connection to Catherine? Underwood's first-ever contestant arrived in the form of 25-year-old Sonny Tennet, a mustachio'd Ed Sheeran type from the UK. The unassuming singer-songwriter had Underwood melting into her hands within seconds of his smooth, riff-riddled take on the Commodores' 'Easy.' Between this being Underwood's first time at bat, plus Tennet performing a song by fellow judge Lionel Richie, this audition could have gone south really quickly — but ABC wasn't about to kick off the new season with a flop. Richie was thoroughly impressed by Tennet, praising him for making the song his own before passing the mic to Underwood for her first-ever critiques. 'I felt my heart aflutter,' she said of Tennet's 'joyous' performance, calling it a 'perfect song choice.' Then it was over to Luke Bryan to wrap things up. So, what did we learn from Underwood's brief first time judging an Idol audition? For starters, she may be replacing Katy Perry, but she's not replacing her energy. Underwood's commentary is insightful, and there's a warm playfulness to her chemistry with both the contestants and her fellow judges, but she's considerably more soft-spoken than her predecessor. Oscars' Best, Worst and Weirdest Moments View List Underwood admitted to having first day jitters ('I don't know why I'm nervous, I'm not auditioning!'), so it's possible that she'll settle into her position as the season progresses. A montage of future audition episodes included several interesting teases, including one contestant being so scared of Underwood that Bryan dubs her 'Scary Carrie.' (To be fair, anyone who isn't at least a little bit afraid of her obviously hasn't seen the music video for 'Before He Cheats.' If she could do all that to a truck, just imagine what she could do to you.) Sunday's preview introduced a few more memorable contestants, including Thunderstorm Artis, whose original song about his wife made all the judges emotional, and Manhattan musician Amanda Barise, who left Underwood 'possessed' with her impressive take on James Brown's 'It's A Man's Man's Man's World.' What did you think of Underwood's judging debut? Grade it in our poll below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on all things . Best of TVLine Mrs. Maisel Flash-Forward List: All of Season 5's Futuristic Easter Eggs Yellowjackets Recap: The Morning After Yellowjackets Recap: The First Supper
