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Indianapolis Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
MLB's No. 2 prospect Bubba Chandler 'lives in the moment' with big fastball, maturity in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — Bubba Chandler always envisioned a brief stint in Indianapolis en route to the big leagues. Until the days leading into the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft, Chandler planned to eventually represent Clemson at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. The quarterback only spent a few weeks on campus before the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the third round. They held other plans for his right arm. When baseball teammates ask how good he really was at football, Chandler tells them he'd probably be playing for the Chicago Bears, who took quarterback Caleb Williams first overall. 'Probably not, but no one will ever know, so I can say whatever I want about it,' Chandler said. Chandler made his 16th start for the Indianapolis Indians on Sunday, spread over two seasons. With little left to prove in Triple-A, it may be his last start at Victory Field. In his second start against Louisville in five days and fourth already this season, he allowed two runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out eight. Comparatively, that counts as a rough outing for Chandler. The 6-foot-3, 218-pound ace carries a 2.17 ERA with 56 strikeouts against 16 walks in 37 1/3 innings. The 22-year old's fastball reaches triple digits, headlining a four-pitch arsenal. Chandler said a rough three-outing stint in spring training taught him patience. He also admits he's eager for the call. So are fans of the last-place Pirates, with Chandler's good friend Paul Skenes carving up hitters but little else to look forward to this summer. 'I can't lie, I do have social media, so I always see it,' Chandler said of the buzz from Pittsburgh. 'I try to tell myself, wherever my feet are is where I'm going to put everything. Whether it's here or last yar at Double-A, or hopefully soon in the big leagues, live every day like it's your last and live in the moment.' The hype increasingly seems very real. Chandler took all of one pitch to make an electric first impression on Brett Sullivan after the catcher was traded from the San Diego Padres organization April 17. 'He's a stud,' said Sullivan, who spent parts of the past two seasons in the majors and has caught two of Chandler's starts. 'You feel it, you know? It's one of those guys, you gotta be locked in back there, because he's coming at you with his best stuff. ... Right away, pitch one, I was like, 'This fastball is a little different.'' Insider: Everything you need to know about the Indianapolis Indians for the 2025 season Velocity, though, accounts for merely one reason Sullivan believes the prospect can thrive in the majors. The accompanying change-up gives hitters fits. The slider has increasingly become a strikeout pitch. Chandler mixes in a curve, too, with increasing confidence and in a variety of counts. Most important, though, might be Chandler's mindset, one which comes across as ruthless as the linebackers and rush ends he once faced. He wants to win. More to the point: He wants to dominate. 'I really don't want you to touch first base, and I just want you to sit in the dugout and pout — until your next at-bat, so you can do it again,' Chandler said. Chandler said he and Skenes share a mutual obsession on details. That comes across in how Chandler describes nitpicking his performances in Indianapolis — constantly seeking improvement in the margins. He wants to boost his first-pitch strike percentage, as well as his putaway percentage — how often a two-strike count results in a strikeout. Sullivan said he talks with Chandler between innings to discuss which secondary pitches need more attention on a given day. 'For his age, his preparation is ahead of his time,' Sullivan said. 'You just tip your cap to him, because he has an electric arm, but it's more than that. In the clubhouse, off the field; he's just a great kid.' Chandler grew up an hour east of Atlanta, but a world away. His hometown, Bogart, has fewer than 1,500 residents. No irony in that 'Bubba' nickname. Roy Ruben Chandler is not a city boy. Still, he's taken to Indianapolis over last summer and this spring. The quality of golf courses pleasantly surprised. Purgatory, The Fort, Brickyard and Country Club of Indianapolis rank among his favorites. Skenes in Indy: No. 1 pick Paul Skenes regularly hits 100 mph in first home start with Indianapolis While Chandler awaits his imminent promotion, he's also enjoying his Indianapolis baseball experience. With Sunday' 4-3 victory, the Indians improved to 26-17 in the International League West, a half game behind first-place Nashville. 'We have so much fun,' Chandler said. 'There's truly a joy in winning.' The Indians begin a six-game road series at Toledo on Tuesday. Chandler may not be on the bus back for the Memorial Day opener of a home stretch against Nashville.


Axios
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Weekend events: Indiana Peony Festival, Broad Ripple Art Fair and more
There are busy weekends in Indianapolis, and then there are really busy weekends in Indianapolis. Why it matters: This upcoming one is the latter. 🌸 Celebrate the state flower with food, vendors and live music during the 5th annual Indiana Peony Festival in Noblesville's historic Seminary Park. Flashback: Gov. Eric Holcomb declared that the third Saturday in May be known as Indiana Peony Festival Day on May 22, 2021. The free event runs from 10am-4pm. 🎨 Discover something that moves you at the 53rd OneAmerica Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair, 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday at the Indy Art Center. The vibe: More than 150 artists will sell their work, and Indy Jazz Fest will curate live music. The rest of our weekend picks: 🎭 See Broadway star Patti Murin put on a show when she does a pair of performances at The Cabaret, 8pm Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $85. 🏉 See the nation's top rugby teams go at it during the USA Club Rugby XVs National Championships at Kuntz Stadium, Friday-Sunday. ⚾ Swing for the fences when the Indianapolis Indians host the Louisville Bats for a weekend series. Games start at 7:05pm Friday, 6:35pm Saturday and 1:35pm Sunday. Tickets start at $15. 🏳️🌈 Celebrate the intersectionality of the Asian American Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities at the free 2025 AAPI Pride Celebration, 7pm Friday at 10 East Arts Hub. RSVP here. 🎵 Rock with country singer Zach Top when he brings his " Cold Beer & Country Music" tour to Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 7:30pm Friday. Tickets start at $123. 🏀 Cheer on the Indiana Fever as they open the 2025 WNBA season at home against the Chicago Sky, 3pm Saturday. Tickets start at $85. 🏁 Race to IMS for Indy 500 Fast Friday and qualifiers. Fast Friday practice starts at noon and the qualification draw starts at 6:15pm Friday. Qualifying runs start at 11am Saturday and 4:05pm Sunday. Tickets start at $25 for Fast Friday and $30 for quals. 🏎️ Visit the graves of racing royalty during the Racing Legends driving tour at Crown Hill Cemetery, 1pm Saturday. 🎹 Listen to the sounds of the final Indianapolis Children's Choir performance of the 2024-25 season when they present " Dawning" at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 4pm Sunday.


Axios
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Indianapolis weekend events: Mother's Day weekend, Mecum auction, Indy Pride races and more
It's Mother's Day weekend and Indianapolis is full of fun experiences to help you celebrate (or party with) mom over the next few days. 🎨 Spend the weekend at Newfields with a first look at the newest iteration of THE LUME. The first look for " Connection: Land, Water, Sky — Art & Music from Indigenous Australians" starts 7pm Friday. The exhibit's grand opening is Saturday. Mother's Day programming is all day Saturday and Sunday. Single-day tickets start at $22 with multi-day passes available. 🚗 Find mom's next dream car during the Mecum Spring Classic Car Auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Friday-Sunday. Gates open daily at 8am, and close one hour after the final vehicle of the day crosses the auction block. Tickets start at $30 for one day and $75 for three days. Children 12 and under are free. ⚾ Catch a ballgame or three as the Indianapolis Indians host the Columbus Clippers at Victory Field during Weekend with Bluey. Games start at 7:05pm Friday, 6:35pm Saturday and 1:35pm Sunday. Tickets start at $15. 🧜 Transport mom to an underwater kingdom when Youth Inspiration Theatre presents " The Little Mermaid Jr." at Butler's Shelton Auditorium. Performances start at 7pm Friday and Saturday, and 2pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $25. 😂 Take mom to see a standup legend when Don "DC" Curry does five shows at Helium Comedy Club. Shows start at 7pm and 9:15pm Friday; 6pm and 8:30pm Saturday; and 6pm Sunday. Tickets start at $31. 👟 Help mom get some steps in during the 14th annual Indy Pride Rainbow 5K Run/Walk, 7am Saturday. It starts at the Fowling Warehouse and moves through the Brookside Park area. Registration is $50. 🌸 Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture at 11am Saturday during the free Asian Fest event at the Indiana Historical Society. 🏺 Discover the perfect vase for those flowers you bought mom during the free spring pottery sale at Fountain Square Clay Center, 12-4pm Saturday and Sunday. 🏁 Satisfy mom's need for speed at IMS for the Sonsio Grand Prix, 4:30pm Saturday. 📣 Cheer on the Indiana AlleyCats ultimate frisbee team during their home opener against the defending champion Minnesota Wind Chill, 6pm Saturday.


Axios
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Indianapolis weekend events: Furniture sale, Mutt Strut, MC Lyte and more
If you're looking for furniture and home goods but don't want to break the bank, check out Diversion's warehouse sale this weekend. Why it matters: You'll be supporting a good cause. How it works: Diversion is a nonprofit that collects high-quality furniture from partnering designers and individuals and uses the items to help those who have recently secured housing furnish their new home. Eligible individuals are allowed to shop the warehouse and pick whatever items they need at no cost. According to Diversion's website, the organization has helped more than 1,300 people. Where the public comes in: Once a month, Diversion opens its warehouse to the public with pieces priced at significant discounts to make space for future items and raise money. 💭 Lindsey's thought bubble: I went to the March sale and was impressed with the selection. I left with a globe, dessert tray and piece of home decor. Two items didn't have prices marked, and I was told to pay whatever I wanted to donate for them. It was shopping that made me feel good. If you go: 10am-1pm Saturday, 1625 Southeastern Ave. Here are the rest of our picks for the weekend: 🎤 Rock the mic with hip-hop legend MC Lyte at The Vogue, 8pm Friday. Tickets start at $30. ⚾ Take yourself out to the ballgame as the Indianapolis Indians take on the Iowa Cubs all weekend. Games start at 6:35pm Friday and Saturday, and 1:35pm Sunday. Tickets start at $15. 🏀 See the Pacers try to strengthen their playoff position when they play the Utah Jazz at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 7pm Friday. Tickets start at $14. 🎹 Hear top-tier pianists compete during the 2025 American Piano Awards Finals at Hilbert Circle Theatre, 7pm Friday and 5:30pm Saturday. Tickets start at $13. 🐕 Witness the"greatest spectacle in dog walking" when IndyHumane's Mutt Strut fundraiser hits White River State Park, 8am Saturday. 🩰 Experience the storytelling power of dance when Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents Spring Equinox at The Tarkington in Carmel, 7pm Friday and 5pm Saturday. Tickets start at $55. 🏒 Hit the ice with the Indy Fuel for a little in-state showdown when they play the Fort Wayne Komets at Fishers Event Center, 7pm Saturday. Tickets start at $24. ⚽ Hit the pitch to cheer on the Indy Eleven as they battle North Carolina FC at Carroll Stadium, 7pm Saturday.


Korea Herald
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Pirates' Bae Ji-hwan sent to minors after slow start
The Pittsburgh Pirates' utility player Bae Ji-hwan has been sent down to the minor leagues after a slow start to the 2025 season. The Pirates announced Thursday that they have optioned Bae to their Triple-A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians. Bae cracked the Opening Day roster last month for the first time since 2023 after leading the Pirates with 16 hits and 13 runs scored in spring training. However, Bae went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in his season debut Saturday and then got thrown out at third as a pinch runner the next day. Bae has not played since. Bae's demotion leaves San Francisco Giants center fielder Lee Jung-hoo as the only South Korean on an active big league roster at the moment. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Kim Ha-seong is on the injured list while recovering from shoulder injury and he is expected to be back by late April or early May. (Yonhap)