Latest news with #JohnSmoltz
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' Kyle Schwarber wins 2025 MLB All-Star Game MVP with 3 homers in first swing-off
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber came up big when the National League needed him most. With the score tied 6-6 after nine innings, the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Field in Atlanta on July 15 went to a tiebreaker swing-off for the first time. That's when Schwarber made history, hitting three home runs in the swing-off to secure the NL win and All-Star Game MVP. Who won the 2025 MLB All-Star Game? The National League secured the victory after winning the swing-off 4-3 thanks to three home runs by Schwarber. The game went to the tiebreaker after the NL coughed up a two-run lead in the top of the ninth. All it took were three Schwarbombs to put the NL ahead for good. Kyle Schwarber named 2025 MLB All-Star Game MVP Despite going 0-2 with a walk in the game, Schwarber's heroics in the swing-off earned him MVP honors. After Schwarber stepped to the plate, he hit the first pitch he saw 428 feet to dead center field. After taking a pitch, Schwarber hit a 461-foot blast to right center to tie it. "That's MVP material if he gets a third one right here," said John Smoltz, Fox commentator and former Atlanta Braves ace. Schwarber took a few more pitches before completing the hat trick when he dropped to one knee and hit a 382-foot homer into the right field seats. "Unbelievable," Smoltz said. Schwarber became the first Phillie to win MVP honors since outfielder Johnny Callison in 1964. Callison hit a three-run, walk-off home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Dick Radatz in the ninth to give the NL a 7-4 win at Shea Stadium in New York. MLB All-Star Game extra innings The NL jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-run double by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte. In the sixth inning, the NL busted the game open with a three-run home run by New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and a solo shot by Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll. All-21st Century team: 25 years in, who have been the best? 2025 MLB Draft: Philadelphia Phillies draft pick tracker The American League struck back in the seventh with four runs following a three-run homer by Athletics DH Brent Rooker and an RBI fielder's choice by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. In the top of the ninth, the AL tied it up with an RBI double from Witt and an infield single by Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan off San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez. After the NL went scoreless in the bottom half, it was time for the swing-off. What is the MLB swing-off? The swing-off was added to the All-Star game this year in case of a tiebreaker instead of going to extra innings. The AL and NL each pick three players, who each get three swings to try to hit a home run. In the swing-off, the AL selected Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda and Rooker while the NL chose Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers, Schwarber and Alonso. Rooker put the AL up early with two homers and Stowers homered for the NL before Arozarena added another. Then Schwarber came to the plate and hit three moonshots to put the NL ahead for good. Alonso didn't have to bat as Aranda went homerless after hitting the top of the right field wall, securing the NL's first All-Star win in three years. Why wasn't Kyle Schwarber in Home Run Derby? Unlike last year, no Phillies participated in this year's derby, which was held July 14 and won by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. Schwarber ended the first half with 30 home runs, which is third in the NL and fifth in MLB. The DH participated in the 2022 derby at Dodger Stadium and finished runner-up as a Chicago Cub to Bryce Harper, who bested his future teammate in Washington in 2018 while a member of the Nationals. However, Schwarber declined an invite and instead suggested he might consider participating next season when the 96th All-Star Game comes to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia While the fan favorite is a pending free agent at the end of the season, Phillies fans hope the slugger re-signs and returns to the Home Run Derby next year. With the country's semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, coming in 2026, the All-Star Game will come back to Philly for the first time since 1996. It will be the first time the Midsummer Classic will be at CBP after the previous two All-Star games hosted by the City of Brotherly Love took place at Veterans Stadium. Before being held at the Vet in 1976 in honor of the country's 200th birthday, the two other All-Star games were held at Shibe Park in 1943 and 1952. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Who won All-Star Game MVP? Phillies' Kyle Schwarber wins swing-off
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NHL star Joe Pavelski almost speechless after winning American Century Championship
The post Former NHL star Joe Pavelski almost speechless after winning American Century Championship appeared first on ClutchPoints. Joe Pavelski spent nearly two decades making a name for himself on the ice. This weekend, he added a new chapter to his story on the fairways of Lake Tahoe. The former NHL star captured the American Century Championship in style, capping a dominant performance with a clutch eagle on the final hole that left him nearly speechless. The tournament unfolded at Edgewood Tahoe, where a mix of pro athletes and celebrities teed it up under the bright Nevada sun. Pavelski, who turned 41 just two days earlier, wasted no time taking command. He opened the event with steady scoring that kept him near the top of the leaderboard. By the time Sunday rolled around, he was locked in and determined to finally get over the hump after a few near misses in past years. From the start, the 41-year-old looked comfortable with the modified Stableford format, which rewards aggressive play. Instead of playing safe, he hunted for birdies and eagles to rack up points. The final round was his best yet. Pavelski tallied 29 points on Sunday alone, bringing his total to 73. That mark proved too much for the rest of the field to catch. When his final putt dropped, sealing the victory by nine points over former Major League Baseball pitcher John Smoltz, Pavelski was almost at a loss for words. 'I don't know what to say, actually,' Pavelski, who retired from the NHL in 2024, admitted as fans cheered around the 18th green. 'But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.' The four-time NHL All-Star's performance was a masterclass in consistency and poise. Smoltz, who posted 28 points on Sunday to finish second, did everything he could to apply pressure. 'I was trying to put heat on anybody, the top three,' Smoltz said afterward. 'I was just trying to climb as many people as I could.' Despite the push, Pavelski never wavered. He stayed patient, stuck to his game plan, and trusted the swing that had carried him all weekend. Country music star Jake Owen put together a solid closing round to claim third place with 62 points. Former soccer player Taylor Twellman, who shared the lead with Pavelski after Saturday, ended up in fourth with 61. NBA star Stephen Curry, last year's champion, rallied to finish fifth with 58 points after scoring 23 in the final round. While many of the biggest names in sports and entertainment competed for the title, Pavelski's calm approach and sharp shot-making set him apart. His eagle on the 18th hole was the exclamation point on a week that showcased his competitive spirit in a whole new arena. He also left Tahoe with more than a trophy. The win earned Pavelski $150,000 from the event's $750,000 purse. Not a bad birthday gift for a player who spent years grinding on the NHL ice and has found a second act in golf. For fans, Pavelski's victory was a reminder that athletes can keep finding ways to surprise long after their playing careers wind down. After finishing second last year behind former tennis player Mardy Fish, he came back more determined than ever. Even Charles Barkley, who often draws headlines for his golf adventures, could not steal the spotlight this time. Barkley finished 69th out of 90 players, while Pavelski enjoyed a champagne shower at the clubhouse. The American Century Championship has always been a place where sports legends come to test themselves in a different arena. This year, Joe Pavelski stood tallest, proving he is just as dangerous with a golf club as he ever was with a hockey stick. Related: Grading Ryan Reaves trade between Maple Leafs, Sharks Related: Grading Matt Dumba trade between Stars, Penguins
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Braves legend John Smoltz on being star struck
The MLB All-Star can cause some to be starstruck. And it's not just the fans. FOX 5's Ron Gant got a chance to meet up with another former Braves player, John Smoltz, ahead of the MLB All-Star Game.
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hockey star Joe Pavelski jumps into Lake Tahoe after winning star-studded $750,000 celebrity golf tournament
Former NHL star Joe Pavelski toasted a dramatic victory at the American Century Championship by taking a dip in Lake Tahoe. The 41-year-old sunk a stunning eagle putt on the 18th green to confirm his victory in the annual tournament that this week brought 90 celebrities to Stateline. The ACC uses a special stableford scoring system and Pavelski ended on 73 points from his three rounds - nine clear of former baseball star John Smoltz. Musician Jake Owen finished in third on 62 points, with former US soccer star Taylor Twellman (61) and NBA icon Steph Curry (58) rounding off the top five. Curry is a previous winner at Edgewood Tahoe but he was powerless to prevent Pavelski - who retired in 2024 - from lifting the trophy. He takes home a prize of $150,000 (from a purse of $750,000) and becomes the third hockey player to win the event - after Dan Quinn and Mario Lemieux. Pavelski said some of the money would go towards a new boat. JOE PAVELSKI. WALK-OFF EAGLE TO WIN IT. 🦅 — NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 13, 2025 Former NHL star Joe Pavelski secured a dramatic win at the American Century Championship Last year's winner, tennis legend Mardy Fish, finished ninth, with former baseball star Mark Mulder, golf icon Annika Sorenstam, ex-NFL quarterback Tony Romo and actor Michael Pena making up the top 10. Some of the biggest stars in the field finished at the other end of the leaderboard. Jason Kelce ended on -51 points, in 86th place, with his brother Travis in 63rd. But their final-round group, which also included actor Miles Teller (75th), drew some of the biggest crowds on a busy Sunday. Elsewhere, NFL legend Aaron Rodgers finished in 15th, with Bills star Josh Allen in 34th and basketball hall of famer Charles Barkley in 69th. But this week belonged to Pavelski, who turned 41 on Friday, celebrated his 17th wedding anniversary on Saturday and then lifted his first ACC trophy on Sunday. He has twice finished second in recent years. 'I've had some close calls along the way... it feels so good to finally get one,' Pavelski said afterwards. 'I believed I was ready for it... (but) golf is a weird game. It's mental, physical, everything, it's a challenge.' He added: 'It's special coming out here, obviously, and selfishly I get to play a bunch of golf, and it's a very competitive group out here. It's just an awesome setting.'
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NHL player Joe Pavelski wins the American Century celebrity golf event
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. (AP) — Former NHL player Joe Pavelski won the American Century Championship on Sunday at Edgewood Tahoe, closing with an eagle to beat former pitcher John Smoltz by nine points in a wire-to-wire victory in the celebrity event. Pavelski had a 29-point round under the modified Stableford scoring system to finish with 73. He was second last year behind former tennis player Mardy Fish. Advertisement 'I don't know what to say, actually,' said Pavelski, who turned 41 on Friday. 'But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.' Pavelski earned $150,000 from the $750,000 purse. Smoltz had a 28-point round. 'I was trying to put heat on anybody, the top three,' Smoltz said. 'I was just trying to climb as many people as I could.' Country star Jake Owen was third at 62 after a 21-point day. Taylor Twellman, the former soccer player who shared the second-round lead with Pavelski, was fourth at 61. He had 17 points in the final round. NBA star Stephen Curry, the 2023 winner, was fifth at 58 after a 23-point round. Charles Barkley was 69th in the 90-player field at minus-17 points. ___ AP golf: The Associated Press
