Latest news with #PostSports+
New York Post
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Sandy Brondello cherishes rare family weekend during WNBA All-Star festivities
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW INDIANAPOLIS — There's nothing quite like an impromptu family vacation to Indianapolis, right? OK, so maybe that city doesn't top the average list of desired getaway spots. And this weekend is technically a work trip for Liberty coach Sandy Brondello and her husband and assistant Olaf Lange. Advertisement But family time can be a rarity for them, especially with their oldest son, Brody, playing basketball in Australia and their teenage daughter, Jayda, living at the family's home base in Phoenix. So anytime together is better than being apart. And this trip is worth cherishing. 'It wasn't planned,' Lange told The Post, 'but we're grateful.' 3 Assistant coach Olaf Lange (L) and head coach Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty talk in the second quarter of Game Two of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs finals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 11, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images Advertisement Admittedly, Brondello thought she was free from All-Star coaching obligations since the Mercury were a half game ahead of the Liberty in the WNBA standings with only the Wings on deck earlier this month before the top two WNBA coaches were picked. But the Mercury surprisingly lost their July 3 game, which meant the Liberty had the second-best win percentage in the league. So much for those plans to lay low and enjoy a summer weekend in New York ahead of the second half of the Liberty season. Advertisement Don't get it wrong: Brondello was honored to be named a coach for Saturday's All-Star Game, and the rest of her family was excited to spend time together. Covering the Liberty like never before Sign up for Madeline Kenney's Inside the Liberty, a weekly Sports+ newsletter. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters 'We'll enjoy the whole part of it,' Brondello said. 'They love being around the team. They love getting to know the players and it's great that we get to share [this] with our family.' The family of four planned to go to dinner and attend several of the events taking place over the weekend, including Sabrina Ionescu's party on Thursday. They also attended Friday night's festivities and watched Natasha Cloud win the skills challenge and Ionescu become the 3-point champion. Advertisement Talk about an amusing Friday night for this — as Lange put it — 'family of all basketball fanatics.' 'It's become this fun weekend where there's a little bit of work to do but [not nearly as much] that happens during the season,' Lange said. 3 Olaf Lange and Sandy Brondello look on before the game against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals on October 16, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NBAE via Getty Images Brondello and Lange's intense passion for basketball has been inherited by their two children. Neither Brondello nor Lange forced Brody and Jayda to play the sport they made careers out of, but the two naturally gravitated toward the game at a young age. Jayda plays on her high school basketball team, and Brody is in Brondello's native country developing his game. When he was at Liberty practice last week, he took some reps going up against WNBA players. Given that Jayda lives a shorter flight away, she's around the Liberty more often. After practices, Lange has been seen working with her on her floater and Brondello on the 15-year-old's catch-and-shoot 3s. Advertisement This lifestyle — one that they've been practically living since Brondello and Lange met in Germany in the 1990s — works for them. Brondello and Lange, who married in 2005, have coached alongside one another in San Antonio, Russia and for Australia's national women's basketball team. 3 Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics and head coach Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty react during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star practice sessions at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 18, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Images They coached against one another in the 2021 WNBA Finals when Lange was then an assistant on the Chicago Sky's staff and Brondello headed the Phoenix Mercury. Advertisement 'We've been doing this for almost 30 years, it works for us,' said Lange, who joined Brondello in Brooklyn in 2022. 'I understand that many people say, 'I couldn't work with my spouse.' But we've been doing this since we were young. So for us, it's just our life. And we got home, we still talk about basketball every day, and we love it.' His kids enjoy it, too. 'It's really fun because I always know that they're telling me the right things and they're always going to be honest,' Jayda said. 'It's very nice to have all the resources and opportunities just to learn more. It's really fun.' Advertisement Attending WNBA Finals games, being part of last year's championship parade in New York and getting behind-the-scenes access to this year's All-Star festivities are just some of the perks. 'When they're grown up and they're looking back on all those years, they will realize how special these days were,' Lange said. 'You never realize it as much when you're in the moment.'
New York Post
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
The moment David Wright became an ideal Mets role model for David Peterson
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free David Peterson was in his first full season professionally, pitching for Single-A St. Lucie in 2018 when he received his first exposure to a Mets icon, attempting a comeback for his last hurrah. It was during those interactions with a rehabbing David Wright that Peterson received a crash course on determination. Advertisement Peterson recalled arriving for a game in Clearwater, Fla., to find Wright already at the ballpark, exercising his lower back, which was compromised by spinal stenosis. 'He spent four hours getting ready to play three innings in a rehab game,' Peterson said Saturday. 'To look up to a guy like that and for him to want to do that in the condition that he was in, I have the utmost respect for him. I learned a lot in that small time to be a professional, the right way to go about things.' 4 National League pitcher David Peterson of the New York Mets pitches during the fourth inning of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images Advertisement The Mets held a pregame ceremony on Saturday to retire Wright's No. 5. Wright, a former Mets captain, joined Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez, Willie Mays, Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry among players who have received the honor from the organization. Peterson is among the current Mets, along with Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, who have a history with Wright. 'He's a guy that I looked up to and I think whether you played with him or not in the big leagues, his presence and the standard that he holds himself and others to is felt throughout the organization,' Peterson said. 'I am glad we're finally here and can celebrate the player and person that he is for the organization.' Advertisement 4 David Wright stands on a golden third base as he enters the field for his number retirement on July 19, 2025. Robert Sabo for NY Post 4 David Wright gives a speech during his number retirement. Robert Sabo for NY Post It's been a week of celebrations for Peterson, who on Tuesday represented the National League in the All-Star Game. Peterson pitched a scoreless inning in the NL's 7-6 victory that was decided by a home run hitting contest. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS Advertisement Peterson, who is scheduled to start Sunday against the Reds, called it an 'awesome' experience that was only heightened by the fact he got to share the moment with teammates Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz. One thing seems certain: Peterson's stock within the organization has never been higher. Once a spare part, the left-hander has become a key piece of the rotation, beginning with his availability every fifth or sixth day. 4 David Peterson became an All-Star this season. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Since returning in May of 2024 from hip surgery, Peterson has been a dependable arm for the Mets. He finished the first half this season with a team-best 109 innings pitched and will take a 3.06 ERA into his Sunday start. 'I always felt like that's what I wanted to be and that I was going to be able to get to it,' Peterson said. 'I think that was part of the frustration early on was mentally knowing what I was capable of, but not necessarily knowing that I was limited physically because it was pain and discomfort [in the hip] over time. It wasn't an acute thing where you are like, 'This is wrong.' 'Once we were kind of able to clean up some of the physical stuff and be able to physically see what I know I was mentally capable of … those two connect a lot better and it has been huge.'
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Francisco Lindor's tough 0-for-5 emblematic of Mets star's cold stretch: ‘Gotta get it going'
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free Francisco Lindor was far from the only thing wrong with the Mets offense Friday night. But in the aftermath of a loss to the Reds, after Lindor popped out to the second baseman in shallow right field — to cap an 0-for-5 night — as the potential tying run to extinguish a comeback attempt, he took plenty of the blame. Advertisement 'I mean, I gotta swing at good pitches, No. 1,' Lindor said after the Mets' 8-4 defeat. 'I gotta start impacting the ball a little bit better. … Just not to the standards that the hitting coaches have here for all of us and not up to the standard that I have for myself, as well. Give credit to [Reds starter Nick] Lodolo, but I gotta be better, for sure.' 3 New York Mets Francisco Lindor (12) grounds out in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Despite entering the night with hits in nine of 12 July games, Lindor said his at-bats for the last month or month-and-a-half have been 'up and down.' Advertisement He has hit .225 with a .706 OPS since June 1 after entering the month with .283 and .839 marks, respectively, that helped turn his season around after a brutal start — allowing him to secure his first All-Star Game appearance as a Met. 3 New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor pops out with the bases loaded to end the ninth inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Against Lodolo, though, Lindor fouled out, grounded out to the pitcher and popped out to the first baseman. Delivering insights on all things Amazin's Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Advertisement Then, he grounded out in the eighth before his 207-foot fly out to shallow right field for the final out after the Mets collected two runs and loaded the bases. 'Just gotta get it going,' Lindor said of his recent at-bats. 3 New York Mets Francisco Lindor (12) flies out in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Lindor took responsibility, but the Mets managed just two hits between the third and eighth innings against Lodolo, who struck out seven across seven innings, and Graham Ashcraft. Advertisement Juan Soto homered for the 24th time this season, but the top four hitters in the Mets lineup went just 1-for-16, with Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso each going 0-for-4. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS A pressing issue to solve after the Midsummer Classic revolved around an overreliance on Soto, who continued his scorching tear in June and July by picking right up where he left off with the 412-foot blast in the first. And for one night, that glaring problem surfaced again. 'I thought today we mishit a few balls,' manager Carlos Mendoza said. 'Got under a lot of pitches there. Hit a few pop-ups there. Then we chase. I just feel like those middle innings [recently], we're having a hard time putting a rally together. … We're not passing the baton, if you want to call it that way.'
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Jorbit Vivas takes ownership of costly Yankees blunder: ‘It's on me'
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free ATLANTA — Jorbit Vivas says he likes to 'play the game hard and correctly.' But the Yankees' rookie third baseman took his foot off the pedal at the worst time Friday night, committing a costly baserunning blunder that loomed over a 7-3 loss to the Braves at Truist Park. The Yankees trailed 3-0 in the third inning with two on and one out when Cody Bellinger flew out to right field. Vivas tried tagging up from second to advance 90 feet and thought he had third base, only to get tagged out to end the inning on a brutal double play that left Aaron Judge on deck. Vivas slowed down before he got to third as Ronald Acuña Jr. made a terrific throw and third baseman Nacho Alvarez made a heads-up play to act as if the throw was not coming until the very last second. 3 New York Yankees' Jorbit Vivas was caught tagging up in the Yankees' loss on Friday night. AP 'He's standing there, and it looked like he wasn't receiving the ball at all,' Vivas said through an interpreter. 'But that's not on him; it's on me there to make it to that base. Acuña has a really strong arm and he can make a throw from anywhere. That's on me.' Third-base coach Luis Rojas ran up the line trying to get Vivas to slide on the play. 'I picked him up, but I picked him up kind of late,' Vivas said. 'The third baseman was standing there a little bit in the way. But it's my fault.' Manager Aaron Boone, a former third baseman who often tried the play that Alvarez deftly made, said Vivas read Alvarez's body language and got tricked. Boone said he told his infielder, 'You can never let that happen again.' 3 New York Yankees second baseman Jorbit Vivas (90) is thrown out at third base after a fly ball caught by Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'Jorbit is a guy that plays his tail off,' Boone said. 'He's a hard-nosed player and he got caught up there. Obviously a situation that can't happen.' Relievers Mark Leiter Jr. (left fibular head stress reaction) and Fernando Cruz are making progress in their respective recoveries. Leiter could get on a mound for a light bullpen session as soon as the Yankees' next series against the Blue Jays in Toronto that begins Monday. He will then undergo another MRI to see how much healing has happened, which could pave the way for a full side session by next weekend. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Cruz, meanwhile, could begin a throwing program as early as this weekend after suffering a high-grade oblique strain at the end of June. He recently underwent a follow-up MRI that showed enough healing to start throwing, though he will be built up slowly until he is fully healed. Luis Gil (lat strain) made his second rehab start Friday with Double-A Somerset, building up to 57 pitches across 3 ¹/₃ innings in which he struck out seven, walked two and gave up two runs. If he recovers well, he is expected to make his next rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. 3 New York Yankees Luis Gil (81) throws from the mound for practice before the game when the New York Yankees played the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post 'Then we'll decide at that point, do we want one more to get him over 70 or do we take him at that time?' Boone said. The Yankees plan to call up Allan Winans on Saturday, The Post's Joel Sherman reported, taking the place of Rico Garcia, who was designated for assignment after throwing 2 ²/₃ innings Friday. Ryan Yarbrough (oblique strain) is throwing but has not yet advanced to a bullpen session.
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Mets will have to wait at least another week for Jesse Winker as he gets epidural for back
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free The Mets will be without Jesse Winker at least a while longer. Manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday the DH, on the IL with back inflammation, had an epidural and would be sidelined at least another 7-10 days. Advertisement Winker played in just two games after being out for more than two months with an oblique strain that the Mets said was unrelated to the current back injury. 3 New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (3) hits a double during the 8th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Starling Marte appears to be closer to a return from his right knee bruise, with Mendoza saying Friday the 36-year-old is running at full speed and could be back next week. Advertisement Without their lefty-righty DH combination, Mark Vientos was back in the lineup and went 0-for-4 in an 8-4 loss to the Reds. 'He's gonna play a big role on this team,'' Mendoza said before the game. 'He's too good of a hitter.' The Mets are still waiting for the version of Vientos that hit 27 homers a year ago to reappear. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS Advertisement 'When he's making good swing decisions, he's a really good hitter and we need him,' Mendoza said With Vientos at DH, Ronny Mauricio got another start at third against a lefty. 3 Ronny Mauricio speaks with Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz after stealing second base in the ninth inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 'He impacts the baseball from both sides,'' Mendoza said. 'He has an ability to drive the ball to all fields and like how he controls the strike zone. We know the chase is gonna be there, but the impact is there, as well. We'll continue to give him playing time. Advertisement Max Kranick, out since mid-June, is expected to have Tommy John surgery, Mendoza said. It would be the second time the right-hander will have to undergo the procedure. 'You feel for the guy,'' Mendoza said. 'We saw how important he was the first couple months out of the bullpen. It sucks for him and for us.' 3 Max Kranick is expected to undergo elbow surgery. JASON SZENES/NY POST More relief help could come soon, as José Buttó, out due to an illness, had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Syracuse. And Paul Blackburn is set to start a rehab assignment with the Florida Complex League Mets. Advertisement Francisco Alvarez hit another homer with Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, as he continues to play well since being optioned on June 22. Delivering insights on all things Amazin's Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Mendoza said the organization wants the catcher to 'continue to do the same thing,' with his bat and defense showing signs of improvement — but not enough to get back to the majors. 'He's making it hard on us and that's what we want,'' Mendoza said. Advertisement Kodai Senga won't pitch until Monday against the Dodgers, with Mendoza saying they are planning the next 'three or four weeks' and possibly using a sixth starter at some point. 'We're going to continue to monitor those guys,'' Mendoza said of his starters. 'We'll play the long game. We know how important they are for the rotation.' … José Siri won't be back anytime soon, having already missed three months with a left tibia fracture that's been slow to heal. Mendoza said there's no timetable for when the center fielder could begin running again.
