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Forbes
5 minutes ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Willie Mays Personal Collection To Highlight September Auction
Willie Mays, who played stickball on the street with New York kids between games with the Giants, ... More will help them even more with the posthumous auction of his personal memorabilia. Just days before the Baseball Hall of Fame inducts its Class of 2025, Hunt Auctions has announced that the personal collection of Willie Mays will be unveiled for the first time at the National Sports Collectors Convention. Mays, whom many historians rate as the greatest player of the postwar period, asked in his will that proceeds from the auction provide funding for education, training, and health services for youth via the Say Hey! Foundation he founded in 2000. The late superstar, who spent most of his career with the Giants in New York and San Francisco, hit 660 lifetime home runs, winning two MVP awards, a World Series ring, and 24 trips to the All-Star game. The auction of his memorabilia will take place Sept. 27 at the King Street Warehouse adjacent to Oracle Park, home of the Giants. A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame since 1979, Mays was memorialized in the song Willie, Mickey, and the Duke, which also saluted fellow centerfielders Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. At one time, all three played for New York teams. Fans will now be able to see and bid on Mays items and artifacts and receive free appraisals of other sports memorabilia they own from Hunt Auctions experts. This catch made by Willie Mays during the 1954 World Series was one of the best defensive plays in ... More baseball history. Up for auction are the 1954 Mays World Series ring that he won with the New York Giants, who upset the favored Cleveland Indians, and his 1954 and 1965 Most Valuable Player Awards. Projected revenue from the auction of the ring is $500,000-$1,000,000 while each of the MVPs is expected to draw $500,000, according to Hunt Auctions organizers. His 1954 National League Silver Bat, presented after he led the National League is hitting, is valued at $200,000-$400,000 while his Presidential Medal of Freedom could sell for $50,000-$100,000. Also on sale are the outfielder's 1955 Willie Mays model glove, his 1963 All-Star Game MVP award, and many of the multiple Gold Gloves he won for defensive excellence. His Hall of Fame Induction ring is also included in the upcoming Hunt Auction. A San Francisco Giants warmup jacket and rare 1962 Sultan of Swat award are also going to the auction block. According to David Hunt, president of the Pennsylvania auction house, 'We are deeply humbled and grateful to Willie Mays for having been selected to represent this important offering of his personal collection. 'Willie embodies the American success story from his humble beginnings in Fairfield, Alabama through his ascension to become the greatest all-around player in the history of the game of baseball. 'Perhaps more impressively, Willie lived a life of service matched by very few. Whether sharing his knowledge of the game with young players or helping underserved communities to better their lives he was fervently committed to help those whose shoes he once occupied so many years ago. Willie has ensured his generosity will continue long into the future with the wonderful work that his Say Hey! Foundation has accomplished with the proceeds of this auction going to help further that good work.' A five-tools player, Willie Mays had two 30/30 seasons — the first in National League history. Mays began his baseball career with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948, then signed with the New York Giants two years later. He was National League Rookie of the Year in 1951, when he helped the Giants win the pennant in a dramatic pennant race with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Three years later, he led the team to a world championship over the Cleveland Indians. The Giants also won a pennant in 1962 but lost a seven-game World Series to the New York Yankees. Among other accomplishments, Mays won two batting titles, hit four home runs in a game, and the first two 30/30 seasons in National League history. He had a .301 batting average and 3,283 hits over a career that lasted 23 seasons. He also made a hit with the kids of New York when he joined them on the street for impromptu stickball games during his East Coast career with the Giants. Known as 'the Say Hey Kid' because he used the greet writers and teammates with the word 'hey,' Mays not only made the Hall of Fame but also the All-Century Team picked during the 1969 Baseball Centennial. 'His one instruction to Dave Hunt at Hunt Auctions was to make this the best auction ever to help those kids,' said Jeff Bleich, a Mays friend who chairs the Say Hey! Foundation. "For all of his extraordinary achievements as a baseball player, Willie Mays wanted his enduring legacy to be helping children. He preserved his most treasured awards so that one day he could pay it forward. He wanted to share these items with his fans so that together they could raise as much as possible to support other kids starting out in life the way he had.' Mays grew up in poverty and attended a segregated school in Birmingham but parlayed his baseball ability into a career that will live in memory. His top salary was $165,000, the amount he earned while concluded his career with the New York Mets in 1963 – years before free agency greatly increased the salary scales for players. Commercial endorsements helped him earn considerably more. The first public display of the Willie Mays collection will occur at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, IL between July 30th and August 3rd, 2025.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins for better, for worse? How Zach Sieler and 2025 DL compares to 2024
(Editor's note: This is part of a summer series on the Miami Dolphins. Each entry will break down a specific position group, examining how the 2024 unit performed. what's expected in 2025 and, finally, concluding which group is better, the 2024 version or 2025.) Last year's defensive line Zach Sieler Calais Campbell Benito Jones Da'Shawn Hand Matt Dickerson How they performed Quite well. Sieler was named team MVP, completing a long journey from his days on the waiver wire. Campbell was 38 years old but playing like he was 28, proving he too was a fine pick-up by Miami. They combined for 15 sacks, 25 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hits. This year's defensive line Sieler Matthew Butler Kenneth Grant (first-round pick) Jordan Phillips (fifth-round pick) Zeek Biggers (seventh-round pick) Jones Alex Huntley Dickerson Ben Stille Outlook Sieler is just hitting his prime and will give the Dolphins all he has both on the field and in the locker room. His leadership will be especially important with Campbell off to Arizona and three rookie draft picks to mentor. Coordinator Anthony Weaver assured that Grant will fulfill his potential based on the work ethic he already has witnessed. Obviously there is no way to judge yet how selecting how Grant and Phillips will or won't pay off for the 2025 Dolphins and whether they can come anywhere close to the high standards set by Sieler/Campbell. If Phillips and Biggers can contribute, a position of serious concern back when it was Sieler and not much else might hold its own after all. Bottom line: Last year's model or this year's? The Dolphins sound like they're going to ride Grant as far as he can take them when it comes to snap count. That's hard on anybody but especially true for defensive linemen playing in our early season heat. As Weaver said, the rookies are bound to have growing pains, but it will be interesting to see their impact in 2025. Last year's model or this years? Last year's. You don't lose a veteran such as Campbell, who played at a Pro Bowl level, and not feel it. Coming Wednesday: Special teams This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2025: MVP Zach Sieler mentors inexperienced DL
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins Top 10 players countdown: No. 2 Zach Sieler is 'heartbeat of our defense'
Editor's Note: This is part of a Countdown to Training Camp: Dolphins 2025 series. We'll unveil two players in the Dolphins' top 10 in each of the coming weeks. MIAMI GARDENS — When the Miami Dolphins claimed defensive tackle Zach Sieler from the Baltimore Ravens on December 5, 2019, nobody had any idea they had made one of the best waiver claims in franchise history. "He is the heartbeat of our defense," Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said of Sieler, after he was named 2024 team MVP in a vote of media. "He holds down the middle and obviously just shows up week-in and week-out and affects the game in a positive manner." Sieler has 20 sacks in each of the past two seasons. He's done it with heralded Christian Wilkins by his side and he's done it with aging unicorn Calais Campbell by his side. Sieler, 29, is powerful and quick and relentless. His motor has always been non-stop. "He continues to find ways to elevate his game which is why he's such an important part of what we do from a football team perspective and in particular, defensively," coach Mike McDaniel said, when Sieler was named MVP. "Some of the stuff that he does allows you to play different coverages. That's a pretty impactful player when your ability to do your job as an interior defensive lineman can give a defensive play caller freedom on non-pass exclusive downs to play all sorts of different things." Sieler was once a seventh-round pick from Ferris State. And now he's a key captain of the Dolphins. It's truly a remarkable story. Why Zach Sieler is 2nd-best Miami Dolphins player Sieler has played with some big names on the Dolphins defense. He's played with Wilkins, Campbell, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Xavien Howard, Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland. And yet he has always been as good as anyone on the field for Miami. Almost always overshadowed. Almost always a force. Sieler is a quiet leader. But he leads by example in every right way possible. "He's a captain in more ways than one," McDaniel said. "He's a captain in how you conduct yourself. You want an example of how to flourish in the National Football League, how to go about the daily process, how to invest in your own game, he is a prime example." Telling Stat No Miami Dolphins defensive tackle has ever had more than 10 sacks in a season. Zach Sieler has had 10 - twice. How we see Zach Sieler's Dolphins future Sieler has made $26.8 million in his career, according to Spotrac. Sieler has two years left on a deal that pays $10.25 million per season, a very good bargain for Miami. Sieler is a player who should end his career as a Dolphin. It would be a shame if money, at some point, gets in the way of that. Either way, Sieler has been one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL for years. And the Dolphins are extremely fortunate to have him. Joe Schad: Miami Dolphins seek 'new identity' for 2025, but what is it? Bradley Chubb: Miami Dolphins star feels at least 90 percent in return Bradley Chubb: Miami Dolphins star feels at least 90 percent in return Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What makes Miami Dolphins Zach Sieler one of NFL's best DTs
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Congratulations Pouring In For Nathaniel Hackett On Thursday
Congratulations Pouring In For Nathaniel Hackett On Thursday originally appeared on The Spun. The last three years have been pretty rough for Nathaniel Hackett. He was fired midway through his head coaching job with the Denver Broncos and had two brutal seasons as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets before being axed six months ago. But after months and months without a job in football, Hackett has finally landed on his feet. On Thursday, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced that Hackett is returning to the team as defensive analyst. Hackett previously served as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay for three years under LaFleur, during which quarterback Aaron Rodgers won two MVP awards. Hackett is getting congratulations for his new job, though maybe not in the normal way. Many have been offering backhanded compliments to him for "being able to stop an offense" due to how awful his offenses were outside of Green Bay for the past three years. "Good role for Hackett as there might not be a better coach who knows how to stop an offense," one user remarked on X. "If anyone knows how to show the Defense what the Offense is going to do before the play, it's Nathaniel Hackett," wrote another. "He certainly knows how to stop an offense," a third wrote. "Nathaniel Hackett isn't a bad coach. He's simply just been coaching the wrong side of the ball the whole time!" Hackett's run as offensive coordinator in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021 earned him the head coaching job for the Broncos in 2022. Unfortunately, things went off the rails for him quickly and he wound up getting fired just 15 games into his coaching career. In 2023, when the New York Jets were still courting Aaron Rodgers, they tabbed Hackett as their offensive coordinator, hoping that he could recreate the magic that Rodgers and Hackett had created in Green Bay. To put it briefly, it did not work out that way. Perhaps this role with the Packers will be the springboard Hackett needs to get an even bigger job somewhere down the Pouring In For Nathaniel Hackett On Thursday first appeared on The Spun on Jul 24, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Aaron Rodgers-DK Metcalf chemistry a work in progress as Steelers open camp
LATROBE, Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers offseason addition DK Metcalf was settling into his dorm room at Saint Vincent College on Wednesday when he heard a knock on his door. The Pro Bowl receiver walked to his front door to answer, only to realize the sound was coming from the bathroom. He opened it to find 41-year-old, four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. '(Rodgers) was like, 'Oh man, I was hoping it was you,'' Metcalf recalled. 'I was like 'Ehhhh, 'I did not think I was going to have a roommate … but glad to see you, too.'' DK Metcalf on how he found out that Aaron Rodgers would be his suitemate at Saint Vincent College: Rodgers: 'I was hoping it was you.' Metcalf: 'Ehhh, I did not think I'd have a roommate.' 😂 — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 24, 2025 Making Rodgers and Metcalf suitemates is a signature play out of coach Mike Tomlin's playbook. Tomlin often talks about how the destination training camp in Latrobe provides an opportunity to build a team and capture 'what cannot be measured.' For the new-look offense to thrive, perhaps the most important element will be a strong connection between Rodgers and Metcalf. Advertisement That process began in the offseason when Rodgers and Metcalf took part in informal throwing sessions in California. Now in camp, it includes sharing a bathroom that connects the two rooms. 'I love this idea, this opportunity to be out here in Latrobe and to stay here and connect with the guys,' Rodgers said. 'When I got in the room (on Tuesday), I realized we were sharing something. I was secretly kind of hoping it wasn't a big lineman or something. Maybe someone that cared about their hygiene a little bit. So when I walked in and saw a standard suitcase, I said, 'Oh, I think this is going to be good. It's probably DK.'' Aaron Rodgers on his new teammate (and suitemate) DK Metcalf: — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 24, 2025 And on the field? Well, that connection remains a bit of a work in progress. Because Rodgers participated only in individual drills during minicamp, Wednesday was his first chance to compete in team drills. With his very first pass as a Steeler, Rodgers targeted Metcalf on a quick, 5-yard hitch. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen undercut the route for an interception. The crowd reacted loudly, partly in excitement and partly in disbelief at the inauspicious start to training camp. 'It's good to get that out of the way,' Rodgers said. 'Anybody who has watched me practice over the years — you like to try certain throws at certain times. Anybody that's watched me in games knows I've been pretty stellar at taking care of the football over the years.' To Rodgers' point, through 20 NFL seasons, he's thrown 503 touchdowns and 116 interceptions. According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers' interception rate of 1.4 percent is tied for the NFL lead among players with a significant number of attempts. That said, Rodgers has thrown double-digit interceptions just four times in his career: his first season as a starter in 2008 (13), his third in 2010 (11) … and then the last two full seasons in which he's played 2022 (12) and 2024 (11). He also produced a career-low 90.5 passer rating last year and had the fourth-lowest completion percentage (63 percent) of his career as a starter. 'I'm going to throw some picks,' Rodgers said. 'But I'm going to throw some touchdowns, too.' Now look: Any play or stat this early in camp — with this small of a sample size, and in an unpadded environment — should be taken with a massive grain of salt. With that necessary disclaimer out of the way, Rodgers unofficially completed 6 of 12 passes over three 11-on-11 periods and one seven-on-seven segment, mostly finding success on underneath routes and checkdowns. He looked relatively mobile for his age and did have plenty of zip on the ball. Advertisement He also targeted Metcalf early and often. In addition to the interception, Rodgers threw out of Metcalf's reach on a vertical route during seven-on-seven, with Joey Porter Jr. in good coverage. A few plays later during the same period, Rodgers targeted Metcalf on a quick slant. The receiver outstretched his nearly 35-inch arms and got his fingers on the ball but couldn't reel it in. 'His release is unique,' Metcalf said of Rodgers' signature quick trigger. 'If it comes my way, I've got to catch it.' The first Aaron Rodgers-to-DK Metcalf completion of training camp — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 24, 2025 Eventually, in the seven-on-seven segment, Rodgers did connect with Metcalf over the middle on a stab route, during which the receiver settled down over the middle. Both the QB and the receiver recognized that Wednesday was just Day 1 of a long process. Though they aren't reading too much into one practice, they acknowledged there's work to be done. 'It's going to be tough in the beginning, just like everything,' Metcalf said when asked about building chemistry. 'But just knowing I got his back and he has my back, we're always trying to work toward the same goal, and that's to win football games.' At his best, Rodgers has been one of the NFL's greats at throwing with timing and anticipation. Especially if the Steelers are going to lean into a quick passing game, as teams often do with older quarterbacks whose mobility might be in decline, it's imperative that receivers run routes exactly the way Rodgers expects. Metcalf said he's open to the collaborative process. 'I'm going to try to soak up as much knowledge as I can,' he said. 'I'm going to listen to everything that he says. Even the critiques he has on my game. I'm going to be willing and open to go searching for those answers from him, because he's had great receivers in his past. I'm just trying to be another one.' Advertisement Zooming out, Rodgers and Metcalf were two of the biggest pieces of general manager Omar Khan's headline-grabbing offseason of trades, transactions and maneuvers. Though the defense has been bolstered by the additions of Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey, the offense needs to take a larger step forward for the Steelers to achieve their objectives. Khan said Tuesday that while it's his job to look at the big picture and not mortgage the future, he's also 'building this team to win the Super Bowl this year.' 'I think most of the 32 teams would say something to that accord at this time of the year,' Rodgers said about the Steelers' chances of contending. 'But I think that there's really only six to eight that have a legitimate chance. Sometimes, it's 10 to 12, and there are teams that surprise you. But obviously, on paper, we're probably one of those 10 to 12.' (Photo of Aaron Rodgers, 8, and DK Metcalf: Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)
