Cleveland Sports Forum

Louis Lappe hit more home runs than any player at the 2023 Little League Baseball World Series. His fifth and final dinger came on the final swing of the tournament Sunday and put California on top of the Little League world once again.



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California wins Little League World Series on walk-off HR

Louis Lappe hit more home runs than any player at the 2023 Little League Baseball World Series. His fifth and final dinger came on the final swing of the tournament Sunday and put California on top of the Little League world once again.

The 6-foot-1 Lappe crushed a walk-off home run in the sixth inning to lift his team from El Segundo, Calif., past Curaçao, 6-5, in Williamsport, Pa.

The no-doubter gave California its eighth Little League World Series title, the most of any state since the championship game was introduced in 1947.

The ball went about as high as high as Lappe’s bat, which the 12-year-old heaved to the sky as he made his way down the first-base line. He skipped around the bases before leaping onto home plate, securing California’s first Little League World Series title since 2011.

“I was just looking for a good pitch to hit,” Lappe said. "My mentality was just get the next guy up. If we’d kept doing that we would have won anyway, but I’ll take the homer.”

After California leadoff hitter Brody Brooks pitched a scoreless top of the sixth, Lappe opened the bottom of the inning by getting every bit of a 1-0 pitch from Jay-Dlynn Wiel.

Brooks and Lappe helped California grab a 2-0 lead in the first inning as they both scored on Lucas Keldorf’s double that hopped off the center-field wall.

Brooks and Lappe batted .647 (22-for-34) across California’s seven games in Williamsport. Brooks led all players with 12 hits and tied a Little League World Series record with 13 runs scored. Besides his five home runs, Lappe paced all players with 10 RBIs.

Curaçao pushed a run across in the top of the third before Jaxon Kalish extended California’s advantage with a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the frame. Crew O’Connor added an RBI single in the fourth.

Curaçao reached its second straight championship game after beating Taiwan on Saturday for the international title. On Sunday, Taiwan defeated Texas, 10-0, in the third-place game.

Taiwan was led by Fan Chen-Jun, who touched 80 mph on the mound -- equivalent to more than 100 mph in the Majors -- en route to striking out nine over four innings in a game that was shortened by the 10-run rule. He also slugged a three-run homer and picked up an RBI single.

Lappe’s heroics followed a thrilling comeback by Curaçao, the back-to-back international champions. Trailing 5-1, Curaçao tied the game in a flash when Nasir El-Ossaïs launched a grand slam with two outs in the top of the fifth.

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That's what baseball is all about

Sign him up!!

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Mark, all of the Lillard talk that last couple of weeks reminded me of his rookie year and our NBA fantasy league. I believe I drafted him in the 5th round.

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A record-breaking win streak continues:

Brecksville Bees win 21st OHSAA gymnastics state title

Updated: Mar. 02, 2024, 9:51 p.m.|Published: Mar. 02, 2024, 8:28 p.m.

HILLIARD, Ohio became the backdrop for an historic sporting achievement, as Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School's gymnastics team clinched its 21st consecutive state title at the 2024 OHSAA Gymnastics State Tournament. The team's victory, decided by a margin less than a tenth of a point, underscored their resilience and skill in a highly competitive field.

Early Setback to Triumphant Finish

The day kicked off on an uncertain note for the Bees gymnastics team with a fall in their first beam routine, posing a significant challenge to the team's focus. However, the team's spirit was far from broken. As the competition progressed to the final event, bars, Gianna Ravagnani delivered a near-perfect performance. This not only bolstered her teammates' confidence but also set a high standard for the remaining participants. Ravagnani's routine was instrumental in securing the team's momentum, pushing them towards victory.

Securing the Legacy

This win is more than just another trophy in the case; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence that Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School's gymnastics program has built over two decades. Achieving 21 consecutive state titles is no small feat and speaks volumes about the dedication, talent, and hard work of the gymnasts and their coaches. This victory also extends their record for the longest gymnastics state title streak in the nation, a remarkable achievement that will be remembered for years to come.

A Nail-biting Margin of Victory

The competition came down to razor-thin margins, with the Bees securing their win by less than a tenth of a point. This slim victory margin highlights the intense level of competition and the pressure under which these young athletes performed. It underscores the importance of every routine and every point in gymnastics, where precision and excellence are paramount. The team's ability to maintain composure and deliver top-notch performances under such circumstances is commendable.

As the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School gymnastics team adds another state title to their impressive streak, it's clear that their legacy is not just about winning; it's about overcoming challenges, demonstrating unwavering team spirit, and achieving excellence. This victory is a celebration of their hard work, dedication, and the incredible journey they've been on. As they look to the future, one thing is certain: the Bees gymnastics team has etched their name in the annals of sports history, inspiring many more generations of gymnasts to come.

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LeBron James becomes first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 points

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/2/24

LeBron James has made history again.

On Saturday, James became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 points, doing so early in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers matchup with the Denver Nuggets.

LeBron James scores the bucket to become the first player in league history to score 40,000 career points

https://twitter.com/i/status/1764111508768698680

Saturday's feat was James' first significant scoring milestone since passing Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league's all-time leading scorer roughly a year ago. Before that, he became just the seventh player to surpass 30,000 points.

Now, James stands alone as the first and only player to reach 40,000.

Needing only nine points against the Nuggets to accomplish the feat, James was a shoo-in to do it on his home floor at Crypto.com Arena. Entering the game, James had recorded eight points or less in a game only nine times in his entire career, and that wasn't going to happen on a night when he could make NBA history.

It wasn't for the all-time scoring mark or an NBA title, so the moment may not have meant as much to James as other accolades. However, according to James, it's still a moment with its own special meaning.

“No one has done it. And for me to be in this position at this point and time in my career, I think it’s pretty cool," James said via the NBA. "But is it one of the top things I’ve done in my career? No. Does it mean something? Of course. Why wouldn’t it?”

Reaching 40,000 points is an insane achievement. And despite being 39 years old, James has shown little sign of slowing down his production. He's averaging 25.3 points, 7.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds while still being one of the top players in the league.

So, it's safe to say this won't be the final on-court celebration in honor of No. 23.

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Broncos in process of trading WR Jerry Jeudy to Browns for 2024 fifth-, sixth-round picks

Published: Mar 09, 2024 at 12:39 PM
Updated: Mar 09, 2024 at 01:25 PM

The Denver Broncos are trading wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2024 fifth- and sixth-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The deal cannot be processed until the new league year opens Wednesday. The Broncos have held trade talks with teams regarding Jeudy for over a year, Rapoport reports. The New England Patriots and New York Jets were among the numerous teams interested, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Denver will save $12.9 million in cap space by moving Jeudy. The club exercised his fifth-year option last offseason.

The Broncos made Jeudy the first receiver off the board in the 2020 draft, taking him at No. 15. However, he has failed to live up to expectations since entering the league. The 24-year-old has yet to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in a single campaign, with his career high coming in at 972 yards in 2022.

Cleveland has now taken a swing on a higher-profile wideout via trade in back-to-back offseasons. The Browns acquired Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-rounder and a sixth-round pick swap last March.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reacted to the trade on social media.

Broncos set to trade star WR to the Browns

By Orlando Silva | Last updated 3/9/24

The Denver Broncos are going through major changes this offseason, and the busy week continues for the AFC West franchise. After releasing Justin Simmons and confirming they will be parting ways with Russell Wilson, they're ready to move on from another high-profile player, sending Jerry Jeudy to the AFC North.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Jeudy is headed to Cleveland to join the Browns. In exchange, the Browns are sending a fifth- and sixth-round pick to the Broncos, who will clear cap space with the move.

Sources: The #Broncos are in the process of trading star WR Jerry Jeudy to the #Browns, as Denver tries to stockpile draft picks & Cleveland adds a weapon.

Jeudy’s agent @ChrisCabott of @EquitySports worked behind the scenes to make this happen, landing Jeudy in a great place. pic.twitter.com/IVqUorRWa2

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2024
After a terrific season full of good surprises, the Browns are set to build on their overachieving 2023 campaign and reach new heights next season. Despite suffering several season-ending injuries, the Browns remained competitive and even made it to the playoffs after starting five different quarterbacks.

With Deshaun Watson returning next season, they're ready to challenge for the division title and make a deep playoff run. Jeudy is a great addition and will surely make a notable tandem with Amari Cooper.

In 16 games played last season, Jeudy posted 54 receptions for 758 yards, scoring two touchdowns in the process.

The Broncos have many questions to answer this offseason, starting with the quarterback position. Jeudy will land in a notable situation with the Browns, who are ready to compete and make life hard for the rest of the conference.

In recent days, they were linked with Mike Evans, Gabe Davis and Calvin Ridley among others. In the end, they landed a really good talent who can maximize their offense.

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Browns GM Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski are gearing up for 2024 free agency next week. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

Cleveland Browns trade for Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy, sending 5th and 6th round picks in 2024

Updated: Mar. 09, 2024, 1:51 p.m.|Published: Mar. 09, 2024, 12:38 p.m.

By Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was a happy man on Saturday when the Browns supplied him with another premier weapon and former first-round pick out of Alabama in Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy.

Watson posted a series of happy emojis on X and a bull’s-eye when the Browns agreed to trade for Jeudy, 24, shortly after noon. The bull’s-eye was a response to a podcaster who posted a clip of Jeudy shooting an arrow — same as Watson’s signature celebration. The post was captioned “He’s already got the celebration down.”

The Browns have had their eye on Jeudy (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) for a couple of years, trying to trade for him in each of the past two seasons before finally landing him Saturday afternoon, sending the Broncos fifth and sixth-round picks in the 2024 draft. The Browns had two selections in each of those rounds and didn’t hesitate to give up the highest in each round for a player who can become their No. 2 behind Amari Cooper.

The picks are the 135th overall (fifth round), and 202nd overall (sixth). It’s a much bigger bargain than the second-rounder the Broncos wanted at the trade deadline last year.

The Browns also acquired Cooper in a trade for a late-round pick, sending a fifth-rounder to the Cowboys in 2022. It’s one of GM Andrew Berry’s favorite ways to stock the receiver room, also trading with the Jets for Elijah Moore last offseason.

The Browns inherit Jeudy’s $12.987 million contract for 2024, but will likely convert some of that fifth-year option tender to a restructure bonus and lower the base salary by either extending the contract or adding void years.

Jeudy will complement Cooper, the No. 15 overall pick out of Alabama in 2015 and a five-time Pro Bowler. Cooper will also be a good mentor for Jeudy, who hasn’t been able to reach his potential in Denver with all of the upheaval and quarterback turnover.

Jeudy, who caught 54 passes for 758 yards and two touchdowns in a down year for the Broncos, joins a receiver room that includes Moore, 2022 third-round pick David Bell, and 2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman.

Jeudy’s best season came in 2022 when he set career-highs for receptions (67), yards (972) and touchdowns (6). The Browns believe he can consistently approach 1,000 yards with Watson throwing him the ball. Currently, the Browns’ top two receivers are Cooper and tight end David Njoku.

Watson, who met this week in Los Angeles with coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, had recently made a strong pitch for Bengals prospective free agent receiver Tee Higgins, who was franchised last week by Cincy.

But it was clear Watson, coming off surgery to repair a fractured glenoid bone in his right throwing shoulder, was hoping for another formidable weapon.

Last season, Jeudy responded to criticism on Thursday Night Football from former NFL receiver Steve Smith Sr., who cautioned against teams trading for him because he’s “just a guy” and “mentally unable to handle constructive criticism from people who watch specifically.”

“I’m sorry that I said you were a J.A.G., just a guy, who’s an average wide receiver they used a first-round pick on, that isn’t doing anything. I hope today that you show up in a way that you haven’t showed up in the last couple years since they drafted you...” Smith said on-air. “... And when teams call me and ask me, should they trade for you, I will say, ‘No. Don’t trade for Jerry Jeudy.’ Because he’s mentally unable to handle constructive criticism from people who watch specifically. ... Can he be a wide receiver? He could be a wide receiver. He’s a tier three.”

Jeudy took the high road when Broncos reporters asked him about the remarks.

“Where I’m from, if somebody talks bad about you, you don’t go to them in-person and try to act friendly towards them like you ain’t talk bad about them,” Jeudy said. “I ain’t got no hate towards Steve Smith, he’s a good player and all that stuff. I just stand on what I stand on.”

The Browns never put any stock into Smith’s comments, still attempting to trade for Jeudy shortly thereafter and believing he was a great fit for the team and for Watson.

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‘Sudden’ Sam McDowell returning to Cleveland for talk, Q&A, book signing

Updated: Apr. 11, 2024, 7:07 p.m.|Published: Apr. 11, 2024, 6:30 a.m.

By Marc Bona, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Former Cleveland pitching great Sam McDowell is scheduled to hold a talk and book-signing event with Marty Gitlin, co-author of his autobiography, this month.

“An Evening with ‘Sudden’ Sam McDowell” is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at The Aviator in Cleveland.

The two collaborated on “The Saga of Sudden Sam: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Sam McDowell,” a 2022 book published by Rowman & Littlefield.

McDowell played 15 seasons in the big leagues, including 11 in Cleveland. He last appeared in the Majors in 1975. He was one of the game’s top left-handed pitchers whose life spiraled into addiction before he found the path to recovery.

Participants will have a chance to hear McDowell, 81, talk about his career and life as a counselor before a question-and-answer session.

Cost is $40 and includes buffet dinner and McDowell-signed baseball card. Books will be for sale at the event. Goto eventbrite.com.

The Aviator is at 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland.


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Aviators' Finn the bat dog calls it a career

Beloved black Labrador has been with Las Vegas since 2016

One of the most beloved members of the Minor League Baseball community -- a very good boy -- called it a career on Friday night. Finn, bat dog of the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, officially retired from his bat retrieving and fan engagement duties and was given a fitting farewell party.

The first 2,000 fans who entered Las Vegas Ballpark received a commemorative Finn jersey, and the black Labrador had a long line of Aviators fans waiting to fete him in a meet-and-greet. On the field, the Oakland affiliate honored their furry friend by securing an 11-7 victory over the Tacoma Rainiers.

Finn will soon turn 12 -- or 84 in dog years. He has been part of the Las Vegas baseball landscape since 2016 when the team was then known as the 51s and played home games at Cashman Field. As part of Friday’s on-field ceremony before the game, the beloved pup received a parting gift: a golden bat. He then retrieved the bats for the Aviators in the first inning for the final time.

Because of some particularly canine behavior, Finn's incredible career in the Pacific Coast League could have easily ended before it even got started.

"Really early on, during the first year that Finn was here, he did a No. 2 on second base," Hassen recalled. "So, we didn’t know if he was going to get fired for that."

Luckily, Finn did not get fired for that and has been spreading joy and love to the community ever since.

In 2018, Finn and Hassen began to appear more frequently as they started to perform the first few innings of every home game. They continued to add more tricks during their appearances, including being perched atop a model fire hydrant and jumping over fences and chairs.

On hot days, Finn even brought water to the umpires. However, on Opening Day of 2019 one umpire infamously tossed away a bat before Finn could pick it up and the crowd at Las Vegas Ballpark booed mercilessly. The moment went viral, getting picked up by TV networks like ESPN as well as nationally syndicated radio shows.

"There will never be another Finn," Hassen said. "There were also a lot of things that we did for the first time. It was the first time in Minor League history that we had two dogs out here at the same time."

Hassen was referencing when the Aviators also debuted Rambo, a chocolate Labrador retriever, who appeared on a part-time basis in 2021 and full-time in 2022. The duo split bat dog duties, until Rambo went to Triple-A Reno where he remains the club's bat dog.

Finn's absence will undoubtedly be felt around the Minors. Slider, the bat dog for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, even passed along well wishes to congratulate Finn on his career with Las Vegas.

So what's next for this universally adored pooch?

"A lot of swimming and a lot of eating. Those are his two favorite pastimes," Hassen said. "So he'll be doing a lot of that in retirement."

The Aviators have announced that they will not have bat dogs this season but will continue to work with Hassen to have them in the future.

FINN THE BAT DOG

https://youtu.be/DYKlrqnbjyM


FINN THE BAT DOG - loudest boo in the history of umpire’s.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1115821631677583360

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