1. MLB eyes participation in 2028 Olympics
Major League Baseball and the Players Association are actively exploring allowing MLB players to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by extending the All-Star break. Talks focus on scheduling logistics, travel and insurance, and preserving the 162-game season without pushing into November. Both Commissioner Manfred and union head Clark see substantial marketing benefits if major leaguers are involved. They're optimistic about resolving the complexities despite hurdles. Also, the Tampa Bay Rays may temporarily play postseason games in Tampa due to Tropicana Field repairs The Washington Post+1AP News+1.
2. Yankees in active trade talks
As the July 31 deadline nears, the Yankees are in discussions with Pirates for players like Ke’Bryan Hayes, David Bednar, Mitch Keller, and Isiah Kiner‑Falefa. With injuries sidelining Cole, Gil, Stroman, and others, their bullpen and rotation depth are urgent needs. Yankees prospect Spencer Jones may be included in deals or seen as a future star. MLB is also investigating an altercation between Braves coach Eddie Pérez and Jazz Chisholm Jr., stemming from sign-stealing accusations Bleed Cubbie Blue+2Pinstripe Alley+2New York Post+2.
3. Dick Allen officially enters Hall of Fame
Dick Allen, whose candidacy had narrowly missed in prior ballots, will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, in Cooperstown. His posthumous selection brings mixed emotions—honor shadowed by absence. His son and the family of Dave Parker will attend the ceremony to accept on his behalf. Allen’s career is finally receiving recognition from fans and peers alike The Times of India.
BIRTHDAYS!
⚾ July 22 • Jesse Haines (born 1893)
A crafty knuckleballer, Haines spent 19 seasons (1918–37), mainly with the St. Louis Cardinals, amassing 210 wins and a 3.64 ERA. He won two World Series (1926, 1931) and led the league in complete games in 1926 (25) Born GloriousMLB.com. Credited with helping cement the Cardinals as a dynasty, Haines was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1970. His career highlights the effectiveness of long-term consistency and soft-tossing tactics in an era dominated by power pitching.
⚾ July 22 • Dave Stieb (born 1957)
One of the best pitchers in Blue Jays history, Stieb threw Toronto’s only no-hitter on September 2, 1990, shutting out Cleveland 3–0 MLB.com. Over a 16-year career, he earned seven All-Star nods, won the 1982 AL Pitcher of the Year, and led the league in ERA in 1985. Stieb quietly built a reputation for durability and brilliance during the 1980s and early ’90s when the American League was hitting-heavy, elevating the Blue Jays to contender status.
⚾ July 22 • Doc Cramer (born 1905)
A five-time All-Star outfielder known for defensive excellence and clutch hitting, Cramer played 21 MLB seasons (1929–49), logging over 3,300 hits and participating in the 1945 World Series with the Detroit Tigers MLB.com. His ability to hit for average (.296 career BA) and play stellar centerfield made him a model of consistency during the pre-war and wartime baseball eras.
⚾ July 22 • Mike Sweeney (born 1973)
An All-Star first baseman/designated hitter, Sweeney spent much of his career (1995–2007) with the Kansas City Royals. Beloved for his leadership and work ethic, he hit 215 home runs and was a Silver Slugger finalist. Though he didn’t win major awards, Sweeney became the face of the Royals during a rebuilding era, embodying loyalty and community engagement Famous BirthdaysFamous Birthdays.
⚾ July 23 • Pee Wee Reese (born 1918)
The Brooklyn Dodgers’ iconic shortstop from 1940–57 (with wartime service), Reese was a 10-time All-Star and NL MVP top-10 finisher eight times The Wall Street Journal+4MLB.com+4Bleed Cubbie Blue+4. He helped lead the Dodgers to seven pennants and a 1955 World Series win. As Jackie Robinson’s teammate and close friend, Reese was a key figure in integrating baseball, taking a public leadership role that helped shift clubhouse culture.
⚾ July 23 • Don Drysdale (born 1936)
A dominant Dodgers pitcher in the 1960s, Drysdale won the 1962 Cy Young and famously pitched 58⅔ consecutive scoreless innings in 1968MLB.com. A six-time All-Star, he also hit 29 career home runs—remarkable for a pitcher. His role in the Dodgers’ golden era solidified his legacy; he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984.
⚾ July 23 • Nomar Garciaparra (born 1973)
A dynamic shortstop for the Red Sox in the late 1990s–2000s, Garciaparra won Rookie of the Year (1997), two Silver Slugger Awards, and hit .372 in 2000—the highest post-war BA by a right‑handed hitter MLB.com. He later won the AL batting title and became a focal point of Boston’s renaissance in the pre-World Series title era.
⚾ July 24 • Barry Bonds (born 1964)
The all-time MLB home run king (762 homers) and seven-time MVP, Bonds debuted in 1986, setting an NL single-season record with 73 homers in 2001. His 514 stolen bases plus 762 homers make him the only player in history to record over 500 homers and 500 steals, underscoring his all-around power and speed dominance Born Glorious.
⚾ July 27 • Alex Rodriguez (born 1975)
A-Rod burst onto the scene with the Mariners and later starred for the Rangers and Yankees. With 696 career home runs, 3 MVP awards, and a .915 OPS over three decades, he became one of MLB’s most complete offensive players. His career includes both elite dominance and public redemption arcs, making him one of the most discussed players in modern baseball history gq.com.
⚾ July 25 • José Martínez (born 1988)
A late bloomer who debuted in 2016, Martínez hit .289/.356/.447 with the Cardinals, Cubs, and others through 2020baseball-reference.com. Known for contact hitting and clutch pinch-hitting, “Jose M” became a model for perseverance, carving out an impactful role despite being an undrafted international free agent.
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