Die Paralympischen Winterspiele in Mailand und Cortina d'Ampezzo sind offiziell erffnet. Eine bunte, aber politisch aufgeladene Feier markierte den Start der Spiele.[mehr]

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to be hosting an Open House on Saturday, March 14th at Arvest Ballpark from 11 a.m. unt... - TL Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Although the Valkyries' season has concluded, the action continues for the team's athletes. Currently, 15 Valkyries players are competing in various l... - WNBA Golden State Valkyries

Le coach du FC Nantes Ahmed Kantari regrette le report du dplacement Paris, avant le match de Ligue des Champions des Parisiens contre Chelsea. Le technicien pense qu'il n'a pas eu d'autre choix.

Before Julio Rodriguez joined his Dominican Republic teammates in Miami ahead of the World Baseball Classic, he had already noticed something different about his star-studded team. This year, everyone seemed to be talking more. This year, everyone seemed more connected. And this year, after stunningly failing to make it out of pool play in the 2023 tournament, there was added motivation. "Thats why I feel even more excited to play," Rodrguez told me in February during Mariners spring training in Arizona. "We all know were talented, and we all know were really good at this game, but I feel like theres a little something going on in the air." The bond among the Dominican players was already obvious months ago, when some of the compatriots hell be playing alongside in the WBC demonstrated the brotherhood they share off the field. In early January, Rodrguez made a personal investment of $1.3 million to overhaul his childhood baseball field in the Dominican Republic and turn it into a state-of-the-art complex that now includes the countrys first-ever public AstroTurf baseball field. Rodrguez and his No Limits Foundation completely remodeled the infrastructure of the complex, adding professional drainage, lights, batting cages, bullpens and bathrooms to give the kids in his neighborhood the modern facilities he never had when he was hitting his first home runs and taking the first steps toward his baseball dream. "We basically cleaned up the whole area," Rodrguez explained, "and turned it into a little stadium in my hometown." Rodrguez, who returns home every year to give back to his hometown usually toys and baseball equipment, but this year on a much grander scale called it one of the greatest things he has done in his life. And he wasnt alone. He describes his community of Loma de Cabrera, an area tucked in the northwest corner of the country not far from the border with Haiti, as a place where "theres not really a whole lot going on." That changed with the unveiling of the new complex, which turned into a reunion of Dominican baseball luminaries. Fellow Team Dominican Republic standouts Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Oneil Cruz, as well as their WBC general manager, Nelson Cruz the man who called Rodrguez in Spain earlier this year to officially welcome him back to the national squad were among the many in attendance. Rodrguez dreamed of meeting MLB superstars like that when he was a kid, so he knows the impact that gesture from his teammates made on the youth of his community. "Definitely really grateful for them for showing support and love," Rodrguez said. "I feel like were all like a big family. Once we go on the field against each other, its like playing your best friends. You want to go all out, compete, beat them so you have that on them. But once were off the field hanging out, were like a family." For the next few weeks, that family will be together again. And this time, a more confident, self-actualized version of Rodrguez will be taking the field for the Dominican Republic. At the last WBC, Rodrguez was coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign. But he was just 22 years old, still getting his feet wet in the big leagues. And while his offensive success has fluctuated in the years since, he believes last year he gained a better understanding of the player he is and the leader he can be. "After I took a little bit of a break at All-Star [week] and kind of had some time to kind of think things through a little bit differently, I feel like from that point on, thats when I started kind of stepping into that more," Rodrguez said. "As the second half kept going on and on, I kept getting more validation on those things. Thats when it was like, Thats who I am, and thats what I want to bring to the field." Put succinctly: "I learned a lot of things about myself and what makes me, me." Over the last four MLB seasons, those around him in Seattle have noted his growth. Rodrguez still believes the best way he can lead is through his play and accountability, but last season was the first time he said he felt truly comfortable speaking up. Mariners manager Dan Wilson noticed it, too. "I think we saw a huge step in terms of his maturity," Wilson said. "I think he learned a lot about baseball, he learned a lot about himself, and credit to him, he was able to put that to use. The second half that he had was unreal, and I just am excited for him with the [World] Baseball Classic to be ready to go and to take that right into the first half of this year. Hes a guy thats full of joy, and when he plays with that joy, thats when hes at his best." Continuing a trend throughout his career, Rodrguez looked like a completely different player after the break last season. He had a .900 OPS in the second half and by years end had the lowest strikeout rate of his career, his second 30-30 season and the most valuable season of his career by wins above replacement. Entering 2026, theres nothing he wants to change. With a better knowledge of who he is as a hitter, Rodrguez is entering the year from a more self-assured place. Seattles playoff run helped him build that belief. "Once you actually make a run in the playoffs, theres a lot of things you cant explain, but the confidence definitely grows in you," he told me. "That experience, thats something you cant replicate unless youre actually in it." The Mariners got closer to the World Series than they ever had before, coming one game short of advancing past the Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series before dropping Games 6 and 7 in Toronto in heartbreaking fashion. In the deciding Game 7, a home run from Rodrguez put the Mariners ahead in the third inning. Another homer from Cal Raleigh added to the lead in the fifth. But in the seventh, Torontos George Springer delivered the dagger with a decisive three-run home run. In the moment, the pain was crushing. But, at least for Rodrguez, it was also fleeting. After letting his emotions out in the clubhouse, he quickly averted his attention forward in the days to follow. "There was not, like, Oh, I need to take time away and think about it," Rodrguez said. "No, take what you can from it and move on. Theres nothing you can really change after everythings over. Its just, take the lesson and keep moving forward. Get better and go back at it." Afterward, Rodrguez returned to the Dominican Republic to see family and friends, as he does every offseason. He saw some of the World Series games when the television was on at his house, but he didnt ruminate on the loss or watch every pitch with disdain. "Im a big competitor, and even though I allow myself to feel things, at the same time, I try to get the best out of the situation," Rodrguez said. "Definitely turned my eyes to this season because its something that, as a team, we should be looking forward to. I actually experienced playoff baseball, and getting that rush of it, its addicting, to be honest. Its addicting." In January, Rodrguez renovated his hometown baseball field. In February, he attended the Super Bowl and watched the Seahawks dismantle the Patriots in a win that added even more motivation as the Mariners try to keep Seattles party going in 2026. Before embarking on that journey, though, hell be playing in the closest thing to playoff baseball in March. Like the Mariners, Team Dominican Republic enters the year with unfinished business. The All-Star-laden Dominican team, which features Rodrguez, Soto, Guerrero, Tatis, Ketel Marte, Manny Machado and Junior Caminero in arguably the most talented lineup in the entire tournament, is looking to win the WBC for the first time since 2013. That was the last time it advanced beyond the second round. The revenge tour for Rodrguez and the Dominican Republic begins Wednesday night against Nicaragua. "I feel like the way the guys have come together, and the excitement we all have to come out and play this time," Rodrguez said, "I feel like its a little bit different."

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the high-intensity clash between India and England on Thursday evening captured the excitement and drama of the T20 World Cup.

With Messi sure to draw a crowd, United is hoping to embrace local support in their neighboring city

Report: Everton eyeing move to sign Premier League strikerEverton Consider Raul Jimenez Move as Fulham Hold Key AdvantageEvertons recruitment plans for the coming summer window are already taking shape, and one experienced Premier League name has quietly entered the conversation. According to reporting credited to Sports Boom, the Merseyside club are monitoring Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, whose contract situation could present an opportunity. However, the circumstances surrounding the Mexican forward suggest any deal may be more complicated than it first appears.With Everton pushing to strengthen a squad that has grown significantly over the past year, the possibility of adding proven top flight experience in attack will naturally attract attention.Everton Squad Building ContinuesEvertons recruitment strategy has been clear across the last two transfer windows. The club added several notable names during the summer, bringing in Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, Thierno Barry and Tyler Dibling. January then saw Tyrique George arrive as further depth was added to a side targeting European qualification.Those additions reflect a club trying to evolve both technically and tactically. The squad now blends established Premier League quality with emerging talent, and attention is gradually turning towards improving options in the centre forward role.That is where Raul Jimenez enters the conversation.Raul Jimenez Experience Still ValuableJimenez remains a respected figure in English football after eight seasons in the Premier League. His journey began at Wolves, where he became one of the leagues most reliable strikers before moving to Fulham in 2023.One particular statistic underlines his composure in front of goal. Jimenez holds the record for the most penalties taken in the Premier League without missing one, a remarkable achievement that reflects both confidence and consistency.Photo IMAGOFor a team looking to add experience and leadership in attacking areas, those qualities carry real value. Evertons interest therefore feels logical, particularly with the strikers contract set to expire this summer.The situation, however, contains an important complication.Fulham Planning Contract ExtensionWhile Everton are monitoring developments, Fulham are not prepared to lose the forward without a fight. The London club are reportedly keen to reward Jimenez for his performances this season by offering him a new one year contract.That proposal could prove decisive. Jimenez is understood to want to continue playing in the Premier League for at least another year, which means Fulhams offer provides both stability and familiarity.The Cottagers are also working to secure other key figures. Manager Marco Silva and attacking midfielder Harry Wilson are both part of Fulhams contract planning as the club looks to maintain continuity within its squad.Those efforts naturally reduce Evertons chances of securing a deal.Transfer Prospects Remain UncertainFrom Evertons perspective, interest in Jimenez appears exploratory rather than advanced at this stage. Monitoring experienced players approaching contract expiry is common practice across the Premier League, especially for clubs looking to strengthen efficiently.Should Fulham succeed in tying Jimenez down to a new deal, Everton will likely turn their attention elsewhere in the market. If negotiations stall, however, the situation could change quickly as the summer window approaches.For now, the strikers future remains unresolved, and Evertons recruitment team will continue assessing their options as they build towards another ambitious campaign.Our View EPL Index AnalysisFrom an Everton supporters perspective, the link with Raul Jimenez carries a certain appeal, even if the deal currently looks difficult to complete. Everton have improved the squad significantly over the past year, yet adding experience in the centre forward role could still elevate the side.Jimenez brings exactly the type of Premier League understanding that often proves decisive during long seasons. Evertons younger attacking options have energy and potential, but a forward who has seen everything the league can offer provides calm during pressure moments. His perfect penalty record alone hints at the mentality he could bring to the dressing room.There is also an argument that Evertons recent recruitment strategy supports a move like this. The club have added creativity with Jack Grealish and industry through players like Dewsbury Hall. What often decides tight matches is the presence of a striker who reads the game quickly and finishes chances without hesitation.Of course, Fulhams desire to extend his contract complicates matters. Stability may appeal to Jimenez, particularly after finding form again in London. Everton supporters will still hope the club continue exploring the situation.If the opportunity opens even briefly, it could represent a smart and low risk addition for a squad aiming to return to European competition. Sometimes experience is exactly what pushes a developing team to the next level.

The Islanders have acquired Brayden Schenn in trade that sends Jonathan Drouin, two picks and a prospect back to the Blues. Schenn, 34, had served as St. Louis' captain for the past three seasons.

Four-time Brier champion Kevin Koe and last year's runner-up Matt Dunstone have won their first playoff games at the Canadian men's curling championship on Friday.