Ortiz, A-Rod join Hall of Fame ballot
David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Howard and Tim Lincecum are among 13 first-time candidates on the Hall of Fame ballot of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, joining 17 holdovers.
Steroids-tainted stars Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens make their 10th and final appearance along with Curt Schilling.
A.J. Pierzynski, Jake Peavy, Justin Morneau, Jimmy Rollins, Carl Crawford, Prince Fielder, Joe Nathan, Jonathan Papelbon and Mark Teixeira also are new to the ballot. Holdovers include Sammy Sosa, Mark Buehrle, Bobby Abreu, Todd Helton, Tim Hudson, Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, Andy Pettitte, Manny Ramirez, Gary Sheffield, Omar Vizquel and Billy Wagner. Sosa also will be on the ballot for the final time after receiving 17% last year.
♦ The Red Sox exercised Alex Cora’s club option through the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
♦ Giants right-hander Anthony DeSclafani agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract extension.
♦ Doug Jones, a five-time AllStar reliever who had his most success closing for Cleveland, died at 64.
NBA
LeBron, Stewart suspended
Lakers superstar LeBron James was suspended one game for “recklessly hitting” Pistons center Isaiah Stewart in the face Sunday. Stewart was suspended two games for “escalating an on-court altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing” James.
It’s James’ first suspension in his 19-year career. The Lakers and Pistons meet again Sunday, and James and Stewart will be eligible to play.
FOOTBALL
USFL returning with original 8
The USFL announced that the original eight team names will be used for the reboot ahead of the league’s April 2022 debut.
The North Division will consist of the Michigan Panthers, New Jersey Generals, Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers. The South Division will have the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, New Orleans Breakers and Tampa Bay Bandits.
The season will be played in one host city, with the location yet to be determined.
SOCCER
Fire open at Soldier Field March 5
The Fire will kick off their 2022 home schedule March 5 at Soldier Field against Orlando City SC. The team begins the season Feb. 26 at Inter Miami CF. The full schedule will be announced at a later date.