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Luis Lara is eager to reward the Brewers’ faith after signing a $31 million, 7-year contract

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Luis Lara understands the challenges involved in making the big leagues as an undersized player. And he appreciates the faith the Brewers showed in his abilities by signing him to a $31 million, seven-year contract. Lara spoke with reporters over Zoom on Wednesday, one day after signing the deal, which includes club options for 2033, 2034 and 2035. The 5-foot-7 outfielder from Venezuela was asked about skepticism he had encountered along the way. "More than anything, (I've) felt (I've) had more people rooting for (me) and that have believed in (me) and ...

Canada is ready to become a soccer nation as it hosts World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina

TORONTO — Luke Reece never played hockey growing up in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Instead, he played soccer, like many Canadians who are now adults. The sport is so popular it has surpassed hockey and all other sports in youth participation, according to a recent report by Jumpstart, a Canadian charity that helps low-income youth play organized sports. It said half the nation's youth participate in organized soccer. Reece was one of many locals sporting Canada soccer gear on Thursday ahead of their nation's World Cup opener Friday against Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Wish I had ...

NBA thoughts: Home court Advantage jitters

Editor’s note: This column was written before Game 4. In that game, the San Antonio Spurs blew a 29-point lead en route to a loss, putting them on the brink of elimination. NEW YORK CITY – In professional sports, there is often a large amount of importance put on home court advantage, in being able to play in a team’s own city for big games. In the NBA Finals, where they play best-of-seven series, home court advantage allows up to four games at home, including the seventh one if it is needed. Anyone who has watched games in the NBA playoffs this season knows the fans have been ...

‘Right hand from God’: One play, 4.5 seconds and a place in Knicks lore

NEW YORK — For the New York Knicks, a 53-year wait for another championship might have been decided by what happened in 4 1/2 seconds. And make no mistake: Those 4 1/2 seconds will never be forgotten by the Knicks. Or by the San Antonio Spurs. The situation: Game 4 of the NBA Finals, ...

Alonso signals he is nearing end of F1 career in his likely farewell to Barcelona

MONTMELO, Spain — Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso has signaled he is near the end of his career after saying Sunday's race will likely be his last in Barcelona. The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, the new name for the race held outside Barcelona, won't be staged in 2027 as it starts being held every two years. "It is probably going to be my last Barcelona race in Formula 1," the 44-year-old Alonso told reporters at the track on Thursday. Alonso quickly added he was not announcing his retirement, but the fact that the next Barcelona race will be in 2028 made it less ...