MLB

A cinematic watercolor-and-oil painting illustration set inside an empty Citizens Bank Park at night. In the foreground, a solitary baseball manager with a distinctive mustache sits alone on a wooden dugout bench, leaning forward with his hands clasped and his gaze fixed on the vacant field. The number 8 is visible on his Phillies uniform sleeve, while warm amber stadium lights cast reflections across the damp grass and infield dirt.

Don Mattingly's Last Chapter: Is the Time Finally Right for Donnie Baseball?

For decades Don Mattingly arrived too early, left too early, or watched his teams win it all the moment he walked out the door. Now managing the Philadelphia Phillies at what may be his final stop in baseball — is the timing finally right?

The View from Here

Tim Josephs

3 days ago4 min read

What the New York Mets are Revealing About the Soul of Major League Baseball

The Mets' historic losing streak isn't just a bad season — it's a reflection. And what's staring back at Major League Baseball isn't pretty. Empty stadiums, billionaire owners, no face of the league, and a sport that has quietly stopped caring about the fans who built it. The mirror is broken. The question is whether anyone in power is even looking.

The Grey Zone

Kristina Hopper

May 206 min read

A vivid, impressionistic painting shows Fernando Tatis Jr. standing in the on-deck circle at Petco Park during a night game. Seen from behind, he wears a cream Padres uniform with “TATIS JR. 23” on the back, holding a bat resting across his shoulder and looking toward home plate. In the background, Manny Machado (#13) stands in the batter’s box, slightly blurred, preparing for the pitch. The iconic Western Metal Supply Co. building rises prominently beyond left field, glowing under stadium lights. In the foreground, a handwritten lineup card is pinned to the dugout wall, listing star players’ names. The scene uses bold brushstrokes and rich colors to contrast the anticipation of the moment with the energy of the packed crowd.

Contrary to Popular Opinion: Ranking MLB's Second Place Teams

"The second-place teams are more interesting. Are they real? Can they last the complete 162 game season? Will they make the playoffs?"

Contrary to Popular Opinion

Larry Goldman

May 54 min read

A vivid, impressionistic watercolor-style painting shows Jarren Duran standing alone in the outfield at Fenway Park at night. Viewed from behind, Duran wears a gray road uniform with “DURAN 16” on the back, his head slightly bowed and helmet hanging at his side. Towering above him, the iconic Green Monster wall is covered with scoreboard details and advertisements, while a packed crowd looms in the background. Large, harsh banners in the stands display taunting messages directed at him. The scene uses bold, chaotic brushstrokes and saturated colors to contrast the energy of the crowd with the isolation of the player, emphasizing the emotional weight of performing under public scrutiny.

Feel Something, Say Something: How Mental Health Openness in Sports is Changing

"Essentially: What happens when you can't just rub dirt on your brain and walk it off? This is when mental health can suffer greatly, which can have tragic consequences."