When top prospects collide

Dodgers media and fans got to see a glimpse of the future when 18-year-old pitcher Julio Urias squared off with 22-year-old outfielder Joc Pederson in live batting practice. Sandy Koufax, Mark McGwire, Rick Honeycutt and Farhan Zaidi were all there to watch, along with a healthy collection of media members. What happened? You can see for …

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62 players, one goal at Dodgers’ spring training camp

INSIDE THE GAME GLENDALE, Ariz. – They’re hitting in the cages, throwing batting practice, working on defensive drills and even battling on the clubhouse ping-pong table. They come from Cuba and Korea, the suburbs of New Orleans, the woods of rural Pennsylvania and even from nearby Scottsdale. There are 62 players at a bustling Dodgers …

Growing up with the Showtime Lakers

Anita Scott and her family were riding on a float through downtown Los Angeles. Fans lined the streets, shouting, celebrating and carrying on. Anita's husband Byron had just completed his fourth season with the Lakers, helping his team beat the Boston Celtics to earn the second of what would be three championship rings. But something was wrong. …

Dee Gordon, Carl Crawford and the art of stealing bases

This story originally appeared on SportsNetLA.com in May of 2014. LOS ANGELES – Dee Gordon inches away from first base. He’s relaxed but focused, gaze locked on the pitcher. At the first sign of movement, he takes off. His cleats churn up the infield dirt as he glides toward second base, sliding head first for …

Eric Karros proved the doubters wrong

Eric Karros had a 14-year career and retired as the all-time LA Dodgers home run leader. But it wasn't easy for Karros, who was motivated by those who told him he wouldn't make it. Watch the video here.

Produce or perish: The journey of Lakers rookie Ryan Kelly

This story originally appeared on TWCSportsNet.com in May of 2014 EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Ryan Kelly was gathered with his family at home in Raleigh, N.C., last June, watching the NBA draft on television and waiting to find out where his basketball journey would take him. He attempted to stay away from the commotion, taking …

Not all records are made to be broken

This story originally appeared in September of 2011 on NBCSports.com. But since they’ve change publishing platforms, things are a little wonky. I’ve revived it here, and I hope it inspires you to go out and break some records. ------ "I'm hoping someday that some kid, black or white, will hit more home runs than myself. Whoever it …

A code to play by: Baseball’s unwritten rules

This story originally appeared in October of 2010 on NBCSports.com. But since they’ve change publishing platforms, it has vanished. I’ve revived it here, and I hope it makes you feel like breaking the rules, written or otherwise. “Get off my mound!” the pitcher screamed, directing his rage at a base runner as he left the field following …

Heaven, hell and the ultimate baseball road trip

This story originally appeared in May of 2009 on NBCSports.com. But since they’ve change publishing platforms, it has vanished. I’ve revived it here, and I hope it makes you want to take a monster road trip. Mike Hartman and Aman Dhaddey sat beside the road in the blistering summer heat, feasting on grocery store chicken and …

For your bucket list: MLB’s must-see players

This story originally appeared here in July of 2010 on NBCSports.com. But since they've change publishing platforms, it has vanished. I've revived it here, and I hope you enjoy it, and excuse the references to Ryan Braun. We didn't know he was dirty at the time. He lounged alone in the clubhouse, idly clutching his trademark …