Bradenton.com: Sports

Packers prez backs GM, coach in Favre standoff

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:28 EDT

Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy restated his support for general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy on Friday in the standoff with Brett Favre.

Choi leads Norman by a stroke at the British Open

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:18 EDT

Tiger Woods on crutches was supposed to be a chance for someone else to seize the spotlight at the British Open. Greg Norman wasn't the guy anyone had in mind. Neither was David Duval. Indeed, Royal Birkdale proved to be fertile ground for fairy tales on Friday.

Kim holds State Farm lead, but Wie closes

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:13 EDT

Christina Kim's second-round 68 at the LPGA State Farm Classic looked ordinary compared to her opening 63, but it included a birdie putt on her last hole that gave her a one-stroke lead over the charging Michelle Wie and three others.

AP source: Yankees reach deal with Richie Sexson

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:08 EDT

First baseman Richie Sexson and the New York Yankees reached a deal Thursday, a week after the Seattle Mariners cut the slumping slugger. A person familiar with the contract said Sexson would be paid a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum salary. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not been made.

Tour doping busts weigh on riders' minds

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:13 EDT

Mark Cavendish wants to talk about his latest stage victory - not doping. British cyclist David Millar pleads with fans: "Please, don't give up on us."

Scott homers twice, helps Orioles beat Tigers 7-4

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:18 EDT

Luke Scott homered twice, and the Baltimore Orioles also got home runs from Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff in a 7-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Twins shut out mighty Rangers offense

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:58 EDT

Glen Perkins pitched six shutout innings against a powerful Texas lineup in the Minnesota Twin's 6-0 victory on Friday night, the first time the Rangers have been shut out all season.

Arroyo, Reds snap Mets' 10-game winning streak

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:03 EDT

Bronson Arroyo extended his latest surge by pitching eight innings Friday night, and the Cincinnati Reds used a minimal rally to beat the New York Mets 5-2 and snap their 10-game winning streak.

Mets back in first after 10th straight win

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:42 EDT

One month after they fired their manager, the New York Mets are back in first place.

Ricco fired by team for testing positive for EPO

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:35 EDT

Italian rider Riccardo Ricco was fired by Saunier-Duval on Friday for testing positive for the banned blood-booster EPO during the Tour de France.

Rising USF is holding its own in recruiting

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49 EDT

Last season was not the first year the South Florida football team won nine games in a season. It happened twice before, in 2006 and 2002.

Rays start 2nd half with win

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:05 EDT

Ben Zobrist lined a two-run home run into the right-field seats in the bottom of the seventh for all the runs the Rays needed to beat visiting Toronto 2-1 on Friday and snap a season-high seven-game losing streak.

Kazmir's next start could be pushed back

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:34 EDT

The 14 pitches Scott Kazmir threw early Wednesday morning during the 15th inning of the MLB All-Star Game that began Tuesday night could mean the Tampa Bay Rays left-hander doesn't pitch until Monday.

Local golfer has three holes in one since October

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:14 EDT

Is a retired officer and director of training with the Indiana Department of Correction, Ray Tincher knows better than to hold up players on the golf course.

All-Stars don't make a team great

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:13 EDT

The best team in baseball won't have any starters in the All-Star game.

Will Rays' fairy tale have happy ending?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49 EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays packed for New York late that afternoon in what now seems like ages ago using words like "magical" and "gratifying" to describe the first half of this magically gratifying season.

Captains visit Catch 47 show

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:34 EDT

"Check, check, Mr. Rogers . . . check, check."

Leavitt hopes '07 success merely springboard for Bulls

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:57 EDT

By RYAN BOYD rboyd@bradenton.com

Gators get to know Moreno

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 07:52 EDT

Knowshon Moreno was a third-string tailback for much of the season until injuries elevated the freshman to the starting line against Vanderbilt on Oct. 13.

Bulls see red, fall 30-27

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:42 EDT

It's not easy being No. 2 - just ask South Florida.

USF prepares for Auburn

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:50 EDT

TAMPA - Watching film of South Florida's sloppy season-opening victory over Elon did little to ease Jim Leavitt's frustration about the Bulls' mistake-filled performance against an overmatched opponent.

Rays start anew

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49 EDT

Seven-game losing streak? What seven-game losing streak?

Will Rays' fairy tale have happy ending?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49 EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays packed for New York late that afternoon in what now seems like ages ago using words like "magical" and "gratifying" to describe the first half of this magically gratifying season.

Mediate shares British lead on strange day

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49 EDT

From sunny San Diego to bleak and blustery Royal Birkdale, the expression on Rocco Mediate's face didn't change.

RAYS EXTRA: Kaz OK after All-Star inning

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49 EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays didn't want Scott Kazmir to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star game. Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who managed the American League team, didn't want to use Kazmir, either, not after the lefty threw 104 pitches the previous Sunday.

Captains visit Catch 47 show

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:34 EDT

"Check, check, Mr. Rogers . . . check, check."

Braden River Juniors have stuck with it

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:19 EDT

When the Braden River 13-14-year-old Little League All-Star team recorded its final out to win the District 26 Tournament last Saturday, the team celebrated in the infield like normal. Hats were thrown one way, gloves flung the other.

HOT SPOTS: What's biting and where

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:34 EDT

Expect tonight's full moon to produce even better fishing for abundant mangrove snapper. Limiting out on snapper could be no problem for those who know where to find them. (Rock piles around the Sunshine Skyway are always a good option).

Could Favre end up in Tampa?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:14 EDT

Brett Favre is going to Minnesota. No, he's not. The Vikings are happy with Tarvaris Jackson.

Manatee National's biggest strength is deep pitching staff

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:14 EDT

Eight is enough.

Last chance to purchase Rays season tickets

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:19 EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays are giving fans a final opportunity to purchase season tickets during a "Select a Seat" event on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon at Tropicana Field.

GUEST CAPTAIN: Tarpon are still out there

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:19 EDT

Anglers fishing with me on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, continued to have action with tarpon on fly and spinning tackle over the past couple weeks. In addition, fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay has also had good variety and action.

Hess Express offers gas card giveaway at Friday's Rays game

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:50 EDT

Excited by the Tampa Bay Rays' outstanding first half of the season, Hess Express is urging fans to "fill up the Trop" when the Rays meet the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, the first game following the All-Star break. All fans in attendance will receive a $5 Hess gas card, and Hess will give away another $5,000 in gas to fans during the game.

Spots still available for Anna Maria fishing tournament

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:35 EDT

Registration continues for the Anna Maria Island Community Center Fishing Tournament, scheduled for the weekend of July 25-27.

USF's Bulls Fan Fest set for Aug. 10

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:05 EDT

The University of South Florida has announced its football media day is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 10. Immediately following the media day will be the Bulls Fan Fest at Raymond James Stadium.

USF's Allen on Thorpe Award watch list

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:05 EDT

Nate Allen is quiet and humble according to his South Florida teammates. That is off the football field.

USF tennis star wins scholar-athlete award

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:50 EDT

Mahmoud Hammed is accustomed to being No.1. He was the University of South Florida's top-rated tennis player this past season and went 15-15 as the Bulls were ranked 44th in the nation. The senior-to-be from Cairo, Egypt, also had a grade-point average above 3.0, among the best on the team.

USF's Leavitt to attend ESPY Awards

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:50 EDT

If you tune into the ESPN ESPY Awards Show next Monday at 8 p.m., look for South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt when the cameras scan the audience.

Big inning, bigger rally, biggest win: Lucky seventh inning lifts Rays over Sox

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:11 EDT

It took a dash of speed, a bit of patience and another contribution from The Rookie.

Rolling Rays nip A's 3-2

Wed, 21 May 2008 01:41 EDT

Scott Kazmir scraped out another impressive win thanks to one clutch hit.

MCC baseball wins five-hour marathon at states

Sun, 11 May 2008 03:00 EDT

The Manatee Community College baseball team climbed out of a six-run hole to defeat Pensacola Junior College 13-9 in the second round of the state Juco baseball tournament at Chain of Lakes Park on Saturday.

Local captain says now is the time to go swimming for scallops

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:15 EDT

Summer fishing, especially during August is just plain hot. We've been catching good numbers of redfish around Terra Ceia. They're just beginning to school, but the best time for reds is yet to come — probably within the next couple of months.

What's new in entertainment

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:34 EST

A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.

Averill confident about today's horse race in Miami

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:52 EDT

Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow, takes aim at another Grade I stakes trophy in today's Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder Race Course in Miami.

DLGA instructor sets good example for his students

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:22 EDT

As an instructor in the David Leadbetter Golf Academy's post-graduate program, Mark Rummings places special emphasis on the importance of a solid short game.

Character drives success of Legion team

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:43 EDT

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Pinebrook/Ironwood gets tougher as par lowered

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:07 EDT

"Par is anything I want it to be. For instance, this hole right here is a par-47, and yesterday I birdied the sucker."

Tiger needs to be challenged for interest to grow in FedEx Cup

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:48 EDT

Rays' Series vs. Royals is different kind of test

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:08 EDT

Tampa Bay Rays officials packed two announcements into one e-mail Wednesday afternoon.

One-inning saves? Don't make Goose laugh

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:16 EDT

The Goose means no disrespect. Mariano Rivera? Trevor Hoffman? Two closers who have come to the rescue more than the Justice League ever did?

LaValliere starts new under-11 baseball team

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:00 EDT

Could Favre end up in Tampa?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:14 EDT

Brett Favre is going to Minnesota. No, he's not. The Vikings are happy with Tarvaris Jackson.

More Rays wins mean more free Dunkin' Donuts

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:41 EDT

The Saturday morning breakfast crowd came and went, leaving Miranda Madorran with only 14 glazed donuts for the rest of the day. She started three hours earlier with 48.

After 10 awful years, Rays reach big time

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:45 EDT

he team flight left Pittsburgh on Sunday evening, and Carl Crawford was thinking Tampa Bay Rays-Boston Red Sox. The plane landed in St. Petersburg later that night, and Rays-Red Sox was still on Crawford's mind.

Rays have ways to deal with loss of Troy Percival

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:56 EDT

If it is good for the team, Troy Percival said Tuesday, then, yeah, he would go on the disabled list. Good for the team? Absolutely, that's good for the team.

For-real Rays making a run? More than fun

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:57 EDT

The first pairing of the words fun and Rays came to me in an e-mail in mid-May from someone who had just watched the Tampa Bay Rays knock off the New York Yankees and move into sole possession of first place.

Team's patience with park plan will pay

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:30 EDT

It seemed like a great idea. A waterfront stadium on the historic site of Al Lang Field, open-air with a funky retractable sail-like roof. It looked pretty good in those renderings offered by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Pirates fans haven't forgotten Maz

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:51 EDT

Stu Samuels drives around Pittsburgh in his 2004 blue Chevy Malibu, and other drivers honk. They wave. They give him the thumbs-up. If you saw the license plate on his car you'd know why.

Astros inspire all-too-vivid memories of '70s

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:36 EDT

This column is brought to you in living color.

Who knew a bunt could be so exciting?

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:08 EDT

I once read a story about the 1978 playoff game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox that ended with a fan calling Carl Yastrzemski over to the stands before he batted in the ninth inning with two outs and the tying and winning runs at second and third.

Day on water is enjoyable no matter what you catch

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:02 EDT

The grizzled old captain, his forearms scalded red from a lifetime of sun exposure, had his fish.

To fish tarpon, one must first understand them

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:05 EDT

Understand the tarpon.

Make holiday a safe one, on and off the water

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:08 EDT

The waters will be clogged today with independent boaters partying on Independence Day. It's a possible recipe for an accident waiting to happen, unless boaters use caution.

Offshore festival begins Saturday

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:16 EDT

The 24th annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival, an event that includes parties and boat races, will begin Saturday and run through July 6 in Sarasota.

Fishing College makes its return this weekend

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:36 EDT

I was not born when the first Florida Fishing College took place 32 years ago.

Disabled kids' dreams come true at camp

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:56 EDT

Their faces were freshly-wiped pictures of hope and peace. The children and teenagers, each wrapped by a yellow life jacket, were carried off the pontoon boat, one by one, and placed onto the shoreline. Their disabilities were the farthest thing from their minds.