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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

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Ray Ratto

A passer-by looks on as worker hangs papal bunting over the entrance to the Holy Name Cathedral after Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, had been named as first American leader of the Catholic Church. She's wearing a White Sox hat.

The U.S. Reacts To First American Pope In History

Which Accursed Chicago Baseball Fan Base Will Get To Claim Pope Leo XIV?

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Tom Ley

A fan sits alone in the purple row of seats that are exactly on mile above sea level during a game between the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Houston Astros 8-6.

Houston Astros v Colorado Rockies

Which Towering Dinger In Denver Is Jerry Dipoto Actually Talking About?

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Kathryn Xu

José Azocar #28, Tyrone Taylor #15, and Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets celebrate after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field.

Arizona Diamondbacks v New York Mets

It’s All Coming Up Mets

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.09

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Chris Thompson

Bradley Blalock of the Rockies tries to throw a baseball while sliding on his butt.

Bradley Blalock

The Rockies Are Bad At Every Part Of Baseball

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David Roth

Griffin Canning of the New York Mets pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 11, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

New York Mets v Athletics

The Mets Are Doing The Hard Stuff Now

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Samer Kalaf

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The Nationals Know What Goes Great Together: Dogs And Fireworks

Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants scores the game-winning run.

Heliot Ramos slides home.

Horrible Rangers Loss Also Really Funny

Eugenio Suarez celebrates after hitting his fourth homer of Saturday's game against the Braves.

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Eugenio Suárez Picked A Bad Day To Hit Four Homers

Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets celebrates with his team after driving in the winning run.

Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets

Mets Invincible, Phillies On Bullet-Train To Hell

2019-01-01 00:15:14.989

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates a walk-off hit in the bottom of the tenth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on April 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs

The Cubs Love To Get Crooked 

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Luis Paez-Pumar

Agustin Ramirez #50 of the Miami Marlins in the game against the Cincinnati Reds at loanDepot park on April 21, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

Cincinnati Reds v Miami Marlins

Enjoy The Agustín Ramírez Show For As Long As It Lasts

James Wood in warmups

James Wood Is A Special Case

Sean Murphy and Marcell Ozuna

The Hobbled Braves Are Hanging In There

Manager Bud Black #10 of the Colorado Rockies looks on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 11, 2025 in San Diego.

Colorado Rockies v San Diego Padres

Bud Black Has Either The Best Or The Worst Job In Baseball

Elly De La Cruz is showered in $100 bills after socking a dinger.

Elly De La Cruz money

O’s, No!

Visual Editor. Runs <a href="http://defectorstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defectorstore.com</a>. Philadelphia-based, if you couldn’t tell.

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Dan McQuade

A bunch of baseball cards behind. In front are two cards. One has this tip: "Never put poison in your mouth. And if you see someone put poison in their mouth, you should get help right away." The other says: "Drug dealers are always trying to tempt ballplayers. They like to hang around celebrities and try to get us to join them at parties. We learn to just say no. We tell them to get lost or we'll call police. Call it what you want, pot, grass, crack, speed, angel dust, or coke — it's dangerous stuff that can hurt you and even kill. If you're approached, just say no and then call your local police or tell your parents."

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“Don’t Put Poison In Your Mouth,” And Other Great Tips From ’80s And ’90s Trading Cards

Jorge López

A Dangerously Bad Bullpen Is Everyone’s Problem

Santiago Espinal #4 and Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate after winning the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pittsburgh Pirates v. Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds Are Going Nowhere In Particular More Quickly Than Any Team Ever Has

Octavio Dotel pitches for the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Minnesota Twins on August 15, 2012 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Detroit Tigers v Minnesota Twins

Octavio Dotel Made A Life In Baseball

Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his walkoff walk as Julio Rodríguez #44 jumps on home plate.

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The Mariners Find Catharsis In A Walk-Off Walk

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Barry Petchesky

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 08: A general view of the Progressive Field scoreboard with Opening Day signage prior to the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Chicago White Sox v. Cleveland Guardians

This Is So Stupid

Are The Cleveland Guardians Creating A Dynamic Brand Experience That Deepens The Connection Between The Team And Its Fans, And Reflects The Team’s History, Its Commitment To Cleveland, And Its Vision For The Future, On And Off The Field?

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 03: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium on April 3, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks v New York Yankees

If You’re Going To Get Food Poisoning, At Least Visit Flavortown First

Side-by-side photos of Luis M. Castillo and Luis F. Castillo, both Mariners pitchers.

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The Definitive Guide To Mariners Pitchers Named Luis Castillo

Topps baseball cards featuring the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, are seen during the Washington Nationals media preview day at Nationals Park on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Nationals Media Day 2025

That’s Too Many Baseball Cards!

Rocco Baldelli, Nic Lentz

Stumbling Minnesota Twins Struggle With Clocks, Gizmos, Rules, And Authority