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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

The Defector Crewneck Sweatshirt Is Back In Stock

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Merch v3

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Samer Kalaf

Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a homer in Sunday's minor league baseball game

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Triple-A Pitchers Must Be Thrilled That Fernando Tatis Jr. Is Leaving

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Chris Thompson

Fernando Tatis Jr. rounds the bases for the Padres, during spring training.

El Niño Is Approaching

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Tom Ley

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Yu Darvish #11 of the San Diego Padres looks out at the field in the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 10, 2023 in New York City.

San Diego Padres v New York Mets

Small Ball Returned To Torture Yu Darvish

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Lauren Theisen

Jake McCarthy goes into the seats for a catch

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Jake McCarthy’s Catch Is A Dying Breed

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Albert Burneko

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Los Angeles Angel Of Anaheim Does Amazing Baseball Thing, For Naught

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 30: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day at Fenway Park on March 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox

Adley Rutschman Has The Power

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 15: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres attempts a wrap around goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period of the game at Capital One Arena on March 15, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Buffalo Sabres v Washington Capitals

Tage Thompson Missed His True Calling

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Giri Nathan

This Luka Doncic Dime Emits The Stench Of Life

Julian Strawther pulls up from the logo for the game-winner.

College Basketball

Julian Strawther’s Lunatic Confidence Gave Gonzaga Their Best Shot

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan pitches in the top of the 9th inning during World Baseball Classic Championship between United States and Japan at loanDepot park on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

World Baseball Classic Championship: United States v Japan

Pitches Shohei Ohtani Threw To Mike Trout, Ranked

Trea Turner socks a huge freaking dinger.

Trea Turner Is Now Also A God Of Dingers

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Patrick Redford

IOWA CITY, IOWA- FEBRUARY 26: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with forward Monika Czinano #25 after their match-up against the Indiana Hoosiers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, on February 26, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Caitlin Clark;Monika Czinano

Indiana v Iowa

Caitlin Clark, Real Hooper, Fears Nothing

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Final match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2023 in London, England.

Manchester United v Newcastle United – Carabao Cup Final

Soccer

Manchester United Can Stand On Marcus Rashford’s Shoulders

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers scores career-high 71 points during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 26, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

Houston Rockets v Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Put Up The Purest 71 Points Ever Scored

Oklahoma City Thunder v Utah Jazz

Lauri Markkanen Is A Dude Now

Joel Embiid blocks Ja Morant's shot attempt.

When Joel Embiid Decides To Be A Monster, Look Out!

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Defector Up All Night

The Sports Highlight Of The Day Is—LUSK CALLS THE SNOW DAY. BREAKING NEWS: LUSK CALLS THE SNOW DAY

<div class="author-header-content">
<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="author-header-shares"></div>


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Charles P. Pierce

Justin Jefferson makes a one-handed catch

Minnesota Vikings v Buffalo Bills

Great Hands Are Forever

Phoenix Suns v Brooklyn Nets

Cam Thomas Is Vindication For Bucket Enthusiasts, If Not For The Nets

Iowa v Ohio State

Caitlin Clark Knows When To Start The Show

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Luis Paez-Pumar

Harold Castro of Leones del Caracas reacts after hitting a home run against Tiburones de la Guaira during the Game Six of the Venezuelan Baseball League Championship Series at the Universitario stadium in Caracas, on January 30, 2023.

BASEBALL-VENEZUELA-TIBURONES DE LA GUAIRA-LEONES DEL CARACAS

Sports Don’t Get Much Better Than The Venezuelan Baseball Final

Getting To The Bottom Of Jaren Jackson Jr.’s So-Called “Blocks”

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Maitreyi Anantharaman

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Angel Reese Can Do It All Herself, Footwear Be Damned

San Antonio Spurs v Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant Resumes Violence On Jakob Poeltl

Zion Williamson flexes during the pregame

Minnesota Timberwolves v New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson Left The Timberwolves Bruised And Salty

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