Discover timely sports news adapted for students in K12 classrooms. We offer multiple reading levels, reading comprehension questions and endless fun.
This article ranks and profiles MLB players #25-21 in a 2025 countdown of the top 100 players. #25 Corbin Carroll is highlighted for his speed-power combination and defensive excellence with the Diamondbacks. #24 Marcell Ozuna is recognized for his consistent power hitting with the Braves. #23 Chris Sale's remarkable resurgence with the Braves is detailed, including his 2024 Triple Crown and Cy Young Award. #22 William Contreras is featured as one of baseball's best-hitting catchers for the Brewers, with back-to-back strong offensive seasons. #21 Seth Lugo rounds out the group with his transformation into an elite starter for the Royals, including his All-Star selection and second-place Cy Young finish in 2024.
June 22, 2025
This article in the 'Career Spotlight' series focuses on physical therapy as a career path related to baseball. Physical therapists help athletes recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve movement, while also working on injury prevention. The path to becoming a PT requires strong high school performance in science and math, followed by a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program (about 7 years of education total). After graduation, aspiring PTs must pass a licensing exam, with options to specialize in sports medicine. The article emphasizes the importance of reading regularly and academic success, while highlighting opportunities to gain experience through volunteering and shadowing professionals. Physical therapy is presented as a rewarding career with good job prospects and the opportunity to make a difference in athletes' careers.
This article explains how the muscles in the hands and wrists affect baseball performance. It begins by identifying key muscle groups: flexor muscles (which close the hand), extensor muscles (which open it), and thenar muscles (at the thumb base). For batting, these muscles control grip strength, wrist snap during swings, and bat stability at contact. In fielding, they help with catching balls, controlling throws, and quick glove reactions. The article suggests training exercises like using hand grippers, wrist curls, and finger exercises to improve performance. Written at a 6th-grade level, it breaks down complex anatomical concepts into simple explanations with baseball-specific examples.
This article ranks MLB players #30-#26 for the 2025 season. Rafael Devers (#30) has transitioned to DH for the Red Sox after Alex Bregman's arrival but remains a dangerous hitter with over 200 career home runs. Corey Seager (#29) continues to stand out as an elite shortstop for the Rangers, having won World Series MVP awards with two different teams. Austin Riley (#28) has become a cornerstone for the Braves at third base despite injury setbacks in 2024. Michael Harris II (#27) represents the future of Atlanta's outfield as a dynamic talent who won Rookie of the Year in 2022. Kyle Schwarber (#26) has established himself as one of baseball's premier power hitters with the Phillies, breaking the single-season leadoff home run record in 2024 while providing leadership both on and off the field.
June 21, 2025
This article explores the concept of Superhero Baseball, focusing on a center fielder with force field powers. It begins by introducing the fantasy league where players have superpowers while maintaining safety. The article explains how a center fielder who can create force fields would revolutionize outfield defense by stopping home runs, redirecting hits, improving positioning, assisting teammates, and creating strategic defensive plays. It details the regular responsibilities of center fielders and how force fields specifically enhance these duties. The article also discusses how other superpowered players could counter force fields - telekinetic batters curving hits around barriers, super-strong hitters breaking through shields, phasing runners passing through barriers, gravity-controlling pitchers making balls too heavy to deflect, and weather controllers disrupting the fields. It concludes with game balance considerations, noting limitations on force field use to maintain competitive play.
June 20, 2025
This article covers the history of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team from their beginnings in 1869 as the first professional baseball team through their most successful eras. It describes their start as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, their dominant period in the 1970s known as 'The Big Red Machine,' and their 1990 World Series championship. The article also mentions their ballparks, Opening Day traditions, recent successful seasons, and their overall legacy in baseball history. Throughout their 150+ years, the Reds have won five World Series championships and remain an important part of Cincinnati's culture.
This article explains how baseball cleats are manufactured, as part of a series about baseball equipment production. It describes cleats as specialized shoes with spikes that help players maintain traction on the field. The manufacturing process begins with basic materials like leather, rubber, plastic, foam, and thread. The article details an eight-step production process: design, creating the upper part, making the sole through injection molding, adding spikes, assembly, adding cushioning, final touches, and quality testing. Writing at a 6th-grade level, the article explains how simple materials are transformed into specialized athletic footwear that helps baseball players perform better.
June 19, 2025
This article explains what a sinker pitch is in baseball and why pitchers use it. A sinker is a fastball that moves downward as it approaches the batter, making it difficult to hit in the air. Pitchers use sinkers primarily to generate ground balls, which are easier for the defense to convert into outs and can lead to double plays. The article provides examples of successful sinker pitchers like Marcus Stroman and Zack Britton, and includes a hypothetical scenario showing how a sinker can help a pitcher escape a difficult situation. It also briefly discusses how young pitchers learn to throw this specialized pitch. The article is part of a series exploring baseball techniques and positions.
In a standout performance, Byron Buxton dazzled fans and teammates alike during the Minnesota Twins' 6-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. Demonstrating his exceptional speed and power, Buxton made a jaw-dropping diving catch and unleashed a career-long home run that electrified Target Field. This game not only showcased his multifaceted talent but also served as a powerful reminder of why he remains one of baseball's most dynamic players.
June 18, 2025
This article explains that snow games in baseball are rare, occurring only about 2-5 times per season, typically in early April or late October in northern cities. The article then explains the science of snow formation in five steps: water evaporates into vapor, cloud formation occurs when vapor cools and condenses, temperatures drop below freezing creating ice crystals, snowflakes grow around dust particles, and finally fall to the ground if temperatures remain cold enough. The article also describes how snow affects baseball physics, including reduced ball travel distance in cold air, visibility challenges, grip difficulties, and slippery field conditions. The content is part of a series exploring the science behind baseball and fitness.
This article ranks and profiles MLB players #35-31 on the 2025 Top 100 list. At #35 is Kirby Yates, the 38-year-old Dodgers closer known for his devastating splitter and comeback from injuries. Manny Machado ranks #34 as the Padres' cornerstone third baseman who continues to excel with power and Gold Glove defense. Emmanuel Clase comes in at #33 as the Guardians' dominant closer who throws 100 mph cutters and has led the AL in saves for three straight years. At #32 is new Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes, a four-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner who signed a $210 million contract. Jackson Merrill rounds out the group at #31, the 21-year-old Padres center fielder who had a breakout rookie season with All-Star and Silver Slugger honors, recently signing a $135 million extension.
In a surprising turn of events, Texas Rangers rookie pitcher Kumar Rocker used pickle juice to combat leg cramps during his impressive outing against the Chicago White Sox. After facing cramping issues in the fifth inning, Rocker’s quick thinking and the unconventional remedy allowed him to complete five shutout innings, leading his team to a narrow victory. This unique strategy not only showcased Rocker's resilience but also highlighted the unconventional ways athletes are addressing on-field challenges.
June 17, 2025
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