Recent content from La Velle E. Neal III
Neal: Frost goaltender Maddie Rooney stands tall — and stands up for her teammates on defense
"They have my back as I have theirs," she said after Minnesota snagged another tight playoff win, defeating Ottawa in Game 3 of the PWHL Finals.
Neal: Another season begins at Canterbury Park with Minnesota's sports betting future in limbo
The horse racing season is down to 51 days as Canterbury Park in Shakopee tries to maximize purses without a deal in the legislature to legalize sports betting in the state.
Neal: Success of Bueckers, Holmgren, Minn. franchises emblematic of this 'State of Basketball'
As Wolves and Lynx seek titles, Minnesota hoops can't be much better.
Twins-Guardians game called after two rain delays, will resume Tuesday
The Twins lead Cleveland 2-1 through three innings at Target Field.
Neal: It rains bats and dogs for McCusker's home debut with Twins
On "Bark at the Park" night, the Twins' Carson McCusker might have set a record for the farthest distance traveled by a bat slipping out of a hitter's hands.
Twins' Wallner could start a minor league rehab assignment this week
Twins outfielder Matt Wallner, who has been out since mid-April because of a hamstring injury, might begin a rehab assignment as soon as Wednesday.
Neal: Watch the Pete Rose case to see how Baseball Hall of Fame voters feel about character
Key figures from the performance-enhancing drug era, such as Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds, will be watching, too.
Neal: Timberwolves players find solutions to all their problems right nearby — in their teammates
Unselfishness, represented statistically by 36 assists and 62.8% shooting, made the difference in Game 5 against Golden State.
Neal: A Messi goal, a Loons victory. What more could we ask? Well, there's one thing
We understand the need for security, but the trickery of dropping Messi off at a loading dock while hundreds waited at the players' entrance was a bit much.
Neal: Despite a hiccup, Julius Randle sparked the Timberwolves to victory
Briefly benched in the second quarter, Randle regained his composure with a strong all-around game.
Neal: As Correa searches for his swing, Twins watch for signs of the hitter they thought they hired
The shortstop is in Year 4 of his time in Minnesota, and he's shown too little of the ability he displayed for the Astros.
Neal: Frost's defense is in good hands with roommates Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson
The Frost open the PWHL playoffs at Toronto on Wednesday knowing their defense can hang tough.
Neal: The Wild's most dangerous offseason weapon is Bill Guerin's pen
With the financial constraints off the roster and the NHL cap expanding, the Wild have a chance to make a clear statement with the signing of a talented center.
Neal: Gobert's brute force serves well when subtleties aren't connecting
The Timberwolves couldn't make shots, especially the three-pointers they count on. Enter their big man for 27 points and 24 rebounds.
Neal: Hopefully that wasn't the last we see of Marc-Andre Fleury
One of the best goaltenders of all time, Marc-Andre Fleury will see his illustrious career come to an end once the season concludes. It would be a shame if Tuesday was his last time on the ice.
Neal: Draft decisions by NFC North chasers show they're supporting QBs as they pursue the Lions
In this Quarterback Above Everything era, the Vikings appear to have given J.J. McCarthy more help than the Bears gave Caleb Williams and the Packers gave Jordan Love.
Neal: Wild center Marco Rossi is easy to root for
Rossi is rolling with the punches as his team takes a 2-1 lead in their playoff series with Vegas.
Neal: Lee is thrown into the fire with Twins in need of help
With the Twins shorthanded and struggling on offense, third baseman Brooks Lee didn't get a minor league tuneup coming off the IL.
Neal: Lakers won, but Timberwolves still hold the advantage in playoff series
For about a quarter and a half Tuesday, Minnesota languished. Nothing else that happened matters as much as this: The Wolves will play three of the next four games at home.
Neal: Wild's Gaudreau bounces back, lands in prominent playoff role against Vegas
Now the team's No. 5 scorer, he struggled through the 2023-24 season and was asked for more in 2024-25.
Neal: Gophers gymnast Mya Hooten will end her NCAA career with a special reunion
To close out her college career, Hooten and her good friend from Rochester, Abby Mueller, will be in the same rotation this week at the NCAA gymnastics championships.
Neal: Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson gets the point, cedes the net to Marc-Andre Fleury
After the Wild clinched a playoff berth, a future Hall of Famer made an overtime cameo in his final regular-season game.
Neal: As Lynx teams of legend crowd the Basketball Hall of Fame, we recall the good times
Four of the five starters from the 2015 and 2017 WNBA champions, "the best show in town," will be in soon.
Neal: Like Faber before him, prospect Buium could give Wild a late-season lift
Defenseman Zeev Buium is playing with Denver as it tries to defend its NCAA title, but he might soon be helping the Wild.
Neal: When the major league Twins falter, there's not-so-minor help just across the river
Pitchers David Festa, Zebby Matthews and Andrew Morris already are indicating they're ready to cross the Mississippi to the majors.
Neal: What makes an ace? Depending on who you ask, the answer varies
With analytics changing the way baseball is played, gone are the days of pitchers throwing 200+ innings and winning 20+ games.
Neal: Amid so much uncertainty, Twins just need to win
After an aggravating offseason for fans, baseball season is finally here and that means the Twins have a chance to solve some problems.
Neal: Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Opening Day at the ballpark
From streakers to record-setters and bald eagle blunders, Twins Hall of Famers reflect on Opening Day memories.
Neal: Jackie Robinson's legacy can't be tainted, regardless of what the DoD does
Because of the DoD's recklessness of everything regarding diversity, equity and inclusion, Jackie Robinson's legacy is stronger than ever.
Neal: One of the greatest weeks of the sports calendar has finally arrived
With many basketball story lines for Minnesotans to track during March Madness, Colorado State coach Niko Medved and UConn guard Paige Bueckers should be at the top of the list.
Neal: Revival of Fort Myers Beach is a Florida happening, but Minnesota determination is in play
Hurricane Ian sacked the town in 2022, but it's fast becoming a destination again, led by a mayor from Spring Lake Park and boosted by restaurateurs from St. Cloud.
The promise of summer is found at Twins spring training
Minnesota Star Tribune photographer Carlos Gonzalez captured the images of spring training baseball as the Twins prepare for their season in Fort Myers, Fla.
Neal: Twins fans will need patience. The team's sale isn't happening anytime soon.
The Twins hoped to identify their new owner by Opening Day, but the sale process could last into August or September.
Neal: History of Black Aces is personal for Simeon Woods Richardson
Woods Richardson grew up watching videos of the Black Aces — the 15 Black pitchers in Major League Baseball history who have won 20 games in a season.
Neal: Simply put, the Twins are going to swing the sticks this season
Despite all the injuries and lineup juggling last season, the Twins were 10th in the majors in runs scored. With improved health, they should be better this year.
Neal: Twins' Stewart battles injuries through all levels of baseball, soldiers on
Brock Stewart has been a valuable member of the bullpen, but his health is frequently in question.
Neal: Questions about the Twins' fielding lead to this: They'll need Castro and Bader often
A chat with manager Rocco Baldelli reveals he'll count on those two in various spots to overcome weaknesses.
Twins notes: Canterino sidelined again, Paddack struck by batted ball
Matt Canterino, 27, is headed to Arlington, Texas, to have his shoulder examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Canterino suffered a shoulder injury last season that kept out all year as well.
Neal: The rush of relief moves Twins pitcher Varland. Let's give him that feeling often.
Righthander Louie Varland's fastball ticks up nicely when he lets it loose, as he could do best in short bursts.
Neal: No reason to be skeptical of the Twins' optimism at training camp
From its trio of stars finally healthy to a bullpen among the best in the league, the Twins roster is good enough to win a division title.
Neal: 45 years later, the Miracle on Ice still lives as America's greatest victory
On Jan. 15, U.S. Rep Pete Stauber reintroduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act in House — the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress.
Neal: Nabwe prepares for her version of 'March Madness'
Now excelling in track and field for the Gophers, Anthonett Nabwe dreams of being an NCAA champion and competing in the Olympics.
Neal: 4 Nations Face-Off sets the standard for All-Star breaks
Other sports can copy hockey's brilliant idea, and here are some ideas.
Neal: Moving forward with Johnson is the only option for Gophers men
While top-25 wins over Michigan and Oregon helped Ben Johnson's case to return next season, his Los Angeles sweep made it a no-brainer.
Neal: As Wild and Timberwolves take their winter breaks, only one has laurels to rest on
The hockey team is overcoming adversity under coach John Hynes. The basketball team is underachieving by last season's standard and this season's expectations.
Neal: Look for spring training to reveal the wonders of warmth and the strength of the Twins' pitching staff
The starting rotation ranks in the majors' top 10, with above-average arms in Pablo López, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, and the bullpen is strong if healthy.
Neal: Don't hate the Chiefs, emulate them
The Chiefs have navigated through turbulent times to become the gold standard of the NFL ... and they are showing the Vikings how it can be done.
Neal: Curling national championships in Duluth bring it all back around for Shuster
The leader of six U.S. champions faces a Minnesota-fueled challenge to win his seventh. The Peterson sisters of Eagan are going for their third U.S. championship.
Neal: Baldelli dwells on 2024's ending as he ponders 2025's beginning
The Twins manager said he remains upset his team flopped down the stretch but is confident about what's ahead: "We will be ready to rock."
Neal: From first to worst, NFC North disappoints in postseason
In a whirlwind, the toughest division in the NFL during the regular season failed in the postseason but became fascinating again in three days this week.
Neal: Vikings face no matter more important than the future of their defensive coordinator
Since the playoff loss, the team's needs have been recited item by item. Losing mastermind Brian Flores would create the greatest need of all.
Neal: Interest in Twins purchase spans the nation
The new season is approaching, which means that in the coming weeks there will be clarity on who the third owner in Minnesota Twins history will be. Here's everything you need to know.
Neal: All eyes will be on Sam Darnold, but don't forget about Aaron Jones and Cam Akers
All eyes will be on Darnold following his clunker against Detroit, but don't ignore the impact Aaron Jones and Cam Akers can have on Monday night.
Neal: Relax, Vikings fans, it's going to be fine
Vikings fans need to accelerate through the five stages of the grief process, arrive at the meaning of it all and get right in time for Monday night's playoff game with the Rams.
Neal: Dan Campbell is a big lug ... as in lovable big lug
While Kevin O'Connell is considered the front runner for NFL Coach of the Year, Dan Campbell should be the runner up — which makes this Sunday showdown that much more exciting.
Neal: For Minnesota sports teams, 2024 was great — but 2025 can be legendary
After a breakout 2024 for Minnesota sports teams, 2025 could be even better — but to do so, Anthony Edwards, Kevin O'Connell, Napheesa Collier, Lindsey Vonn and co. will have to keep raising the bar.
Neal: With CFP expansion, P.J. Fleck and the Gophers should have loftier goals
We should expect P.J. Fleck to craft a 10-win season every few years, not once in eight. Can't he just get the Gophers close enough to the CFP to be snubbed once in a while?
Neal: Sam Darnold's resurrection could grow to legend builder after Sunday
The legend of Darnold is beginning right when the Vikings are playing their most important games of the season, beginning with an NFC North showdown against the Packers on Sunday.
Neal: Rickey Henderson ... gone but never forgotten
After an incredible 25-year career that saw him become MLB's all-time stolen bases leader and the greatest leadoff hitter ever, Rickey Henderson died Friday at age 65.
Neal: Marriage suits Gophers hockey senior Huglen. Soon, fatherhood will, too.
Aaron Huglen and wife Maddie are expecting their first baby right before the Gophers take aim at a sixth NCAA title.
Neal: Wolves fans have no reason to boo KAT in his Target Center homecoming
Karl-Anthony Towns will be back in the place where he built a legacy as one of the best Wolves players of all time.
Neal: Vikings' best is required the rest of the way, and we didn't see it against the Bears
Quarterback Sam Darnold played scruffily, penalties mounted, chances weren't seized, and it took Vanilla Ice to get things going.
Neal: Vikings and Bears meet again, traveling in opposite directions
Nothing about the season has gone as predicted for either team, so this is not a prediction, it's a statement: Minnesota ought to win Monday.
Neal: Correa is tremendously unlikely to play for anyone but the Twins
A New York columnist caused a burst of chatter, but team officials say they are neither shopping their shortstop nor hearing offers. Plenty of reasons exist for that.
Neal: What does Soto's contract say about the future of baseball?
Payroll disparity has caused smaller-market MLB teams to become a feeder system to markets who can overspend on star players. Change is on the horizon, but it might take a few more years of suffering.
Neal: For the Minnesota Frost, the process of becoming a dynasty begins
The winners of the Walter Cup in the PWHL's first season endured an overtime loss in the opener of their second season. Like last year, that ends nothing.
Neal: Wrong, wrong, wrong. About the Vikings. About the NFC North. About Sam Darnold.
Kevin O'Connell's QB whispering worked again, setting off a series of events that made Minnesota's division the NFL's best.
Neal: Timberwolves say the right things, but to quote the coach, 'You just gotta go out and do it.'
Chris Finch sees too little effort. Anthony Edwards sees the same. And those of us watching from a distance see nothing at all like last season.
Neal: In a game with twists and turns, Darnold and Williams steadily guided their teams
The Vikings beat the Bears on Sunday in Chicago as the Vikings quarterback continued to inspire and the Bears quarterback showed his potential.
Neal: Vikings could profit off a Bears team that wins ugly and loses dramatically
The Vikings are catching a Bears team on a four-game losing streak that recently canned its offensive coordinator and is too timid to do it to the head coach in-season.
Neal: Loons will have no trouble walking into LA and making Galaxy fans cry
Despite being tormented by the Galaxy over the years, this version of the Loons has a chance to return to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2020.
Neal: The champ is back for one final ride — and Minnesotans should appreciate it
A wrestler who won two NCAA titles for the Gophers and an Olympic gold medal for his country, Gable Steveson said it's a fine time for him to rejoin the success going on in Minnesota sports.
Neal: La Velle Neal, Pedro Martínez and a look back at a controversial American League MVP vote
Twenty-five years ago, Martínez finished second in AL MVP balloting — because La Velle didn't vote for the Red Sox ace.
Neal: Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl, Hockey Hall of Famers? It's happening, and it's right.
A pair of former Gophers, Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl continue to contribute to the game that took them around the world.
Neal: Johnson, starting over again with Gophers roster, doesn't have to go backward
Avoiding "disaster" status this season is possible with the U's group of short-timers, and any more than that would be celebrated as overachieving.
