Tag Archives: baseball

Josh Beckett Caught Cheating After Pitching No Hitter for LA Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, California – empire-sports-josh-beckett-LA-dodgers-HGH-scandal-cheating-no-hitter

Josh Beckett threw baseball’s first no-hitter of the season earlier this week, but later tested positive for possible HGH use during a routine drug check. Many suspect he could be a part of the Anthony Bosch Miami Clinic scandal. Beckett previously played for the Boston Red Sox, and prior to that he was a pitcher for the once Florida Marlins, which is what has lead to the tie to Anthony Bosch. Bosch was caught in a controversy a few years ago after several MLB players were caught and released for receiving HGH and other steroids and drugs at Bosch’s bio-genesis clinic in South Florida.

MLB officials, faced with another possible steroid/cheating scandal, have decided to test every player that has ever been a part of the Marlins organization, including current rosters. With this search they hope to stop the use of HGH, as well as other forms of cheating in baseball. The only exception, of course, being the New York Yankees, who are always privy to 2nd chances when it comes to cheating and rule breaking.

As of the time of this writing, Beckett had not commented on the accusation, except to say that it was completely false. Agents for Beckett and the LA Dodgers also had no comment. There is speculation that other members of the Dodgers could also be using HGH or other steroids, and the commissioner of baseball has said that it is possible that there may be a team-wide or even league-wide testing of all players and staff, including umpires, coaches, and even batboys.

Warner Bros. Interactive To Release Mortal Kombat Vs. MLB Video Game

BURBANK, California – empire-sports-mortal-kombat-MLB-baseball-video-game-warner-bros-interactive-vs-MK-MLB

The action fighting series Mortal Kombat has grown to become one of the biggest video game series ever since it was released to arcades for the first time 22 years ago, but the newest installment in the series, which was announced yesterday, is probably the craziest idea yet – Mortal Kombat Vs. The Major League is set to debut at the beginning of next year.

The official word came from the headquarters of Warner Bros. Interactive, the publishing company that took over for Midway Games in the production of the Mortal Kombat series back in 2009. In an email sent to video game magazines and online publications, Ed Boon, original co-creator of the Mortal Kombat series, announced that his subdivision, NetherRealm Studios, had secured licensing from Major League Baseball for a roster of around 20 different players from several different teams to be included in the gameplay.

“We are extremely excited to announce that we are in the beginning stages of production for our new game Mortal Kombat Vs. The Major League.” Said Boon. “We at NetherRealm are extremely excited, as this is something we had been working towards with the League for several years, and as the licenses and agreements fell into place, everything started happening immediately. We are tentatively scheduling release for early spring, 2015.”

Mortal Kombat has a long history of being extremely violent, causing controversy upon its initial release with its inclusion of graphic blood, realistic depictions of violence, and the creation of the “fatalities” that fans have come to love over time. When asked via email about whether this game was going to be a more “toned down” version, as some of the later Mortal Kombat games have been, Boon stated that there would be no holding back with this new game.

“We had to tone down some of the elements of violence for some of our later games and partnerships, such as Mortal Kombat Vs. The DC Universe. That was part of our agreement with DC, which wanted to be able to market the game towards children. The MLB has not imparted any restrictions on us in the use of their players or teams, so we’re aiming to make this one of the most brutal Mortal Kombat games to date.”

So far, there has been no official word on which teams or players might make it into the game, but as word got out to players, several have stepped up to offer their likenesses.

“It would be a dream come true to be in a Mortal Kombat video game.” Said Dustin Pedroia, second baseman for the Boston Red Sox. “I grew up on Mortal Kombat, like most boys my age. It would be a honor to face off against Scorpion.”

Warner Bros. Interactive will be watching the sales of this game closely, as Boon pointed out, because the numbers will directly correlate to whether or not they seek out licensing deals with other major sports clubs.

“Oh, definitely – we would love to make this into a series if it does well. NHL, NFL…really, the sky is the limit for what we can do with these characters.” Said Boon. “This is going to be the most fun game of the MK Universe so far. I can’t wait for everyone to play it.”

The game is being announced for the XBox 360 and PS3, as well as next-gen consoles XBox One and PS4.

14 Year-Old High School Freshman Has 96Mph Fastball

PORTLAND, Maine – empire-sports-high-school-pitcher-baseball-96-mph-fastball-scouts-player-teenager-red-sox

A 14 year-old high school freshman is being watched by not only his entire town, but also by scouts from some giant sports-centric colleges, and at least one major league team, after pitching two back-to-back no-hitters over 3 days this week.

Patrick Kingsford, a freshman at Deering High School in Portland, Maine, was a newcomer to their school’s baseball program this year, after trying out and making the team earlier in the spring. A broken arm a week after the season started kept Kingsford out of regular rotation, but this week, after being put into his first games, Kingsford blew away fans of by pitching well over 90mph, including hitting a high-mark of 96mph after already having thrown 58 pitches.

“We thought for sure that Patrick was going to be out for the entire season,” said Gerard Kingsford, Patrick’s father. “We get crazy weather here in the North East, and we got one big ice storm right at the start of spring. Patrick slipped and broke his arm – he was really disappointed because he had just made the baseball team and was really looking forward to playing.”

“I was supposed to be a relief pitcher for the J.V. team,” said Patrick. “I broke my arm, and the doctor said I might miss the whole season. But I healed really fast, and when the doctor took the cast off, he checked everything out and said he couldn’t believe how well I’d healed, and how fast. Less than 2 weeks later, I was pitching again.”

Kingsford went back to his J.V. team during a practice game, and when he started pitching, the coach’s jaws dropped.

“I had never seen anything like it. I never thought I would, either.” said Michel Duncan, Deering High School baseball coach. “Patrick came out and was warming up, and he started pitching, and it was like lightning. He was throwing at speeds I’ve never seen for a high school student. Even when I played in college most players weren’t throwing like he was. It was major league speeds, for sure.”

Kingsford was immediately placed into the rotation for the varsity team, and he went on to pitch 2 no-hitters over the course of a week. News of Kingsford’s abilities started to spread, and soon he was being visited by college scouts from all over the country. He even was visited by professional scouts from his favorite New England team.

“I had Amiel Sawdaye visit me. Amiel is the amateur scout for the Boston Red Sox, my favorite team.” Said Kingsford. “I’m not old enough to play professionally yet, according to MLB rules, but Amiel wanted to come see me. He watched a game, and talked to me after. He said that if I keep playing like I have been, once I graduate he’d probably be back to talk to me again. It was the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Kingsford went on to say that although it’s nice that professional teams have taken an interest in him, he wants to play in college first.

“It’s always been my goal to go to college. You can’t rely on baseball forever. Someday my arm might get tired, and I wouldn’t want that to be everything I had. If I can play baseball for a college team and then go pro, that’s what I want to do. I’ve always liked school and that’s important to me, and it’s important to my dad. So that’s probably what I’ll do.”

Kingsford has already spoken to colleges such as Boston University and the University of Connecticut about possible scholarships when he graduates. It’s the first time that Boston U has ever talked to a high school freshman about becoming a player for any of their sports teams.

“I watched him play, and if he keeps it up, there will definitely be a spot on our roster for Patrick in a few years.” Said Mike Gambino, head coach of Boston University Baseball. “It’s the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen from a high school player.”

 

 

Yankees Caught Cheating Again, Forced to Forfeit All 27 World Titles

NEW YORK CITY, New York – 

michael-pineda-ejected-pine-tar-scandal-yankees-world-titlesIn a powering win over the Boston Red Sox last night, the big news of the game wasn’t the score, so much as the scandal caused by pitcher Michael Pineda. Last week during another crushing victory over Boston, it was speculated that Pineda had pine tar hidden on the back of his hand. It was not made immediately aware to the coaching staff of the Sox, so when it was finally questioned, the alleged tar had been removed. Pineda claimed it was dirt and that he was “sweating a lot” and needed it to dry his hands.

Pictures surfaced immediately all over the web following that game, with the general consensus being that it was not really dirt, but pine sap or tar. Suspicions of cheating were confirmed during Wednesday night’s game when it was found that Pineda had blatantly put a dab of pine tar on his neck. In light of this, the Major League Baseball commission has decided to strip the Yankees of all their world titles.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce to the baseball community that the New York Yankees have been stripped of all their world titles.” Said Bud Selig, commissioner for Major League Baseball. “A team that has been  consistently cheating this season has no doubt been cheating over the last century of playing. Therefore, we in the MLB have decided that they are undeserving of any championships.”

Selig continued by saying that all current players would be allowed to continue playing this season, but even if they make it to the World Series, they would lose automatically by default.

“In the unlikely event that the Yankees actually hold onto this winning streak and beat the Red Sox by the end of the season to make it to the Series, they will automatically lose regardless of ability. They will be allowed to win next season, assuming they lay of the tar.”

Seilg also has requested that all past players and staff for New York return their World Series rings, claiming them as property of Major League Baseball.

“I’m aware that players use steroids to increase their abilities, and that is one thing.” Said Selig. “No one wants to see some dumpy old men hit a line drive up the middle or strike out swinging. Everyone wants home runs and grand slams. We need steroids for that. But what we don’t need, what we absolutely cannot tolerate, is scuffing the balls with tar. It’s outlawed for a reason.”

There is rumor that not only will Pineda be fined for his indiscretions, but there is a possibility of him being fully banned from baseball. No word at this time what the final outcome will be.

MLB To Allow Players To Run Bases While Holding Bat

empire-sports-mlb-running-with-bat-assault-commishioner-bud-selig-baseball-rule-changeNEW YORK CITY, New York – 

During a press conference this morning, commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig announced another major change to the rules of play in professional baseball. This new announcement comes only weeks after the change to the home-plate collision rule, which makes it against the rules for catchers to block the path of a base-runner sliding into home plate.

The new rule, as Selig explained it, will allow all players to carry their bats with them to each base as they run. The change is being made to further the excitement among fans as players inevitably slide into bases and “accidentally” beat the hell out of the baseman.

“It’s a great change for all players, but it’s an even better change for people watching at home and in the stands. We know those 9 innings can sometimes be a nightmare where nothing at all happens. It’s even worse if the games go long. This change will make every base hit a nail-biter!” Said Selig.

Selig, who has been commissioner of baseball since 1992, reportedly came up with the idea while watching the 1990 film Problem Child starring John Ritter. In the film, a man adopts an unruly child, who in one scene hits a ground ball and immediately runs to each base while holding the bat, clubbing the other kids at each base as he goes.

“I saw that scene and I laughed so hard, and I knew that the fans of MLB would laugh, too. Every time Mark Teixeira takes a nut-shot with a Louisville Slugger they’ll hoot and holler. The rule had to happen.”

Selig said he also thought of changing the name of the “home-run” to a “touchdown,” which is what the boy from Problem Child began chanting after making it around the bases in the film. “I knew that the NFL would never allow us to steal their phrase, though.” said Selig. There is no word whether this new rule supersedes the recent home-plate collision rule.

Players are apparently divided on the new rule, with some actually talking about quitting the game all together.

“I never wanted to have to worry about getting smacked in the jimmies with a baseball bat,” said Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees. “It’s bad enough that I have to worry about balls flying at my face. Now I have to worry about long, hard wood, too? It’s just too much for a pretty man like me to have to deal with.”

Neither Selig nor any representative for MLB could be reached at the time of this writing for comment.

Alex Rodriguez Demanding More Money

empire-sports-alex-rodriquez-demanding-more-money-contract-yankeesNEW YORK—

The Yankees have been through a lot these last past years, and we may be seeing some what of a drought from the historic franchise. With Rivera retired, and Jeter on his way out, these two main faces of the Yankees will hope that their team will keep the legacy going, and continue to win World Series.

With a roster getting more and more slim the Yankees really need to focus on getting the veteran players into more of a leadership mode. They need to rely on some of the more experienced players to take the younger guys under their win, and make sure they help mold the future of the team.

One hard hitting Yankee that isn’t giving the best impression is Alex Rodriguez. Rodriquez spent most of his time on the bench last year due to things so sneaky, we can get sued if we even mention them. The kicker to the case is the fact that Rodriquez is requesting a pay raise even though he will be likely to stay right where he was last year..in the dugout.

“You know most people think it’s hard to hit homeruns in a clutch spot, or make a diving play with 2 outs, and the bases loaded. I’ve learned from sitting out the true test of a baseball player is sitting out for games.”

We asked if this was because you have to watch your team play, and the anxiety of you wanting to be on the field is killing you mentally?

“Not at all, its tough in the dugout, sometimes my legs fall asleep for sitting to long. Also, if it is a day game sunlight can poke through and hit me right in the eyes. It’s frustrating, and this is why I’ve decided to ask for a pay raise.”

Rodriquez will receive the entire budget the Yankees have to pay their players, while the rest of team will be paid in hotdogs, and A Rod bobble heads.

Colorado Rockies Baseball Team To Sell Marijuana Brownies At Their Concession Stands

Enpire-sports-colorado-rockies-pot-brownies-marijuanaDENVER, COLORADO –

With the new laws in effect in Colorado, major sports organizations are looking for ways to cash in on the newest legal cash crop in the state.

Sources are reporting that Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies plan to sell food items which contain marijuana at concession stands during games next season.

The first item on the list?  Pot Brownies.

An official within the Rockies organization stated that the Rockies organization has given the green light to concession stands selling marijuana brownies.

High ranking officials in the Rockies organization say they are thrilled at the new menu item since they note that it will bring in tens of thousands of dollars per month.

The Rockies head office is hoping that the sale of marijuana brownies will also boost sales of other concession items.  What better way to sell concessions that to give everyone in the stadium the munchies?

SIDENOTE: An inside source with the organization said that it appears that the strain of marijuana that will be used in the making of the marijuana brownies will be Durango Bango which is considered to be the very best weed in the Rocky Mountain State.