SPORTS
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025
‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr in Home Run Derby
By BRENT STUBBS
Tonight will be a very special one for Bahamian
Major League Baseball player Jasrado
“Jazz” Chisholm Jr and his local coach and mentor Geron Sands.
when he is taking swings at the plate. “We are going to have a lot of fun.”
Chisholm Jr, who has been having a sensational second season as an infielder with the New York Yankees, will be matched against a field of Major League players.
Not only will he be making his debut in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Atlanta’s Truist Park, but Sands, his stepfather who played a pivotal role in his development of the game in The Bahamas, is expected to be his pitcher.
“I’m pretty excited.
It’s pretty cool to have my stepdad throw to me,” said Chisholm Jr about allowing Sands to throw to him
The list: Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners; James Wood of the Washington Nationals; Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins; Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates; Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays; Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics and Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, who will be replacing teammate Ronald Acuna Jr.
Although it’s a pretty good field of competitors, Chisholm Jr said he will take it all in stride and just be himself, but hopes that Sands will be ready for the challenge ahead of him.
“I’m not trying to be thankful about it,” Chisholm Jr said. “I’m not even going to practice for it. The only person that needs practice is my stepdad.
“For me, I’ll just go out there, have fun, work 70 per cent, don’t do too much, just hit a couple of home runs. Hopefully, I’ll win it by doing that.” Sands said he’s honoured to help Chisholm Jr pursue his dream. “It’s an honour to be chosen by Jazz to pitch to him. It’s something he and I talked about for years now, mostly his entire baseball career,” Sands said.
Having done the same for Chisholm Jr when he participated in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in
Montagu Bay, Sands said he’s expected to deliver the same type of pitching.
“I won’t do anything different than I normally do when I throw to Jazz,” Sands said. “I’m used to it. Anything can happen in
the derby. Jazz has what it takes to win, once we get in a groove the sky’s the limit.”
Chisholm Jr, 27, will become the first Yankee to participate in a Home Run Derby since 2017 when
QUARTER-milers
Steven Gardiner and Printassia Johnson, sprinter Adam Musgrove, triple jumper Kaiwan Culmer and high hurdler Devynne Charlton shared the spotlight over the weekend in various track and field meets around the world.
The athletes headed a list of Bahamian athletes in action as they gear up for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Championships, scheduled for August 1-2 and the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in Grand Bahama from August 15-17. Those meets will lead up to the selection of Team Bahamas for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, September 13-21. Gardiner and Johnson in Memphis In a much anticipated showdown in the men’s 400 metres at the 2025 Ed Murphey Track Classic in Memphis, Tennessee, on Saturday, all eyes were on Abaco native Steven Gardiner and American Quincy Wilson.
Wilson, the 17-year-old running out of lane five, made up the stagger to pass the 29-year-old Gardiner in lane six coming off the first curve on the back stretch.
As they headed to the final curve at the 200m, Gardiner eventually stopped as Wilson surged to an impressive win in 44.10 seconds, the fourth fastest
‘VJ’
By BRENT STUBBS
THE Bahamas’ 14-andunder girls national softball team celebrated their Independence holiday by winning the inaugural softball title at the 2025 Babe Ruth International Invitational in Fort Myers, Florida.
The team was made up of the coaching staff and players from both New Providence and Grand Bahama, Shane Albury, manager of the team that was coached by Dachye Stubbs and both Alvounne Hall and Oscar Greene from Grand Bahama. Members of the team included Jamiah Thompson, Garje Green, Temera Bullard, Kylea Greene, Destiny Adelson, Caia Sweeting, Markaylah Foster, Madison Dillet, Paris Lowe, Cassidy Jones, Mariah Joseph, J’Niyah Moxey and Cali Flowers. Team Bahamas got
By BRENT STUBBS
VALDEZ “VJ” Edgecombe Jr, the latest Bahamian sporting personality to rise to fame and fortune, said he was surprised that he was among the latest Bahamians to be honoured by the Bahamas Government.
The Bimini native, who instantly became a millionaire when he was selected as the third pick in the National Basketball Association’s 2025 Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, was included in the list of sporting personalities and one of seven from basketball to receive their national awards in various categories.
While Edgecombe Jr and Kai Jones, of the Dallas Mavericks, both received the Order of Lignum Vitae, they were joined by fellow Bahamian NBA players
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
BASEBALL HOME RUN
DERBY WATCH PARTY THE Bahamas Baseball Association is slated to hold a Watch Party for the T-Mobile Home Run Derby tonight with a live showing on the jumbotron at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
The BBA is encouraging Bahamians to come out and watch as
July
Bahamian infielder Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr of the New York Yankees competes in the event for the first time.
The event, carried live from the Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, is scheduled to begin at 8pm.Refreshments will be on sale.
Following the Home Run Derby, Chisholm Jr will also suit up as a
JULY - See Page E2
Aaron Judge won the title in Miami. Chisholm Jr, along with left-handed pitcher Max Fried, have joined Judge in being selected
TEAM Bahamas coaching staff of Dachye Stubbs, Shane Albury and Grand Bahamians Alvounne Hall and Oscar Greene.
GIRLS - See Page E4 By
DEVYNNE - See Page E6
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and coach Geron Sands.
BFA HOSTS OFFICIAL LEAGUE AWARDS AT THE BEACH SOCCER STADIUM
THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) hosted its official League Awards on Saturday, June 28 at the Beach Soccer Stadium, celebrating the best of Bahamian football during the 2024 2025 season.
From standout youth performances to senior league achievements, the evening brought together players, staff, families and partners to recognise excellence across all levels of the game.
The ceremony opened with remarks from BFA president Anya James and a brief technical report delivered by Bruce Swan, followed by the awards presentations led by BFA Council members and Secretariat representatives.
Youth Division Honours
In the Girls U15 League, Renegades FC topped the podium with Baha Juniors and Dynamos FC earning silver and bronze. In the Boys U15 Division 1, Renegades Defenders took gold, followed by Western Warriors and Baha Juniors/ Athletico.
The Boys U18 League was led by United FC, with Renegades FC and Dynamos FC completing the top three. In the Girls Tournament for U18, Renegades FC secured gold, with Dynamos FC and United FC following.
National Team Cap Presentations
A special segment of the evening was dedicated to honouring players from
both the men’s and women’s national teams who received their official international caps, recognising their representation of The Bahamas on the global stage. Players were joined by President Anya James for commemorative photos and celebration.
Women’s Football Awards
United FC Purple were crowned champions of the Bahamas Women’s Football League, with Cavalier FC and Renegades FC earning silver and bronze. United FC was also recognised with the Women’s Fair Play Award for Most Disciplined Team. Individual awards included: Golden Boot: Valtinique Simmons (United FC Purple) Golden Glove: Anisa Albury (Renegades)
Golden Ball: Meme Rudnie (United FC Purple) In the Women’s Cup Tie, Cavalier FC emerged winners, followed by Renegades FC and United FC. Men’s Competitions and BMSL Honours Western Warriors secured the BMSL Division 1 title, ahead of Titans, Dynamos FC, and UB Mingoes.
In Division 2, Baha Juniors took the championship. Western Warriors also won the Men’s Knockout Cup, with Dynamos FC and UB Mingoes following. Roose Estherdy of Western Warriors earned the Finals MVP honour.
Individual BMSL Awards included:
Golden Boot: Brandon Adderley (Dynamos FC)
Golden Glove: Thaj Jay Asquith (Western Warriors)
Golden Ball: Nicolas Shelguen (Western Warriors) Fair Play Recognition Cavalier FC was recognised with the Men’s Fair Play Award for Most Disciplined Team.
Corporate Partnerships and Contributors
The BFA expressed its gratitude to long-standing partners including Dunkin, Aquapure, J.S. Johnson, Thompson Trading, Bahamas Waste, and Aliv, along with recognition for the
vital contributions of referees, medical staff, security personnel and grounds crew.
Closing As the ceremony concluded with refreshments and music, President James emphasised the association’s
Tournament, scheduled for July 18-19 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
reserve for the American League during the All-Star game that will be played at 8pm on Tuesday.
BODYBUILDING
WELL WISHES
FOR DR GAY
ON behalf of the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF), president Wellington Miller extended heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Dr. Norman Gay and his family during this time.
Reports have indicated that Gay, the former Minister of Health, has been moved into assisted living Hospice Care where he is getting medical attention.
“Dr. Gay’s profound contributions to the sport of bodybuilding, health, and fitness, as well as his dedicated service as president of the Confederation of National Health and Wellness, have left an enduring legacy,” Sears said.
“His leadership and passion have inspired many, and his impact will continue to resonate throughout our community. We stand in solidarity with all who are keeping Dr. Gay in their thoughts and prayers.”
VOLLEYBALL
BBSF’S FINAL
MEETING
The meeting will be held in the BBSF’s office upstairs. The registration fee is $200 per team for a 12-man roster, which must include a minimum of two female players who must participate in the games.
PEACE ON DA
STREET FAMILY NIGHT
PLANS are underway for the staging of the Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classics’ Road to 30 years of existence.
The event, being organised by the Hope Center under the theme “Shooting hoops instead of guns,” is slated to be held from July 14-19 at the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Basketball Center.
The highlight of the event will be the Family Night, scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium when the finals in all of the divisions will take place, starting at 3pm. There will also be the Mr Ship It Three-point shootout and the Joe’s Slam Dunk Contest. The night will conclude with the exciting Clergy versus Politicians match-up.
BOXING
FUNDRAISER
THE Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is planning to host a souse out as a fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the National Boxing Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex.
Soft drinks, potato, coconut and zucchini breads will also be on sale. This is part of our effort to meet our goal of $60,000, according to federation president Vincent Strachan. “We are seeking your support by purchasing tickets and additional donations of food items, if possible,” Strachan said.
The 15 members are expected to participate in The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from August 1-3. The team is expected to depart July 31 and would remain there for a training camp with the St Lucia national boxing team.
They would depart for Georgetown, Guyana from August 14-18 for the school boys and girls championship and seniors. They would remain in Guyana for another training camp until August 27. Then will head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS RAFFLE GRILL FUN DAY
SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to hold their annual raffle grill fun day fundraiser on Saturday, August 16 from 11:30am to 6pm at the Stapledon School Grounds on Dolphin Drive.
The Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold its final registration meeting at 6:30pm Monday at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street, for all churches wishing to participate in the 2025 Co-Ed Volleyball
Dinners will include chicken, steak, fish, hot dogs, burgers, pastries and soft drinks. Domino’s, Connect 4 and basketball games will be played during the day.
Interested persons are urged to call 426-0233, 477-0304 or 359-3558 for information on ticket purchases. SPORTS CALENDAR FROM PAGE E1
The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm with chicken pig feet and sheep tongue with Johnnycake or rolls on the menu for a donation of $15.
ongoing commitment to elevating football in The Bahamas and supporting all players across every level. For more photos and highlights, visit www. bahamasfa.net or follow @BahamasFA on social media.
BFA president Anya James.
THE CEREMONY opened with remarks from BFA president Anya James and a brief technical report delivered by Bruce Swan, followed by the awards presentations led by BFA Council members and Secretariat representatives.
Wayde Watson holds 4th annual Bain & Grants Town Summer Games track meet
By Jonathan Burrows
THE Bain and Grants Town communities were abuzz with excitement this past Saturday as the fourth annual Wayde Watson Bain and Grant’s Town Summer Games track meet took over the old Thomas A. Robinson stadium, bringing together youth, families and national heroes in a celebration of athleticism and community spirit.
The meet was a part of a weeks-long tradition of hosting multiple sports, such as softball, which took place this past Friday, and basketball, which commences next week, Saturday, July 19, aimed at bringing together the communities of Bain and Grants Town.
“It’s an ongoing issue right now of a turf war, if I can call it, and I’m trying to break that by implementing competition, friendly competition, so that these kids can understand when they grow up, they will remember each other from these friendly competitions,” said Watson about the mission of the games.
The meet featured four community-based teams, the Guineps, Dillys, Star Apples, and Seagrapes, each proudly representing different sectors of Bain and Grants Town.
The young athletes, aged six to 16 years, competed in track and field events, including 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, and both boys’ and girls’ relays.
In the field, the long jump drew lively crowds, with some competitors
‘MAY
displaying remarkable talent for their age.
This year’s meet also took a moment to honour Bahamian sprint legend and Bain Town native, Debbie Ferguson.
A member of the iconic “Golden Girls,” Ferguson is a 2000 Olympic gold medallist in the 4x100 metre relay and has medalled at several World Championships and Commonwealth Games. She now serves as a track and field coach at the historic University of Kentucky.
“We are here to try and motivate the next generation of Golden Knights and Golden Girls, kids with dreams, and try to afford them the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and that’s what it’s all about because that young girl or young boy used to be me,” Ferguson said on the
importance of the track meet. “It’s important not only for the kids of Bain and Grants Town or New Providence but also the ones on the other islands of The Bahamas,” she also added.
Member of Parliament Wayde Watson, the founder and namesake, underscored the event’s mission in his opening remarks.
“Sports have the power to unite, uplift and transform entire communities,” said Watson.
One such story of transformation came full circle this year with 14-year-old Dakaeja Duncombe, who ran track for the first time at the first edition of the meet back in 2021 at the age of 10.
Duncombe, who formerly attended T.A. Thompson, returned to participate in this year’s
YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE’ WINSTON MARSHALL, 72
THE Bahamas has lost one of the most brilliant minds and avid supporters of track and field in the passing of Winston Marshall.
Marshall, 72, passed away on Saturday around 11:08pm in hospital in the presence of family and friends. He leaves behind three children and three brothers - Richard, Lincoln and Dennis Marshall.
The St. John’s College 1969 graduate was a Bahamian creative writer, director, producer and executive consultant who founded the media consulting company Marshall & Associates Management Consultants in The Bahamas.
As an avid sportsman with a strong knowledge of records and history in the track and field area, Marshall was instrumental in organising and managing the election to office leading sports figures in the country to the IAAF namely; Pauline Davis, Mike Sands and the late Alpheus Hawk Finlayson. Before he passed away, Marshall worked closely with Finlayson to bring a jet full of junkanoo performers to the World Championships in Edmonton in 2001, exposing the
Bahamian culture to the world.
Davis, who utilised the services of Marshall to secure her two consecutive terms as a Councilwoman of the IAAF, was too taken aback to make any comments.
“Winston Marshall was so good to me. He was like my second father. He was always a shoulder I could lean on,” said a distraught Davis as she sobbed in disbelief.
Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer said they will miss the great scholar of the sport.
“You were a missionary of the sport, known far and wide,” Archer said.
“You were a real trooper who helped place Bahamian track and field on the global stage.
“Winston, we will miss you at global competitions; we will miss you in the stands at local track meets and we will miss your profound words of wisdom.”
One of Marshall’s last contributions came following the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago over the Easter holiday. He wrote an article voicing his displeasure in the outcome of this year’s Austin Sealy winner.
He felt that the most outstanding athlete should have been either Bahamian Eagan Neely or Jahcario Wilson.
Neely who won both the under-17 boys 200 and 400m and Wilson took the 110 and 400m hurdles. They both also ran on the Bahamas’ winning 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relay teams.
The award was presented to Kamari Kennedy of Jamaica, who established a pair of record-breaking performances in the under-17 boys’ shot put and discus. In his article, published on the NACAC website, Marshall called for a change in the election process, claiming that it was unfair to the athletes who captured four medals.
May your soul rest in peace.
meet and was also recognised for earning a full scholarship to Queen’s College High School, which she will be commencing in September.
“I’m very happy for the chance to attend QC,” Duncombe said. “My goals for the future is to run for the Bahamas in CARIFTA,” Duncombe added about her future plans in the sport of track. The day concluded with
high-energy relays that brought the crowd to its feet. But beyond the races and medals, it was the sense of pride, legacy and community investment that made this year’s meet a standout success.
As the event came to a close, one thing was clear: the spirit of Bain and Grants Town continues to run strong both on the track and in the hearts of its people.
PLANNING is well underway for the 31st edition of the annual AID Claycourt Tennis Championships which is all set to be held at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows, Nassau, August 2-16.
Organisers are readying everything for the “AID”, as the tournament is commonly known. It is the most popular event on the local tennis calendar – last year there were over 70 participants.
This year’s tournament will offer two new events: Men’s & Ladies Veterans Doubles for players fifty (50) years and over. The other usual events such as Open Singles and Doubles; Jr. Vets Singles & Doubles and Mixed Doubles will also be held.
The AID is the longest running tournament in the country with the same sponsor and as the tournament enters its fourth decade, said president of AID, Jason Watson:
“Following on the heels of the extremely successful 30th event last year, AID is once again delighted to partner with the Gym Tennis Club in hosting this long-standing fixture on the national tennis calendar. The entry deadline is 6pm on Wednesday, July 30. Entries can be returned by email to aidclaycourts@ hotmail.com or delivered to the Gym Tennis Club before that time.
Participants may enter a maximum of three events.
Entry fees are $20 for each singles and $10 per player for each doubles with any junior entrant paying only half price.
All entrants will receive a goody-bag of souvenir items and trophies and other prizes will be awarded to all winners and runners-up.
NEW PROVIDENCE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION REGULAR SEASON: CHANCES TOP RENEGADES 19-11, BALLERS STOP BLACK SCORPIONS
THE New Providence Softball Association continued its regular season with a double header played on Saturday night in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Here’s a summary of the games played: Chances 19, Renegades 11
The Mighty Mitts out hit the Renegades 15-9 as they pulled off a slugfest win in the men’s encounter.
Caleb Knowles went 3-for-4 with a home run, four runs batted in and four runs scored to pace Chances. Callwin Munnings was 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored; Minet Cooper was also 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI and Brian Bannister was 2-for-3 with a triple, three RBI and three runs scored.
Chances scored five runs on three hits in the first inning, three runs on five hits in the second, five runs on two hits in the third, four runs on two hits in the fourth and two runs on three hits in the fifth.
The Renegades had five runs on four hits in the first, two runs on a hit in the
second, three runs on three hits in the fourth and one run on hit in the fifth.
Dylan Culmer went 2-for-3 wirth a homer, three RBI and two runs scored and Junel Bain was also 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and as many runs scored for the Renegades. Michael Kelly was the winning pitcher and Dylan Culmer was tagged with the loss.
Ballers 11, Black Scorpions 10
Sari Albury out-dueled Deante Colebrooke on the mound as the Ballers held off the Scorpions in the ladies’ matchup. Albury helped her own cause by going 2-for-3 with two triples, two RBI and two runs scored; Sophia Cartwrifght was a perfect 4-for-4 with. double, triple, two RBI and a run scored; Pasha Johndon was 3-for-5 wirth. RBI and two runs scored and Larikah Russell was 4-for-5 with a RBI and a run scored.
After going scoreless in the first three innings on a hit each, the Ballers got rolling in the fourth, producing nine runs on seven
hits. They added two hits and a run in each of the sixth and seventh.
The Black Scorpions got five runs on four hits in the first, another run on three hits in the fourth, two hits in the fifth and three hits on four runs in the seventh.
Nabria Hamilton went 3-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored; Dorinda Knowles was 3-for-4 with a double, triple, five RBI and two runs scored; Miranda Knowles was 2-for-4 with RBI and a run scored and Atavia Fowler was 1-for-3 with double and three runs scored.
Tuesday 7pm - Black Scorpions vs Sunshine Auto Wildcats 9pm Gremlins vs Renegades
Thursday 7pm - Bowe vs Cyber Tech Lady Marlins 9pm - Gremlins vs Chances Mighty Mitts
Saturday 7pm - Platinum Pool Sharks vs Black Scorpions 9pm - Titans vs Renegades
WINSTON MARSHALL
YOUNG athletes compete in the fourth annual Wayde Watson Bain and Grant’s Town Summer Games track meet. Photos: Jonathan Burrows
Bahamas’ 14-and-under girls win inaugural softball title at Babe Ruth International
GIRLS - from page E1
let slip through the cracks,” said Albury of the team that finished with a 5-1 win-loss record.
“Team responded thereafter with a few resounding wins and a walk-off game that propelled the team to the championship. The young ladies were extremely focused in the championship game from start to finish.”
Stubbs, who is coming off a successful hosting of her “The Show” All-Star Survival BAP Softball Programme at the JBLN’s Field of Dreams, said the players performed exceptionally well. “I am proud of our team and their resilience. They made things pretty
seamless for us as coaches,” Stubbs said. “They were high character kids and hard workers.
“For Bahamian kids who represented different islands, leagues and programmes, they played well together.”
Stubbs said the performance of Team Bahamas was a true indication of where softball is headed in the country - forward upward onward together.
“We had a 3-1 record in bracket play so we knew after day two that we were working towards securing our spot in the championship game,” she said.
“It was our goal and we had no intention of returning home with anything less.”
Team Bahamas won its opening game 13-2 over FMC-Montana on Tuesday, only to suffer their first loss to FMC-Gutzdorrf, 10-8,
with a 12-1 rout. They then beat Naples 7-6 in their final round-robin game on Friday.
“Coaching the Bahamas 14U softball team is a fullcircle moment for me.
“Eight years ago, I was a player on The Bahamas’ 19U national team with coach Shane Albury as our head coach,” Stubbs said.
“Now, to be working alongside coach Shane again - this time as manager and head coach - is truly a special experience.
our game plan, and it really helped us secure the championship this week.”
in four innings on Wednesday. But Team Bahamas bounced back on Thursday to take its frustration out on the Grand Cayman
“The coaching staff was also versatile with the addition of coach Oscar Greene and coach Alvounne Hall from Grand Bahama.
“It allowed our coaching staff to give a holistic and unbiased approach to
Team Bahamas, with Albury back as manager and Stubbs working with assistant coaches Winton Sears and Angelo Dillet, the pitching coach, is expected to take an 18-andunder team to play in the 2025 Pony International World Series in McAllen, Texas, from July 15-20. In this regard, named to the team are the following players: Destiny Adelson, Katelyn Bain, Temera Bullard, Madison Dillet, Markaylah Foster, Garjae Green, Kylea London Greene, Cassidy Jones, Mariah Joseph, Paris Lowe, Caia Sweeting and Jamiah Thompson.
‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr in the Home Run Derby tonight
14-and-under girls at the Babe Ruth International Invitational in Fort Myers, Florida. JAZZ - from page E1
to participate in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, which will follow on Tuesday night. While Judge, the top vote getter, will be
a starter for the American League in the Midsummer Classic, both Chisholm Jr and Fried will be reserves in the dugout. The Yankees’ manager Aaron Booone and his
coaching staff have been selected to handle the coaching chores for the AL team. This will be the second All-Star honour for Chisholm Jr, whose first
opportunity came with the Miami Marlins in 2022. However, he wasn’t able to play because of an injury. After being traded from Miami to New York during last year’s midseason,
Chisholm Jr has had an impressive stint in his first full season in his pinstripe uniform. He has slashed .245/.341/.500 with nine doubles, 15 home runs, 38
RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 59 games as the Yankees currently occupy second place in the AL East Division with a 53-42 win-loss record behind the front running Toronto Blue Jays, who are 55-40. But if you ask Chisholm Jr, he will be the first to tell you that it was an honour that he deserved, considering the fact that he had to once again battle through some injuries this season.
“You work hard, and to get the recognition, it’s amazing,” Chisholm Jr said. “It got harder to make the All-Star team once I got hurt, but I came back and got hot, I think I worked hard for it and earned it.”
The Yankees have also announced that they intend to move Chisholm Jr back to his original position at second base after he played third base to accommodate DJ LeMahieu after he returned from the injured list in May.
While he’s played the hot spot relatively well, Chisholm Jr and the Yankees have admitted that he got a little “banged up” with right shoulder soreness, which has affected him more throwing than hitting.
After he returned from a five-week rehabilitation due to an oblique injury, Chisholm Jr welcomed the news last week that he will be back at second base, while LeMahieu will transition to a reserve role on the bench.
“Elite defender, elite slugging, fast, great defence,” he noted about his playing ability. “I don’t know what else to tell you. Sounds like a complete player to me.”
The Bahamas Baseball Association is slated to hold a watch party at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium for tonight’s Home Run Derby. The admission is $2 for children and $4 for adults.
The All-Star game is also to be seen on the jumbotron at the stadium for the same price on Tuesday night. Both events are scheduled to begin at 8pm.
PROUD TO BE BAHAMIAN: Team Bahamas with the Bahamian flag. The 14-and-under girls’ national softball team celebrated their Independence holiday by winning the inaugural softball title at the 2025 Babe Ruth International Invitational in Fort Myers, Florida.
Jannik Sinner beats 2-time defending champion Alcaraz to win his first Wimbledon title
By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer
LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner insisted early on at Wimbledon that he put an excruciating loss to Carlos Alcaraz in their epic French Open final behind him. Sinner was sure that one defeat wouldn’t haunt him, wouldn’t prevent a quick recalibration and certainly wouldn’t mean a thing at the All England Club.
Sure was right about all of that.
Exactly five weeks after the devastating defeat at Roland-Garros against his rival, Sinner reversed the result, beating two-time defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 yesterday to win his first championship at the grass-court major.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you win or you lose the important tournaments. You just have to understand what you did wrong. Trying to work on that — that’s exactly what we did. We tried to accept the loss and then just kept working,” Sinner said Sunday, his shiny gold hardware in his hands. “And this is, for sure, why I’m holding this trophy here.”
The No. 1-ranked Sinner earned his fourth Grand Slam title overall, moving him one away from No. 2 Alcaraz’s total as the two no-longer-rising-but-firmlyestablished stars of the game separate themselves from the rest of the pack in men’s tennis.
Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian, put an end to several streaks for Alcaraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard, who had been 5-0 in Grand Slam finals.
Alcaraz had won their last five matches, most famously across five sets and nearly 5 1/2 hours on the red clay of the French Open on June 8. Sinner took a two-set lead, then held a trio of match points, but couldn’t close the deal.
“Today was important not just because it was a Grand Slam final, not just because it was Wimbledon, and not just because Carlos had won the last five matches against him,” said Darren Cahill, one of Sinner’s two coaches, who had
planned to leave the team at the end of 2025 but now might stick around. “He needed that win today. So he knew the importance of closing this one out when he had the opportunities.”
Asked during Week 1 at Wimbledon whether what happened in Paris created lingering doubts, Sinner immediately replied: “Why negative feelings? Because I lost in (that) final?” Then he continued: “No. Look, it’s a new tournament, new Grand Slam, new surface. I’m not concerned about my level I can play. ... I’m not concerned that one loss can influence you for so long a time. I believe that here is a new chance that I can do something good.”
Great, even. This time, he didn’t waver, asserting himself in a match that featured moments of terrific play by both men, but also the occasional lapses — and one memorable, brief, interruption right before a Sinner serve when a Champagne cork came flying out of the stands and settled on the turf.
With Prince William and Princess Kate in the Royal Box, along with King Felipe VI of Spain, Alcaraz stepped into the sunlight bathing Centre Court with a career-best 24-match unbeaten run. He had won 20 matches in a row at the All England Club.
“It’s difficult to lose,” Alcaraz said. “It’s always difficult to lose.”
The last man to beat him at Wimbledon? Sinner, in the fourth round in 2022.
So this served as a bookend win for Sinner, who would be forgiven for at least thinking a bit about his collapse in their last match — especially when facing two break points while serving at 4-3, 15-40 in the fourth set Sunday.
But he calmly took the next four points to take that game, then soon was serving out the win after a chorus of “Car-los! Car-los!” rang out from spectators.
“The things that went his way in Paris,” Sinner said, “went my way this time.”
When it ended, he put both hands on his white hat.
After embracing Alcaraz, Sinner crouched with his
head bowed, then pounded his right palm on the grass. He has participated in four consecutive major finals, including triumphs at the U.S. Open — shortly after the world learned about a doping case that eventually led to a threemonth ban — and the Australian Open. Wearing the same tape job and white arm sleeve to protect his right elbow that he has been using since falling in the fourth round, Sinner never showed any issues, just as he hadn’t while eliminating Novak Djokovic on Friday.
In the final, Sinner and Alcaraz produced scintillating points, with few, if any, half-measures. They sprinted at top speed and swung away with full force, rarely bending to the other’s will.
From 4-2 down, Alcaraz took four games in a row. That spurt included a 140 mph ace that sprayed the air with a cloud of white chalk dust and a set-capping, flick-of-a-backhand winner at an impossible angle after barely getting his racket on the ball.
In all, these guys showed why they combined to win the past seven Grand Slam trophies, and nine of the last 12.
Fittingly, this marked the first time the same two men faced off in the title matches at the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year since Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal did it in 2006, 2007 and 2008. It hadn’t happened for more than a half-century before that trilogy.
“I’m just really, really happy about having this rivalry with him,” Alcaraz said about Sinner. “It’s great for us, and it is great for tennis.”
As fans rose and roared, Alcaraz pointed to his ear and spun around, then pumped his right fist overhead. Sinner was undaunted, quickly breaking to lead the second set. He returned exceptionally, even as Alcaraz served aggressively, which did lead to 15 aces — but also to a 53% firstserve percentage and seven double-faults. Much like at the French Open, there was often an unrelenting intensity to these three-plus hours, and any slight misstep created problems. It was Alcaraz who had more of those, although Sinner might have had the most memorable, blowing an overhead right after coming up with a behind-the-back, throughthe-legs half-volley in the third set.
ITALY’s Jannik Sinner returns to Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, in the men’s singles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London yesterday.
(AP Photo/Joanna Chan)
JANNIK Sinner holds the trophy after winning the men’s singles final match against Carlos Alcaraz yesterday.
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
JANNIK Sinner celebrates after winning the men’s singles final. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
JANNIK Sinner hugs Carlos Alcaraz of Spain after winning the men’s singles final match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Devynne Charlton back in action, Gardiner out
time this year, to lower his world under-18 record.
No word on Gardiner’s status as he continued to battle the injury bug that has hampered his return to the international circuit since winning the World title in 2019 in Doha, Qatar and the Olympic gold in 2020 in Tokyo.
Printassia Johnson, making her bid as one of the Bahamian female quarter-milers this year, surged ahead of the field in the women’s 400m in 51.52.
Her nearest rival was Jamaica’s Candice McLeod in 51.92. American Kennedy Wade was third in 52.84.
In the women’s 200m Category F, Collinique Farrington had the best showing of a trio of Bahamians with her third place in 22.66; Stephanique Dean was ninth in 23.66 and Cherrish Wright was 11th in 24.70.
Fatouma Conde of Guinea won the event in 22.54 with American Lynna Irby-Jackson getting second in 22.65.
And on the field, Kaiwan Culmer opened the men’s triple jump with a lifetime best leap of 55-02 2/3 or 17.00 metres on his first attempt that enabled him to hold on for fourth place. His previous personal best was 55-1 (16.79m)
He fouled his next three attempts before clearing 54-01 3/4 (16.50m) on his fifth and then fouled his sixth, which appeared to be a big leap.
American Russell Robinson only needed one jump of 56-08
3/4(17.29m) on his second attempt for the win in the final event of the meet.
Adam and Colebrooke in Jacksonville
After posting the fastest qualifying time of 10.28 in the preliminaries, Adam Musgrove had to settle for second in the final in 10.22. Colebrooke, third in the preliminaries in 10.71, finished third in the final in 10.83.
The duo competed at the 2025 JAC Invitational in Jacksonville, Florida where Haiti’s Darren McQueen, the second fastest qualifier in 10.29, nipped Musgrove to take the title in the final in.10.21.
Musgrove came back and claimed the victory in the 200m in 21.07. Colebrooke did not contest the event.
Charlton clipped hurdles in Monaco Devynne Charlton got out extremely fast and was in contention for a top spot when she clipped the 10th and final flight of hurdles and finished seventh in 12.69 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League Meet on Friday.
Charlton’s time once again surpassed the qualifying standard of 12.73 seconds for the World Championships when she ran 12.69 for seventh place. The 30-year-old Charlton ended up trailing Jamaican Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tappin, who clinched the title in a personal best of 12.34 with Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji running a season’s best of 12.43 for second and Netherlands’
Nadine Visser picked up third in 12.56. Three Americans followed, led by Charlton’s training partner and 2024 Olympic champion Masai Russell in fourth in 12.57, Grace Stark fifth in 12.64 and Alia Armstrong sixth in 12.68. Before she took a break Charlton ran her season’s best of 12.53 in Stade Charley, Paris, France on June 20 for her first World Qualifier for this year. It was just shy of her Bahamian national record of 12.44 that she ran at her last appearance at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on August 22 where she just missed the podium with her fourth-place finish. Charlton, who came off a sixth-place finish in her second appearance at the Olympics last year, started the year off as the repeat world indoor champion in the women’s 60m hurdles in Nanjing, China.
‘VJ’ HONOURED TO BE RECIPIENT OF THE LIGNUM VITAE AWARD
VJ - from page E1
Grand Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield of the Golden State Warriors and Deandre Ayton, now with the Los Angeles Lakers. They both were awarded the Order of Distinction, along with fellow Grand Bahamian Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty in the WNBA.
The two other basketball personalities honoured were former women’s national team player turned executive Natasha Miller, the first female deputy commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, who got a Order of Distinction as well, and Frederick ‘Freddy’ Brown, also an officer of the RBDF, who got the Order of Merit.
The 19-year-old Edgecombe Jr thanked the caring support of his mother, grandmother, family members, and the Bimini Island village, who ensured that he never went to bed with an empty stomach.
“Today, my heart is full to learn that I have been named to the 2025 conferral of awards under the National Honours Act to citizens of The Bahamas,” he said.
“I am very surprised, deeply humbled, grateful, and by all means honoured to identify as a recipient of the prestigious Order of Lignum Vitae Award.”
In accepting the honour, Edgecombe Jr commended the Office of The Governor General and, by extension, the government and people of The Bahamas for such a profound recognition, which he intends to display with dignity and pride.
“Through this award, my name will forever be linked with hundreds of great Bahamians who have and continue to contribute tremendously to nationbuilding,” he stated. “My heartfelt congratulations to all.
“Thank you all so very much for considering me to be placed among so many
outstanding giants, in particular my fellow athletes who have and are presently performing on the international stage.”
Before he was drafted, Edgecombe Jr was well on his way to greatness, having been named to the Nike Hoop Summit, Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonald’s All-American in 2024 as a senior at Long Island Lutheran in Brooklyn, New York.
He went on to Baylor University and although he only played one year for the Bears basketball team, he was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, selected to the Big 12 AllFreshman Team and to the Second team All-Big 12.
All of these honours and others, including playing on the men’s national basketball team, paved the way for recognition he received from the Bahamas Government, one that he considers to be right up there with the other accolades.
Last summer in Valencia, Spain, Edgecombe Jr had an impressive showing for Team Bahamas at the final Qualifying Tournament for the 2024 Olympic Games.
While he was the top scorer for Team Bahamas that included Hield, Ayton and Bahamian descent Eric Gordon of the 76ers, Edgecombe Jr ended up impressing the scouts to earn a high quality pick from a NBA team that could use his versatility as a guard at 6-feet, 5-inches. Nicknamed “The Generator,” Edgecombe Jr said he’s blessed to be honoured in such a way.
“This award has everything to do with my mother’s incredible sacrifice, my siblings, and my family’s belief in me, the Bimini village, and wider Bahamas support base, and the many individuals and institutions abroad who are now regarded as my family,” Edgecombe Jr said.
“Never in my wildest dream did I expect to wake up on the 52nd
Anniversary of my country’s Independence to find that I am a National Honours recipient.”
Coming out of the adverse living conditions in Bimini where he recalled spending six years of his life with his family surviving on a generator, Edgecombe Jr said his rise to stardom is just a matter of dreaming big.
“I have always dreamed big, but only divine intervention could have made it possible for me by way of a National Honours list to be associated with the courageous Pompey Rolle, a slave from Lord Rolle’s Plantation in Steventon, Exuma, The Bahamas, back in 1830, who led a revolt with unmatched bravery to free himself and fellow slaves from despicable human suffering - 77 slaves are noted in this chapter of our nation’s history,” he summed up.
“Today, in 2025, without ever drawing any real tangible connection to Pompey’s heroics, I wear jersey number 77 for the Philadelphia 76ers.”
To everything that has happened to him, Edgecombe Jr could only utter:
To God be the Glory” because he’s just getting started.
The sky is the limit!
STEVEN GARDINER, left, and Devynne Charlton in action in these file photos.
MERLIER SPRINTS TO VICTORY IN TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE 9 AFTER VAN DER
POEL’S BREAKAWAY IS THWARTED
By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer
CHATEAUROUX,
France (AP) — Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier won the ninth stage of the Tour de France in a mass sprint after Mathieu van der Poel spent the whole day at the front before being caught by the chasing pack less than a kilometre from the finish.
There was no significant change in the overall standings and three-time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar kept the race leader’s yellow jersey.
Yesterday’s stage headed into central France on a 174-kilometre (108-mile) flat stretch for sprinters.
But Van der Poel, a oneday classics specialist with a flamboyant style of riding, almost foiled their plans.
The Dutch rider joined his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate Jonas Rickaert in an early breakaway and produced a tremendous
effort over 173 kilometres at a speed of about 30 mph (48 kph) but could not go all the way and was swallowed less than a kilometre from the line.
“It’s hard not to be able to finish it off,” Van der Poel said.
Merlier won the sprint ahead of Jonathan Milan, the winner of Saturday’s stage, with Arnaud De Lie completing the podium. It was Merlier’s second stage win of this year’s Tour.
“I got boxed in a bit but then I managed to go all in and I was able to do my sprint like I wanted to and I’m happy to win my second stage here,” Merlier said.
“It’s the second time I manage to beat Milan but he’s a really strong sprinter. It’s just nice we can show a nice battle between the two of us.”
In the overall standings, double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel remained 54 seconds behind Pogacar in second
STAGE winner Belgium’s Tim Merlier crosses the finish line to win the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race yesterday.
place. Frenchman Kévin
Vauquelin was third at 1 minutes, 11 seconds, and two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard sat 1:17 behind in fourth spot.
Earlier in the stage, João Almeida, a key teammate of Pogacar, abandoned the race.
Almeida, who fractured a rib during Stage 7, was dropped early and the UAE Team Emirates-XRG
later announced over the race radio that the Portuguese rider had retired.
Almeida was caught in a high-speed crash earlier this week as riders scrambled for position at the front, 6 kilometres (4 miles) from the finish line.
Almeida escaped without a concussion but his rib fracture finally proved to be too painful to carry on in the three-week race.
Almeida finished fourth at the 2024 Tour de France and started this year’s edition on the back of strong results elsewhere, having won the Tour de Suisse, Tour de Romandie and Itzulia Basque Country.
Today’s stage
The mountainous stage on Bastille Day from Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore features seven second-category hills or passes. The
final climb has an 8% gradient. “We expect a very hot, hard stage tomorrow,” Pogacar said. “There will be a huge fight for the break, as it’s the French national day and all French riders will want to put on a great show. It will be hard to control, but we will be up there paying attention to the other team’s moves. It’s not the hardest course, but it offers a lot of possibilities.”
TIM Merlier celebrates as he crosses the finish line. (AP Photos/Thibault Camus)
Swiatek wins Wimbledon after difficult year
By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer
LONDON (AP) — For weeks while back home in Warsaw last year, Iga Swiatek hung out with friends and made new ones, but didn’t dare tell them about a doping case that was hanging over her.
“Obviously, in the back of my mind,” she said Saturday evening at the All England Club, “I had this thing.”
There was more going on, too, and she only opened up to her family and her team.
A coaching change. A long-for-her title drought. A ranking drop. Her grandfather’s passing. “It all (happened) together,” Swiatek said. “It wasn’t easy.” And so, in some ways, the Wimbledon
championship Swiatek claimed Saturday with a 6-0, 6-0 victory — yes, read that score again — in 57 minutes over Amanda Anisimova could be viewed as more than merely a significant on-court result.
Swiatek’s the youngest since Serena Williams with majors on 3 surfaces It mattered, of course, that she finally conquered grass courts, in general, and that venue, in particular. That the 24-year-old from Poland became the youngest woman with at least on major trophy on all three surfaces since 2002, when Serena Williams did it at age 20. That Swiatek now needs only an Australian Open title to complete a career Grand Slam. In the bigger picture, though, this triumph
followed a difficult 12-plus months and provided the following takeaway, in Swiatek’s words: “The lesson is just that even when you feel like you’re not on a good path, you can
always get back to it if you put enough effort and you have good people around you.”
There was a not-long-ago stretch in which she was considered far-and-away
the best in women’s tennis.
“She’s an unbelievable player,” Anisimova said.
Swiatek adds Wimbledon to 4 French Open titles, 1 at the U.S. Open Swiatek held the No. 1 ranking for most of the past three seasons. She put together a 37-match winning streak in 2022 that included six tournament titles until it ended — where else? — at Wimbledon.
She won five Grand Slam titles, four on the red clay at the French Open and one on the hard courts at the U.S. Open, and established herself as a bona fide star.
Except there was always the matter of what went on when she played on grass. Zero titles. Zero finals.
One quarterfinal run at the All England Club. The questions kept arising, from
herself and from others. Then those doubts spread to other events and other surfaces.
She left the 2024 Olympics, held at Roland-Garros, with a bronze medal after losing in the semifinals. She departed Wimbledon last year in the third round, the U.S. Open in the quarterfinals. She exited the French Open last month in the semifinals, ending her bid for a fourth consecutive championship there. In all, Swiatek went more than a year without reaching a final anywhere.
Swiatek’s doping ban weighed on her Then there was the matter of a one-month doping ban she accepted after failing an out-ofcompetition drug test. The International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted her explanation that the result was unintentional and caused by the contamination of a non-prescription medication she was taking for issues with jet lag and sleeping.
“The second half of last year was extremely challenging for me, especially due to the positive doping test and how circumstances completely beyond my control took away my chance to fight for the highest sport goals at the end of the season,” Swiatek wrote in a social media post in March, adding that the episode “forced me to rearrange certain things within myself.”
Eventually, Swiatek was able to Saturday, “I came back to being my old kind of self,” even if she still is “way more scared about eating something that will be contaminated.”
On June 12, a month to the day before facing Anisimova — Swiatek checked her phone’s calendar to be sure — and a week after her 26-match French Open winning streak came to a close, it was time to get to work.
Swiatek headed to the Spanish island of Mallorca to practice on grass.
Next was a trip to Germany for more training before entering a tournament there. She made it all the way to that final before losing and tearing up during the post-match ceremony.
Two weeks later, at Wimbledon, Swiatek was all smiles, and as she left her last interview of the day, she joked: “That was a good therapy session.”
SWIATEK celebrates Saturday after beating Amanda Anisimova.
(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
IGA SWIATEK, of Poland, holds the trophy to celebrate winning Wimbledon in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)