‘Superman’ Sands new addition to the Wildcats
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
After a brief break, Bahamian triple jump superstar Leevan “Superman” Sands will return to the collegiate coaching ranks, teaming up with fellow Bahamian head coach Rolando “Lonnie” Greene as the University of Kentucky Wildcats’ new track and field assistant coach.
As assistant coach of track and
at University of Kentucky
Sands, the Bahamian national triple jump record holder and the triple Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games’ bronze medallist, will be primarily responsible for the Wildcats’ horizontal jumps group.
ILCA 4 YOUTH WORLDS
In welcoming his fellow Bahamian on board in Lexington, Kentucky, Greene said if Sands wasn’t good, he would not have bothered to bring him in.
“If he wasn’t that good, I wouldn’t bring in a coach like that into Kentucky,” Greene said.
“Leevan is very good at what he does. I watched him when he was an assistant at Colorado State and while at Florida State. As one of the persons who got him the job, I felt he needed to hone his skills, sharpen his knife before coming to the Power Five as we call the SEC.”
With the experience under his belt, Greene said in restructuring his staff, he wanted to get more production out of the horizontal jumps and Sands fit the bill perfectly.
“In considering that, I knew he was a youth in high school, junior college, college and at the professional level,” Greene said. “I watched him as he conducted himself in a professional manner.
“So when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped all over it. Me and my staff were eager to get him on
board. He’s a welcomed addition here at Kentucky.”
As Sands is welcomed in, taking on his responsibility in August, Kentucky will be saying goodbye to “Golden Girl” Debbie FergusonMcKenzie, an assistant coach who will be departing and returning home to be closer to her family.
While Greene opted not to get into FergusonMcKenzie’s departure, he would only indicate that she will be missed, but he’s delighted to have Sands on board.
Prior to his move to Lexington, the 43-year-old Sands spent two seasons as an assistant jumps coach at Florida State and two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Northern Colorado. During the 2022
By Jonathan Burrows
By Jonathan Burrows
PROMINENT Baha-
mian WNBA player
Jonquel Jones returned to the New York Liberty lineup on July 22 after missing nearly a month due to a recurring right ankle sprain, resulting in an important 98-84 win over the Indiana Fever, where Jones put up a near double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. With momentum shifting back after the win against the Fever, Jonquel and the Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury on July 25 with a score of 89-76, in a game that carried a playoff-like intensity.
The reigning MVP Jones, just one week back from injury, delivered a commanding double-double performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds, supplemented by one assist, one block and one steal in 29 minutes of play.
New York Liberty’s guard Sabrina Ionescu led the offence with 29 points and eight assists.
“We kind of wanted to come out and kind of set the tone and just introduce them to us at full strength. It was an important game
for us,” Jones said in the post-game interview.
Her return signalled a restored balance and confidence in the Liberty rotation.
But in a tightly contested game on July 26, the Liberty fell 101-99 to the Los Angeles Sparks despite mounting a dramatic comeback.
After trailing by as much as 15 points, they closed the gap thanks to Ionescu’s 30 points and Natasha Cloud’s 22. Jones contributed 14 points and eight rebounds as the Liberty fought back in the fourth quarter.
Liberty’s power forward, Brianna Stewart, was injured playing just three minutes, just three games after Jones’ return to the lineup, thus adding more to the Liberty’s injury-riddled season.
As the Liberty navigates a gruelling back-to-back schedule, Jones’ return from injury brings the complete presence of the defending champions, but the New York Liberty continues its fight to have a fully healthy roster.
YESTERDAY marked the exciting opening of the 37th annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp, hosted once again at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium. At precisely 9am, the gym pulsed with energy as hundreds of athletes - both boys and girls from across The Bahamas - gathered in anticipation to participate in one of the most prominent basketball camps on the island.
The gym was packed to capacity, with eager campers representing islands such as Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Nassau and Andros.
Some arrived as early as 7:30am, their faces beaming with excitement as they laced up sneakers and prepared to learn from some of the best basketball athletes in The Bahamas.
Basketball icon Jeff Rodgers, who has dedicated
CAMP - See Page E4
ROLANDO GREENE
ILCA 4 YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS HIGHLIGHTS
AFTER six exhilarating days of intense racing, the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships has officially drawn to a close.
In the ladies’ fleet, 17-year old Bahamian competitor Eliza Denning finished 11th overall out of 100 competitors from around the world, including an elusive first-place finish in Race 10 (of 12). This is an improvement on her overall finish of 33rd at the same event held in Portugal last year and the best ever finish at this event for a competitor from The Bahamas.
In the boys’ fleet, our relatively young team of 14-year-olds included John Alexiou, Nash Cartwright and Armaan Manwatkar, who finished 73rd, 114th and 122nd respectively out of 140 competitors.
Said Lori Lowe, president of the Bahamas Sailing Association: “We are so proud of our Bahamian youth sailors at the ILCA 4 Youth Worlds.
“It is evident that Eliza and John benefited from the lessons they learned at last year’s event whilst both Nash and Armaan showed great promise, competing
on the world stage for the first time. All they need is the opportunity to compete on the international stage more regularly in big fleet events.”
Special thanks are extended to current Bahamian ILCA coach Niels Broekhuizen who accompanied the team to Los Angeles, along with former
coaches Keir Clarke and Robert Dunkley, and to all involved in the evolution of this young team. In addition, the 2025 ILCA 6 Youth Worlds is
SPORTS CALENDAR
JULY - from page E1
during the Senior Nationals at the stadium.
BASKETBALL
FREE CAMP
THE Bahamas Shooting Stars Basketball Camp is being held 9am to 3pm until July 30 at the Dundas Cultural Park Basketball Court in Dundas Town, Abaco.
During the camp, conducted by coach Stephon Johnson, a number of players and coaches from the National Basketball Association (NBA) are expected to be on hand to share their experiences.
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.
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. 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 they are expected to head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships.
BARRIER BREAKERS FOUNDATION
THE Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation is offering emergency assistance to athletes needing assistance with travel and/or accommodations for the upcoming Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Senior Nationals, scheduled for August 1-2. Interested athletes are urged to contact Laura Pratt-Charlton for more information and to apply for support. The email contact is dcbarrierbreakers@ gmail.com and the phone contact is 357-3109.
SPECIA OLYMPICS 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. 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.
taking place from July 28 to August 4 and include three boys and three girls from The Bahamas. For more information visit the event website.
YOUNG Bahamian sailors (also top) in action at the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships.
TEAM BAHAMAS EAGER TO START COMPETITION IN THE CARIBBEAN JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AFTER going through the practice session yesterday, Team Bahamas is eager to start competition today in the Caribbean Junior Golf Championship in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
Head coach Richard Gibson Sr said the players took advantage of the opportunity to get acclimatiSed to their environment at the Grande Reserve Golf Course.
The first round of the tournament, featuring over 100 of the Caribbean’s top juniors ages 11-18 from 13 nations, including host Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados, Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago, will begin today.
The tournament will wrap up on Thursday when the winners of the Hank James Team Trophy and six
individual age-group titles, will be decided.
“The team loves the golf course. They think the golf course is a golf course that they can play on,” Gibson Sr said.
“So, with the enthusiasm that the team is showing, I’m sure that we will do well. I’m looking forward to us doing well.”
Members of the team, managed by Lisa Gorospe, are as follows:
Boys 18U - Aidan Gorospe, Camdyn Forbes and Kerrington Rolle.
Boys 15U - Cardron Nixon (Grand Bahama), Rashawn Hanna and Maximilian Landry.
Boys 13U - William West and Na’Kai Wilson (Grand Bahama).
Girls 18U - Anissa Robinson and Chemari Pratt.
Girls 15U - Madison Carroll and Haley Hall.
Girls 13U - Kayleigh Rolle and Riannah Hanna.
TEAM Bahamas in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, for the Caribbean Junior Golf Championship.
BAHAMIANS girls with coach Richard Gibson Jr. REPRESENTING
242: Proud Bahamian golfers at the Caribbean Junior Golf Championship in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
EXCITING OPENING OF 37TH ANNUAL JEFF RODGERS BASKETBALL CAMP
nearly four decades to youth basketball in The Bahamas, continues to be a beacon for youth development, skill-building and mentorship.
“The energy and excitement to do this every year is hard to describe, and I give all thanks to God…. You can see the line and the number of parents, and I’m concerned now and wondering if we have enough space, but God is good.
“This is a place you want to send your kids, and we believe we have some of the best instructors in the country, guys like Kino and Jeff Henfield, and Mitch, you know, these guys played
overseas, and to have them as your instructors is great,” Rodgers said. Rodgers was joined on the court by an elite group of coaches and former players, including Bahamian basketball legends Jaraun ‘Kino’ Burrows, Mitchell ‘Mitch’ Johnson, and Jeff Henfield. All athletes are known for their accomplishments on the international stage and for representing The Bahamas in basketball.
A major highlight of the day was a special appearance by Larry Johnson, brother of NBA legend and Hall of Fame player Magic Johnson. Larry, a seasoned coach and motivational speaker, delivered an unforgettable message
to young athletes during the morning session.
“This little round ball attracts so much attention, and I have the pleasure of coming here and watching these young athletes get better every day and learn this beautiful game,” Johnson said.
“Changing your attitude and using basketball as an instrument can drastically change your life, and when you have the coaches in here like you do, we can show you how you can change and how you can become one of the athletes like Buddy Hield, Rick Fox and Mike Thompson and it can happen if you take this opportunity serious,” he added.
Over the years, the Jeff Rodgers basketball camp has played a foundational role in the development of The Bahamas’ most prominent basketball talents, including Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn Jr and Jauran ‘Kino’ Burrows, all of whom have passed through the programme through the years.
The future is bright for the Jeff Rodgers’ camp as plans are underway to continue this tradition all year round.
“The future is to get my facility up and running. To have a 24-hour facility where young people can find a place where they can be off the streets, at the Jeff
Rodgers Basketball Academy, where there will be top professional active and former NBA players working in the programme to see how they can help lift the spirits of our young people. There is a better way, and we have the tools, the plan, and the vision to make it possible,” Rodgers said.
The first day wrapped up with drills focusing on ball-handling, shooting fundamentals and team communication.
The camp continues throughout the week with more guest speakers, skill clinics, and competitions aimed at sharpening not just the skills, but also the spirits of the next generation of Bahamian athletes.
JEFF RODGERS
OPENING DAY: Jeff Rodgers speaks to the campers on opening day yesterday.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
‘Two days, two gold’
SUMMER MCINTOSH MAKES IT TWO GOLD MEDALS IN TWO DAYS AT WORLD SWIM CHAMPIONSHIPS
By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer
SINGAPORE
(AP) — Two days. Two gold medals. Summer McIntosh is off to a perfect start at the swimming world championships in her attempt to win five individual gold medals, a feat only achieved by American legend Michael Phelps.
The 18-year-old Canadian took the 200-metre individual medley yesterday, clocking 2:06.69. The victory matched the gold she won Sunday in the 400 freestyle. Alex Walsh of the United States claimed the silver in 2:08.58 with bronze going to MarySophie Harvey of Canada in 2:09.15.
The winning time trailed McIntosh’s world record of 2:05.70. And she was not content.
“Going in tonight, my goal was to get my hand on the wall first,” McIntosh said. “So to get that done is good. I’m not super happy with my time. But honestly, at a world championships, my goal is just to go as fast as I can against my competitors. Still happy with the gold and hoping to keep up my streak next time.”
Yu Zidi, a Chinese 12-year-old, finished fourth in 2:09.21, just missing a medal as she astounds the swim world with her times. She is also due to compete in the 400 IM and 200 butterfly, probably her strongest events. McIntosh will chase three more golds in the 400 IM, 800 free and the 200 butterfly over the next six days in Singapore.
Gretchen Walsh broke through yesterday with the first gold in Singapore for the United States, taking the 100 butterfly in 54.73. The silver medallist a year ago in Paris, Walsh was just off her world-record time of 54.60 set earlier this year.
Roos Vanotterdijk of Belgium took silver in 55.84 and Alexandria Perkins of Australia claimed bronze in 56.33.
Walsh acknowledged in a post-race interview at poolside that the American team had been hit with a bout of what team officials called “acute gastroenteritis.”
It was picked up at a training camp in Thailand prior to arrival in Singapore. U.S. officials have confirmed the outbreak but have given few
Summer
States, left, and bronze medallist Mary-Sophie
en’s 200-metre individual medley final
details and did not name swimmer nor say how many were affected. “With the illness that’s been going on — I faced it back the last couple days — my body has just been fragile, and I think that I’ve needed to give myself grace,” Walsh said.
“Luckily, I had the morning to recover and rest, and I used that, and that helped me enormously going into tonight, so I tried to make the most of it.
“It was not easy, and I’m just really proud of myself,”
Walsh added, thrilled to be under 55 seconds. “It took a lot of guts. I just wanted to go out there and do it for my team, just represent the flag well. It came out of somewhere, but I’m really, really happy.”
Walsh’s older sister Alex was almost even with McIntosh after 150 metres, swimming a strong breaststroke leg to make it a race.
“I was really excited on the breaststroke leg,” she said. “I could see her and I knew I was kind of gaining
on her because breaststroke is my best stroke. I was really excited and, obviously coming home on the freestyle, that’s definitely where my biggest weakness (is).”
Two other finals wrapped up Monday’s schedule.
Qin Haiyang, the world champion in 2023, defeated Paris Olympic winner Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy in the 100 breaststroke.
Qin clocked 58.23 to give China its first gold in Singapore with the Italian
swimmer finishing in 58.58.
Denis Petrashov of Kyrgyzstan took bronze in 58.88.
“I’ve been injured and it’s not been easy to get back to my best,” Haiyang said.
“I’m at best at 70%.
I’m probably lucky. This definitely helps with my confidence.”
In the men’s 50 butterfly, Maxime Grousset of France edged Noe Ponti of Switzerland. Grousset clocked 22.48 with Ponti finishing in 22.51. Thomas Ceccon of Italy took bronze in 22.67. In the four semifinals, Paris Olympics bronze medallist Luke Hobson of the United States led 200 free qualifying (1:44.80), with Paris champion David Popovici of Romania in fourth (1:45.02).
Hubert Kós of Hungary headed a very fast men’s 100 backstroke in 52.21. American Regan Smith led the women’s 100 backstroke (58.21) ahead of two-time Australian Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown (58.44).
Kate Douglass of the United States swam a personal best in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.49) and will be the top seed in today’s final.
LEEVAN NEW ASSISTANT TRACK & FIELD COACH AT UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
outdoor season, Sands led Florida State’s Jeremiah Davis and Isaac Grimes to a second and third-place finish, respectively, at the NCAA Championships in the long jump final.
That same year in Tallahassee, Florida, Sands helped the Seminoles’ Davis, who would go on to finish seventh, and Jacore Irving to qualify for the NCAA men’s triple jump final.
This year, Sands has helped Davis to propel to a personal best of 26-feet, 1/4-inches or 8.11 metres and Bahamian Kaiwan Culmer, his new addition in his pro training camp from last year, has cleared a lifetime best of 55-9 1/4 (17.00m). Sands, 43, said he’s eager to soar in his new assignment.
“I am excited and overjoyed. I get an opportunity to coach in the SEC (Southeastern Conference),” he said. “The SEC is the highest level in the NCAA,
everybody talks about competing in the SEC. “I’m just happy to get this opportunity to work with coach Greene, who is also a Bahamian. I’m looking forward to learning more under his tutelage at Kentucky, which is a great programme.
“I hope to bring my expertise to help elevate this programme.
“I’m hungry. I’m just ready to get to work. I just want to make some people great. That is my goal. Once I get in there and do my job, I hope to take some athletes to the NCAA and to win it.”
Having met Greene while he was competing at Auburn under coach Henry Rolle, Sands said Greene has been a big brother and a mentor to him and he was always an inspiration to him.
“I’m just so happy that he’s seen what I’ve done and he knows the value that I bring to the programme,” Sands said.
“I know I’m in good hands under coach Greene.
He’s a good person, straight forward person and he really means well. So I’m excited.”
Before turning to coaching, Sands boasted a 13-year professional career that was highlighted by winning the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing in the triple jump, while representing his home country of The Bahamas. Sands is a four-time Olympian and 12-time Bahamas national champion and currently holds the national record in the men’s outdoor triple jump (17.59m) and the indoor long jump (8.10m).
In 2015, Sands won the silver medal at the Pan American Games and earned a bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the 2003 World Championships and the 2015 North American, Central American, and Caribbean Championships.
Sands later became a spokesperson for The Bahamas in 2008, helping mentor the country’s young athletes, including 2016
NCAA triple jump champion Latario Collie, of the University of Texas.
Sands graduated from Auburn University in 2005 with a degree in education.
During his collegiate career, he was a two-time NCAA champion, first in 2003 in the men’s long jump and again in 2004 in the men’s triple jump.
Following the 2004 season, Sands was named the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Prior to his collegiate career, Sands was the Gatorade Athlete of the Year after winning gold in the long, triple and high jump at the High School National Championships in 1999.
He was also the indoor high school champion in both the long jump and the triple jump, setting the triple jump record of 52’8”. Greene said Sands’ record as an athlete turned coach speaks volumes, especially in his quest to not only win the SEC title, but the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s indoor and outdoor titles.
“I want to win. A lot of coaches get in the chair and they say ‘oh, I’ve arrived. I want to win,” he said.
“I’ve had the fortune of doing that twice here and I want to continue that trend.
“Leevan brings that type of pedigree to develop jumpers, so I’m going to brag on him for a bit. He’s developed the leading long jumper in the United States right now. He was with Leevan at Florida State where he was the leading man.”
While Florida State opted not to renew Sands’ contract, Greene said they were more than ecstatic to get him into Kentucky,
“I told him many years ago, a day is going to come when we will get to work together,” Greene said.
“He was like ‘yeah, call me.’ That day has come. When he came here with his wife, his name was already on the door.” Greene said Sands is now back in the game.
Before that, Sands said he will watch the developments of Davis at the US trials and Culmer at the Bahamas Senior Nationals as they both continue their path, hopefully with their selection to the respective country’s teams at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21.
Sands, the son of Leevan Sands Sr (deceased) and now retired Police Superintendent Elaine Sands, will be relocating his family, including his wife, Danielle, and their children Leevan III, Lion and Legend Sands, but he said it’s worth it all because he’s back doing what he loves - coaching at the collegiate level one again.
While the goal is to win an NCAA title, Sands will do everything in his power to assist Greene in achieving that accomplishment. For those athletes who he’s been training with in Florida, Sands said some of them will be joining him in Kentucky, including Culmer, as they continue their trek towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.
SUMMER MCINTOSH, of Canada, competes in the women’s 200-metre individual medley
(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) GOLD medallist
McIntosh, centre, flanked by silver medallist Alex Walsh of the United
Harvey of Canada pose on the podium after the wom-
at World Aquatics Championships in Singapore yesterday. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian)
Baseball’s biggest spenders are stumbling, with Dodgers, Mets and Yankees beset by injuries
By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s biggest spenders are stumbling, slowed by injuries and scrambling to patch rosters with help for battered bullpens and other positions ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
Opening the season with a top payroll of $326 million, the New York Mets have a 1 1/2-game NL East lead but are 17-20 since mid-June.
Just $200,000 behind them in spending, according to Major League Baseball’s figures, the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are four games ahead in the NL West but are 5-13 since July 3.
Third at $294 million, the defending AL champion New York Yankees blew a seven-game division lead and trail AL East-leading Toronto by 5 1/2 games after a 22-28 skid that started in late May.
“It is in a lot of ways a game of survival,” New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.
While all three are in playoffs positions, they have not had the seasons they hoped for. All three teams were considered “winners” of the offseason.
The Mets lured Juan Soto from the Yankees for a record $765 million, 15-year contract.
The Dodgers added prized pitcher Roki Sasaki and left-hander Blake Snell along with reliever Tanner Scott, outfielder Michael Conforto and second baseman Hyeseong Kim.
The Yankees brought in Max Fried, Cody Bellinger,
Paul Goldschmidt and Devin Williams. Projected lineups and the ones in box scores have been markedly different.
The Mets have used 13 starting pitchers, losing Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning for significant stretches.
“We’re not going to sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. Nobody will,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We’re facing a lot of adversity, but every team goes through it.”
Los Angeles had 14 pitchers on the injured list in early June and has used 16 different starters.
“It was very important to have the depth. We went through a lot last year and I didn’t think that we would
kind of match what we did last year, but sure enough we have,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“To kind of manage it hasn’t been easy, but we’re doing it.”
The Yankees lost ace Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt to torn UCLs and Luis Gil to a lat strain. They are now without two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge for at least 10 days because of a flexor injury.
Los Angeles leads the major leagues with 1,495 player days on the IL, the Mets are fifth at 1,095 and the Yankees sixth at 1,022. Philadelphia, 1 1/2 games back of the Mets in the NL East, has the fewest IL days at 214.
In addition to relievers, the Mets could use a centre
fielder and an upgrade at third.
The Yankees added infielders Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario, boosting payroll and tax by $11.56 million.
Modern MLB is a sport for the wealthy. Just two of the current division leaders were not among the top seven spenders as of opening day: Detroit (19th at $148 million) and the Chicago Cubs (14th at $195 million).
And the spending doesn’t include luxury tax, with seven teams projected to pay.
The Dodgers were on track at the season’s start to owe a record $151 million — more than the payrolls of seven teams. They were projected at $73 million and
the Yankees $52 million, with Philadelphia, Toronto, San Diego and Boston at lesser amounts.
“I’m a piker now compared to the Dodgers,” Mets owner Steve Cohen said during spring training.
All seven teams set to owe tax would be in the 12-club playoffs if the season ended now along with Houston, currently just below the tax threshold.
In the past decade, three teams outside the top 10 spenders have won titles: Atlanta in 2021 (14th), Houston in 2017 (18th) and Kansas City in 2015 (13th).
While the biggest spender has won twice, the Dodgers in 2020 and Boston in 2018, a top six payroll has won six titles of the past 10 titles. Some owners say MLB
should push for a salary cap in negotiations to replace the collective bargaining agreement that expires in December 2026, a proposal the players’ association would fight.
“Payroll disparity is such a fact of life among the ownership group that there’s not a lot of need for talking about whether we have it or not,” baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said.
“We understand that it has become a bigger problem for us.” Last year, the top three spenders reached the League Championship Series along with Cleveland, which finished at No. 25.
Ten of 20 LCS teams in the last five years paid tax.
NEW York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, centre, walks with his team back to the dugout in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
YANKEES manager Aaron Boone reacts during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves on July 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Colin Hubbard)
METS pitcher Kodai Senga throws against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco on July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
BBA’s inaugural Youth All-Star Weekend exceeds expectations
AQUA AND THE BLACK ALL-STARS WIN TITLES
THE Bahamas Baseball Association concluded its inaugural Youth All-Star Weekend at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and, according to president Clarence ‘CJ’ McKenzie, it far exceeded their expectations.
“The All-Star was an amazing experience the baseball community will be talking about for years to come for those who participated or spectated,” he said.
“The red carpet was rolled out for our Future Stars in the 8U, 10U, and 12U divisions on Friday, where they were welcomed as celebrities and introduced onto the stage.”
The Aqua All-Stars nipped the Black All-Stars 5-4 to win the 8-and-under title. The Black, however, won their pair of games in the preliminaries with a 9-0 whitewashing and a 12-6 decision.
The Black prevailed with a 7-5 win over the Aqua in the 10-and-under division. They split their pair of games in the preliminaries with the Aqua taking a 5-4 victory in the opener and the Black coming back for a 14-4 trumping. And in the 12-and-under divisional final, the Aqua won 10-9 over the Black.
The Aqua won the opener 8-7 and the Black got the second game in a 16-11 blowout.
In addition to the games played, McKenzie said the players also got to participate in a highly anticipated skills challenge where players had the opportunity to compete against each other in the fastest man, golden arm and home run derby.
“We saw lightning fast times in the fastest man, deadly accurate throws in the golden arm, and an impressive home run derby where we witnessed 11 home runs by one participant,” he said.
“The skills event was a prelude for a remarkable weekend of games that featured players from all leagues, including Long Island Baseball Association, Big Nigel Baseball Club and Abaco Youth Baseball, to name a few.”
As for the games, McKenzie said they gave the players the opportunity to put on a show in front of the fans as they got to play a best-of-three series in all of the divisions, but there were no sweeps.
“Four out of nine games played were decided by one run,” McKenzie said.
“This showed the parity of the teams being evenly matched. We witnessed spectacular plays over and over again.”
During the closing ceremonies, the players were awarded the BBA’s first All-Star champions and runners-up commemorative designer rings.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
ON THE REPLAY: Aspiring baseball stars in action in the Bahamas Baseball Association’s inaugural Youth All-Star Weekend at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
GO TEAM BAHAMAS!
OLYMPIAN Lamar
Taylor is expected to head The Bahamas’ six-member team scheduled to compete at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay August 1-15.
In addition to Taylor, the other team members are Emmanuel Gadson, Marvin Johnson Jr, Elyse Wood, Nigel Forbes and Zoe Williamson. The team manager is Karen Johnson and the coach is Ivaniuska Dreke.
In addition, the final team to represent The Bahamas will be a sixmember team that is slated to compete at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, scheduled for August 13-24 in Otopeni, Romania. The team will be managed by Andrea Longley and coached by Mancer Roberts Jr. The other members of the team are Ellie Gibson, Saleste Gibson, Zoe Williamson, Caden Wells, Ayrton Moncur and Tristen Hepburn.
