MLB

The Doc is in ...

Dwight Gooden has signed a contract to participate in a Celebrity Boxing match on March 7 in Atlantic City, TMZ Sports has learned.

The former MLB star -- who has recently been dealing with substance abuse issues -- has decided that getting physically active again could be the best thing for him ... so he's agreed to box.

54-year-old Gooden has been working with Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon Feldman for months -- in fact, Doc was the guest referee for Dustin Diamond's (Screech) last fight back in Sept.

But now, he'll get back in the ring as a competitor ... though CB is still working on locking up an opponent for the baseball star.

Celebrity Boxing has had some issues lately with stars like Lenny Dykstra and the Angry Bagel Boss Guy dropping out at the last minute -- but we're told Doc is fully committed.

IT'S RAINING (LARGE) MEN, HALLELUJAH!!!!

The fat guy who slid on the Washington Nationals dugout after the World Series is BLOWING UP!!!

He just got invited to do the weather for FOX 5 in Washington D.C. ... and man, he crushed it!!

In fact, the Nats super-fan -- real name Jason Turner -- channeling his inner Hulk Hogan on live TV, tearing off his shirt and chest bumping FOX 5's Tucker Barnes!!

Turner almost bumped Barnes off the set -- and then turned to the cam and shouted out the MLB champs!!

Of course, Turner's quick rise to social media stardom started Thursday night when he hit up Nationals Park in D.C. to watch a live screening of Game 7 of the World Series, which took place in Houston.

As the Nationals made the final out, Turner tore off his shirt and belly flopped across a dugout in the rain. It was awesome!

It was absolute PANDEMONIUM after the Washington Nationals won the World Series on Wednesday ... from the locker room to the streets -- and the video is WILD!!

The players RAGED with a booze-filled celebration ... chugging beer and champagne, while dancing around to Latin music, hip-hop and of course, Queen's "We Are the Champions."

Max Scherzer and Juan Soto passed around the Commissioner's Trophy. While Sean Doolittle busted out a blue lightsaber and did his best Jedi impression. It was awesome!

Out on the streets of D.C., thousands and thousands of people were celebrating Washington's first-ever championship -- climbing street signs, dancing and just partying their faces off.

The best celebration went down at Nationals Park in D.C. (where fans gathered just to watch the game on the big screen). It was pouring rain over there but it didn't stop one diehard fat guy from slip and sliding all over the dugout.

Ex-MLB slugger Josh Hamilton was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday over an alleged child abuse incident involving one of his kids.

The 38-year-old former Texas Rangers star surrendered to authorities and posed for a mug shot. He appeared in court to face a felony injury to a child criminal charge.

Details surrounding the allegation are unclear, but the allegations stem from an alleged incident involving one of his 3 children.

Hamilton's ex-wife, Katie Hamilton, reportedly filed a restraining order against Hamilton on behalf of one of their kids earlier this month -- and it appears the criminal allegation is connected to that.

Hamilton was released from custody Wednesday on a $35,000 bond ... and one of the conditions was to not have contact with the alleged victim.

Hamilton was also ordered to stay away from any child under the age of 17, according to CBSDFW.com, which broke the story.

Hamilton was seen leaving the courtroom in a grey suit with multiple attorneys by his side.

Surprisingly, Hamilton was smiling on his way into the courthouse and didn't seem too bothered by the heavy allegations against him.

Hamilton was a monster on the baseball diamond -- he's a 5-time All-Star who was the American League MVP in 2010. He was the #1 overall pick in the 1999 MLB Draft. He's currently in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.

But, off the field, Hamilton has had several major personal issues ... including a substance abuse problem that he publicly talked about for years. He's tried to get clean multiple times but there were numerous public slip-ups.

Hamilton and his wife -- who have 3 children together -- divorced in 2015 following a relapse.

Hamilton also played for the Reds and the Angels before rejoining the Rangers. He last played in the Big Leagues in 2015.

Justin Verlander's super famous wife, Kate Upton, was BLASTED on social media after she tweeted about a controversial call in Tuesday's World Series ... and she fired back by callin' her critics misogynists!!

Late in Game 6 of the Astros-Nationals series ... Nats SS Trea Turner hit a ground ball to the pitcher, and while he scooted his way toward first base, he was ruled OUT for not running within the baseline.

The call was IMMEDIATELY panned by almost everyone watching the game ... but to Kate -- who was sitting just a few rows behind home plate -- she thought it was the correct ruling.

"He wasn’t within the base path," Verlander's wife said. "Those who don’t know the rule you HAVE to run inside the 2 lines. Not sure why the review is taking so long..."

Upton was ripped apart by baseball Twitter ... receiving thousands of comments in just a few minutes -- and so she followed up with another tweet clappin' back at her haters!!

"I LOVE talking about sports and reading all of the dumb misogynist comments," she said.

"It reminds me that women need to keep fighting for equality. It’s 2019 but feels like the 1950s. #feminist"

Kate feels vindicated by MLB reporter Jon Morosi, who tweeted out:

"MLB rule: 'When running the last half of the way to first base while the ball is being fielded in the vicinity of first, a baserunner must stay within the three-foot runner's lane to the right of the foul line unless they are avoiding a player fielding a batted ball."

So, it seems Kate is technically right ... but historically, there's been wiggle room with the rule. Umps will generally let it go unless it appears the baserunner is making an intentional effort to mess with the defensive play.

Minutes later, in the same game, Astros star Jose Altuve ran way inside the designated 1st base basepath and didn't get punished for it.

Most felt Turner's route was fine ... and, in fact, Trea and the Nationals made their opinion LOUD AND CLEAR on the field.

Nats manager Davey Martinez was ejected over the call ... while Turner himself was caught on a hot mic calling MLB's chief baseball officer, Joe Torre, a coward for not stepping in and overturning the ruling.

Eventually, things calmed down on the field and Washington ended up with the win ... setting the stage for an EPIC Game 7 matchup Wednesday night.

The Milwaukee Brewers will have their MVP back to start next season ... Christian Yelich tells TMZ Sports his fractured knee cap is now feeling 100% healthy!!

"I'm doing great, man," Yelich says. "All good."

The superstar outfielder busted up his knee back on Sept. 10 when he fouled a pitch off his right leg ... and there was initial concern the injury could linger into next season.

But, Yelich -- who ultimately didn't require surgery to fix the issue -- told us out at LAX he's feeling great ... and expects to be good to go for the start of spring training in a few months.

"We're ready to go, man," Yelich says.

Of course, that's great news for Milwaukee ... Yelich is maybe the best player in the MLB -- and could win his second straight National League MVP award next month.

By the way, Christian also gave us more good news ... telling us he and his family haven't been affected by the wildfires that are raging near his Thousand Oaks, Calif. hometown.

Ex-MLB star Jim Edmonds is adamant he did NOT cheat on his reality star wife with their nanny ... saying rumors are "disgusting and irresponsible."

The St. Louis Cardinals legend is reportedly splitting from 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star Meghan King Edmonds after 5 years of marriage ... and there are rumblings it's all over Jim's alleged infidelity.

And, when a fan referenced the alleged nanny-banging on social media over the weekend, Meghan commented with a thumbs-up emoji, adding fuel to the fire.

Now, 49-year-old Jim is breaking his silence ... coming out swinging hard against the allegations and seemingly taking veiled shots at Meghan as well.

"It’s one thing to be accused of something. It’s another thing to be so negligent and so careless, and ruin the lives of innocent young people," Jim said on Instagram.

"I did not sleep with our nanny."

"She’s not just a nanny, she is someone that we brought into our house and promised to protect and look after while she was in our home. We have been treating and raising this young girl like she is our own child! For someone to accuse me of sleeping with her is not only wrong, it’s disgusting and irresponsible."

Edmonds continued ... "Just because I am an athlete and I was portrayed as a bad person on bravo TV. Doesn’t mean I dont have a clue what life is all about."

"We made a promise to that young girls mom, that We would take care of her and make sure that she was safe while she was in our hands. I will not sit here and take this bulls**t without fighting back."

Here's where it seems Jim goes after Meghan -- who reportedly filed for divorce last week -- though he never mentions her by name.

"Just because you’re extremely whitty and intelligent, and know how to play the Instagram game. Doesn’t give you the right to use that platform to wrongfully accuse."

"Not only is it irresponsible. It is dangerous and puts my family in harms way."

Donald Trump wasn't welcomed warmly at the World Series on Sunday ... some fans hung "Impeach Trump!" banners in the stands while others booed the president relentlessly.

POTUS made his first appearance at the Astros-Nationals series in Game 5 at Nationals Park in D.C. ... and he was almost immediately hit with negativity.

When 45 was shown on the jumbotron, cameras caught fans booing him loudly ... with a "Lock him up!" chant breaking out in parts of the stadium.

Later in the evening, several people -- including some in Nationals hats -- unfurled multiple "Impeach Trump!" banners ... tying them to stadium railings.

There was more ... at one point during the game, fans behind home plate held up "Veterans For Impeachment" signs too.

Unclear if Trump saw or heard any of it (there haven't been any tweets from the Prez about the game yet) ... but footage from the night appeared to show Trump looking uncomfortable.

As for the game, things didn't go much better for the hometown team -- the Nationals got destroyed 7-1 -- and are now down 3-2 in the series.

No matter what happens in the World Series ... do NOT feel bad for any of the guys on the diamond -- 'cause the Nats and 'Stros are all going home winners, and this gallery proves it!!!

Of course, you already knew that about Justin Verlander ... who, when he leaves the ballpark, gets to go home with Kate Upton.

But, check out the rest of the Nationals' and Astros' wives and girlfriends -- they're stunning!!!

Alex Bregman's girlfriend, Reagan Howard, KILLS it in a bikini ... while Nationals catcher Tres Barrera's wife, Lindsey, definitely knows how to work it in a swimsuit as well!!!

The MLB umpire who vowed to buy an AR-15 and declare a civil war if President Trump was impeached is now apologizing ... saying he didn't "realize the violence in those words."

Rob Drake -- who's been working MLB games since 1999 -- created a firestorm this week when he tweeted, "I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020."

Drake deleted the tweet ... but it was too late -- people were going crazy over it.

Now, after the MLB Umpires Association condemned the tweet, Drake has issued an apology ... acknowledging he screwed up big time.

"I want to personally apologize to everyone that my words made feel less safe," Drake said.

"I especially want to apologize to every person who has been affected by gun violence in our country."

"I also acknowledge and apologize for the controversy this has brought to Major League Baseball, my fellow umpires and my family. I never intended to diminish the threat of violence from assault weapons, or violence of any kind."

Drake continued, "I'm going to learn from this. Once I read what I had tweeted I realized the violence in those words and have since deleted it. I know that I cannot unsay the words, but please accept my sincerest apologies."

The Houston Astros just fired their assistant GM Brandon Taubman -- saying an investigation revealed he did, in fact, direct inappropriate comments toward female reporters during a locker room celebration.

As we previously reported, several journalists claimed Taubman screamed, "I’m so f*cking glad we got Osuna!'" at a group of women in what was interpreted as a verbal taunt.

The backstory ... the Astros traded for Osuna after he was accused of domestic violence while he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Houston had received backlash for acquiring the all-star closer ... and after he helped the 'Stros earn a trip to the World Series last week -- Taubman's comments were interpreted as a middle finger to his critics.

But, the reporters didn't find the comments appropriate at all ... and despite initially defending Taubman, the Astros say a probe revealed their top-ranking exec was in the wrong.

"Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman's inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter. We were wrong," the team said in a statement.

"We sincerely apologize to Stephanie Apstein, Sports Illustrated and to all individuals who witnessed this incident or were offended by the inappropriate conduct. The Astros in no way intended to minimize the issues related to domestic violence."

The team added, "Our initial belief was based on witness statements about the incident. Subsequent interviews have revealed that Taubman's inappropriate comments were, in fact, directed toward one or more reporters."

"Accordingly we have terminated Brandon Taubman's employment with the Houston Astros. His conduct does not reflect the values of our organization and we believe this is the most appropriate course of action."

NY Congressman Peter King says MLB ump Rob Drake was WRONG to tweet about buying an AR-15 and threatening a civil war ... telling TMZ Sports free speech goes out the window when you start inciting violence.

Drake tweeted and deleted the controversial message Tuesday, saying "I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”

The MLB has launched an investigation into the matter ... and Drake has since gone radio silent.

We spoke with Rep. King about the issue on Thursday ... and while he says he fully supports free speech, King thinks Drake crossed a line.

"I think people should have a very wide range of what they can say. There is free speech," King told us while pointing out he fully supports Rockets GM Daryl Morey and Shaquille O'Neal speaking out in support of the Hong Kong protests

"But, I think if you're talking about anything that comes close to inciting violence, that's where I draw the line. Nobody should be talking about AR-15s. Not in a democracy."

While the MLB investigates, the MLB Umpires Union released a statement on Drake's tweet, saying "He chose the wrong way to convey his opinion about our great country. His posting does not represent the view of the MLBUA or reflect those of the umpires we represent."

Greatest first pitch in World Series history!? Maybe!

Simone Biles took the mound -- and busted out a twisting backflip!!! -- before grabbing the ball Wednesday and heaving it to Houston Astros player Jake Marisnick.

The crowd went absolutely wild for the Team USA gymnastics star as Jake grabbed the ball and signed it before handing it back.

Unfortunately for the home team, the Astros proceeded to get DESTROYED in a 12-3 shellacking at Minute Maid Park in Game 2 against the Washington Nationals.

Houston is now down 0-2 in the series and if you know how superstitious baseball players are ... Biles might never get asked back to throw another pitch!!!

22-year-old Biles wasn't born in Texas -- but she moved there when she was 3 and was essentially raised in the Houston area. She still lives and trains there.

Biles told NBC Sports she was nervous about throwing out the pitch ... saying, "Gymnastics is the only sport I’ve ever done, so when it comes to anything else, I’m literally terrified.

"So, I get more nervous doing this stuff than competing, which is really weird. So, yeah, hopefully I don’t end up on celebrity fails."

She didn't. It was awesome.

BTW, Biles has a history of CRUSHING first pitches at baseball games ... back in 2016, she busted out a crazy front flip thingy while tossing the first pitch in an Astros vs. Mariners game!!!

Now that the baseball game is out of the way, the 4'8" Biles can focus back on dominating everyone at the 2020 Olympics!!!

#USA #USA #USA

"I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”

This is what MLB umpire Rob Drake's Twitter account posted and quickly deleted on Tuesday night, according to ESPN ... and now the league has launched an investigation into the situation.

Drake -- who has been outspoken over his frustrations with the House of Representatives impeachment proceedings with President Trump -- has since deactivated his Twitter account.

Before tweeting his plans to buy the assault rifle, Drake also said "You can't do an impeachment inquiry from the basement of Capital Hill without even a vote! What is going on in this country?" earlier in the day.

FYI -- Drake umped his first MLB game in 1999 and joined the league's full-time staff in 2010. He's been involved in many major events including the All-Star Game and playoffs, although he is not on the current postseason roster.

It's important to note -- Drake didn't break any laws with what he said, but clearly the tweet is concerning enough from a PR standpoint that the league wants to get in front of it.

A famous MLB ump says Paul Lo Duca is lying ... claiming he did NOT "open up" the strike zone for a star Mets pitcher who let him borrow a sick '57 Chevy -- and now he's suing.

The pissed-off ump is Joe West -- a baseball legend who's been working MLB games since the '70s.

West is FURIOUS over claims Lo Duca made during an April 18 podcast on The Action Network ... when the ex-Mets catcher accused West of essentially taking bribes from star closer Billy Wagner.

Specifically, Lo Duca said during a game he was catching around 2006 or 2007 against the Phillies ... he noticed West (the home plate umpire) was being extra generous with strike calls for Wagner.

In fact, Lo Duca claims West called the final 3 batters out on strikes to end the game.

Afterward, Lo Duca claims he asked Wagner why he was getting so much love from West ... and that's when the pitcher winked at him and explained it this way ...

"Joe loves antique cars ... so every time he comes into town, I lend him my '57 Chevy, so he can drive it around ... so then he opens up the strike zone for me."

In his lawsuit, West claims he was FURIOUS when he heard the allegations -- claiming the story is 100% made up and he can prove it.

West says in 2006 and 2007 ... he was only the home plate umpire for a game between the Mets and Phillies ONE TIME -- and claims Wagner did not pitch at all.

In fact, West says that game he umped ended on a home run -- NOT a called strikeout.

West also claims he NEVER received a car from Wagner to use ... and says in the lawsuit he NEVER "opened up the strike zone" for Wagner as a favor.

There's more ... on the podcast, Lo Duca said West had ejected him from a handful of MLB games during his career. But, West says that's also not true -- he only threw Lo Duca out of ONE game.

West is suing Lo Duca and The Action Network for defamation, claiming Paul's claims were reckless and just plain false -- and has hurt his reputation as fair umpire. He's asking the court for unspecified damages.

A Houston Astros exec allegedly taunted a group of female reporters about a star player's domestic violence allegations ... but the team says that ain't exactly how it went down.

The man at the center of the controversy is assistant GM Brandon Taubman -- one of the top execs of the team -- who was reportedly fired up about star pitcher Roberto Osuna after their ALCS win Saturday night.

FYI, Osuna allegedly assaulted his baby mama in May 2018, while playing for the Blue Jays -- but the charges were dropped when the alleged victim disappeared to Mexico and refused to cooperate with prosecutors.

MLB suspended Osuna for 75 games and the Blue Jays, looking to get rid of his ass, traded Osuna to the Astros.

Fast-forward to Saturday night when Taubman ... Sports Illustrated cites a reporter (who was there) and several witnesses who say this happened during the locker room celebration.

"Taubman turned to a group of three female reporters, including one wearing a purple domestic-violence awareness bracelet, and yelled, half a dozen times, 'Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so f*cking glad we got Osuna!'"'

Yeah, sounds bad. REALLY bad.

But, the Astros are disputing the report ... seemingly acknowledging Taubman made the comments, but didn't intend them to be an offensive attack toward the women.

"The story posted by Sports Illustrated is misleading and completely irresponsible."

"An Astros player was being asked questions about a difficult outing. Our executive was supporting the player during a difficult time."

The team added, "His comments had everything to do about the game situation that just occurred and nothing else -- they were also not directed toward any specific reporters."

"We are extremely disappointed in Sports Illustrated’s attempt to fabricate a story where one does not exist."

Since the S.I. article came out, the Houston Chronicle says two of its reporters confirm the S.I. account.

So far, no footage of the incident has surfaced. But, we're guessing SOMEONE in that locker room caught something on video.