MLB

Good news, bad news for Nashville ...

The good -- Justin Timberlake's now officially on board with a plan to bring an MLB team to the city!!!

The bad -- it still appears to be a massive pipe dream.

JT announced Wednesday he's joined on with a big investment group -- headlined by businessman John Loar and ex-Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski -- to attempt to get Nashville its own MLB team.

The plan sounds amazing on paper ... the group of investors wants to build a new stadium in the downtown Nashville area and have an MLB team playing in it by 2024.

The group has even signed on huge country stars like Eric Church, Luke Combs and Kane Brown in addition to Timberlake in an effort to convince MLB officials the idea is a good one.

The problem? The league's already got 30 teams ... so an expansion might be tough.

As for relocating a squad, there aren't too many teams that appear to be keen on bolting from their home cities at the moment either.

According to the Tennessean, there's also huge questions surrounding the finances -- mainly when it comes to majority funding of the team as well the stadium's costs.

But, Timberlake sounded gassed up over it all regardless Wednesday ... saying in a statement, "I believe in Music City Baseball’s vision of linking baseball and music in a unique way to unite and entertain people and I am excited to help generate awareness throughout the community as we share our vision for bringing MLB to Music City."

Suspended Reds announcer Thom Brennaman says he realizes the "incredible hurt" he caused when he used a homophobic slur on live TV ... and claims he has become a better person in the weeks following the incident.

Remember, the longtime play-by-play guy was calling a game against the KC Royals on August 19 when he was caught on a hot mic referring to an unnamed city as "one of the f** capitals of the world."

Brennaman later apologized mid-game ... and was quickly suspended from his Reds gig and dropped from his "NFL on FOX" role.

The 56-year-old spoke to the NY Post about the backlash he faced following the incident ... saying, "Believe me, I know there are a lot of people who are still very angry and I understand that."

Brennaman has vowed to become an ally for the LGBTQ community ... and has personally met with several groups to get a better understanding of the impact of hateful words.

"The realization of the incredible hurt that I’ve caused using that word has been breathtaking," Brennaman told the Post.

"It’s been absolutely amazing the amount of grace and forgiveness and support."

As for the reason behind using the anti-gay slur ... Brennaman says he has no idea why he said it or in what context.

"I couldn’t even tell you what happened, where it came from."

He added ... "Look, I said it is all that matters. The rest of it is irrelevant. I said it. And I own it. And I’m the one who has to live with it."

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Lou Brock has died ... this according to the St. Louis-Post Dispatch.

Reporter Rick Hummel says Brock passed away Sunday afternoon, adding he was battling multiple medical conditions near the end of his life. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Brock was a living legend in Missouri, as he's best known as one of the greatest Cardinals players ever who helped lead the franchise to a World Series title in 1964 ... the same year he was traded to the team from the Chicago Cubs. He was a major factor to them winning the fall classic again in 1967, racking up a then-historic number of hits and stolen bases.

Speaking of the latter, Lou will perhaps be best remembered for exactly that ... the dude could steal anything out on the diamond. The guy leads the National League as the all-time greatest base stealer (ever) with a whopping 938 stolen bases through his 19-year career.

There are other milestones he hit along the way, but just to sum up his achievements ... the guy was a 6-time All-Star, 2-time World Series champ, had over 3,000 hits to his name and was a first-ballot HOF inductee. He goes down in the books as one of the greats.

He's survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his son, Lou Jr. Brock was 81.

Former MLB great David Cone says losing Tom Seaver on Wednesday hurt like hell ... telling TMZ Sports he thought the former NY Met was "one of a kind."

"He was the franchise," the former Cy Young winner said. "He was a Hall of Famer's Hall of Famer. All of the pitchers in the Hall of Fame looked to him as kind of like a leader."

As we previously reported, Seaver tragically passed away at 75 years old after a battle with dementia and COVID-19.

Baseball Hall of Fame officials say the 12-time All-Star died peacefully in California surrounded by his family ... and when we got Cone out at Yankee Stadium shortly after the news broke, the former Met was obviously devastated.

"One of the greatest of all-time," Cone said of Seaver. "Not only for the Mets, but for all of baseball."

Cone says he's sure the Mets will do something special as a tribute for the 3-time Cy Young winner ... adding he and every other NYM pitcher had always looked up to Seaver.

As for Cone's favorite memory of the pitching legend? David says he'll never forget meeting Tom for the 1st time, calling it "such a thrill."

Wanna bet the Chicago Cubs will crush the Pirates? You'll soon be able to make that bet ... RIGHT AT WRIGLEY FIELD!

The Cubs announced a multiyear partnership with DraftKings on Thursday -- which includes plans for an in-person sports book at the ballpark.

The book would either be located inside the stadium or in the Wrigleyville-area right outside -- they're still hammering out the details.

No timeline has been set -- but it's obvious both sides are trying to fast track the process.

The book will include betting windows and self-serve kiosks -- it sounds like something similar to what you would see at a horse racing track.

And yes, sports gambling is legal in Illinois.

Matt Kalish -- co-founder and president of DraftKings -- says he sees the sportsbook as a hybrid gambling center/bar where fans can grab a beer while plunking down bets.

"It might be the Cubs to win, maybe a few props like first home run, then stroll into the game at 6:45, sit down, sweat my bets and cheer on the Cubs," Kalish said (via ESPN).

"Then, after the game I can stop back at the DraftKings book, relax with my friends, get some food and drink and think about the next day's game, maybe put in a few more tickets."

Tom Seaver -- one of the greatest Mets players of all time -- died Monday after a battle with dementia and COVID-19. He was 75.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away," his wife Nancy and daughters Sarah and Anne told the National Baseball Hall of Fame. "We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you."

Seaver passed away peacefully at his home in Calistoga, California surrounded by his family, according to the HOF.

The HOF says Seaver's death was more specifically caused by complications from Lewy body dementia and COVID-19.

Seaver was a part of the legendary "Miracle Mets" of 1969 ... which went on to win the World Series over the Baltimore Orioles.

Seaver played in the majors from 1968 to 1986 and was a 13-time All-Star and 3-time Cy Young winner.

He ended up becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1992.

Seaver went public about his dementia diagnosis in 2019 -- and announced that he would "retire from public life."

Seaver is one of the greatest to ever wear a Mets jersey -- he had his No. 41 jersey retired in 1988 and was given the nicknames "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise" during his playing days.

Seaver also played for the Reds, White Sox and Red Sox ... raking in 311 wins.

After he retired from baseball, Seaver went into broadcasting ... and worked as a Yankees analyst on WPIX from 1989 to 1993 ... and on Mets telecasts from 1999 to 2005.

The Mets addressed the loss of a legend ... saying, "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Mets Legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver."

"Beyond the multitude of awards, records, accolades, World Series Championship, All-Star appearances, and just overall brilliance, we will always remember Tom for his passion and devotion to his family, the game of baseball, and his vineyard."

MLB commish Rob Manfred released a statement on Seaver's passing, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the death of Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers of all-time."

"Tom was a gentleman who represented the best of our National Pastime."

Manfred added ... "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Tom’s family, his admirers throughout our game, Mets fans, and the many people he touched."

OUUUUUUUCHHHHH!!!!

New York Mets outfielder Jake Marisnick violently crashed into a wall in an attempt to make a catch Wednesday ... and sacrificed his FACE in the process.

Check out footage of the center fielder trying to snag a fly ball in the 2nd inning of the Mets-Orioles game ... but instead, ending up with a face full of Camden Yards' wall.

The play was crazy ... Baltimore catcher Pedro Severino roped a ball into deep center -- and not noticing the wall approaching, Marisnick slammed right into it at full speed trying to make the grab.

To his credit, Marisnick still got up and attempted to make the play ... but afterward, he had to be checked out by trainers.

And, when cameras zoomed on the 29-year-old's face -- you can see the dude had some serious bruising around his nose and eyes from his sunglasses.

But, Jake stayed in the game ... and actually BALLED OUT -- going 2-for-4 with a run and RBI.

MLB says it KNOWS Aroldis Chapman was gunning for a Rays player's head with a 101-MPH fastball Tuesday ... and now, it's suspended the Yankees star 3 games over it all.

If you missed it ... the NYY closer nearly ignited a massive brawl in the 9th inning of the Yanks game against Tampa Bay -- after he JUST MISSED Michael Brosseau's head with his trademark heater.

The pitch was scary as hell ... the white sphere came hurling at Brosseau's dome -- and cleared his helmet by only a few inches.

Chapman went on to strikeout Brosseau ... but the Rays didn't leave the field without confronting the reliever over the pitch, which caused the benches to clear.

There were no punches or brawls -- just a lot of barking -- but afterward, Rays manager Kevin Cash RIPPED Chapman and the Yanks because he felt it was all intentional.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," Cash told reporters. "It was mishandled by the Yankees. Certainly the pitcher on the mound. It was mishandled by the umpires."

FYI -- the Yanks and Rays have had seriously bad blood this season ... with the two going at it in some knockdown, drag-out games over the past couple weeks.

''Somebody has to be accountable," Cash said, before issuing what appeared to be a veiled threat ... "The last thing I'll say on it is I got a whole damn stable full of guys that throw 98 mph. Period.''

For his part, Yanks manager Aaron Boone called Cash's words "pretty scary," but didn't elaborate much more on the incident after the game.

On Wednesday, MLB hit Chapman with a 3-game ban for his role in it all, saying straight up he "intentionally" threw at Brosseau.

MLB also suspended Boone and Cash 1 game for their roles.

Unprecedented Roberto Clemente honor coming up for the Pittsburgh Pirates ... team officials say they'll unretire the Hall of Famer's #21 so their players can wear it for Clemente Day next week.

The team says the tribute will go down when the Buccos take on the White Sox on Sept. 9 ... with each Pitt. player set to don Clemente's famous number for the game.

Afterward, Pirates officials say they'll auction off the unis ... with all proceeds going toward the Clemente Foundation and other Pirates charities.

Of course, it's a HUGE honor ... no one in the org. has worn the number for a Pirates game since Clemente tragically died in a plane crash back in 1972. He was only 38.

"Our staff and players are excited to wear the number 21 with pride as we constantly search for ways to not only honor Roberto's legacy but to keep his memory alive through our community actions," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said.

"We recognize what this moment represents for all of us within the organization, the Clemente Family, our fans, and the people of Puerto Rico. We take great pride in representing such a great ambassador of the game."

The Pirates and MLB as a whole have honored Clemente every September since 2002 with Clemente Day ... with Pittsburgh doing different things every year to carry on RC's legacy.

Touching tribute from Atlanta Braves star Marcell Ozuna ... the OF flashed a "Wakanda Forever" arm sign in the middle of his historic game Tuesday -- all to honor the late Chadwick Boseman.

The scene at Fenway Park was pretty moving ... while Ozuna was rounding the bases after his 3rd home run of the game, he crossed his arms and pointed to the sky to pay respects to Boseman, who tragically died last week after a battle with colon cancer.

The gesture was particularly meaningful given how HUGE of a night Ozuna was having ... Marcell became the first National League player EVER to hit 3 HRs at Fenway.

Ozuna also added 6 RBI in the game ... as the Braves pounded the Red Sox, 10-3.

Of course, many others across the sports world have paid similar tributes to Boseman with the iconic "Black Panther" gesture ... LeBron James just did it before the Lakers' game Sunday.

"It actually felt like we had our black superhero and nobody could touch us," LeBron said of Boseman. "To lose that, it's sad in our community."

The Cleveland Indians just shipped out star pitcher Mike Clevinger -- just weeks after teammates blasted him for violating COVID protocol during a secret night out in Chicago.

Remember, Clevinger and his teammate/buddy Zach Plesac snuck away from the team hotel on August 8 to party with friends during a road trip in Chicago, violating COVID protocol.

Plesac was caught by MLB security -- which informed the Indians. Plesac was not allowed to travel back to Cleveland on the team plane the following day.

Clevinger managed to go undetected in the early hours of the scandal -- and DID get on the team plane, pissing off teammates and other Cleveland personnel when they found out about his involvement later on.

Both Clevinger and Plesac claimed they were safe during the night out and have not tested positive for coronavirus since -- but teammates like Adam Plutko blasted them to the media claiming the two men violated their trust and put the team at risk.

Both Clevinger and Plesac were demoted and sent away from the team ... and now the Indians decided to just get rid of Clevinger altogether.

In exchange for Clev, the Indians reportedly get reliever Cal Quantrill, shortstop prospect Gabriel Arias, outfielder Josh Naylor and catcher Austin Hedges.

Of course, it's a HUGE deal for San Diego ... Clevinger is one of the top arms in the league -- and nabbing him makes the Padres an immediate contender to knock off the Dodgers in the West.

San Diego also added a few other players in trades over the weekend -- including Seattle Mariners star Austin Nola -- and given the roster it currently has, SD is now a REAL World Series threat.

As for Plesac, he posted an IG video a few days after the incident claiming he was being unfairly portrayed in the media as a reckless monster.

He is still playing with the Indians' "alternate site" team -- which is essentially serving as their minor league option this season, since the regular minor leagues have been shut down due to COVID.

Welp, it's finally over for Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez -- they will not be buying the NY Mets.

The couple was in a serious battle with hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen to buy the team from the Wilpon family, but they officially dropped out of the running Friday night.

"Alex and I are so disappointed," Lopez said in a statement.

"We worked so hard the past 6 months with the dream of becoming the first minority couple and the first woman owner to buy her father’s favorite Major League Baseball team with her own hard-earned money. We still haven’t given up!!"

J Lo and A-Rod had put together an ownership group which included sports drink billionaire Mike Repole and NFL stars Travis Kelce and DeMarco Murray.

The group issued a statement saying, "The consortium led by Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez has informed the Mets that they are no longer pursuing the acquisition of the team."

"The consortium said that they are disappointed to not be part of the revitalization of New York City and provide an exhilarating experience for the fans and wish the Wilpon family and the entire Mets organization well."

J-Rod had just toured Citi Field earlier this month -- and just this week, Jennifer went on Barstool Sports' "The Corp" podcast and talked about how special it would be to have a woman as an MLB owner.

Steve Cohen has now reportedly entered "exclusive negotiations" to buy the team and should have it all wrapped up in the next few days.

The final price is expected to be somewhere north of $2.6 billion.

Rayshard Brooks' widow can't be more thankful for LeBron James and the rest of the NBA taking a stand with their boycott ... and she's hopeful true change is on its way.

Tomika Miller tells TMZ ... she beamed with pride after the Lakers and the rest of the NBA teams decided to boycott Wednesday's playoff games to bring attention to police brutality following the shooting of Jacob Blake and the 17-year-old who allegedly shot and killed 2 protesters in Kenosha, WI.

Tomika says there's a huge difference between her taking a stand at her workplace versus the NBA -- and several MLB, WNBA and MLS teams for that matter -- boycotting games. The size of the platform matters, and she says it brings a bigger spotlight on the plight of Black Americans.

Tomika said the players' actions let people like her know the "little people" are not forgotten by the privileged. As you know by now, Tomika's husband, Rayshard, was shot in the back and killed in June after cops found him asleep at the wheel at an Atlanta drive-thru.

When officers tried to handcuff him, a struggle ensued -- Brooks grabbed an officer's taser and ran before he was shot in the back 3 times. Making matters worse ... the family lawyer says cops waited more than 2 minutes to even check on Brooks once he was down.

Blake also was shot in the back ... 7 times at point-blank range by Kenosha, WI police officer Rusten Sheskey.

Shocking hot mic video of NY Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen trashing MLB commish Rob Manfred over a proposed social justice stunt ... saying Manfred "just doesn't get it."

Van Wagenen was speaking with people at the Mets media podium Thursday -- and clearly doesn't realize the mics are on.

He proceeds to detail a conversation with Manfred in which the Commish proposed a compromise where Mets players make a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the Jacob Blake shooting during Thursday's game ... but then ultimately play the game instead of boycott.

Van Wagenen says Manfred's proposal went like this -- "You know what would be really great? If you just have 'em all take the field [at 7:10], then they leave the field and then they come back and play at 8:10."

Van Wagenen claims he pushed back against Manfred's plan -- telling Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, "Jeff, that's not happening."

Van Wagenen says he made it clear the player would not be playing -- but explained, "That's Rob's instinct. And, Rob -- exactly what you and I were talking about -- at leadership level he doesn't get it. He just doesn't get it."

"Anyway, we're waiting -- Jeff wants to hear, as soon as we hear from the Marlins, whatever we do we need to coordinate with the Marlins. So as soon as Conforto hears from Rojas -- Miguel Rojas -- let me know because Jeff is standing by for that call ..."

We're out to MLB for comment. So far, no word back.

Jennifer Lopez says owning the NY Mets would not only be "amazing" for her ... but extremely beneficial for MLB to have a strong woman in a position of power.

Both J.Lo and Alex Rodriguez have been laser-focused on trying to buy the team from the Wilpon family -- raising millions of dollars from high profile investors in the hopes of closing a deal.

Jen's main competition is from Wall Street titan Steve Cohen -- who reportedly made a $2.6 billion bid ... though word on the street is the Wilpons would rather sell to J-Rod's group if they can get close to that number.

Jennifer appeared on Barstool Sports' "The Corp" podcast -- where she was asked about the latest developments with the ownership pursuit.

"Listen, in this day and age, that would be something that would be so amazing," Lopez said.

"We don’t, I don’t have anything to report on that end right now. But, I think in every field, especially in institutions like Major League Baseball that are so American in this moment in time, it is important for diversity and it is important for women to have positions of power that they’ve earned and deserve and can contribute in a way that is just as good as any man on the planet."

She adds, "So of course I am for it."

There are currently zero women listed as a principal owner of a Major League Baseball franchise.

Also, Lopez wouldn't just be a silent partner -- she has a reputation as a savvy self-made businesswoman who's made a fortune over the years ... and she's not afraid to speak her mind.

So far, a bunch of NBA and NFL stars have joined the J-Rod investment group including Travis Kelce, DeMarco Murray and Brian Urlacher.