MLB

A New York Yankees fan who drilled Red Sox star Alex Verdugo in the back with a baseball this weekend is now banned from attending MLB games FOREVER.

Yanks and MLB officials confirmed the decision Sunday ... after the fan hurled a ball at Verdugo from his seat in left field during the Boston vs. NY game Saturday night.

The scene was wild ... Verdugo tossed a baseball into the crowd to give a souvenir to a young fan, but seconds later, a man in a Yankees shirt heaved it back at him while he wasn't looking.

The ball plunked the Sox outfielder ... and he was FURIOUS over it, pointing up at the fan and yelling with rage.

Ultimately, the fan was booted from the game ... and then hit with a perma-ban from ALL MLB ballparks by officials less than 24 hours later.

"While the Yankees appreciate the spirit and passion of our fans in our various rivalries -- especially with the Red Sox -- reckless, disorderly and dangerous behavior that puts the safety of players, field staff or fellow fans in jeopardy will not be tolerated," Yankees officials said in a statement.

"There is absolutely no place for it at Yankee Stadium. The safety of everyone at Yankee Stadium, including guests in the stands and players on the field, will always be the top priority for the Yankees organization every time we open our doors."

Both the Red Sox and Yankees managers, Alex Cora and Aaron Boone, denounced the fan's actions ... with Boone calling it all, "awful, embarrassing" and "unacceptable."

The fan was somehow not arrested, NJ.com reported over the weekend ... though it's unclear if criminal charges are being pursued.

Padres superstars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado are being hailed for their heroics after gunshots forced Nationals Stadium into lockdown, and left some fans searching for a safe place to hide.

Video inside the game shows Tatis and Machado springing out of the 3rd base dugout and running to open a fence to the stands. As we reported, someone fired at least 7 shots Saturday night just outside the stadium, during the 6th inning.

The shots could be heard on the broadcast as the teams were walking to their dugouts, and fans were immediately told to shelter in place. Some fans at field level were exposed and scrambling for somewhere to take cover, and that's where the sluggers stepped in to help.

Both players ran from the cover of their dugout, and unlocked the gates from stands onto the field -- allowing terrified fans to flee. A stream of spectators sprinted, some carrying children, from the field into the protected dugout.

Cops say a total of 3 people were injured in the shooting ... including one woman who was attending the game. Although the shots were fired outside the stadium, cops say at least one bullet ricocheted and hit the spectator.

Peyton Manning looked absolutely nothing like one of the greatest athletes ever on Tuesday ... botching the ceremonial first pitch at the MLB All-Star Game -- and it was pretty terrible.

The former Broncos QB was tapped by baseball officials to kick off the big night at Coors Field in Denver ... and, boy, did he disappoint in the role.

Check out the clip ... Manning took the bump, reared back with an ugly wind-up, and then fired a fastball that didn't even reach home plate.

Seriously, it wasn't good.

In fact, the ball bounced so far from being a strike ... it had to be knocked down by Rockies pitcher German Marquez to save Peyton from all-time embarrassment.

You can tell from the footage, even Manning was disappointed with the toss ... he shook his head and threw up his hands before receiving the ball back from Marquez.

Of course, Manning's been retired from being a star athlete for more than 5 years now ... so maybe the 45-year-old deserves a pass here.

Fernando Tatis is shining bright like a diamond at the MLB's 2021 All-Star Week ... rockin' a massive 'El Nino' diamond chain --- worth $200k!!

The San Diego Padres shortstop's nickname is 'El Nino' ... and you may have spotted Tatis rockin' the ice during the Home Run Derby in Denver on Monday -- and the jewelry is amazing.

TMZ Sports has learned that the pendant -- featuring a little boy's face -- is filled with 25 carats of VVS emerald diamonds ... and the specially made Hermes chain holds 75 carats of VVS diamonds!

That's a total of 100 carats -- worth 200 racks!!

And, Tatis isn't the only All-Star reppin' his alias in some new bling ... Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. got a diamond 'El Abusador' pendant featuring his team's logo.

It's infused with 100 carats of VVS diamonds and is worth $175K!

Even though the right-fielder tore his ACL last weekend, he'll still be in Denver showin' love -- and maybe we'll catch him sportin' the new ice!

We're told that both chains -- made by Gabriel the Jeweler -- were designed and inspired by their close friend Nick Drbal.

Belli's having a baby!!!!

Cody Bellinger's model girlfriend, Chase Carter, just announced the couple is pregnant ... and is already 20 weeks along!!!

And, the Dodgers superstar clearly couldn't be more excited about it ... he commented on Carter's announcement on social media, "Ay ay ayyyyyyyy!!"

Belli and Carter have been dating for around a year ... and the two are very clearly in love, as they were inseparable during Bellinger's run to the World Series last October.

You'll recall, Carter was spotted at most of the MLB star's playoff games ... and even celebrated on the field with him after L.A. beat Tampa Bay to win it all.

No official due date has been announced yet for the baby Bellinger ... but doing the math should mean Cody -- who turned 26 on Tuesday -- will be a dad in November.

An MLB fan flipped over some railing and crash-landed onto his head trying to track down a Home Run Derby ball Monday ... but somehow, the dude escaped with no serious injuries.

The wild spill happened early in the MLB's long-ball event at Coor's Field in Denver ... when A's star Matt Olson cranked a dinger deep into the stadium's right field upper deck.

The man could be seen on the broadcast reaching over some railing to try to catch the ball ... but when he stretched just a little too far, he tumbled to the concrete below.

The scene was actually pretty terrifying ... the guy fell multiple feet and landed VERY awkwardly -- but he explained afterward he somehow avoided catastrophe in the tumble.

"It was coming right through here," the fan said, breaking down his thought process of chasing after the ball. "And I got up and tried to go over the railing to get it."

The fan said he suffered some scrapes on his elbow, but otherwise, came out of the spill just fine.

But, the dude said he didn't even get to come away with the baseball ... adding, "Never ended up getting it."

SAD!!!!!

By the way, the Derby was awesome this year ... Pete Alonso, Trey Mancini, Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani all put on amazing shows -- with Pete ultimately coming out on top for the second time in a row at the event.

Vanessa Hudgens and Pittsburgh Pirates player Cole Tucker are CLEARLY getting serious ... the actress posted a pic with her man Sunday, saying he's "All I need."

The two -- who began dating late in 2020 -- appeared to spend the whole weekend together in New York, while Tucker and the Pirates were in town for a series with the Mets.

And, it seems the couple is going SERIOUSLY strong ... 'cause Vanessa showed up to his games to cheer him on -- and then posted a pic of the two with the mushy caption to cap it all off.

Of course, Vanessa hasn't been shy about her affinity for Tucker over the past few months ... acknowledging their relationship on Valentine's Day, heading out to his games, and posting photos with him constantly.

Yeah, feels like love to us!

As for how Cole did in front of Hudgens during the series in New York this weekend ... he went 0-for-5 and the Pirates were only able to split the games 2-2.

The MLB All-Star Game might have become the site of a mass shooting this week ... had it not been for a hotel housekeeper, who tipped off cops to a huge collection of guns she found in one of the rooms.

Local reports say 4 individuals were arrested this weekend in Denver -- 3 men and a woman -- on illegal weapons charges after cops say they discovered an incredible cache of artillery in their rooms at the Maven Hotel ... just 2 blocks from Coors Field, where the All-Star events will take place this week.

ABC7 Denver reports a total of 16 long guns (AKA, rifles) were confiscated, as well as more than 1,000 rounds of ammo -- plus, body armor.

Their hotel rooms were reportedly on the 8th floor of the hotel ... and their balcony area had a bird's eye view of downtown Denver. Unclear what their intentions might've been, but some are already connecting the dots ... saying this could've possibly been a repeat of the Las Vegas massacre had it not been stopped by the heads-up housekeeper blowing the whistle.

ABC7 says 3 of the 4 suspects have criminal records, and one allegedly posted a scary Facebook message saying they would "go out in a big way."

Shohei Ohtani's monster 2021 season ain't just bringing awareness to MLB nationally ... the Angels superstar is opening eyes across the GLOBE -- so says Rick Ankiel.

The former St. Louis Cardinals star -- who was the last MLB player before Ohtani to have huge success as both a hitter and pitcher -- broke it all down for TMZ Sports this week ... explaining Shohei is just that electric.

"Look, there’s nothing the guy can’t do on a baseball field," said Ankiel, who Ohtani just passed on the all-time MLB home run leaderboard.

"Watching what he’s doing, it definitely is must-watch TV ... every time I see it, I stop."

Ankiel says because of Ohtani's ties to Japan ... the incredible year he's having is bringing eyeballs to the sport that may have never been brought otherwise.

"I think you’re going to have a lot of kids who are seeing him maybe for the first time on the All-Star Game, looking up to that and going out in the backyard and trying to hit like Ohtani, and pitch like Ohtani and try to be that growing up," Ankiel said.

"I think it’s fantastic."

Ohtani has a ridiculous 32 home runs already this season with a stellar .279 batting average ... and he's the clear-cut favorite for AL MVP at the moment.

Oh, and by the way, he also has a 3.49 ERA and a 4-1 record as a pitcher.

Trevor Bauer will be away from MLB mounds for at least another week ... the league just announced it extended the Dodgers star's paid leave 7 more days.

The MLB Players Association signed off on the move Thursday ... meaning Bauer is now out of Los Angeles' rotation until at least July 16.

Bauer had initially been placed on paid leave last Friday ... in wake of allegations that he had punched and choked a woman during two sexual encounters in April and May.

According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, if a police investigation and/or an MLB probe into the matter isn't settled by next week ... the Dodgers and the league could look into putting Bauer on paid leave indefinitely.

Bauer has been arguably the best starter on Los Angeles' roster this season -- he holds an 8-5 record with a 2.59 ERA -- but he hasn't pitched since June 28.

As we previously reported ... a woman -- who says she met Bauer on Instagram -- claims Bauer choked her and hit her so many times during their two meetings earlier this year, she was left with scratches, bruises and lacerations.

The 30-year-old has emphatically denied the allegations ... claiming it was all part of entirely consensual sex.

Thousands of Trevor Bauer bobbleheads will NOT be handed out at next month's Dodgers game -- the team has scrapped the promotion for now ... amid serious assault allegations made against the star pitcher.

30-year-old Bauer is currently on paid leave as MLB investigates a woman's claims he punched and choked her during 2 sexual encounters earlier this year ... and the team expects his 7-day ban to be extended past Friday.

According to the L.A. Times, the Dodgers have decided it was best to take the Cy Young winner off its promotion schedule ... with the bobbleheads originally set to be handed out on August 19 against the New York Mets.

Worth noting -- the game is still listed on the team's promo schedule ... so it's unclear if L.A. is waiting on the results of the probe or planning a last-minute replacement giveaway.

The Pasadena Police Dept. is currently investigating the alleged incidents ... and Bauer has emphatically denied the allegations, maintaining that his actions were strictly consensual.

Don't expect a Trevor Bauer return to this mound this week ... L.A. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he anticipates his pitcher's paid leave to be extended while the assault investigation into the MLB star continues.

The Dodgers head man made the announcement Monday ... saying he does not envision Bauer re-joining the team when the 30-year-old's initial 7-day paid leave period ends Friday.

"I don't see it happening," Roberts told reporters.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred placed Bauer on paid administrative leave last Friday ... in the wake of allegations that Bauer violently punched and choked a woman during two sexual encounters earlier this year.

Per MLB rules, Manfred can extend the administrative leave if the MLB players' union signs off ... and, according to Roberts, that seems likely at this point.

As we previously reported, a woman says Bauer choked her to the point of losing consciousness while having sex with her during two separate incidents in April and May.

The woman -- who in civil court docs says she met Bauer through Instagram -- also claims the baseball player punched her and scratched her repeatedly, leaving her with visible lacerations and bruises.

The woman also claims Bauer had anal sex with her while she was unconscious, something she did not consent to.

Bauer and his reps have strongly denied the allegations ... claiming the incidents were entirely consensual and that the pitcher's accuser had actually enthusiastically encouraged the rough sex.

We don't know if we should crown this guy Dad of the Year, or Gutsiest Dad of the Year ... because he could easily fall into both for this incredible feat with his kid and a baseball.

Check out this insane clip of what seems to be a relatively new father holding his child at the Arizona Diamondbacks game Sunday, where they were in Phoenix facing the visiting SF Giants. Of course, when you go to a live game ... ya gotta look out for those foul balls.

They can come at you fast when coming off a player's bat at the plate ... and that's exactly what happened here for this fella. His instinct was ... catch the damn thing, barehand!

Watch for yourself -- he literally releases the baby that he's holding in his left hand/arm to reach up and snag the ball midair (which he successfully does) ... and an instant later, he swings his arm back down to catch the falling kid (again, he pulls it off somehow).

BTW, we forgot to mention ... Papa Bear here was also carrying a beer in his free hand -- so it's literally like a circus stunt. He spilled a little while making the amazing catch(es), but the suds stayed mostly intact. As freaked as people were, they were equally impressed.

Trevor Bauer has just been sidelined by Major League Baseball ... he's been placed on paid administrative leave amid an assault allegation.

The Dodgers star traveled with the team to the nation's capital on Wednesday and was scheduled to start Sunday against the Nationals ... but that plan's now scrapped as MLB commissioner Rob Manfred placed Bauer on paid leave for 7 days.

The League can extend the administrative leave provided the MLB players' union signs off. The League's investigating claims by a woman alleging the reigning NL Cy Young winner sexually assaulted her. Bauer denies any wrongdoing.

As we reported ... the woman accused Bauer of choking her to the point of losing consciousness and then having non-consensual anal sex with her, according to docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

The woman made extremely disturbing allegations in an 84-page temporary restraining order application filed by the alleged victim's attorney. The woman claimed 2 meetings with Bauer started as consensual sex ... but then turned into a violent attack.

The 21-year-old accuser said she met Bauer through Instagram before meeting him on April 21 face-to-face. She alleges they were in the middle of intercourse when he started aggressively putting his fingers down her throat. She says she asked him to stop ... and he did.

But then, according to the docs, the woman claimed Bauer "wrapped my hair around my neck and choked me." The alleged victim says she lost consciousness.

The woman went on to claim that when she woke up she was faced down on the bed ... and Bauer was having anal sex with her. The accuser said she did not consent to it.

Bauer's reps claim they've shared scores of texts between them with Pasadena PD, which is investigating the accuser's allegations. A hearing's set for July 23.