Yardbarker

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Daniel Bard talks about the pitch that broke Jose Altuve's thumb

Daniel Bard discussed the sinker he threw which broke the thumb of Astros second baseman Jose Altuve at the World Baseball Classic.

Panthers land Pro Bowl WR, with more additions potentially on the way

The Carolina Panthers continued to rebuild their offense on Sunday, inking veteran free-agent wideout Adam Thielen. However, the Panthers could be eyeing

Watch: Padres' Austin Nola hit in the face by pitch in spring training tilt

Fans at Sunday afternoon's Cactus League matchup between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs witnessed a scary incident involving Friars' catcher Austin Nola.  

Kentucky's Sweet 16 drought continues after loss to K-State

The Sweet 16 drought for the Kentucky Wildcats continues. On Sunday, another set of Wildcats, Kansas State, sent Kentucky packing, winning a highly contested matchup in the NCAA Tournament second round, 75-69.

HOF coach takes shocking dig at 76ers' Joel Embiid

After coming close several times, this season might finally be the year Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins league MVP. One Hall of Fame coach still felt the need to criticize the electric big man.

Trea Turner's game-winning grand slam made WBC history

The United States advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Saturday, topping Venezuela 9-7 thanks to a clutch game-winning grand slam late off the bat of Turner. 

Watch: Jose Altuve exits WBC contest against US after being hit by pitch

Watch: Astros star Jose Altuve was lifted from Saturday's World Baseball Classic tilt between Venezuela and the United States after being hit in the hand by a pitch.

Leon Edwards throws shade at Colby Covington after retaining title at UFC 286

Leon Edwards had some choice words about Colby Covington during his post-fight interview at UFC 286.

Duke ties dubious program record in tournament loss to Tennessee

The 2022-23 Blue Devils faced the impossible task of meeting the long-held expectations built over the years under the legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski. 

Odell Beckham Jr. denies requesting $20M a year in free agency

Despite being one of the hottest names available on the free agent market, Beckham Jr. still has yet to find a new home after sitting out the 2022 season. 

Brent Musberger reveals the surprising origins of the term 'March Madness'

Often credited with popularizing the iconic term "March Madness," legendary broadcaster Brent Musberger recently revealed its surprising origins.  

Jaylen Brown calls out 'problematic' portion of Celtics fan base

Celtics star Jaylen Brown called out a portion of the fanbase for their toxicity.

Fairleigh Dickinson wasn't supposed to be in NCAA Tournament

For only the second time in NCAA Tournament history, a No. 16 seed defeated a No. 1 seed after Fairleigh Dickinson shocked Purdue. Adding further insult to injury for the Boilermakers, FDU wasn't technically supposed to be in this year's tournament.

Olivia Pichardo becomes first woman to play NCAA Division I baseball game

Pichardo became the first female to appear in an NCAA Division I baseball game, suiting up for Brown against Bryant University. Pichardo appeared as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning, grounding out to first. 

Watch: Ken Griffey Jr. takes BP with Team USA, smashes HR

On Friday, Ken Griffey Jr. took batting practice with Team USA at loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla., one of the host cities of the World Baseball Classic. As Griffey stepped into the box, a large group of today's stars gathered around like giddy school children to watch. Then, the Hall of Famer went to work, showing that his left-handed swing is still as sweet as we all remember. 

Could Michael Jordan be part of bid to buy Commanders?

Amid reports that he's in discussions to sell the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan may be gearing up for his next venture in professional sports ownership.

Lakers teammate provides cryptic update on LeBron James' foot injury

LeBron James has been out of the Los Angeles Lakers lineup since late February, nursing a foot injury. It's still unclear when James will return, but teammate Dennis Schroder provided a cryptic update on the stars' status while speaking with reporters Friday.

Panthers offense erupts for record-setting first period against Habs

Defense and goaltending were optional in the Florida Panthers' 9-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.

Draymond Green receives one-game suspension after picking up 16th technical foul

Warriors forward Draymond Green will sit out on a suspension come Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Dak Prescott reacts to Ezekiel Elliott's 'tough' exit from Dallas

Prescott became emotional when discussing the fact that Elliott won't be back with the Cowboys next season but added that he's the running back's No. 1 supporter, "no matter what." 

Coyotes ink son of franchise legend to entry-level deal

While we'll have to wait and see whether or not he can rival what his father accomplished over 20 seasons with the franchise, Doan has the skill to be a future top-six forward. Doan has a rocket shot from the right side, and much like his father, he doesn't shy away from the rough stuff.

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League bans fighting, citing need for 'culture change'

Fighting has always been a hot topic of conversation in the hockey world. While some will rally against the change, it's probably overdue. Perhaps there are excuses for fisticuffs at the professional level, but at the junior level, it borders on unnecessary barbarism. 

Kansas' explosive start to NCAA Tournament bodes well for back-to-back title hopes

The defending champion Kansas Jayhawks opened this year's NCAA Tournament run with a blowout victory, knocking off No. 16 Howard 96-68 on Thursday in the opening round of the West Region bracket. 

Former All-Star believes it's Joel Embiid's turn to win MVP

A former NBA All-Star made his case for Joel Embiid to win NBA MVP.

Mets star closer Edwin Diaz injured during celebration at WBC

Diaz appeared to injure his right leg while jumping up and down in celebration with his teammates after the win.