Pham Bam

August 18, 2021

By: Carlos Alvarez

Good Morning

It’s a mixed bag on a Wednesday. From the MLB’s longest home run of the year to Tim Tebow’s one-and-done tight end experiment, we’ve got it all. The August grind continues, but the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs are just around the corner to pick us back up.

Letter Rip!

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MLB

Pham’s Bam 

Photo: Ralph Freso / Getty Images

Tommy Pham Smashes 486-Foot Bomb for Longest Home Run of the 2021 MLB Season

 

The Padres didn’t get a win last night — San Diego suffered a 7-3 loss to the Rockies — but Tommy Pham delivered the jack of the year. Pham obliterated a 2-1 pitch in the top of the 7th off German Marquez that reached the atmosphere. By the time it landed, 486-feet later, it was the longest home run of the season. But despite the highlight, the Padres have slid to 12 games back of the Giants and into the final NL wild card spot. Either way, the bomb of the year belongs to Pham.

 

Watch: Tommy Pham Hits 486-Foot HR

 

MLB Quick-Hitters

 

Bassit Carted Off: Athletics right-hander Chris Bassit took a line-drive to the face on Tuesday night and immediately collapsed. He was carted off with severe bleeding but remained conscious. A’s lost to the White Sox, 9-0.

 

Yanks Keep Surging: The Yankees were once 9.5 games back of the Red Sox in the AL East roughly a month ago, but after winning both games in a doubleheader against Boston on Tuesday. Both teams are now tied in the standings, and New York has won five straight as their late-season surge continues.

 

Nelson’s Big Night: The bat of the night belonged to Rays’ slugger Nelson Cruz who bashed two home runs for five RBIs in a 10-0 rout against the Orioles. The Rays (73 wins) have a three-game advantage over the field in the race for the American League pennant.

 

Additional Storylines

MLB: MVP Poll: Who Are the Favorites?

USA Today: Trailing by 9.5 Games in July, the Yankees tie the Red Sox in the Standings

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NFL

Tebow Time is Up in Jacksonville

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images

Jaguars Cut TE Tim Tebow After 1 Preseason Game

 

The former Heisman Trophy-winning QB’s NFL comeback attempt is over almost as quickly as it began. Tim Tebow, who converted to tight end and joined the Jacksonville Jaguars last month, was cut by the team on Tuesday. Tebow was a victim of the first-round roster cuts after being targeted just once for zero catches in the first preseason game. Tebow posted a thank you to the Jags on social media after the news.

 

“Thank you to the Jaguars organization and everyone who has supported me in this journey. And we know that… God works all things together for good. Romans 8:28.” — Tim Tebow

 

Since exiting the NFL in 2015, Tebow played minor league baseball for the Mets and published multiple books. Tebow fans will have to wait to find out his next move.

 

Additional Storylines

CBS Sports: The Tim Tebow Tight End Experiment Ends

USA Today: Jaguars Urban Meyer Says Cutting Tebow the ‘Right Thing to Do’

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NBA

The 2021-22 NBA Schedule Reveal

Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images

Top NBA Games Slated on Opening Week & Christmas Day

 

The NBA released its nationally televised schedule on Tuesday, featuring the ever-popular Christmas Day slate alongside marquee opening week matchups to tip-off the 75th anniversary season. Basketball fans will be excited to see the Bucks-Nets and Lakers-Warriors on opening night before Brooklyn also draws the Lakers in a dynamite holiday showdown. Here are some of the top games to keep an eye on when basketball returns. Mark the calendars!

 

NBA Schedule (Notable Games)

 

Opening Week

Nets at Bucks (Oct. 19, 7:30 pm ET)

Warriors at Lakers (Oct. 19, 10:00 pm ET)

Celtics at Knicks (Oct. 20, 7:30 pm ET)

Nuggets at Suns (Oct. 20, 10:00 pm ET)

Mavericks at Hawks (Oct. 21, 7:30 pm ET)

Clippers at Warriors (Oct. 21, 10:00 pm ET)

Nets at 76ers (Oct. 22, 7:30 pm ET)
Suns at Lakers (Oct. 22, 10:00 pm ET)

 

Christmas Day
Hawks at Knicks (12:00 pm ET)

Celtics at Bucks (2:30 pm ET)

Warriors at Suns (5:00 pm ET)

Nets at Lakers (8:00 pm ET)

Mavericks at Jazz (10:30 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

USA Today: How NBA’s Christmas Day Games Rank on Watchability

ESPN: The Games We Can’t Wait to See on Opening Week & Christmas Day

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THE STORYLINES

🏀 NBA Team-by-Team Offseason Grades

While there are still a few key free agents yet to land with teams, the NBA offseason has slowed to a snail’s pace as rosters have most of their pieces in place for the 2021-22 season. Here’s how all 30 teams are shaping up. (CBS Sports)

 

⛳️ The Beginning of the FedEx Cup Playoffs

The FedEx Cup playoffs begin this week at the Northern Trust, continue next week with the BMW Championship and conclude a week later with the Tour Championship. And a $15 million prize awaits the winner. (ESPN)

 

🏈 The Fantasy Football Draft Guide

Welcome to The Ringer’s Fantasy Football Draft Guide… Get analysis and stats on specific players to help you gain knowledge that will help you dominate your upcoming fantasy league. It’s never too early to get ready for football season. (The Ringer)

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📰 THE HEADLINES


RAFFLE: $500 Dick’s Sporting Goods Gift Card & ESPN+ SubscriptionSHARE SPORTS, GET REWARDS

 

We’re giving away more prizes! For every 2 friends you refer to The Sportsletter, you’ll get 1 raffle entry for a chance to win a $500 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and a 1-year subscription to ESPN+. Raffle ends Aug. 31

 

Simply share The Sportsletter with family and friends using your unique Team ID. You’ll also get rewarded with team gear as you rack up points and climb the ranks.

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