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2025 MLB Draft Night 1: Wild Reaches Steals of the Century & One Pick That Left Scouts Speechless

The opening night of the 2025 MLB Draft brought everything—surprising slides, risky picks, and a few organizations that just might’ve found their franchise cornerstone.

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2025 MLB Draft Day One Recap: Big Steals, Puzzling Picks, and Ethan Holliday’s Surprising Slide
Kade Anderson embraces his family after being selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Nationals during the 2025 MLB Draft.

Day One of the 2025 MLB Draft is officially in the books, and as expected, it didn’t disappoint. While fans and analysts alike will need time to truly evaluate these selections, rounds one through three already gave us plenty to chew on—some clubs played it safe, some swung for upside, and a few walked away with what could be the steals of the draft.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most compelling storylines coming out of the first night—from brilliant front office moves to head-scratching decisions that have left many in the baseball world stunned.

Nationals Go All-In on Kade Anderson—Holliday Falls to No. 4?!

The Washington Nationals made headlines by taking Kade Anderson, the LSU ace, with the No. 1 overall pick—confirming whispers that had gained momentum in the final 48 hours before the draft.

Anderson’s stock skyrocketed after his College World Series shutout, and the Nats clearly believe they’ve found their future frontline starter. But the twist? Consensus No. 1 Ethan Holliday, the dynamic shortstop and NIL superstar, slipped to pick No. 4, taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“It was stunning. Everyone in the room expected Holliday to go top two,” said one scout. Washington clearly values polish over projection.

Biggest Steal: Miami Grabs Jamie Arnold at No. 19

Multiple insiders are calling it already: Jamie Arnold, the hard-throwing lefty from Florida State, could be the best value of the first round. The Miami Marlins nabbed him at pick 19, a player many had ranked in the top 10.

Arnold’s Golden Spikes semifinalist campaign was electric, and with the Marlins’ track record of developing pitchers, this might end up being a dream pairing.

Biggest Head-Scratcher: Rockies Take Aiva Arquette at No. 8

It’s not that Aiva Arquette isn’t talented—the Hawaiian shortstop boasts elite tools and raw potential—but most boards projected him as a late first-rounder. So when the Colorado Rockies grabbed him at No. 8, eyebrows raised.

Some insiders suspect it was a pre-draft deal to save slot money, but in a draft this deep, passing on available arms like Liam Doyle or Kyson Witherspoon may haunt Colorado in the future.

Sleeper Pick: Cubs Take Xavier Neyens in Round 2

Don’t sleep on Xavier Neyens, taken by the Chicago Cubs with the 53rd pick. The Washington prep star has a sweet lefty swing, advanced plate discipline, and could develop into a middle-of-the-order bat with pop.

One NL scout called him “a future star in disguise,” comparing him to a young Kyle Tucker.

Domènec Torrent’s First Draft Influence on Seattle

Though known for his work in football, new Mariners executive Domènec Torrent (recently brought into the franchise in an advisory role) reportedly pushed hard for high-upside international signings, influencing Seattle’s aggressive selection of two Dominican-born prep talents.

If they pan out, this might be the beginning of a fascinating cross-sport executive experiment in Seattle Mariners front office strategy.

What to Watch on Day 2

  • Where will Jacob Parker, Miguel Sime, and Malachi Witherspoon land? All three were projected fringe Day One picks.
  • Will more teams continue slot-saving strategies, or will college seniors go off the board early?
  • Could trades start shaking up the back half of the top 10 in Round 4?

Early Winners & Losers

Early Winners:

  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Holliday falling to them at No. 4? Jackpot.
  • Miami Marlins: Snagging Arnold at 19 is a potential franchise-changer.
  • Chicago Cubs: Underrated value picks with upside.

Question Marks:

  • Colorado Rockies: Risky swing on Arquette at No. 8.
  • Texas Rangers: Took a college reliever at 16 despite better arms available.
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She played with a broken leg England’s Euro 2025 heroines revealed – One Lioness even saved two penalties in the final shootout

Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, and Michelle Agyemang stole the spotlight in England’s dramatic Euro 2025 win over Spain, but it’s what Lucy Bronze hid throughout the tournament that left fans speechless

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England’s Lionesses Shatter Expectations at Euro 2025 – Heroics from Bronze, Hampton, and More
Hannah Hampton celebrates after saving the final penalty against Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final.

When England’s Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 trophy in Switzerland, the celebration wasn’t just about the silverware. It was about grit, heroism, and untold sacrifices. Behind every goal, tackle, and save was a story worth telling. And some of them are still sending shivers down fans’ spines.

ALSO READ : He Went Solo in the Storm for 30km… and Still Finished Tenth? Harry Sweeny’s Grit Stuns Tour de France Fans

The final against Spain ended in a nail-biting penalty shootout, but it was Sarina Wiegman’s squad that roared loudest when the dust settled. Here’s a look at the standout warriors of the tournament — the women who bled, fought, and conquered

Hannah Hampton – The Calm in Chaos

The 23-year-old goalkeeper delivered one of the most memorable performances in England’s footballing history. In the final, Hampton saved two crucial penalties, single-handedly denying Spain a shot at glory.

But her moment of the tournament came earlier — a visionary, defence-splitting pass that tore through the Netherlands in England’s 4-0 group stage win. That one move silenced critics and set the tempo. She didn’t just protect the net; she orchestrated from it.

She barely put a glove wrong,” fans posted across X as clips of her saves trended worldwide.

England’s Lionesses Shatter Expectations at Euro 2025 – Heroics from Bronze, Hampton, and More


Lucy Bronze – Broken Tibia, Unbreakable Spirit

Lucy Bronze, a name already etched in English football folklore, stunned everyone — not just for her game-winning leadership — but for her secret injury. It was only after lifting the trophy that she revealed: she had played the entire tournament with a broken tibia.

Yes, the Olympique Lyon defender was literally broken, yet metaphorically stronger than ever. Her goal in the Sweden match sparked a crucial comeback, and her relentless pressing across all fixtures left opponents rattled.

Michelle Agyemang – The Future is Now

Thrown into the pressure cooker of the Italy knockout clash, Agyemang, only 19, played all 120 minutes. She didn’t just survive — she thrived.

A flawless 97% passing accuracy and 100% tackle success rate speaks volumes. But it was her composure under relentless pressure that has Wiegman dreaming of a central defensive mainstay for years to come.

Millie Bright – England’s Unshakable Wall

Bright might’ve missed her penalty in the final shootout, but let’s not forget — England wouldn’t even be in that shootout without her. With 18 defensive actions, 11 clearances, and zero tackles lost, she was the spine of the team’s resistance.

While penalties may be a coin flip, her contribution was as concrete as it gets.

Jess Carter – Resilience Personified

From a shaky start to being dropped in the semis, to becoming one of the final’s key defenders, Jess Carter’s journey was nothing short of a rollercoaster.

Abused online, she chose to speak out, showing bravery beyond the field. Then, she shut down Spain’s attackers in the final with pinpoint interceptions. If redemption had a face in Euro 2025, it would look like Carter’s.

Niamh Charles – The Ultimate Finisher

She wasn’t the regular starter, but Niamh Charles became the secret weapon Wiegman needed late in games. Taking over Bronze’s spot when legs grew heavy, she brought verve and a fresh threat down the flank.

She may well be England’s breakout starter in the 2027 World Cup.

England’s Lionesses: More Than Champions

From Chloe Kelly’s relentless runs to Sarina Wiegman’s tactical masterclass, this team wasn’t just better — they were braver. What separated them wasn’t talent alone — it was sacrifice, unity, and an unshakeable belief.

As England celebrates its Euro 2025 crown, fans and future players alike will remember not just the title, but the stories behind it. Stories of bones broken, abuse overcome, and nerves of steel forged into history.

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“Unbelievable” Bubba Wallace Makes History at Brickyard 400 Beats Rain Overtimes and Fuel Panic in Shocking Win

Bubba Wallace becomes the first Black driver to conquer Indianapolis’ iconic oval as chaos, crashes, and Kyle Larson chase him in a heart-stopping Brickyard 400 finish

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Bubba Wallace Makes History with Brickyard 400 Victory on Indianapolis Oval
Bubba Wallace celebrates at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a historic Brickyard 400 victory that made him the first Black driver to win on the oval

Bubba Wallace just did what no other Black driver in NASCAR history has ever done: he won a major race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.5-mile oval.

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In an electrifying, rain-soaked, two-overtime Brickyard 400, Wallace defied everything from a surging Kyle Larson to last-minute fuel anxiety and a weather delay to claim his third Cup Series win — and arguably the most historic of them all.

Unbelievable,” Wallace shouted over the team radio as he crossed the famed yard of bricks, becoming a symbol of perseverance and progress in a sport that has long struggled with diversity.

Wallace’s Sunday triumph ended a 100-race drought, with his last win dating back to Kansas in 2022. His first career win came in Talladega in 2021. But this one? This one put him in NASCAR’s playoff spotlight and etched his name into the record books.

The Race That Had Everything: Drama, History, and a Dash of Chaos

The final margin of Wallace’s victory — just 0.222 seconds — barely hints at the chaos that unfolded on the racetrack.

Bubba Wallace Makes History with Brickyard 400 Victory on Indianapolis Oval


With 14 laps to go, Larson trailed by over 5 seconds. But by lap 6, he had narrowed the gap to under 3 when rain triggered a yellow flag. For Wallace, the delay meant 20 excruciating minutes to question his restart strategy — and his gas tank.

The restart came. Wallace outran Larson into Turn 2. But a crash behind the leaders forced a second overtime. Gas concerns loomed. The team debated: pit or risk it all?

Wallace stayed out, made the call — and made history.

From Pole Frustration to Podium Glory

Just a day earlier, Wallace was fuming. After holding the provisional pole for most of qualifying, he watched Chase Briscoe steal it with one of the final laps.

But Sunday wasn’t for second chances. It was about redemption.

And redemption came with a cherry on top for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and recent race winner Denny Hamlin. With legal battles over NASCAR’s charter system still ongoing, this win sent a message — loud and clear.

Brickyard’s Bonus Storylines

While Wallace commanded headlines, the race within the race — the In-Season Challenge — went to Ty Gibbs, who won the March Madness-style bracket and bagged a $1 million prize by finishing 21st, outperforming underdog finalist Ty Dillon, who ended 28th.

Meanwhile, Joey Logano, a three-time series champ, seemed destined for the podium with 26 laps remaining — until a right rear tire disaster and engine trouble sent him into an unrecoverable spiral.

Ryan Blaney and Chase Briscoe made their own statements: Blaney held off Larson and Hamlin to win Stage 2, marking his fifth stage win of the season. Briscoe, the pole winner, took Stage 1, adding a second trophy to his seasonal stage tally.

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t just about Bubba Wallace winning a race. This was about a trailblazer silencing his critics, shaking off the shadows of the past, and doing it on one of the most revered tracks in motorsports. The Indianapolis 500 has never had a Black champion. Even Formula 1 only races on the road course here — never the oval. Wallace just broke another barrier.

In a post-race interview, Wallace was emotional, acknowledging both the historical weight of the moment and the support system around him.

I’m just thankful for this team, for the faith they put in me. We stuck to the plan, we believed, and here we are.

With a playoff ticket now in hand, Bubba Wallace isn’t just part of the conversation — he may be about to lead it.

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“She’s too easy to beat”—Claressa Shields defends undisputed crown and dares Laila Ali to accept $15M mega-fight offer

In a dominant 10-round display against Lani Daniels, boxing icon Claressa Shields remains undefeated, mocks the lack of worthy challengers, and throws down a $15 million gauntlet to retired legend Laila Ali.

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Claressa Shields Defeats Lani Daniels and Calls Out Laila Ali for $15M Mega-Fight

Claressa Shields the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), continues to build a case that few in boxing history—man or woman—can match her legacy. On Saturday night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, she reminded the world why she’s still the queen of the ring.

ALSO READ : Katie Taylor stuns Madison Square Garden again: We are history makers forever after trilogy win over Amanda Serrano

In front of a roaring crowd of 15,369 fans, the Flint, Michigan native defended her undisputed heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Lani Daniels The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, and 99-91—all in favor of Shields, who barely broke a sweat in yet another masterclass performance.She fought a hard fight, and I hit Lani with some big shots,” Shields said. “I broke her to the body. I broke her down to the head… but she’s tough.

Shields, now 17-0 (3 KOs), dictated the fight from the center of the ring, showing off her exceptional footwork, sharp jab, and brutal body shots—especially in Rounds 5 through 7. Daniels, who entered the bout as the IBF Light Heavyweight Champion, had won seven straight prior to Saturday but quickly discovered why Shields is in a league of her own.

Claressa Shields Defeats Lani Daniels and Calls Out Laila Ali for $15M Mega-Fight


Rapper Rick Ross accompanied her ring walk, setting the tone for a night that was all about greatness. From the opening bell, Shields controlled the pace, teasing Daniels and even urging her to “stand and fight” during an early-round taunt. When Daniels finally mounted a minor rally in the eighth and ninth rounds, Shields simply laughed it off.

These girls are just too easy to beat,” Shields declared post-fight. “They talk so much crap, but I clear every division I touch.

Indeed, she has. In February, she made history as the first boxer—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions, after defeating Danielle Perkins in her hometown of Flint.

Now, Shields is looking for something bigger. She’s eyeing legacy fights—ones that would define eras. That includes a long-teased showdown against Laila Ali daughter of Muhammad Ali and a legend in her own right.

We put up the $15 million for the fight and we haven’t heard anything back,” Shields revealed. “Hopefully she saw the fight tonight and says, ‘You know what? I think I can take her.

Shields also mentioned possible matchups with Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Che Kenneally, and even a potential bout at 154 lbs against Mikaela Mayer if serious negotiations happen.

In the co-main event, Tony Harrison made a triumphant return with a unanimous decision win over Edward Diaz. Harrison, sporting full Detroit Lions gear, bounced back from a 2023 TKO loss to Tim Tszyu, overcoming a scare in the ninth round when Diaz clipped him with a right hand.

It wasn’t even like a punch that hurt me,” Harrison said. “It was kind of a flash. I owed that for not being disciplined.

But the night undoubtedly belonged to Shields. Her ability to neutralize elite opponents, control the fight tempo, and entertain fans has positioned her as not just the face of women’s boxing—but its gold standard.

With no signs of slowing down, Claressa Shields has made it clear: she’s waiting for someone—anyone—who can bring the fight to her level.

Until then, she remains undisputed, undefeated, and unmatched.

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