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Anthony Edwards' Hit List, MLB Blacklists, and Playoffs Fumbles

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👋 Hey FirstFans!

We’re back with another loaded edition, and trust us — you’re gonna want to see this one. From Anthony Edwards putting NBA legends on his playoff hit list to Kyle Larson clearing up NASCAR rumors, the sports world’s been anything but quiet.

We’ve got MVP battles and Hall of Fame drama. So grab your seat — it’s time to catch up on the moments everyone’s talking about.

Let’s dive right in!

Today’s WOW moments from sports world!

⚾️ MLB BLACKLIST SHAKE-UP
🏀 ANT’S PLAYOFF HIT LIST GROWS
🏒 LEAFS FANS LOSE IT AGAIN
🏎️ LARSON LOVE, HAMLIN HEAT 

⚾️ Baseball’s Blacklist Shakes Up — Pete’s In, Bauer’s Talking

Big news in baseball — MLB just removed Pete Rose and 16 other late ballplayers from its permanently ineligible list for the Hall of Fame. Rose, who holds the record for the most hits in MLB history, had been blackballed for decades after betting on games while managing his team. Now, technically, he’s eligible for Hall consideration. It’ll be a whole new process, but the door’s finally cracked open.

The Cincinnati Reds wasted no time jumping in. They’re throwing a “Pete Rose Night” to honor their legendary, if controversial, star. Whether that means a Hall plaque soon is anyone’s guess, but Cincy fans are getting a nostalgia night either way.

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Meanwhile, Trevor Bauer saw this as his cue to fire a shot at the league. The former Cy Young winner, now pitching in Japan, jumped on social media to ask if this means everyone who’s been blackballed gets a shot at redemption. A not-so-subtle dig at MLB, considering Bauer’s still out of the league after his own very public controversy.

Bauer’s been away from MLB since 2021, following sexual assault allegations that led to a hefty suspension — initially 324 games, later trimmed to 194. He’s currently suiting up in Nippon Professional Baseball, but he’s clearly not done poking the bear back home.

🏀 Ant’s Revenge Tour, MVP Tension & Suns Drama

Steve Kerr might want that one back. A few years ago, Kerr told a young Anthony Edwards his work ethic wasn’t cut out for the NBA. Fast forward to now — Ant took that personally, channeled his inner MJ meme, and has since kicked his Team USA “Avengers” teammates out of the playoffs one by one. KD? Gone. LeBron? Gone. Steph? Well… he was hurt and barely played, but still. And now, Ant’s headed to his second straight Western Conference Finals.

Over in Denver, Nikola Jokic is dragging his squad into a brutal Game 7 against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC. The MVP award still hasn’t been announced, adding extra spice to an already ridiculous series. Analyst Nick Wright even joked the league should hand SGA the trophy before tip-off just to see if Jokic can pull a Hakeem vs. Admiral throwback. Honestly, I’d watch that.

Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns can’t stay out of trouble. The franchise — valued at $4.3 billion — just got hit with its fourth lawsuit since November, this time by one of their own employees for discrimination. Oh, and they also failed a security test where two undercover cops managed to sneak knives and a handgun into the arena. Not great, Phoenix.

And while we’re on postseason stories, let’s talk about Jimmy Butler. The 'Playoff Jimmy' myth took a hit after getting bounced by Ant’s Timberwolves. Now, some analysts and ex-players are openly questioning whether Jimmy really deserves to be in the same playoff conversation as the all-time greats. That Butler-Warriors run was fun this season, though.

🥊 FS QUICK HITS

🏒 Toronto Melts, Edmonton Rises, and Carolina Cleans Up

It’s happening again in Toronto. The Maple Leafs blew a 2-0 series lead against the Panthers and now find themselves trailing 3-2. Leafs fans, understandably fed up with yet another postseason meltdown, let the team have it after Game 5 — booing them off the ice and even tossing an Auston Matthews jersey over the glass. Rough night for the home team and their franchise star.

Out West, the Edmonton Oilers finally hit their stride. After a shaky start to the postseason, Connor McDavid and company eliminated the defending champs, the Vegas Golden Knights, in five games. The Oilers now cruise into the Western Conference Final looking like the powerhouse many expected them to be from day one.

Meanwhile, in the East, it’s curtains for Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes made quick work of them, also wrapping things up in five games. It’s another early exit for Ovi, and questions about how much longer this Caps core can chase another Cup are only getting louder.

Playoff hockey — never boring, always chaotic.

🏁 Larson Clears The Air, Denny Sounds Off, And Brex Busch Levels Up

Kyle Larson wants fans to know one thing — he’s not here just for the paycheck. The Hendrick Motorsports star opened up about the lingering misconception that he only races in NASCAR for the money and would rather be in a sprint car full-time. Larson made it clear he genuinely loves stock car racing and wishes fans would see it that way. “You’re never going to convince everybody,” he admitted, but he feels like it’s getting better.

Over in podcast land, Denny Hamlin isn’t holding back on NASCAR’s playoff format. On his latest Actions Detrimental episode with Kyle Busch, Hamlin called out the “winner-take-all” system, saying it turns a full season of work into a one-race gamble. It’s a conversation more drivers seem to be leaning into these days.

And speaking of Kyle Busch — his son Brexton’s racing journey is kicking into high gear. Brex is set to make his Legend Car debut at Hickory this week now that he’s finally old enough. Busch talked about wanting to keep his son sharp across different cars and surfaces, mixing dirt and pavement racing as he climbs the ladder. Feels like another Busch family driver might be on the way.

Thank you folks for reading our newsletter! Will see you in the next edition with more exciting highlights from the sports world curated for you! 🙏