Recent content from Howard Sinker
Game Day! Everything you need to get ready and follow the Wild Card game
The build-up to the Wild Card game ends late Sunday afternoon when the opening kickoff booms at U.S. Bank Stadium. Here's the Star Tribune's ultimate game guide
The crying game: Another night of Twins tears and frustration
Wednesday's shocking Twins loss in Cleveland was a reminder of another night in team lore that is burned into the memory of an older generation of fans.
How did 81-1 long shot Rich Strike win the Kentucky Derby? Watch this
Here are two views of the race that explain what happened in the Kentucky Derby — and a look at the staggering payouts for people who picked the winner.
Recognizing the best: Star Tribune All-Metro Sports Awards
Recognizing the best: Star Tribune All-Metro Sports Awards
Slow week in Minnesota sports? Six things to see while the pros are idle
The Twins, Lynx and Loons aren't playing this week. But if you're looking for sports to watch, you can still find baseball, basketball and more around the Twin Cities.
Best center ever? Watch Lynx star Sylvia Fowles make that case
Fowles started a weekend of big sports headlines with a masterpiece game that drew raves about her place in basketball history — and led the Lynx to an overtime upset of Las Vegas.
Greatness to grotesque: Inside the Twins' massive collapse in Oakland
With a 2:38 p.m. start and 6:54 p.m. finish, there's a pretty good chance most of you were distracted from watching the entire 13-12 loss. We fill the gaps in your knowledge.
Without video, Duluth broadcaster still brought the UMD highlights
Sure, UMass defeated UMD in the NCAA Frozen Four. But, for us, Duluth broadcaster Sam Ali is the No. 1 star. This improv move is the greatest.
Podcast: Paige Bueckers, superstar; Twins opener, meltdown
Chip Scoggins joins the Daily Delivery from the women's Final Four to talk about his story on the former Hopkins standout. Also, how the Twins opener went bad and what's up with the Bally Sports North ticker?
Ex-Gophers star Mychal Thompson to Chet Holmgren: 'Go to the U'
Hiring Ben Johnson appears to be sitting well enough among some ex-Gophers basketball players that they're trying to give him an assist in recruiting, even when it looks like a lost cause.
![Minnesota guard Marcus Carr (5) surveyed the court for options in the second half. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HXS2MTANEQNLT5M665LYWS6TPQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
On the outs? Gophers men drop to fringe of NCAA men's basketball predictions
One high-profile expert has the Gophers out of the field now. Another has them in, with an asterisk. What's certain? The U's hopes took a hit with last week's two losses.
Bueckers, Suggs dominate on magical night for Minnesota basketball stars
Paige Bueckers scored the final 13 points to lead No. 2 UConn to an overtime win over No. 1 South Carolina. Jalen Suggs sparked men's No. 1 Gonzaga to a 19-0 record.
'A minefield.' Women in baseball media on working amid harassment
The firing of the New York Mets general manager Jared Porter after one month on the job brought strong responses about issues women face while trying to do their jobs.
Watch: Vikings-Bears postgame show on StribSports Live
Michael Rand recaps Sunday's game at U.S. Bank Stadium and looks ahead to the final two games of the regular season.
Name of Gophers football stadium will change because of TCF merger
TCF Financial, Minnesota's third-largest bank, is being swept up in another merger — and this time will lose its name.
Gameview: Vikings-Jaguars statistics, game information and more
The Vikings are hoping to reach .500 against a Jaguars team that has lost its last 10 games. Tap here for a guide to the game.
Beebe roasted, then toasted by fans in game's final frantic minutes
If you're looking to capture the mayhem will be remembered from the final minutes of Sunday's Vikings game, look no further than what people were saying about Chad Beebe.
'Can we forfeit?' Angry Bears fans, media fed up after the Vikings loss
Remember all the ugliness around the Vikings and their 1-5 start when the Bears were 5-1? Now that the Bears are 5-5, ugly has landed firmly in Chicago.
Sometimes taking a knee can blow up in your face
The unlikely ending to this high school football playoff game is a reminder that even the right idea has to be done in the right way. Or else.
Fans of Vikings foes — Lions and Bears — share anger over lousy losses
Remember how angry Vikings fans were after that 1-5 start? The anger index in the NFC North has shifted dramatically in the last couple of weeks.
Watertown-Mayer ends three-year football losing streak in convincing way
Not only did the team break the streak, it happened against an opponent that had a winning record this season and beaten the Royals soundly over the last two seasons.
Take your mind off Gophers' horrid ending with this miraculous (almost) score
The jaw-dropping play included eight laterals and 55 yards. It was so good we think you can overlook the fact that it didn't count. (Lateral No. 4 is the best.)
Gophers bowl projections? They're already being made
We're going to bet that you haven't been thinking yet about a Gophers bowl game destination and opponent. But other people have.
'Oh, my!' 'What just happened?' Saturday's wild World Series finish
Tampa Bay and the Dodgers capped over four hours of baseball on Saturday night with the wildest ending ever in a World Series game. Here's how it sounded in three languages.
Up close or far away: Readers react to our Sid Hartman stories
Our readers shared hundreds of comments that appeared with Patrick Reusse's story about Hartman's life. Here's a sampling:
If, if, if: Every possible place the Twins could end up after today's game
Going into the final day of the regular season, the Twins could still end up with one of three possible playoff seeds -- and have five potential first-round opponents. Let's sort it out.
Big ifs-and-buts update: Twins now in total control of AL Central fate
Even though the Twins didn't play, Thursday's games had a significant impact on what could happen when the playoffs begin next week. Here's the latest.
When the legendary Lou Brock wore a Twins uniform at spring training
The 1986 season wasn't filled with many happy memories for the Twins. But a visit from the legendary base stealer, who died over the weekend, was a highlight
Reeve, Brunson defend ex-Lynx announcer after suspension for tweeting slur
John Focke was suspended this week by the Charlotte Hornets for tweeting a racist slur during an NBA playoff game. Cheryl Reeve and Rebekkah Brunson have come to his defense.
Big Ten reaction: Nebraska outrage, Wisconsin wisdom, Lou Holtz brings up D-Day
There were those who thought the Big Ten had no choice but to call off fall sports. Others reacted to the decision, and the whole idea, with varying degrees of astonishments and outrage.
As heard on TV: Twins audio guy spills secrets of sound in an empty ballpark
Among the challenges has been making baseball sound as normal as possible. That's where Chris Tveitbakk of Fox Sports North is a big-time player.
Report: Big Ten presidents meeting tonight on fate of football, all fall sports
Yahoo Sports reported that a session on Saturday showed "there was a strong majority – but not unanimous – in support of canceling the season." Another call was reportedly taking place tonight.
Report: Texas Tech players describe 'toxic culture' under former U coach Stollings
The former Gophers women's basketball coach is the subject of an report published by USA Today headlined: "Texas Tech women's basketball players describe toxic culture: 'Fear, anxiety and depression.'"
Twins and fake noise: Still in state of denial about World Series rumbling
Back when the Twins won the World Series in 1987, crowd noise was a front-and-center topic. And legendary broadcaster Al Michaels hasn't been shy about sharing his suspicions.
And the winner of Minnesota's best high school nickname contest is ...
Started as a way to fill the void in the spring's lack of high school sports, the Minnesota State High School League's nickname challenge gave its followers a shining month of fun.
Baseball's labor battle: Ten things to know about the ongoing drama
If you're a baseball fan, this week has probably played heavily on your emotions. Here are 10 questions about the latest in the negotiations to help sort out things.
Title-winning coaches: One says he failed, another sees 'blessing' in sports shutdown
A Hall of Fame soccer coach from Concordia College called himself out in a 1,000-word essay about racism while the men's basketball coach at St. Thomas found a blessing in the near complete shutdown of sports.
Pandemic football audible: What if Gophers played North Dakota State?
If the college football schedule is thrown into disarray by COVID-19 based travel restrictions, could Minnesota and North Dakota State put on a hastily planned game (or two)?
The Metrodome erupts: Relive the wildest night in Twins history
FSN has been replaying Game 5 of the 1987 American League Championship Series, when the Twins knocked out Detroit. They were expecting 5,000 people to meet the team at the Metrodome. They missed by a zero.
Missing in action: The tournament? The pool? Your tournament pool?
NCAA basketball pools are part of the office fabric at this time of year. Right now many of us are missing three things: The office, the tournament and the office tournament pool.
Photos: North Dakota State holds off James Madison for FCS title
The Bison won their eighth Football Championship Subdivision title in nine years and their 37th game in a row on Saturday in Frisco, Texas.
So you want to be next T.C. Bear? Here's what you need to know
Were you among the people who received an email from Linked-In to fill the job of T.C. Bear, the Twins' mascot? If not, here are highlights from the job description.
Holiday vacation plans? Take a look at the Gophers bowl game forecast
The final games of the regular season -- and a potential Big Ten title game -- will have a huge impact on where Minnesota plays. Here's current wisdom about where the Gophers will go.
Another dose of disrespect? Gophers the underdog vs. Penn State in early betting lines
There are fans who think Minnesota hasn't been appropriately celebrated for its 8-0 start. Is being the underdog to Penn State another chapter in that story?
180 degrees from St. Thomas: Losses, injuries end Iowa school's football season
Aftrer three lopsided losses in which they scored a total of three points and suffered a run of injuries, players on Grinnell College's football team decided it was time to end the Iowa school's season.
Comcast caves: Will show Twins-Yankees Game 1 to all subscribers
After initially planning not to offer the free MLB Network preview in the Twin Cities area, Comcast announced via social media that it has reversed course.
Return of the champagne goggles: Randy Dobnak's wedding odyssey
The last few days have been wonderful and unusual for Twins rookie pitcher Randy Dobnak. Want to see some pictures?
When the time was right, the Twins threw quite a party for themselves
The Twins set off a social media explosion Wednesday night that reached its peak when the White Sox defeated Cleveland and assured what had been anticipated for days -- the AL Central title.
Twins in the postseason: Five questions to spark debate while we're waiting
While Twins management hasn't been willing to make the leap and talk about October baseball, there's no reason for us not to build (and rebuild) the postseason roster.
White Sox announcer roasts Twins' Rosario for not hustling on hit
Broadcaster Steve Stone called out Eddie Rosario for watching the flight of the ball, a play that resulted in the Twins player being thrown out at third base.
Twins wild win: Lots of things to note in game of 400 pitches
Many things could have stood out on their own, but got diminished by the Twins moving one game closer to the AL Central title and the novel way it happened.
Five things that should help you feel better about the Twins
Yes, times are tough right now with the team's injuries and uncertainties. But here are a few things that could make you a bit better -- until it's time to return to sweating and fretting.
At UMD, more thrills in one play than in whole Bears-Packers game
Minnesota Duluth opened its season by smashing Minot State 52-7. But way that the losing team scored its touchdown, on a 104-yard play, overshadowed everything else that happened.
From odds to injuries: Five things to know about the Twins
As the baseball title race swings into its final weeks, here's a look at how the Twins are faring compared to their rivals. You can choose your level of concern.
Prolific tweeter, troubled reliever: May tries a farewell to Twitter
After giving up another clutch home run in Wednesday's loss to the Mets, Twins reliever Trevor May decided to stay off Twitter for awhile. Here's how it unfolded.
Former Twins pitcher Viola ejected — for arguing with a 'robot' umpire
You knew it was only a matter of time before the first bizarre incident took place involving automated ball and strike calls. But did you expected it to involved Viola, the MVP of the 1987 World Series?
Record Pick 4 payout at Canterbury: The winner tells his story
A horse player from New York had a hunch about late races at Canterbury Park on Friday night. One of his bets turned into a track-record five-figure payday. How did he do it and how did it feel?
Joe Mauer, Hall of Famer? A debate that will rage on and on and on
In about 4 1/2 years, Hall of Fame voters will be faced with the question of whether Joe Mauer belongs in baseball's Hall of Fame. It's kind of complicated.
Boston manager melts down after 17th-inning call -- then apologizes
Red Sox manager Alex Cora went after the umpires following the Twins' 17-inning victory over his team, and then saw that he was out of line.
13 'GOOOOLs!' Legendary announcer Cantor enthusiastic to the end
If you didn't see (and hear), the Spanish-language brioadcast of Tuesday's 13-0 game between the USA and Thailand, we have all of the goal calls right here.
Five comparisons between these Twins and those Twins
The Twins are returning from demolishing Toronto (and surviving a weekend vs. the Yankees) with the best record in baseball. Let's make some comparisons between present and past.
Four things we're thinking about as the Final Four wraps up
How did Virginia ever lose to a No. 16 seed last year? How did they react in Lubbock? Those were among the things we tried to answer as the Final Four ended its run in Minneapolis.
That 24-inch chili dog at Target Field. It'll cost how much?
The Twins showed off new food items for the media earlier this week. But the price tags weren't released until later. Here they are.
North Dakota State: Tops in football, but in basketball ... not by a long shot
You can make an argument that, under the circumstances, NDSU got the best possible outcome in the NCAA basketball tournament -- despite a potential date with Duke.
Bigger night: A record-setting star or the girls who watched with Whalen?
Every now and then, you go to a game to watch one thing and get caught up in something unexpected. That happened at Lakeville North on Tuesday for the kids who ended up hanging out with Gophers coach Lindsay Whalen.
NCAA chances? U men, women in different places than you'd think
The women with their 19-7 record, including a 12-0 start and six-game winning streak, are in better position for the postseason than the up-and-down 17-9 men, right?
College coach whose team scored 200 points. 'I knew I would take heat'
Greenville University coach George Barber said: "There was a palpable shift in the crowd in the final minutes from 'Will they win?' to 'Will they get 200?' You could feel it."
Team scores 200 points in victory. But is this the right way to do it?
Basketball games sometimes get out of hand. But you can have a good debate about how Greenville University reached 200 points in its victory over the weekend.
The game that WAS played as scheduled: Roseau vs. Warroad
This is not an attempt to shame the schools around Minnesota that were wise enough to call off every scheduled athletic contest on Tuesday. Every contest except for one.
First-time Hall of Fame voter: Happy to be part of the process
For the first time this year, Howard Sinker was a baseball Hall of Fame voter. Unlike colleague Jim Souhan, who made a case for why he longer votes, here's why Sinker was glad to cast a ballot.
Another signing day, another college for ex-Gopher Vic Viramontes
Minnesota was the third school that Vic Viramontes committed to, and his stay didn't go well or last long. On signing day, he chose his fourth. Now he's "Vegas Vic."
Woman who set record 36 years ago writes Prior Lake star who broke it
In 1982, Kay Konerza of Lester Prairie scored 58 points in a game and has a message for Prior Lake's McKenna Hofschild, who scored 63 points over the weekend against Park Center.
Clang times four: Bears kicker Parkey has rotten, incredible Sunday
We're kind of fascinated by kickers around here. So let's take a look at Bears kicker Cody Parkey hitting the uprights FOUR times in Sunday's game.
