La Velle E. Neal III
Columnist
SportsA native of Chicago, La Velle has covered the Minnesota Twins since 1998. He also covered the Kansas City Royals for the Kansas City Star from 1995 through 1997. A graduate of the University of Illinois - Chicago, La Velle is a former president of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Latest from La Velle E. Neal III
Neal: New-look Loons bringing fresh mentality to 2026 MLS season
First-year coach Cameron Knowles wants his team to be more aggressive, which could be a risky change.
February 20, 2026
Neal: It’s time to grab a drink and check out St. Thomas men’s hockey
The Tommies, who will begin serving beer in their arena this weekend, have a shot at making their first NCAA tournament this season.
February 20, 2026
Neal: Team USA’s young stars can seize control of women’s hockey rivalry with Canada
The U.S. has been dominant leading into Thursday’s Olympic gold medal game thanks to some impressive newcomers.
February 19, 2026
Neal: St. Paul Curling Club shows its pride in its Olympic curlers
Three Team USA curlers are based at the St. Paul club, where a silver medalist’s parents showed up Sunday to join a celebration.
February 16, 2026
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Neal: Jessie Diggins, Afton’s real-life Ethan Hunt, coming close to Olympic finish line
Diggins, who will retire at the end of the season, has two more races remaining in Italy.
February 15, 2026
Minnesota’s Team Casper aims for Olympic men’s curling medal
Skip Danny Casper’s rink, which starts competing in Italy on Wednesday, defeated John Shuster’s team at the U.S. trials.
February 10, 2026
Editor's Pick
‘We made it work’: These Olympic moms are bringing their kids to the Games
Curlers Tabitha Peterson Lovick and Tara Peterson and hockey player Kendall Coyne Schofield decided to have children between Olympics. It required careful planning and dedicated support systems.
February 10, 2026
‘Best rivalry in sports’ resumes as U.S., Canada chase Olympic gold in women’s hockey
The two teams have met in the gold medal game in all but one Olympics since the sport debuted at the 1998 Games.
February 9, 2026
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Neal: Why James Rodríguez is the Loons’ greatest signing by a mile
The Colombian soccer star may be on a short-term deal, but that could end up being a good thing for Minnesota United.
February 6, 2026
Thanks to PWHL, women’s hockey will be better than ever at 2026 Olympics
The league, now in its third season, will help players arrive in Italy at the top of their game.
February 4, 2026
Olympic mixed curling team is a match made in heaven ... well, actually Duluth
Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin will represent the United States at the Winter Games in Italy. The action starts this week.
February 3, 2026
Neal: Minnesotans in the middle of the action as the Winter Olympics begin this week
Competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games starts on Feb. 4. Here’s what our columnist is looking forward to most.
February 2, 2026
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