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: Brianna Decker is back on her skates, but in new role with Frost
The Hockey Hall of Fame forward is coaching the Frost defense and penalty kill after injuries ended her decorated playing career.
December 21, 2025
Neal: Are the Pohlads really in it for the long haul? Or are they waiting for the Twins’ value to escalate?
The team reshuffled its leadership with new investors coming on board, but there are two factors to keep a close eye on in MLB’s uncertain future.
December 17, 2025
Neal: Happy holidays, Wild fans. Quinn Hughes is the fantastic present you didn’t expect.
After a lousy start, the Wild turned around their fortunes, and now they have added a franchise player for a Stanley Cup run.
December 14, 2025
Two Minnesota curling teams book tickets to the Olympics
Danny Casper’s rink, which defeated John Shuster’s team in the U.S. trials, earned its trip to Italy on Wednesday. Tabitha Peterson’s rink secured its spot Thursday.
December 11, 2025
Freshman’s growth helps Gophers volleyball return to Sweet 16
Opposite hitter Carly Gilk is one of several young players who have had to take on expanded roles heading into Thursday’s matchup with No. 1 seed Pittsburgh.
December 10, 2025
Neal’s 3-2 Pitch: On Vikings tanking, P.J.’s recruiting class and Gophers basketball
It’s unthinkable for players to give up on the season, but from another perspective, getting the best draft position is awfully tempting.
December 6, 2025
Neal: ‘Mad respect’ as Tommies push Iowa State to limit in NCAA tournament debut
St. Thomas went the distance before going down in five sets before a supportive crowd at Maturi Pavilion, where the Cyclones will face the Gophers on Saturday.
December 6, 2025
Neal: Justin Jefferson has every right to be frustrated, but he shouldn’t stay silent
The face of the Vikings franchise, declined to speak to reporters after Sunday’s shutout loss to the Seahawks.
December 1, 2025
Neal: Vikings didn’t put Max Brosmer in position to succeed in Seattle
The Vikings handed their undrafted rookie QB a tough task, and then a questionable play call opened the flood gates for the Seahawks.
December 1, 2025
Neal: The Vikings need to give Max Brosmer a real shot beginning Sunday in Seattle
Although J.J. McCarthy is the former national champion who became a first round pick, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer can make his case Sunday in Seattle.
November 30, 2025
Neal: Ummm... what has happened to the Vikings?
From 14-3 and a trip to the playoffs last year to 4-7 this season, the Vikings have disappointed on both sides of the ball while the front office and coaching staff have struggled.
November 28, 2025
Five-time Olympian John Shuster passes the U.S. men’s curling baton to Chaska’s Danny Casper
Casper’s rink is a step away from qualifying for the 2026 Winter Games after holding off Team Shuster at the U.S. trials.
November 18, 2025
