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: 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
Editor's Pick
Meet Minnesota’s athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Minnesota will be well represented, with 37 Team USA athletes with connections to the state at the Milan Cortina Games from Feb. 4-22.
February 1, 2026
Neal: Frost’s dynamic offense has them well-positioned at PWHL Olympic break
The two-time defending Walter Cup champion Frost have the league’s top four scorers and rank first in goals per game.
January 29, 2026
Neal: Katy Knoll’s career is speeding along with Frost, but that’s no surprise
A former racer in a family full of them, Knoll has picked up her offense in her second professional season.
January 26, 2026
Neal: What we really need from the Twins is the unexpected
Selling hope is a time honored tradition for teams that don’t have much else. The Twins should make a splash.
January 23, 2026
La Velle E. Neal III’s 3-2 pitch: Josh Bell at first base is a boost for the Twins
Also a boost? Amaya Battle on the Gophers women’s basketball team.
January 10, 2026
Neal: Mara Braun trying to rediscover her form for the Gophers women’s basketball team
After two seasons interrupted by foot fractures, the Gophers guard is leaning on her resiliency and those closest to her.
January 7, 2026
La Velle E. Neal III’s 3-2 pitch: NCAA sits idly by watching as zany things happen
When a player who was drafted by the NBA is able to play college basketball, it seems there really aren’t any rules.
January 3, 2026
Eight players with Minnesota ties named to U.S. women’s hockey team for 2026 Winter Olympics
Taylor Heise finally gets her shot on the big stage with five other Frost players. Abbey Murphy of the Gophers is also headed to Italy.
January 2, 2026
