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
PWHL
Neal: No one asked me, but I think Purple Reign would have been great PWHL nickname
The newest moniker is A-OK by the Gophers women’s hockey coach, however.
September 15, 2024
Twins
Neal: Twins postseason hopes rely on unproven arms
With every game heightening the pressure to get to the postseason, Ryan Jeffers is trying to guide three rookie pitchers to the finish line
September 11, 2024
Vikings
Neal: Bet against Aaron Jones and the Vikings running game at your own risk
Despite boasting one of the game’s best receivers, a QB looking to resurrect his career and a coach searching for balance, all of the Vikings’ success may depend on what Aaron Jones does in the backfield.
September 6, 2024
Gophers
Neal: Gophers kicker Dragan Kesich will be fine; he just needs another chance
After emerging as one college football’s best kickers last season, Gophers star Dragan Kesich got off to a rough start this year. Don’t worry though, there’s reason to believe Kesich will be just fine.
September 3, 2024
Twins
Neal: With the return of Royce Lewis’ power swing comes the return of hope for Twins
The Twins earned a much-needed victory thanks to Royce Lewis’ go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Royce Lewis’ three-run homer in eighth lifts Twins to 4-3 victory over Blue Jays
Royce Lewis hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the eighth inning Sunday at Target Field, propelling the Twins to a win over Toronto to end their homestand.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Michael Helman tries fitting in after getting first call to Twins at age 28
Utility player Michael Helman — sporting a Daniel Jones jersey to keep up with his teammates — said he didn’t have time to get emotional over his first promotion to the majors.
September 2, 2024
Wild
Neal: Wild wanted Patrik Laine, but Laine did not want the Wild
The 3-2 Pitch: With the Wild’s season fast approaching, Neal also tackled the difficult AL Central, the putrid Gophers run defense and a bold prediction for the Lynx and Twins.
September 1, 2024
Twins
Neal: With the return of Royce Lewis’ power swing comes the return of hope for Twins
The Twins earned a much-needed victory thanks to Royce Lewis’ go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Royce Lewis’ three-run homer in eighth lifts Twins to 4-3 victory over Blue Jays
Royce Lewis hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the eighth inning Sunday at Target Field, propelling the Twins to a win over Toronto to end their homestand.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Michael Helman tries fitting in after getting first call to Twins at age 28
Utility player Michael Helman — sporting a Daniel Jones jersey to keep up with his teammates — said he didn’t have time to get emotional over his first promotion to the majors.
September 2, 2024
Wild
Neal: Wild wanted Patrik Laine, but Laine did not want the Wild
The 3-2 Pitch: With the Wild’s season fast approaching, Neal also tackled the difficult AL Central, the putrid Gophers run defense and a bold prediction for the Lynx and Twins.
September 1, 2024