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: As Lynx teams of legend crowd the Basketball Hall of Fame, we recall the good times
Four of the five starters from the 2015 and 2017 WNBA champions, “the best show in town,” will be in soon.
April 12, 2025
Neal: Like Faber before him, prospect Buium could give Wild a late-season lift
Defenseman Zeev Buium is playing with Denver as it tries to defend its NCAA title, but he might soon be helping the Wild.
April 10, 2025
Neal: When the major league Twins falter, there’s not-so-minor help just across the river
Pitchers David Festa, Zebby Matthews and Andrew Morris already are indicating they’re ready to cross the Mississippi to the majors.
April 6, 2025
Neal: What makes an ace? Depending on who you ask, the answer varies
With analytics changing the way baseball is played, gone are the days of pitchers throwing 200+ innings and winning 20+ games.
April 2, 2025
Neal: Amid so much uncertainty, Twins just need to win
After an aggravating offseason for fans, baseball season is finally here and that means the Twins have a chance to solve some problems.
March 30, 2025
Neal: Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Opening Day at the ballpark
From streakers to record-setters and bald eagle blunders, Twins Hall of Famers reflect on Opening Day memories.
March 27, 2025
Neal: Jackie Robinson’s legacy can’t be tainted, regardless of what the DoD does
Because of the DoD’s recklessness of everything regarding diversity, equity and inclusion, Jackie Robinson’s legacy is stronger than ever.
March 23, 2025
Neal: One of the greatest weeks of the sports calendar has finally arrived
With many basketball story lines for Minnesotans to track during March Madness, Colorado State coach Niko Medved and UConn guard Paige Bueckers should be at the top of the list.
March 19, 2025
Neal: Revival of Fort Myers Beach is a Florida happening, but Minnesota determination is in play
Hurricane Ian sacked the town in 2022, but it’s fast becoming a destination again, led by a mayor from Spring Lake Park and boosted by restaurateurs from St. Cloud.
March 16, 2025
The promise of summer is found at Twins spring training
Minnesota Star Tribune photographer Carlos Gonzalez captured the images of spring training baseball as the Twins prepare for their season in Fort Myers, Fla.
March 13, 2025
Neal: Twins fans will need patience. The team's sale isn't happening anytime soon.
The Twins hoped to identify their new owner by Opening Day, but the sale process could last into August or September.
March 13, 2025
Neal: History of Black Aces is personal for Simeon Woods Richardson
Woods Richardson grew up watching videos of the Black Aces — the 15 Black pitchers in Major League Baseball history who have won 20 games in a season.
March 11, 2025
