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La Velle E. Neal III

Columnist
Sports
A 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: 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
FILE Ñ New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra covers the plate as Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers steals home in the opening game of the 1955 World Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 28, 1955. Dodgers pinch hitter Frank Kellert is at bat. Berra, one of baseballÕs greatest characters and a mainstay on 10 Yankees championship teams, died on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. He was 90. (Meyer Liebowitz/The New York Times)

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

Neal: Simply put, the Twins are going to swing the sticks this season

Despite all the injuries and lineup juggling last season, the Twins were 10th in the majors in runs scored. With improved health, they should be better this year.
March 10, 2025

Neal: Twins' Stewart battles injuries through all levels of baseball, soldiers on

Brock Stewart has been a valuable member of the bullpen, but his health is frequently in question.
March 9, 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

Neal: Simply put, the Twins are going to swing the sticks this season

Despite all the injuries and lineup juggling last season, the Twins were 10th in the majors in runs scored. With improved health, they should be better this year.
March 10, 2025

Neal: Twins' Stewart battles injuries through all levels of baseball, soldiers on

Brock Stewart has been a valuable member of the bullpen, but his health is frequently in question.
March 9, 2025
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