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
Sports
Neal: 4 Nations Face-Off sets the standard for All-Star breaks
Other sports can copy hockey's brilliant idea, and here are some ideas.
February 21, 2025
Gophers
Neal: Moving forward with Johnson is the only option for Gophers men
While top-25 wins over Michigan and Oregon helped Ben Johnson’s case to return next season, his Los Angeles sweep made it a no-brainer.
February 20, 2025
Sports
Neal: As Wild and Timberwolves take their winter breaks, only one has laurels to rest on
The hockey team is overcoming adversity under coach John Hynes. The basketball team is underachieving by last season’s standard and this season’s expectations.
February 16, 2025
Twins
Neal: Look for spring training to reveal the wonders of warmth and the strength of the Twins' pitching staff
The starting rotation ranks in the majors’ top 10, with above-average arms in Pablo López, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, and the bullpen is strong if healthy.
February 12, 2025
Sports![Kansas City Chiefs Andy Reid and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell shake hands at the end of the game Sunday, October 8, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/A75WMEQYRI3SPAVRLBNZ6UHYAA.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Neal: Don’t hate the Chiefs, emulate them
The Chiefs have navigated through turbulent times to become the gold standard of the NFL ... and they are showing the Vikings how it can be done.
February 9, 2025
Olympics
Neal: Curling national championships in Duluth bring it all back around for Shuster
The leader of six U.S. champions faces a Minnesota-fueled challenge to win his seventh. The Peterson sisters of Eagan are going for their third U.S. championship.
January 30, 2025
Twins
Neal: Baldelli dwells on 2024’s ending as he ponders 2025’s beginning
The Twins manager said he remains upset his team flopped down the stretch but is confident about what’s ahead: “We will be ready to rock.”
January 26, 2025
Vikings
Neal: From first to worst, NFC North disappoints in postseason
In a whirlwind, the toughest division in the NFL during the regular season failed in the postseason but became fascinating again in three days this week.
January 22, 2025
Sports
Neal: Don’t hate the Chiefs, emulate them
The Chiefs have navigated through turbulent times to become the gold standard of the NFL ... and they are showing the Vikings how it can be done.
February 9, 2025
Olympics
Neal: Curling national championships in Duluth bring it all back around for Shuster
The leader of six U.S. champions faces a Minnesota-fueled challenge to win his seventh. The Peterson sisters of Eagan are going for their third U.S. championship.
January 30, 2025
Twins
Neal: Baldelli dwells on 2024’s ending as he ponders 2025’s beginning
The Twins manager said he remains upset his team flopped down the stretch but is confident about what’s ahead: “We will be ready to rock.”
January 26, 2025
Vikings
Neal: From first to worst, NFC North disappoints in postseason
In a whirlwind, the toughest division in the NFL during the regular season failed in the postseason but became fascinating again in three days this week.
January 22, 2025