Dempster Return to Rotation a Winner

Ryan Braun says test is wrong, appeals

(NEWSER) - Ryan Braun, the reigning MVP of Major League Baseball's National League, has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and faces a 50-game suspension, reports ESPN . The Milwaukee Brewers player vigorously denied using performance enhancers, with a spokesman blaming "highly unusual circumstances." Braun himself was more to the point—"It's BS," he said. More»

Forget apple pie—nothing goes with baseball like these

(NEWSER) - Baseball season’s in full, ahem, swing, and in that spirit, Delish runs down the best ballpark hotdogs. Some highlights:

• Georgia Dog, Turner Field, Atlanta. A blanket of cole slaw and some sautéed Vidalia onions make this a winner.
• Arizona Dog, Chase Field, Phoenix. Southwest rules this foot-long—chorizo, nacho cheese, tortilla strips.
• Chicago-Style Dog, Wrigley Field. Windy City fave topped with sautéed sweet onions, “sport” peppers, diced tomatoes, briny kosher pickle spears, yellow mustard, neon-green relish, and a dash of celery salt.

Pittsburgh's futility streak longest in North American sports history

(NEWSER) - Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates set a new North American standard for consecutive losing seasons by a major sports franchise, the Post-Gazette reports, with today’s loss to the Chicago Cubs guaranteeing the team finishes with more losses than wins for the 17th year in a row. The Pirates had shared the dubious distinction with the 1933-48 Philadelphia Phillies. “Obviously, I am disappointed,” the team’s owner said. More»

Family will pay $800M for 95% stake in team, Wrigley field

(NEWSER) - It’s official: Tribune Co. has signed an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family, the Chicago Tribune reports. Picked as the winning bidder for the franchise in January, family negotiated a deal to pay $800 million for a 95% stake in the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and the Tribune's stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The Tribune is retaining a 5% stake in those assets. More»

(NEWSER) - A Cubs fan suspected of dousing Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino with beer at Wrigley Field Wednesday night has turned himself in to police, the Chicago Tribune reports. The fan—who escaped detection when the wrong fan was ejected and hauled off for questioning immediately after the incident—got in touch with police after his photo was splashed all over the Internet and TV news. More»