Fastball
Sam Connon

Sam Connon

Joined: Jul 10, 2023

Sam Connon is a Staff Writer for Fastball on the Sports Illustrated/FanNation networks. He previously covered UCLA Athletics for Sports Illustrated/FanNation's All Bruins, 247Sports' Bruin Report Online, Rivals' Bruin Blitz, the Bleav Podcast Network and the Daily Bruin, with his work as a sports columnist receiving awards from the College Media Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Connon also wrote for Sports Illustrated/FanNation's New England Patriots site, Patriots Country, and he was on the Patriots and Boston Red Sox beats at Prime Time Sports Talk.

Mar 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Zac Veen (73) connects against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Las Vegas Ballpark.
News

Colorado Rockies Add Zac Veen to 40-Man Roster, Protect Prospect From Rule 5 Draft

Outfielder Zac Veen was the Colorado Rockies' first round pick back in 2020, and now the five-tool prospect won't get poached by another club this winter.

Sam Connon
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Aug 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jose Siri (22) reacts while running the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park.
News

Tampa Bay Rays Trade Outfielder Jose Siri to New York Mets For Reliever Eric Orze

Jose Siri is set to join the New York Mets’ outfield as they try to get over the hump, while the Tampa Bay Rays are adding Eric Orze to their bullpen.

Sam Connon
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Walker McKinven talks with personnel before the Milwaukee Brewers play the St. Louis Cardinals in Milwaukee on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021.
News

Chicago White Sox Hire Milwaukee Brewers' Walker McKinven as Bench Coach

Walker McKinven, who spent the last nine seasons holding down various positions on the Milwaukee Brewers' staff, is set to join the Chicago White Sox under new manager Will Venable.

Sam Connon
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Sep 25, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) reacts in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
History

Trio of AL Central Skippers Make History as Manager of the Year Finalists

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch and Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro combined to achieve a feat not seen since 2017.

Sam Connon
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Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Japan starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) pitches against the United States during the first inning of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium.
News

Japanese Free Agent Tomoyuki Sugano Reportedly Drawing Interest From Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have emerged as one of the teams pursuing veteran starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who is looking to join MLB after 12 seasons in Japan.

Sam Connon
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Apr 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Reyes (19 ) runs to third base during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Fenway Park.
News

Former Red Sox, Mets Infielder Pablo Reyes Joins Yankees on Minor League Deal

Pablo Reyes spent the past few seasons suiting up for the New York Yankees' biggest rivals in Boston and Queens, but now he has a chance to play his home games in the Bronx in 2025.

Sam Connon
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Apr 24, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Miami Marlins hat and glove in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
News

Marlins Sign Former Rays Prospect Heriberto Hernandez to Minor League Contract

Heriberto Hernandez showed plenty of pop in the Tampa Bay Rays' farm system after coming over in the Nathaniel Lowe trade, and now he is set to do the same with the Miami Marlins.

Sam Connon
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Aug 27, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (left) and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (middle) discuss pitching grips as Edwin Stanberry (right) interprets before the Pirates host the Cubs at PNC Park.
History

Star-Studded NL Rookie Class Makes History With Dominant Showing in Awards Race

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio and Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga were the only players to get votes for NL Rookie of the Year.

Sam Connon
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July 17, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez hits a solo home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
News

Former Miami Marlins All-Star Hanley Ramírez Earns Spot on 2025 Hall of Fame Ballot

Hanley Ramirez made three All-Star appearances, won NL Rookie of the Year and finished runner-up in NL MVP voting during his electric tenure with the Miami Marlins.

Sam Connon
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Jun 3, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55) is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
News

Former Toronto Blue Jays Catcher Russell Martin Added to 2025 Hall of Fame Ballot

Russell Martin made his final All-Star appearance with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015, and now he is being considered for a spot in the Hall of Fame a decade later.

Sam Connon
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Jul 3, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Ben Zobrist (18) in the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
News

Tampa Bay Rays' Ben Zobrist, Fernando Rodney Among 2025 Hall of Fame Ballot Newcomers

Ben Zobrist was one of the faces of the Tampa Bay Rays during their rebrand, while Fernando Rodney contended for AL Cy Young out of their bullpen in 2012.

Sam Connon
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Jul 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) reacts with Colorado Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) after his two run home run in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Coors Field.
News

Colorado Rockies Legends Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos González Debut on Hall of Fame Ballot

Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos González, who defined an era for the Colorado Rockies, were among the 14 players added to the BBWAA ballot ahead of 2025 Hall of Fame voting.

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