Intro

With a single stolen base, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, just 24 years old, punched his ticket into the 40-40 club, a group with only seven members in MLB history, and became the first player in franchise history to do it. Today we'll also cover how the White Sox made the playoffs right after back-to-back historically bad seasons, and what kind of home run helped the Guardians shut out the Red Sox. More on that coming up.

Top Sports Stories This Episode

1. Crow-Armstrong completes the 40-40 club, a first in Cubs history

• What happened: The Cubs beat the Marlins 2-1, with 24-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong stealing second base in the first inning for his 40th stolen base of the season. Combined with the 45 home runs he'd already hit, that officially put him into the 40-40 club. He's the 7th player in MLB history, and the first in Cubs history, to reach that milestone. The only others to have done it before him are Canseco, Bonds, A-Rod, Soriano, Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani.
• Why it matters: Those 45 home runs are already the most by a Cub since Derrek Lee hit 46 in 2005. For a 24-year-old outfielder to combine that kind of power and speed in a single season is unprecedented in franchise history.
• Source: MLB.com

2. White Sox bounce back from rock bottom, make the playoffs after two straight 100-loss seasons

• What happened: The White Sox thrashed the Royals 9-1 to clinch their first playoff berth since 2021. This is a team that lost 101 games in 2023, then set the modern MLB record with 121 losses in 2024, then dropped 102 more last year. Making the playoffs right after back-to-back 100-loss seasons is unprecedented in MLB history. They're still chasing the AL Central-leading Guardians, trailing by just 1 game.
• Why it matters: Going from a record-setting 121 losses to back in the postseason is probably the most inspiring turnaround story in the league this season.
• Source: ESPN

3. Guardians shut out Red Sox on a 319-foot fly ball, clinch third straight playoff berth

• What happened: The Guardians shut out the Red Sox 1-0 at Fenway Park, clinching their third consecutive playoff appearance and the 19th in franchise history. The game's only run came off a solo shot from Angel Martínez that Statcast measured at just 319 feet, barely clearing the wall next to the right-field Pesky Pole. Reliever Joey Cantillo worked 5 innings, allowing just 1 hit while striking out 4.
• Why it matters: Cantillo hasn't allowed a run in 15 innings since moving out of the starting rotation, and it took just a 319-foot homer to decide the game, handing the Red Sox their 8th shutout loss of the season.
• Source: FOX Sports

4. Hawks trade for frontcourt depth, send out Hield and Nembhard for Finney-Smith

• What happened: The Hawks sent guards Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard, along with cash, to the Hornets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, with both teams announcing the trade Tuesday night. The Hawks had just announced earlier that backup rookie center Henri Veesaar tore his ACL, and Finney-Smith's frontcourt experience should help fill out the rotation depth. Hield appeared in 51 games between the Warriors and Hawks last season, averaging 7.6 points, while Nembhard played 60 games for the Mavericks, averaging 6.6 points and 5.3 assists. According to ESPN, the Hornets are expected to waive him.
• Why it matters: Filling a depth gap caused by injury with a trade, rather than waiting for a G League call-up, shows just how much the Hawks want to compete this season.
• Source: NBA.com

5. Rockets open media day, Durant pushes back on questions about reduced minutes

• What happened: The Rockets were the first team in the league to hold media day, kicking things off at Toyota Center ahead of training camp starting the next day. Asked whether he should play fewer minutes, Kevin Durant pushed back directly: "I'm better on the court, and the team is better with me on the court." He also said he isn't dwelling on his future beyond this season: "I enjoy coming to work every day, taking it one day at a time."
• Why it matters: Head coach Ime Udoka was blunt in reviewing last season, saying, "I don't think anybody met our expectations." The Rockets have won 52 games two years running, only to be knocked out in the first round both times, so Durant's response effectively sets the tone for the new season's attitude.
• Source: NBC Sports

6. Manchester Storm move back into their original arena after 20-plus years, win their opener

• What happened: British ice hockey team Manchester Storm moved back into Manchester Arena, the venue they called home when the club was founded in 1995, and won their season opener 2-1 against Glasgow Clan in front of a crowd of more than 3,000. Brandon Cutler's goal was the first scored at the arena in 24 years.
• Why it matters: The club only made it back to the playoff finals this past April after a 24-year absence, and now moving back into their original arena with a win is a meaningful moment for British ice hockey.
• Source: Morning Star

Closing

If there's one moment from this episode that will stick with you, it's Pete Crow-Armstrong's franchise-defining stolen base. Both the White Sox and Guardians have just clinched their playoff spots, and the standings battle from here is only going to heat up. The Rockets are already in training camp, gearing up for the new season. See you next time.