Steve James’s new documentary about sports head injuries screens at the Gene Siskel Film Center, and a new film about Chicago basketball legend Ben Wilson and his 1984 murder is part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.
SWING SHIFT: The Northwestern graduate is expected to play in the U.S.-European showdown, but as a native Brit, he’ll be on the team across the pond
Despite watching the Tigers get all the headlines in the offseason, the Sox remain above them in the standings thanks to two strong Comeback Player of the Year candidates in Adam Dunn and Alex Rios. Plus: in praise of Dewayne Wise.
When the Cubs picked up Chris Volstad, he looked like an unlucky pitcher with some talent. This year, he’s just been awful, 0-9 in 12 starts. His biggest problem? The better he needs to pitch, the worse he gets.
The Cubs have a problem: they’re the least patient team in baseball, and among the least patient teams in recent history. And while recent roster moves might improve the offense overall, it looks like an even less patient team will finish the season.
Walks are killing the Cubs—as on offense they walk less, and on defense they walk more batters, than any team in baseball. Fortunately, they’re paired with one of the worst teams of all time in the NL Central. Plus: the best player on the 2012 Cubs is… something of a surprise.
The failure of the Miami Marlins to contend, even with their offseason spending spree, results in the Tigers picking up two important pieces at the trade deadline and making a surprising White Sox season that much harder.
The four-time All-American from Oak Park-River Forest developed one of the most remarkable moves in wrestling—but the story of him and his coach gets more dramatic from there.
THE GOLD STANDARD: The Summer Games kick off in late July—but for some local athletes, the Olympics begin now
After a strong 2011 in the Pacific Coast League, Anthony Rizzo disappointed in his first 50 big-league games. But after returning to the minors, this time as a Cub, Rizzo started the season even better… and he has a friendly new park in which to try again.
