Twins first baseman Josh Bell reflects on baseball, fatherhood and what it means to be part of a Minnesota roster leading the majors in U.S.-born Black players.
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Posted inTwins/MLB
Twins’ top prospect Culpepper ready for ‘the big stage’
Kaelen Culpepper, the St. Paul Saints infielder and 2024 first-round Twins draft pick, is ready to make his big league debut and is leading the Saints in hits, runs and total bases early in the 2026 season.
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What would Jackie see?
Jackie Robinson Day 2026 raises the question of what Robinson would see in MLB today, as Black players hover around 7 percent of rosters and the Minnesota Twins lead with five Black players on their team.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Black women coaches lead on and off the court at Final Four Summit
Black women coaches are honored at the BCA Final Four Summit as Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin continues to elevate women’s basketball on and off the court.
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Black football players study: More than the game
Tackling the Everyday by Duke anthropologist Tracie Canada examines the lived experiences of Black college football players navigating academics, identity and exploitation at a PWI.
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More than a game at The Barn
Minnesota advances to the Sweet 16 after a historic NCAA matchup against Ole Miss highlighting Black representation and leadership.
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SWAC hoops put on a show in Atlanta, seeding debate remains
The SWAC basketball tournament highlights the strength of HBCU programs and their path to the NCAA tournament.
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Barnes building a conference, future leaders
Kiki Baker Barnes HBCUAC commissioner reflects on conference expansion, media partnerships and mentoring the next generation of Black women leaders.
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March Madness: A look at HBCU basketball’s intensity and spirit
The HBCUAC basketball championship in Tuscaloosa highlighted NAIA HBCU talent as Rust College and SUNO captured conference titles.
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The overlooked challenger of MN Twins’ segregation
Minnesota Twins spring training segregation practices ended after Kwame McDonald and civil rights activists pressured the team to abandon segregated housing in the 1960s.
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Who’s to thank for U of M’s athletic facilities?Â
McKinley Boston U of M athletic facilities upgrades in the 1990s modernized Minnesota athletics and elevated the Gophers’ competitiveness in the Big Ten.
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Same old elephant in the room Â
The NFL diversity problem remains in focus after zero Black hires among 10 coaching vacancies, prompting renewed scrutiny of the Rooney Rule and ownership practices.
Posted inBlack History
Long-overdue recognition for the Minnesota Up-Towns
The Minnesota Up-Towns were a dominant Black basketball team in the 1920s whose legacy has long been overlooked in state history.
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Como Park grad has no regrets
Ronnie Porter’s final game at Williams Arena marked a full-circle moment for the St. Paul native, who rose from walk-on to Wisconsin starter and leader.
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Former St. Thomas guard finds happiness with HuskersÂ
Kendall Blue made the most of his homecoming, hitting a late three at Williams Arena as Nebraska remained unbeaten in a historic season.
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Northwestern associate coach ready to step up
Tangela Smith’s basketball career spans the WNBA, international play, and now a leadership role as associate head coach at Northwestern.
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Big Ten WBB winningest active coach retiring
Joe McKeown reflected on coaching, competition, and legacy during his final visit to Williams Arena as Northwestern’s longtime women’s basketball coach.
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Abe’s back, Chip resigns
Abe Woldeslassie returned to Minnesota with Denver as MIAC coaching milestones marked leadership changes across the conference.
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Gopher assistant coach has head coaching in his sights
Brothers Dennis and Armon Gates faced each other as coaches when Missouri hosted Minnesota, marking a rare family moment shaped by shared roots, hard work, and basketball ambition.
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Sports media veteran stays true to Black journalism
As sports journalism shifts toward clicks and commentary, First and Pen stands out as an independent Black-owned platform committed to thoughtful reporting and cultural storytelling.