Baseball

Miami and Washington close their series in the MLB Sunday Leadoff game. First pitch, TV channel, why it isn’t on the regional networks, and the pitching matchup.

The LLWS bracket isn’t a clean 16-team draw. How the 20-team modified double-elimination format works, why some teams play an extra game, and how finalists are decided.

Curaçao won its second Little League World Series title and first since 2004, beating Henderson, Nevada 11-2 at Lamade Stadium to finish the tournament unbeaten.

Sports broadcaster salaries: roughly $30K minor league booths, $200K-$1M+ local TV voices, and reported eight-figure network superstar deals.

Equipment manager salaries: reported $50K-$100K+ in MLB and the NFL, six figures with tenure – the logistics, compliance and superstitions covered.

Clubhouse attendant pay: modest base salaries plus player dues and tips – how clubbies earn, and why veterans can clear six figures.

Minor league umpire pay: roughly $2,000-$4,000 a month seasonally, self-driven travel, a 7-10 year climb – and the MLB jackpot at the top.

Bullpen catcher salaries: roughly $90K-$150K in MLB, $250K+ for veterans, $30K-$50K in the minors – and everything the job actually includes.

The Mendoza Line explained: the .200 batting average floor, Mario Mendoza’s story, the George Brett origin and the strikeout-era revival.

The checked swing has no rulebook definition: the ‘offer’ standard, the base-umpire appeal, why replay can’t touch it and ABS won’t either.