Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.
LATEST
Bills’ Allen Needs Strong 2025 Season to Break Away From Mahomes’ Shadow
Since the Buffalo Bills played their first game in 1960, and after four consecutive attempts, they are still in search of their first Super Bowl victory.
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Yankees’ Bednar Back to Being Bullpen Stopper After Rocky 2025 Start
This past July, the New York Yankees made an offer for reliever David Bednar that was too attractive for the Pittsburgh Pirates to pass on.
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DeGrom’s Comeback Season Keeping Texas Rangers in Postseason Hunt
For the Texas Rangers to squeak into MLB’s Wild Card Series, they need Jacob deGrom in top form.
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Athletics’ Future Bright With Rooker Rocking Its Offense
Brent Rooker is more than an all-star and Silver Slugger to the Athletics MLB team.
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Pirates’ Rookie Manager Don Kelly Earning Contract Extension for 2026 as Club Stays Competitive
Since taking over as Pittsburgh Pirates manager in May, when Derek Shelton was relieved of his duties, Don Kelly’s club has a 50–51 record.
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Home Field Advantage Is Important in NFL, but Sometimes Neither Team Has It
In 2025, seven games will be played in Europe and Brazil, starting with a Week 1 matchup of the Chiefs and Chargers in Sao Paulo.
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Bichette’s Impending Free Agency Promises to Be High Priority for MLB Clubs
Seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, and not signed to a contract extension, Bo Bichette will likely test the free agency market this fall.
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NFL Hall of Fame Johnny Unitas Set Bar for 2025 Modern-Day Quarterbacks to Emulate
Few experienced a more decorated NFL career as Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas. The former quarterback is included among the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
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Red Sox Lefty Reliever Chapman’s Ageless Arm Still Baffles Batters in Late Innings
Aroldis Chapman, 37, after 16 MLB seasons, can still name his price to clubs in search of a ’sure thing' coming out of the bullpen.
|
Phillies’ Harper, Schwarber Home Runs Lead March to National League East Flag
The slugging prowess of Harper and Schwarber is reminiscent of the 1961 MLB duo Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
|
Bills’ Allen Needs Strong 2025 Season to Break Away From Mahomes’ Shadow
Since the Buffalo Bills played their first game in 1960, and after four consecutive attempts, they are still in search of their first Super Bowl victory.
|
Yankees’ Bednar Back to Being Bullpen Stopper After Rocky 2025 Start
This past July, the New York Yankees made an offer for reliever David Bednar that was too attractive for the Pittsburgh Pirates to pass on.
|
DeGrom’s Comeback Season Keeping Texas Rangers in Postseason Hunt
For the Texas Rangers to squeak into MLB’s Wild Card Series, they need Jacob deGrom in top form.
|
Athletics’ Future Bright With Rooker Rocking Its Offense
Brent Rooker is more than an all-star and Silver Slugger to the Athletics MLB team.
|
Pirates’ Rookie Manager Don Kelly Earning Contract Extension for 2026 as Club Stays Competitive
Since taking over as Pittsburgh Pirates manager in May, when Derek Shelton was relieved of his duties, Don Kelly’s club has a 50–51 record.
|
Home Field Advantage Is Important in NFL, but Sometimes Neither Team Has It
In 2025, seven games will be played in Europe and Brazil, starting with a Week 1 matchup of the Chiefs and Chargers in Sao Paulo.
|
Bichette’s Impending Free Agency Promises to Be High Priority for MLB Clubs
Seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, and not signed to a contract extension, Bo Bichette will likely test the free agency market this fall.
|
NFL Hall of Fame Johnny Unitas Set Bar for 2025 Modern-Day Quarterbacks to Emulate
Few experienced a more decorated NFL career as Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas. The former quarterback is included among the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
|
Red Sox Lefty Reliever Chapman’s Ageless Arm Still Baffles Batters in Late Innings
Aroldis Chapman, 37, after 16 MLB seasons, can still name his price to clubs in search of a ’sure thing' coming out of the bullpen.
|
Phillies’ Harper, Schwarber Home Runs Lead March to National League East Flag
The slugging prowess of Harper and Schwarber is reminiscent of the 1961 MLB duo Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
|