AP Sports Digest
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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FBN--GIANTS-CARTER
DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter is eager to move past his public punishment for missing a walkthrough last week. Carter was benched for the first defensive series against Green Bay by interim coach Mike Kafka. Carter disputed a report that he was sleeping in the team facility and argued he was doing recovery instead. The No. 3 pick in the draft is expected to be back in the starting lineup Sunday at Detroit. Carter is still looking for his first full sack in the NFL. Kafka said he’s proud of how the Penn State product has handled the situation. By Stephen Whyno. UPCOMING: 425 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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FBC--BIG 12 THIS WEEK
DESCRIPTION: No. 11 BYU can get into the Big 12 championship game, and a potential rematch with No. 6 Texas Tech, by winning its last two regular-season games. The 9-1 Cougars could also clinch a spot with a win Saturday over 7-3 Cincinnati and some other results in their favor. By Stephen Hawkins. UPCOMING: 560 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBC--SEC THIS WEEK
DESCRIPTION: Oklahoma is riding high after beating Alabama and returning to the 12-team playoff bracket. The Sooners face Missouri on Saturday, aiming to avoid a trap game. Vanderbilt, ranked No. 14 by the CFP committee, needs a win against Kentucky to keep playoff hopes alive. Georgia has jumped to No. 4 in the rankings, while Alabama slid to No. 10 after its loss. By Maura Carey. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 9:00 a.m. EST, Text
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FBC--SEC-CUPCAKES
DESCRIPTION: Some SEC teams are enjoying a late-season break with easier matchups that have traditionally provided a breather before rivalry week and the postseason. However, this pattern may end soon. The SEC announced a switch to nine conference games starting in 2026, sparking concern among coaches. By Maura Carey. UPCOMING: 650 words, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 12:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--T25-NC STATE-FAST START
DESCRIPTION: RALEIGH, N.C. — Will Wade promised immediate results at N.C. State. It’s begun with a fast start that has the Wolfpack with a No. 25 ranking a week before playing in the Maui Invitational. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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HKW--PWHL-SEASON PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: Upon adding two new franchises followed by a roster-shuffling expansion process and the influx of young talent in the draft, one thing remains the same for the PWHL entering its third season. The Walter Cup remains in Minnesota, where the two-time defending champion Frost have no intention of giving it up easily. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. UPCOMING:750 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--COLTS-CHIEFS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have rarely had their backs against the wall like they do right now. They are 5-5 and outside the current AFC playoff picture, and they have the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts coming to town Sunday. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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GLF--RSM CLASSIC
DESCRIPTION: ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Harris English is the highest-ranked player at the season-ending RSM Classic, where most of the focus is on the players trying to finish in the top 100 in the FedEx Cup to keep their jobs. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: NAPLES, Fla. — Nelly Korda gets a last chance to win, and Jeeno Thitikul can wrap up LPGA player of the year as the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship begins. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 6:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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SOC--NWSL-RODMAN’S FUTURE
DESCRIPTION: When the Washington Spirit take the field on Saturday to play Gotham in the National Women’s Soccer League championship match, it could be the final game for one of the league’s most dynamic players, at least for now. Spirit forward Trinity Rodman will be a free agent at season’s end and she’s been drawing interest from deep-pocketed European teams. By Anne M. Peterson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 7:00 p.m. EST, Text
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CAR--F1-LAS VEGAS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas for the first time in 41 years determined to be the most glamourous event on the globe-hopping schedule. It was a street party and Max Verstappen openly criticized the focus, which targeted high-rollers with a hefty entry fee and a bright spotlight on celebrities, concerts, exclusive events -- basically everything but the actual race. By the time he collected the checkered flag, Verstappen was singing “Viva Las Vegas” over his in-car radio. Now entering its third year, adjustments have been made as the Las Vegas Grand Prix has undergone tweaks to help its long-term viability in F1. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 8:00 p.m. EST, Graphic, Text
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FBN--BILLS-TEXANS
DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills face the Houston Texans on Thursday night. By Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/20/2025 11:40 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BBO--MANFRED
MLB will comply with Senate’s request for gambling investigation documents, commissioner says
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball says it will comply with a Senate committee’s request for documents on gambling investigations. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell sent a letter to Commissioner Rob Manfred asking for information by Dec. 5. This follows indictments of Cleveland pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who are accused of taking bribes to rig pitches. They have pleaded not guilty. Manfred says MLB’s internal investigation has no timetable. MLB is also aiding players who have received threats related to gambling. Manfred avoided discussing management’s positions in collective bargaining for a new labor contract.
WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 1:01 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b78c10ca4c899af40f39e7ce9f5b239e&mediaType=text
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BKC--T25-ARIZONA-UCONN
Jaden Bradley scores 21 points to lead No. 4 Arizona past No. 3 UConn 71-67
SUMMARY: Jaden Bradley scored 21 points, Motiejus Krivas made the go-ahead basket with 1:12 left and fourth-ranked Arizona beat No. 3 UConn 71-67 on Wednesday night. Koa Peat had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Krivas finished with nine points and 14 rebounds as the Wildcats (5-0) outrebounded UConn by 20. Freshman Eric Reibe had 15 points for UConn (4-1). Solo Ball had 14 points and Silas Demary Jr. added 13 for UConn, which played without starting center Tarris Reed Jr. because of an ankle injury.
WORDS: 392 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 12:15 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:811662356a2fc78c94269faae11e2169&mediaType=text
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BKC--T25-ALABAMA-ILLINOIS
Philon scores 24 as No. 11 Alabama beats No. 8 Illinois 90-86
SUMMARY: Labaron Philon scored 24 points, and No. 11 Alabama beat eighth-ranked Illinois 90-86 at the United Center. Philon made three 3-pointers and had five assists. Taylor Bol Bowen scored 12, and Aden Holloway finished with 11 points, helping the Crimson Tide squeeze out a tight win in their third straight game against a top-10 team. They bounced back from a loss to Purdue that came on the heels of a victory over St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, though they sure got all they could handle in this one. Andrej Stojakovic led Illinois with 26 points, and Kylan Boswell had 22.
WORDS: 397 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 12:01 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8263574af8f888887875be74e8ec7421&mediaType=text
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CRI--THE ASHES PREVIEW
England desperate to end Ashes drought in Australia
WORDS: 793 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 11:48 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c3f1314ce167a8dcf23d81d84dcdd75b&mediaType=text
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CAR--F1-LAS VEGAS
Lando Norris will tie McLaren record with 150th start at Las Vegas Grand Prix
SUMMARY: Lando Norris is set to tie David Coulthard as the most-tenured driver in McLaren history during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The 26-year-old British driver will make his 150th career start, a milestone he’s proud to reach. He’ll break the record at the Qatar Grand Prix. Norris currently leads the Formula 1 standings by 24 points over teammate Oscar Piastri, with three races left. Despite speculation of tension, Norris insists he and Piastri have a respectful relationship. Both drivers have won seven times this season, but Piastri has struggled recently. Norris remains focused on taking one race at a time.
WORDS: 781 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 10:38 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:838704145fee3b74f6a15f35967452fe&mediaType=text
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BBO--BRAVES-IGLESIAS
Braves re-sign veteran closer Raisel Iglesias to $16 million, 1-year deal
SUMMARY: The Atlanta Braves have addressed one of their offseason priorities by re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a $16 million, one-year contract. The Braves announced the deal. The 35-year-old right-hander had completed a $58 million, four-year contract that paid him $16 million in each of the last three seasons. The Braves also acquired Mauricio Dubón from the Houston Astros for Nick Allen in an exchange of infielders. Iglesias had 29 saves in 34 chances in 2025, finishing strong after an uneven start. Iglesias posted a 4.42 ERA in 39 games in the first half before a dominant finish. He recorded a 1.76 ERA in the second half and was successful on his final 18 save opportunities after July 28.
WORDS: 450 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 10:10 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d814c34492aa3f8d4eb751b46af1ca9&mediaType=text
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SOC—WORLD CUP-UNDERDOGS
Curaçao and Cape Verde qualify for a super-sized World Cup, but a 4-time champion is on the brink
SUMMARY: A super-sized World Cup has paved the way for tiny Curaçao and Cape Verde to book their places at sport’s biggest global event next year. It was back in 2017 when FIFA announced controversial plans to expand the sport’s flagship tournament from 32 teams to 48 in 2026. Some claimed the expansion was politically motivated. There were concerns about a dilution of quality and drama due to the expanded format. That remains to be seen. But the bumper version of the tournament — staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico — has already created fascinating storylines long before it kicks off next June.
WORDS: 930 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 6:45 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3c0b626a4d7fb394ad5888dca9b1a376&mediaType=text
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FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice, this time with an ankle issue
SUMMARY: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed practice again. This time it was because of an ankle issue. That marks the second straight week he was missing for Wednesday’s session. Jackson has already missed three games this season because of a hamstring injury. He was listed with a knee issue last week, but he was still able to play in Baltimore’s 23-16 win over Cleveland on Sunday. He threw for 193 yards and was sacked five times while also having two deflected passes intercepted. Jackson ran for only 10 yards on four attempts in that game. The Ravens host the New York Jets this weekend.
WORDS: 486 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 6:28 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6c17f2eed6bd3e5be4a9ce97ab362f0&mediaType=text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Nelly Korda can change perception of her year in one tournament at LPGA
SUMMARY: The stakes are high at the CME Group Tour Championship. There’s $4 million to the winner, the richest prize in women’s golf. Jeeno Thitikul and Miyuu Yamashita have a shot at LPGA player of the year. And for Nelly Korda, it’s a chance to finally win another trophy. She hasn’t won since her seven-title season in 2024. She could be the first player since Tiger Woods to go from seven wins one year to none the next. Korda’s scoring average is about the same as last year. She’s healthy. She’s playing well. She says it’s a fine lining between winning.
WORDS: 832 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:48 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3bc74d0ce475379c4de463e2c501f0bb&mediaType=text
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TEN--TENNIS HALL OF FAME
Roger Federer elected to International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1st year of eligibility
SUMMARY: Roger Federer has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Federer is the only candidate to get enough support in the player category. TV announcer and journalist Mary Carillo was selected in the contributor category. They will both be inducted in August. Federer was the first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a total later surpassed by his rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Federer’s last match came at Wimbledon in 2021.
WORDS: 819 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:45 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b6077e1a3aefa50dc2d946631bdbc727&mediaType=text
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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP
Women’s Champions League: OL Lyonnes and Juventus draw, Arsenal beats Real Madrid
SUMMARY: Record eight-time champion OL Lyonnes rallied from three goals down at halftime to salvage a 3-3 draw at Juventus in the Women’s Champions League. Veteran defender Wendie Renard equalized with a penalty in the 90th minute following a handball by Juventus captain Cecilia Salvai. Defending champion Arsenal came back to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at home with a brace from striker Alessia Russo. Elsewhere Dutch duo Ella Peddemors and Lineth Beerensteyn scored two each as two-time champion Wolfsburg beat Manchester United 5-2 at home. In other matches Paris FC beat Benfica 2-0. Dutch club Vålerenga drew 2-2 with St. Pölten of Austria.
WORDS: 602 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:41 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9f16380db086879ed04735be7b5886a&mediaType=text
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FBC--VIRGINIA TECH-FRANKLIN
Virginia Tech preaches alignment as James Franklin is introduced as football coach
SUMMARY: James Franklin got his first taste of Virginia Tech’s “Enter Sandman” tradition as he walked into Cassell Coliseum for his introductory press conference. It’s something the 53-year-old Franklin is eager to experience as the Hokies’ football coach. Virginia Tech is the first Power Four program to hire its next football coach this cycle, officially bringing Franklin aboard this week about a month after he was fired from Penn State. Alignment was a constant theme that Franklin, athletic director Whit Babcock and President Tim Sands returned to.
WORDS: 623 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:28 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e6a7bb165c067e7be23d629f721e2f0d&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-BOYD
Post on Kris Boyd’s Instagram account says Jets cornerback has started breathing on his own
SUMMARY: A post on New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd’s Instagram account on Wednesday said he has started to breathe on his own after being shot in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning. Boyd’s Instagram Stories feature a picture of the special teams standout lying down in what appears to be his hospital bed, with the words “God is real, God is powerful” at the top of the image. The post came a few hours after Jets coach Aaron Glenn said he had spoken to Boyd and is confident Boyd will be OK. He added that Boyd was “upbeat” in their recent conversation.
WORDS: 638 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:19 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ae51d1b118ff43c753f74adc405ad66f&mediaType=text
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BBO--MLB-TV
MLB’s new media deals with ESPN, NBC and Netflix total $800M annually
SUMMARY: ESPN and Major League Baseball have reworked their media rights deal. ESPN has gained out-of-market streaming rights, while NBC and Netflix will air games under a new three-year agreement announced by MLB on Wednesday. Commissioner Rob Manfred has also maximized rights for the Home Run Derby and Wild Card Series. NBC/Peacock will host “Sunday Night Baseball” and the Wild Card round, while Netflix will air the Home Run Derby and two additional games. The deals will average nearly $800 million annually. ESPN will still pay $550 million, with NBC’s deal worth $200 million and Netflix’s $50 million.
WORDS: 818 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:00 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:886525243fc7fcbf8b8c927817fb3a32&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-TAYLOR STARTS
Jets’ Aaron Glenn confirms that Tyrod Taylor will start at quarterback, Justin Fields is benched
SUMMARY: Aaron Glenn has decided to switch quarterbacks for the New York Jets. Tyrod Taylor will start over Justin Fields on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Glenn confirmed the change on Wednesday, saying it was the right move for the team. The Jets are struggling with a 2-8 record and Fields’ performance has been a major issue. The passing offense ranks last in the NFL. Fields has averaged just 140 yards passing per game this season. Taylor has more experience and previously started this season when Fields was sidelined. Glenn said the decision was his alone, though he consulted with trusted coaches.
WORDS: 727 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 4:53 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:73a3672838f277b2c03db46e2944e366&mediaType=text
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FBN--FALCONS-PENIX SURGERY
Falcons quarterback Penix will have season-ending knee surgery, leaving Cousins as starter
SUMMARY: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The Falcons announced Penix’s surgery plans on Wednesday, two days after saying the 25-year-old would be placed on injured reserve and miss at least four games. The team said Penix has a partially torn ligament in the knee. Veteran Kirk Cousins will start for the remainder of the season as the Falcons prepare to play at New Orleans on Sunday. Penix suffered the injury in last week’s 30-27 overtime loss to Carolina, which extended the Falcons’ losing streak to five games.
WORDS: 704 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 4:39 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:036e3d53146fc0eea880a2386bc8a43c&mediaType=text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
New commissioner Kessler lays out 2026 schedule and a plan to get LPGA on the right path
SUMMARY: Craig Kessler is painting an optimistic future for the LPGA Tour. The new commissioner is full of energy and ideas. He also has a “flywheel” and a “Venn diagram” to illustrates his plans. The first order of business was releasing the 2026 schedule. There are 31 official tournaments with official prize money that tops $128.5 million, a record. Fourteen tournaments have increases big and small in their purses. Kessler’s flywheel is an better broadcast production to grab fans. He hopes that leads to media rights and marketing partners. And more cash goes into the products.
WORDS: 746 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 4:20 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dcc5c8d81f6fb3cc6127ad720537bc59&mediaType=text
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FBN--BROWNS-SANDERS
Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start for the Browns on Sunday in Las Vegas
SUMMARY: Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start on Sunday in Las Vegas as the Browns turn to the high-profile quarterback while fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel recovers from a concussion. Sanders replaced an injured Gabriel for the second half of last week’s 23-16 loss to Baltimore. It was a shaky debut as Sanders, who was drafted by Cleveland in the fifth round, completed just 4 of 16 passes with an interception. He also was sacked twice and fumbled once. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Gabriel remains in concussion protocol. Sanders will be the 42nd quarterback to start for Cleveland since 1999.
WORDS: 894 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 3:19 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ea9805777b2945e4f7a1cf0bed07dbb&mediaType=text
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HKN--PANTHERS INJURIES
Panthers’ Eetu Luostarinen will miss time because of a barbecue mishap, adding to team’s injury woes
SUMMARY: The Florida Panthers are facing more injuries, including one from a grilling accident. Coach Paul Maurice sees this as a chance for growth. Forward Eetu Luostarinen is out and considered week to week due to the mishap. The Panthers don’t have a timeline for his return. Forward Cole Schwindt, claimed off waivers last month, is also injured and needs surgery for a broken arm. Schwindt will miss two to three months. The Panthers’ injury list includes captain Aleksander Barkov and others. Maurice believes these challenges could lead to valuable lessons and improvements for the team.
WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 2:43 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19e56784e0068fba889adb9fb1913b90&mediaType=text
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BBO--OBIT-RANDY JONES
Randy Jones, the San Diego Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner, dies at 75
SUMMARY: Former San Diego Padres left-hander Randy Jones has died. He was 75. The Padres announced Wednesday that Jones died a day earlier without disclosing a location or cause. Jones won the Cy Young Award in 1976, the highlight of his 10-year major league career. Jones pitched eight seasons for the Padres and two for the New York Mets, going 100-123 with a 3.42 ERA. He was one of the majors’ best pitchers in 1975 and 1976, earning two All-Star selections and becoming the first Padres player to win the Cy Young.
WORDS: 520 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 2:40 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9002ed00fd7a0622edcf6ec166db7927&mediaType=text
