Summer brings hot sporting events to New York and beyond

Sports

by Zach Braziller

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to head out to the baseball fields of the Bronx and Queens.

When training camp begins in late July, it’s time to visit the Brooklyn Liberty, check out the Cyclones in Coney Island, or catch a Jets or Giants game.

There are some big stars coming up over the next few months and plenty to choose from.

Washington Post reporter Zach Braziller analyzes the upcoming hot sports scene.

Subway Series (June 25-26, July 23-24)

Yankees fans have realistic World Series dreams.

Mets fans have a nightmare every day.

The Bronx team has the best record in baseball, while the Queens team is closer to the bottom of the National League East than to the top.

On paper they seem like a mismatch, but strange things seem to happen when the two locals meet.

At the very least, the Mets have a chance to pull off a few unexpected wins over their rivals and put some rare smiles on their fans’ faces.

NBA Draft (June 26-27)

For the first time, the NBA Draft will be a two-day event.

The team has been panned in recent years as one of the weaker talent pools, most notably USC guard Bronny James, LeBron James’ son who graduated after one year, and whose selection could influence which team his father plays for next year.

The Knicks haven’t had a first-round pick since selecting Quentin Grimes 25th overall in 2021, but they do have two first-round picks (24th and 25th) that they can use to bolster their depth this year.

But the rebuilding Nets do not have a single pick in the draft, which will be held at their home stadium, Barclays Center.

NBA Free Agents (June 30)

The Knicks have made it to the second round in a row and are looking to take the next step.

It starts here.

Team president Leon Rose believes it’s wise to retain two key free agents in OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The Nets have a big-name free agent in big man Nic Claxton.

There are several big names who could potentially hit the market, including LeBron James, Paul George and July Holiday.

James Harden, Pascal Siakam and DeMar DeRozan will also be available.

It’s set to be a busy few days for the association.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (4th of July)

The event drew a lot of attention this week when The Washington Post reported that Joey Chestnut had been barred from attending this year’s event due to a contractual dispute related to his representation of another hot dog brand.

But Chestnut said he hopes a solution can be worked out with Major League Eating, which sanctions the tradition, so he can be included in the competition.

A 16-time winner of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, he is one of the main competitors in this popular contest.

I look forward to seeing “Jaws” defend his title.

MLB All-Star Game (July 16th)

The defending World Series champion Rangers will host the midsummer classic for the first time since 1995, and a large Yankees crowd is expected at Globe Life Field.

Dominant rookie Luis Gil is a likely candidate to start in the AL, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto sure to be selected, and Clay Holmes, Carlos Rodon and Anthony Volpe also strong contenders.

The Mets are the tougher choice, but former Yankee Luis Severino (3.12 ERA) makes a case.

MLB Trade Deadline (July 27-30)

Will home-grown slugger Pete Alonso stay or go?

This will likely be the No. 1 story around here as CEO David Stearns tries to navigate the first trade deadline with the potential sellers, the Mets.

Meanwhile, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will likely be aggressive in trying to add new pieces to his championship-contending team.

Increasing batting depth and strengthening the bullpen are two areas that need to be addressed.

Giants training camp (July)

The availability of touted rookie receiver Malik Neighbors alone is reason enough for him to join Big Blue this summer.

The first-round draft pick out of LSU has already wowed his new teammates and coaching staff during spring training.

Neighbors, along with new pass-rush demon Brian Barnes (acquired in a trade with the Panthers), give the Giants some hope after a dismal six-win season last year.

Jets training camp (July)

All eyes will be on Aaron Rodgers’ left Achilles tendon.

The four-time MVP is working towards a comeback.

He missed all but four games last season after rupturing his femur in the regular-season opener, but has undoubtedly been a key piece in the Jets’ return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Another big question is whether new defensive end Haason Reddick will show up at the start of training camp.

In pursuit of a new contract, the former Eagle missed OTAs and the mandatory two-day minicamp.

Summer Olympics (July 26th – August 11th)

Caitlin Clark won’t be playing for the U.S. women’s basketball team in Paris unless she’s used as an injury replacement, but there are several other American stars competing for the gold medal.

From gymnast Simone Biles, to swimmers Kate Douglas and Katie Ledecky, to tennis player Coco Gauff, to basketball players LeBron James and Stephen Curry, there’s no shortage of reasons to tune in.

Cyclone (ongoing – September)

Are you tired of watching the Mets lose?

Head out to Coney Island, take a dip in the ocean and watch rising stars like pitcher Jonah Tong play for the team’s Single-A squad.

If you’re a fan of Seinfield, August 10th is a great day to go.

The team will be giving away George Costanza bobblehead dolls to the first 2,000 fans in attendance.

Liberty (Ongoing – September)

Last year’s runners-up, with their explosive trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, are off to an 11-2 start and are once again title contenders.

Barclays Center is the place to watch them in action, and they have a good chance to end our city’s title drought.

Yankees Old Timers Day (August 24th)

The 76th Old-Timers’ Day will have a special twist: The Yankees will celebrate their 15th championship anniversary by honoring their last championship team, the 2009 squad of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera.

Giants vs. Jets (August 24)

Both teams will conclude the preseason against each other as a final tune-up before the actual match.

It probably won’t be long before we see the starters, but that quarter or so will be a good preview heading into September.

US Open Tennis (August 26th – September 8th)

Defending men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic tore the meniscus in his right knee at the French Open, putting his future performance in doubt.

However, promising young star Carlos Alcaraz, who won the 2022 French Open and Roland Garros, is one of the favourites to win and a fan favourite.

American player Gauff, who is aiming to defend her title as women’s champion, may become the center of attention.