Photos capturing the unforgettable night when Wrigley Field's lights finally illuminated the ballpark for Cubs baseball.

On August 8, 1988, Wrigley Field in Chicago marked a historic moment by hosting its first game under new lights, ending its long-standing status as the only Major League Baseball stadium without nighttime lighting. The Tribune Company, then owners of the Chicago Cubs, installed these lights to allow the team to play night games, a major shift from decades of exclusively day games at the iconic ballpark. The inaugural game under the lights began on August 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies, with Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe throwing the first pitch shortly before 7 p.m. The Cubs led 3-1 by the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Ryne Sandberg. However, the game was cut short and eventually called off due to a thunderstorm, so it did not count as an official night game. The first official night game at Wrigley Field took place the very next evening, August 9, 1988, when the Cubs played the New York Mets and secured a 6-4 victory. During this game, Mike Bielecki started as pitcher for the Cubs, while Mets’ Lenny Dykstra made history by hitting the stadium’s first official night homer. Since then, night games have become a regular feature at Wrigley Field, alongside other nighttime events such as concerts. The addition of lights represented both a practical evolution and a cultural milestone for the Cubs and their fans, bringing new energy and opportunities to the storied ballpark known as the Friendly Confines.<br /> <br />Prior to 1988, Wrigley Field had been an exception in Major League Baseball by maintaining a tradition of only daytime baseball games since opening in 1914. The installation of lights aligned Wrigley with every other stadium in the league, allowing broader scheduling and attendance possibilities. This change was welcomed by fans and players alike, as the illumination cast a new glow on a historic venue that had witnessed over seven decades of baseball history.<br /> <br />The night the lights came to Wrigley marked a turning point in Chicago sports history, blending cherished tradition with modernity and expanding the ballpark's role within the city's vibrant culture.

Celtics legend Bob Cousy reflects on turning 97 this Saturday and his enduring legacy

On August 8, 2025, the New England Patriots unveiled a striking 12-foot-tall bronze statue of Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium, located in the Patriot Place Plaza next to the Patriots Hall of Fame, where Brady was inducted last year. The statue commemorates Brady’s legendary career with the Patriots, during which he led the team to six Super Bowl titles and secured 17 division championships over 18 seasons, becoming one of the most decorated players in NFL history. His No. 12 jersey has also been retired by the team, reflecting his immense impact and legacy[1][3][4]. The statue captures Brady in an iconic celebratory pose, symbolizing his status as a “Patriot for life” and preserving his remarkable achievements for fans to admire. The event was presided over by Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and coincided with a preseason game against the Washington Commanders. Attendees at Gillette Stadium watched the unveiling on video boards, and the ceremony was streamed online for fans who could not attend[3]. Despite standing 12 feet tall, some fans humorously wonder if from the statue’s head one might glimpse downtown Providence, highlighting Brady’s close ties to the New England region[4]. Beyond his monumental statue, Brady maintains close personal connections, meeting with longtime friends every Thursday night in Worcester for dinner and conversation, underscoring his grounded, community-oriented lifestyle even after his career peak. This impressive monument endorses Brady’s status not only as a Patriots icon but also as one of the greatest football players in NFL history, immortalizing his legacy in the heart of New England football[1][2][3].

Watch Algeria vs South Africa live today: Free streaming of the African Nations Championship match

Algeria, fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over Uganda in their opening match, is set to face South Africa on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET in the second Group Stage match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025. The match will take place at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Riding high on confidence after their initial win, Algeria aims to secure qualification for the quarter-finals by defeating South Africa. Algeria's head coach, Madjid Bougherra, emphasized the importance of treating every match like a final. He praised his team's focus, discipline, and strong group spirit, while remaining cautious about South Africa's tactical flexibility and potential to change strategies rapidly.<br /><br />South Africa’s coach Molefi Ntseki is similarly prepared, stating his team will compete on equal footing with one of Africa’s strongest sides. The stakes are significant: a win for Algeria guarantees progression and increases pressure on Uganda and Niger, while a South African win would complicate the group standings, keeping qualification open for multiple teams. A draw would leave all four teams still in contention heading into the final round. For fans in the USA, the match will be broadcast live on beIN Sports, with free streaming available on fuboTV, making it accessible for supporters eager to watch this pivotal clash between two ambitious teams.<br /><br />Both teams bring different dynamics to the field—Algeria with a cohesive, motivated squad and South Africa drawing from a group of mainly locally-based and unattached players—suggesting a tactical and intense encounter as the African Nations Championship unfolds.

WNBA sex toy tosses at games: What’s fueling the unexpected on court disruptions and reactions?

Sex toys being thrown onto the court during WNBA games has become a disturbing trend, with at least five recent incidents reported. The latest event occurred during a Phoenix Mercury game, when an 18-year-old man named Kaden Lopez was arrested after throwing a green dildo into the stands. The object landed near an adult man and his 9-year-old niece, causing concern for the safety of spectators. Lopez was charged with one felony count of public display of obscene materials and two misdemeanor counts of assault and disorderly conduct. After the incident, he tried to leave the arena but was tackled by a volunteer who witnessed the act and detained him until police arrived. Lopez appeared in court and was released with a subsequent court date set for August 21. This case marks the second arrest related to such incidents at WNBA games this season, signaling the problem is ongoing and serious. While authorities have not publicly disclosed explicit reasons behind why fans are throwing these objects, the repeated occurrences suggest a pattern of disrespectful, disruptive behavior targeting the league and its players. The WNBA and law enforcement continue to investigate and take measures to prevent such acts, emphasizing the importance of fan safety and maintaining a respectful game environment. The incidents have sparked conversations about security protocols at sporting events and how to effectively deter inappropriate conduct from spectators. Ultimately, keeping the games safe for players and fans alike remains a top priority as the league addresses this unusual and troubling trend.

Athletics at Nationals Preview: Expert Picks, Starting Pitchers, Trends, and Stats to Watch on August 7

The Athletics (50-66) are visiting Washington to conclude their three-game series against the Nationals (45-68) this Thursday, August 7. In tonight’s game, Oakland will send Jacob Lopez to the pitching mound, while Washington will counter with left-handed pitcher Mitchell Parker. Mitchell Parker, a 25-year-old lefty standing 6'4" and weighing 239 pounds, has had a challenging 2025 season. He currently holds a 7-11 win-loss record and a 5.35 ERA over 117.2 innings pitched. Parker has appeared in 22 games this season, all as a starter, striking out 77 batters but also struggling with consistency, as reflected in his earned run average. Despite this, he ranks among National League pitchers in several categories, including innings pitched and total bases allowed. Parker has a history of accolades including being named a MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2021 and 2022 and winning CAR Pitcher of the Week awards in the minors. For the Athletics, Jacob Lopez is expected to take the mound, aiming to keep pace against Washington’s rotation. The Athletics, hovering below .500, will rely on solid pitching to end this series positively against a struggling Nationals team. This matchup is important for both teams as they try to improve their records in the closing stretches of the regular season. While the Nationals struggle overall this year, Parker’s start could provide a chance for stability. The Athletics will look to capitalize with Lopez pitching to gain a valuable win on the road. <br /> <br /> Overall, the game presents a key pitching duel between an Athletics rookie and a Nationals starter with mixed results so far in 2025, setting the stage for an intriguing conclusion to their three-game set.

Anwar emphasizes zero tolerance for hooliganism in sports

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that there must be no tolerance for hooliganism or violence in sports, especially football, as such behavior violates the core values of sportsmanship. He highlighted that sports should act as a unifying platform for Malaysians from all walks of life, transcending differences rather than promoting division or disorder. Anwar stressed that while it is natural for fans to be passionate in supporting their teams or states, this passion should never justify chaos or violent conduct. He explicitly warned against importing a culture of hooliganism seen in other countries into Malaysian sports. In a speech delivered during the groundbreaking ceremony of Olympic House in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar underscored the need for greater tolerance among sports followers, explaining that intolerance contradicts the fundamental spirit of sports, which is about bringing people together, embracing diversity, and sharing enthusiasm. He pointed out that sportsmanship involves striving to win with effort and skill but also accepting defeat gracefully. As a personal touch, Anwar shared how he advises his grandchildren not to let losses in games like chess or football discourage them, emphasizing the value-laden meaning of sportsmanship. The Prime Minister’s remarks were made in the presence of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive sporting culture free from hooliganism and unruly behavior. This message aligns with Malaysia’s broader goal of promoting harmony and unity through sports, safeguarding its role as a constructive social force rather than one of conflict or division.<br /> <br /> Anwar’s call serves as a reminder that emotions in sports should be channelled constructively, respecting fair play and mutual respect among players and fans alike.