Melissa King, who served as an assistant coach for St. Thomas University’s softball team, was named the head coach replacing Jeff Norman who’s retiring after 15 years at the helm.Laura Courtley-Todd, STU director of athletics, made the announcement last week during a press conference when she introduced King as the new Bobcats head coach.“Coach King is the ideal individual to succeed Coach Norman and guide the Bobcats for...

Former Miami Dade College baseball player Victor Caratini got the call of his career last week when the World Series Champions Chicago Cubs called him up to the big leagues as a catcher against the Milwaukee Brewers. According to the Cubs’ media guide, Caratini, 23, will back up Willson Contreras for the remainder of the season.Although Caratini’s role is primarily a catcher, he has played first and third base in the minors.With...

Not bad for a rookie. Jacob Thomas’ first ever experience playing organized sports is memorable, as the seven-year-old claimed the MVP award after leading his Giants flag football team at the Miami Lakes Optimist Club to an undefeated record, 10-0, and the spring league championship for the 5-7 age division.Thomas is a multi purpose player, playing quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and he helped his team out on defense.The...

Fresh out of high school, Jeter Downs found himself in ecstasy, as his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball became well-founded. Downs, a recent graduate of Monsignor Pace High, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round (32nd overall pick) in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft last month.Downs said he was overcome with emotions after his childhood dream came true.“I’ve been dreaming about this since I...

The Miami Lakes “Geezers,” a group of several dozen local residents who some would consider are “past their prime,” are dedicated to continue enjoying regular Monday and Wednesday morning softball games at Miami Lakes Optimist Park.One of the prime motivators behind this committed group is former Miami Herald executive David Oliver who has become the official “scribe” of Geezer games and Geezer lore.In late...