La Velle E. Neal III
Columnist
SportsA native of Chicago, La Velle has covered the Minnesota Twins since 1998. He also covered the Kansas City Royals for the Kansas City Star from 1995 through 1997. A graduate of the University of Illinois - Chicago, La Velle is a former president of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Latest from La Velle E. Neal III
Twins
Neal: Revival of Fort Myers Beach is a Florida happening, but Minnesota determination is in play
Hurricane Ian sacked the town in 2022, but it’s fast becoming a destination again, led by a mayor from Spring Lake Park and boosted by restaurateurs from St. Cloud.
March 16, 2025
Twins
The promise of summer is found at Twins spring training
Minnesota Star Tribune photographer Carlos Gonzalez captured the images of spring training baseball as the Twins prepare for their season in Fort Myers, Fla.
March 13, 2025
Sports
Neal: Twins fans will need patience. The team's sale isn't happening anytime soon.
The Twins hoped to identify their new owner by Opening Day, but the sale process could last into August or September.
March 13, 2025
Twins
Neal: History of Black Aces is personal for Simeon Woods Richardson
Woods Richardson grew up watching videos of the Black Aces — the 15 Black pitchers in Major League Baseball history who have won 20 games in a season.
March 11, 2025
Twins
Neal: Simply put, the Twins are going to swing the sticks this season
Despite all the injuries and lineup juggling last season, the Twins were 10th in the majors in runs scored. With improved health, they should be better this year.
March 10, 2025
Twins
Neal: Twins' Stewart battles injuries through all levels of baseball, soldiers on
Brock Stewart has been a valuable member of the bullpen, but his health is frequently in question.
March 9, 2025
Twins
Neal: Questions about the Twins' fielding lead to this: They’ll need Castro and Bader often
A chat with manager Rocco Baldelli reveals he’ll count on those two in various spots to overcome weaknesses.
March 9, 2025
Twins
Twins notes: Canterino sidelined again, Paddack struck by batted ball
Matt Canterino, 27, is headed to Arlington, Texas, to have his shoulder examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Canterino suffered a shoulder injury last season that kept out all year as well.
March 8, 2025
Twins
Neal: Simply put, the Twins are going to swing the sticks this season
Despite all the injuries and lineup juggling last season, the Twins were 10th in the majors in runs scored. With improved health, they should be better this year.
March 10, 2025
Twins
Neal: Twins' Stewart battles injuries through all levels of baseball, soldiers on
Brock Stewart has been a valuable member of the bullpen, but his health is frequently in question.
March 9, 2025
Twins
Neal: Questions about the Twins' fielding lead to this: They’ll need Castro and Bader often
A chat with manager Rocco Baldelli reveals he’ll count on those two in various spots to overcome weaknesses.
March 9, 2025
Twins
Twins notes: Canterino sidelined again, Paddack struck by batted ball
Matt Canterino, 27, is headed to Arlington, Texas, to have his shoulder examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Canterino suffered a shoulder injury last season that kept out all year as well.
March 8, 2025