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
Lynx
Neal: Flagrant foul on Carleton set a spark, and Lynx went on a tear
The Lynx closed out the Phoenix Mercury in the first round of the WNBA playoffs with a second-half flurry.
September 26, 2024
Lynx
Neal: Collier’s phenomenal effort on both ends drives Lynx to Game 1 victory
The WNBA MVP runner-up and AP Defensive Player of the Year showed why she earned those accolades in the playoff opener against the Mercury.
September 23, 2024
Sports
Neal: Veeck’s next chapter has taken him across the Atlantic to a new sport
After 30-plus years with the St. Paul Saints, Mike Veeck traded in the baseball diamond for a football pitch — trading in the St. Paul Saints for Larne FC in Ireland
September 19, 2024
PWHL
Neal: No one asked me, but I think Purple Reign would have been great PWHL nickname
The newest moniker is A-OK by the Gophers women’s hockey coach, however.
September 15, 2024
Twins
Neal: Twins postseason hopes rely on unproven arm
With every game heightening the pressure to get to the postseason, Ryan Jeffers is trying to guide three rookie pitchers to the finish line
September 11, 2024
Vikings
Neal: Bet against Aaron Jones, Vikings running game at your own risk
Despite boasting one of the game’s best receivers, a QB looking to resurrect his career and a coach searching for balance, all of the Vikings’ success may depend on what Aaron Jones does in the backfield.
September 6, 2024
Gophers
Neal: Gophers kicker Kesich will be fine; he just needs another chance
After emerging as one college football’s best kickers last season, Gophers star Dragan Kesich got off to a rough start this year. Don’t worry though, there’s reason to believe Kesich will be just fine.
September 3, 2024
Twins
Neal: With the return of Lewis’ power swing comes the return of hope for Twins
The Twins earned a much-needed victory thanks to Royce Lewis’ go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Neal: Twins postseason hopes rely on unproven arm
With every game heightening the pressure to get to the postseason, Ryan Jeffers is trying to guide three rookie pitchers to the finish line
September 11, 2024
Vikings
Neal: Bet against Aaron Jones, Vikings running game at your own risk
Despite boasting one of the game’s best receivers, a QB looking to resurrect his career and a coach searching for balance, all of the Vikings’ success may depend on what Aaron Jones does in the backfield.
September 6, 2024
Gophers
Neal: Gophers kicker Kesich will be fine; he just needs another chance
After emerging as one college football’s best kickers last season, Gophers star Dragan Kesich got off to a rough start this year. Don’t worry though, there’s reason to believe Kesich will be just fine.
September 3, 2024
Twins
Neal: With the return of Lewis’ power swing comes the return of hope for Twins
The Twins earned a much-needed victory thanks to Royce Lewis’ go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
September 2, 2024