Apr. 23—➜ . The Bismarck-Henning graduate got recalled on Tuesday to join the Atlanta Braves' bullpen. The 28-year-old left-hander threw one inning of relief, giving up one run on two hits but striking out two, during the Braves' 11-4 road loss on Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals.
➜ . The 28-year-old Kansas City Royals second baseman hit his first home run of the season — and 37th of his MLB career — to help the host Royals beat the Orioles 6-5 on Tuesday night.
➜ . The two Unity multi-sport seniors signed with the Danville Area Community College baseball team on Wednesday.
first-round NFL draft picks Illinois football has produced in its history. is the most recent after the Seattle Seahawks selected the cornerback with the fifth pick in the 2023 draft. The decision has worked out for both Witherspoon and the Seahawks. Witherspoon has started 42 games the past three seasons, is a three-time Pro Bowl honoree and played a pivotal role during Seattle's 29-13 win against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX this past February. Other former Illini picked in the first round of the draft are (2012, Texans), (2012, 49ers), (2011, Chargers), (2009, Dolphins), (2008, Steelers), (1996, Jaguars), (1996, Cardinals), (1993, Houston Oilers), (1991, Bills), (1990, Colts), (1988, Los Angeles Raiders), (1983, Patriots), (1981, Saints), (1966, Packers), (1965, Bears), (1965, 49ers), (1961, Redskins), (1959, Browns), (1954, Bears), (1954, Browns) and (1944, Rams).
➜ . The three-day event begins Thursday in Champaign with the Health & Fitness Expo at 4 p.m. at the ARC on the University of Illinois campus before the 5K arrives at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and the marathon starts at 7:33 a.m. on Saturday.
➜ . Hicks Field in Tolono will host a 19-team meet featuring a bevy of area boys' track and field teams on Friday. Field events begin at 4:30 p.m. and running events get underway at 6 p.m.
➜ . A host of area girls' track and field teams will descend upon Gibson City on Friday evening, with GCMS welcoming in 18 small-school programs for a meet that starts at 4:30 p.m.