NEW YORK (AP) — All-Star slugger Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in his return from the injured list before the New York Yankees rallied for an 11-5 win.

Last year's major league home run champion batted third as the designated hitter barely a month after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.

He flied out to left field and struck out in his first two at-bats, then launched a no-doubter to left-center off Gerrit Cole in the fifth inning to put Kansas City ahead 5-3. His drive came one at-bat after Whit Merrifield's two-run single ended the Royals' scoreless streak at 31 2/3 innings.

Perez admired his high fly ball from the batter's box and pumped his fist after rounding second.

“Salvy being Salvy, just reminding us how special he is,” manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s just different, different than most people can do. The way the ball comes off his bat, you can tell he’s feeling strong and feeling confident.”

Perez finished the game 1 for 4 with a strikeout. He says he hopes to be behind the plate Saturday.

Kansas City initially estimated the 32-year-old Perez would need eight weeks to recover after surgery June 24, but doctors assured the club he was ready for big league action.

“At that point, I think we take whatever we think our preconceived idea was of how long it should take and throw it out the window," Matheny said.

Perez, a seven-time All-Star, played three minor league rehab games with Triple-A Omaha and went 4 for 8. He caught one game and was the DH in two others. He warmed up prior to Friday night's game with a first baseman's mitt, although the five-time Gold Glove winner hasn't played the position since 2020.

Perez led the majors with 48 homers in 2021 but was slumping this year prior to having surgery. He is hitting .211 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and a career-low .690 OPS in 58 games in the first season of a team-record $82 million, four-year contract.

The clubhouse leader returned to a club that could look quite different in a few days. The Royals are 39-61 and in last place in the AL Central after trading All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi to the Yankees on Wednesday. They could unload more players before Tuesday's trade deadline.

Rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was held out of the lineup for a fifth straight game with right hamstring soreness, but Matheny is optimistic Witt will play before the end of the weekend. Witt ramped up his pregame work Friday, including a lengthy batting practice.

The 22-year-old Witt is batting .258 with 14 homers, 51 RBIs and a .760 OPS.

Third baseman Emmanuel Rivera was optioned to Triple-A to make roster space for Perez.

NEW YORK (AP) — All-Star slugger Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in his return from the injured list before the New York Yankees rallied for an 11-5 win.Last year's major league home run champion batted third as the designated hitter barely a month after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.He flied out to left field and struck out in his first two at-bats, then launched a no-doubter to left-center off Gerrit Cole in the fifth inning to put Kansas City ahead 5-3. His drive came one at-bat after Whit Merrifield's two-run single ended the Royals' scoreless streak at 31 2/3 innings.Perez admired his high fly ball from the batter's box and pumped his fist after rounding second.“Salvy being Salvy, just reminding us how special he is,” manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s just different, different than most people can do. The way the ball comes off his bat, you can tell he’s feeling strong and feeling confident.”Perez finished the game 1 for 4 with a strikeout. He says he hopes to be behind the plate Saturday.Kansas City initially estimated the 32-year-old Perez would need eight weeks to recover after surgery June 24, but doctors assured the club he was ready for big league action.“At that point, I think we take whatever we think our preconceived idea was of how long it should take and throw it out the window," Matheny said.Perez, a seven-time All-Star, played three minor league rehab games with Triple-A Omaha and went 4 for 8. He caught one game and was the DH in two others. He warmed up prior to Friday night's game with a first baseman's mitt, although the five-time Gold Glove winner hasn't played the position since 2020.Perez led the majors with 48 homers in 2021 but was slumping this year prior to having surgery. He is hitting .211 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and a career-low .690 OPS in 58 games in the first season of a team-record $82 million, four-year contract.The clubhouse leader returned to a club that could look quite different in a few days. The Royals are 39-61 and in last place in the AL Central after trading All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi to the Yankees on Wednesday. They could unload more players before Tuesday's trade deadline.Rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was held out of the lineup for a fifth straight game with right hamstring soreness, but Matheny is optimistic Witt will play before the end of the weekend. Witt ramped up his pregame work Friday, including a lengthy batting practice.The 22-year-old Witt is batting .258 with 14 homers, 51 RBIs and a .760 OPS.Third baseman Emmanuel Rivera was optioned to Triple-A to make roster space for Perez.

Royals' Salvador Perez homers vs Yanks in return from injury

NEW YORK (AP) — There's no sorcery to Aaron Judge's recent success, although it looks that way, even close up.

“Just takes the magic wand and does his thing,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole said.

No doubt, this is Judge's show. He added a new trick Friday night, too — making someone else's homer disappear.

Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as New York rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5 Friday night.

“He's amazing," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "He's just doing some really special things.”

Isiah Kiner-Falefa lined a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning as New York completed its major league-leading 29th comeback victory.

It only seems as though Judge has had a hand in all of them.

“It's like a steady dose of amazingness,” Cole said.

A free agent at the end of the season, Judge is on pace for 66 home runs, which would top Roger Maris' club record of 61 in 1961. Judge, Maris and Babe Ruth in 1928 are the only Yankees with at least 40 homers by the end of July, per MLB.com.

Judge was lavished with “MVP!” chants throughout the night, none louder than after his slam in the eighth cemented yet another Yankees rally. He also had a single and finished with six RBIs, giving him a major league-leading 89.

He has eight homers and 19 RBIs in nine games since the All-Star break, but claims he feels no different at the plate.

Judge and Anthony Rizzo homered early on a rainy night in the Bronx, but Kansas City came back against Cole, with Whit Merrifield’s two-run single in the fifth ending a scoreless drought of 31 2/3 innings for the Royals.

Salvador Perez followed Merrifield with a go-ahead, three-run homer in his return from the injured list for a 5-3 lead.

New York erased it by batting around during a messy eighth inning that followed a 23-minute rain delay.

Rizzo and Gleyber Torres hit one-out singles, then shortstop Maikel Garcia booted Josh Donaldson's grounder off the slick infield.

Andrew Benintendi’s bases-loaded grounder was gloved by diving first baseman Nick Pratto, but pitcher Scott Barlow (4-4) failed to cover first, giving Benintendi an RBI single — his first hit with the Yankees after a trade from the Royals on Wednesday.

Barlow’s next pitch skipped near Aaron Hicks’ feet, and plate umpire Chris Guccione called an RBI hit by pitch. That ruling was reversed via video replay, but Hicks walked a few pitches later on a full count to make it 5-5.

Kiner-Falefa then ripped a single to left, and Jose Trevino followed with an RBI groundout for a 7-5 edge. DJ LeMahieu walked before Judge clubbed his fourth career slam off Jackson Kowar.

Albert Abreu (2-0) pitched a scoreless eighth against a Kansas City team that waived him June 21.

The 6-foot-7 Judge began the game by reaching over the right-field fence to rob MJ Melendez of a homer, then hit a 449-foot, two-run shot in the third inning. It was his second homer in three at-bats after he hit a game-ending drive in the ninth inning of a 1-0 win against Kansas City on Thursday night.

“Hitting a homer is still above robbing one for me right now, but it's still fun,” Judge said.

Cole was overpowering — except for the fifth inning. He was pulled after six with nine strikeouts and no walks. Five of the seven hits he allowed came in the fifth, and all five runs charged against him came in the inning.

Perez, last year’s major league home run champion, batted third as the designated hitter barely a month after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.

The seven-time All-Star flied out to left field and struck out in his first two at-bats, then launched a no-doubter to left-center off Cole. Perez admired his high fly ball from the batter’s box and pumped his fist after rounding second.

“Salvy being Salvy, just reminding us how special he is,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Garcia got his first career hit with an infield single in the third, Kansas City’s first hit of the game. He reached after shortstop Kiner-Falefa had trouble getting the ball out of his glove. Garcia also hit a clean single in the fifth.

Royals: SS Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game with right hamstring soreness, but Matheny is optimistic Witt will play before the end of the weekend. ... 3B Emmanuel Rivera was optioned to Triple-A to make space for Perez.

Yankees: RHP Luis Severino (strained right lat) could resume throwing Monday if he progresses as hoped this weekend.

Yankees LHP Nestor Cortes (8-3, 2.48 ERA) makes his second start Saturday since pitching in the All-Star Game. He'll face Royals veteran RHP Zack Greinke (3-6, 4.35), who could be traded before Tuesday's deadline. New York will celebrate its annual Old-Timers' Day prior to the game, although the usual exhibition game of retired Yankees was called off because too many former players are recovering from surgeries.

NEW YORK (AP) — There's no sorcery to Aaron Judge's recent success, although it looks that way, even close up.“Just takes the magic wand and does his thing,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole said.No doubt, this is Judge's show. He added a new trick Friday night, too — making someone else's homer disappear.Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as New York rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5 Friday night.“He's amazing," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "He's just doing some really special things.”Isiah Kiner-Falefa lined a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning as New York completed its major league-leading 29th comeback victory.It only seems as though Judge has had a hand in all of them.“It's like a steady dose of amazingness,” Cole said.A free agent at the end of the season, Judge is on pace for 66 home runs, which would top Roger Maris' club record of 61 in 1961. Judge, Maris and Babe Ruth in 1928 are the only Yankees with at least 40 homers by the end of July, per MLB.com.Judge was lavished with “MVP!” chants throughout the night, none louder than after his slam in the eighth cemented yet another Yankees rally. He also had a single and finished with six RBIs, giving him a major league-leading 89.He has eight homers and 19 RBIs in nine games since the All-Star break, but claims he feels no different at the plate.“Just like any other time,” he said.Judge and Anthony Rizzo homered early on a rainy night in the Bronx, but Kansas City came back against Cole, with Whit Merrifield’s two-run single in the fifth ending a scoreless drought of 31 2/3 innings for the Royals.Salvador Perez followed Merrifield with a go-ahead, three-run homer in his return from the injured list for a 5-3 lead.New York erased it by batting around during a messy eighth inning that followed a 23-minute rain delay.Rizzo and Gleyber Torres hit one-out singles, then shortstop Maikel Garcia booted Josh Donaldson's grounder off the slick infield.Andrew Benintendi’s bases-loaded grounder was gloved by diving first baseman Nick Pratto, but pitcher Scott Barlow (4-4) failed to cover first, giving Benintendi an RBI single — his first hit with the Yankees after a trade from the Royals on Wednesday.Barlow’s next pitch skipped near Aaron Hicks’ feet, and plate umpire Chris Guccione called an RBI hit by pitch. That ruling was reversed via video replay, but Hicks walked a few pitches later on a full count to make it 5-5.Kiner-Falefa then ripped a single to left, and Jose Trevino followed with an RBI groundout for a 7-5 edge. DJ LeMahieu walked before Judge clubbed his fourth career slam off Jackson Kowar.Albert Abreu (2-0) pitched a scoreless eighth against a Kansas City team that waived him June 21.The 6-foot-7 Judge began the game by reaching over the right-field fence to rob MJ Melendez of a homer, then hit a 449-foot, two-run shot in the third inning. It was his second homer in three at-bats after he hit a game-ending drive in the ninth inning of a 1-0 win against Kansas City on Thursday night.“Hitting a homer is still above robbing one for me right now, but it's still fun,” Judge said.Cole was overpowering — except for the fifth inning. He was pulled after six with nine strikeouts and no walks. Five of the seven hits he allowed came in the fifth, and all five runs charged against him came in the inning.SAVLY'S BACKPerez, last year’s major league home run champion, batted third as the designated hitter barely a month after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.The seven-time All-Star flied out to left field and struck out in his first two at-bats, then launched a no-doubter to left-center off Cole. Perez admired his high fly ball from the batter’s box and pumped his fist after rounding second.“Salvy being Salvy, just reminding us how special he is,” manager Mike Matheny said.Kansas City initially estimated the 32-year-old Perez would need eight weeks to recover after surgery June 24, but doctors assured the club he was ready for big league action.PROMISING STARTGarcia got his first career hit with an infield single in the third, Kansas City’s first hit of the game. He reached after shortstop Kiner-Falefa had trouble getting the ball out of his glove. Garcia also hit a clean single in the fifth.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: SS Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game with right hamstring soreness, but Matheny is optimistic Witt will play before the end of the weekend. ... 3B Emmanuel Rivera was optioned to Triple-A to make space for Perez.Yankees: RHP Luis Severino (strained right lat) could resume throwing Monday if he progresses as hoped this weekend.UP NEXTYankees LHP Nestor Cortes (8-3, 2.48 ERA) makes his second start Saturday since pitching in the All-Star Game. He'll face Royals veteran RHP Zack Greinke (3-6, 4.35), who could be traded before Tuesday's deadline. New York will celebrate its annual Old-Timers' Day prior to the game, although the usual exhibition game of retired Yankees was called off because too many former players are recovering from surgeries.

Judge hits grand slam for 41st HR, Yanks rally past Royals

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5. Isiah Kiner-Falefa lined a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning as New York completed its major league-leading 29th comeback victory. A free agent at the end of the season, Judge is on pace for 66 home runs, which would top Roger Maris’ club record of 61 in 1961. Judge, Maris and Babe Ruth in 1928 are the only Yankees with at least 40 homers by the end of July, per MLB.com.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nolan Gorman and Lars Nootbaar hit back-to-back homers in the sixth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Washington Nationals 6-2. Washington’s Juan Soto went 1 for 4 in what could be his final homestand with Tuesday’s trade deadline looming. The Nationals were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Miles Mikolas allowed two runs in seven innings for St. Louis, which won consecutive games for the first time since July 15-16. Aníbal Sánchez lost his third consecutive start for Washington, which is a majors-worst 34-67.

DENVER (AP) — Will Smith and Trayce Thompson each hit a two-run homer, Julio Urías pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers continued their torrid July with a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. The Dodgers overcame 13 runners left on base and a shaky ninth inning by Craig Kimbrel to improve to 20-4 this month and 67-32 overall, both the best marks in the majors. Smith added a single and reached base four times, while Urías (10-6) used a fastball-changeup-curveball mix to hold the Rockies to two runs and four hits. Urías has allowed three runs over 20 innings in his last three starts to lower his ERA to 2.71.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff says his conference is far from finished, despite the defections of Southern California and UCLA. Kliavkoff confirmed the Pac-12 is actively exploring expansion during an eventful, occasionally feisty opening speech at his conference’s football media day in the nation’s second-largest media market. While painting a promising picture of the league’s future even after USC and UCLA leave for the Big Ten in 2024, Kliavkoff also threw several jabs at the Big 12. The commissioner said he had spent the past month “trying to defend against grenades being lobbed in from every corner of the Big 12 trying to destabilize our conference.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Pac-12 pushed for legislation allowing conference title games to be played without requiring divisions, and it was the first conference to take advantage of it, deciding to have the two teams with the best records this season play against one another in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. However, it has yet to outline the exact rules that will determine what happens if multiple teams have the same record. The Pac-12’s senior associate commissioner overseeing football said the forthcoming criteria will be exclusively based on conference results.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Busch is getting antsy about not having a contract next season. NASCAR's only active driver with multiple Cup championships has been unable to extend his deal with Joe Gibbs Racing because the team is still seeking a sponsor for Busch. But he said Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he's willing to take a pay cut and drive for less than his market value, as well as make other concessions, in his bid to secure a job for 2023. It's late enough in the process that Busch is talking to teams other than Gibbs.

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners have acquired perhaps the top starting pitcher on the trade market, getting All-Star Luis Castillo from the payroll-paring Cincinnati Reds for four minor league prospects. Cincinnati obtained infielders Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo, and right-handers Levi Stoudt and Andrew Moore. Marte was the Mariners’ top-rated prospect, Arroyo was third and Stoudt fifth. Seattle has not been to the playoffs since 2001, the longest postseason drought in the four major North American pro sports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658828102748.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5. Isiah Kiner-Falefa lined a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning as New York completed its major league-leading 29th comeback victory. A free agent at the end of the season, Judge is on pace for 66 home runs, which would top Roger Maris’ club record of 61 in 1961. Judge, Maris and Babe Ruth in 1928 are the only Yankees with at least 40 homers by the end of July, per MLB.com.WASHINGTON (AP) — Nolan Gorman and Lars Nootbaar hit back-to-back homers in the sixth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Washington Nationals 6-2. Washington’s Juan Soto went 1 for 4 in what could be his final homestand with Tuesday’s trade deadline looming. The Nationals were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Miles Mikolas allowed two runs in seven innings for St. Louis, which won consecutive games for the first time since July 15-16. Aníbal Sánchez lost his third consecutive start for Washington, which is a majors-worst 34-67.DENVER (AP) — Will Smith and Trayce Thompson each hit a two-run homer, Julio Urías pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers continued their torrid July with a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. The Dodgers overcame 13 runners left on base and a shaky ninth inning by Craig Kimbrel to improve to 20-4 this month and 67-32 overall, both the best marks in the majors. Smith added a single and reached base four times, while Urías (10-6) used a fastball-changeup-curveball mix to hold the Rockies to two runs and four hits. Urías has allowed three runs over 20 innings in his last three starts to lower his ERA to 2.71.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff says his conference is far from finished, despite the defections of Southern California and UCLA. Kliavkoff confirmed the Pac-12 is actively exploring expansion during an eventful, occasionally feisty opening speech at his conference’s football media day in the nation’s second-largest media market. While painting a promising picture of the league’s future even after USC and UCLA leave for the Big Ten in 2024, Kliavkoff also threw several jabs at the Big 12. The commissioner said he had spent the past month “trying to defend against grenades being lobbed in from every corner of the Big 12 trying to destabilize our conference.”LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Pac-12 pushed for legislation allowing conference title games to be played without requiring divisions, and it was the first conference to take advantage of it, deciding to have the two teams with the best records this season play against one another in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. However, it has yet to outline the exact rules that will determine what happens if multiple teams have the same record. The Pac-12’s senior associate commissioner overseeing football said the forthcoming criteria will be exclusively based on conference results.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Busch is getting antsy about not having a contract next season. NASCAR's only active driver with multiple Cup championships has been unable to extend his deal with Joe Gibbs Racing because the team is still seeking a sponsor for Busch. But he said Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he's willing to take a pay cut and drive for less than his market value, as well as make other concessions, in his bid to secure a job for 2023. It's late enough in the process that Busch is talking to teams other than Gibbs.SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners have acquired perhaps the top starting pitcher on the trade market, getting All-Star Luis Castillo from the payroll-paring Cincinnati Reds for four minor league prospects. Cincinnati obtained infielders Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo, and right-handers Levi Stoudt and Andrew Moore. Marte was the Mariners’ top-rated prospect, Arroyo was third and Stoudt fifth. Seattle has not been to the playoffs since 2001, the longest postseason drought in the four major North American pro sports.FRIDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	6	Cincinnati	2	Final	Milwaukee	4	Boston	1	Final	San Diego	10	Minnesota	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	4	Tampa Bay	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	11	Kansas City	5	Final	Detroit	4	Toronto	2	Final	Oakland	7	Chicago White Sox	3	Final	Houston	11	Seattle	1	Final	Texas	7	L.A. Angels	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	6	Washington	2	Final	N.Y. Mets	6	Miami	4	Final	Atlanta	5	Arizona	2	Final	Philadelphia	4	Pittsburgh	2	Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Colorado	4	Final	Chicago Cubs	4	San Francisco	2

Saturday Sports Headlines and scores presented by Barton Community College

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582693944473.jpeg" alt="2022 Football Schedule" />
 <figcaption>2022 Football Schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>9/2 @ Hesston9/9 Halstead9/16 @ Lyons9/23 @ Southwestern Heights9/30 Pratt10/7 Lakin10/14 @ Larned10/21 Cimarron10/28 District Playoffs

2022 Hoisington Cardinal Football Schedule

NEW YORK (AP) — Andrew Benintendi wouldn’t say whether he will get vaccinated for COVID-19 now that he’s with the first-place New York Yankees rather than the last-place Kansas City Royals.

A day after New York acquired the 28-year-old All-Star from the Royals for three minor league pitchers, Benintendi went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in hs Yankees debut, a 1-0 win over his former team on Thursday night. Benintendi hit leadoff and played left field, receiving a roll call from the fans in the right field bleachers.

“Felt the love from everybody," Benintendi said. "It was just a very cool experience.”

He was among 10 Royals who missed a four-game series at Toronto from July 14-17 because he was not vaccinated and could not enter Canada. He lost $186,813 of the $8.5 million salary.

The Yankees have a three-game series at Toronto from Sept. 26-28.

“Right now, you know, I’m still positioned in the same spot. I’m open-minded about it,” Benintendi said. “I’m not against it, but time will tell as we get closer, but for now I’m just focused on getting here, getting comfortable, getting to know the guys and winning baseball games.”

Benintendi had not yet discussed the issue with his new team.

“We’ll cross that bridge if and when we have to but I have not had that conversation,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

Benintendi had arrived with the Royals in New York and was in his hotel room when Royals manager Mike Matheny told him of the trade at about 11 p.m. Wednesday night.

“It’s a weird situation,” Benintendi said. “Obviously lacing it up with them yesterday and now I’m going against them today.”

Matheny was aware the trade was possible before the flight but kept the possibility to himself.

“We couldn’t do anything and tried to honor the rules that the league puts in place and letting the medicals go through,” Matheny said. “We landed and still couldn’t say anything, so I kind of hunkered down outside his door and kind of made sure he didn’t escape.”

Matheny got general manager J. J. Picollo and team president Dayton Moore on speakerphone when he told Benintendi.

“Fortunate and grateful to the Yankees for holding that down as long as they could so we could have that conversation in person,” Matheny said. “He deserved to have that conversation in person.”

As word spread amongst the Royals, many who found out from Twitter and other social media, several players gathered in Benintendi’s room to wish him well. Some even stuck around to play cards with their old mate. One well-wisher was Bobby Witt Jr., whose locker was positioned directly next to Benintendi’s at Kauffman Stadium.

“I got to talk to him a lot about baseball,” Witt said of their time as teammates. “He’s a great person both on and off the field so just really anxious to see him continue his success.”

Benintendi had to switch from No. 16 to No. 18 with the Yankees — 16 is retired for Whitey Ford.

Hititng .320 with three homers, 39 RBIs and a .788 OPS coming into Thursday, Benintendi should fit in nicely with an offense that has scored the most runs in the majors.

“Been a guy that’s got a championship, battle-tested. Obviously played a key part in the Red Sox run in ’18, was a key figure for them,” Boone said. “He’s had an All-Star caliber season, a guy that gets on base, great bat-to-ball skills, good defender in left field. I’m real excited to have him.”

Tim Locastro was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to open a roster spot.

Boone plans to slot his new addition in left field for the most part, a position where he won a Gold Glove last year. Aaron Judge could see more time in right field rather than center, and Aaron Hicks could see time in center rather than left.

“I think he makes us more versatile, gives us some more balance,” Boone said of Benintendi.

For now, Benintendi was remaining in the Royals hotel.

“I don’t know what’s going to go on there,” he said prior to the game. “Still getting a lot of information right now so just trying to process everything.”

The newest member of the Yankees was asked after the game if he was planning on sleeping there Thursday night, and what it might be like walking into the same place his former teammates are staying.

“I am. I am," a laughing Benintendi confirmed. "Yeah, but I’ll go straight to my room. I’ll go straight to bed.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Andrew Benintendi wouldn’t say whether he will get vaccinated for COVID-19 now that he’s with the first-place New York Yankees rather than the last-place Kansas City Royals.A day after New York acquired the 28-year-old All-Star from the Royals for three minor league pitchers, Benintendi went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in hs Yankees debut, a 1-0 win over his former team on Thursday night. Benintendi hit leadoff and played left field, receiving a roll call from the fans in the right field bleachers.“Felt the love from everybody," Benintendi said. "It was just a very cool experience.”He was among 10 Royals who missed a four-game series at Toronto from July 14-17 because he was not vaccinated and could not enter Canada. He lost $186,813 of the $8.5 million salary.The Yankees have a three-game series at Toronto from Sept. 26-28.“Right now, you know, I’m still positioned in the same spot. I’m open-minded about it,” Benintendi said. “I’m not against it, but time will tell as we get closer, but for now I’m just focused on getting here, getting comfortable, getting to know the guys and winning baseball games.”Benintendi had not yet discussed the issue with his new team.“We’ll cross that bridge if and when we have to but I have not had that conversation,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.Benintendi had arrived with the Royals in New York and was in his hotel room when Royals manager Mike Matheny told him of the trade at about 11 p.m. Wednesday night.“It’s a weird situation,” Benintendi said. “Obviously lacing it up with them yesterday and now I’m going against them today.”Matheny was aware the trade was possible before the flight but kept the possibility to himself.“We couldn’t do anything and tried to honor the rules that the league puts in place and letting the medicals go through,” Matheny said. “We landed and still couldn’t say anything, so I kind of hunkered down outside his door and kind of made sure he didn’t escape.”Matheny got general manager J. J. Picollo and team president Dayton Moore on speakerphone when he told Benintendi.“Fortunate and grateful to the Yankees for holding that down as long as they could so we could have that conversation in person,” Matheny said. “He deserved to have that conversation in person.”As word spread amongst the Royals, many who found out from Twitter and other social media, several players gathered in Benintendi’s room to wish him well. Some even stuck around to play cards with their old mate. One well-wisher was Bobby Witt Jr., whose locker was positioned directly next to Benintendi’s at Kauffman Stadium.“I got to talk to him a lot about baseball,” Witt said of their time as teammates. “He’s a great person both on and off the field so just really anxious to see him continue his success.”Benintendi had to switch from No. 16 to No. 18 with the Yankees — 16 is retired for Whitey Ford.Hititng .320 with three homers, 39 RBIs and a .788 OPS coming into Thursday, Benintendi should fit in nicely with an offense that has scored the most runs in the majors.“Been a guy that’s got a championship, battle-tested. Obviously played a key part in the Red Sox run in ’18, was a key figure for them,” Boone said. “He’s had an All-Star caliber season, a guy that gets on base, great bat-to-ball skills, good defender in left field. I’m real excited to have him.”Tim Locastro was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to open a roster spot.Boone plans to slot his new addition in left field for the most part, a position where he won a Gold Glove last year. Aaron Judge could see more time in right field rather than center, and Aaron Hicks could see time in center rather than left.“I think he makes us more versatile, gives us some more balance,” Boone said of Benintendi.For now, Benintendi was remaining in the Royals hotel.“I don’t know what’s going to go on there,” he said prior to the game. “Still getting a lot of information right now so just trying to process everything.”The newest member of the Yankees was asked after the game if he was planning on sleeping there Thursday night, and what it might be like walking into the same place his former teammates are staying.“I am. I am," a laughing Benintendi confirmed. "Yeah, but I’ll go straight to my room. I’ll go straight to bed.”

Benintendi won't say whether will get vaccinated with Yanks

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Thousands of fans and spectators have watched basketball games and
graduations over the years from the wooden bleachers on the second level of the
Kirkman Center at Barton Community College. Sometime around Christmas of this
year, new plastic-material bleachers will replace the wooden bleachers on the west,
north and south sides of the upper level of the gym. 
Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said his staff was working on the bleacher
replacement before the COVID-19 pandemic. With all the delays on construction
and materials, the project will finally take place this winter. 
"We're so excited we're going to make things more compliant and appeasing to our fans," said Rolfs. "We feel like the main gym is kind of the front door to our college. It will be ADA accessible. We're excited about how much good is going to come of this." The total project will cost just over $200,000. The Kirkman Endowment through the Barton Community College Foundation
contributed $100,000 for the bleacher replacement. While the Foundation cannot
fund athletic projects, the gym is used for graduations, community events and
other college functions. 
"We couldn't have done this project without the generosity from a lot of people, particularly the Larry and Kathy Schugart family," said Rolfs. "Certainly, the recent contribution from the Barton Community College Foundation was huge in getting us to the finish line and making this thing become a reality." 
Rolfs said the color for the new bleachers will be black and the west side will
have seatbacks. The bleachers will include railings throughout to assist spectators up and down.

SOPA Inc. will install the bleachers during the college's Christmas break and be finished before the first home basketball game in January 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659034256212.jpeg" alt="The wooden bleachers on the upper level at the Kirkman Center at Barton Community College will be replaced this winter." />
 <figcaption>The wooden bleachers on the upper level at the Kirkman Center at Barton Community College will be replaced this winter.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThousands of fans and spectators have watched basketball games and
graduations over the years from the wooden bleachers on the second level of the
Kirkman Center at Barton Community College. Sometime around Christmas of this
year, new plastic-material bleachers will replace the wooden bleachers on the west,
north and south sides of the upper level of the gym. 
Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said his staff was working on the bleacher
replacement before the COVID-19 pandemic. With all the delays on construction
and materials, the project will finally take place this winter. 
"We're so excited we're going to make things more compliant and appeasing to our fans," said Rolfs. "We feel like the main gym is kind of the front door to our college. It will be ADA accessible. We're excited about how much good is going to come of this." The total project will cost just over $200,000. The Kirkman Endowment through the Barton Community College Foundation
contributed $100,000 for the bleacher replacement. While the Foundation cannot
fund athletic projects, the gym is used for graduations, community events and
other college functions. 
"We couldn't have done this project without the generosity from a lot of people, particularly the Larry and Kathy Schugart family," said Rolfs. "Certainly, the recent contribution from the Barton Community College Foundation was huge in getting us to the finish line and making this thing become a reality." 
Rolfs said the color for the new bleachers will be black and the west side will
have seatbacks. The bleachers will include railings throughout to assist spectators up and down.SOPA Inc. will install the bleachers during the college's Christmas break and be finished before the first home basketball game in January 2023.

Barton CC to upgrade main gym’s wooden bleachers

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge is turning walk-off home runs into a routine.

Judge hit his major league-leading 39th home run for his third walk-off long ball this season, lifting the New York Yankees over the Kansas City Royals 1-0 Thursday night.

New York was held to one hit before Judge drove a first-pitch fastball from Scott Barlow (4-3) into the Kansas City bullpen with one out in the ninth, a 431-foot drive.

“I just try not to think too much in those situations,” Judge said.

Judge sent the crowd of 43,836 into a frenzy, joining Mickey Mantle as the only Yankees with three walk-off home runs in one season. Tommy Henrich had two in 1949 plus another off Brooklyn’s Don Newcombe in the World Series opener.

“I just got done watching the video and it just leaked right back middle,” Barlow said. “It’s what he hits really well.”

Judge had never hit a big league walk-off homer before May 10 against Toronto’s Jordan Romano, then hit another on June 26 off Houston’s Seth Martinez. He became the first Yankee with four walk-off hits of any kind in one season since Claudell Washington in 1988.

“It doesn’t cease to amaze the season he’s putting together. Barlow’s obviously really tough,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Just gets a pitch and to put it up in the air where he did is just, not many people can hit it like that and ride it out like he did.”

Judge also stole his 10th base, a career high.

The Yankees had not won a 1-0 game on a walk-off homer since Ruben Sierra connected off the Blue Jays’ Vinnie Chulk on July 22, 2004.

New York’s 12 walk-off wins are tied for second-most through a team's first 100 games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, one fewer than the 1959 Pittsburgh Pirates.

Andrew Benintendi went 0 for 4 with one strikeout in his Yankees debut, facing Kansas City one day after the Royals dealt him to New York for three minor league pitchers.

“Definitely looking forward to getting some rest tonight but it’s been crazy,” Benintendi said. “Meeting a lot of people, running all over the place but I’m glad to be here and I wouldn’t change it.”

Clay Holmes (5-1) worked around two walks in a hitless ninth, combining on a four-hitter with Jameson Taillon and Ron Marinaccio.

New York has an AL-best 67-33 record but had lost 10 of its previous 15 games, getting swept this week in a two-game Subway Series at the NL East-leading Mets and losing both games of a doubleheader last week at AL West-leading Houston. The Yankees won with two hits for the second time, following a 5-1 victory at the Chicago White Sox on May 15.

Taillon struck out a season-high eight and allowed four hits in six innings. Rookie Ron Marinaccio got six outs with two hitless innings and has not allowed a run in 19 innings. Batters are 1 for 57 against him in that span.

“Confidence has been growing so I’ve been a little more convicted with some of the decisions I’m making and the pitches I’m throwing,” Marinaccio said.

Brady Singer struck out 10 and allowed one hit in seven innings, a two-out single in the fourth by Gleyber Torres. Kansas City, last in the AL Central, dropped to 39-60.

“Brady responded as good as you could ever ask any pitcher against an offense like this,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “This is the best we’ve seen him.”

Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo heard loud boos, striking out three times for the 12th game this season. Gallo, hitting .159, also fanned four times in a pair of games.

With a 2-2 count in the sixth inning, Judge looked at ball three. MJ Melendez apparently thought the pitch was a strike, emphatically firing the ball down to third base. Judge remained in the box while plate umpire Ramon De Jesus informed the rookie catcher he was mistaken, but Singer fanned Judge swinging on the next pitch.

The Yankees paid tribute to the late Buck O’Neil prior to the game. Public address announcer Paul Olden read the Kansas City legend’s many accomplishments followed by a touching tribute video shown on the center field scoreboard. A two-time All-Star first baseman in the Negro Leagues and the first Black coach in the National or American leagues, O’Neil played a key role in Kansas City Monarchs championships as both a player and manager. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Royals: Recalled SS Maikel Garcia from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Yankees: Optioned OF Tim Locastro to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Royals: SS Bobby Witt Jr. (hamstring) took batting practice and fielded ground balls. He has missed four straight games. … C Salvador Perez (left thumb) continued his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, going 0 for 1 with a walk as the designated hitter. “He’s getting close,” Matheny said.

Yankees: RHP Luis Severino (strained right lat) could start throwing soon. A decision on whether or not he’s ready to do so is expected Thursday or Friday, according to Boone. … INF DJ LeMahieu was given a night off.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-6, 5.53 ERA) has allowed just two earned runs in 14 innings over his past two starts.

Yankees: RHP Gerrit Cole (9-3, 3.09 ERA) makes his seventh start against Kansas City. The five-time All-Star has a 2.04 ERA over 39 2/3 innings in their previous encounters.

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge is turning walk-off home runs into a routine.Judge hit his major league-leading 39th home run for his third walk-off long ball this season, lifting the New York Yankees over the Kansas City Royals 1-0 Thursday night.New York was held to one hit before Judge drove a first-pitch fastball from Scott Barlow (4-3) into the Kansas City bullpen with one out in the ninth, a 431-foot drive.“I just try not to think too much in those situations,” Judge said.Judge sent the crowd of 43,836 into a frenzy, joining Mickey Mantle as the only Yankees with three walk-off home runs in one season. Tommy Henrich had two in 1949 plus another off Brooklyn’s Don Newcombe in the World Series opener.“I just got done watching the video and it just leaked right back middle,” Barlow said. “It’s what he hits really well.”Judge had never hit a big league walk-off homer before May 10 against Toronto’s Jordan Romano, then hit another on June 26 off Houston’s Seth Martinez. He became the first Yankee with four walk-off hits of any kind in one season since Claudell Washington in 1988.“It doesn’t cease to amaze the season he’s putting together. Barlow’s obviously really tough,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Just gets a pitch and to put it up in the air where he did is just, not many people can hit it like that and ride it out like he did.”Judge also stole his 10th base, a career high.The Yankees had not won a 1-0 game on a walk-off homer since Ruben Sierra connected off the Blue Jays’ Vinnie Chulk on July 22, 2004.New York’s 12 walk-off wins are tied for second-most through a team's first 100 games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, one fewer than the 1959 Pittsburgh Pirates.Andrew Benintendi went 0 for 4 with one strikeout in his Yankees debut, facing Kansas City one day after the Royals dealt him to New York for three minor league pitchers.“Definitely looking forward to getting some rest tonight but it’s been crazy,” Benintendi said. “Meeting a lot of people, running all over the place but I’m glad to be here and I wouldn’t change it.”Clay Holmes (5-1) worked around two walks in a hitless ninth, combining on a four-hitter with Jameson Taillon and Ron Marinaccio.New York has an AL-best 67-33 record but had lost 10 of its previous 15 games, getting swept this week in a two-game Subway Series at the NL East-leading Mets and losing both games of a doubleheader last week at AL West-leading Houston. The Yankees won with two hits for the second time, following a 5-1 victory at the Chicago White Sox on May 15.Taillon struck out a season-high eight and allowed four hits in six innings. Rookie Ron Marinaccio got six outs with two hitless innings and has not allowed a run in 19 innings. Batters are 1 for 57 against him in that span.“Confidence has been growing so I’ve been a little more convicted with some of the decisions I’m making and the pitches I’m throwing,” Marinaccio said.Brady Singer struck out 10 and allowed one hit in seven innings, a two-out single in the fourth by Gleyber Torres. Kansas City, last in the AL Central, dropped to 39-60.“Brady responded as good as you could ever ask any pitcher against an offense like this,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “This is the best we’ve seen him.”Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo heard loud boos, striking out three times for the 12th game this season. Gallo, hitting .159, also fanned four times in a pair of games.NOT SO FASTWith a 2-2 count in the sixth inning, Judge looked at ball three. MJ Melendez apparently thought the pitch was a strike, emphatically firing the ball down to third base. Judge remained in the box while plate umpire Ramon De Jesus informed the rookie catcher he was mistaken, but Singer fanned Judge swinging on the next pitch.CHEERS FOR BUCKThe Yankees paid tribute to the late Buck O’Neil prior to the game. Public address announcer Paul Olden read the Kansas City legend’s many accomplishments followed by a touching tribute video shown on the center field scoreboard. A two-time All-Star first baseman in the Negro Leagues and the first Black coach in the National or American leagues, O’Neil played a key role in Kansas City Monarchs championships as both a player and manager. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday.MOVESRoyals: Recalled SS Maikel Garcia from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.Yankees: Optioned OF Tim Locastro to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: SS Bobby Witt Jr. (hamstring) took batting practice and fielded ground balls. He has missed four straight games. … C Salvador Perez (left thumb) continued his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, going 0 for 1 with a walk as the designated hitter. “He’s getting close,” Matheny said.Yankees: RHP Luis Severino (strained right lat) could start throwing soon. A decision on whether or not he’s ready to do so is expected Thursday or Friday, according to Boone. … INF DJ LeMahieu was given a night off.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-6, 5.53 ERA) has allowed just two earned runs in 14 innings over his past two starts.Yankees: RHP Gerrit Cole (9-3, 3.09 ERA) makes his seventh start against Kansas City. The five-time All-Star has a 2.04 ERA over 39 2/3 innings in their previous encounters.

Judge's 3rd walk-off HR of year lifts Yanks over Royals 1-0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630001551685.jpeg" alt="2022 Panther Schedule - All Games begin at 7:00 pm" />
 <figcaption>2022 Panther Schedule - All Games begin at 7:00 pm</figcaption>
 </figure>2022 Panther Football ScheduleSeptember 2 @ McPhersonSeptember 9 HaysSeptember 16 BuhlerSeptember 23 @ Wichita SoutheastSeptember 30 @ Dodge CityOctober 7 LiberalOctober 14 UlyssesOctober 21 @ Garden CityOctober 28 District Playoffs

2022 Great Bend Panther Football Schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang completed his full-time coaching staff on Wednesday afternoon (July 27) with the selection of veteran coach Rodney Perry as the program's third and final assistant coach. Perry's first official day will be Monday, August 1.

Perry, a finalist for the 2022 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Boys Coach of the Year, arrives at K-State after spending the past season building Link Academy in Branson, Mo., into a national powerhouse, as the Lions finished as the national runner-up at the GEICO National Tournament with a 34-2 record.

In addition, Perry recently led the AAU program that he helped found – MOKAN Elite – to their third championship at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam (2016, 2019, 2022) with a 53-52 win over Team Takeover on July 24 to cap a 26-4 season. MOKAN Elite's three championships are the most by any team in the 26-year history of the signature Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) summer event held in North Augusta, S.C.

All told, Perry's Link Academy (34-2) and MOKAN Elite (26-4) teams went a combined 60-6 during the 2021-22 season.

"I couldn't be more excited about adding someone of the quality – on and off the basketball court – as Rodney Perry," said Tang. "Obviously he is a terrific coach and winner, just look at what he was able to do in just one season at Link Academy and his many years working with one of the best grassroots organizations in MOKAN Elite. But he is more than just an elite basketball mind, he fits in so with our staff because of his values and character. I can't wait for Wildcat Nation to get to know Rodney, his wife, Leslie, and their family!"

Overall, Perry has 28 years of coaching experience with 15 coming on the college level, including six as the head coach at NAIA Avila University in Kansas City from 2010-16. On top of that, he is a co-founder and former head coach of two ultra-successful AAU teams in the Springfield (Mo.) Rockets (1994-2003) and MOKAN Elite (2006-16, 2018-19, 2021-22). In addition to the three Peach Jam titles in the last seven years with MOKAN Elite, he won the 1995 AAU National Championship with the Rockets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659030514384.png" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang completed his full-time coaching staff on Wednesday afternoon (July 27) with the selection of veteran coach Rodney Perry as the program's third and final assistant coach. Perry's first official day will be Monday, August 1.Perry, a finalist for the 2022 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Boys Coach of the Year, arrives at K-State after spending the past season building Link Academy in Branson, Mo., into a national powerhouse, as the Lions finished as the national runner-up at the GEICO National Tournament with a 34-2 record.In addition, Perry recently led the AAU program that he helped found – MOKAN Elite – to their third championship at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam (2016, 2019, 2022) with a 53-52 win over Team Takeover on July 24 to cap a 26-4 season. MOKAN Elite's three championships are the most by any team in the 26-year history of the signature Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) summer event held in North Augusta, S.C.All told, Perry's Link Academy (34-2) and MOKAN Elite (26-4) teams went a combined 60-6 during the 2021-22 season."I couldn't be more excited about adding someone of the quality – on and off the basketball court – as Rodney Perry," said Tang. "Obviously he is a terrific coach and winner, just look at what he was able to do in just one season at Link Academy and his many years working with one of the best grassroots organizations in MOKAN Elite. But he is more than just an elite basketball mind, he fits in so with our staff because of his values and character. I can't wait for Wildcat Nation to get to know Rodney, his wife, Leslie, and their family!"Overall, Perry has 28 years of coaching experience with 15 coming on the college level, including six as the head coach at NAIA Avila University in Kansas City from 2010-16. On top of that, he is a co-founder and former head coach of two ultra-successful AAU teams in the Springfield (Mo.) Rockets (1994-2003) and MOKAN Elite (2006-16, 2018-19, 2021-22). In addition to the three Peach Jam titles in the last seven years with MOKAN Elite, he won the 1995 AAU National Championship with the Rockets.

Tang Names Rodney Perry as Assistant Coach

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing defensive end Carlos Dunlap to a one-year deal, giving them an experienced pass rusher opposite Frank Clark and providing first-round pick George Karlaftis with another veteran presence.

Dunlap's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN.com on Thursday that the contract will be worth up to $8 million.

“I don't know if there's pen to paper. I know I talked to that particular player yesterday,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said after the second full-squad workout of training camp at Missouri Western State University.

"It was a good chat," Spagnuolo said. "I’m always happy to add big, long guys with experience in the league.”

The 33-year-old Dunlap was released in March by the Seahawks, who acquired him in a trade with Cincinnati in 2020 and had signed him to a two-year deal. Dunlap rotated with other defensive ends in Seattle, much like he's expected to do with the Chiefs, and had 8 1/2 sacks along with eight tackles for loss while playing 38% of snaps last season.

Dunlap was a second-round pick of the Bengals in 2010, making back-to-back Pro Bowl trips in 2015 and ‘16, and is among the NFL’s active leaders with 96 career sacks. He also has 117 tackles for loss across 13 seasons in the league.

“I trained with him this summer in Miami. We’ll accept him with open arms,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who has been their best at pressuring the quarterback in recent years. "I always told him I would love to play with him.”

The Chiefs managed just 31 sacks last season, better only than Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta, and their inability to put pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was a factor in a second-half collapse in the AFC championship game.

Painfully aware of the situation, the Chiefs reworked Clark's contract in the offseason rather than letting him go, even though he managed just 4 1/2 sacks last season. They also spent the second of their two first-round picks on Karlaftis, an edge rusher out of Purdue whom the Chiefs hope can develop into a long-term solution.

In the meantime, they hope Dunlap can fill a role similar to what Melvin Ingram did for Kansas City last season. He was acquired midway through it from Pittsburgh as the Chiefs were trying to bolster their pass rush for the playoffs. And while he had just one sack in nine regular-season games with them, Ingram had two more during the postseason.

The Chiefs hoped to bring Ingram back this season, but he ultimately signed with Miami in free agency.

Notes: FS Justin Reid spent time stretching at the medical tent during practice but later returned to the field. ... Rookie SS Bryan Cook got work with the first-team defense during 7-on-7 drills. ... Roderick Johnson remained with the starting group while Pro Bowl LT Orlando Brown Jr. continues his holdout.+

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing defensive end Carlos Dunlap to a one-year deal, giving them an experienced pass rusher opposite Frank Clark and providing first-round pick George Karlaftis with another veteran presence.Dunlap's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN.com on Thursday that the contract will be worth up to $8 million.“I don't know if there's pen to paper. I know I talked to that particular player yesterday,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said after the second full-squad workout of training camp at Missouri Western State University."It was a good chat," Spagnuolo said. "I’m always happy to add big, long guys with experience in the league.”The 33-year-old Dunlap was released in March by the Seahawks, who acquired him in a trade with Cincinnati in 2020 and had signed him to a two-year deal. Dunlap rotated with other defensive ends in Seattle, much like he's expected to do with the Chiefs, and had 8 1/2 sacks along with eight tackles for loss while playing 38% of snaps last season.Dunlap was a second-round pick of the Bengals in 2010, making back-to-back Pro Bowl trips in 2015 and ‘16, and is among the NFL’s active leaders with 96 career sacks. He also has 117 tackles for loss across 13 seasons in the league.“I trained with him this summer in Miami. We’ll accept him with open arms,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who has been their best at pressuring the quarterback in recent years. "I always told him I would love to play with him.”The Chiefs managed just 31 sacks last season, better only than Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta, and their inability to put pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was a factor in a second-half collapse in the AFC championship game.Painfully aware of the situation, the Chiefs reworked Clark's contract in the offseason rather than letting him go, even though he managed just 4 1/2 sacks last season. They also spent the second of their two first-round picks on Karlaftis, an edge rusher out of Purdue whom the Chiefs hope can develop into a long-term solution.In the meantime, they hope Dunlap can fill a role similar to what Melvin Ingram did for Kansas City last season. He was acquired midway through it from Pittsburgh as the Chiefs were trying to bolster their pass rush for the playoffs. And while he had just one sack in nine regular-season games with them, Ingram had two more during the postseason.The Chiefs hoped to bring Ingram back this season, but he ultimately signed with Miami in free agency.Notes: FS Justin Reid spent time stretching at the medical tent during practice but later returned to the field. ... Rookie SS Bryan Cook got work with the first-team defense during 7-on-7 drills. ... Roderick Johnson remained with the starting group while Pro Bowl LT Orlando Brown Jr. continues his holdout.+

Chiefs signing veteran DE Carlos Dunlap to 1-year contract

Several weeks ago, the NFHS hosted its annual Summer Meeting involving key leaders from the 51 state high school associations. In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, one of the highlights was the induction of the 2022 class into the National High School Hall of Fame.

Among the 12 inductees this year were four former high school athletes, who not only were involved in multiple sports and activities in their high school days, but who have “paid it back” through the years to ensure that others have opportunities.

These former high school athletes emphatically noted that the most important individuals who helped them achieve success during high school – and into their future careers and lives – were their coaches; and in most cases, that athlete-coach relationship continues today.

In his video remarks, Notah Begay III, a three-sport athlete at Albuquerque Academy in New Mexico in the late 1980s and a four-time winner – and only Native-American – on the PGA Tour, talked about the importance of his coaches – and the school – in keeping him in the right lane.            

“The relationships I built at Albuquerque Academy and the wonderful coaches I had were keys to my success,” Begay said. “My soccer coach in my senior year, Bruce Musgrave, was the head of the English department. I wasn’t able to initially achieve the required minimum score on the verbal part of the SAT that I needed to qualify to get into Stanford.

“Well, who tutored me? Who got me ready? Who trained me at 6:00 a.m. in the morning on weekdays at school to take the SAT again? It was my soccer coach, Bruce Musgrave. I’m indebted to him for putting that time in and believing in me that I had the ability to do what I did. I look back on those years fondly. They were wonderful. It was sports and the people affiliated with those sports teams that were provided by the school that gave me that pathway to my future.”

Some might say success for a high school coach is winning 80 percent of the games, being named coach of the year or bringing home successive state titles. Begay would say success comes in the form of a coach taking extra time to help a student-athlete with homework.

Other measures of success are consistent teaching of values, character and sportsmanship. We are indebted to the hundreds of thousands of high school coaches who will take the field, court, band room or music hall this year to serve as important role models.

In addition to the significant role played by his coaches, Begay, during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, also referenced the high school “experience” itself, relationships formed with peers and the importance of high school sports in shaping a student’s life.

“What I really appreciate – and still to this day appreciate, especially having seen sports go in a variety of different directions over the last five or six years – is just the purity of the high school game,” Begay said. “How an athlete can show up with very little experience as a freshman, but with an interest and a love for whatever that particular activity may be, and be able to be coached, be able to be developed, be able to be guided – not just on the field, but also in the classroom.

“I just think that’s a wonderful gift that each and every one of us as athletes has experienced in our lives. We all had a chance to receive an education at some wonderful universities – myself, at Stanford – and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without, of course, my soccer coach who tutored me, but also anyone and everyone who put their time and effort into my life. My parents, my two sisters, my wife have been paramount supporters of me throughout our lives.

“As an athlete, you have to be so selfish and focused in order to do your sport, and as I got away from my athletics and I segued into television, I had to grow up. I had to learn. I had to not be so selfish and be a parent and be a husband and a friend. And those are all things that I knew how to do because I had great guides and mentors in high school.

“My high school friends are still my best friends in the world, and they still treat me the same way. . . So, when you want to keep it real, you always go back to your high school friends because that’s where everything is pure, and in a lot of cases, for good or bad, high school is forever.”

We recall another former high school athlete and Hall of Fame inductee – former NFL tight end Keith Jackson of Arkansas – who during his speech in 2001 said, “There’s no time like high school.”

Those men and women serving as high school coaches are the lifeblood of our programs. The past few years with the pandemic have been challenging for high school students – and coaches – as mental health issues have accelerated.

As another year of high school sports and performing arts programs is at our doorstep – one filled with hope and expectations for the 12-plus million student participants nationwide – first and foremost let’s take care of each other every single day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fourth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fourth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption>
 </figure>Several weeks ago, the NFHS hosted its annual Summer Meeting involving key leaders from the 51 state high school associations. In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, one of the highlights was the induction of the 2022 class into the National High School Hall of Fame.Among the 12 inductees this year were four former high school athletes, who not only were involved in multiple sports and activities in their high school days, but who have “paid it back” through the years to ensure that others have opportunities.These former high school athletes emphatically noted that the most important individuals who helped them achieve success during high school – and into their future careers and lives – were their coaches; and in most cases, that athlete-coach relationship continues today.In his video remarks, Notah Begay III, a three-sport athlete at Albuquerque Academy in New Mexico in the late 1980s and a four-time winner – and only Native-American – on the PGA Tour, talked about the importance of his coaches – and the school – in keeping him in the right lane. “The relationships I built at Albuquerque Academy and the wonderful coaches I had were keys to my success,” Begay said. “My soccer coach in my senior year, Bruce Musgrave, was the head of the English department. I wasn’t able to initially achieve the required minimum score on the verbal part of the SAT that I needed to qualify to get into Stanford.“Well, who tutored me? Who got me ready? Who trained me at 6:00 a.m. in the morning on weekdays at school to take the SAT again? It was my soccer coach, Bruce Musgrave. I’m indebted to him for putting that time in and believing in me that I had the ability to do what I did. I look back on those years fondly. They were wonderful. It was sports and the people affiliated with those sports teams that were provided by the school that gave me that pathway to my future.”Some might say success for a high school coach is winning 80 percent of the games, being named coach of the year or bringing home successive state titles. Begay would say success comes in the form of a coach taking extra time to help a student-athlete with homework.Other measures of success are consistent teaching of values, character and sportsmanship. We are indebted to the hundreds of thousands of high school coaches who will take the field, court, band room or music hall this year to serve as important role models.In addition to the significant role played by his coaches, Begay, during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, also referenced the high school “experience” itself, relationships formed with peers and the importance of high school sports in shaping a student’s life.“What I really appreciate – and still to this day appreciate, especially having seen sports go in a variety of different directions over the last five or six years – is just the purity of the high school game,” Begay said. “How an athlete can show up with very little experience as a freshman, but with an interest and a love for whatever that particular activity may be, and be able to be coached, be able to be developed, be able to be guided – not just on the field, but also in the classroom.“I just think that’s a wonderful gift that each and every one of us as athletes has experienced in our lives. We all had a chance to receive an education at some wonderful universities – myself, at Stanford – and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without, of course, my soccer coach who tutored me, but also anyone and everyone who put their time and effort into my life. My parents, my two sisters, my wife have been paramount supporters of me throughout our lives.“As an athlete, you have to be so selfish and focused in order to do your sport, and as I got away from my athletics and I segued into television, I had to grow up. I had to learn. I had to not be so selfish and be a parent and be a husband and a friend. And those are all things that I knew how to do because I had great guides and mentors in high school.“My high school friends are still my best friends in the world, and they still treat me the same way. . . So, when you want to keep it real, you always go back to your high school friends because that’s where everything is pure, and in a lot of cases, for good or bad, high school is forever.”We recall another former high school athlete and Hall of Fame inductee – former NFL tight end Keith Jackson of Arkansas – who during his speech in 2001 said, “There’s no time like high school.”Those men and women serving as high school coaches are the lifeblood of our programs. The past few years with the pandemic have been challenging for high school students – and coaches – as mental health issues have accelerated.As another year of high school sports and performing arts programs is at our doorstep – one filled with hope and expectations for the 12-plus million student participants nationwide – first and foremost let’s take care of each other every single day.

Begay Cites Importance of High School Coaches During Hall of Fame Speech

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Clyde Edwards-Helaire trotted down the long hill toward the Kansas City Chiefs' practice field, one day after he was placed on the physically unable to perform list, and the competition was on to be the starting running back this season.

Just like jobs at left tackle, cornerback and even wide receiver.

The Chiefs had their first full-squad workout of training camp on a warm, humid Wednesday morning with a cast that looks a lot different from how they finished last season. Edwards-Helaire is competing with Ronald Jones II and a bevy of others for carries in the backfield, the cornerback job opposite L'Jarius Sneed is up for grabs and, after the departure of Tyreek Hill and two other receivers, the pecking order for quarterback Patrick Mahomes is still to be determined.

"Looks like we're in good shape, got a little foundation there and we'll start building on that," said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who wasted no time pitting tentative starters against each other with a crowd of thousands on hand.

“Offense won a few. Defense won a few. They were competing,” Reid said. “I was happy with the attitude and the work.”

Edwards-Helaire briefly landed on the PUP list Tuesday while taking care of his conditioning test, then joined Jones and the rest of the running backs in what should be a spirited competition the next few weeks. Jerick McKinnon is also back after a strong finish to last season with Derrick Gore and rookies Isiah Pacheco and Tayon Fleet-Davis.

The left tackle job is up for grabs — at least for now — with Orlando Brown Jr. holding out after turning down an offer from the Chiefs to make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. Until he signs his franchise tender, the Chiefs are moving on without him, and Roderick Johnson got the first chance to take repetitions with the first-team offense.

“He was productive in the offseason so coming in we thought he could help out. We'll see how it rolls,” said Reid, who added that moving stalwart left guard Joe Thuney to offensive tackle is not under current consideration.

“We're going to keep rolling them in there," Reid said. "Nothing is solidified in there.”

The cornerback situation is in flux, too, with Charvarius Ward leaving in free agency and Rashad Fenton landing on the PUP list with a shoulder injury. First-round pick Trent McDuffie is the favorite to win a starting job, but fourth-round pick Joshua Williams also ran with the first-teamers Wednesday as he carves out a role in Steve Spagnuolo's system.

“There's something to be said for a fresh start and this is a new-look defense. We have a lot of new faces,” said another newcomer, safety Justin Reid, who picked off Mahomes for the highlight of practice. “We're going to be starting a lot of guys that are hungry and want to prove their worth as players.”

That includes a bunch of wide receivers who are no doubt tired of hearing about how the Kansas City offense could sputter without Hill in the mix. JuJu Smith-Schuster was the star of Day 1 with a couple of impressive catches — albeit without any pads on — while Marquez Valdes-Scantling and second-round pick Skyy Moore also got plenty of reps.

It could take all three of them to replace Hill's production, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Chiefs have given Mahomes more options in the passing game, and that in turn could make them more difficult to defend.

“The amount of routes I'm running — I think I've ran more routes out here than my previous offense,” said Smith-Schuster, who had been catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh the past five seasons.

“Being all over the field — inside, outside — that's everyone. So many guys playing so many positions. It's so nice moving so many guys around.”

The Chiefs are not expected to put on pads until next week, but Smith-Schuster nevertheless marveled at the speed of his first practice in Kansas City, along with the amount of running that Reid demands in training camp.

“I was hurt last year, didn't get to play a lot of ball,” he said, “and coming into this season, I'm going to let my play write the story. Making plays on the field. I came here to win; this is a team that wins. And I'm excited to be here.”

Notes: DE Frank Clark was late to practice because of an illness, Reid said. ... OLs Lucas Niang (knee) and Prince Tega Wanogho (leg) joined Fenton on the PUP list. ... TE Travis Kelce was at practice after agreeing to terms on a restructured contract that moves $3 million from the end of his contract to this season. The length of the contract did not change with Kelce signed to the Chiefs through the 2025 season.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Clyde Edwards-Helaire trotted down the long hill toward the Kansas City Chiefs' practice field, one day after he was placed on the physically unable to perform list, and the competition was on to be the starting running back this season.Just like jobs at left tackle, cornerback and even wide receiver.The Chiefs had their first full-squad workout of training camp on a warm, humid Wednesday morning with a cast that looks a lot different from how they finished last season. Edwards-Helaire is competing with Ronald Jones II and a bevy of others for carries in the backfield, the cornerback job opposite L'Jarius Sneed is up for grabs and, after the departure of Tyreek Hill and two other receivers, the pecking order for quarterback Patrick Mahomes is still to be determined."Looks like we're in good shape, got a little foundation there and we'll start building on that," said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who wasted no time pitting tentative starters against each other with a crowd of thousands on hand.“Offense won a few. Defense won a few. They were competing,” Reid said. “I was happy with the attitude and the work.”Edwards-Helaire briefly landed on the PUP list Tuesday while taking care of his conditioning test, then joined Jones and the rest of the running backs in what should be a spirited competition the next few weeks. Jerick McKinnon is also back after a strong finish to last season with Derrick Gore and rookies Isiah Pacheco and Tayon Fleet-Davis.The left tackle job is up for grabs — at least for now — with Orlando Brown Jr. holding out after turning down an offer from the Chiefs to make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. Until he signs his franchise tender, the Chiefs are moving on without him, and Roderick Johnson got the first chance to take repetitions with the first-team offense.“He was productive in the offseason so coming in we thought he could help out. We'll see how it rolls,” said Reid, who added that moving stalwart left guard Joe Thuney to offensive tackle is not under current consideration.“We're going to keep rolling them in there," Reid said. "Nothing is solidified in there.”The cornerback situation is in flux, too, with Charvarius Ward leaving in free agency and Rashad Fenton landing on the PUP list with a shoulder injury. First-round pick Trent McDuffie is the favorite to win a starting job, but fourth-round pick Joshua Williams also ran with the first-teamers Wednesday as he carves out a role in Steve Spagnuolo's system.“There's something to be said for a fresh start and this is a new-look defense. We have a lot of new faces,” said another newcomer, safety Justin Reid, who picked off Mahomes for the highlight of practice. “We're going to be starting a lot of guys that are hungry and want to prove their worth as players.”That includes a bunch of wide receivers who are no doubt tired of hearing about how the Kansas City offense could sputter without Hill in the mix. JuJu Smith-Schuster was the star of Day 1 with a couple of impressive catches — albeit without any pads on — while Marquez Valdes-Scantling and second-round pick Skyy Moore also got plenty of reps.It could take all three of them to replace Hill's production, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Chiefs have given Mahomes more options in the passing game, and that in turn could make them more difficult to defend.“The amount of routes I'm running — I think I've ran more routes out here than my previous offense,” said Smith-Schuster, who had been catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh the past five seasons.“Being all over the field — inside, outside — that's everyone. So many guys playing so many positions. It's so nice moving so many guys around.”The Chiefs are not expected to put on pads until next week, but Smith-Schuster nevertheless marveled at the speed of his first practice in Kansas City, along with the amount of running that Reid demands in training camp.“I was hurt last year, didn't get to play a lot of ball,” he said, “and coming into this season, I'm going to let my play write the story. Making plays on the field. I came here to win; this is a team that wins. And I'm excited to be here.”Notes: DE Frank Clark was late to practice because of an illness, Reid said. ... OLs Lucas Niang (knee) and Prince Tega Wanogho (leg) joined Fenton on the PUP list. ... TE Travis Kelce was at practice after agreeing to terms on a restructured contract that moves $3 million from the end of his contract to this season. The length of the contract did not change with Kelce signed to the Chiefs through the 2025 season.

Chiefs hold first full-squad workout with jobs to be won

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals for three minor league pitchers on Wednesday night in what could be the first in a flurry of moves ahead of next week’s trade deadline.

The AL East leaders sent right-handers Chandler Champlain and Beck Way to the Royals along with left-hander T.J. Sikkema.

A 28-year-old left-handed hitter, Benintendi was among 10 Royals who missed a four-game series at Toronto from July 14-17 because he was not vaccinated. Benintendi lost $186,813 of the $8.5 million salary he won in an arbitration case against the Royals.

New York believes he is amenable to getting vaccinated. No Yankees missed earlier trips to Toronto this season, and the Yankees have a three-game series there from Sept. 26-28.

Benintendi is hitting .320 with three homers, 39 RBIs and a .788 OPS. He won a Gold Glove in left field last year, and he hasn't made an error this season, earning his first All-Star selection.

Benintendi, who is eligible for free agency after this season, gives the Yankees another outfield option alongside Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks.

Giancarlo Stanton, who has played 38 games in the outfield. is expected to miss at least two-to-three weeks after going on the injured list this week with left Achilles tendinitis. Joey Gallo is hitting .161 with 103 strikeouts in 230 at-bats, becoming a frequent target of fan boos.

New York has increasingly used 36-year-old Matt Carpenter in the outfield, where he had not played since 2014.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone disputed the notion that the Yankees have too many power hitters in their lineup. Benintendi should improve a team that is batting .214 left-handed and .258 right-handed.

“We’ve got savages in the lineup, and really good hitters. Benitendi’s a great hitter, gets on base at a really high clip, hits from the left side, so, yeah, gives you some balance," Boone said after Wedesday night’s 3-2 loss at the Mets and just before the trade was announced.

“So if we get him, that’s another really good big league hitter to add to the mix that’s going to lengthen out a lineup and potentially give you that balance you look for. So if we get him, I’ll be excited to write his name in,” he said.

On Wednesday, Benintendi went 1 for 4 in Kansas City's 4-0 loss to the Angels. On Thursday night, the Royals open a series at Yankee Stadium.

Benintendi has a .261 average with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 30 games at Yankee Stadium. He finished second to Judge in 2017 AL Rookie of the Year voting and won a World Series title with Boston the following year.

“It will be definitely a big piece to what we got going on here ... Any time you bring him into this type of culture we got, it’s always a plus and kind of a boost of energy,” Judge said. “Adding a guy like that will definitely give us a little pump up, that’s for sure. And I think he’s going to fit right in."

Champlain, 23, was a ninth-round draft pick last year and was 2-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 15 starts and one relief appearance at Class A Tampa.

Sikkema, 24, was taken in competitive balance round A of the 2019 draft and was 1-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 10 starts and one relief appearance at Class A Hudson Valley.

Way, 22, was a fourth-round pick two years ago and was 5-5 with a 3.73 ERA in 15 starts at Hudson Valley.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals for three minor league pitchers on Wednesday night in what could be the first in a flurry of moves ahead of next week’s trade deadline.The AL East leaders sent right-handers Chandler Champlain and Beck Way to the Royals along with left-hander T.J. Sikkema.A 28-year-old left-handed hitter, Benintendi was among 10 Royals who missed a four-game series at Toronto from July 14-17 because he was not vaccinated. Benintendi lost $186,813 of the $8.5 million salary he won in an arbitration case against the Royals.New York believes he is amenable to getting vaccinated. No Yankees missed earlier trips to Toronto this season, and the Yankees have a three-game series there from Sept. 26-28.Benintendi is hitting .320 with three homers, 39 RBIs and a .788 OPS. He won a Gold Glove in left field last year, and he hasn't made an error this season, earning his first All-Star selection.Benintendi, who is eligible for free agency after this season, gives the Yankees another outfield option alongside Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks.Giancarlo Stanton, who has played 38 games in the outfield. is expected to miss at least two-to-three weeks after going on the injured list this week with left Achilles tendinitis. Joey Gallo is hitting .161 with 103 strikeouts in 230 at-bats, becoming a frequent target of fan boos.New York has increasingly used 36-year-old Matt Carpenter in the outfield, where he had not played since 2014.Yankees manager Aaron Boone disputed the notion that the Yankees have too many power hitters in their lineup. Benintendi should improve a team that is batting .214 left-handed and .258 right-handed.“We’ve got savages in the lineup, and really good hitters. Benitendi’s a great hitter, gets on base at a really high clip, hits from the left side, so, yeah, gives you some balance," Boone said after Wedesday night’s 3-2 loss at the Mets and just before the trade was announced.“So if we get him, that’s another really good big league hitter to add to the mix that’s going to lengthen out a lineup and potentially give you that balance you look for. So if we get him, I’ll be excited to write his name in,” he said.On Wednesday, Benintendi went 1 for 4 in Kansas City's 4-0 loss to the Angels. On Thursday night, the Royals open a series at Yankee Stadium.Benintendi has a .261 average with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 30 games at Yankee Stadium. He finished second to Judge in 2017 AL Rookie of the Year voting and won a World Series title with Boston the following year.“It will be definitely a big piece to what we got going on here ... Any time you bring him into this type of culture we got, it’s always a plus and kind of a boost of energy,” Judge said. “Adding a guy like that will definitely give us a little pump up, that’s for sure. And I think he’s going to fit right in."Champlain, 23, was a ninth-round draft pick last year and was 2-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 15 starts and one relief appearance at Class A Tampa.Sikkema, 24, was taken in competitive balance round A of the 2019 draft and was 1-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 10 starts and one relief appearance at Class A Hudson Valley.Way, 22, was a fourth-round pick two years ago and was 5-5 with a 3.73 ERA in 15 starts at Hudson Valley.