Mike Yaz setting roots
Mike Yastrzemski and his wife, Paige, attended the 2026 Braves Foundation Gala, wasting no time in their new home in Atlanta after he signed a two-year, $23 million contract.
Mike, an Andover native, noted on an Instagram post that the “Gala was a great way to kick off the season. New team, new city, and somehow I ended up behind the bar. @paigeyastrzemski and I are grateful to be here and part of this community. Already feels like home!”
He is expected to play a lot at all of the outfield positions and designated hitter.
NECC baseball hot again
After a slow start to season, perennial NJCAA Div. 3 powerhouse Northern Essex C.C. came off a 6-2 week and jettisoned up the rankings.
Jeff Mejia’s squad is now ranked 12th in nation set to begin conference play on Thursday and the home opener at Trinity Stadium on Saturday.
The last two games, a sweep over Suffolk C.C., were great for pitchers Jack Kelleher (Haverhill), who allowed three hits while striking out seven over the complete game 3-0 win, while Dom Pefine (North Andover) allowed only five hits and one run over six innings in the 4-1 victory.
Plymouth State locals honored
Following a perfect 3-0 week, two members of the Plymouth State University men’s lacrosse team were recognized Monday when the Little East Conference (LEC) announced its weekly award winners.
Freshman Colby Walden (Londonderry, N.H.) was selected as LEC Men’s Lacrosse Rookie of the Week, while graduate student Ethan Schena (Methuen) was named Goalie of the Week after the duo helped lead Plymouth State to non-conference wins over Clark University, the University of New England and Curry College.
Walden posted 12 points on two goals and 10 assists during the week, while Schena recorded a 4.33 goals against average and a .705 save percentage to anchor the defense.
Schena tops the conference in goals against average (6.00) and save percentage (.634) while averaging more than 10 saves per game to rank fifth in the league.
Haverhill High hosts boxing
Three-time world champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5) will return to the ring on Sat., April 25 at Haverhill High to take on Edith Flores in an 8-round bantamweight fight as part of a Boston Boxing Promotions event.
Yoshida is currently the No. 1 contender for undisputed bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson (19-2, 8 KO’s) and a mandatory challenger per the IBF. She reigned as WBO Super Flyweight Champion from 2019-2020 and again from 2021-2022. In 2023, she earned her most recent world title in a massive upset over Ebanie Bridges to win the IBF Bantamweight Championship at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Legend Johnny Bucyk in Methuen
Former Boston Bruins great and Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bucyk will be signing autographs on Sun., April 12 at the Methuen Monthly Sports Card Show at VFW Hall on 26 River Street.
The cost for the two-time Stanley Cup champ, 90 years old, is $20 per autograph ($5 inscriptions). Photo ops are $5.
For more info go to www.cardshows.net or call Vic at 508-265-4440.