Corey Seager smashed a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers bounced back to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Monday (Oct 30) and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series.

Seager blasted a 421-foot home run over right field in the top of the third inning after Marcus Semien had driven in a run for Nathaniel Lowe earlier in the inning.

The Diamondbacks had routed Texas 9-1 in Arlington on Saturday to level the best-of-seven World Series. But it was a different story on Monday as Major League Baseball's showpiece final returned to Arizona for game three.

The Rangers suffered an early blow when starter Max Scherzer was pulled from the mound after just 36 scoreless pitches with an apparent back injury.

That forced Jon Gray, tabbed as the Rangers starter in game four, to come out of the bullpen to take over.&nbsp;

Gray preserved Ranger's three-run lead with three scoreless innings and the Texas pitchers continued to stay on top.

"He was the hero tonight," Seager said of Gray. "He came out and gave us some really big innings, he kept them off balance, he put up zeros and that's exactly what we needed in that moment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mlb-adolis-garcia-helps-rangers-defeat-arizona-diamondbacks-in-world-series-opener-652213">Also read |&nbsp;MLB: Adolis Garcia helps Rangers defeat Arizona Diamondbacks in World Series opener</a>

Gray meanwhile said he had taken a "one pitch at a time" approach after being unexpectedly pressed into action after Scherzer's injury.

"One pitch at a time, focus on the execution, do your job and let everything else take of itself," Gray said.

"I knew that coming out of the bullpen things can happen really fast. So it was all about trying to slow things down and taking my time."

Rangers reliever Josh Sborz struck out two batters before Aroldis Chapman took over in the eighth inning.&nbsp;

Arizona finally threatened to build some momentum in the bottom of the eighth when Geraldo Perdomo's single to left field sent Emmanuel Rivera racing over home plate to cut the deficit to 3-1.

But the Diamondbacks' rally was halted in its tracks after a deft piece of glove work from Seager set up a double play that ended the inning with Perdomo out at second and Ketel Marte out at first.

Texas's line-up were unable to add to the lead in the ninth inning which left Rangers closer Jose Leclerc tasked with making the final three outs.&nbsp;

Leclerc duly took care of business, with Gabriel Moreno grounding out before striking out Christian Walker and Tommy Pham to end the game.

Game four takes place in Phoenix on Tuesday.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Corey Seager smashed a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers bounced back to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Monday (Oct 30) and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series.

Corey Seager smashed a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers bounced back to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Monday (Oct 30) and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series. Seager blasted a 421-foot home run over right field in the top of the third inning after Marcus Semien had driven in a run for Nathaniel Lowe earlier in the inning. The Diamondbacks had routed Texas 9-1 in Arlington on Saturday to level the best-of-seven World Series. But it was a different story on Monday as Major League Baseball's showpiece final returned to Arizona for game three. The Rangers suffered an early blow when starter Max Scherzer was pulled from the mound after just 36 scoreless pitches with an apparent back injury. That forced Jon Gray, tabbed as the Rangers starter in game four, to come out of the bullpen to take over. Gray preserved Ranger's three-run lead with three scoreless innings and the Texas pitchers continued to stay on top. "He was the hero tonight," Seager said of Gray. "He came out and gave us some really big innings, he kept them off balance, he put up zeros and that's exactly what we needed in that moment." Also read | MLB: Adolis Garcia helps Rangers defeat Arizona Diamondbacks in World Series opener Gray meanwhile said he had taken a "one pitch at a time" approach after being unexpectedly pressed into action after Scherzer's injury. "One pitch at a time, focus on the execution, do your job and let everything else take of itself," Gray said. "I knew that coming out of the bullpen things can happen really fast. So it was all about trying to slow things down and taking my time." Rangers reliever Josh Sborz struck out two batters before Aroldis Chapman took over in the eighth inning. Arizona finally threatened to build some momentum in the bottom of the eighth when Geraldo Perdomo's single to left field sent Emmanuel Rivera racing over home plate to cut the deficit to 3-1. But the Diamondbacks' rally was halted in its tracks after a deft piece of glove work from Seager set up a double play that ended the inning with Perdomo out at second and Ketel Marte out at first. Texas's line-up were unable to add to the lead in the ninth inning which left Rangers closer Jose Leclerc tasked with making the final three outs. Leclerc duly took care of business, with Gabriel Moreno grounding out before striking out Christian Walker and Tommy Pham to end the game. Game four takes place in Phoenix on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

MLB: Texas Rangers down Arizona Diamondbacks to take lead in World Series

There aren't many in the world of sports who have switched from one game to another. However, there are still some big names who have done the unthinkable by playing two sports professionally. Michael Jordan (Basketball to baseball), Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby to boxing), Andrew Flintoff (from cricket to boxing) and many others make the cut. However, can you think of one such name in Indian sports?

Well, Dinesh Patel is one such gutsy sportsman to have switched from being a javelin thrower to turning into a baseball player. The 32-year-old is a rarity in Indian sports in every sense. Being a javelin thrower, he delved into uncharted territory and took up baseball, a sport of which not many Indians can boost of or enjoy the bragging rights.

Taking up the sport to improve his financial situation, Dinesh has come a long way and remains the torch-bearer of baseball in India.&nbsp;He competed in the Indian reality show "Million Dollar Arm" in 2008, having never picked up a baseball before, and emerged on top of over 37,000 competitors in the above-mentioned reality show; designed to find new baseball talents. In addition, Dinesh reached 90 mph during a tryout, intriguing the Pittsburgh Pirates, who acquired the services of Rinku Singh and him. They are, thus, the first players from India to sign deals in Organized Baseball.

Note: Rinku Singh is the&nbsp;first Indian to play baseball and now is a professional wrestler.

In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Aditya Sahay, Dinesh recalled his topsy-turvy journey, dived into the scope of baseball in the country and spoke about Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's influence on him. Excerpts:&nbsp;

You are a rarity in all sense. A baseball player from India, having competed in Indian reality show "Million Dollar Arm" after never having picked up a baseball before, how has the journey unfolded? Define your love for the sport.&nbsp;

Actually, I was a javelin thrower when I got to know about the contest, i.e. Million Dollar Arm. We participated only for the money, to be honest, and then Rinku (Singh) and I took part in it and, thus, I came into baseball. We were in the United States for three years where we played and learned about the game.&nbsp;

I know it is tough to switch from one sport to another but I went with my instincts. Back then, I had played nationals in javelin. Had I represented in the Olympics, it might have helped me financially but that didn't happen. So I decided to switch from javelin to baseball. The contest, thus, came as a blessing in disguise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-go-to-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-but-no-protest-says-austrian-leader-436875">Won't go to Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, but no protest, says Austrian leader</a>

When I participated in the Million Dollar Arm, we just wanted to give our best to improve our financial health and also because we had no other way to go. Leaving javelin,&nbsp;it became a do-or-die scenario (pauses).

Rinku&nbsp;and you are first players from India to sign deals in Organised Baseball.&nbsp;What do you opine about the future of this game in India?&nbsp;

Baseball isn't a talked-about game in the country. Even we didn't know about it before taking it up as a professional. However, I've seen changes taking place in many parts (in India). People have started playing baseball in Bengaluru, Delhi and even in Madhya Pradesh. Nonetheless, any new game takes time to spread like wildfire across the country. This popularity can be achieved through MLB. I can feel that it will sow the seeds for baseball's popularity. Much like how IPL has done wonders and helped cricket flourish even further since 2008.&nbsp;

Note:&nbsp;Major League Baseball is a professional baseball organization. In addition, it is the oldest major professional sports league in the world.&nbsp;

What does Dinesh Patel want to achieve after his end of career in baseball? Any set target or will you be content in widening the reach of the sport among the countrymen?&nbsp;

In Asia, MLB has an office in China. Similarly, MLB has also opened (an office) in India. It will help the game grow and spread out in various parts. This is just a start but surely a promising one. In our nation, baseball is obviously far from being developed. Whatever MLB is doing, the good players will be identified and they can hone their skills by going to the US and train extensively. Or, if the game widens in India itself, they can work on their game here and even help it spread further. I'll be glad if we reach this level.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/master-blaster-to-return-sourav-ganguly-hints-at-sachin-tendulkar-taking-up-new-role-in-indian-cricket-437603">Master Blaster to return? Sourav Ganguly hints at Sachin Tendulkar taking up new role in Indian cricket</a>

India is a country filled with several stars in the field of sports. From Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Sania Mirza, Kapil Dev, Leander Paes, Virat Kohli, Sunil Chhetri, PV Sindhu and many others, do you follow anyone in particular? Who among these has helped you and your game in any way?

I follow Sachin Tendulkar. Not even was he a legendary cricketer, but he's a very good person off the field as well. One thing I've tried to imbibe from the Master Blaster is his calmness and always being focused towards the job in hand. I believe I'm very similar in that aspect.&nbsp;

Sports is a way of life. However, it is very tough. It imparts various life-lessons to individuals, gives them a sense of security on succeeding and can also be very harsh during failures. A word for the rising talents in the country?&nbsp;

I would want to say that youngsters should play only the sport they love. Play it with all your heart. Set a high target for yourself. Above all, you need to be a good person and only then you will succeed as a player. Because ultimately your personality reflects on your game. It is not necessary to think about what happens to you, in terms of failures, but the aim should be to not lose hope and learn from their failures or mistakes. There's no end to learning. Never! (smiles)

There aren't many in the world of sports who have switched from one game to another. However, there are still some big names who have done the unthinkable by playing two sports professionally.

There aren't many in the world of sports who have switched from one game to another. However, there are still some big names who have done the unthinkable by playing two sports professionally. Michael Jordan (Basketball to baseball), Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby to boxing), Andrew Flintoff (from cricket to boxing) and many others make the cut. However, can you think of one such name in Indian sports? Well, Dinesh Patel is one such gutsy sportsman to have switched from being a javelin thrower to turning into a baseball player. The 32-year-old is a rarity in Indian sports in every sense. Being a javelin thrower, he delved into uncharted territory and took up baseball, a sport of which not many Indians can boost of or enjoy the bragging rights. Taking up the sport to improve his financial situation, Dinesh has come a long way and remains the torch-bearer of baseball in India. He competed in the Indian reality show "Million Dollar Arm" in 2008, having never picked up a baseball before, and emerged on top of over 37,000 competitors in the above-mentioned reality show; designed to find new baseball talents. In addition, Dinesh reached 90 mph during a tryout, intriguing the Pittsburgh Pirates, who acquired the services of Rinku Singh and him. They are, thus, the first players from India to sign deals in Organized Baseball. Note: Rinku Singh is the first Indian to play baseball and now is a professional wrestler. In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Aditya Sahay, Dinesh recalled his topsy-turvy journey, dived into the scope of baseball in the country and spoke about Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's influence on him. Excerpts: You are a rarity in all sense. A baseball player from India, having competed in Indian reality show "Million Dollar Arm" after never having picked up a baseball before, how has the journey unfolded? Define your love for the sport. Actually, I was a javelin thrower when I got to know about the contest, i.e. Million Dollar Arm. We participated only for the money, to be honest, and then Rinku (Singh) and I took part in it and, thus, I came into baseball. We were in the United States for three years where we played and learned about the game. I know it is tough to switch from one sport to another but I went with my instincts. Back then, I had played nationals in javelin. Had I represented in the Olympics, it might have helped me financially but that didn't happen. So I decided to switch from javelin to baseball. The contest, thus, came as a blessing in disguise. ALSO READ | Won't go to Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, but no protest, says Austrian leader When I participated in the Million Dollar Arm, we just wanted to give our best to improve our financial health and also because we had no other way to go. Leaving javelin, it became a do-or-die scenario (pauses). Rinku and you are first players from India to sign deals in Organised Baseball. What do you opine about the future of this game in India? Baseball isn't a talked-about game in the country. Even we didn't know about it before taking it up as a professional. However, I've seen changes taking place in many parts (in India). People have started playing baseball in Bengaluru, Delhi and even in Madhya Pradesh. Nonetheless, any new game takes time to spread like wildfire across the country. This popularity can be achieved through MLB. I can feel that it will sow the seeds for baseball's popularity. Much like how IPL has done wonders and helped cricket flourish even further since 2008. Note: Major League Baseball is a professional baseball organization. In addition, it is the oldest major professional sports league in the world. What does Dinesh Patel want to achieve after his end of career in baseball? Any set target or will you be content in widening the reach of the sport among the countrymen? In Asia, MLB has an office in China. Similarly, MLB has also opened (an office) in India. It will help the game grow and spread out in various parts. This is just a start but surely a promising one. In our nation, baseball is obviously far from being developed. Whatever MLB is doing, the good players will be identified and they can hone their skills by going to the US and train extensively. Or, if the game widens in India itself, they can work on their game here and even help it spread further. I'll be glad if we reach this level. ALSO READ | Master Blaster to return? Sourav Ganguly hints at Sachin Tendulkar taking up new role in Indian cricket India is a country filled with several stars in the field of sports. From Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Sania Mirza, Kapil Dev, Leander Paes, Virat Kohli, Sunil Chhetri, PV Sindhu and many others, do you follow anyone in particular? Who among these has helped you and your game in any way? I follow Sachin Tendulkar. Not even was he a legendary cricketer, but he's a very good person off the field as well. One thing I've tried to imbibe from the Master Blaster is his calmness and always being focused towards the job in hand. I believe I'm very similar in that aspect. Sports is a way of life. However, it is very tough. It imparts various life-lessons to individuals, gives them a sense of security on succeeding and can also be very harsh during failures. A word for the rising talents in the country? I would want to say that youngsters should play only the sport they love. Play it with all your heart. Set a high target for yourself. Above all, you need to be a good person and only then you will succeed as a player. Because ultimately your personality reflects on your game. It is not necessary to think about what happens to you, in terms of failures, but the aim should be to not lose hope and learn from their failures or mistakes. There's no end to learning. Never! (smiles)

EXCLUSIVE | Meet Dinesh Patel: A rare breed of Indian sportsman and a top gun in baseball

One year after Covid-19 sent sport across North America grinding to a halt, professional leagues and tours are inching back towards normalcy after absorbing a multi-billion-dollar financial hit.

Twelve months ago on March 11, NBA commissioner Adam Silver sent shockwaves across the sporting world after dramatically halting the season following confirmation of Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert's positive test.

The NBA decision triggered a domino effect, with baseball, soccer, golf, ice hockey and other sports swiftly following suit either by suspending their seasons or cancelling events altogether.

A year after the start of the shutdown, US leagues are continuing to count the cost of the pandemic as they adjust to the new realities of sport in the age of Covid-19.

The NBA has reached the halfway point of its abbreviated 2020-2021 season after losing an estimated $1.2 billion through its interrupted 2019-2020 campaign, with a $4 billion loss projected for 2020-2021.

NBA chief Silver however is hopeful that the worst may be over, noting that next season may resemble something like a return to normality as more Americans get vaccinated against Covid-19 and fans return to arenas.

"I'm fairly optimistic at this point that we will be able to start on time," Silver said ahead of Sunday's All-Star game.

"If vaccines continue on the pace they are, and they continue to be as effective as they have been against the virus and its variants, we're hopeful that we'll have relatively full arenas next season."

Silver added that despite losses he described as "considerable", the "long-term health of the league is very solid."

<h2>- Baseball revenues hit -</h2>

Major League Baseball, meanwhile, is also counting the cost of coronavirus. The league slashed its 2020 season from 162 games to 60, finally starting in late July before wrapping the World Series in October.

Although fans were allowed to return for the late stages of last year's playoffs, regular season games in 2020 took place in empty arenas, denying clubs game day revenue and contributing to collective losses estimated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred at around $2.8-$3 billion.

A full 162-game regular season is planned when the 2021 campaign gets under way on April 1, but spectator access will vary depending on city and state health regulations where each team is based.

The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will only be allowed a maximum of 100 fans at Dodger Stadium under current rules; the St. Louis Cardinals have been approved to allow 14,500 spectators.

Major League Soccer is bracing for another hefty financial loss after taking a $1 billion hit in 2020.

MLS was halted just two weeks into its new season last year, returning with a tournament staged in a bubble in environment in Florida before the regular season resumed in August.

"We are forecasted to lose pretty close to $1 billion, if not $1 billion (exactly), that we have been talking about," Garber said in February. "When you don't have fans for the majority of your season, it's just pure math."

The National Football League, meanwhile, provided a template for professional leagues in North America by completing its season in February with the Super Bowl in Tampa.

A robust testing program and strict health and safety protocols allowed the league to fulfill all of its 256 regular season games and playoff schedule successfully.

A crowd of 25,000 fans, including several thousand vaccinated healthcare workers invited as guests, attended last month's Super Bowl, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admits it is unclear what fan attendance may look like when the 2021 season kicks off next September.

<h2>- 'They got lucky' -</h2>

"One of the things that I think I have learned and I think all of us have learned is try not to project too far in advance because it's difficult to do," Goodell said. "I know this: We've learned to operate in a very difficult environment. We have found solutions, and we'll do it again."

Zach Binney, an epidemiologist at Oxford College of Emory University in Atlanta, believes that major US sports "did some really good things" as they plotted a return from Covid-19.

"The NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL all found various ways to bring sports back without having a lot of cases among their players and staff," Binney told AFP. "The various models were quite strong on that front."

Binney noted however that some NFL and college football teams allowed large numbers of fans back into arenas before being certain it was safe to do so.

"I think they were reckless and got lucky," Binney said.

Other aspects of the US sporting landscape, meanwhile, shifted in more profound ways by the pandemic.

In almost every major sport, television ratings were down sharply, sometimes by striking margins.

The NBA finals ratings nosedived by 51%, while the battle for ice hockey's Stanley Cup cratered by 61%. The US Open tennis tournament slumped by 45% and even February's dream NFL Super Bowl pitting Tom Brady against Patrick Mahomes drew its lowest audience since 2006.

In college sports meanwhile, budget shortfalls caused by the pandemic have led to the elimination of more than 350 sports programs -- the vast majority in Olympic sports including athletics, swimming and volleyball.

One year after Covid-19 sent sport across North America grinding to a halt, professional leagues and tours are inching back towards normalcy after absorbing a multi-billion-dollar financial hit.

One year after Covid-19 sent sport across North America grinding to a halt, professional leagues and tours are inching back towards normalcy after absorbing a multi-billion-dollar financial hit. Twelve months ago on March 11, NBA commissioner Adam Silver sent shockwaves across the sporting world after dramatically halting the season following confirmation of Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert's positive test. The NBA decision triggered a domino effect, with baseball, soccer, golf, ice hockey and other sports swiftly following suit either by suspending their seasons or cancelling events altogether. A year after the start of the shutdown, US leagues are continuing to count the cost of the pandemic as they adjust to the new realities of sport in the age of Covid-19. The NBA has reached the halfway point of its abbreviated 2020-2021 season after losing an estimated $1.2 billion through its interrupted 2019-2020 campaign, with a $4 billion loss projected for 2020-2021. NBA chief Silver however is hopeful that the worst may be over, noting that next season may resemble something like a return to normality as more Americans get vaccinated against Covid-19 and fans return to arenas. "I'm fairly optimistic at this point that we will be able to start on time," Silver said ahead of Sunday's All-Star game. "If vaccines continue on the pace they are, and they continue to be as effective as they have been against the virus and its variants, we're hopeful that we'll have relatively full arenas next season." Silver added that despite losses he described as "considerable", the "long-term health of the league is very solid." - Baseball revenues hit - Major League Baseball, meanwhile, is also counting the cost of coronavirus. The league slashed its 2020 season from 162 games to 60, finally starting in late July before wrapping the World Series in October. Although fans were allowed to return for the late stages of last year's playoffs, regular season games in 2020 took place in empty arenas, denying clubs game day revenue and contributing to collective losses estimated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred at around $2.8-$3 billion. A full 162-game regular season is planned when the 2021 campaign gets under way on April 1, but spectator access will vary depending on city and state health regulations where each team is based. The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will only be allowed a maximum of 100 fans at Dodger Stadium under current rules; the St. Louis Cardinals have been approved to allow 14,500 spectators. Major League Soccer is bracing for another hefty financial loss after taking a $1 billion hit in 2020. MLS was halted just two weeks into its new season last year, returning with a tournament staged in a bubble in environment in Florida before the regular season resumed in August. "We are forecasted to lose pretty close to $1 billion, if not $1 billion (exactly), that we have been talking about," Garber said in February. "When you don't have fans for the majority of your season, it's just pure math." The National Football League, meanwhile, provided a template for professional leagues in North America by completing its season in February with the Super Bowl in Tampa. A robust testing program and strict health and safety protocols allowed the league to fulfill all of its 256 regular season games and playoff schedule successfully. A crowd of 25,000 fans, including several thousand vaccinated healthcare workers invited as guests, attended last month's Super Bowl, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admits it is unclear what fan attendance may look like when the 2021 season kicks off next September. - 'They got lucky' - "One of the things that I think I have learned and I think all of us have learned is try not to project too far in advance because it's difficult to do," Goodell said. "I know this: We've learned to operate in a very difficult environment. We have found solutions, and we'll do it again." Zach Binney, an epidemiologist at Oxford College of Emory University in Atlanta, believes that major US sports "did some really good things" as they plotted a return from Covid-19. "The NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL all found various ways to bring sports back without having a lot of cases among their players and staff," Binney told AFP. "The various models were quite strong on that front." Binney noted however that some NFL and college football teams allowed large numbers of fans back into arenas before being certain it was safe to do so. "I think they were reckless and got lucky," Binney said. Other aspects of the US sporting landscape, meanwhile, shifted in more profound ways by the pandemic. In almost every major sport, television ratings were down sharply, sometimes by striking margins. The NBA finals ratings nosedived by 51%, while the battle for ice hockey's Stanley Cup cratered by 61%. The US Open tennis tournament slumped by 45% and even February's dream NFL Super Bowl pitting Tom Brady against Patrick Mahomes drew its lowest audience since 2006. In college sports meanwhile, budget shortfalls caused by the pandemic have led to the elimination of more than 350 sports programs -- the vast majority in Olympic sports including athletics, swimming and volleyball.

One year on from shutdown, US sport inching back to normalcy

Hank Aaron, the baseball great who &nbsp;defied racist hatred to break Babe Ruth's cherished major league home run record, died Friday. He was 86.

The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's former club, and Major League Baseball said the beloved Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank" passed away Friday morning.

"We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin' Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game," MLB said in a statement.

In a glittering career, Aaron delighted fans with his poise and dazzling offensive skills to cement his place in baseball's pantheon.

Aaron's 715th career home run -- belted on April 8, 1974 -- broke the record Ruth had set nearly 40 years before.

A crowd of 53,775 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium celebrated the feat. But the build-up to the record-setting swing was a harrowing glimpse of the ugly underside of America.

Hate mail, death threats, even threats to Aaron's family had seen security around him tighten as he drew closer to the record over two seasons.

For inspiration, Aaron turned to trailblazing Jackie Robinson, the player who paved the way for blacks in the modern game.

"I thought that if he could stand up and take the abuse that he took, that I can do the same thing and be the same person, as long as God gave me the ability to play the game," Aaron once recalled.

"It was a time for me to stand up and be tall, to do what I was sent here to do."

Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama, one of eight children of Herbert and Estella Aaron.

A speech by Robinson at a recreation center sparked the 14-year-old Aaron's desire to be a major league ball player -- a goal he pursued through a semi-pro team, the Black Bears, while he was still in high school.

At 18, he was playing for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the last of the Negro Baseball League teams. He joined the Boston Braves in 1952, and played his first Major League Baseball game in 1954, after the club's move to Milwaukee.

Two decades of sustained excellence would follow in Milwaukee and through the Braves' move to Atlanta.

Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs -- establishing a record that would stand for 33 years when it was broken by Barry Bonds -- the drugs-tainted Giants slugger who would re-set the mark at 762.

Inextricably linked to baseball's most explosive feat, Hammerin' Hank was, in fact, far more than a slugger and MLB's Hank Aaron Award given for overall offensive excellence reflects the fact.

Earlier in that magical April 8, 1974 game, Aaron -- walked in his first at-bat -- scored the 2,063rd run of his career -- breaking the National League record set by Willie Mays.

He owns the major league record for most career runs-batted-in with 2,297 and as an outfielder won three Gold Glove awards for his fielding skills.

Aaron set a dozen major league records before he retired in 1976, heading into a career that would see him become one of baseball's first black upper-level executives when Braves owner Ted Turner appointed him vice president of player development.

Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 2002 President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors.

'Marvelous moment'&nbsp;

But he knew he would always be identified with home runs.

"No matter what it is," Aaron said, "they're going to always say 'Hank Aaron and a home run."

And one home run in particular.

On that night in Atlanta in 1974, Aaron watched a slider from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing find the dirt, then turned on a Downing fastball to send it high and right.

"It kept carrying and carrying," Downing recalled. When it cleared the fence, fireworks went off and Aaron rounded the bases, maintaining his composure even when two fans made it onto the field to congratulate him.

"What a marvelous moment for baseball," Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully said.

"What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia, what a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking the record of an all-time baseball idol." 
&nbsp;

Hank Aaron, the baseball great who defied racist hatred to break Babe Ruth's cherished major league home run record, died Friday. He was 86. The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's former club, and Major League Baseball said the beloved Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank" passed away Friday morning.

Hank Aaron, the baseball great who defied racist hatred to break Babe Ruth's cherished major league home run record, died Friday. He was 86. The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's former club, and Major League Baseball said the beloved Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank" passed away Friday morning. "We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin' Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game," MLB said in a statement. In a glittering career, Aaron delighted fans with his poise and dazzling offensive skills to cement his place in baseball's pantheon. Aaron's 715th career home run -- belted on April 8, 1974 -- broke the record Ruth had set nearly 40 years before. A crowd of 53,775 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium celebrated the feat. But the build-up to the record-setting swing was a harrowing glimpse of the ugly underside of America. Hate mail, death threats, even threats to Aaron's family had seen security around him tighten as he drew closer to the record over two seasons. For inspiration, Aaron turned to trailblazing Jackie Robinson, the player who paved the way for blacks in the modern game. "I thought that if he could stand up and take the abuse that he took, that I can do the same thing and be the same person, as long as God gave me the ability to play the game," Aaron once recalled. "It was a time for me to stand up and be tall, to do what I was sent here to do." Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama, one of eight children of Herbert and Estella Aaron. A speech by Robinson at a recreation center sparked the 14-year-old Aaron's desire to be a major league ball player -- a goal he pursued through a semi-pro team, the Black Bears, while he was still in high school. At 18, he was playing for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the last of the Negro Baseball League teams. He joined the Boston Braves in 1952, and played his first Major League Baseball game in 1954, after the club's move to Milwaukee. Two decades of sustained excellence would follow in Milwaukee and through the Braves' move to Atlanta. Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs -- establishing a record that would stand for 33 years when it was broken by Barry Bonds -- the drugs-tainted Giants slugger who would re-set the mark at 762. Inextricably linked to baseball's most explosive feat, Hammerin' Hank was, in fact, far more than a slugger and MLB's Hank Aaron Award given for overall offensive excellence reflects the fact. Earlier in that magical April 8, 1974 game, Aaron -- walked in his first at-bat -- scored the 2,063rd run of his career -- breaking the National League record set by Willie Mays. He owns the major league record for most career runs-batted-in with 2,297 and as an outfielder won three Gold Glove awards for his fielding skills. Aaron set a dozen major league records before he retired in 1976, heading into a career that would see him become one of baseball's first black upper-level executives when Braves owner Ted Turner appointed him vice president of player development. Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 2002 President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors. 'Marvelous moment' But he knew he would always be identified with home runs. "No matter what it is," Aaron said, "they're going to always say 'Hank Aaron and a home run." And one home run in particular. On that night in Atlanta in 1974, Aaron watched a slider from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing find the dirt, then turned on a Downing fastball to send it high and right. "It kept carrying and carrying," Downing recalled. When it cleared the fence, fireworks went off and Aaron rounded the bases, maintaining his composure even when two fans made it onto the field to congratulate him. "What a marvelous moment for baseball," Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully said. "What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia, what a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking the record of an all-time baseball idol."

Hank Aaron: baseball and civil rights icon dead at 86

Even though sporting activity has been hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic, MLB India has utilized the time to impart online coaching and training lessons to baseball coaches across the country. 
 
MLB, in association with India on Track (IOT) and the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI) conducted online interactive coaching sessions to over 75 participants on Saturday&nbsp;and Sunday. 
 
The Head of Baseball Development, MLB India – David Palese, is currently conducting on-field coaching clinics with three IOT-MLB coaches from Bengaluru on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays preparing them for the weekend sessions that are broadcasted online. During the weekend, different elements of baseball such as pitching, hitting, fitness/agility and defense by position are covered. These online sessions create opportunities for participants to see how fault analysis can be done and provides an interactive opportunity from the comfort of their homes across the nation. 
 
“The online coaching and training lessons have helped the coaches in India to continue learning new aspects of baseball from their homes. The coaches have been able to enhance their knowledge about baseball and be able to implement newly acquired skills and drills to their players and teams in their home towns”&nbsp;said David Palese.

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Palese trained the three IOT-MLB coaches on the field in Gurgaon on Saturday and Sunday, where the training sessions were broadcasted to coaches across India, who dialed-in for the online interactive coaching sessions from their homes. During the Coaching Webinars on the weekends, Palese teaches the finer aspects of baseball to coaches who are willing to dial in and see it online for free of cost.&nbsp; 
 
The Head of Baseball Development, MLB India explained about the drills, techniques and philosophies of speed, agility and fitness and throwing during the online interactive coaching on Saturday, while on Sunday, he explained about the drills, techniques and philosophies of Pitching and Catching. 
 
David Palese is joined in India by Ryo Takahashi,&nbsp;who heads the business and commercial operations for MLB India. Having set up their MLB India office in New Delhi, MLB has conducted more than 320 workshops in schools across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru as a part of its First Pitch Program. Over 30,000 children in the age group of 8-14 years participated actively in these sessions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-australian-fan-chants-vande-marataram-during-gabba-test-video-goes-viral-357939" hreflang="en">Watch: Australian fan chants 'Vande Marataram' during Gabba Test, video goes viral</a> 
 
Ryo Takahashi said, “We have always believed that quality coaching is essential for baseball to grow at the grassroots, youth and eventually an elite level. The response from the coaches in India for the webinars has been terrific and a huge boost for the growth potential of baseball in India. It’s been fantastic to see many coaches register and attend these sessions every weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are starting to see with our own eyes the potential that the game of baseball has in India and we are confident that we are moving in the right direction.” 
 
Commenting on this initiative, Harish Kumar, former National Indian Baseball Team Captain and present Secretary General of ABFI said,&nbsp;“MLB has taken tremendous steps to improve baseball coaching at the grassroots level since setting up its office in New Delhi in 2019. The on-field and online training sessions have been fantastic initiatives,&nbsp;which have helped the sport of baseball to grow in India even during difficult times. We are in discussion with MLB on what comes next, which we hope to implement in the upcoming year. We are really looking forward to working with MLB in more programs to improve the playing standard of baseball in India.”&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The Coaching Webinars for education and development of Indian baseball coaches, which began on 19 December 2020, will be carried out on every weekend until February 7.

Even though sporting activity has been hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic, MLB India has utilized the time to impart online coaching and training lessons to baseball coaches across the country.

Even though sporting activity has been hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic, MLB India has utilized the time to impart online coaching and training lessons to baseball coaches across the country. MLB, in association with India on Track (IOT) and the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI) conducted online interactive coaching sessions to over 75 participants on Saturday and Sunday. The Head of Baseball Development, MLB India – David Palese, is currently conducting on-field coaching clinics with three IOT-MLB coaches from Bengaluru on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays preparing them for the weekend sessions that are broadcasted online. During the weekend, different elements of baseball such as pitching, hitting, fitness/agility and defense by position are covered. These online sessions create opportunities for participants to see how fault analysis can be done and provides an interactive opportunity from the comfort of their homes across the nation. “The online coaching and training lessons have helped the coaches in India to continue learning new aspects of baseball from their homes. The coaches have been able to enhance their knowledge about baseball and be able to implement newly acquired skills and drills to their players and teams in their home towns” said David Palese. ALSO READ: Formidable competitors on field, solid partners off it: PM Narendra Modi to Australian PM after Test series triumph Palese trained the three IOT-MLB coaches on the field in Gurgaon on Saturday and Sunday, where the training sessions were broadcasted to coaches across India, who dialed-in for the online interactive coaching sessions from their homes. During the Coaching Webinars on the weekends, Palese teaches the finer aspects of baseball to coaches who are willing to dial in and see it online for free of cost. The Head of Baseball Development, MLB India explained about the drills, techniques and philosophies of speed, agility and fitness and throwing during the online interactive coaching on Saturday, while on Sunday, he explained about the drills, techniques and philosophies of Pitching and Catching. David Palese is joined in India by Ryo Takahashi, who heads the business and commercial operations for MLB India. Having set up their MLB India office in New Delhi, MLB has conducted more than 320 workshops in schools across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru as a part of its First Pitch Program. Over 30,000 children in the age group of 8-14 years participated actively in these sessions. ALSO READ: Watch: Australian fan chants 'Vande Marataram' during Gabba Test, video goes viral Ryo Takahashi said, “We have always believed that quality coaching is essential for baseball to grow at the grassroots, youth and eventually an elite level. The response from the coaches in India for the webinars has been terrific and a huge boost for the growth potential of baseball in India. It’s been fantastic to see many coaches register and attend these sessions every weekend. We are starting to see with our own eyes the potential that the game of baseball has in India and we are confident that we are moving in the right direction.” Commenting on this initiative, Harish Kumar, former National Indian Baseball Team Captain and present Secretary General of ABFI said, “MLB has taken tremendous steps to improve baseball coaching at the grassroots level since setting up its office in New Delhi in 2019. The on-field and online training sessions have been fantastic initiatives, which have helped the sport of baseball to grow in India even during difficult times. We are in discussion with MLB on what comes next, which we hope to implement in the upcoming year. We are really looking forward to working with MLB in more programs to improve the playing standard of baseball in India.” The Coaching Webinars for education and development of Indian baseball coaches, which began on 19 December 2020, will be carried out on every weekend until February 7.

Major League Baseball conducts baseball coaching sessions online for over 75 coaches

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Hank Aaron: baseball and civil rights icon dead at 86

Major League Baseball conducts baseball coaching sessions online for over 75 coaches