Michael Lev

Amid political strife, Tucson's Mexican baseball partnerships aim to unite | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: The Mexican Baseball Fiesta has brought joy to our town. The Tucson Baseball Team promises more of the same. But politics have created an undercurrent of worry.

My latest for @tucson.com subscribers:

We all want the Tucson Baseball Team to thrive. But current politics have created an undercurrent of worry.

Can the game bring us all together?

Column:

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Freshmen Brayden Burries, Koa Peat have common bonds, goals as they begin UA careers Arizona men’s basketball notebook: On the bonds that tie freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat; an ex-Wildcat’s influence; getting in the weight room; and more.

ICYMI: The Tucson media got to talk to Arizona men's basketball freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat for the first time. I wrote about the ties that bind them. Plus some other notes. Story here:

tucson.com/sports/colle...

Brent Brennan, Cats wisely investing in process after ugly ’24 outcome | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: After being far too outcome-oriented in 2024, Brent Brennan and Arizona football wisely have shifted to a process-based approach as they seek a bounce-back.

My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: Brent Brennan realized that Arizona was too outcome driven last year. So since the offseason began, the Wildcats have shifted their focus. They're all about the process.

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Lancer-turned-Wildcat Evan Nelson on coming home, fitting in, finding a role at U of A A Q&A with former Salpointe Catholic High School star Evan Nelson, who has returned to Tucson to finish his college career with the Arizona Wildcats.

My latest is a Q&A with Arizona men's basketball newcomer Evan Nelson, who isn't new to Tucson; he was a key member of the Salpointe Catholic squad that won a state championship in 2020.

tucson.com/sports/colle...

Going Dutch, going clutch: Dwayne Aristode might be U of A’s X-factor | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: Dwayne Aristode isn’t the highest-rated or most famous Arizona hoops freshman. But his maturity and all-around game could make him a key cog for the 2025-26 Wildcats.

My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: On the unique journey of Arizona men's basketball freshman Dwayne Aristode, who just might possess the skills and maturity the 2025-26 Wildcats need to complement their other talented pieces

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Becky Burke, U of A women’s basketball team feel the love at fan event | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: Any doubts about whether Arizona women’s basketball fans would support new coach Becky Burke and her Wildcats were squelched at an event where they felt the love.

My latest for @tucson.com subscribers:

The Arizona women's basketball meet-and-greet Monday exceeded all expectations. I tried to capture the vibe and explain what it means for Becky Burke and her squad.

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U of A QB Noah Fifita eager to prove himself after ‘extremely poor’ 2024 | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita didn’t play well enough last season, and he knows it. He’s determined to bounce back this year.

Football season is here. Arizona training camp starts Wednesday.

Here's my latest for @tucson.com subscribers: A frank assessment of QB Noah Fifita - including by Noah himself - and what he needs to do to bounce back after a rough 2024.

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Can UA bigs Motiejus Krivas, Tobe Awaka play together? It’s worked before for Wildcats Arizona men’s basketball notebook: On the prospect of a now-healthy Motiejus Krivas playing alongside fellow big Tobe Awaka; the lessons Krivas learned last season; and promising signs from the freshm...

Subbing for the vacationing Bruce Pascoe, I wrote the following on Arizona men's basketball and pondered the question of whether a now-healthy Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka can team up on the court:

tucson.com/sports/colle...

Thornydale softball to play in West semis; Tucson wins American Legion state tourney Youth baseball/softball roundup: Thornydale has advanced to the semifinals of the Little League Softball West Region tournament, while Tucson won its fourth straight Arizona American Legion State Tour...

Also, here's a roundup of where things stand for Tucson-area youth baseball and softball teams vying for World Series berths at various levels:

tucson.com/sports/high-...

U of A baseball’s Owen Kramkowski embraces another new role: program representative Arizona baseball notebook: On Owen Kramkowski’s year of learning and growth; Ben Diggins’ induction into the UA Hall of Fame; Tony Pluta’s return; draft signings; and more.

A mid-July Arizona baseball notebook? In THIS economy?

Here ya go:

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Here's an expanded look at Arizona baseball's potential roster for 2026, plus reflections on '25 from Chip Hale and thoughts on Chip's contract extension from Mason White (who has a great quote at the very end):

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2025 MLB Draft: Scouting reports on Brendan Summerhill, other U of A prospects Breaking down Arizona baseball’s top pro prospects — Brendan Summerhill, Aaron Walton, Mason White and Adonys Guzman — heading into the 2025 MLB Draft.

And here are scouting reports on Arizona's top prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft, including comments from Chip Hale - and Mason White on some of his draft-eligible teammates:

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Eyes on the prize: Arizona’s Mason White sharpens MLB Draft case | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: In early May, Arizona baseball’s Mason White made a notable change — he got new contact lenses. He subsequently went on a tear. Next up: MLB Draft.

For @tucson.com subscribers: How a visit to the eye doctor helped turn Arizona baseball's Mason White into a dominant force down the stretch of his junior season - and strengthens his case as an MLB prospect:

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Arizona baseball promotes John DeRouin to succeed Kevin Vance as pitching coach In a move that promotes continuity, Arizona baseball named John DeRouin as its new pitching coach. DeRouin spent the past two seasons assisting former pitching coach Kevin Vance.

And if you'd like to learn more about new Arizona baseball pitching coach John DeRouin, check out this piece:

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Transfer-portal tracker: Arizona Wildcats baseball, softball player movement Tracking transfer-portal movement for the Arizona Wildcats baseball and softball programs during the 2025 cycle.

Hey all. I'm back from vacation. Put together a UA baseball/softball transfer tracker before I left. Just updated it. Here it is:

tucson.com/sports/colle...

Catching up with Tetairoa McMillan as ex-Cat sets off on new route | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: What’s life like for Wildcat-turned-Panther Tetairoa McMillan? The first-round rookie is the midst of change as long-term relationships become long-distance ones and new partnershi...

My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: Former Arizona football star Tetairoa McMillan is in the midst of a transition phase as he preps for his rookie year w/ the Carolina Panthers. Long-term relationships are now long-distance ones while new partnerships are forged.

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Save (James) Farris: Ex-Wildcat, CWS hero is fighting for his life | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: James Farris, who helped Arizona win the College World Series in 2012, has Stage 4 liver cancer. Amid the fight, he’s learned how much he is loved.

I sure would appreciate it if you checked out my latest piece about former Arizona baseball pitcher and CWS hero James Farris, who’s battling Stage 4 liver cancer. It includes a link to help out the Farris family.

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5 takeaways from UA’s loss to Coastal Carolina in College World Series | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona’s loss to Coastal Carolina to open the College World Series, including a couple of bad breaks, a good enough start and a struggling star.

Something different yet familiar for @tucson.com subscribers: 5 Takeaways from Arizona's CWS opener Friday. All the key plays and players broken down here.

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The Wildcast, Episode 519: College World Series breakdown with Shotgun Spratling The Wildcast · Episode

Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0aET...

The Wildcast, Episode 519: College World Series breakdown with Shotgun Spratling Podcast Episode · The Wildcast · 06/12/2025 · 1h 3m

🚨Late-night pod drop🚨

Very special episode of The Wildcast as I'm joined by the one and only @ShotgunSprD1 to break down the 2025 College World Series. If you're a fan of West Coast college baseball, you'll love this pod.

Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

‘That freaking close’: Ex-Cats reflect on 2016 with Coastal Carolina rematch on tap With Arizona facing Coastal Carolina in the College World Series, the Star reached out to members of the 2016 team that battled the Chanticleers to the very end in Omaha.

Special story for @tucson.com subscribers (which is part of our CWS special section) ... I talked to 3 players from the 2016 Wildcats who faced Coastal Carolina in Omaha. They reminisce and reflect on a painful ending and a magical season:

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I have a third piece coming that you won't want to miss. Trust me.

10 Wildcats to watch as Arizona baseball opens play in 2025 College World Series From Smith Bailey to Mason White, presenting 10 Arizona baseball players to watch as the Wildcats open play in the College World Series against Coastal Carolina on Friday.

2. For @tucson.com subscribers, I identified 10 Wildcats to watch in Omaha. These include several observations and insights on these players you likely won't find elsewhere.

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Ignore the stats; grittiness defines Arizona baseball’s run to College World Series Arizona baseball doesn’t stand out in many of the most commonly cited statistical categories. But the Wildcats are great late and in tight games, illustrating their mettle.

Some pre-College World Series content for ya ...

1. If you look at the stats, you might wonder how Arizona got to Omaha. With this team, you need to look beyond them.

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My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: Breaking down the connections between Arizona baseball and six other participants in this year's College World Series. Plus other notes.

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My latest for @tucson.com subscribers:

Three Wildcats who've been underestimated at various points - Chip Hale, Mason White and Tony Pluta - played integral roles in sending Arizona to Omaha.

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Pitfalls, patience, progress mark U of A baseball’s path to Supers | Michael Lev Michael Lev column: Arizona baseball has come a long way this season. After all the ups and downs, the Wildcats are where we thought they’d be all along.

Some pregame reading for @tucson.com subscribers: How the Wildcats got here.

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Here's the fun story I was referencing earlier regarding Arizona baseball. It includes the origin story from the master of ceremonies himself, TJ Adams:

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Another fresh Arizona baseball notebook for you right here, with more content to come!

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My latest for @tucson.com subscribers:

We continue to mourn the breakup of the Pac-12 as we knew it. But a positive offshoot appeared Monday: Pac-12 reunions popped up all over the West Coast in the NCAA baseball regionals.

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