Darren Baker Is Ready to Be Known for Something Else

By BY BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports Dusty Baker’s son doesn’t remember nearly being run over at the 2002 World Series. But lessons from Dusty, and players he managed, fashioned Darren into a throwback prospect.https://nyti.ms/3yQd3cm

N.C.A.A. Pressures Mississippi on Confederate Emblem on State Flag

By BY ALAN BLINDER from NYT Sports The association’s expanded policy on the Confederate symbol came after the Southeastern Conference urged Mississippi to change its state flag.https://nyti.ms/2YhkhXq

N.C.A.A. Allows Extra Year of Eligibility for Athletes in Curtailed Spring Sports

By BY BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports The decision did not cover winter sports, like basketball and gymnastics, which had postseason events disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.https://nyti.ms/33Xgmjp

Future Players Take a Big Hit as M.L.B. Navigates a Crisis

By BY TYLER KEPNER from NYT Sports The baseball draft could be drastically reduced in a deal cut with the players’ union to address complications of the game’s suspension.https://nyti.ms/3brQP4o

The Games Will Come Back. The Moments We’ll Miss Are Already Gone.

By BY MICHAEL POWELL from NYT Sports A March without its usual madness. Shots with no buzzers to beat. It’s not just games that sports is losing. It’s memories and, for some athletes, precious time.https://nyti.ms/38Js5mJ

Baylor to Suspend 14 Baseball Players Because of a Hazing Incident

By BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS from NYT Sports The suspensions — based on an incident from last year — will be staggered over three weeks, starting with the season opener next Friday. Each player involved will be suspended two games apiece.https://nyti.ms/39kyANc

Navy Pitcher Awaits the M.L.B. Draft, Weighing Fastballs and Flight Training

By BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports “In my mind, I’m not worried about it,” Noah Song said, “because I have two Plan As.”https://nyti.ms/2IgLgsH

The Brewers, Bucking Convention Again, Seek Coaches With College Experience

By TYLER KEPNER from NYT Sports In a sport that rarely looks outside the pro ranks for coaches, Milwaukee has two prominent ones with a background mostly in college baseball.https://nyti.ms/2EsFTIt