La Velle E. Neal III
Columnist
SportsA native of Chicago, La Velle has covered the Minnesota Twins since 1998. He also covered the Kansas City Royals for the Kansas City Star from 1995 through 1997. A graduate of the University of Illinois - Chicago, La Velle is a former president of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Latest from La Velle E. Neal III
Twins
Neal: With the return of Royce Lewis’ power swing comes the return of hope for Twins
The Twins earned a much-needed victory thanks to Royce Lewis’ go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Royce Lewis’ three-run homer in eighth lifts Twins to 4-3 victory over Blue Jays
Royce Lewis hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the eighth inning Sunday at Target Field, propelling the Twins to a win over Toronto to end their homestand.
September 2, 2024
Twins
Michael Helman tries fitting in after getting first call to Twins at age 28
Utility player Michael Helman — sporting a Daniel Jones jersey to keep up with his teammates — said he didn’t have time to get emotional over his first promotion to the majors.
September 2, 2024
Wild
Neal: Wild wanted Patrik Laine, but Laine did not want the Wild
The 3-2 Pitch: With the Wild’s season fast approaching, Neal also tackled the difficult AL Central, the putrid Gophers run defense and a bold prediction for the Lynx and Twins.
September 1, 2024
Twins
Neal: Here’s hoping MLB voters get it right when it comes to Carlos Santana and the Gold Glove
Twenty five years after Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz was robbed of the Gold Glove award — losing to an undeserving Rafael Palmeiro — Minnesota is hoping Carlos Santana brings it home.
August 28, 2024
Twins
Neal: Jumping to conclusions about Twins prospects is a road not worth traveling
Once an afterthought in the Twins’ future, prospects Trevor Larnach and Jose Miranda are proving their value by helping the team push to the postseason.
August 24, 2024
Loons
Neal: Eric Ramsay has been a steady hand for Minnesota United, despite the chaos
Since taking over as Loons coach four games into the MLS season, Eric Ramsay has weathered constant roster challenges yet still has the team competing for a playoff berth.
August 20, 2024
Twins
Neal: Festa. Matthews. Woods Richardson. Varland. Can the Twins count on them down the stretch?
The good news is that Derek Falvey has created a pipeline of young starters. The bad news? They’re being thrown into the fire.
August 18, 2024
Twins
Neal: Here’s hoping MLB voters get it right when it comes to Carlos Santana and the Gold Glove
Twenty five years after Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz was robbed of the Gold Glove award — losing to an undeserving Rafael Palmeiro — Minnesota is hoping Carlos Santana brings it home.
August 28, 2024
Twins
Neal: Jumping to conclusions about Twins prospects is a road not worth traveling
Once an afterthought in the Twins’ future, prospects Trevor Larnach and Jose Miranda are proving their value by helping the team push to the postseason.
August 24, 2024
Loons
Neal: Eric Ramsay has been a steady hand for Minnesota United, despite the chaos
Since taking over as Loons coach four games into the MLS season, Eric Ramsay has weathered constant roster challenges yet still has the team competing for a playoff berth.
August 20, 2024
Twins
Neal: Festa. Matthews. Woods Richardson. Varland. Can the Twins count on them down the stretch?
The good news is that Derek Falvey has created a pipeline of young starters. The bad news? They’re being thrown into the fire.
August 18, 2024