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Costly Free Agents Help Yankees And Dodgers Reach Playoffs Again

**Follow the Money: The 2025 Baseball Season Recap**

The time-tested philosophy of **“Follow the money”** perfectly bookended the 2025 baseball season. It began with a pair of record-breaking free-agent signings and ended with two of the three top-paid teams making deep playoff runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees—last year’s World Series opponents—invested heavily in the open market and reaped big rewards as a result. Meanwhile, the New York Mets, another big-spending team, weren’t so fortunate.

—

### Soto’s Windfall

After a wild winter bidding war, the Mets successfully lured slugging outfielder **Juan Soto** from the Yankees with a record contract worth $765 million. The deal spans 15 years, paying Soto an average of $51 million per year, all up-front.

Not to be outdone, the crosstown Yankees redirected some of the funds earmarked for Soto to sign star starting pitcher **Max Fried** to an eight-year, $218 million contract—the largest and longest ever awarded to a left-handed pitcher.

Playing between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso in a potent Mets lineup, Soto delivered a career-best 43 home runs and narrowly missed joining the rare 40/40 club by finishing with a league-leading 38 stolen bases.

On the Yankees’ side, Fried stepped up as the team ace following **Gerrit Cole’s** Tommy John surgery. He dominated the mound with a career-best 19 wins—the most in the majors—and a 2.86 earned run average, propelling the Yankees into the playoffs.

—

### Payroll Powerhouses and Playoff Results

The season reaffirmed the adage that teams who pay well usually perform well. According to Roster Resource, the Dodgers topped payroll charts with a record $394 million, followed by the Mets at $339 million and the Yankees at $294 million.

Yet, dreams of the first Subway Series since 2000 were dashed when the Mets missed the playoffs on the season’s final day, despite having the best record in baseball as recently as June 12.

—

### Detroit’s Disaster and Cleveland’s Comeback

The Detroit Tigers suffered a crushing collapse after leading the American League Central by double digits as late as Labor Day. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians mounted a historic comeback, clawing back from 15½ games behind Detroit on July 8 to clinch their second consecutive division title.

Both Cleveland and the Milwaukee Brewers reached the playoffs without exorbitant payrolls. The Brewers, with a $123 million payroll, won home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by posting 97 wins—the most in the majors and just shy of a .600 winning percentage. Cleveland’s $102 million payroll ranked 25th according to Roster Resource.

—

### Playoff Picture and Division Titles

Entering the final day of the 162-game season, three playoff spots remained undecided: the winners of both the AL East and Central Divisions as well as the third and final National League wild-card spot.

The AL East champion earned the top seed, securing a playoff bye starting September 30 and home-field advantage through the Championship Series. The **Toronto Blue Jays** finished with the same record as the Yankees at 94-68 but claimed the division crown by winning the season series against New York. This marked Toronto’s sixth AL East title and their first since 2015.

The other American League playoff bye went to the **Seattle Mariners**, who earned their first divisional title in 24 years. Seattle’s success was powered by switch-hitting catcher **Cal Raleigh**, who produced the seventh 60-homer season in baseball history. Mid-season trade acquisitions **Eugenio Suarez** and **Josh Naylor** also bolstered the Mariners’ roster.

—

### Home Run Highlights and MVP Contenders

Suarez, while still with Arizona, hit four home runs in a single game—a feat later matched by rookie **Nick Kurtz** of the Athletics and veteran **Kyle Schwarber** of the Phillies. Philadelphia clinched their second straight National League East crown.

Schwarber emerged as a strong candidate for NL MVP but could face stiff competition from **Shohei Ohtani**, the only two-way player in the majors. Ohtani led the majors in several categories, including on-base percentage and runs scored, while topping 50 home runs for the second consecutive season.

Other players to reach the 50-home run milestone included Cal Raleigh, Kyle Schwarber, and defending AL MVP **Aaron Judge**. Suarez finished just one home run short.

—

### The 30/30 Club and Notable Performances

The 30/30 club—the group of players with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases—saw record membership this season with seven players joining the elite group. Leading the pack were Mets teammates **Francisco Lindor** and Juan Soto. Other members included **Corbin Carroll**, **Jazz Chisholm Jr.**, **Jose Ramirez**, **Pete Crow-Armstrong**, and **Julio Rodriguez**.

Red Sox-Giants slugger **Rafael Devers** combined to hit 34 home runs after playing 163 games—the only player to exceed the regular schedule since **Justin Morneau** in 2008.

—

### Pitching Stars and Rookies

Though no no-hitters were recorded in 2025, several pitchers shined. Detroit’s **Tarik Skubal**, the defending American League Cy Young Award winner, made a strong bid to retain his title. Pittsburgh’s **Paul Skenes** was the overwhelming favorite for the National League Cy Young Award.

Rookies who reached stardom included **Nick Kurtz**, who hit 35 home runs for the Athletics after his April 23 promotion, and catcher **Drake Baldwin**, who took over for the Braves during Sean Murphy’s struggles and injuries.

—

### Strange Ending to the All-Star Game

For the first time in history, the All-Star Game concluded without a winning pitcher. The game ended in a 6-6 tie after nine innings. The winner was decided with an in-game Home Run Derby, won by Kyle Schwarber, representing the National League.

The regular Home Run Derby, held the previous night, was won by Cal Raleigh, offering a compelling preview of the season ahead.

—

### Minor League Parks and Team Future Concerns

Two teams played their home games in minor-league ballparks this season: the Tampa Bay Rays at **George M. Steinbrenner Field**—borrowed from the Yankees—and the Oakland Athletics at **Sutter Health Field** in West Sacramento, awaiting the completion of their new stadium in Las Vegas.

Tampa Bay’s future remains uncertain after new ownership took over. The costly restoration of the Tropicana Field roof, damaged by Hurricane Milton, is in jeopardy even on a temporary basis. Without a stable home park, discussions about expanding Major League Baseball to 32 teams have been put on hold, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred.

—

### Innovations and Labor Concerns

Manfred announced that next season MLB will implement **ABS (Automated Balls and Strikes)** technology to aid umpires with home plate decisions, aiming to improve accuracy.

However, the bigger concern looming over the league is maintaining labor peace between players and owners. The current Basic Agreement expires after the 2026 season and could trigger a serious work stoppage, with financial issues at the core.

Many teams advocate for a salary cap or at least a payroll cap, an idea firmly opposed by the Players Association. In 2025, the average player salary topped $5 million for the first time, reaching $5.2 million—a 3.6% increase from roughly $4.7 million the previous year, according to The Associated Press.

—

The 2025 baseball season demonstrated once again that while money often paves the way to success, the game remains unpredictable—full of historic comebacks, rising stars, and dramatic finishes that keep fans eagerly watching year after year.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/costly-free-agents-help-yankees-and-dodgers-reach-playoffs-again/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=costly-free-agents-help-yankees-and-dodgers-reach-playoffs-again

XRP Price Prediction: Buy Signals Flash Before a Potential 220% Breakout

**XRP Targets $10 Amid Technical and Institutional Signals, While MAGACOIN FINANCE Emerges as a Fastest-Growing Crypto Project of 2025**

XRP has spent the past several weeks consolidating below the $2.90 mark, holding relatively steady despite broader market volatility. Analysts are now pointing to technical and institutional catalysts that could fuel a dramatic move higher. Some chartists believe the token is preparing for a rally of more than 220%, potentially sending prices to nearly $10 if current conditions hold.

At the same time, retail excitement is flowing into new opportunities outside established tokens. MAGACOIN FINANCE has been flagged as one of the fastest-growing projects of 2025, thanks to its record-breaking raise of over $15 million.

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### Technical Signals Point to Upside

Prominent trader Javon Marks sees XRP in the early stages of a bullish setup similar to past accumulation phases that preceded major rallies. Based on his chart analysis, the consolidation above $3 could be the base for a surge toward $9.90, representing gains of more than 220% from current levels. Marks further suggests that if momentum extends beyond the initial breakout, XRP could eventually target levels as high as $20—a price point not seen in its history.

Supporting this view, Ali Martinez, another widely followed analyst, has identified a fresh buy signal using the TD Sequential indicator, a technical tool designed to highlight trend reversals. Martinez argues that buyers appear to be regaining control after weeks of sideways movement and that XRP is gearing up to challenge resistance zones in the near term.

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### Consolidation as the Calm Before the Storm

Despite brief dips from recent highs, XRP’s ability to maintain support above $3 has encouraged many analysts to frame this period as healthy consolidation. The market is closely watching whether bulls can push the token convincingly through resistance levels, which could act as the spark for the next leg upward.

Traders remain cautious but optimistic. With volume patterns aligning with historical breakouts, XRP’s price action suggests the next move could be substantial.

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### Spotlight Turns to New Altcoin Opportunity: MAGACOIN FINANCE

While XRP sets the stage for a potential breakout, MAGACOIN FINANCE is dominating headlines in presale markets. The project has surpassed $15 million in funding, breaking records and attracting both retail buyers and large investors.

Security audits by HashEx and CertiK have boosted confidence further, placing the token in rare company among new launches. Analysts argue that MAGACOIN FINANCE offers something distinct during this bull run: a mix of explosive growth potential with audited credibility. If adoption continues at its current pace, it could emerge as one of the best-performing crypto assets of 2025.

For investors seeking both stability and high-upside plays, XRP and MAGACOIN FINANCE are increasingly seen as complementary opportunities.

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### Institutional Backing Strengthens the XRP Case

Beyond technicals, XRP’s bullish case is reinforced by institutional momentum. The launch of the first U.S.-listed spot XRP ETF has given mainstream investors regulated exposure to the asset—a milestone that many see as a turning point in XRP’s maturity.

Meanwhile, tokenized investment funds built on the XRP Ledger are expanding the token’s role from payments infrastructure into broader on-chain finance. These developments position XRP not just as a bridge currency but as a foundational layer for capital markets.

Adding to this momentum, the CME Group has confirmed plans to roll out futures options tied to XRP and Solana, underscoring growing institutional demand for derivative products. Together, these moves highlight how deeply financial institutions are embedding XRP into their product pipelines.

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### A Defining Phase for XRP

The convergence of bullish technical signals and expanding institutional adoption suggests XRP could be entering one of its most significant phases in years. If prices break through resistance convincingly, the path to $10 and beyond may open quickly, especially if ETF inflows accelerate.

For retail investors, the dual narrative is clear: XRP is evolving into an institutional-grade asset with breakout potential, while MAGACOIN FINANCE offers early-stage upside with a proven foundation of audits and record-breaking demand. Both stories reflect how this bull cycle is being shaped by a blend of established strength and rising stars.

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### Conclusion

XRP’s technicals and institutional adoption point to a possible breakout rally of more than 220%, with analysts setting ambitious price targets near $10 and even $20 long-term. At the same time, MAGACOIN FINANCE is emerging as one of the fastest-growing projects of 2025, with its $15M+ presale and strong security credentials cementing its place as a retail favorite.

As the crypto market heads deeper into its bullish phase, investors are watching closely to see if these two very different opportunities can define the next wave of growth.

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### Learn More About MAGACOIN FINANCE

– **Website:** [Access link here]
– **Twitter/X:** [Link here]
– **Telegram:** [Link here]

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*This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions. Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.*

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### About the Author

**Krasimir Rusev** is a reporter at Coindoo with many years of experience covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source of information for investors, traders, and anyone following the dynamics of the crypto world.
https://coindoo.com/xrp-price-prediction-buy-signals-flash-before-a-potential-220-breakout/

Proposed changes to REIT rules coming out in October

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to introduce changes to a law regulating real estate investment trusts (REITs) next month.

These revisions aim to attract more investors to the growing industry and strengthen the Philippine corporate sector. According to SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, the goal is to make the Philippines “one of the best in Southeast Asia” in this area.

This move reflects the SEC’s commitment to fostering a more investor-friendly environment and supporting the continued growth of REITs in the country.
https://business.inquirer.net/549643/proposed-changes-to-reit-rules-coming-out-in-october

“At least Taylor Swift doesn’t dress him”: NFL fans react as Patrick Mahomes arrives for Week 4 game vs. Lamar Jackson’s Ravens

Patrick Mahomes’ entrance in Week 4 had NFL fans on edge as the Kansas City Chiefs prepared to take the field against Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens.

The anticipation was palpable, with both teams known for their dynamic quarterbacks and explosive offenses. Fans eagerly awaited the showdown between Mahomes and Jackson, two of the league’s most exciting talents.

As the Chiefs readied themselves for battle, Mahomes’ presence alone energized the stadium, setting the tone for what promised to be an unforgettable game.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-at-least-taylor-swift-dress-him-nfl-fans-react-patrick-mahomes-arrives-week-4-game-vs-lamar-jackson-s-ravens

Christmas Crisis: Disgraced Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Frozen Out of Royal Holiday Plans After Fresh Details About Epstein Relationship Were Leaked

**Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Reportedly Not Welcome at This Year’s Royal Christmas Amid Epstein Controversy**

*Published: September 28, 2025, 2:30 p.m. ET*

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have reportedly been told they are not welcome at the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations this year, as fresh controversy over their ties to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaces, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

According to sources, King Charles, 76, has made it clear he wants to keep both the Duke and Duchess of York, 65, at a distance following revelations that Ferguson privately apologized to Epstein after publicly disowning him. A recently exposed letter shows the Duchess describing the convicted paedophile as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend.”

Andrew and Ferguson, who divorced in 1996 but continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor, have also been instructed to remain “invisible” at future royal gatherings, insiders claim.

### King’s Stance and Family Reaction

A source close to King Charles told outlets:
*”You can’t sack someone from being your brother. But this year, if the Duke and Duchess were both to be as honourable (as last year), it would be very much for the best and the family would not be disappointed, not least to avoid the King having to make any more difficult decisions.”*

Last year, the King reportedly asked Ferguson to help persuade Andrew not to attend the royal Christmas after the Duke was linked to alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo. Instead, the Yorks spent the holiday privately at Royal Lodge without their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

This year’s scandal has further strained family ties. Royal sources suggest Charles and Prince William have agreed that Andrew remains a “risk” and a “threat” to the monarchy. The Prince of Wales is understood to fully support his father’s position.

### Fallout for Ferguson

Several charities have severed their ties with the Duchess of York after the exposé revealed she had written warmly to Epstein only weeks after pledging to sever ties.

In a private message, Ferguson admitted that she distanced herself from Epstein solely to protect her reputation as a children’s author, saying she had been advised to speak out “if she wanted to save her career.” She wrote the note “from the truth of my heart,” despite telling journalists just two months earlier: *“I will never have anything to do with [Epstein] again.”*

Friends insist she is “devastated for any embarrassment” caused and will explain herself to the wider Royal Family “in due course.”

### Tensions at Public Events

The Yorks’ presence at recent royal occasions has also raised eyebrows. At the Duchess of Kent’s funeral earlier this month, Andrew was seen laughing loudly and attempting to engage with Prince William, who appeared to ignore him.

While sources say Charles is “not of the mind to banish someone,” the monarch hopes Andrew and Ferguson will keep a low profile by using discreet entrances at family events.

### Broader Consequences

Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after his disastrous *Newsnight* interview and continued questions over his friendship with Epstein and alleged involvement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was 17.

Though Andrew denied the claims, he settled with Giuffre out of court for a reported $16 million.

Newly released U.S. congressional files have again linked Andrew to Epstein through message logs, flight records, and financial ledgers. The same documents also named other prominent figures, including billionaire Elon Musk.

The scandal is now affecting Andrew and Ferguson’s daughters. Friends of Princess Beatrice say she has “lost all hope” of ever becoming a working royal, despite her willingness to help ease the burden on Charles and William.
https://radaronline.com/p/prince-andrew-sarah-ferguson-frozen-out-royal-christmas-epstein-scandal/

Mason McTavish makes his feelings known about signing 6-year, $42M extension with Anaheim Ducks

Mason McTavish has officially signed a six-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks. The deal, valued at $42 million, was finalized on Saturday.

McTavish inked the contract after missing the start of the Ducks’ 2025 training camp, putting any uncertainty about his future with the team to rest. This long-term agreement solidifies his role with Anaheim as they look ahead to upcoming seasons.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-mason-mctavish-makes-feelings-known-signing-6-year-42m-extension-anaheim-ducks

‘QAnon Shaman’ Files Insane $40 Trillion Lawsuit Against Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve, Declares Himself Leader of a ‘New Constitutional Republic’

**Jacob Chansley, the ‘QAnon Shaman,’ Files $40 Trillion Lawsuit Declaring Himself U.S. Leader**

*Published: September 28, 2025, 4:30 p.m. ET*

Jacob Chansley, the Arizona man widely recognized as the “QAnon Shaman” for his horned warrior attire during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, has filed a sweeping lawsuit demanding $40 trillion in damages while declaring himself the rightful leader of the United States, RadarOnline.com can report.

The Phoenix resident submitted a 26-page complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court earlier this week. The document, written as a single paragraph resembling a manifesto, names an eclectic mix of defendants ranging from President Donald Trump to international institutions, major corporations, and even Hollywood studios. Chansley is representing himself in the case.

### The Lawsuit and Its Defendants

Among the listed defendants are former President Donald Trump, the Federal Reserve, the National Security Agency (NSA), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Bank of International Settlements, the state of Israel, Elon Musk’s X Corp., T-Mobile, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and Warner Bros. Studios.

Chansley claims these entities are part of a conspiracy to systematically violate Americans’ constitutional rights. While the case was filed in state court, its federal claims suggest it may be transferred to the U.S. District Court.

Attempts by the Phoenix New Times to contact Chansley via phone and the email listed on his filing were unsuccessful.

### Extraordinary Allegations

The lawsuit levels a series of far-fetched accusations. Chansley asserts that the U.S. central banking system is unconstitutional and that the government has committed treason by prioritizing foreign financiers.

He also alleges that the NSA spied on him while he drafted what he calls a “2nd Declaration of Independence.” According to the complaint, “all radio stations and most of their DJs are a part of the intelligence community.”

Chansley claims that plot details from Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight* and James Cameron’s *Avatar* were stolen from his own writings. He further contends that the NSA catfished him on Facebook by impersonating actress Michelle Rodriguez, whom he describes as “my celebrity crush.”

Based on his “shamanic beliefs,” Chansley says he was “offered the opportunity to work with NASA covertly and help them deal with other-worldly matters.”

### Targeting Trump

The complaint also states that Trump emailed him on January 8, 2021, from the address “donaldtrump@nsa.gov,” and that the government seized over $100,000 in cryptocurrency from him.

“These seemingly insignificant facts are designed to seem insignificant on their face,” Chansley wrote, “but if a person were in the loop of what I had written on my computer a few months prior, those details would stand out to a sharp mind.”

Chansley refers to more than 1,000 exhibits stored in a Google Drive folder to support his claims, though the folder was inaccessible when reporters attempted to view it.

### Broader Critiques and Grandiose Declarations

Amid the outlandish accusations, Chansley also voices criticisms of American governance. He argues that citizens’ Fifth Amendment rights were violated when an Israeli official accused of attempting to solicit sex from a minor in Nevada was allowed to return home.

He also condemns U.S. involvement in protracted wars. “When we also recall that the Vietnam War was proven to be entered into based on false pretense, then it’s no surprise that the same government is continuing multiple deadly wars for profit, and even allowing foreign leaders to dictate American foreign policy in the Middle East and eastern European nations,” he wrote.

Chansley concludes his filing by declaring himself president of what he calls the “New Constitutional Republic of the United States.” He states the only laws in this republic are the Bill of Rights and the original U.S. Constitution, and that Phoenix will serve as its capital.

As his first act, Chansley says he would direct the Federal Reserve to mint a one-ounce gold coin valued at $40 trillion to eliminate the national debt — a proposal that fundamentally misunderstands how debt and currency function.
https://radaronline.com/p/qanon-shaman-40-trillion-lawsuit-donald-trump-constitutional-republic/

IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025 Final: Salman Ali Agha Casually Tosses Cheque Of $75000 Before Speaking To Simon Doull After 3rd Consecutive Loss To Team India; Video

**Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha Caught Tossing Aside $75,000 Runners-Up Cheque After Asia Cup 2025 Final**

In a surprising moment following the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha appeared to casually toss aside the $75,000 runners-up cheque presented to his team. The incident occurred shortly after Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi handed over the cheque. A video of the moment has since gone viral on social media, drawing considerable attention.

Pakistan faced India in the final, suffering their third consecutive loss to their arch-rivals in the multi-nation tournament. The Men in Green experienced a dramatic collapse, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs and setting a modest total of 147 to defend. Despite a valiant effort with the ball and a thrilling contest, India emerged victorious.

Tilak Varma played a crucial role for India, scoring a masterful 69 off 53 balls, supported by valuable contributions from Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson. India chased down the target comfortably, winning by five wickets with two balls to spare.

### Salman Ali Agha Reflects on Pakistan’s Collapse

After the match, Salman Ali Agha addressed Pakistan’s surprising batting collapse, explaining what went wrong. The team went from a strong position at 113/1 to being all out for 146 in just 19.1 overs. Only three Pakistani batters—Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman—managed to reach double figures.

Agha commented during the post-game presentation,
“Yeah, it is a tough pill to swallow right now. But I think we did not finish well with the bat. And bowling, I think we were outstanding. We gave everything. But yeah, if we could have finished well, it could have been a different story.”

He added,
“I think we couldn’t rotate the strike properly. And then we, I think, lost too many wickets at times. So I think that was the reason we couldn’t score what we wanted. But yeah, we’re going to sort out our batting very, very soon.”

### Final Thoughts

While Pakistan’s bowlers put in a commendable effort, the batting failure ultimately cost them the title. With lessons learned from this defeat, the Men in Green will be looking to bounce back stronger in upcoming tournaments.

—

*Watch the moment Salman Ali Agha seemingly disrespected the runners-up cheque and hear his full post-match comments below:*
[Embed video or provide link]
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-pak-asia-cup-2025-final-salman-ali-agha-throws-away-75-million-cheque-before-speaking-to-simon-doull-after-3rd-consecutive-loss-to-team-india-video

Feats of Strength: DK’s big play, Kenny G’s TDs key Steelers win in Ireland

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https://triblive.com/sports/feats-of-strength-dks-big-play-kenny-gs-tds-key-steelers-win-in-ireland/

How starter Mal stayed calm before Cathy Freeman’s winning race

Who could forget the moment 25 years ago when Cathy Freeman crossed the line into history, winning Olympic gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics? For many Australians, that memory remains vivid — but for some, it is even sharper.

Canberra man Mal Davies, now 92, had one of the most important jobs on the track that day. He fired the starting gun, effectively pressing “go” on a nation’s hopes.

“I recall standing near the tunnel where we marched on, just near the finish line,” Mr Davies said. “I can remember looking at my watch and saying, ‘Well, I suppose we had better go and do this then,’ and I was not nervous at all.”

### A False Start Before Glory

Mr Davies got the role after applying to the Olympic organisers. “My allocation was all the women’s events from 400m and up, with the exception of the women’s 10,000m. I got the women’s marathon, which of course started outside the stadium,” he explained.

However, the Olympics didn’t start smoothly for Mr Davies. The very first race he was involved in was delayed.

Originally, starters had two guns — one to start the race and another to fire if there was a false start. By 2000, though, technology had advanced. Starter guns were linked to computers for precise timing, but the protocols remained largely the same.

In the first race, things went awry. “As part of the procedure, when the announcers finished, we blew a whistle to warn everybody it was about to happen. On this occasion, I turned to take the starting gun from the technician, and he was all waving,” said Mr Davies.

“What had happened was a whistle blast had disrupted the computers, so everything had to stop.”

### A Career Made in Australia

Mr Davies reflects that Cathy Freeman’s race was the highlight of his long career as a starter and sports official, following years spent as a teacher and then serving in the Air Force.

“I bought my first starter guns in the 1960s,” he said. But it took many years before he achieved a grade one rating, which cleared the way for his place at the Olympics.

That milestone became possible only after he moved to Australia, where he developed his coaching and sporting official career.

In that capacity, he met Cathy Freeman — the woman who would create his career highlight. They were on the track together for many races over the years, but in the end, there was only one race that truly mattered: Freeman’s Olympic 400m final.

“I can remember standing there and watching the girls come down the final bend, thinking, ‘Goodness gracious me, you are not winning, come on!’ And of course, it all happened.”

Despite sharing that incredible moment, the pair have never spoken. “Didn’t get a chance even after the race,” Mr Davies said.

Nevertheless, he still savours the memory. “It’s probably the greatest race ever, as far as I am concerned.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-29/olympic-starter-cathy-freemans-historic-win/105827956