Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 30, 2025
April 30, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Sports



JEFFREY HYDE / CC BY-SA 2.0
Branson dives into the diverse and complex world of baseball analytics with a beginner’s guide to some of the key terms and metrics to look out for.

A beginner’s guide to baseball analytics

We are barely 20 games into the 2025–2026 MLB season, yet we have already been bombarded with headlines that have begun shaping the future of baseball. In particular, the “torpedo” bat has become a contentious topic. However, this innovation is simply another step forward in the analytical revolution that is taking over baseball. 




SCOTT TAN / CC BY 2.0
With the 2025 NFL Draft around the corner, Branson gives us five of his favorite potential first round fits.

2025 NFL Draft: Five of my favorite first round matches

We are officially reaching the peak of NFL Draft season, so there’s no better time to take a look at some of my favorite potential picks in the first round. Last year I discussed a similar topic, and in retrospect I’m pretty stoked to see most of the predictions I made: particularly Quinyon Mitchell going to the Eagles, a pick that ended up contributing considerably to their Super Bowl victory. 


HOPKINSSPORTS.COM
The Women’s Lacrosse came out of a thrilling game against Penn State with a close victory. 

Hopkins Sports in Review (April 10th – April 16th)

Welcome, Hopkins faithful, to another week of Hopkins Sports in Review! As always, we’re covering all the most pressing updates from the world of Hopkins athletics. It was a busy week for Blue Jay Track and Field, and Women’s Lacrosse picked up two big wins before their rivalry week game against Maryland. Here’s the latest scoop on Hopkins athletics: 


Courtesy of JULIA MENDES QUEIROZ
The Bentalou Center students, Coach Paul Franklin, Coach Kelly Phillips, Hopkins Football Athletes and Dr. Victoria Harms at the Larry Goldfarb Gymnasium.

At the Heart of Community Engagement: Blue Jays for Baltimore Collaborate with the Bentalou Recreation Center

These rules, created by the legendary Coach Herman Johnson, have transformed the Bentalou Recreation Center into the beating heart of its community. Thousands of kids have matriculated through the program, leveraging their experiences to become college athletes, embark on new careers and even, occasionally, go professional. No one can speak to the impact of this initiative better than alum and Coach Paul Franklin, who, alongside Coach Kelly Phillips, currently leads Bentalou’s basketball program. 



ERIK DROST / CC BY 2.0 
Rainbolt predicts that Los Angelos Angels outfielder Mike Trout will return to success this season. 

5 Bold Predictions for the 2025 MLB Season

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is officially underway, with all 30 ball clubs opening their seasons last week. As always, opening day comes with a sense of optimism for all baseball fans, which is sure to be dampened after the first borderline pitch goes the wrong way.


COURTESY OF HOPKINSSPORTS.COM
As the spring season continues, Hopkins athletes continue to dominate regular season play!

Hopkins Sports in Review (Mar. 24 – Apr. 3)

After a well-deserved Spring Break, Hopkins is officially back and so are the sports! With another week comes more impressive performances from the Blue Jays as we get closer to the late stages of spring competition. Let’s take a look back at some of the outstanding performances from our athletes this week!



LIAUZH / CC BY-SA 4.0
Yuki Tsunoda, pictured here in the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, has been promoted to the senior team after the dismissal of Liam Lawson.

The Lawson-Tsunoda Saga: What is Going on at Red Bull?

Hi, everyone! After the double-header opener of the 2025 F1 season, the dust is starting to settle in the single-seat motor racing world. Drivers are getting used to their new gigs, engineers are learning the weaknesses of the cars and team principals are planning for the season. And although neither of us has ever met Zak Brown, we’re imagining that he is spending this break between races discreetly grinning like the cat that ate the canary. Christian Horner? Not so much.




IAN D’ANDREA / CC BY-SA 2.0
Baseball has a new rising social media star, the Phillies’ own Bryce Harper.

Meet baseball’s newest influencer

Bryce Harper may be known as the Philadelphia Phillies’ super slugger and two time National League MVP, but this offseason he decided to share his hobbies in a new way — through the social media app TikTok. During the 2024 season, Harper helped lead the Phillies to a National League East title. In 2022, the Phillies lost the World Series to the Houston Astros and have been on a quest for revenge ever since.




KEITH ALLISON / CC BY-SA 2.0
Branson highlights the revolutionary impact of Stephen Curry.

Make sure you don’t miss the greatness of Stephen Curry

Two months ago, the Golden State Warriors looked all but finished. A sad, disappointing ending to one of the most storied and successful teams in the history of the NBA. It appeared as if we had already witnessed the last truly competitive basketball we might ever see from Stephen Curry and co. Then, Jimmy Butler happened.


COURTESY OF HOPKINSSPORTS.COM
Spring season is in full swing and has seen the Blue Jays emerge with a number of important wins.

Hopkins Sports in Review (Feb. 24 – Mar. 2)

Welcome back to another edition of Hopkins Sports in Review! The Blue Jays have continued to find more success this Spring, highlighted by some premier wins in lacrosse, a strong start to the baseball season and even a conference championship.


СВЕТЛАНА БЕКЕТОВА / CC BY SA 3.0
Carlo Ancelotti had an incredible evening as his team knocked out Pep Guardiola’s Man City. 

The Results of the First-Ever UCL Playoffs Round: Part 2

The first-ever UEFA Champions League (UCL) playoffs took place over the past two weeks, as 16 teams battled it out for eight Round of 16 spots. In case you missed out on the action, let me catch you up on the world’s most prestigious club soccer competition. This is part two to an earlier article, so make sure you check that out as well!


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