Memphis Sports Wrap-Up: Baseball Battles, Portal Fever, and Soccer’s New Horizon

 

Tigers Baseball: A Tough Set in Birmingham

The Memphis Tigers baseball team is looking to bounce back after a challenging weekend road trip. The Tigers dropped their series finale against UAB yesterday with an 11-2 loss.

Despite the tough weekend, there are some bright spots to watch:

• Speed on the Basepaths: Shortstop Javon Hernandez is currently 20-for-20 on stolen base attempts this season, ranking him in the top 35 nationally.

• RBI Leaders: Third baseman Freddy Rodriguez logged his 20th RBI of the season during the finale.

• What’s Next: The Tigers head to Kentucky tomorrow, April 28, for a midweek matchup against Murray State.

Tigers Basketball: The Transfer Portal Grind

With the season behind them, Coach Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers are deep in roster-rebuild mode.

• New Leadership: The program recently made headlines by hiring its first-ever General Manager, Gabriel Harris, to help navigate the modern NIL and portal landscape.

• Portal Watch: While the team has seen departures like Quante Berry and Simon Majok, rumors are swirling about potential high-profile additions. All eyes are on local four-star prospect Fred Smith Jr., who is expected to announce his college decision soon.

Pro Sports Updates: Grizzlies & Showboats

The professional landscape in Memphis is seeing some significant shifts this spring:

• Grizzlies Staying Put: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently reaffirmed that the Grizzlies aren't going anywhere. While there’s talk of playing a few "home" games in Nashville to broaden the team's statewide reach, Silver emphasized that Memphis remains a primary market for the league.

• UFL Shakeup: In a bit of disappointing news for spring football fans, the Memphis Showboats are not returning for the 2026 UFL season following a league-wide restructuring that saw several teams relocate or dissolve.

Looking Ahead: Memphis FC 2026

Soccer fans have something new to look forward to! The Memphis Football Club (Memphis FC) is officially preparing to join USL League Two this year. Led by former MLS pro Carey Talley, the club will play its home games at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, focusing on developing local Mid-South talent.