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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — New Jersey Devils forward Nathan Bastian isn’t known for his goal scoring, entering Saturday night’s Stadium Series game against the Philadelphia Flyers with just three goals in 51 games this season.

Yet as the final horn sounded at MetLife Stadium, Bastian had scored two goals in the Devils’ 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in front of 70,328 fans — and had one of his goal celebrations go viral during the game.

In the second period, Bastian’s shot beat Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson to give New Jersey a 4-1 lead at the time. As he skated around to the side boards, Bastian removed his right glove, clasped his fingers together and motioned to the crowd.

It was the same gesture that earned New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito cult hero status last season when “The Passing Paisano” celebrated a three-touchdown performance against Washington with it, quickly becoming his trademark.

DeVito said the idea came from Giants assistant athletic trainer Phil Buzzerio, and that the gesture was a tribute to “the old Italians” who “when they talk, they start doing this” with their hands.

Bastian said his inspiration was, in fact, Tommy DeVito.

Bastian said that he and Devils forward Chris Tierney, who was scratched for the Stadium Series game, were “cooking up” some potential goal celebrations before the game.

Choosing that particular celebration was easy, as the Devils were playing in the same stadium as the quarterback that inspired it.

“I heard Tommy was going to be in the building so I was excited about it,” Bastian said.

The Devils forward, in his fifth NHL season, admitted that he wasn’t the first person to come to mind for a viral goal celebration.

“I guess it’s kind of funny because normally guys who score once every 15 games don’t plan celebrations,” he said. “But I had a good feeling tonight.”

Bastian was in his element at the Stadium Series, relishing the chance to play for such a large crowd and to participate in all the traditions of NHL outdoor games. That included the Devils arriving at MetLife in Fila tracksuits, tapping into “Sopranos” vibes for some Jersey pride.

“We decided on something very Jersey themed we wanted to be a part of,” he said. “I just showed up and everything was ready to go in my stall. So it was easy and it was a lot of fun for us.”

Despite having one of his most memorable games in the NHL, Bastian said the pregame costuming was a one-time-only thing.

“I don’t think we’re allowed to wear this again,” Bastian said.

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D-backs star Marte’s home robbed during break

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D-backs star Marte's home robbed during break

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A home belonging to Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte was burglarized during the Major League Baseball All-Star break, according to police.

Scottsdale, Arizona, police confirmed that the department is investigating a “high-dollar residential burglary” that is believed to have happened on Tuesday night, which is when Marte was playing for the National League in its All-Star game win in Atlanta.

Numerous personal items and jewelry were stolen. No one was at home when the burglary occurred.

Police said the home is “reportedly” owned by Marte. Maricopa County Assessor’s Office records show Marte owns a home on the block near the investigation.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Marte hit a two-run double in the first inning of the NL’s win, which was secured after a home run contest at the end of the game after the score was tied after nine innings.

The burglary is the latest in a series of thefts from the homes of high-profile athletes across the country this year. Players have been targeted because of the high-end products believed to be in their homes and sometimes the thefts occur when they are away with their teams for road games.

The FBI has warned sports leagues about crime organizations targeting professional athletes. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to athletes.

A Seattle man was charged last month in connection with a string of burglaries at the homes of prominent active and retired professional athletes in the area.

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Cubs icon Sandberg ‘continuing to fight’ cancer

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Cubs icon Sandberg 'continuing to fight' cancer

Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg said Wednesday he is “continuing to fight” cancer and is prioritizing time with those closest to him.

He posted a letter addressed to his fans and extended baseball family on Instagram.

“I wanted to share an update regarding my health,” wrote Sandberg, 65. “It’s been a challenging few months as I have been going through treatment on a regular basis.

“While I am continuing to fight, I’m looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends.

“I haven’t been to Wrigley Field as much as I hoped in the first half but I’m watching every game and am excited for the second half.”

He threw out the first pitch, surrounded by fellow Cubs greats, before the home opener on April 4.

In January 2024, Sandberg announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, then last August announced he was cancer-free. In December, he said the cancer had recurred and spread. He vowed to “continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this.”

Sandberg spent 15 of his 16 major league seasons with the Cubs, along with 13 games at the start of his career for the Philadelphia Phillies (1981).

Sandberg was the 1984 National League MVP, when he batted a career-high .314 with a major-league-leading 19 triples and 114 runs scored as well as 19 home runs, 84 RBIs and 32 stolen bases.

The second baseman also earned the second of his nine career Gold Glove awards that year. He was a 10-time All-Star selection and a seven-time Silver Slugger honoree, batting .285 with 282 home runs and 1,061 RBIs in his 2,164-game career.

Sandberg, who was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, also spent parts of three seasons (2013-15) as the Phillies’ manager.

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Rangers give All-Star bonus to snubbed Eovaldi

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Rangers give All-Star bonus to snubbed Eovaldi

Despite an excellent first half to the season, Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi wasn’t selected as an All-Star this year, but the team made sure that he’ll be paid like one.

Despite the snub, Eovaldi was given the $100,000 All-Star bonus in his contract by the Rangers after he posted a 1.58 ERA with 94 strikeouts over 91 innings. Teammate Jacob deGrom, who was selected as an All-Star, also received a $100,000 bonus.

Eovaldi, in his 15th major league season, would lead the majors in ERA, but after missing a month due to a triceps injury, he fell six innings short of the necessary 97 innings to qualify among leaders for individual statistical categories.

Eovaldi, a two-time All-Star, won his third straight game on Sunday to improve to 7-3, giving up five hits and a run with eight strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings against the Houston Astros.

The right-hander ranks second only to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal among MLB starting pitchers in WHIP (0.85) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.71). Opposing batters are hitting a paltry .194 with a .237 on-base percentage, .286 slugging percentage and .523 OPS against Eovaldi.

Eovaldi is scheduled to make his first start of the second half at home on Sunday against Skubal and the Tigers at Globe Life Field.

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