If you were like me at lunchtime last Thursday, you were in shock at the news of the passing of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan at the age of 71 from a heart attack.
“The Hulkster,” in my mind anyway, was the least likely person to succumb to a cardiac arrest.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan truly brought professional wrestling to the forefront. For me, his persona and charisma could not do anything but grab your attention.
I’m not saying I was a “Hulkamanic,” but needless to say he had them. I’m sure Hogan’s “Hu l kama n i acs” was in deep mourning on Thursday. “Friday Night Sma c k d own” began its show with a touching tribute to Hogan, a reading of his bio by “Triple H,” whose real name is Paul Levesque, and the 10bell ring.
To say that Hogan revolutionized professional wrestling would be an understatement.
R.I.P., Hulk Hogan — and thanks for all the memories.
Some Wheeling,
Dealing Prior to MLB’s trade deadline With the Major League Baseball trade deadline, which is 5 p.m. C.S.T. Thursday, some wheeling and dealing has taken place.
The Atlanta Braves traded for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde, while the New York Yankees acquired Washington Nationals utility player Amed Rosario.
The Kansas City Royals got former St. Louis Cardinals player and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Randal Grichuk, but that wasn’t all the deadline the Royals did as they also acquired Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Adam Frazier. In return, the Pirates got infielder Cam Devanney from the Royals.
The Philadelphia Phillies got Detroit Tigers outfielder Brewer Hicklen, while Chicago White Sox infielder Tristan Gray was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The wheeling-anddealing got underway late last week, courtesy of both “Big Apple” teams.
The New York Mets traded for Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Gregory Soto, while the New York Yankees got Colorodo Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon.
One name also thrown out there for possibly being traded before Thursday evening’s trade deadline hit is Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
Some questions to ponder: Will the defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers do any wheeling-and dealing?
What other blockbuster trade is in the works?
We’ll wait and see what transpires by Thursday evening.
Congratulations to Padraig Harrington
Lastly, I want to congratulate Padraig Harrington for winning the 2025 Senior British Open on Sunday at the Old Course at Sunningdale in Berkshire, England.
Harrington became the fifth golfer to win both the Senior British Open and the British Open — joining Darren Clarke, Tom Watson, Gary Player and Bob Charles.
It was Harrington’s second senior major tournament victory of the year.
Way to go, Padraig!
••• Seeley is the sports editor of The Eastern Times-Register. He can be reached by calling (918) 775-4433, Ext. 139 or by e-mailing him at davids@cookson. news.
