⚾ This Week in Baseball (August 11, 2025): Historic Firsts, Red-Hot Bats, and Lessons for Every Player
Baseball is in one of its most exciting weeks of the 2025 season — from historic milestones in the majors to record-breaking performances in the minors and even trends shaping the high school game. Whether you’re a casual fan, a coach, or a player looking to improve, here’s your full breakdown.
🏟 MLB Headlines You Need to Know
1. Jen Pawol Makes History
On August 9, Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire a regular-season MLB game, working behind the plate for the Marlins vs. Braves doubleheader. Fans gave her loud ovations, recognizing a barrier finally broken in the sport.
2. Brewers Stay Unstoppable
The Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to nine games, capped off by Isaac Collins’ clutch ninth-inning home run to walk off the Mets 7–6. Their lineup depth is proving critical in the NL Central race.
3. Cal Raleigh’s Power Surge
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh smashed his 45th home run, moving into the top three for most single-season homers by a catcher in MLB history. His balanced power approach and pitch selection are a model for aspiring sluggers.
4. Verlander Adds to Hall-of-Fame Résumé
At age 42, Justin Verlander recorded his 3,503rd career strikeout, joining an exclusive group of just 10 pitchers in MLB history to surpass the 3,500 mark — still throwing mid-90s fastballs.
📊 MLB Leaders (as of August 10, 2025)
| Category | American League Leader | National League Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | Aaron Judge (NYY) – .337 | Freddie Freeman (LAD) – .305 |
| Home Runs | Cal Raleigh (SEA) – 45 | Kyle Schwarber (PHI) – 41 |
| RBI | Cal Raleigh (SEA) – 98 | Freddie Freeman (LAD) – 94 |
| ERA | Garrett Crochet (BOS) – 2.24 | Paul Skenes (PIT) – 1.94 |
| Strikeouts | Tarik Skubal (DET) – 187 | Zack Wheeler (PHI) – 189 |
| WHIP | Tarik Skubal (DET) – 0.86 | Zack Wheeler (PHI) – 0.93 |
🌟 Minor League Spotlight
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Nick Kurtz, a rookie with the Oakland Athletics, delivered one of the most jaw-dropping games in pro baseball history — 4 home runs, 6-for-6 hitting, 19 total bases. In July, he posted a .395 average, .480 on-base percentage, and 11 homers, earning AL Player of the Month. Scouts note his advanced pitch recognition and compact swing mechanics.
🏫 High School Baseball Trends
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Velocity is up — way up. Many elite prep pitchers now throw 95–98 mph by age 17. But with speed comes risk: UCL injuries and Tommy John surgeries are rising sharply among teenagers.
Takeaway: For young pitchers, building arm strength and maintaining strict pitch limits are essential to long-term health.
💡 Skills & Tips for Players at Any Level
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Protect Your Arm – Focus on rotator cuff and scapular strength, and never ignore rest days.
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Anticipate Automated Strike Zones – Learn to identify the strike zone visually without relying solely on umpire calls.
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Be an Efficient Catcher – Improve glove-to-hand transfer speed and throw accuracy.
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Balance Power and Discipline – Like Cal Raleigh, combine selectivity with full swing commitment.
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Study the Greats – Watch Aaron Judge’s approach to timing, Freddie Freeman’s contact consistency, and Justin Verlander’s ability to adapt over decades.
📌 Final Word
This week in baseball delivered everything — history, heroics, and valuable lessons. The pros are showing that smart training, adaptability, and consistency matter as much as raw talent. Whether you’re chasing a championship or just starting out, the same fundamentals apply: protect your health, sharpen your skills, and study the game every day.