"42” is far from the first movie to explore racial tensions in sports. We’ve seen this subject depicted in other good films like “Remember the Titans” and “Glory Road.” There are plenty of recognizable figures on display here, such as the underdog nobody believed in, the one man willing to take a chance on that underdog, and the ignorant antagonists that wish to see that underdog fail. Familiarity aside, though, “42” executes just about everything wonderfully. This is a good-hearted picture, carried by sincere performances and passionate direction. Not only is it an inspiring story about overcoming prejudice, but an all around rousing baseball movie too.

The city of Phoenix is celebrating Valley Bike Month throughout April with a variety of activities intended to get residents out on their bikes to share in the experience of cycling throughout the city. In partnership with Valley Metro, the city is encouraging seasoned cyclists and those new to biking to give it a try at one of these events:

Jackie Robinson was the ideal class act to break the barrier and become the first black player in Major League Baseball.

The assignment is to predict the next year in sports.

World Baseball Classic, Inc. recently announced the United States venues for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, which will be played at sites throughout the world in March. Chase Field and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick will serve as host venues for the first round.

The decision has clearly paid off and then some.

 Mitt Romney’s tough talk on foreign policy shows why we should always check the military service records of self-proclaimed superpatriots. Like Dick Cheney, John Bolton, Paul Wolfowitz, Rush Limbaugh and other Republican chicken hawks, Romney was a Vietnam draft dodger, whose five sons have similarly avoided military service.

World Baseball Classic, Inc. recently announced the United States venues for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, which will be played at sites throughout the world in March. Chase Field and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick will serve as host venues for the first round.

NEW YORK — As the crowd counted down, Magic Johnson pulled a large silver lever jutting from a box labeled "ASPiRE." With that, his new cable network went live.

Joey Curletta, professional baseball player.

Joey Curletta, professional baseball player.

The phone rang and on the other end was an ultimatum from a familiar voice.

The phone rang and on the other end was an ultimatum from a familiar voice.

Kevin Cron and Shaun Chase have logged countless innings with and against each other over the years.

Kevin Cron and Shaun Chase have logged countless innings with and against each other over the years.

I came from a baseball-less family.

I came from a baseball-less family.

Jordan Kipper is feeling good.

It's that time of year again -- time for the annual gridiron spectacle.

It's that time of year again -- time for the annual gridiron spectacle.

A charitable organization that has helped dozens of Little League baseball teams throughout the state has reached another milestone.