The Key for the week of April 14, 2025

Grand Slammed

Rory McIlroy made the Masters must-see TV this weekend. Not since Greg Norman’s famous collapse have viewers been glued to their screens to see if McIlroy also would cave under the pressure (as the Shark did in 1996) or whether he would finally win the green jacket and claim a career Grand Slam. It took overtime, but McIlroy’s putter finally came through when it counted after a wait 10 years, 8 months, and 4 days after his last major win at Valhalla Golf Club. Only six players have claimed the Grand Slam, and they all are legendary names: Tiger, Jack, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. After looking like it wouldn’t happen, McIlroy claims the Grand Slam and takes a huge golf monkey off his back. 

Speaking of Grand Slams..

Elly De La Cruz has the kind of timing that previously was reserved for Johnny Bench on Johnny Bench Night in 1983 when he homered in his last game at Riverfront Stadium. On Elly De La Cruz Bobblehead Night on Saturday (right handed Elly or left handed Elly?) De La Cruz hit a grand slam to power the Reds over the Pirates. The win helped the Reds sweep the Bucs and lift the team back to .500. Next up is an out-of-league series with the Mariners. 

So long, Tommy

Another Reds legend is gone, Tommy Helms passed away over the weekend. A former Rookie of the Year, he both played and coached for the Reds, and served as interim manager when Pete Rose was serving suspensions. And, of course, he was first base coach congratulating Pete the night of hit 4,192. Too many of the Reds of our youth are now gone. 

Ben’s Best Bet

With the NBA season wrapping up and play-in games starting this week, it’s time to look at who might be the favorites in this year’s playoff. The favorite right now according to BetMGM are the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the defending champion Celtics right behind. Cleveland, the Lakers and the Warriors round out the top five favorites. Ben says don’t overlook Los Angeles, especially with a healthy LeBron James. The Celtics look good for a repeat, but L.A. is waiting in the wings.