August 13, 2026
Everything Joyful Take published on this date: 3 main stories and 6 related reads.
Sports · Main story
Ben Joyce Is Back, With More Than a Radar-Gun Story
The Angels reliever owns one of baseball's most startling fastballs. His route from a Knoxville practice field to a clean 2026 return is even better company.
5 min read
Sports · Main story
Dodgers Schedule: Ten Games and One Quick Road Trip
Los Angeles has four at home, three in Colorado, a day off and three more at home through August 23. The start times make a surprisingly pleasant little staircase.
4 min read
Sports · Main story
Minnesota Forge has deep roots and a January first serve
Minnesota's new Major League Volleyball club now has a name, a St. Paul home and the beginnings of a wonderfully local roster. Its arrival also revives a story that started decades ago in the Minneapolis Armory.
5 min read
Sports · Related read
Ben Joyce's First 2026 Save Took Just 12 Pitches
The Angels built the lead with a double, a steal, a bunt and a well-placed single. Joyce made the ninth wonderfully uneventful.
2 min read
Sports · Related read
How Fast Does Ben Joyce Throw? The 105.5 mph Answer
Joyce has reached the same astonishing speed in college and the majors. His average fastball, though, tells the more useful part of the story.
2 min read
Sports · Related read
Blake Snell's Return: Six Innings, 10 Strikeouts
The left-hander allowed one run, walked one and gave the Dodgers exactly the kind of return a nervous fan could enjoy. Los Angeles made it happier with a 10-inning win.
2 min read
Sports · Related read
Dodgers-Brewers Schedule: Four Games, Two Bobbleheads
The series runs from Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. Friday and Saturday add two small, wonderfully wobbly reasons to reach the gates early.
2 min read
Sports · Related read
Minnesota Forge logo: a hidden hammer and six local colors
A hammer hides inside a seven-pointed star, while an unusually patient state flower lends the new team its pink. The official explanation is more communal than industrial.
2 min read
Sports · Related read
Minnesota Forge roster: the 13 players announced for 2027
The first roster snapshot blends four Volleyball Nations League athletes with three former Gophers. Here is the verified position-by-position list as of August 13, 2026.
2 min read