Rustin Dodd

The first review of KINGDOM QUARTERBACK—our book about Patrick Mahomes and the history of Kansas City—is here from Kirkus. They called it "lively and meaningful." "Chiefs fans will find this a revelation, and urban planners might learn a thing or two, too." It’s out Aug. 22. Review: kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/m…

After the Knicks lost to DAL by 17 — their ninth loss in 11 games — they had a spirited practice spearhead by Jalen Brunson that started a turnaround in their season. Jalen Brunson’s NY legacy isn’t one he’s ready to, rightfully, talk about, but I will: nytimes.com/athletic/72687…

From @TheAthletic: At Villanova, Jay Wright preached the “street sweeper” mentality: defining yourself by the standards you uphold. Years later, Josh Hart has become the example, turning every role into impact for the Knicks. nyti.ms/4cQoaZy

Another great piece from the Athletic. At the end of the day, success/failure usually comes back to identity. nytimes.com/athletic/72405… via @NYTimes

Duncan Robinson’s love of basketball started with his big brother, Eli. But when Eli got older, he began to struggle. It takes incredible strength to share a story like this. Thank you, Duncan, for your vulnerability. Well done @mcten. I know this hit close to home.

In the 2010s, a former drama student who had studied the Stanislavsky method created an alter ego for competitions. She became a world champion. A few years later, two groups of researchers may have figured out why it worked. On the "Batman Effect": nytimes.com/athletic/72405…

A pitcher and catcher drank beer, played guitar and rapped together. It made them better by @rustindodd for @TheAthletic: There may be no closer partnership in sports than... <$> nytimes.com/athletic/72343…

There is no doubting Tyran Stokes’ talent. His attitude is a different story. Over the last few months, I talked with the top-ranked 2026 prospect & future @KUHoops star about all the narratives swirling around him (free link): nytimes.com/athletic/72380…

@GGerling @Hookmonsta Well, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park are the classic examples. But PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Petco Park in San Diego and Coors Field in Denver have some of those qualities. The stadium in San Francisco, too.

@Hookmonsta Have to ask @rustindodd. I think national definition of "neighborhood" is different than KC.

Great point. #Royals

@Blue_In_MO Longfellow erasure?

@rustindodd You left out a whole neighborhood that’s between Beacon Hill and the stadium site.

Just one thought about the Royals' stadium plan, irrespective of the funding questions: The best MLB ballparks, in my experience, are usually more "neighborhood ballparks" than "downtown ballparks." There are a lot of "downtown ballparks" near or around central business districts that are still pretty soulless. But I think this Crown Center site, with its proximity to midtown and Beacon Hill, could (with the right execution) become a genuine "neighborhood ballpark." nytimes.com/athletic/72207…

Aaron Judge: “I’m all about tradition, but we’ve got a (Starr Insurance) patch on our sleeves.”

I haven't posted on here about this yet, but I helped my friend @nate_bukaty with a book on Kansas City's World Cup bid — and journey to becoming a soccer capital. It'll be out May 26. It's a cool story-and there's truth to Andrew's point below. Pre-order: amazon.com/Perfect-Pitch-…

As ESPN’s NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski dealt with superstars, owners and agents. As GM at St. Bonaventure, he found himself at odds with a small-town media outlet and the members of a local country club. I went to Olean, N.Y., to figure out why. nytimes.com/athletic/71996…

One of the best Masters stories: The tale of former college basketball player Brandon Holtz, a real estate agent from Illinois: nytimes.com/athletic/71878…

Meet Lawrence Bennett, a former chauffeur at Augusta National, unofficial historian and protector of what's most sacred about the place. The real story of Augusta isn't green jackets. It lives in the people time quietly leaves behind. Gift link here: nytimes.com/athletic/71741…

Dusty May walks back to the team hotel every time he leaves an arena or stadium instead of taking the bus. I made those walks with May this week. Come along for a walk to understand the man behind the national champs (free for all to read): nytimes.com/athletic/71778…

I don't know how many people predicted Michigan to win the national title in the preseason, but @CJMooreHoops had them No. 1 in his preseason rankings in October. Few people know college basketball like CJ. nytimes.com/athletic/67513…

Dan Hurley has talked often of his days as a HS history teacher. A couple years ago I reached out to his former students to see what he was like. When informed of this, Hurley said two words: “Oh, God.” ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/58977… via @NYTimes

Before he got to Michigan, Dusty May started working with a former high school principal and education expert who has studied the cognitive science behind high-performing teachers. It speaks to a larger idea: the benefits of coaching like a teacher. nytimes.com/athletic/71678…

Sometimes, a column can do more to capture the context & significance of a story than news coverage. @JerryBrewer crystalized the essence of the Geno Auriemma/Dawn Staley contretemps with perceptive, sharp & graceful writing -- all on a tight deadline. nytimes.com/athletic/71713…