The USS Hornet was a legendary aircraft carrier during World War II, and in 1969, was the ship that retrieved the Apollo 11 astronauts when they returned to earth after their historic moon landing. On this night, the old carrier, which is now a museum near Oakland, played host to the U.S. Marines, who celebrated their 240th birthday at their annual Marine Ball. Among the hundreds of Marines in attendance was a famous Marine reservist named Rick Monday, who was one of the guests of honor.

Andy Green, hired on Oct. 29 to manage the Padres, first learned valuable lessons in sport, humility and perseverance from his late grandmother, Virginia Wesley Rentz, known to all in his native Lexington, Ky., as “Wes” or “Weeso.”

Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 over six shutout innings to lead Japan to a 5-0 win over South Korea on Sunday morning in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier 12 tournament.

Gary Sanchez’ power bat and strong arm earned the catcher a $3 million bonus when the Yankees signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 2009. Both of those impressive tools stood out during the Arizona Fall League’s annual Fall Stars Game on Saturday night.

As if the New York Yankees didn’t already have enough traditions, the Bronx Bombers now have another: Fall Stars Bowman Star of the Game in the AFL’s Fall Stars Game.

Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, Pirates outfielder prospect Austin Meadows and Reds prospect Alex Blandino all hit two-run homers as the West Division slugged its way to an 8-3 win over the East in the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Salt River Fields on Saturday.

We’re still very much in the feeling-out process for the upcoming winter, but here’s an early look at the clubs who could be among the most active in the game these next few months.

It’s not going to be easy to improve on a 97-win finish. The least we can do is offer a few suggestions, so here are five moves for the Cubs to make this offseason

The Indians made a handful of roster moves on Saturday, altering their 40-man roster and adding their first invitee for Spring Training. Cleveland activated lefties Nick Hagadone and TJ House from the 60-day disabled list and re-signed pitcher Joe Colon to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to attend Spring Training with the big league club.

In the middle of the Royals’ celebration of winning their first World Series championship in 30 years last weekend was owner David Glass.

As of midnight ET on Saturday, the floodgates of free agency are open and the architects around the front offices of the Major Leagues will start the process of reconstructing their rosters for a run at the 2016 title.

The highlight of the Arizona Fall League is the Fall Stars Game, which features many of the best prospects in the developmental circuit. Past participants include Andrew McCutchen, Buster Posey, Eric Hosmer, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager.

One of these days it’s going to happen. Some player is going to sidestep free agency — or delay it a year — by accepting the qualifying offer. While it’s a no-brainer that Jason Heyward, Zack Greinke, David Price and others will reject the $15.8 million and explore free agency, it surely is going to be a bit tougher decision for a few others. Let’s consider four who might just be tempted.

Logan Morrison and Brad Miller have been with the Rays only a couple of days, but each is looking forward to the opportunity — even if they were a caught off guard by the timing of the trade.

On Friday night, Citizens Bank Park turned into a wonderland for a special group of Philadelphia-area children, who were able to turn from hospital patients into Major Leaguers for the Sleepover in the Phillies Clubhouse.

As expected, the Padres on Friday extended qualifying offers to two free agents — outfielder Justin Upton and starting pitcher Ian Kennedy.

The Angels have added Jose Molina to their Major League coaching staff, bringing the longtime catcher back to the organization as a catching coordinator, the team announced Friday.