Dave Kaplan of The National Pastime Museum tells the story of longtime baseball writer Claire Smith, the first African American woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquier also wrote on Claire Smith and the gender and race barriers she broke in her storied career.

Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post wrote about Jordan Murphy and Reichen Posey, who survived the Aurora and Sandy Hook Shootings, respectively, and have since made a connection through their survival and football.

Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune told the story of the shooting death of local basketball star Jonathan Mills and its impact on the community.

Mike Strange of the Knoxville News Sentinel gives a heartfelt goodbye after 40 years in sports writing, 34 of which were with the News Sentinel.