Backyard Sports (originally branded as Junior Sports) is a series of video games released for consoles, computers and mobile devices. The series is best known for starring kid-sized versions of popular professional sports stars, such as Albert Pujols, Paul Pierce, Barry Bonds, Tim Duncan, Clint Mathis, Kevin Garnett, Tom Brady, David Ortiz, Joe Thornton and Andy Macdonald. Backyard baseball is taking a step toward the future at the same time that kids in the Twin Cities’ west metro suburbs are longing for outdoor sports. Following their confinement to home, due to the coronavirus pandemic, youth are anxious to play outdoors, whether it’s at the park or in their backyard. Backyard Baseball '09 is the most recent game in the Backyard Sports franchise. It features David 'Big Papi' Ortiz on the cover, and boasts new play modes, such as Home Run Derby. Backyard Football '08.

1. New Backyard Baseball Tournaments
2. New Backyard Baseball Club
3. New Backyard Baseball Game

Recruiting

There was a ridiculous amount of action yesterday — if you missed any of our signee pieces or scouting reports, head to our recruiting tracker (and bookmark it, if you want to keep an eye on things.)

'They are getting a physical wide receiver and someone who can go up and get the ball.'@BHSBengalFB WR @JoshBurr9_ on signing with @FSUFootball and what stood out about #FSU during the process pic.twitter.com/Rn1QIsxNWj

New Backyard Baseball Tournaments

— Lou Bezjak (@LouatTheState) December 16, 2020

Mike Norvell spoke on the class after the hooplah, saying, “We want the biggest strongest fastest football players we can get but we want the right mentality…To be willing to work to become great. Obviously, the relationships are important. That is where we hit a home run with this class. We have a great group of young men that we are bringing into this program.”

Welcome to the Nole Fam #Tribe21 - fired up to get you all on campus, the CLIMB begins now! #WORK

— Coach Storms (@coachstorms) December 17, 2020

Florida State used the Backyard Baseball and Football video game series’ as inspiration for this year’s graphics — they got shoutouts from across the sports world.

We broke down the graphic and who everybody is — including mystery guitar man — here.

Just a small portion of the great work the creative team has put out this year. @KylePulek is a great leader and teaches us all great lessons daily. So happy to see where we are as a program right now creatively. #GoNolespic.twitter.com/pGpEHYc4T7

— KCamp (@kcampdesign) December 17, 2020

Football

Was curious about which teams start games on the right foot (Sample sizes ignored so we can make Justin Fields look good). FSU starts out really well running the ball, which you would expect from an overall efficient running game #FSUTwitter#CollegeFootball#CFBPlayoffpic.twitter.com/vexHvFmWZO

— Noles Analytics (@ScalpRNoles) December 16, 2020

First ever start for a redshirt freshman Jameis Winston and he almost passed for 1 EPA/Pass LOL I miss that #FSUTwitterpic.twitter.com/YuUumIyV0e

— Noles Analytics (@ScalpRNoles) December 17, 2020

Congratulations @thereal_cam3 on your very first NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors!

» https://t.co/qmgd0A9H1Lpic.twitter.com/8NJiT0eQYh

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 16, 2020

Basketball

Florida State women’s basketball is set to take on Clemson tonight in its ACC opener.

#Gators AD Scott Stricklin praising FSU officials for helping with Keyontae Johnson situation. FSU prez dropped by hospital as well.

— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) December 16, 2020

Patrick Williams looks incredible pic.twitter.com/ga7X8j8vXw

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) December 17, 2020

Eurosteppin’ jet flyin, son of a gun. Patrick Williams #Bullspic.twitter.com/QQtSuNerJB

— Erick Montoya (@TheAssistHoops) December 17, 2020

Only 19 but Pat is a GROWN MAN.@NBCSChicago @patricklw4pic.twitter.com/uqtxm6ghtC

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 17, 2020

All Sports

Duke falls prey to Florida State once more:

'NOLES WIN!

Florida State emerges victorious with a win against Duke, bringing us to a 9-4 record. We are still currently vying for the final ACC play-offs spot against UNC, who are ALSO 9-4.

Send ✨ good vibes as the tie-breaker is determined. #LevelNextChampionspic.twitter.com/Ykar4jiWgo

— Florida State Esports (@EsportsatFSU) December 17, 2020

New Backyard Baseball Club

Florida State University was recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Recycling Partnership as a 2020 Recycling Award winner.

New Backyard Baseball Game

“Many universities and businesses talk sustainability and have recycling programs, but Florida State doesn’t just talk about it or claim to have programs,” said Dave Irvin, associate vice president for Facilities. “We’ve developed and implemented practical results-based actions that make a real difference. I’m excited that the 2020 Recycling Champion Award recognizes the hard-working team who makes it succeed each and every day.”