Reaction to the death of cricket great Garry Sobers

The cricket world united in mourning the death of the great Garry Sobers on Friday.

Considered by many to be the greatest cricketer because he was a brilliant batter, bowler, fielder and captain, Sobers died at his home in Bridgetown, Barbados, at age 89.

He played only two first-class matches before making his test debut for the West Indies in 1954 and stayed there for 20 years. He captained for seven years.

Some notable reactions:

“Sir Garfield Sobers was not only the finest all-rounder the game has ever known, but one of the greatest cricketers in history. He helped shape the identity of West Indies cricket during one of its most celebrated eras and leaves behind an indelible mark on the history of our game. He will be remembered with immense admiration and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” — on X

"As three Barbadians, we are reminded that even those who emerge from our shores can go on to represent something much greater. Sir Garry's journey from Barbados to becoming the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen remains one of the most inspiring stories in the history of our game. He showed that while our individual islands shape who we are, the West Indies provides a platform for us to unite, compete and inspire on the world stage. Sir Garry’s brilliance, humility, and commitment set a standard that continues to guide every generation that follows. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We celebrate a life that transcended boundaries and a legacy that will forever live in the story of cricket, the spirit of the Caribbean and the hearts of all who love the game." — in a statement

There are moments in the story of a people when the life of one individual becomes woven into the hopes, dreams, and identity of generations. Today, the Caribbean mourns the passing of such an individual ... His mastery of batting, bowling and fielding was unparalleled, but his true significance reached far beyond the boundary ropes. He emerged from the Caribbean at a time when our region was finding its voice and asserting its place on the world stage. Through his excellence, he gave millions across our islands and in the diaspora, a renewed belief in what was possible. He showed that greatness was not confined by the size of our nations, the geography of our islands or the circumstances of our beginnings. Sir Garfield Sobers became more than a sporting icon. He became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility. His achievements brought pride to Barbados, inspiration to the West Indies and admiration from every corner of the cricketing world." — in a statement

“This is probably the saddest day for the game of cricket. The greatest cricketer to walk the earth has left us. No words can ever do justice to Sir Garfield Sobers the cricketer. He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up the bat or the ball as kids. Memories keep flooding back and that's what I will be holding forever close to my heart.” — on social media

"Anyone who saw him in his pomp will have wonderful memories of the greatest all-rounder, an icon, a once-in-your-lifetime cricketer. And even more important, a lovely man. I just loved the way Garry walked out to bat. He was like a panther with a purposeful, loping and confident walk. He didn’t say anything. He did not need to. There was no ego. His walk let the opposition know he was there for business.” — to the Telegraph

“Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Sir Garfield Sobers didn't just play the game he showed us what was possible in it. Generations have learned from his mastery and always will. My deepest condolences to his family and to the people of the West Indies.” — on X

“Like many others, my heart is heavy at the passing of the great Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers. He was always generous with his time and advice to me. He elevated Barbados and the West Indian Islands to a place of great and unprecedented standing in the world through his performance and leadership on the field. Sad he is no longer with us, but very happy that he came. We have memories of him than stand this game in good stead.” — on X

“Cricket has lost one of its greatest ever icons. Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game. His unmatched brilliance as an all-rounder, remarkable sportsmanship, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers around the world.” — on X

“It is with profound sadness that I join Barbados, the Caribbean and the cricketing world in mourning the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, our Sir Garry. From Bay Land to Kensington and onto the world stage, he carried Barbados and the West Indies with distinction. He made us all stand a little taller as Barbadians, and I will always be grateful for what he gave to our country and our people. Barbados stands. The West Indies stand. The world stands. Well played, Sir Garry. Well played.” — on X

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

FILE - West Indies' cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers speaks during the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Trelawny Stadium, Jamaica, March 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge's broken rib has not completely healed, and the New York Yankees captain still hasn't been cleared to resume baseball activities.

Judge hasn't played since May 31 because of the stress fracture in his right ribs. He had a scan during the All-Star break and called the result positive news.

“Part of it's healing. The other part of its still trying to bridge together,” the three-time AL MVP said before the Yankees started the second half Friday night against the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Judge and the Yankees were waiting for an evaluation of the scans from Dr. Gregory J. Pearl, chair of the department of vascular surgery at Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital in Texas. Judge will need another scan before he is cleared for baseball activities and given a time frame for a return.

“I’m going to wait for the doctors to kind of tell us what to do and what they see when they look at it,” Judge said. “We got a big team of guys looking at this just so we get the best answer and have the right plan.”

Judge is hitting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs but had just one homer in his last 18 games. The 34-year-old outfielder has done lower-body work, treadmill and climbing steps but no baseball activities or heavy weightlifting. He's stopped the bicycle work he did earlier in the layoff.

“It’s feeling better. It was a couple weeks that were tough, couldn’t do a lot, but now we’re feeling 10 times better,” he said. “So that was my big complaint, well, if I’m feeling better, how about we start moving? But I think they just don’t want to start adding baseball activities and other stuff and all of a sudden we have a setback and it pushes everything back.”

When he is able to play, Judge doesn't want to go on a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment.

“I hate rehab games, so I got to to talk with them about all that, because why waste at-bats in a rehab game?” Judge said.

New York was 36-23 when he last played but was 18-19 since as the second half began Friday.

“I feel good about the fact that he will be back but it's just a matter of when,” manager Aaron Boone said.

Left-hander Max Fried, out since May 14 because of left elbow bone bruise, was to make his first rehab start on Friday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Worcester and will have at least one more minor league outing.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, who has not pitched since June 28 because of left elbow inflammation, threw 10 pitches off a mound Friday but has not progressed to a bullpen session.

Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, who hasn’t played since April 24 because of a strained right calf, started a running progression outdoors.

Clarke Schmidt, coming back from Tommy John surgery on July 11 last year, was set to throw an inning of batting practice Saturday.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge watches from the dugout during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, July 6, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)