Latest news with #Bremner
Los Angeles Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Why it makes sense the Angels picked Tyler Bremner at No. 2 in MLB draft
ATLANTA — The name was a surprise, but the pick should not have been. The bromide about teams picking the best available player rather than drafting for need does not apply to the Angels, at least not in the Perry Minasian era. The Angels' front office must try to win now, with an ownership that does not believe in rebuilding, and without huge investments in major league free agency, international scouting or player development. The Angels needed pitching. They drafted a college pitcher Sunday, in line with their no-margin-for-error strategy of selecting top college players and pushing them into the major leagues. Their pick: Tyler Bremner of UC Santa Barbara. It's been an emotional year for Bremner, who lost his mother to breast cancer in June. On the day after she died, he saluted her in a long Instagram post that started this way: 'Saying goodbye to you has been the hardest thing I have had to go through in my life. Why did this evil disease have to come into the life of such a pure hearted soul. Somehow through all this pain, darkness, and suffering there is light.' The last four words: 'rest easy my angel' When his name was called Sunday, Bremner thought of his mother. 'I went to the Angels,' he said. 'It's weird how life works.' The Angels invited him to Anaheim for a private workout last week. In a draft in which the hype around college pitchers focused on three left-handers from the Southeastern Conference, Bremner said his advisers told him about an hour before the draft started that the Angels might pick him. And, after the Washington Nationals took high school shortstop Eli Willits — the son of former Angels outfielder Reggie Willits — with the No. 1 pick, the Angels were on the clock. They had their pick of any pitcher in the country. They could have grabbed one of the Southeastern Conference pitchers, or Corona High phenom Seth Hernandez. They went with the big right-hander from the Big West, with a fastball and a changeup that might already be ready for Anaheim. The immediate expectation was that the Angels would cut a discount deal with Bremner, enabling him to collect a seven-figure bonus while enabling them to allocate more of their draft pool to swipe talented lower-round players away from college commitments. Bremner and Tim McIlvaine, the Angels' scouting director, danced around that topic on Sunday. But, if you're the Angels, none of that scheming really matters if you don't hit on the second overall pick of the draft. McIlavine said Bremner's changeup gives him a go-to pitch, with a slider under development and a body that has yet to fill out. 'There's a lot you can really dream on,' McIlvaine said. The Angels need him to be right, and they need Bremner as a starter. A two-pitch pitcher would make a fine major league reliever, and don't be surprised to see the Angels consider launching his major league career in that role later this season, if they stay afloat in the wild-card race. That could give them nine of their first-round picks on their active roster. But you don't use a first-round pick on a setup man. The Angels drafted two other pitchers among the top 10 overall picks within the past five years, and Reid Detmers and Sam Bachman now are setup men. Under Minasian, who was hired after the 2020 season, the Angels have drafted one pitcher that has delivered more than 1.0 WAR: Ben Joyce, a potential closer but now an injured setup man. And the Angels' second-round pick Sunday: an actual reliever, from the SEC. He is Chase Shores, who closed the College World Series clincher for Louisiana State and threw 47 pitches clocked at 100 mph or harder during the NCAA tournament. As Bremner said, life works in weird ways. 'If you look at his second half of the year,' McIlvaine said, 'I'd put it up against anybody in the country.' In the second half of the season, his mother was dying. 'She came out to all the games,' he said, 'all the way to the point where her body wouldn't let her any more.' In his last two games, weeks before she died, he gave up one run in 13-⅓ innings, walking two and striking out 23. That resilience was not lost on the Angels. 'I think, funny enough, as she got worse, that's when I got stronger on the field,' Bremner said. 'I feel I did a very good job of using that kind of negative energy and challenging it into pitching. 'Pitching angry, or pitching for her, or pitching for something bigger than myself, I feel like, in a way, it helped me on the field. But it's not easy mentally to wrap my head around what's going on off the field while trying to compete at a high level.' That made Sunday a very different, and entirely memorable, mother's day. 'I know she is watching over me,' he said, 'and I know she is so proud of me.' His mother, Jen, was born in Canada. The Canadians already are calling for him to represent her home country in the World Baseball Classic next spring, to honor her memory after losing her to cancer. Another pretty good ballplayer plays for Team Canada for the same reason, so you never know: Bremner could be teammates with Freddie Freeman next spring and Mike Trout next summer.
Scotsman
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Amateur golf at its best - The McAlpine winner then plays club tie and is back at work at 8am
Will Bremner thrilled to be first winner of mid-amateur event in memory of Kevin McAlpine Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Don't you just love amateur golf? Or should that be how amateur golf used to be? These days, most of the events in the amateur game are won by full-time players and, yes, the majority of them are youngsters who are either at college in the US or at university in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Which is why it was great to see a Scottish Mid-Amateur Championship restored to the schedule this year and The McAlpine, held in memory of Kevin McAlpine, a former Scottish Amateur champion who passed away at just 39 in October 2023, at his home club of Alyth, produced a fitting winner in Edzell's Will Bremner. Edzell's Will Bremner, right, receives The McAlpine - Scottish Mid Amateur Championship trophy from Hamish McAlpine after his play-off win at Alyth | Contributed 'It felt great,' said Bremner, who plays off plus five, of triumphing in the event's inaugural edition, beating Fraser McKenna in a play-off after the duo had finished tied on one over par after 54 holes in testing conditions at the Perthshire venue. 'I played a bit of amateur golf with Kevin when I was younger,' added the 36-year-old. 'He was a hell of a golfer himself and also a really decent guy. I saw him a lot off the course and he always spoke to me. 'I also played against his dad (Hamish, the former Dundee United goalkeeper) in team matches, so I also knew Hamish as well and it was an honour to win the first one, absolutely.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hamish presented Bremner with his trophy, but there was no instant celebration. Not when he had a club championship tie to play at Edzell a couple of hours later. And not when he was straight back to work before 8am on Wednesday morning. 'It was the club championship quarter-finals at Edzell last night and I had to go 20 holes before managing to get through in the end,' said Bremner. 'I've won it seven times in the past and it's been my home club since I was nine or ten. It's a good club and they are very supportive when I'm playing in events.' As for work, he owns a fencing and groundworks business and reported with a laugh: 'It's back to the graft today - I'm onsite as we speak!' Will Bremner beat Fraser McKenna in a play-off to win the inaugural edition of the event at Kevin McAlpine's home club | Contributed Bremner followed an opening 68 with rounds of 73-70, with McKenna, a reinstated amateur, matching his total after scores of 71-73-67, the latter including three birdies in the opening eight holes then an eagle at the 11th. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I had a look at the leaderboard around the 16th hole and I saw that Fraser was ahead, so I really needed to finish 3-3,' said Bremner, who'd picked up birdies at the seventh and eighth to be out in 32 before dropping shots at the 12th, 14th and 15th. 'The par-3 17th was playing tough as it was, but I managed to make my 3 there and then I hit a decent shot at 18 to around 25 feet and rolled it in and then about the same on the first play-off hole. The putter turned hot at the right time after not holing much else until then, to be honest.' Both this event and The Hutcheon, which is a match-play equivalent being held in honour of Scottish amateur legend Ian Hutcheon at Monifieth Links on 4-7 August, were organised by Connor Neil and Allyn Dick, two stalwarts of the amateur game in Scotland. 'For us working guys who don't get to play in lots of events, these sort of tournaments are brilliant,' admitted Bremner, who reached the semi-finals in last year's Scottish Amateur Championship at the Castle Course and is hoping for another good run in this year's edition at Gullane. 'It is hard to compete with a lot of the full-time guys if you are working and have kids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Chance to win World Amateur Golf Ranking points hailed as 'huge' 'Getting this sort of level of event back gives guys like myself something to strive for and the fact these events are offering World Amateur Golf Ranking points is huge. 'I'll probably push more to play in events. Yes, the vouchers and trophy are nice, but, if you can get a decent WAGR standing, it gives you a chance to get into events like the St Andrews Links Trophy. 'All credit to Connor and Allyn as they ran a very good event and also to Ross Bell at Mizuno as he's done a lot as well and I didn't realise that, in addition to my voucher, I am getting fitted with a set of Mizuno irons as well. I am sure it will get supported even better in the future and also the one at Monifieth.'
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Coeliac NZ Urges Restaurants To Raise The Gluten-Free Standard Amid Growing Need
Press Release – Coeliac New Zealand Despite this growing need, Coeliac NZ says many restaurants still lack awareness of proper gluten-free food safety practices. Even trace amounts of gluten through cross-contamination can cause serious illness for coeliac customers, making safe … Coeliac New Zealand is urging restaurants nationwide to raise the bar on gluten-free dining, ensuring safer dining out options for the growing gluten-free community and helping to revitalise the struggling hospitality sector. More than 100,000 Kiwis are estimated to be living with coeliac disease, with thousands more likely undiagnosed due to the wide-ranging and often silent symptoms. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, making access to safe dining options essential. Others avoid gluten for lifestyle reasons, further driving demand for trustworthy food choices. 'For people with coeliac disease, dining out isn't just about enjoying a meal – it's navigating a minefield of hidden ingredients, cross-contamination risks, and the fear of being misunderstood or dismissed,' says Coeliac NZ general manager Wendy Bremner. 'A single misstep in the kitchen can result in hours or days of illness, pain and recovery.' Despite this growing need, Coeliac NZ says many restaurants still lack awareness of proper gluten-free food safety practices. Even trace amounts of gluten through cross-contamination can cause serious illness for coeliac customers, making safe practices not just a courtesy, but a necessity. 'CNZ conducted a member survey recently and overwhelmingly safe eating out options remain the biggest challenge. For many, the risk is just too high – so they choose not to dine out at all. That's a missed opportunity for restaurants,' Bremner says. 'Investing in training isn't just about earning trust, it's about upskilling staff in allergen management and ensuring venues can confidently serve a growing market. Safe dining builds loyalty, enhances reputation and ultimately supports business success.' Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of NZ adds: 'At a time when many hospitality businesses are doing it tough, investing in gluten-free food safety training and improving gluten-free offerings is a smart way to attract new customers and show existing ones they're valued. It's not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.' The call to better cater for to gluten-free customers – particularly those with coeliac disease – comes during Coeliac Awareness Week (9-15 June) under the theme 'Coeliac Disease is Different for Every Body.' Coeliac NZ says more needs to be done to recognise the wide variety of symptoms which are often atypical or silent. These can include neurological issues, skin conditions and fertility problems. Increased awareness, improved screening and redefining diagnostic criteria are vital to earlier intervention and better health outcomes. 'Coeliac Disease is different for every body,' Bremner adds. 'The more people understand the diverse symptoms, the better equipped we are to support those affected both in their everyday lives and for their long-term health.' For more information about Coeliac Awareness Week 2025, visit About Coeliac Disease Coeliac disease triggers an autoimmune response, damaging the small intestine and impairing nutrient absorption. While classic symptoms like diarrhoea and cramping are well known, many people remain undiagnosed due to mild or atypical symptoms. Yet if left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious health issues, such as osteoporosis, fertility issues, and nervous system disorders. Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes. For more information on Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Free Food Safety Training, visit Coeliac Awareness Week 2025 is proudly supported by Allergywise, Bakels, Bin Inn, Eat Choice, FreshLife, Gluten Free Shop, Griffin's, Lee Kum Kee, My Food Bag, Ocho, Tip Top, Synergy Health and Waitoa.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Coeliac NZ Urges Restaurants To Raise The Gluten-Free Standard Amid Growing Need
Press Release – Coeliac New Zealand Despite this growing need, Coeliac NZ says many restaurants still lack awareness of proper gluten-free food safety practices. Even trace amounts of gluten through cross-contamination can cause serious illness for coeliac customers, making safe … Coeliac New Zealand is urging restaurants nationwide to raise the bar on gluten-free dining, ensuring safer dining out options for the growing gluten-free community and helping to revitalise the struggling hospitality sector. More than 100,000 Kiwis are estimated to be living with coeliac disease, with thousands more likely undiagnosed due to the wide-ranging and often silent symptoms. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, making access to safe dining options essential. Others avoid gluten for lifestyle reasons, further driving demand for trustworthy food choices. 'For people with coeliac disease, dining out isn't just about enjoying a meal – it's navigating a minefield of hidden ingredients, cross-contamination risks, and the fear of being misunderstood or dismissed,' says Coeliac NZ general manager Wendy Bremner. 'A single misstep in the kitchen can result in hours or days of illness, pain and recovery.' Despite this growing need, Coeliac NZ says many restaurants still lack awareness of proper gluten-free food safety practices. Even trace amounts of gluten through cross-contamination can cause serious illness for coeliac customers, making safe practices not just a courtesy, but a necessity. 'CNZ conducted a member survey recently and overwhelmingly safe eating out options remain the biggest challenge. For many, the risk is just too high – so they choose not to dine out at all. That's a missed opportunity for restaurants,' Bremner says. 'Investing in training isn't just about earning trust, it's about upskilling staff in allergen management and ensuring venues can confidently serve a growing market. Safe dining builds loyalty, enhances reputation and ultimately supports business success.' Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of NZ adds: 'At a time when many hospitality businesses are doing it tough, investing in gluten-free food safety training and improving gluten-free offerings is a smart way to attract new customers and show existing ones they're valued. It's not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.' The call to better cater for to gluten-free customers – particularly those with coeliac disease – comes during Coeliac Awareness Week (9-15 June) under the theme 'Coeliac Disease is Different for Every Body.' Coeliac NZ says more needs to be done to recognise the wide variety of symptoms which are often atypical or silent. These can include neurological issues, skin conditions and fertility problems. Increased awareness, improved screening and redefining diagnostic criteria are vital to earlier intervention and better health outcomes. 'Coeliac Disease is different for every body,' Bremner adds. 'The more people understand the diverse symptoms, the better equipped we are to support those affected both in their everyday lives and for their long-term health.' For more information about Coeliac Awareness Week 2025, visit About Coeliac Disease Coeliac disease triggers an autoimmune response, damaging the small intestine and impairing nutrient absorption. While classic symptoms like diarrhoea and cramping are well known, many people remain undiagnosed due to mild or atypical symptoms. Yet if left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious health issues, such as osteoporosis, fertility issues, and nervous system disorders. Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes. For more information on Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Free Food Safety Training, visit Coeliac Awareness Week 2025 is proudly supported by Allergywise, Bakels, Bin Inn, Eat Choice, FreshLife, Gluten Free Shop, Griffin's, Lee Kum Kee, My Food Bag, Ocho, Tip Top, Synergy Health and Waitoa.
Scoop
08-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Coeliac NZ Urges Restaurants To Raise The Gluten-Free Standard Amid Growing Need
Coeliac New Zealand is urging restaurants nationwide to raise the bar on gluten-free dining, ensuring safer dining out options for the growing gluten-free community and helping to revitalise the struggling hospitality sector. More than 100,000 Kiwis are estimated to be living with coeliac disease, with thousands more likely undiagnosed due to the wide-ranging and often silent symptoms. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, making access to safe dining options essential. Others avoid gluten for lifestyle reasons, further driving demand for trustworthy food choices. 'For people with coeliac disease, dining out isn't just about enjoying a meal - it's navigating a minefield of hidden ingredients, cross-contamination risks, and the fear of being misunderstood or dismissed,' says Coeliac NZ general manager Wendy Bremner. 'A single misstep in the kitchen can result in hours or days of illness, pain and recovery.' Despite this growing need, Coeliac NZ says many restaurants still lack awareness of proper gluten-free food safety practices. Even trace amounts of gluten through cross-contamination can cause serious illness for coeliac customers, making safe practices not just a courtesy, but a necessity. 'CNZ conducted a member survey recently and overwhelmingly safe eating out options remain the biggest challenge. For many, the risk is just too high – so they choose not to dine out at all. That's a missed opportunity for restaurants,' Bremner says. 'Investing in training isn't just about earning trust, it's about upskilling staff in allergen management and ensuring venues can confidently serve a growing market. Safe dining builds loyalty, enhances reputation and ultimately supports business success.' Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of NZ adds: 'At a time when many hospitality businesses are doing it tough, investing in gluten-free food safety training and improving gluten-free offerings is a smart way to attract new customers and show existing ones they're valued. It's not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.' The call to better cater for to gluten-free customers – particularly those with coeliac disease - comes during Coeliac Awareness Week (9-15 June) under the theme 'Coeliac Disease is Different for Every Body.' Coeliac NZ says more needs to be done to recognise the wide variety of symptoms which are often atypical or silent. These can include neurological issues, skin conditions and fertility problems. Increased awareness, improved screening and redefining diagnostic criteria are vital to earlier intervention and better health outcomes. 'Coeliac Disease is different for every body,' Bremner adds. 'The more people understand the diverse symptoms, the better equipped we are to support those affected both in their everyday lives and for their long-term health.' For more information about Coeliac Awareness Week 2025, visit About Coeliac Disease Coeliac disease triggers an autoimmune response, damaging the small intestine and impairing nutrient absorption. While classic symptoms like diarrhoea and cramping are well known, many people remain undiagnosed due to mild or atypical symptoms. Yet if left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious health issues, such as osteoporosis, fertility issues, and nervous system disorders. Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes. For more information on Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Free Food Safety Training, visit Coeliac Awareness Week 2025 is proudly supported by Allergywise, Bakels, Bin Inn, Eat Choice, FreshLife, Gluten Free Shop, Griffin's, Lee Kum Kee, My Food Bag, Ocho, Tip Top, Synergy Health and Waitoa.
