The Los Angeles Times has once again proven why it's a powerhouse in sports journalism, earning the prestigious Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) triple crown for the sixth straight year. This remarkable achievement underscores the paper's unwavering commitment to excellence, as it competed against the nation's largest print and digital sports outlets for work published in 2025.
At the heart of this success is Bill Plaschke, who took top honors in the columnist category for the 10th time in his career. His winning portfolio showcased deeply personal and impactful storytelling, including his journey using boxing to combat Parkinson's disease, the emotional toll of nearly losing his Altadena home in the Eaton Fire, and gripping accounts of the Dodgers' 18-inning World Series marathon and UCLA's fight to break its Rose Bowl lease. Plaschke, already a recipient of APSE's highest honor—the Red Smith Award—continues to set the standard for sports commentary.
The Times also shared first place in event coverage with the Dallas Morning News for its staff's comprehensive chronicle of the Dodgers' World Series Game 7 victory. This recognition highlights the team's ability to capture the drama and excitement of one of baseball's biggest moments.
Other standout performances include Eric Sondheimer, who is about to celebrate his 50th year covering high school sports in Southern California. He placed second in the short feature category for his poignant coverage of how immigration raids impacted Los Angeles high school football players, bringing a human element to a national issue. Meanwhile, Kevin Baxter earned ninth place in national beat writing for his insightful reporting on preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including a fascinating look at FIFA President Gianni Infantino's efforts to court President Trump.
Beyond these top finishes, the Times secured eight top-10 placements across categories such as print portfolio, digital, event coverage, special sections, investigative reporting, national beat writing, columns, and short features. The staff also earned an excellence in video award, showcasing their versatility in modern sports storytelling.
For fans who want to stay ahead of the game, this award-winning coverage reminds us of the power of great sports journalism—whether you're following the Dodgers' championship run, the human stories behind the headlines, or the global stage of the World Cup. It's the kind of insight that inspires confidence, both on and off the field.