​Good pitching is a cornerstone of any baseball team’s success. Pitchers shape the game and influence the outcome. Developing pitching skills requires dedication, practice, and focus. By following certain strategies, pitchers can improve their performance on the mound.

Building arm strength is essential for pitchers. Increased strength allows better pitch control and a variety of pitch movements. A strong delivery also helps pitchers place the ball accurately in the strike zone and add speed when needed.

Stamina is another critical factor. Pitchers throw many pitches in a game, so maintaining physical fitness is vital. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and physical care help pitchers stay effective throughout the game without wearing down quickly.

Mental toughness plays a significant role in a pitcher’s success. Staying calm under pressure, trusting one’s abilities, and maintaining focus are just as important as physical preparation. Confidence and resilience allow pitchers to handle challenges and perform consistently in high-stakes moments.

​Youth baseball coaches focused on developing future pitchers must balance the players’ health and stamina with skills development. Little League Baseball maintains pitch count rules for youth players. For example, players ages 6 to 8 should not throw more than 50 pitches per day, including practice, but by age 13 a player’s daily pitch count will have risen to 95.

Coaches can start working with pitchers on new pitches around the age of 9 or 10, at which point the Little League pitch count is 75. Again, practice pitches and game pitches both count, so coaches may need to hold a talented pitcher out of games so that they can perfect a new pitch.

A few of the first pitches a youth athlete should learn include the four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, and the changeup. Aspiring pitchers may be eager to develop flashier pitches, such as the curveball or slider, but younger players typically lack the arm strength needed for these and other more advanced pitches. The National Institute of Health recommends that players hold off on throwing curveballs until they “reach maturity,” or about 13 to 14 years of age.

Similarly, it is recommended that coaches start with simpler pitches, building a player’s skills and control to the point that they can safely execute a curveball or slider. As youth pitchers continue to develop, they can attempt complex pitches, including the knuckleball and splitter.

​Established in 1881, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is one of the nation’s oldest governing bodies for American sports. The USTA provides American tennis players a wide range of services and resources, including training opportunities and financial backing for some of the country’s most promising players. Thanks in part to the support of the USTA, American men and women have enjoyed considerable on-court success during the six decades of the sport’s Open Era.

The Open Era of tennis began in 1968 when the sport’s four major tournaments and all tournaments comprising the professional tour agreed to allow professional players to compete alongside amateurs. On the men’s tour, many regard American Arthur Ashe as a pioneer; in 1968, he became the first American man to win a major tournament in the Open Era. Fittingly, Ashe won the US Open while competing as an amateur.

Ashe won the Australian Open in 1970 and Wimbledon in 1975, but Jimmy Connors defined the first decade of Open Era tennis in America. Connors won three of four major events in 1974, plus a second US Open win in 1976. Connors won four more major titles between 1978 and 1983, yet the decade belonged to John McEnroe. McEnroe upset Jimmy Connors in straight sets at the 1979 US Open, his first of three straight wins at the event. McEnroe won three of four Wimbledons between 1981 and 1984, losing to Connors in 1982, and won his final major at the 1984 US Open, giving the American seven majors in just six years.

American men went over four years without a major title, a streak broken at the 1989 French Open by Michael Chang, the youngest man ever to win a major tournament. However, Pete Sampras, the most successful player of the era and the most successful American male of all time overshadowed Chang and compatriots like Andre Agassi and Jim Courier.

Sampras broke through at the US Open in 1990, defeating Agassi in straight sets. Over the following seven seasons, the big-serving American would pick up nine more majors. He was especially successful at Wimbledon, winning the event four times during the third decade of the Open Era and adding three more wins between 1998 and 2000. Indeed, Sampras became the most successful American between 1998 and 2007, winning four more majors compared to Agassi’s five. American men have struggled at the major level since Agassi’s win at the 2003 Australian Open, his final major. Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open, the last major victory for an American man.

American women have been even more dominant than their male counterparts since the start of the Open Era. Billie Jean King won eight of her 12 career majors during the first decade of the Open Era. Chris Evert nearly matched King, winning seven majors during the same period. Evert’s dominance would have defined the next decade, with 11 major titles, if not for compatriot Martina Navratilova, who picked up a historic 17 majors between 1978 and 1987.

American women faded from prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s like men. Monica Seles won nine majors during this period, though she only began representing the US before her final major win at the 1996 Australian Open.

The fortunes of American women changed drastically around the turn of the century. Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati each won three majors. American tennis, however, major victories of sisters Serena and Venus Williams redefined it. Serena won eight majors during the fourth decade of the Open Era, narrowly edging her older sister, who won six during the same period. Venus would pick up her final major title at Wimbledon in 2008, while Serena would add 15 more majors through 2017 for an Open Era record of 23 major titles.

Unlike US men, American women have won several majors during the current decade of the Open Era. Sofia Kenin won the 2020 Australian Open, while Coco Gauff became the most recent American to win a major at the 2023 US Open.

​Commercial real estate (CRE) comprises stores, malls, hotels, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and multifamily rental properties with over five units. CRE investing involves construction or acquisition, marketing, and management, each of which may have costly pitfalls. CRE is one of the most dependable investment vehicles. The real estate market is relatively steady and not prone to erratic fluctuations. However, CRE investing comes with unique risks.

One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong property type. For example, owning a hotel's opportunities and challenges differ from owning an office complex. A multifamily rental property may promise higher returns but be more demanding in management and maintenance than a warehouse.

The consequences of purchasing the wrong property type include mismanagement and poor returns. The key is understanding the unique risks and benefits of the various property types, given the buyer's risk profile and financial and personal goals. This may necessitate talking to a financial planner or other industry expert to understand each type's implications better.

Another mistake when investing in CRE is overlooking or underestimating property expenses. Real estate investing is full of surprises. An investor could buy a property expecting minimal renovations only to discover the building needs major repairs, which limits the return on investment (ROI).

Buyers should consider property management expenses, utilities, and possible renovations when evaluating a property's financial viability. Property inspections help buyers get an accurate picture of the updates a property needs.

CRE offers several tax advantages, from interest expense deductions to depreciation deductions. Unfortunately, unexpected tax bills owing to poor tax planning not only deny many investors these benefits but also eat into their returns.

Some tax bills like capital gains tax (paid upon selling a property profitably) are unavoidable. Still, one can defer it by exchanging their property for another of a similar or greater value. Investors should work with a real estate tax expert to avoid unexpected tax bills and maximize their ROI.

Another mistake is going it alone. Only industry experts can uncover some pitfalls. Investors should consult experienced professionals, such as real estate attorneys and agents, to help them navigate the CRE and make informed decisions.

Beginner CRE investors are better off investing in one property type initially. The mistake many make is failing to diversify. Once they experience success with a particular property type, they acquire more of the same property, thus increasing risk exposure.

Each property type is subject to unique drivers. Different factors drive demand and supply. Take hotels, for example. They are prone to seasonal fluctuations. Putting all the capital into hotels may not be a good idea. Investing in different property types in various locations cushions an investor against a slump in a particular property market.

Although diversification helps spread risks, overextending one's portfolio by acquiring too many properties too quickly may strain an investor financially. One should carefully assess one's financial abilities before purchasing additional properties and gradually and cautiously expand.

Investors must also have an exit strategy. Proper due diligence, rigorous research of local market dynamics, and working with experts can help them avoid costly mistakes. When building a portfolio, it's important to prioritize quality over quantity and ensure each investment receives the attention it deserves.

​Headquartered in Charlotte, MCM Partners provides real estate investors with low-risk opportunities across diverse long-term commercial holdings. In 2024, the company has completed a number of high-profile equity raises and lending activities nationwide.

In April, MCM Partners announced that it had successfully repaid a private credit loan from a major real estate developer toward the development of a free-standing Avondale, Arizona, Starbucks location. The company spearheaded financing for the new 2,500-square-foot location. Its prompt repayment of the initial loan reflects positive cash flow and a commitment to financially viable projects that enhance local communities in diverse markets.

The following month, MCM Partners successfully closed an equity placement that enabled the acquisition of a free-standing Lewisville, Texas, Walgreens location. This leveraged a longstanding strategic partnership with a developer client and continued the firm’s track record of seeking out impactful transactions in expanding markets.

The high-traffic pharmacy was initially constructed as a build-to-suit project for Walgreens in 2004. It benefits from a location with hard-wired traffic signals at W. Round Grove Road and S. Valley Parkway in a rapidly growing Dallas suburb. Among the prominent retailers in the vicinity of the lease-renewed, triple-net investment property are McDonalds, QuikTrip, and Tom Thumb. The recent acquisition reflects a robust network of accredited investors with whom MCM Partners regularly engages. This network enables high-quality projects to move forward, even amidst a challenging commercial real estate landscape.

In June 2024, MCM Partners announced that it had completed equity financing that would allow the construction of a local Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen. The high-performing casual eatery concept will add to three existing locations, which span the Charlotte and Winston-Salem markets. The brand has earned extensive accolades, with Charlotte locations of Rooster’s consistently ranked as among the top 25 restaurants in the local area.

Owner Jim Noble emphasizes a combination of European and contemporary culinary techniques and takes pains to source quality ingredients from local farms and suppliers. As he describes it, simple dishes are the most challenging to execute, as the flavors of core ingredients have “nowhere to hide.” Exceptional service is also emphasized, as customers receive an experience of dining out in a comfortable and welcoming environment that invites return visits.

The planned location, set to open in 2025, is part of a new The Bowl at Ballantyne retail development that will function as a “living room, kitchen, and concert hall” for the vibrant Ballantyne community. Emphasis is placed on healthy living and family-friendly activities within an upwardly mobile residential and business milieu.

Also in June, MCM Partners completed a private credit loan financing deal that will provide $1.55 million toward constructing a small format, free-standing Walgreens in the Ramseur, North Carolina, community. This project builds on MCM’s past success with such projects, which fulfill local community needs for convenient, well-stocked general retail and pharmacy options.

MCM Partners is continuously seeking out like-minded investors with the desire to grow wealth while protecting assets through private capital placement opportunities across North Carolina and beyond. The firm’s capacities extend across the full spectrum of market stages and take advantage of emerging trends and demographic shifts nationwide.

​Real estate syndication is an investment method in which a group of people combine their financial resources and expertise to develop, acquire, manage, and profit from large real estate properties. 

It has two key players: investors and a syndicator. The syndicator identifies lucrative real estate investment opportunities, conducts due diligence, sources funding to acquire identified properties, and manages them, ensuring profitability once bought. They receive a management fee and have a personal stake in the investment.

The investors contribute the money syndicators use to develop or acquire real estate and become part owners through partnership interest or shares. They receive a monthly or quarterly dividend from the rental income the properties generate, and they can also benefit from property appreciation and real estate tax breaks if they choose to sell their shares.

Moreover, real estate syndication allows individual investors to access vast and more promising property deals, like self-storage facilities, apartment complexes, mobile home parks, and commercial buildings. It also allows them to own property without worrying about actively managing it, as they can rely on the syndicator to professionally oversee the day-to-day running of a property, increasing the chances of an investment success.

​The commercial real estate sector has undergone multiple transformations, influenced by evolving consumer trends, climate change, global economic shifts, and technological advancements. Sustainability is one of the key factors that have a significant impact on the commercial real estate sector. Recent concerns about climate change and resource depletion have necessitated a focus on the environmental sustainability of commercial real estate projects. As a result, areas such as building design, energy efficiency, and recycling have become major topics of discussion related to commercial real estate sustainability. The need for environmental sustainability has caused an increased demand for sustainable and green offices as real estate firms seek to attract environmentally conscious tenants.

Recently, companies have begun to prioritize eco-friendly practices and occupy green-certified buildings designed using sustainable materials, lowering energy consumption and promoting recycling. Other sustainability features in commercial real estate include optimizing natural lighting, incorporating green spaces and water-efficient fixtures, and introducing renewable energy sources such as solar. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7, 11, and 12 provide guidelines to help the commercial real estate sector align its practices with achieving global sustainability goals. In anticipation of new environmental regulations and standards, commercial real estate companies have begun to gradually implement policies geared towards achieving zero-carbon emissions.

​Deeds are legal documents that convey property ownership from one individual to another. Every type of deed fulfills distinct legal roles based on the property's documented and undocumented past, whether there is a lien, or if the property has any other burdens such as a mortgage.

A grant deed is a type of property deed. It serves as documented evidence that the property ownership is without any encumbrances. This implies no hindrances or legal restrictions on the property, allowing the new owner complete legal authority to sell or transfer it.

A warranty deed is another type of property deed. To convey the value of a property, a person has to show that the title to it is free from any charge or other problem and that they have the right to give it to another person. This policy confirms that there are no fees, obligations, or loans that might have been imposed on such an asset.

Quitclaim deeds are usually used when real estate is transferred without monetary exchange as a simple way to transfer property. In this arrangement, the person transferring the property does not give any guarantees.

​Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, MCM Partners is a private investment company that brings together resources from accredited investors to invest in commercial real estate opportunities. It also provides crucial lending to support real estate developments.

In April 2024, MCM Partners announced the complete repayment of a private credit loan it had advanced to a developer to construct a freestanding Starbucks restaurant in Avondale, Arizona. The successful partnership between the two was a testament to MCM Partners’ commitment to enabling growth projects in markets outside North Carolina.

The new 2,500-square-foot Starbucks is located at 11490 West Hilton Drive in Avondale. The developer, The Morgan Companies (TMC), opened it in October 2023. About 30 days before it had opened a Starbucks location in Hickory, North Carolina.

In a statement, MCM Partners principal Derek Copeland expressed the company’s excitement over the successful repayment of the credit facility. He said the achievement highlighted the company’s expertise in structuring financial products for developers. He further said it reinforced the company’s commitment to partnering with developers to bring to fruition projects that will positively impact communities.

​Throughout its 70-year history, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancer, has been funding research to find a cure against the dreaded disease. The funds come from fundraising activities, most of which dedicated philanthropists participate in. One of these fundraising initiatives is the Man and Woman of the Year.

Every year over the past three decades, the Man and Woman of Year remains a staple LSS fundraiser. The Man and Woman of the Year is a philanthropic competition where participants from across the United States raise as much money as possible to benefit the two local blood cancer survivors. The campaign runs for 10 weeks, usually between February and June. Each dollar raised is equivalent to one vote. The male and female participants with the highest number of votes after 10 weeks earn the title of Man and Woman of the Year.

Beginning in 2024, the title of the Man and Woman of the Year will be Visionaries of the Year.