The Pelicans were unable to keep the Hornets' old draft magic Tuesday night. Our new-look NBA team moved one spot back to the sixth pick in the June 27 draft at the annual draft lottery. The Pelicans began in the fifth position, but ended up losing a spot after all the balls were spun. Turns out, the difference between the third and sixth pick was a matter of one.

New Orleans' NBA team may have ditched the Hornets moniker to get their Bayou State mojo working, but the Pelicans will hope to conjure one piece of the Bees' old magic tonight at the league's annual draft lottery. A year ago, the Hornets memorably beat the odds to land the number 1 pick, sending the Brow to the Crescent City. This year, the Pelicans will have to fight off some Magic to land the top spot.

by Mike Horst

The New Orleans Zephyrs’ hardships on the road continue. Last night, they lost in Fresno, California, to the Grizzlies, 4-2. Jacob Turner took the loss for the Z’s and this game concluded a four game sweep for the Fresno Grizzlies. It is New Orleans’ fifth loss in a row and drops them to a record of 18 wins and 23 losses on the season.

The smell of fresh cut AstroTurf filled the air today at Harrell Park’s opening, newly invigorated with a championship-caliber field straight from Super Bowl XLVII. The City, NORD, the Bensons, the NFL, Chevron, and a host of other private and nonprofit partnerships came together to restore Carrolton's recreation facility, where Mayor Mitch was proud to say he used to toss the pigskin (or try) as a kid.

As the racing world gears up for the 138th Preakness Stakes, it is no secret that Orb is on everyone’s mind.  Despite a relatively small field of nine horses and a home field advantage, Orb’s unlucky post-position in gate one might throw the Derby winner for a loop.  

Saints cornerback Dion Turner made an amazing grab to rob the opposing offense last night. Instead of on the gridiron, however, Turner's grab was on the softball field. Backpedalling and eventually falling over metal barriers, Turner managed to hold onto the softball hit by a Saints offensive player at the Ben Grubbs Charity Softball Game at Zephyr Field, which the Saints defense won by a score of 10-2. Sorry major leaguers, it was even good enough for Sportscenter's top plays. Click through to view:

Who Dats already thought the Saints' Drew Brees was a god, and according to Sports Illustrated's list “The Fortunate 50,” his pay reflects his divinity. With a salary of $40,000,000 and another $7,800,000 in endorsements (including his recent Wrangler deal), Breesus rounds out the trinity at number three, out of all of the athletes in the country.

by Mike Horst

The Zephyrs dropped a heartbreaker yesterday up in Metairie 3-2 in 13 innings to the Tacoma Rainiers. Rainiers’ top prospect, Nick Franklin, clubbed a solo home run off of Z’s reliever Jonathan Abaladejo in the top of the 13th for the winning run. Abaladejo got collared with the loss and saw his ERA tick up to a sky-high 8.04 on the season. Catcher Jeff Mathis, down from Miami on a rehab assignment, hit a homer of his own into left field in the 4th inning.

Our NBA team is hoping the injury problems of the Hornets' Eric Gordon won't be as much trouble for the Pelicans' Eric Gordon. The shooting guard took a step in that direction yesterday, undergoing surgery on his left ankle.

For almost a year, City Park patrons have been watching the construction site across from Storyland and waiting with eager anticipation for the opening of the park’s newest attraction, a miniature golf course.