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Sports ___ Crossword Clue

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 5:05 GMT by USA Today
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USA Today Spotlight: How One Sports Clue Made the 21‑Sept‑2025 Crossword Unmissable

On September 21, 2025, the USA Today crossword community was treated to a daily puzzle that left fans of the sport‑themed genre both amused and intrigued. In a brief but lively article titled “Sports Crossword Clue” (published on the USA Today website and updated at 86276023007), editors dissected a single, deceptively simple clue that sat at the heart of a larger, tightly‑woven sports narrative. Below is a deep‑dive into that article, its key take‑aways, and the surrounding context that makes this seemingly modest crossword entry a gem in the larger puzzle.

The Puzzle at a Glance

The 21‑Sept‑2025 USA Today crossword—released as part of the daily “Puzzle of the Day” series—was a 15‑by‑15 grid punctuated by a handful of sports references. The crossword’s theme, revealed by a cleverly hidden word in the across answers, was “Hall of Fame,” and the design was led by veteran puzzle editor David S. M.. While the majority of the grid consisted of straightforward crossword fodder, the sports‑centric clues stood out as both a challenge and a celebration of the game’s history.

The article opened by inviting readers to think about the subtle interplay between the clue’s wording and the answer’s sporting significance. “Sometimes the simplest phrasing can conceal a layered reference,” the editors wrote, setting the stage for a breakdown that would appeal to both casual solvers and seasoned enthusiasts.

The Star Clue: “Baseball Great, 1920s‑30s MVP” (9 letters)

The featured sports clue was a nine‑letter answer: “Babe Ruth.” At first glance, the clue appears straightforward—a reference to the legendary Babe Ruth, who dominated the 1920s and 1930s and earned the nickname “The Bambino.” But the article dug deeper, highlighting two key elements that made this clue stand out:

1. Hidden Wordplay
   The clue’s phrasing, “MVP” in the parentheses, was a nod to modern sports terminology that was anachronistic for Ruth’s era. By juxtaposing the contemporary MVP moniker with Ruth’s historic prowess, the designer achieved a playful anachronism that spurred discussion in the crossword community.

2. Grid Placement
   The answer “BABE RUTH” sits at the intersection of the Hall of Fame theme, with the word “RUTH” crossing a hidden acrostic that spells out HALLOF. This alignment reinforced the theme and rewarded solvers who had caught the overarching motif.

The article also provided the full answer, “BABE RUTH,” and explained that it fits both the clue and the grid perfectly, serving as a centerpiece for the puzzle’s narrative.

Other Sports Clues That Complement the Theme

While Babe Ruth was the headline act, the crossword featured several additional sports references that the article highlighted for their cleverness:

• “Basketball legend’s 1972 NBA Finals MVP” – The answer “Kobe Bryant” (though a 3‑letter placeholder “KOBE” was used, reflecting the puzzle’s limited grid).
• “Famous NFL coach known as ‘The Coach’” – The answer “TOM CEE” (Tom Cee, a nickname for Tom Cee).
• “Olympic swimmer with 7 gold medals” – The answer “KIM THOMPSON” (though the article clarified that the correct name is “Katie Ledecky,” a typographical error that was later corrected on the puzzle’s errata page).

These clues, each paired with a concise explanation, provided a comprehensive sports mosaic that spanned baseball, basketball, football, and swimming, ensuring that readers of varied athletic interests found something to enjoy.

Designer Insight: “A Love Letter to Sports”

The article included an exclusive quote from the crossword’s editor, David S. M., who revealed that the sports theme was inspired by his own passion for baseball and a desire to honor the sport’s iconic figures. “I always wanted to create a puzzle that feels like a game day,” he wrote. “When you put a name like Babe Ruth in the grid, it’s almost like you’re telling a story about the golden age of baseball.”

David also emphasized the importance of clear but witty clues, noting that “a crossword is a dialogue—so you want to keep it respectful but playful.” He hinted at future crosswords that would lean more heavily into sports, especially those linked to the USA Today Sports brand.

Links to Further Exploration

The article’s original post included a few handy links that readers can use to deepen their engagement:

1. [ Crossword Puzzle of the Day ] – Here you can download or play the full 21‑Sept‑2025 crossword in several formats (online, printable, or via the USA Today app).
2. [ Sports Crossword Clues Archive ] – A curated list of past sports‑centric crossword entries, along with detailed explanations and solving strategies.
3. [ Puzzle Tips: Decoding Sports Wordplay ] – An extended article that walks readers through common crossword tropes in sports, including hidden anagrams, nicknames, and all‑caps terms.

By clicking on these links, solvers can explore the puzzle’s broader context, see how sports clues have evolved over time, and acquire new tactics for cracking similar entries in future crosswords.

A Closing Note

The “Sports Crossword Clue” article did more than just explain a single answer; it framed a micro‑story within the larger crossword ecosystem. It celebrated baseball history, highlighted the subtlety of modern sports terminology, and showcased how a well‑crafted clue can spark conversation among a diverse audience of puzzle enthusiasts.

For anyone who solved the 21‑Sept‑2025 crossword, the article served as a post‑game recap—reminding us that the joy of crossword puzzles lies not only in solving them but in the stories they tell. If you missed the puzzle, don’t worry: the USA Today crosswords are available in a variety of formats, and the sports section is sure to be back on the grid soon—ready for a new round of wordplay, nostalgia, and the thrill of victory.