As Jordan Walker’s game-winning Home Run Derby ball sailed excessive right into a steamy part of the Citizens Bank Park outfield, what was on Cole Vanderslice’s thoughts because the ball obtained nearer to the place he was standing?
Was it that he was about to have a chunk of Philly sports activities historical past in his arms? He had one thing that was going to be value a superb chunk of change, or at a minimal, one thing he might alternate for swag from Walker.
Nope. There was just one factor on Vanderslice’s thoughts as soon as he had it firmly in his grasp.
… Throw it back.
Vanderslice, a former pitcher at Villanova, succumbed to see stress from the group, who urged him to toss it back onto the sphere, which he did to a raucous cheer.
But does he now remorse it? Or was it one thing he’s all the time yearned to do? That is what Inquirer author Isabella DiAmore implores you to search out out, as she caught up with Vanderslice to know what he was really thinking.
It’s not purported to odor like outdated shoe leather-based exterior at the moment because the smoke dissipates from the Delaware Valley, however it’s nonetheless going to be a steamy Friday with temperatures anticipated to creep near 90.
— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, [email protected].
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For the fifth straight season, the Phillies discovered themselves on the dropping finish of their first recreation back after the MLB All-Star break, following a 4-1 loss to the Mets. They contend it wasn’t the smoke that brought on their misstep, however an incapacity to search out hits on an evening when ace Aaron Nola pitched a powerful six-inning stretch, permitting only one run in that span.
“The weather was a bit different tonight, but it played no part in the final result,” Brandon Marsh stated. “We just didn’t play as well as we should have, you know? Yeah, we’ve just got to be better.”
Next: After an off day on Friday, the Phillies resume their collection in opposition to the Mets on Saturday (4:05 p.m., NBC Sports Philadelphia). Jesús Luzardo (8-4, 3.51 ERA) is scheduled to face Mets lefty Sean Manaea (2-4, 4.56).
What we’re …
🤔 Wondering: Why Jayson Tatum thinks former teammate Jaylen Brown’s transfer to the Sixers is bizarre. His words, not ours.
🤨 Sharing: Speaking of “weird,” that’s how Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes refers to Phillies teammates Zack Wheeler and Bryce Harper.
👀 Watching: How MLB All-Stars reacted to the questions whereas on the red carpet this week.
📖 Reading: Everything wanted to know in regards to the Flyers’ upcoming 2026-27 season schedule that was released Thursday.
While the world eagerly waits for LeBron James to announce the place he’ll take his talents next, the present continued for the Sixers on the NBA Summer League, the place Labaron Philon Jr., the Sixers’ first-round draft choose, demonstrated why this new-look entrance workplace believed it couldn’t cross on him at No. 22.
Also, second-year huge man Johni Broome has recovered from knee surgical procedure, and has flashed interior dominance in an setting the place he ought to thrive. Inquirer author Gina Mizell is there to offer this have a look at the state of the Sixers from Las Vegas.
Actor and comic Shane Gillis is predicted to play to a near-capacity crowd Friday evening at Lincoln Financial Field, which has been restored to its customary look within the aftermath of internet hosting six FIFA World Cup matches.
It took a crew of union labor simply 11 days to deconstruct and restore the Linc to its unique state, which begs the query: From banners to signage and extra, what occurs to all that World Cup stuff?
FIFA venue director Jolyon Bowman sat down with us to elucidate the method, together with what occurs to all the things that made Philly the middle of the soccer universe this summer.
Have you checked out the Bron-O-Meter these days? As LeBron James’ free company drags on — and Philadelphia stays amongst his reported prime locations — we’re monitoring the longer term Hall of Famer’s possibilities of signing with the Sixers via our wholly unscientific Bron-O-Meter. Our patented know-how is powered by experiences, our personal evaluation, and the most recent social media buzz … but mostly it’s based on vibes.
On this date
July 17, 2024: Union wunderkind Cavan Sullivan grew to become the youngest participant to debut in a North American sports activities league at simply 14 years and 293 days old.
Each Friday, Inquirer picture editors will choose our greatest pictures from the final seven days and share them with you, our readers. We determined to run back MLB All-Star week yet another time, together with the superior occasions and moments that surrounded it. Check it out right here.
“Think of the controversies that have followed [city statues] … controversy that on the surface, is about what the statues represent and where they belong, but that is really about class, commercialism, and community.” — In his newest video op-ed, Mike Sielski examines the choice to have a full-on Rocky Exhibit on the Philadelphia Art Museum, and sees it as an indication that town has lastly absolutely embraced the statue’s popularity, and power.
What you’re saying about sports activities motion pictures
We requested: What’s your favourite sports activities film?
Rocky No. 1, arms down. Not solely did the storyline embrace the character and tradition of town, however the soundtrack nonetheless permeates the Linc on any given Sunday! The Rocky statue is an iconic vacationer attraction, and chanting “Yo Adrian!” is an ice breaker at any native occasion in and across the metropolis. — Bob C.
My favourite sports activities film is Field of Dreams, however my second is an outdated comedy of my youth in 1949 known as It Happens Every Spring, starring Ray Milland and Philadelphia’s Paul Douglas, who at one time introduced Penn soccer video games. — Everett S.
My favourite sports activities film was “Eight Men Out”, the story of the boys who participated within the Black Sox playing scandal. This was an interesting have a look at the folks concerned in fixing the 1919 World Series. You understand after watching the film that these males weren’t essentially the evil folks they’ve been portrayed to be, though their actions have been completely abhorrent. — Tom E.
We compiled at the moment’s e-newsletter utilizing reporting from Isabella DiAmore, Scott Lauber, Gina Mizell, Kerith Gabriel, Ariane Datil, Mike Sielski, Sam Morris, Matt Mullin, Marcus Hayes, Gabriela Carroll, Jackie Spiegel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Becca O’Reilly, and The Inquirer’s pictures employees.
By submitting your written, visible, and/or audio contributions, you conform to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, together with the grant of rights in Section 10.
That’s the week. Appreciate you hanging with me for a superb chunk of it. Here’s to smokeless skies and Schwarbombs all weekend. We’ll catch you on Monday. — Kerith