Author: Staff Reports

It’s Thursday. LeBron James is still playing with our emotions, the Phillies had another hard time figuring out the Dodgers, and we’re still about three-plus weeks away from getting an early look at the Eagles.

Let’s stick with that last part, because we want to gauge your thoughts on the news that Birds quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn’t rank within the Top 10 of NFL quarterbacks — yet again, according to league executives, coaches, and scouts.

It’d be a debate until you realize that QBs like Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Jared Goff, and (wait for it) Dak Prescott beat out the former Super Bowl MVP. In fact, one pundit, former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o, said that, “Jalen Hurts is at his best when [Eagles rusher] Saquon [Barkley], in 2024, was running crazy.”

Anyway, that’s just some of the chatter about the Eagles ahead of training camp. The good news? If the forecast is correct, we are looking at potentially a picture-perfect day, with sunny skies and highs in the low 80s.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Do you think Jalen Hurts is a Top 10 NFL quarterback? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Still in the dark

Three weeks. That’s how long basketball fans have waited to see where James will take his talents next. But it’s not just fans; the league also waits with bated breath as the second wave of NBA free agency has hit pause and the league schedule-makers can’t round out the 2026-27 season.

• What we know: Philly is still in the running to win the LeBron sweepstakes.
• What we don’t: Whether or not real estate agents from Moorestown, N.J., to the Main Line will have to start dusting off their vacant luxury properties.
• What we’re wondering: Did an alleged mistake by the Miami Heat social media team serve as foreshadowing that LeBron might move back there?
• What we have: The latest LeBron news courtesy of Inquirer writer Gina Mizell, on what’s being said and how it relates to his chances of joining the Sixers.

Pulling for Uar

Uar Bernard is an absolute freak of nature. But is he a football player? Furthermore, is he an Eagle? That’s the latest question as our Eagles team continues to analyze the new faces in the Birds’ player pool ahead of the season.

Bernard, the seventh-round draft pick from the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, impressed scouts with his athleticism and the fact that he’s a mere 6% body fat at 306 pounds. Inquirer writer Ryan Novozinsky dives into what more he’ll need to do at the defensive tackle position to see him in Eagles green.

What we’re …

👏🏽 Applauding: Over 66 million Americans watched the World Cup final, setting a record.

💻 Reading: ESPN’s story on how coaches are feeling slighted despite the NFL’s “Rooney Rule.”

🤔 Wondering: Will Charlie Woods try a cheesesteak while in the area for the U.S. Junior Amateur golf championship this week?

⚾ Sharing: Here’s what kept Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh out of the lineup last night against the Dodgers.

A home for soccer fandom

Sad that the World Cup is over? Honestly, so are we. And with the Union still trying to crawl out from the bottom of the standings in Major League Soccer, looking for another team to support isn’t a bad thing right now. Ever wonder what English Premier League team suits your personality? Ever wonder if the EPL team you support is the right one? Take our quiz based on your sports personality to find out.

The Union return to league action Wednesday night against the rival Red Bulls New York turned out to be a successful debut for interim manager Ryan Richter.

On this date

July 23, 2023: Former Phillies slugger Scott Rolen gets inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

VAUGI STADE

Today’s word jumble is for the local (and really, hyperlocal) baseball fans in the area. This former Malvern Prep star and current ACC Player of the Year after his sophomore season at Louisville just received a spot on Team USA. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.

What you’re saying about the Phillies

We asked: How do you think the Phillies should address their fifth-starter spot?

Trade [Andrew] Painter to the Red Sox for Ranger [Suarez] — Bill M.

We have no fifth starter. Zero wins the entire season. Kinda late in the year to figure it out. Actually, we barely have a fourth starter in [Aaron] Nola. Let’s face the facts. As we get down to “Magic Number” time, there will only be three starters, especially if we make the playoffs. Not having someone in triple-A they could bring up is a disgrace. — Ronald R.

Easy. Move Nola to the bullpen for middle relief, get another starter, go with four and use Nola when you need a fifth. That solves two of their problems. — Richard K.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Sam Morris, Matt Mullin, Ariel Simpson, Ryan Novozinsky, Owen Hewitt, Lochlahn March, Jonathan Tannenwald, Gina Mizell, Lauren Jones, Conor Smith, and Mia Messina.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Appreciate your time as always, Philly. We’ll be back in your inboxes tomorrow to get you set for the weekend. Enjoy today. — Kerith

As Jordan Walker’s game-winning Home Run Derby ball sailed high into a steamy section of the Citizens Bank Park outfield, what was on Cole Vanderslice’s mind as the ball got closer to where he was standing?

Was it that he was about to have a piece of Philly sports history in his hands? He had something that was going to be worth a good chunk of change, or at a minimum, something he could exchange for swag from Walker.

Nope. There was only one thing on Vanderslice’s mind once he had it firmly in his grasp.

… Throw it back.

Vanderslice, a former pitcher at Villanova, succumbed to peer pressure from the crowd, who urged him to toss it back onto the field, which he did to a raucous cheer.

But does he now regret it? Or was it something he’s always yearned to do? That is what Inquirer writer Isabella DiAmore implores you to find out, as she caught up with Vanderslice to understand what he was really thinking.

It’s not supposed to smell like old shoe leather outside today as the smoke dissipates from the Delaware Valley, but it’s still going to be a steamy Friday with temperatures expected to creep close to 90.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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First game (back) jitters

For the fifth straight season, the Phillies found themselves on the losing end of their first game back after the MLB All-Star break, following a 4-1 loss to the Mets. They contend it wasn’t the smoke that caused their misstep, but an inability to find hits on a night when ace Aaron Nola pitched an impressive six-inning stretch, allowing just one run in that span.

“The weather was a bit different tonight, but it played no part in the final result,” Brandon Marsh said. “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 series against 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 move to the Sixers is weird. 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 while on the red carpet this week.

📖 Reading: Everything needed to know about the Flyers’ upcoming 2026-27 season schedule that was released Thursday.

Dispatch from Las Vegas

While the world eagerly waits for LeBron James to announce where he’ll take his talents next, the show continued for the Sixers at the NBA Summer League, where Labaron Philon Jr., the Sixers’ first-round draft pick, demonstrated why this new-look front office believed it could not pass on him at No. 22.

Also, second-year big man Johni Broome has recovered from knee surgery, and has flashed interior dominance in an environment where he should thrive. Inquirer writer Gina Mizell is there to provide this look at the state of the Sixers from Las Vegas.

Return to the ‘Linc’

Actor and comedian Shane Gillis is expected to play to a near-capacity crowd Friday night at Lincoln Financial Field, which has been restored to its customary look in the aftermath of hosting six FIFA World Cup matches.

It took a crew of union labor just 11 days to deconstruct and restore the Linc to its original state, which begs the question: From banners to signage and more, what happens to all that World Cup stuff?

FIFA venue director Jolyon Bowman sat down with us to explain the process, along with what happens to everything that made Philly the center of the soccer universe this summer.

The latest on LeBron

Have you checked out the Bron-O-Meter lately? As LeBron James’ free agency drags on — and Philadelphia remains among his reported top destinations — we’re tracking the future Hall of Famer’s chances of signing with the Sixers through our wholly unscientific Bron-O-Meter. Our patented technology is powered by reports, our own analysis, and the latest social media buzz … but mostly it’s based on vibes.

On this date

July 17, 2024: Union wunderkind Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to debut in a North American sports league at just 14 years and 293 days old.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. We decided to run back MLB All-Star week one more time, along with the awesome events and moments that surrounded it. Check it out right here.

Mike Sielski’s take …

“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 latest video op-ed, Mike Sielski examines the decision to have a full-on Rocky Exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum, and sees it as a sign that the city has finally fully embraced the statue’s popularity, and power.

What you’re saying about sports movies

We asked: What’s your favorite sports movie?

Rocky No. 1, hands down. Not only did the storyline embrace the character and culture of the city, but the soundtrack still permeates the Linc on any given Sunday! The Rocky statue is an iconic tourist attraction, and chanting “Yo Adrian!” is an ice breaker at any local event in and around the city. — Bob C.

My favorite sports movie is Field of Dreams, but my second is an old comedy of my youth in 1949 called It Happens Every Spring, starring Ray Milland and Philadelphia’s Paul Douglas, who at one time announced Penn football games. — Everett S.

My favorite sports movie was “Eight Men Out”, the story of the men who participated in the Black Sox gambling scandal. This was a fascinating look at the people involved in fixing the 1919 World Series. You realize after watching the movie that these men weren’t necessarily the evil people they have been portrayed to be, although their actions were absolutely abhorrent. — Tom E.

We compiled today’s newsletter using 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 photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s the week. Appreciate you hanging with me for a good chunk of it. Here’s to smokeless skies and Schwarbombs all weekend. We’ll catch you on Monday. — Kerith

One of the coolest things we’ve seen this week (in addition to another heroic comeback by Argentina in the late stages of a World Cup match) was a moment before the fifth inning at the MLB All-Star Game inside Citizens Bank Park.

If you’ve ever seen the 1993 baseball film The Sandlot, you vividly remember the scene where the ragtag group of boys who only wanted to play baseball used the lights of a neighborhood July 4 fireworks display to get a game in.

That iconic moment was recreated Tuesday night as a group of Philly-area kids rode onto the field at the Bank on bicycles in front of thousands of onlookers — including the All-Star players on hand. Inquirer writer Gabriela Carroll caught up with a few of the 11 boys who got to hang with baseball’s biggest stars while recreating an unforgettable scene in the process.

Also, we take a look at who was dressed to impress during this week’s red carpet event for the All-Star Game as well. I wish I had better news about the weather, but if you’re pining for a cooler day, know that we’re looking at partly cloudy skies with highs approaching the mid-90s.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’s your favorite sports movie? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Pay to play

Trevor Zegras isn’t going anywhere. Late Wednesday, news broke that Zegras inked a four-year extension and a whopping $36.5 million. It comes at the perfect time as Zegras is coming off a season in which he ranked high among the team leaders in points (67) and goals (26).

Earlier on Wednesday, the Flyers announced a few of their games to begin the 2026-27 season. The team will open at home against Keystone State rival Pittsburgh Penguins on Sept. 30, then head up the turnpike the next night to face the New Jersey Devils. The full 84-game NHL schedule will release at 1 p.m. today.

Get to know the newbies

All summer long, a team of Eagles reporters has been assessing the intangibles of a crop of new talent trying to crack head coach Nick Sirianni’s 53-man roster. In the latest version, Olivia Reiner breaks fifth-round pick Cole Payton, a lefty quarterback from North Dakota State, and an undrafted rookie safety who is also from the Dakotas vying for a roster spot.

Waiting on LeBron

LeBron James has been everywhere — and nowhere — during the NBA Summer League.

It has been more than two weeks since the all-time great told the Los Angeles Lakers that he will play somewhere else during the 2026-27 season. Yet as the NBA’s prominent figures converged in Sin City, more speculation than actual insight has percolated about where that next destination will be — and the 76ers’ status as a contender.

Gina Mizell, who was in Las Vegas covering the Sixers’ summer league team, has more on the James waiting game, first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr.’s creativity, and more takeaways from the on-court action.

Sports snapshot

• Badgers coming: Villanova and Wisconsin will meet for the second consecutive season, but this time in South Philly.
• Eagles owner honored: Jeffrey Lurie received the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award on Tuesday for his work with the Eagles Autism Foundation and the Lurie Autism Institute.

On this date

July 16, 1994: The first airing of Baseball Night in America drops on ABC with broadcaster Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, Tim McCarver, and Lesley Visser as a sideline reporter.

David Murphy’s take …

“I can name a half dozen other stadiums that are worth a special trip. Each is unique in its own way. Yet they all have one thing in common. They aren’t Citizens Bank Park. I don’t know if the whole world saw it on Tuesday night. But anybody who attended sure did. The 68 players. The two coaching staffs. The nearly 50,000 fans who packed the rows and the aisles and seemingly every square inch of concourse.” — David Murphy’s latest takes a look at just how impressive Citizens Bank Park performed, given the spotlight for MLB All-Star week.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

VICEK NOMIGGLEN

This MLB All-Star had quite the night soaking in all of the festivities — from the comfort of Philadelphia, just a few miles from his hometown. This one should be a layup. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.

What you’re saying about the Phillies

We asked: With the All-Star Game behind us, what would you like to see the Phillies do at the trade deadline?

The Phillies’ biggest trade deadline needs are quality middle relievers, a fifth starter, and a right-handed power hitter. With what the Phillies have to offer in return, I am very skeptical that they will achieve much. — Everett S.

Clearly, the Phillies need a fifth starter (please, no more bullpen games!). In addition, a right-handed outfield bat with some pop and a set-up reliever, we can no longer trust [Orion] Kerkering or [José] Alvarado. — Bob C.

Get Mike Trout and a starting pitcher. — Tom M.

The Phils can use a lot of things: A right-handed power bat, a starting pitcher, and at least one relief pitcher. The farm system is not overflowing, and I am afraid that giving up too much will bankrupt the farm system. Despite that, my first choice would be to bring Mike Trout home. — Richard F.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jackie Spiegel, David Murphy, Olivia Reiner, Gabriela Carroll, Gina Mizell, Mia Messina, Own Hewitt, and Conor Smith.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

I’ll be back to get your weekend started tomorrow as well. But live in the now and enjoy today, Philly. — Kerith

Kevin McGonigle was home, and he was worried.

No, not worried about missing curfew — though the 21-year-old rookie was back sleeping in his childhood bed. The Delco native and Bonner-Prendergast alumnus was worried his own people would boo him during the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. He was in a Detroit Tigers uniform, after all.

No matter. He was treated to a warm welcome and then helped the American League to a 4-0 win over the National League. And before the action, he got to meet one of his childhood heroes, Chase Utley.

The stars from the “senior circuit” managed just three hits, none of which came off the bats of Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, or Brandon Marsh. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez allowed three runs in the first inning that proved to be all the AL needed.

But it was still a night to remember for the Phillies contingent.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Now with the All-Star Game behind us, what would you like to see the Phillies do at the trade deadline? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Phantastic Phans

Like we said, the NL team didn’t exactly light up the night in South Philly. But inside the stadium, the vibes were electric for Phillies fans and out-of-towners alike — booing and all.

And even if you couldn’t get into Citizens Bank Park for the marquee events of the past couple days, there was plenty to do in town. One of those free events was the red carpet at Independence Park. We can catch you up on the highlights, including some of the best outfits for the players and their families. The Schwarbers’ family ’fit was super cute!

Baseball bigwigs also discussed some heavy topics, too, from Harper’s video that was used by FanDuel to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

Next: The Phillies are back in action tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park against the New York Mets (7:10 p.m., ESPN). Christian Scott (2-1, 3.17 ERA) will face a Phillies starter to be determined.

Gansey’s gains

It’s been a whirlwind for Mike Gansey.

First, a new job. Then, it was off to the Bahamas to see standout guard VJ Edgecombe in action. This past week, he’s been getting a look at first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. in summer league action.

Oh, and in between, he pulled off a blockbuster trade with the rival Boston Celtics and brought in Jaylen Brown in exchange for Paul George and draft picks.

In the meantime, his family still needs to find a house in the area.

Gansey sat down with The Inquirer to go over the past few weeks and take us inside the Brown deal.

Next: Summer league action continues today against the Orlando Magic (4 p.m., ESPNU) at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Got that Dawg in him

It’s almost time for another season, and there sure have been a lot of new names to get to know ahead of camp. Whether they’re entering their first NFL season or are in the twilight of their careers, we’ll break down all you need to know about each newcomer.

Today’s duo will aim to man the trenches on either side of the ball, and one of them is yet another Georgia Bulldog drafted by Howie Roseman and Co.

Next: The NFL season is fast approaching, and the Eagles will report to training camp on July 28.

Tip of the iceberg

Development camp is in the rear-view mirror, and preseason is still a ways away. But that doesn’t mean the hockey world is asleep.

The Athletic recently published its assessment of the NHL’s top 100 prospects, notably the Flyers’ Porter Martone at No. 3. And, while the Flyers didn’t have much representation on the list, Martone wasn’t alone, and a Penn State product topped the rankings.

On this date

While the scene at Citizens Bank Park was festive last night, the scene on this night 19 years ago surely wasn’t as jubilant as the Phillies became the first American professional sports team to lose 10,000 games on July 15, 2007.

The St. Louis Cardinals won, 10-2, on that “steamy” night at Citizens Bank Park, and future Hall of Famer Scott Rolen scored the game’s first run. The Phils won the NL East that season — and won it all a year later — but July 15 will always bear a bit of a stain. If you want to take a walk down memory lane, here’s our story from that night.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

DASHE NAWU

This former top prospect out of Ohio State is doing what he can to crack the Eagles roster at the cornerback position after an unsuccessful go at a few other spots. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct. Answer: Shaun Wade.

🧠 Trivia time answer

We asked you: With the MLB All-Star Game leading off tonight, we wanted to know how many Phillies players have hit a home run in a game?

Answer: D, Five. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto hit the last one during the 2023 All-Star Game at Coors Field in Colorado, but his blast was the first one by a Phillies player in 31 years and was just the fifth all-time since the inception of the event.

What you’re saying about All-Star games

We asked: Which sport do you think delivers the best All-Star event?

Baseball. All star games in the other sports are more like glorified practices. — Richard V.

There is no doubt about it, baseball has the best all star event of any major sport. — Stuart P.

Major League Baseball’s All-Star game is by far the best. The history alone is special and has been since the first one at Comisky Park in 1933. Babe Ruth played in 2, but the record for most appearances goes to Hank Aaron with 25 closely followed by Stan Musial and Willie Mays. The NBA AS game is fun to watch too, but no match for baseball’s best. — Everett S.

The only All Star game worth watching is baseball. The two teams compete and actually care if they win the game. Basketball and hockey All Star games are a farce where no one bothers playing defense. Football is a complete abomination where they don’t even play the sport they are paid to play. Pro football players playing flag football? Not worth the time to watch. — Tom E.

MLB by default. The NBA are not really games. No defense. More like pick-up games at the playground. The NHL are shoot out’s with no checking. The NFL stopped their real All Star games as they didn’t want any injuries and settled for “flag football.” Now baseball is the real thing. Last nights Home Run Derby will be hard to beat. All 8 players last night wanted to win the contest. The winner last night had ice in his veins. He would sure look good in a Phillies uniform! The players in the NBA, NFL & NHL couldn’t care less on who wins what. As a paying fan, I also couldn’t care less and will not attend or watch their stupid All Star events on TV. The baseball All Star events are IMO fun & interesting. — Ronald R.

None are very good. Baseball used to have the best until interleague play, and now it’s kind of so what? The NFL is ridiculous, the NBA is ridiculous, and the NHL, I really don’t follow but may soon if the Flyers decide to become competitive — Bill M.

All of the four major sports have evolved into multi-day events with different types of skills competition. I love the tradition of MLB baseball with the NL vs the AL, though it has been somewhat diminished with the advent of inter-league play. As a kid, I would keep score of the game and get frustrated with the multiple substitutions. The other sports are now mere showcases. — Bob C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gabriela Carroll, Ariel Simpson, Lochlahn March, Matt Breen, Scott Lauber, Gina Mizell, Ryan Novozinsky, Mia Messina, and Sam Carchidi.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! Kerith will be back in your inboxes tomorrow morning. — Maria

Think about it. Only eight batters competed in last night’s MLB Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, and two of them were Phillies — one a Commissioner’s Pick in Bryce Harper.

Speaking of Harper, he’s picking up the pieces from a different spectacle at the moment, but let’s keep it to what’s on tap now, and that is tonight, back at the ballpark for the MLB All-Star Game (8 p.m., FOX).

Ahead of that, Inquirer writer Scott Lauber sat down with one of the best to ever do it in Phillies pinstripes, former slugger Ryan Howard. The two talked about everything from his time taking part in an All-Star week to Kyle Schwarber chasing down his home run record. It’s a great read to start your Tuesday, but if you’re more of the visual type, you can watch their conversation right here.

Speaking of Tuesday, we’re looking at a carbon copy of yesterday, with clear skies and highs in the mid-90s. Sounds like a steamy midsummer classic is on the horizon, y’all.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Which sport do you think delivers the best All-Star event? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

A man like Marsh

It’s not just that Brandon Marsh has become a beloved figure among fans and most notably in the clubhouse, but that he actually has teammates who are playing the role of proud dad watching him come up through the ranks to what will tonight be his first MLB All-Star appearance.

But it’s not just that he’s a good-natured, fun-loving guy, he’s also a baller. A dive into his stats and you’ll see that the left-handed Marsh has been a .300 hitter since May of last year, and currently sits with a .301 average and an .829 OPS.

Even more amazing is that there was a portion of time last year when we were talking about the slump he was in. Inquirer writer Lochlahn March takes a look at Marsh and why he’s a hard man to dislike.

What we’re…

🤔 Wondering: Is Makai Lemon feeling any pressure from all of the “ready to replace A.J. Brown” comparisons?

👀 Watching: Sixers forward Johni Broome as he continues to rehab and refocus from an unexpected injury.

⚽ Sharing: The U.S. women’s national soccer team will play Spain at Subaru Park in Chester in October.

👏🏽 Applauding: Chase Utley coming back to Philly to dish out slices of tomato pie at Sarcone’s Bakery yesterday.

‘That would be amazing’

VJ Edgecombe was already “shocked” at the Sixers going after — and obtaining — former Celtics forward Jaylen Brown during the NBA’s free agency period. Now, he’s holding his breath for the possibility that the Sixers will win again in their still-ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, one of Edgecombe’s basketball idols.

“I like it,” Edgecombe said at the Sixers’ Summer League practice in Las Vegas. “It’s LeBron James. At the end of the day, despite how old he is, he’s still, to me, the greatest player of all time. If I get to play alongside LeBron, that would be amazing.”

So how realistic is it, really? It’s what we’re evaluating with our Bron-o-Meter, updating as we get the latest news, reports, and rumors on where King James might take his talents next.

Road trip

When Detroit slugger Kevin McGonigle made it to The Show, few people were happier than teachers and administrators at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School.

They desperately tried to get to a game to see the Delco native, but each notion was interrupted by a school event, except one: a game on July between the Tigers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. So 55 members of the school’s community got on a bus and went to the game to see McGonigle, who rewarded them with a 422-foot home run.

Now, they have the opportunity to see him in Philly as he was named to the All-Star roster for the American League. Inquirer writer Alex Coffey tells this awesome story of planning, preparation, and a little bit of luck.

On this date

July 14, 1951: Today marks the first time a sporting event was televised in color. The station was CBS, and the first-ever sport to go full color? Horse racing. 🏇🏼

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

DASHE NAWU

This former top prospect out of Ohio State is doing what he can to crack the Eagles roster at the cornerback position after an unsuccessful go at a few other spots. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.

🧠 Trivia time

With the MLB All-Star Game leading off tonight, we wanted to know how many Phillies players have hit a home run in a game. The number was surprising, even to us.

A) Three

B) Nine

C) Seven

D) Five

What you’re saying about the MLB All-Star Game

We asked: What is your favorite part of the MLB All-Star Game?

My favorite part of the All-Star game, especially as a young fan, was seeing all these great players together. Seeing Stan Musial and Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, the great Willie Mays, and our own Robin Roberts, Mike Schmidt, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Steve Carlton, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, and on and on. And of course, years back, the players from the two leagues only played each other at the All-Star game and the World Series. An all-time favorite All-Star moment was Johnny Callison’s walk-off in New York in 1964. — Everett S.

I personally love watching the Phillies players who make the team. As a lifelong Phillies fan in a baseball-crazed family, in addition to my favorite part of the whole weekend being the Home Run Derby and all of the smaller events leading up to it, but I do get joy in watching a Phillies player do well in the game. Here’s hoping we get [Kyle] Schwarber, [Bryce] Harper, or [Brandon] Marsh to hit an absolute tank and give us something to be proud of. — Harold W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Ryan Novozinsky, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Conor Smith.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.