Category: Sports Daily

Good news: The NFL preseason is over.

Bad news: The regular season is still over a week away. (The Super Bowl also happens to land on Valentine’s Day, but that could be a good thing for you.)

OK, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here, though it’s not too early to plan that romantic spread of … wings and beer? But before that, we’ve got a regular season to contest. And two games are of particular note.

In recent seasons, the Eagles’ performance against the Dallas Cowboys has been a barometer for how their season will go. In 2023, a 20-point loss spelled trouble. In 2024, they outscored Dallas, 75-13. Need I remind you of how that season ended?

Cowboys week always carries a little more weight. And as we wait for the 2026 season to kick off for real, David Murphy dives into just how much those games matter.

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

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓Which is more exciting, NFL Week 1 or MLB opening day? Why? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Making Lemon-ade

Makai Lemon didn’t make waves at OTAs. Then he dealt with injuries throughout camp and struggled in his lone preseason game.

But don’t hit the panic button just yet. His coaches sure aren’t.

“It’s really just timing,” wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead said. “That’s really the big thing is this timing and getting on the same page with everybody and making sure that they’re kind of pressing forward.”

Lemon may be in the dawn of his career, but some of his teammates are in their prime. And eight of them, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, landed in ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 NFL players.

Next: Preseason games are over, the initial 53-man roster is set, and now the wait is on for the season opener. The regular season kicks off vs. the Washington Commanders on Sept. 13 (4:25 p.m., Fox29).

Staying hot

After a blazing August, Bryce Harper stayed red-hot on the first day of September.

The Phillies right fielder posted a .333 batting average and 1.069 OPS last month, and kept things rolling on Tuesday with a 4-for-4 game against the Diamondbacks in the team’s 7-1 win. Harper’s big night gave the Phillies their sixth win in a row and sole possession of the National League’s top wild card spot.

Next: Day baseball? Day baseball. The Phillies wrap up their series in Arizona with a matinee today (3:40 p.m., NBCSP). Andrew Painter (3-8, 5-95 ERA) will face a Diamondbacks starter to be determined.

Spirit of a Lion

On Christmas mornings while growing up in Northeast Ohio, Matt and Scott Campbell had a yearly tradition.

Most kids got hyped up for presents, but the Campbells’ priority was getting in a game of football, even in the snow.

Scott “never won these games.”

What started in an Ohio yard gave rise to a life dedicated to football, one full of wins on and off the field as Matt Campbell went from Division III star at Mount Union (yes, that Mount Union that produced Eagles coach Nick Sirianni) to history-making coach at Toledo and Iowa State. Now, it’s time for the biggest stage of his career as head coach at Penn State.

Next: Penn State opens its season, the first of the Campbell era, vs. Marshall on Saturday (3:30 p.m., FS1).

More Sixers reinforcements

It might not feel like it yet, but the 76ers’ season is right around the corner. Training camp opens Sept. 29, and the Sixers have started to prepare. They added three new players on Exhibit 10 deals, including Jameer Nelson Jr., the son of executive vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. Saint Thomas and Tacko Fall, who previously played with Jaylen Brown in Boston, round out the newest Sixers faces.

This has been a summer of reinforcements for the Sixers, who created quite a splash when they added Brown, LeBron James, Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Inquirer learned a little more about Caldwell-Pope, as beat reporter Gina Mizell got intel from an Orlando Magic beat writer who covered the new Sixer. Unfortunately, we also learned that Caldwell-Pope’s new apartment in Philly flooded after being hit by lightning.

🧠 Trivia time answer

How many NFL teams kept four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man rosters this year?

Answer: B: 4. The Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Eagles have four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man rosters.

What you’re saying about the Phillies

We asked: Would you rather see the Phillies win the division or stay in the wild card series to avoid rust?

Win the division; playing the Cubs in the wild card is no gimme. — Richard V.

The Phillies need to win the NL East to have any real meaningful opportunity at another World Series. The opportunity to have additional rest and a higher seed for this team isn’t just preferable — it’s essential. — Michael L.

Definitely win the division. Overtaking the Braves this late in the season will bring with it a ton of momentum and confidence that will make the Phillies a nightmare for any opponent in the playoffs. No team will want to play them resulting in a huge mental advantage for the Phillies. — Bob A.

Don’t want any parts of a wild card series. Way too many things can happen and they are all bad. At least if you lose a couple games in a divisional series, you’re still in it. — Ronald R.

Normally I think rest is better for any team that knows what it’s doing — but this rare stretch of the Phils bats en masse being sensible and flexible at the plate feels so precious that, well, I guess yeah in fact I worry about them forgetting how they’re doing it. Still, the fun of yoinking the division from Atlanta in the final stretch would be worth it in itself. — D. Stone

My preference is always to win the division. Home games are so valuable! Given the Brewers and Dodgers are likely the top two seeds, the winner of the East will play in the best of three wild card round. Let’s push for the Division crown and gear up the Bank! Bob C.

I don’t think the Phillies will have a choice. As much as I would like to see them win the division I do not think they will overhaul the Braves. This upcoming series will for sure give us a clearer picture one way or the other. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from David Murphy, Ryan Novozinsky, Lauren Jones, Lochlahn March, Devin Jackson, Gabriela Carroll, Gina Mizell, and Chris Hine.

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 it for today! Thanks for reading along. I’ll be back tomorrow for some day baseball and more of the best from Philly sports. — Maria

If you’re even the tiniest bit superstitious, then you’ll love the story we handpicked to lead off this final Friday in August.

Because what if I told you that there’s a fan out there who believes his decision to bring an ear of corn to Phillies games helped spark the Phillies’ nine-game win streak and is the perceived reason for Kyle Schwarber’s walk-off winner against the Cardinals last Sunday?

That’s only part of the story of Phillies fan Luke Butler, whose affinity for corn meeting baseball at Citizens Bank Park started 22 years earlier with a yellow T-shirt and an ode to former Flyers turned WIP voice turned Flyers president Keith Jones.

Confused? So were we, but the more you read this latest from Inquirer writer Alex Coffey, the more you realize there might be something to the maize this story unfolds into.

See what we did there?

Rain is once again in the forecast with highs reaching the 80s today. And if you’re wondering what the weather will be for Sunday’s return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, we have that too.

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

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓Have a favorite sports superstition? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

The best of Harper?

Objectively, without a trace of recency bias, Bryce Harper is having his best month in seven years with the Phillies, Inquirer writer Scott Lauber writes. Entering play Friday, with four games left in August, he has gotten on base in 55 of 108 plate appearances, a mind-bending .509 clip, and reached in 29 consecutive games, the longest streak of his career.

Harper’s surge — which has coincided with his move back to right field — has showcased what the star does when he’s at his best. And that means focusing on hitting better pitches.

Next: The Phillies open a series in Anaheim against the Angels tonight (9:38 p.m., NBCSP). Andrew Painter (3-6, 6.04 ERA) will start opposite lefty Reid Detmers (4-8, 3.62).

What we’re …

🤔 Wondering: Will Harper’s impressive August parlay into September?

🔥 Thinking: These Taylor Swift-inspired basketball shoes by Nike, worn by Caitlin Clark, are actually pretty fire.

🚴🏻 Sharing: The best spots to watch this weekend’s return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.

👏🏽 Applauding: The Toronto Raptors’ intention to retire the jersey of former Sixers guard and Villanova great Kyle Lowry on Jan 10.

🏈 Surmising: That Temple head coach K.C. Keeler still has no clue who will definitively line up under center in the Owls’ season opener.

Back … in black

When Za’Darius Smith played his last game with the Eagles on Oct. 9, 2025, it capped an 11-year run in the NFL. But his decision to leave had nothing to do with the wear and tear the sport can take on a body.

“Got a phone call from my mom’s doctor telling me that she doesn’t have much longer to be on this Earth,” Smith said. “So, I let the team know. Obviously, they weren’t trying to let me leave but that was the only thing I had left, to retire. So, I retired. Dealt with that. After losing my mom, I lost my grandma. Then after my grandma, I just lost my dad. So, y’all obviously know what I’ve been through.”

Now, Smith has found his way back into the league, but it won’t be with the Eagles. He signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons last week and, as Inquirer writer Ariel Simpson explains, is hoping his return to the gridiron offers a well-timed fresh start.

Pressure cooker

Union interim manager Ryan Richter feels like enough time has passed to understand the locker room he inherited after the club dismissed Bradley Carnell just before the World Cup break.

He also knows that there’s enough time to turn around an embarrassing start to the 2026 season with 13 games remaining before the MLS playoffs begin.

The unknowns are still omnipresent. Can the Union sustain a run that’s seen them unbeaten in their last six MLS matches? If they do, could he have his interim tag removed?

Ask him, as Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald did, and Richter will tell you the only thing he’s dwelling on is an upcoming showdown with Red Bull New York, the team that kickstarted that six-game streak on Saturday (7:30 p.m., Apple TV).

On this date

Aug. 28, 2025: It was on this day just one year ago, Kyle Schwarber crushed four home runs and finished with a team-record nine RBIs in the Phillies’ 19-4 rout of the Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

The week started as one to savor after the Phillies orchestrated a ninth-inning rally for the ages. But was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Philly sports. Fortunately, our photo editors captured a good bit of it and compiled our best shots from the last seven days to share with you, our readers.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

HER LETTSAPP

This venue will be the center of the college basketball universe in the city again as teams are lining up to pay homage to 100 years of hoops inside the famed arena. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.

What you’re saying about events in Philly

We asked: What former Philly events would you like to see return?

It would be neat to see Philadelphia host a college football bowl game again. The city had the Liberty Bowl for a while before it moved to Memphis. I guess weather concerns might prevent it from happening, but if the Eagles ever built a domed stadium, they could certainly do it. — Everett S.

I was always a big fan of the Army-Navy Game here. That was a great tradition. I know it’s got to go to other parts of the country, but does it? It just felt like its home was always in Philadelphia and especially at the Linc. — Mike S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Ariel Simpson, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, Lochlahn March, Mike Livingston, Chris Hine, Conor Smith, Anthony R. Wood, Jasen Lo, 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.

Have a great weekend, Philly. We’ll catch you on Monday. Until then, enjoy the games. — Kerith

It’s been a decade, but this weekend the Philly Cycling Classic returns, thanks to the efforts of an Old City salon owner, a former mayor, and an entrepreneur who used to live in Manayunk, which is home to the race’s most famous (infamous?) stretch — and the most recognizable climb in American cycling — The Wall.

The race’s revival was years in the making, and riders will be coming from all over the globe to compete. But one competitor merely needs to walk a few blocks from his parents’ house, just off Levering St., to join the peloton: Robin Carpenter, who first summited The Wall as an 11-year-old, and attended the race each year as a kid. He even sold lemonade to spectators, who often suggested he could make more money if he added liquor, as that steep stretch also served as the race’s unofficial party headquarters.

On Sunday, however, Carpenter will be without the man responsible for his racing career, former Masterman teacher Kevin Saint Clair. He encouraged Carpenter to give the sport a try, and offered the then-teenager a spot on his cycling team, but Saint Clair died in 2023 when he was hit by a car while riding his bike.

“He forever lives on in my memory as the guy who pushed me forward into the sport,” the 34-year-old Carpenter said.

Carpenter won’t be alone, however, as his parents, John and Julia, will be out along the rail, rooting for their son and ringing some cowbells from their massive collection to help spur him on. If you’re also planning on attending the race, which is free, and cheering on the only Philly native in the men’s field, then we’ve got you covered with a spectators’ guide to the race, featuring everything from the best vantage points to etiquette tips for first timers.

— Matt Mullin, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓What other former Philly events would you like to see return? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

All the small things

Zack Wheeler’s recent struggles on the mound — he allowed a season-high eight runs Monday night and his ERA is 8.51 over his last six starts — might feel like a big thing for a Phillies team that is currently in a playoff race and has designs on returning to the World Series for the first time since 2022. But the fix, according to pitching coach Caleb Cotham, involves correcting the “small things.”

That includes Wheeler’s arm slot, which they noticed after comparing recent video to footage of the starter over the last five seasons. Cotham said Wheeler, whose next scheduled start is Sunday, is just “a click off.”

On the other end of the spectrum is Bryce Harper, who has been red-hot this month and kept the Phillies from being swept in Seattle — with a little help from Kyle Schwarber’s MLB-leading 40th home run.

Next: Following an off day on Thursday, the Phillies head to Arizona for a three-game series against the Diamondbacks. First up is Andrew Painter (3-8, 6.04 ERA) vs. lefty Reid Detmers (4-8, 3.62) on Friday night (9:38 p.m., NBCSP).

What we’re …

• 🤔 Wondering: What does Brett Brown think of this Sixers’ offseason, eight years after he first tried to land LeBron in Philly.
• 🎾 Discovering: Why the Philly Open, held this week on Penn’s campus, was able to draw such a solid field of players.
• 📺 Watching: The new UConn documentary on Apple TV, which featured Norristown native Geno Auriemma’s time at Bishop McDevitt High School.
• 🗓️ Marking: Our calendars, with some of Villanova’s biggest nonconference basketball games this season.
• 🦉 Appreciating: The culture shift at Temple under head football coach K.C. Keeler, which is perhaps most evident in the linebackers room.

That’s a wrap

Believe it or not, Wednesday was technically the Eagles’ final training camp session of 2026. They’ll have a walkthrough on Thursday before playing their final preseason game against the Bengals on Friday night at the Linc (8 p.m., CBS3). Oh, and the deadline for trimming the roster to 53 players is Sunday evening.

So where is Jalen Hurts, who has not played this preseason, with his command of the new-look offense under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion? In a “good spot,” the quarterback said, a month after saying things the offense was still “calibrating.” Hurts wouldn’t label the offense, but believes that will come from Mannion as they continue to prepare for the Sept. 13 opener against the Commanders.

“As you see who you have on your team and you begin to progress forward, you hone things down and you say, ‘This is who we are. This is how I want to lead it,’” Hurts said. “So I think that’s where Sean is. And a lot of that is, it’s up for him to mold and put together so in the end, we can go out there and be in the best position to win.”

Self improvement

While the Sixers rightfully stole most of the offseason headlines with the splashy additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, the Flyers almost made a cannonball-sized of their own. OK, maybe not LeBron-level, but after a surprise playoff run last season, the team tendered a $90 million offer sheet to Ducks star Leo Carlsson. Unfortunately for Flyers fans, Anaheim matched the offer and kept Carlsson on the West Coast, leaving Danny Brière’s offseason haul looking much more mediocre.

The Flyers, who still landed 19 national TV games this season, added some depth, sure. But the Carlsson offer showed that the organization believes it’s ready to contend again. And their additions don’t necessarily match those ambitions. Instead, Brière and Co. are banking on internal improvements from their own young players (and they have plenty). Here are five they definitely need to take a step forward this season if they hope to recapture the magic from the spring.

Like father, like son

Head football coach Brett Gordon is following in his father’s footsteps with the La Salle Explorers, where he took over after the 2023 death of famed coach Drew Gordon. As a teen, Brett played for Drew, then was the offensive coordinator at La Salle.

Now, a third Gordon is lining up under center for the Explorers: Luke, a junior, and yes, he’s Brett’s son. And the expectations are high — not just because of his last name. The team is coming off a state championship last season, but the majority of their starters graduated, and a tough schedule lies ahead. But the bond between father and son endures.

Luke’s hope is “to be maybe as good as [his dad] one day. I would love to have an opportunity to go play at some of the schools I could play at,” he said. “His legacy to me is something that I really cherish, and I want to keep carrying the name.”

Marcus Hayes’ take

There’s a battle raging for the No. 2 quarterback position on the Eagles, but Andy Dalton vs. Tanner McKee isn’t inspiring much confidence for columnist Marcus Hayes, who is a bit concerned about the state of the Eagles QB factory.

“The Eagles used to value the backup quarterback position, perhaps more than any other team in the NFL. Looking at their roster in 2025 and 2026, it’s hard to believe they still do,” Hayes wrote in his latest column.

“This might not matter at all, except Eagles starter Jalen Hurts gets hurt a lot, and quarterbacks are the most important players in all of team sports.”

That the team doesn’t have a “viable” backup when there were such options available to them, adds Hayes, is the fault of Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman.

On this date

Bobby Abreu won a Home Run Derby in his career and hit 288 homers in his career, but on Aug. 27, 2000, the former Phillies outfielder did something quite rare: He hit a walk-off, inside-the-park home run, lifting Philly to a 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants in 10 innings at Veterans Stadium. It was the first of its kind in Major League Baseball since Derek Jeter in 1996. Making the feat even more impressive was that Abreu also scored the Phillies’ only other run — on a solo home run in the sixth inning.

What you’re saying about your favorite jerseys

We asked: What’s your favorite jersey that you’ve ever owned?

“[My] favorite is a green St. Patrick’s Day version of Steve Carlton’s jersey.” — Uri M.

“The only jersey I have ever owned is a vintage orange Flyers jersey from 1973. My mom surprised me with the jersey, absent the logo. We later found one and my grandmother stitched it on, initially upside down.” — Bob C.

“My favorite jersey is my kelly green No. 17 Harold Carmichael retro jersey.” — Don R.

“Brian Dawkins without a doubt, but I have plenty of stuff related to Kelce.” — Bill M.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Jasen Lo, Gabriela Carroll, Ariane Datil, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, Devin Jackson, Jeff Neiburg, Mike Livingston, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Gustav Elvin, Isabella DiAmore, and Marcus Hayes.

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. Kerith will be back for Friday’s newsletter. — Matt

For all we know, LeBron James hasn’t even put on a Sixers jersey yet. It’s been just over a month since he announced his plans to spend the final chapter of his career in Philly, but the city’s biggest superstar has yet to be introduced to his new fan base. At least officially.

The lack of a formal introduction hasn’t slowed the hype train surrounding the Sixers and especially James, whose decision to bring his talents to the City of Brotherly Love shocked the basketball world and fired up the fan base. The four-time MVP quickly surpassed Shohei Ohtani for the most jerseys sold by an athlete who had just changed teams, according to Fanatics. And as they began flying of the shelves, both virtually and in real life, there were even unfounded rumors of ravenous fans stealing them.

But, like trying to find a Cabbage Patch doll — or a Tickle Me Elmo or, god forbid, a Turbo Man action figure — on Christmas Eve, fans were running out of options both online and in-person. So on Tuesday, the Sixers opened their team store at Xfinity Mobile Arena, which is typically open only on game days, and offered up a fresh batch of merchandise ahead of the upcoming season … including blue-and-red LeBron jerseys. The store will be open again today.

Unsurprisingly, fans were lined up before the doors open to get their hands on the season’s hottest gear. And when they got inside, they were greeted by a party atmosphere — one they hope continues all the way to down Broad Street next spring.

— Matt Mullin, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓What’s your favorite jersey that you’ve ever owned? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Safety Dance

Marcus Epps knows you’re not guaranteed tomorrow in the NFL. The 29-year-old Eagles safety was forced to ponder the finish line just a year ago, when the Patriots cut him months after ACL surgery prematurely ended his 2024 season with the Raiders.

But the Eagles, for whom Epps had played from 2019-22, threw him a lifeline to rejoin the team via the practice squad. Injuries eventually landed him a starting job, and Epps enters 2026 as the probable starter at safety. It’s an improbable journey he’s thankful for.

“I’m just grateful,” Epps said earlier this week. ”I don’t take any day for granted, and I’m truly blessed to be here, right where I want to be. I’m just trying to keep my head down and grinding every day.”

As the Eagles, who held their only open practice at the Linc on Tuesday night, approach their third and final preseason game on Friday, we take a closer look at Epps’ focus.

What we’re …

• 🚴 Anticipating: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic makes its return this weekend after a decade absence. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know, including how a former mayor, a salon owner, and more helped bring the race back to life.
• 🧾 Following: The MLBPA said this week that it supports prohibiting players from appearing in marketing material for VIP sportsbook programs, like the one Bryce Harper appeared in for FanDuel that was sent to a customer with a gambling addiction.
• 🏀 Learning: The Big 5 Classic dates are set for the 2026 season, and there’s a big change on the women’s side.
• 🦁 Scheduling: Penn State announced the date of its annual ‘White Out’ game.

Mattingly’s circle of trust

As the Phillies, who lost their second straight against the Mariners, attempt to cement a wild-card spot and close in on the division-leading Braves, the bullpen is coming into focus again, with relievers jockeying for position behind closer Jhoan Duran in interim manager Don Mattingly’s circle of trust.

Here’s what we know: Raley is earning more late-inning chances after being acquired in a deadline trade with the rival Mets. But hard-throwing rookie Alex McFarlane isn’t quite there yet.

Next: The Phillies wrap up their series in Seattle at 4:10 p.m. today (NBCSP). Jesús Luzardo (11-5, 3.35 ERA) will start against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (9-8, 4.10).

Serving up some experience

Penn senior Esha Velaga is going to be a doctor. Last week, she took her MCATs and has plans to pursue a career in the medical field. But this week? She was a professional tennis player.

Two days after sitting the MCAT, Velaga took the court at Penn’s Hamlin Tennis Center, which this week is hosting the Ennoble Care Philly Open, a WTA 125 event and the circuit’s first event in the city in two decades. And while she lost her qualifying match — in front of a packed crowd of Quaker teammates, coaches, and friends cheering her on — she got a second chance the next day with doubles partner Lara Stojanovski.

That match also ended in defeat, but both players believe the experience will pay dividends for the entire team, as Penn players served as hitting partners for the numerous professionals in town for the tournament.

“We can compete here, even though we haven’t been doing professional-level training,” Velaga said. “I think we’ll definitely use the momentum and the good energy as well, and bring it into our very high-energy college season, and just know that no matter what team we compete against, we always have a chance, and we’re in it.”

David Murphy’s take

Maybe the best thing that can happen to college sports’ integrity is everything that is happening to its integrity right now. It would be ironic, in a way. The NCAA is more than a decade into a series of logical premises and conclusions that was always going to lead power conferences like the SEC and Big Ten to where they are right now, columnist David Murphy writes.

Who said it?

This third-year Eagles player is having a standout camp, but he recently rejected the idea that he was in store for a “breakout” year — not because of his play, but because he doesn’t like that term for any player. (Hint: It’s not one of the players in the picture.) Check your answer here.

🧠 Trivia time answer

We asked: Which Flyers team went on a 35-game unbeaten streak?

Answer: D: 1979-80. Comprised of a collective of veteran minor-leaguers, top prospects, and a few faces from the franchise’s 1974-75 Stanley Cup champion team, the 1979-80 Flyers had a 35-game unbeaten streak and headed into the NHL Playoffs that year on a high, before losing it all in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Mia Messina, Jeff Neiburg, David Gambacorta, Gabriela Carroll, Ariel Simpson, Conor Smith, Devin Jackson, Scott Lauber, Jeff McLane, David Murphy, and Olivia Reiner.

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 staying up to date with Philly sports. We’ll return for Thursday’s newsletter. — Matt

Regardless of whether you stayed up late last night to watch the end of the Phillies’ first of 10 games out on the West Coast or you didn’t, chances are Sunday’s walk-off winner is still very much on the mind.

That game, an unreal six-run, two-out ninth-inning stretch that saw the Phillies beat the Cardinals, was the club’s ninth win since before they stepped out of an Iowa cornfield to put a hurt on the Twins during the Field of Dreams game.

The Phillies entered last night’s game against Seattle first in the major leagues with a .370 on-base percentage for the month of August. In July, they were dead last with a .303 OBP. None of this makes any sense, but taking the ride for our amusement all season has been Inquirer writer Scott Lauber, who breaks down what is going on and how long it could last in this video.

And before this hits its sell-by date, if you’ll indulge us with reliving the sound of that walk-off just one more time …

You’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t step outside today. Expect temperatures in the upper 70s under clear skies on this final Tuesday in August.

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

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓What’s the coolest Philly sports moment you witnessed live? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

‘It felt great’

Imagine being a rookie. The pressure is there even if everyone insists it’s not. Now, imagine being a rookie with all of that pressure, and you can’t play … because of an injury … during preseason.

If you can imagine all of that, you would have taken a step in the shoes of new Eagles wideout Makai Lemon, who is hustling to get on the field — again — following a hamstring injury. However, Lemon is back on the field, taking part in his first full practice on Monday.

So how’d it go? Here’s what he had to say about his recovery and itch to get back in time for this weekend’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.

What we’re…

🦅 Watching: Eagles reporter Jeff McLane answers your questions during this unCovering the Birds podcast special.

🤔 Wondering: How much of a ratings boost will LeBron James’ move to the Sixers really bring to Philly? Historically speaking, a lot.

📰 Reading: This breakdown of Enes Kanter’s series of stunts and what his stance means not just for Natasha Cloud and the WNBA.

🇮🇹 Wishing: We could have a week like Eagles security chief Big Dom DiSandro.

🏈 Sharing: All of Cam Jurgens’ side hustles in addition to being the Birds’ center. Jerky anyone?

Happy to be here

Win or lose, the boys of West Chester’s East Side Little League have already created core memories.

Representing the Mid-Atlantic in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., they got to hang out with professionals, meet players from around the world, and play under the lights for a nationally televised audience on ESPN. Unfortunately, their run in Williamsport came to an end on Monday with a 6-5 loss in extra innings.

Before that, a few players told us what has the experience been like.

Philly, special.

When the winners of the upcoming Philadelphia Cycling Classic accept their trophies this Sunday, they’ll be taking home a piece forged in Philly.

Avid cyclist and North Philly blacksmith John Rais was commissioned to create six trophies for the popular road race that returned for the first time in a decade. Well, actually he wasn’t commissioned.

He sort of commissioned himself after speaking with organizer Carlos Rogers, as the two discussed the cost of returning the race to Philly.

“I was like, ‘Carlos, I’ll make the trophies for free for you,’” Rais said. “‘I’ll just do that.’”

Inquirer writer Owen Hewitt has more on Rais, the race and what the winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions will be taking home.

On this date

Aug. 25, 1968: Arthur Ashe, who once had a tennis center named in his honor just outside of Manayunk to introduce the sport to scores of Philly-area kids, became the first Black player to win a U.S. Open title 58 years ago today.

Marcus Hayes’ take…

We’ll call it the Schwarber Era because it was Kyle Schwarber’s 459-foot, two-run, walk-off Schwar-bomb that extended the winning streak Sunday afternoon, and because, with due respect to Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler, Schwarber is the soul of this ballclub. The latest from Hayes examined the five reasons to believe in the Phillies again, even though it might make you go a little zany.

🧠 Trivia time

In 2019, former Inquirer writer Frank Fitzpatrick referred to this Flyers team as “the best to never win a championship,” after they went on a 35-game unbeaten streak that lasted 86 days.

A) 1972-73

B) 1991-92

C) 2008-09

D) 1979-80

What you’re saying about sports skills

We asked: Which sport has the most universal skill set?

It takes a lot of talent to play sports in Philadelphia, but perhaps none more than on skates and ice. The Flyers possess a universal skill set that not only requires that of the other sports — but to do so with an added level of complexity. — Michael L.

I think the most universal sport skills are those that go back to the beginning of our human existence, with man against man. [Think] combat sports, whether wrestling or boxing, and then running, throwing, swimming, and lifting, etc. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Scott Lauber, Jeff McLane, Marcus Hayes, Owen Hewitt, Becca O’Reilly, Rob Tornoe, Ariel Simpson, Olivia Reiner, 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.

That’s your Tuesday. Thanks for taking time out this AM. We’ll be back in your inbox bright and early tomorrow. — Kerith

It’s not just the pumpkin spice everything beginning to pop up on store shelves and coffee menus that’s signaling autumn’s impending arrival. It’s also the football. The Eagles are now two-thirds of the way through their preseason schedule, and by this time next week, the team’s initial 53-man roster will be set.

One of the players vying for a spot on that roster — and doing his best so far to earn one — is interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin. Originally signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent, the Eagles picked up Lampkin, who missed all of last season with injuries, after he was waived by Los Angeles.

But so far this summer, their low-risk bet on Lampkin appears like it could pay dividends, as he’s stood out in each of the Birds’ first two preseason games, including Saturday’s 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots. Even in practice, Lampkin has been causing problems for the starters he’s going up against.

“I call him a bowling ball of knives, ’cause he’s so short, he’s so small, he’s so stubby, but he is so quick and powerful and precise with his hands that for a taller guy like me, it gives me a lot of trouble,” defensive tackle Jordan Davis said. “It gives me a lot of fits. That’s one of the things that keeps me up at night with Willie. He has a certain tenacity about him when he goes and plays a game.”

According to Lampkin, that tenacity comes from his background as a high school wrestler. Olivia Reiner caught up with some of his former coaches, who reveal why the former state champ in football and wrestling is more than meets the eye.

— Matt Mullin, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓Which sport’s skill set is the most universal? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Don’t call it a comeback

Referring to the Phillies’ win Sunday as merely “a comeback” would be selling it way short. The Phillies trailed by four runs and were down to their final out — but they weren’t done yet. The team strung together a walk and a trio of hits to tie the game and put the winning run on base. Enter Kyle Schwarber.

The major-league leader in home runs fell behind 0-2, putting the Phillies down to their final strike. And even that wasn’t enough for Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien to get the job done.

Schwarber launched a two-run walk-off home run over the batters’ eye in center field, flipped his bat — and his helmet — and gave the Phillies their ninth straight win. Schwarber’s home run was his 39th of the season, and the team’s first walk-off homer since June 2023 (also Schwarber).

Don’t look now, but the Phillies haven’t lost since before their trip to Iowa for the Field of Dreams Game and are closing in on the Braves for the NL East lead.

Next: Zack Wheeler and the Phillies face Logan Gilbert and the Mariners (9:40 p.m., NBCSP) as they kick off a nine-game West Coast trip.

What we’re …

• 🏀 Learning: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, the daughter of Philly hoops pioneer Yolanda Laney, has been thriving with the Mystics since her shocking release by the Liberty.
• 🎾 Following: The Ennoble Care Philly Open, a WTA 125 event, is in Philly this week, and there are plenty of storylines to follow.
• 🍗 Remembering: A new documentary about Wing Bowl is coming. While it highlights some of the ugliness, it mostly chose to focus on the positives.

The final countdown

If any player is hoping to make a lasting impression on the Eagles’ decision-makers, he better hurry. The Birds are entering their final week of training camp and have just one preseason game remaining before the team’s initial 53-man roster is due Sunday by 6 p.m.

The latest audition for roster-bubble hopefuls came Saturday night in the Eagles’ 24-21 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, which saw Tanner McKee outplay veteran Andy Dalton in the battle for the Birds’ backup quarterback job. Was it enough for McKee to jump ahead of the 38-year-old QB on our latest roster projection?

With less than a week remaining before final cuts are due, here’s a look at who Jeff Neiburg thinks is in, and who he thinks is out.

Next: The Eagles host the Bengals in their final preseason game Friday night at Lincoln Financial Field (8 p.m., CBS).

A different perspective

A wild Sixers offseason has finally settled, after they stunningly signed LeBron James and traded for Jaylen Brown to vault into championship contender status.

To help Sixers fans get acquainted with the newcomers on this revamped roster, we reached out to reporters who covered those players on their previous teams.

First up, Gina Mizell spoke with The Athletic’s James Edwards III about Ariel Hukporti and what the former Knicks reserve center brings to Philly.

Soaking up the experience

Though off to a disappointing start after losing their opening game Friday, nothing could dampen the fun for West Chester’s East Side Little League team Sunday as they hung out with the pros alongside their teammates during the Little League World Series MLB Classic.

Players from the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves came to Williamsport before their specialty game Sunday evening to sign balls, give high-fives and even play ping pong with the 12-and-under players from around the world.

Get more details on the team’s experience.

Next: East Side faces elimination against the team from the Southeast — Alabama’s Phenix City Little League — tonight (7 p.m., ESPN).

David Murphy’s take

A little past 6 o’clock on Saturday evening, Andrew Painter delivered a couple of pitches that could have some serious implications for the Phillies. Both of them were four-seam fastballs that registered 97 mph on the gun and crossed home plate at the sternum of Cardinals leadoff hitter J.J. Weatherholt. The important thing is where those pitches ended up: inside the mitt of Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, rather than in play, or in the seats. Weatherholt swung at both. He did not make contact with either.

That two-pitch sequence may sound like a small thing. It mostly was, at least within the context of the game. But it was a very big thing with regard to the futures of both the Phillies and their prized pitching prospect. It was a reason to believe.

On this date

On Aug. 24, 1919, the Phillies were in Cleveland for what was shaping up to be a mostly ordinary game. They were facing pitcher Ray Caldwell, making his first start for the club after being waived by Boston and signing a contract in Cleveland that included one of the strangest clauses in sports history — it required him to get drunk after his starts.

Making that clause even stranger was that Caldwell’s career had been derailed largely by drinking problems. However, on that day, Caldwell appeared to be turning back the clock, and had the Phillies on their heels through the first eight innings, allowing just eight hits.

Like a certain character from Caddyshack, Caldwell’s impressive outing was abruptly cut short by Mother Nature — when he was directly struck by a bolt of lightning so powerful it caused his Cleveland teammates to dive to the ground and left Caldwell unconscious and electrified to the touch. Everyone thought he was dead.

But then Caldwell rose to his feet and demanded the ball back — “I have one more out to get,” he reportedly said.

He did just that, and picked up the win despite nearly losing his life. If there’s ever a game worth having a drink after, that’s it.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Alex Coffey, Jonathan Tannenwald, Gabriela Carroll, Matt Breen, Gina Mizell, Becca O’Reilly, and David Murphy.

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.

Some Philly athletes are household names, and there are some who should be. It’s the latter we hoped to explore when we created The Inquirer’s inaugural list of the 25 top athletes in Philly under 25.

Listen, it’s like Pokémon: You can’t catch them all, but we think you’ll find this list pretty robust across not just sports but levels of sport. From top pro athletes like Cooper DeJean to rising up-and-comers like women’s boxing sensation Natalie Dove, this is a good look at the young athletes to keep a close eye on as their careers are just beginning.

Not to be outdone, we have a list of:

• Who just missed the cut, and
• A look at Philly natives who are standouts away from home.

Also, did you see that LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown were in the lab this week? We saw it.

You’re waking up to what’s expected to be a nice day today with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s.

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

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓Thinking of someone we missed in our 25 under 25? Tell us at sports.daily@inquirer.com.

Birds eye view

The Eagles held the 14th open practice of their 2026 training camp on Thursday, the second of two joint practices with the Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. Eagles reporter Jeff McLane was there to give his latest observations along with others from the start of camp.

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown against the Pats (7 p.m., NFL Network), from Makai Lemon to Riq Woolen, McLane breaks down what he witnessed.

Stott taking to third

No matter where he is on the infield, Bryson Stott is only thinking about one thing.

It could be second base, where he started the season, or third, where he’s been playing since the trade deadline. But even back in college and the minor leagues, when Stott was primarily a shortstop, he was only focused on catching and throwing.

“Still an infielder, still on the dirt,” Stott said. “So, just catching and throwing it.”

Maybe that’s what made his transition to the other side of the diamond so seamless after the arrival of Luis Arraez.

Next: The Phillies open a home series against St. Louis at 6:40 tonight (NBCSP). Jesús Luzardo (11-5, 3.23 ERA) will start for the Phillies. The Cardinals have not announced their starter yet.

Let the kids play

After Wednesday night’s 2-2 Union draw with Inter Miami, much of the conversation has centered on the melee sparked by Miami’s Ian Fray and his stoppage-time confrontation with Quinn Sullivan. And rightfully so.

But what that fracas overshadowed was just how much the Union’s young guns are stepping up to the challenge — and it’s not just Cavan Sullivan. Now, in a push for the MLS playoffs, it’s very possible that members of the Union’s supporting cast could become the main attraction.

On this date

Aug. 21, 2008: Delran native Carli Lloyd scored the game-winner in extra time to lead the United States women’s soccer team to gold medal glory at the Summer Games in Beijing, China.

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. This week, photos include a showdown for the ages at Subaru Park, baseball from the site of an Iowa cornfield, some choice shots from the Eagles’ first preseason game and more. Enjoy.

He said it …

“It gave me longevity. That was good. That wouldn’t have happened otherwise. I’d have been done. It gave me an opportunity to continue my career. It’s just unfortunate that there weren’t that many people ahead of me.” — Former pitcher Steve Ontiveros, the first Phillies player to return from Tommy John surgery, as told to columnist Mike Sielski.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Lochlahn March, Kerith Gabriel, Mike Sielski, Isabella DiAmore, Jeff McLane, Conor Smith, The Inquirer Sports Staff, 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 our week. We’ll be back on Monday to get your week off right. Enjoy your weekend, watching the Phils, Union, and the Birds duke it out. — Kerith

We’re no stranger to dominant performances from A.J. Brown. But we’re used to him wearing Eagles green when he’s tearing up defenses.

Sure, the breakup, er, trade, was more than two months ago, but it still feels fresh when you see him wearing a navy blue New England Patriots jersey for the first time.

But Brown was upbeat about facing his former team in Wednesday’s joint practice, the first of two in Foxborough, Mass.

“I know I’m on an opposing team right now, but I still felt some love,” he said.

He may have felt love, but he didn’t go easy on the Eagles once practice began and hauled in all six of his targets.

And here’s everything else our Jeff McLane saw at the Eagles’ joint practice on Wednesday.

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

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓Reader question here. Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Getting defensive

The NFL is a different game from when Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio first started coaching it 40 years ago, but count this week in New England as his favorite of the preseason.

He wasn’t available for questions after Wednesday’s joint practice with the Patriots, but he surely learned plenty about his unit.

From signature one-liners to more pressing matters like Jonathan Greenard’s status for Week 1, here are the biggest storylines on the defensive side of the ball.

Speaking of Greenard, his availability remains one of the biggest concerns for an otherwise stout defense, David Murphy writes.

Next: Joint practices continue today in Foxborough, Mass.

Phils add a lefty

The Phillies have added a veteran reinforcement to their shallow pitching depth.

The club signed Nestor Cortes to a major league deal Wednesday.

Cortes, a 31-year-old left-hander, last pitched on Sept. 3, 2025, before he was sidelined with a biceps tear that required surgery. Before the injury, he had a 6.29 ERA in eight starts with the Brewers and Padres. In his eight-year career, five of which Cortes spent with the Yankees, he has a 3.94 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP.

How will he fit with the Phillies? Don Mattingly couldn’t say much.

Aaron Nola pitched seven innings for just the second time this season in the Phillies’ 4-1 win over the Marlins to sweep the series. Luis Arraez hit his second homer since joining the team.

Next: After an off-day on Thursday, the Phillies will welcome the St. Louis Cardinals to Citizens Bank Park on Friday (6:40 p.m., NBCSP). Jesús Luzardo (11-5, 3.23 ERA) will start for the Phillies, while the Cardinals have not announced their starter yet.

Marcus Hayes’ take

On Aug. 3, the Phillies had a .305 on-base percentage, the third-worst in baseball. Between Aug. 3 and entering Wednesday, they were getting on base at a .367 clip, which was the best in baseball.

What happened between Aug. 3 and Aug. 4?

They traded for Arraez. You know, the guy who won batting titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and led the National League entering Wednesday at .317.

Sure, he’s not exactly lighting it up since coming over from the San Francisco Giants, but that’s OK. His presence and what he does for the players around him is what matters, Marcus Hayes writes.

Brawling to a tie

A standing-room-only crowd at Subaru Park with thousands of pink-clad fans rooting for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against the Union were treated to an entertaining 2-2 tie. Messi scored for Miami, but the game ended with a brawl that saw teen phenom Cavan Sullivan ejected.

Next: The Union are heading down to the Lone Star State to face old friend Jim Curtin and his Austin FC squad on Saturday (8:30 p.m., Apple TV).

On this date

It’s not exactly a secret that the Phillies are the losingest franchise in MLB history, at least in terms of total losses. And the dog days of the 1961 season certainly didn’t help. Starting with a 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants on July 29, 1961, the Phils dropped 23 straight games, the longest regular-season losing streak since 1900, according to MLB.com. The misery didn’t end until the nightcap of a doubleheader on Aug. 20, 1961, when the Phillies beat the Milwaukee Braves, 7-4, at County Stadium in Milwaukee. The victory actually kick-started a four-game winning streak, but the Phillies finished the season 47-107-1.

Kinda puts this season’s sporadic scuffles in perspective, doesn’t it?

What you’re saying about college football

We asked: What college football team do you root for and why?

I root for Lehigh University. Why? It epitomizes what college football should be: a culture of high academic standards with a tradition of success. — Howard P.

Notre Dame — you know how we do. — D. Stone

Penn State all the way. First saw Lenny Moore on newsreels at the Saturday morning movies in Media PA in the early 1950s. We had no TV so I listened to the games on the radio. Have been a fan ever since and have met Joe Paterno and quite a few players including Capaletti etc and have a couple long time PS friends and a younger brother who graduated about the same time as Capaletti. — Everett S.

Temple Owls all the way! As loyal alumni, my time began toward the end of the Wayne Harden era. Loved the games at the Vet with West Virginia, Syracuse, Delaware, Pitt and Penn State. Attended the Garden State Bowl in frigid Giants Stadium. After graduation, the Bruce Arians era featured visits by Alabama and BYU. Following a number of forgettable years, Al Golden and Matt Rhule arrived and injected Temple Tuff on North Broad Street. Loved 2015 with the win over Penn State and the narrow defeat to Notre Dame. My Penn State daughters are still in denial! Will be back at the Linc Sept. 12 for the return of PSU! Go Owls! — Bob C.

i’ve been rooting for Penn State since the 60s … they became my favorite team because of the Sunday Bulletin and what at the time they called the machine gun camera … the Sunday Bulletin would show a series of photos of a play using the machine gun camera usually a running play featuring a back named Roger Kochman … they would show a photo of the camera in the top corner of the first photo … so i would wait every Sunday to be able to see the play they were featuring … I imagine the machine gun camera was a early version of a motor drive — W. M.

I grew up in the 50s and 60s in Philly. My dad was a subway alumni of Notre Dame. It wasn’t hard back in those days to jump on the wagon. We identified as Catholic and Irish so that was good enough for me. Throughout the years my love of the Irish has never wavered. Good season or bad I watched or listened to each tussle. Even though I had never been to campus there was a mystique regarding her name. Eventually got to witness a few home games in the 80s and early 90s very few experiences like those. In the late nineties I went to work there for almost 20 years. Being on campus each day was joyful. Both my children are alumni and prospering, lived the full circle, Love thee Notre Dame! — Bill B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, David Murphy, Lochlahn March, Marcus, Hayes, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

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! Kerith will be back tomorrow to close out the week. — Maria