For Flyers fans still basking in the fading glow of the team’s run to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, it’s getting to be about that time to put the 2025-26 season in the rear view.
But before you do, take a second to play the role of general manager Danny Briere, courtesy of the annual Flyers edition of our interactive Stay or Go roster.
Speaking of reliving the past, before the glow of the PGA Championship fades, we take a look at how the Philly fans who came out in droves over four days of the tournament made the event more fun than the tournament itself.
Just one opinion. Here’s another one on the subject.
We’re running back yesterday’s scorcher with temperatures again in the mid-90s for Tuesday. Stay cool. 😎
— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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Last night, Bryson Stott reminded Phillies fans exactly why the game is so much fun.
We’re talking baseball in May, which is far from panic time, even for a team that started off tortoise-slow this season. But here we are, now talking about a team that is 16-4 since Don Mattingly became the interim manager and a eight inning, two-run bomb has the Phils, above .500, and winners of five straight.
Inquirer writer Scott Lauber has more on last night’s win and what’s in store going forward.
Also, eight weeks into the season, the Phillies are challenging their top pitching prospect with a two-level promotion.
Next: The Phillies continue their series against the Reds at 6:40 tonight (NBCSP). Jesús Luzardo (3-3, 5.07 ERA) will start against Reds right-hander Chase Burns (5-1, 1.87).
What we’re...
👀 Watching: The rise of Phillies pitching prospect Gage Wood, who just jumped up two levels to double-A ball with Reading.
☝🏾 Noticing: The number of celebrities who came out to the First Tee event the day after the PGA Championship.
⚾ Reading: The city’s logistical plan in preparation for the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival in and around Lemon Hill.
💡 Realizing: It’s possible Kyle Schwarber wouldn’t be in Phillies pinstripes if the Cincinnati Reds had their way.
🤔 Wondering: How did the World Cup get such a stronghold on getting bars and restaurants to stay open so late?
We are one step closer to football’s return in this town when Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin for the Eagles on May 26. It’s a roster that has undergone a significant offseason overhaul and will receive the brightest of spotlights.
Shining on on our behalf arrives by way of Inquirer reporters Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, and Ryan Novozinsky, who collectively had much to say in advance of next week’s workouts.
There’s always a good reason to talk baseball with Terry Francona. With the Reds in town, Scott Lauber chatted with the former Phillies manager on the latest episode of Phillies Extra. Check out their conversation.
On this date
May 19, 1974: Flyers fans know what happened today. Led by Bernie Parent, the Flyers captured their first-ever Stanley Cup, defeating the Boston Bruins, 4-2, inside the Spectrum.
The 2030 U.S. Open at Merion is the next major men’s golf event on the area calendar. But with Cobbs Creek undergoing a massive, state-of-the-art renovation — and considering the success that culminated in Sunday’s final round at Aronimink — a third PGA Championship in Philly’s near future seems more likely than not. — Hayes opines on the week that was the PGA Championship and what made it one to remember.
🧠 Trivia time
In the spirit of Philly being a fight town, let’s see who knows this. Which famed boxer defended his world heavyweight title in Philadelphia, against a boxer who was nicknamed “Philadelphia” Hint: 🫧🦶🏾.
A) Mike Tyson
B) Jack Johnson
C) Lennox Lewis
D) Larry Holmes
What you’re saying about the Phillies
We asked: What are your thoughts on the Phillies’ recent play and how can they stay above .500? Among your responses:
After three years of torture, we finally have a manager who understands baseball strategy. Next on the list is the guy who just lost $44 million dollars for his company by just cutting Castellanos & Walker. Their contracts were so bad that not one team in baseball would touch them in the offseason. I know if I lost $44 million for my company, I’d be out looking for another job! The Phillies are better than Washington, Miami, and the Mets and should get at least a wild-card shot come playoff time. — Ronald R.
Great to see an immediate response to Don Mattingly’s tenure. Solid starting pitching and a consistent, balanced offense is the keys to continuing to push for a wildcard berth. Harper and Schwarber are batting at an elite level, while Marsh has been very consistent. Getting Turner and Crawford on base will allow their speed to create opportunities to score runs. — Bob C.
You have to like the way the Phillies are performing right now. They definitely seem to like Mattingly’s leadership. I like that he stands throughout the game. Harper, Schwarber, and Marsh are leading the hitters, but the other guys are going to have to start contributing for this team to compete with the Braves, Dodgers, etc. Same with the pitching, Sanchez and Wheeler are carrying the load while the rest of the pack all have high ERA’s and will need to really improve. — Everett S.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gustav Elvin, Jackie Spiegel, Scott Lauber, Marcus Hayes, Olivia Reiner, Gabriela Carroll, Henry Savage, Rob Tornoe, Jeff Neiburg, and Ryan Novozinsky.
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 all I have for today. Bella is back in your inbox tomorrow. Have a good one, Philly. — Kerith