🖐🏾 Yo. Hold up, A.J. | Sports Daily Newsletter
And a 24-hour countdown to the World Cup.
In the aftermath of his trade to the New England Patriots, A.J. Brown reportedly returned to the Eagles facility to collect a few personal items, bid farewell to a few of the staff, then left his mark on the wall under his Pro Bowl picture.
It’s reported that Brown wrote: “The best to ever play here. Always open.”
Now, before we shrug it off as preposterous, let’s put it in perspective. Brown did finish with over 5,000 receiving yards, 32 touchdowns, was picked for a pair of Pro Bowls, and was an All-Pro three times.
But the best there ever was? No. Not at least statistically, anyway.
We know because Inquirer writer Gabriela Carroll dove into data, taking a look at things like total yards, total receptions, total touchdowns, and more to see where Brown stacked up on the Eagles’ all-time list. You’d be surprised where he landed.
It’s what we’re leading off with on this Wednesday. Speaking of football, by the time you read this know that we are about 24 hours away from the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup. From where to watch to what to know, check out our latest coverage right here.
We’re looking at clouds that might send in some much-needed scattered showers across the region, with temperatures hovering in the mid-80s today.
— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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❓Who is the “best” to ever play for the Eagles in your opinion? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.
Next month in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star Classic coming to Philadelphia, the Boys & Girls Club in Nicetown is getting a much-needed face-lift. The organization got one in 2011 after former Phillies shortstop Shane Victorino offered a generous gift, but on July 11, MLB Together, a philanthropic arm of the league, is coming in to clean up with more than 100 volunteers.
“We’ll be rolling up our sleeves and painting the teen room, putting together some new furniture, decorating, and doing some internal work, in addition to some external work,” said April Brown, MLB’s senior vice president of social responsibility. “Some planting and some weeding and taking care of the baseball field, which is literally across the street from the Boys & Girls Club.” Inquirer writer Mia Messina has more on the MLB’s plan of attack.
The Phillies dropped a tough one to the Blue Jays in Toronto last night, behind a blown save from closer Jhoan Duran.
⚽ World Cup snapshot
Goalie wars: With days before the start of the World Cup for the U.S. men’s national team, there’s still no guarantee that Wayne native Matt Freese is the No. 1.
Bait and switch: The Iranian soccer federation claims FIFA has revoked tickets for its three group stage World Cup matches in the United States.
Soccer spirit: From city bars burning the midnight oil, to kid-friendly beer gardens, here’s a look at some of the best places to feel World Cup vibes.
Know before you go: Headed to the FIFA Fan Festival this week? You’ll need this handy guide.
For the second year in a row, the Eagles running back Saquon Barkley boasts the No. 1 selling jersey on the team and is in the Top 10 in jersey and merchandise sales in the league, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Check this out for the complete list of league leaders in the selling swag department.
In more pressing news, Inquirer’s Jeff McLane offered his observations of yesterday’s minicamp practice, which revealed the offense still has some meshing to do.
Jameer Nelson wanted to remain in the Sixers front office. New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was determined to keep him. Now, after elevating Nelson as vice president, the two are paired to reinvigorate the Sixers — together.
Nelson’s understanding of the current roster, the city’s passionate fan base, and media scrutiny is invaluable, says Bob Myers, the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Myers added that Nelson “has that equity with our players and the community.”
Inquirer writer Gina Mizell takes a look at what the next steps look like for both Nelson and Gansey.
Ahead of Thursday’s opening match, join Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin for Soccer Extra!, our monthlong Gameday Central weekly pop-up dedicated to all things World Cup. The first episode kicks off tomorrow at 11 a.m. Watch here.
On this date
June 9, 1974: Phillies slugger Mike Schmidt hits a ball off the roof of the Houston Astrodome, hitting the public address speakers. Which is just insane.
[Donald] Trump always seeks to steal the shine from winners, and the Knicks, fueled by NCAA champs Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, were winning like nobody’s business … He’d wanted to sit with Spike Lee and Larry David courtside, but the Secret Service (and perhaps his more sane advisers) persuaded him to retreat to a suite. There, in the shadows, he rested as the streak ended, a 115-111 downer in Game 3. — Columnist Marcus Hayes looks at the trouble Donald Trump caused as the first active president to attend an NBA playoff game.
What you’re saying about the Phillies
We asked: The Phillies have several candidates who could make the All-Star team. Who do you hope to see get picked and why?
As the host city, there are four obvious selections: Christopher Sanchez (wins, ERA), Jhoan Duran (saves), Kyle Schwarber (HRs), and Brandon Marsh (batting). Each is among the league leaders in their respective categories. An argument could be made for Bryce Harper, a fan favorite.— Bob C.
Here’s my short list: Don Mattingly as coach, Brandon Marsh, Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Christopher Sanchez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jhoan Duran. Can you imagine what his introduction will look like at night when the whole world is watching? Even for one batter. One batter will be enough. — Ronald R.
[Cristopher] Sánchez, [Zack] Wheeler and [Kyle] Schwarber. — Ronald R.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Marcus Hayes, Jeff McLane, Jonathan Tannenwald, Gina Mizell, Lisa Carlin, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, Beatrice Forman, and Henry Savage.
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 Wednesday. Here’s hoping we made you a little more informed or at least provided an ice breaker in your virtual meeting. Catch you soon. — Kerith