👓 No Smalls thing | Sports Daily Newsletter

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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