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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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