⚽ Kickin’ up dust | Sports Daily Newsletter

Less than a week remains before the start of the World Cup, and a little bit more if you count when the matches begin here in Philly.

Today, we wanted to share a bit of Philly soccer history, one that has quite the tie-in to the sport’s biggest tournament and grandest prize.

It all starts in Fishtown on the field outside of Shissler Recreation Center, referred to as Newt’s Playground. Before Newt’s was transformed into a full-grass facility in 2010, it spent decades as a cinder field that provided players with a badge of honor, and the scars to prove it.

Some of those names have even played in World Cups over the years, but that’s not the point. This story, told by Inquirer writer Matt Breen, is 100% old Philadelphia.

Also, if you plan on going to one of the matches in Philly this summer, FIFA wants you to know now that you can keep your water bottle at home. Hey, we’re just the Messenger.

Speaking of high temperatures, we’ll approach the 90s today, so let us urge you to stay hydrated.

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

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In case you’re wondering just how much downtime the Flyers have before the preparation for a new season begins, we’re here to tell you: Not much. And it starts with the kids.

Following the selection of the next crop of NHL prospects at the draft June 26-27, with the Flyers holing up in Atlantic City, the new kids will hit development camp that Monday, June 29.

Aside from this draft class, players like forwards Denver Barkey and Porter Martone and defenseman Oliver Bonk could participate.

In the middle of development camp, which runs through July 3, is NHL free agency on July 1. Jackie Spiegel has more on what’s to come.

🏀 Introducing: The newest arrival to Villanova’s men’s basketball program is the reigning Player of the Year in Baltimore.

⚽ Watching: How Philly sports athletes came together to support the World Cup.

🙏🏾 Applauding: The work of the Gaudreau family to continually use their tragedy as a force for change in their community. Here’s their latest endeavor.

🇺🇸 Sharing: The sentiment of the U.S. men’s national team that’s preparing to host Germany in their final World Cup tuneup match on Saturday.

Reliving: Scott Lauber’s recent sit-down with Terry Francona. It really was good stuff.

Struggling right fielder Adolis García made good use of the Phillies’ off day on Monday. After going hitless on their six-game West Coast trip, García got to work on their day off, taking extra batting and then was on the field early before each game of the Padres series the past three days.

The results have started to follow in the games, punctuated by his first home run in almost a month.

Jhoan Duran has converted all 14 of his save opportunities this season, and instills confidence that “the game’s over” when he enters.

Next: The Phillies open a home series against the White Sox at 6:40 tonight (NBCSP). Jesús Luzardo (4-4, 4.30 ERA) will start against Chicago left-hander Anthony Kay (5-1, 3.77).

In his most recent New Heights podcast, Jason Kelce was abundantly clear on where he stood when it came to the Eagles trading wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Brown, who had been a standout player since his arrival in Philly in 2022, has moved on to the New England Patriots.

Kelce noted that he still had more questions and that the change in the Eagles locker room was needed.

“There [are] question marks, but it’s also optimism,” Kelce said. “There’s hope. We’re not just running it back and doing the same thing that we’ve tried to get right and tried to manufacture over the last three seasons.

June 5, 1948: Phillies legend Richie Ashburn set a consecutive hits streak for National League rookies with 23.

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 look inside the famed Rock School of Dance, Cristopher Sánchez making history with the Phillies, and more. Take a sec and scroll through them right here.

“This is a strategy to which Roseman could never admit. Not until it is executed — if it ever is executed. A GM can’t let it be known that his $255 million quarterback, and incumbent starter in 2026, is auditioning to retain that incumbency in 2027 and beyond. That sort of ambivalence could ruin the confidence of even a quarterback as self-assured as Jalen Hurts, whose self-assurance is now his greatest asset since his legs have lost their boost." — If you haven’t read Hayes’ theory on the recent moves made by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, then you’re welcome.

We asked: In your opinion, what’s the craziest trade in sports history and why?

Luka or Babe Ruth. No other answers come close. — Brinson S.

Right away, the first to come to mind is Rick Wise for Steve Carlton. I live in Durango, Colo., and have been fortunate to run into “Lefty” many times. I’ll never understand what the Cardinals were thinking, but Phils fans have to thank them! — Dave S.

The craziest trade or in this case sale, was the 1919 sale of Babe Ruth, arguably the most recognizable name in sports history, to the NY Yankees by the Boston Red Sox. The old Yankee Stadium became the House That Babe Ruth Built, and the Yankees became the most successful team in baseball history while the Red Sox ended up with the Curse of the Bambino that lasted from 1919 to 2004 when the Sox finally ended it. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Kerith Gabriel, Scott Lauber, Jackie Spiegel, Conor Smith, Jonathan Tannenwald, Ariel Simpson, Jeff Neiburg, Marcus Hayes, 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 what we’re bringing on this beautiful Friday. Have a good weekend, Philly. Oh, for you Montco peeps, the June Fete kicks off tonight. Enjoy. — Kerith