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  • New Sixer Jaylen Brown is ‘going to push’ Joel Embiid, Mike Gansey says in local radio hit

    New Sixer Jaylen Brown is ‘going to push’ Joel Embiid, Mike Gansey says in local radio hit

    Mike Gansey has had a busy start in Philadelphia. On June 8, the former general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers was introduced as the 76ers’ new president of basketball operations.

    In under a month, he helped orchestrate the trade that brought Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia from the Celtics in exchange for Paul George and draft picks.

    On Thursday, Gansey appeared on Unfiltered with Ricky Bottalico and Bill Colarulo on 97.5 The Fanatic to discuss his tenure so far.

    Sixers Gameday Central: Jaylen Brown trade, LeBron James courtship and more

    Bottalico and Colarulo wasted no time bringing up the details of the trade, which Gansey revealed “came out of nowhere a little bit.”

    “We’re talking to Boston, and Jaylen [Brown], obviously he was out there in the media, and as every team does they make a call and see if he’s available and just kept talking to Boston for a couple weeks and didn’t know if anything would really happen,” Gansey said. “Next thing you know, they wanted to do a deal and that’s kind of how it happened.”

    As trade talks progressed, it was clear George was going to play a key role in it, though Gansey said in his introductory presser that team were fully prepared to have the 36 year old as part of the team next season.

    And most experts have agreed the Sixers got the better end of the deal, which Gansey said from the front-office’s perspective, they’re excited about.

    Paul George and Jaylen Brown are swapping jerseys next season.

    “Obviously, we haven’t played a game yet so I don’t know what it’s going to look like but Jaylen’s been one of the top players in the league, one of the best two-way players. He’s coming off a career year,” Gansey said. “So when those guys come available, you at least try to make a call and try to get in there.”

    Now, playing for what once was his rival team, Gansey said there’s still a little bit of confusion for Brown as he tries to adjust.

    Philly traded one Brown for another: Jaylen Brown reveals he and former Eagle A.J. Brown are ‘cousins’

    Among the adjustments Brown has to make is playing with Joel Embiid, who Brown publicly criticized for flopping on a Twitch stream following Game 7 of the Sixers-Celtics first-round series.

    But since then, Gansey said he believes Brown has spoken to Sixers ownership and head coach Nick Nurse, and is excited to play with Embiid.

    “He is like, ‘I am going to get in the gym with Joel here soon. I am going to push him. I am going to get him right,’” Gansey said. “He is going to bring some championship habits, attitude, and toughness to us that I know the city of Philly loves. It is like music to my ears listening to him and talking to him and he’s really fired up for the season to come up.”

    Jaylen Brown (left) is excited to be teammates with Joel Embiid.

    Gansey said he also spoke to Embiid following the trade.

    Entering into the offseason healthy, Gansey said Embiid is in a “really good space right now” as he begins to ramp up his training in the weight room ahead of the upcoming season.

    “He’s excited. You know, surprised but excited as VJ [Edgecombe] and Tyrese [Maxey] and the rest of the group has been,” Gansey said. “It’s obviously going to be a big change but I think they’re welcoming it and they’re kind of excited to get the group together.”

    The Sixers are still in the race to add another key to their roster, NBA superstar LeBron James. And Gansey said with a player like him, who he called “the greatest player to play the game,” moving at James’ pace is something teams are always going to be OK with.

    Bob Myers pitches Sixers to LeBron James’ agent as they reportedly remain among NBA star’s top three teams

    “I’ve known LeBron for a long time, and have a ton of respect for him, and obviously I think he’d be a great fit for our group, and of course we’d love to have him, but you know he’s a basketball savant,” Gansey said. “I’m sure he’s taking this all in, and he’s super smart, and now he’s trying to figure it all out.”

    And while he might still be adjusting to being a Sixer, that didn’t stop Brown from offering a few words to James on another livestream.

    Appearing on a steam with influencer IShowSpeed during the France-Morocco World Cup Game, Brown encouraged James to “pull up to Philly.”

    Even without landing James, Gansey said he already spoke to Nurse, whose “head is spinning in a positive way” as they figure out how to approach the season with all the star-power currently on the roster.

    “We have an open roster spot, so we’re obviously looking at ways we can get better. Obviously, we’re holding that roster spot right now for someone,” Gansey said. “Depending on how that goes, we’re going to continue to look at ways to get better and improve our team.”

  • MLB’s All-Star Village will pay homage to Philly neighborhoods. Here’s what to know before you go.

    MLB’s All-Star Village will pay homage to Philly neighborhoods. Here’s what to know before you go.

    Philadelphia is gearing up for a star-studded week with the arrival of MLB’s midsummer classic.

    As Citizens Bank Park becomes a temporary home for some of the league’s top players, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will welcome fans to MLB’s All-Star Village, a four-day baseball experience featuring classic ballpark snacks, baseball challenges, photo opportunities, special appearances and more.

    Here’s everything you need to know before you visit …

    Philly neighborhoods on display

    Taking over 500,000 square feet of real estate, the MLB All-Star Village is paying homage to five Philadelphia neighborhoods: Center City, Fishtown, South Philly, Fairmount, and Old City.

    “Every neighborhood will have a different vibe,” said Rob Field, MLB’s senior manager of global events. “We have a different look for each of the neighborhoods. You’ll get to see the hometown flavor of each neighborhood.

    Sarcone’s Bakery and apparel brand ’47 team up for an All-Star Game collab that could only be dreamed up by a Philly native

    “Old City is our historical component. Center City is kind of like our town hall, town square where we’ll have an entertainment stage and a diamond. South Philly, where Citizens Bank Park is, is where a lot of our play area is. … There really is something for everyone.”

    The World’s Largest Baseball is one of the many attractions fans can find in the Center City section of the All-Star Village.

    Unique baseball-themed attractions

    The convention center brings fans into each neighborhood, each with its own decorations and attractions.

    Center City features the entertainment stage, the World’s Largest Baseball, and one of three mini diamonds, the Playball Diamond, designed for youth activities such as baseball clinics, wiffleball games, and free play. Programming is scheduled to take place every 45 minutes.

    Fishtown was decorated with several murals and artsy neon signs. Within this neighborhood, fans will find the MLB Arcade which features a virtual reality Home Run Derby and a number of gaming consoles where fans can play MLB The Show.

    MLB All-Star Week brings a Philly MVP back to Citizens Bank Park’s food lineup: It’s the Schmitter

    Old City takes fans into the history of the sport with an area dedicated to the Pillars of the Game.

    South Philly’s attractions include the Deer Park Diamond, batting cages, and pitching challenges. Meanwhile, Fairmount was dedicated to the children — featuring mini batting cages, balloon animals, face painting, and Home Run robber, a game that puts fans in Velcro suits to imitate outfield home run robberies.

    The All-Star Village will provide photo opportunities with the World’s Largest Baseball, a replica Liberty Bell, a collection of MLB trophies, and the Home Run Derby chain.

    A replica Liberty Bell is one of the many photo opportunities fans can experience at the All-Star Village.

    Ballpark food from around the globe

    There will also be Ballpark Bites available to fans, featuring unique menu items from MLB ballparks across the country.

    “Whether you’re someone who is a collector and wants to see some players, you can come and do that,” Field said. “Or if you’re interested in food, you can certainly come and taste some of the MLB bites. There’s signature dishes from different teams across the league. And it’s indoors. You can certainly come here and enjoy the fresh air, AC that is.”

    Patti LaBelle to sing anthem at MLB All-Star Game; Jennifer Hudson, Boyz II Men, and Miles Teller also to perform

    Some of the food items include: the Texas Rangers’ 9th Inning Rally Sombrero, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cookies & Cream Cold Brew, Arizona Diamondback’s Korean Pork Belly Nachos, the New York Mets’ Deli Pastrami Sandwich, Houston Astros’ Crawford Dog, Phillies’ Uncle Charlie’s Cheesesteak, Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Lobster Roll, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Manny’s Pierogies, Kansas City Royals’ Footlong Hot Dog Wellington, and Baltimore Orioles’ Banana Pudding.

    Fishtown’s section of the All-Star Village will feature a lot of art.

    Programming and ticketing

    The All-Star Village will open on Saturday and feature a special appearance from Ryan Howard, who will be take photos with fans at the Capital One booth.

    Throughout the All-Star Week, there will be appearances from former Phillies like Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Luis Clemente, Shane Victorino, Sam Allen, Bobby Abreu, Dave Cash, and more.

    Norristown’s Jimmy Amplo will bring a ‘Rocky mentality’ to MLB’s High School Home Run Derby

    “Saturday is our opening ceremony,” Field said. “We’ll start at 8:45 a.m. right here at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. We’re going to kick things off, we’ll have entertainment. We’ll have mascots from various teams. … In addition to that we have our legends program. So, we invited all our former All-Stars, legends from the Philadelphia Phillies will be here to sign autographs, Q&A’s and be part of the clinics that we have.”

    Joanne Graham decorates an exhibit featuring vintage Phillies gear for the Fanatics booth at the MLB All-Star Village inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

    Other events taking place include an influencer Philly cheesesteak contest and a mini Home Run Derby presented by T-Mobile. The full schedule of appearances can be found online.

    The village is open from Saturday through Tuesday. On Saturday and Sunday, it’ll be open between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the venue will close at 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

    Tickets can be purchased online or at the convention center.

  • Sarcone’s Bakery and apparel brand ’47 team up for an All-Star Game collab that could only be dreamed up by a Philly native

    Sarcone’s Bakery and apparel brand ’47 team up for an All-Star Game collab that could only be dreamed up by a Philly native

    With the MLB All-Star Game around the corner, sports apparel company ’47 is teaming up with Sarcone’s Bakery for an exclusive pop-up inside the South Philadelphia staple.

    The event will run Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bakery will offer a special ’47 menu that boasts their famous bread and tomato pie. More importantly, guests who purchase food will receive an exclusive Sarcone’s T-shirt and hat, produced in partnership with ’47.

    “When you think of Philly, you think of the passionate sports fans, and you also think of the food scene,” bakery owner Louis Sarcone III said. “The main thing of the food scene in Philly is the Philly cheesesteaks, and our bread is a staple in the city of Philly cheesesteaks. And when you go into a stadium, you see the iconic ‘47 logo everywhere. I think we’re two similar companies that have been around for generations.”

    Patrick Cassidy, the vice president of marketing at ’47, helped launch the search for a Philadelphia-based business to partner with. Cassidy, who was born in the city and grew up in Delaware County, felt a bit of pressure to pick the right one.

    “We’re going into Philly, and I’m from Philly,” Cassidy recalled. “It’s important to me to get this right in a very real way. I’ve got plenty of cousins and aunts and uncles to answer to if I don’t do it right.”

    The front of the T-shirt (left) and a black snapback hat from Sarcone’s collab with ’47.

    Sarcone’s was eventually brought up as an option. To Cassidy, the partnership made perfect sense. Sarcone’s was opened in 1918 by Sarcone III’s great-great grandfather, an immigrant from Italy. Five generations later, the bakery is still family-owned. Similarly, Boston-based ‘47 was owned and operated by two families until it was sold to New Era in 2024.

    “Sarcone’s, much like us, started as a family business,” Cassidy said. “Heart, history, heritage, a crazy attention to detail. The same amount of detail with how they make their bread, we’ve barely touched the ingredients in our headwear for almost eighty years.”

    Sarcone III and the rest of his family are just as excited.

    “We get to give something back to our existing customers,” he said. “But also we get a reach that we normally wouldn’t get because of how big [‘47 is], get a bump. And for all the people that are coming in for the All-Star Game, we’re going to be able to reach out to new customers and show them what we’re about as well.”

    Guests who purchase an item from the ‘47 menu will not only receive a shirt and hat, but they’ll also be able to customize their new gear with a heat-press station on site. The MLB All-Star Game takes place Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, with the Home Run Derby taking place one night earlier.

  • Philly traded one Brown for another: Jaylen Brown reveals he and former Eagle A.J. Brown are ‘cousins’

    Philly traded one Brown for another: Jaylen Brown reveals he and former Eagle A.J. Brown are ‘cousins’

    Think of a star player who was involved in a highly publicized trade between Philly and Boston.

    If you’re thinking about a member of the Brown family, you’re correct.

    Jaylen Brown, who was traded to the Sixers from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George and draft picks last Wednesday, and A.J. Brown, who was traded from the Eagles to the New England Patriots for draft picks on June 1, have a lot more in common than their trade similarities and last name — or rather, their family name.

    Jaylen revealed on Tuesday that the two are connected through their respective grandfathers who are brothers, making them second cousins.

    Jaylen Brown excited for ‘new chapter in Philly’ as his trade to Sixers becomes official

    “I didn’t know that, my grandpa just told me,” Jaylen said in the clip. “I don’t think [A.J.] knows that, either.”

    But if A.J. didn’t know before, he does now. He responded on Instagram by posting a clip from the movie Poetic Justice on his story with the caption “Big Cuz hit me!”

    While Jaylen grew up in Marietta, Ga., A.J. grew up in Starkville, Miss., about 300 miles away. But despite their different upbringings, there are still a few things that clearly run in the family, starting with their elite athleticism.

    Everything we learned from Jaylen Brown’s first stream since being traded to the Sixers

    They also went back-to-back in winning their championships, with Jaylen winning an NBA championship in the 2023-24 season with the Celtics and A.J. following with a Super Bowl win in the 2024-25 season.

    Fans also pointed out that the colors surrounding the teams involved in each trade is similar with both Jaylen and A.J. originally wearing green and white before going to a team with a red, white, and blue colorway.

    Jaylen shared the details of the Brown family tree during an event at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for his 7uice Foundation, which focuses on bridging the gap for opportunities for underserved youth.

    Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey proclaimed that July 7 will now be known as 7uice Foundation day in the state going forward.

    During the same event, Jaylen met with a young Celtics fan who went viral for his reaction following his trade to Philly.

    Known on social media as “Gio the Tiger,” the young fan went viral after video showed him crying over the trade with his Celtics jersey on and what read “Filla” written over the Boston team’s name. The text on the video said that the 6-year-old was experiencing his “first heartbreak” after learning the news of his favorite player’s trade.

    After Jaylen commented on the original post reminding Gio they’d “always be friends,” the duo connected in person where he was also able to deliver a hand-written note to Jaylen and interview him as well.

    At least now, Gio will have another Brown to root for in New England.

  • Bob Myers pitches Sixers to LeBron James’ agent as they reportedly remain among NBA star’s top three teams

    Bob Myers pitches Sixers to LeBron James’ agent as they reportedly remain among NBA star’s top three teams

    For likely the last time, the Sixers are in the hunt to acquire LeBron James.

    Philly has been burned before, dreaming of signing James in 2010, 2014, and 2018, only to wind up empty-handed as he used that leverage to sign elsewhere.

    Even now, it seems like the favorite in the clubhouse is a return to Cleveland for what could be his final NBA season. But after acquiring Jaylen Brown, the Sixers have been aggressive in pitching James on coming to Philadelphia. The latest involves the man who led the search to replace Daryl Morey — Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president Bob Myers — pitching James’ agent Rich Paul directly.

    The one reason you can’t completely rule out the Sixers for LeBron James | David Murphy

    Bob Myers joins Rich Paul’s podcast

    On Friday’s episode of Paul’s Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul, the head of Klutch Sports and James’ longtime friend, used a whiteboard to break down the teams interested in his client, spawning many conspiracy theories about where the four-time MVP could land. Less than a week later, Myers made an appearance to make his case for the Sixers, one of the first teams on Paul’s viral whiteboard.

    “If he was here, I’d say I honestly believe [Philly] is your best chance to win,” Myers said. “… What I would just say is, if it’s about winning, let’s talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philly.”

    Previously on the podcast, Paul said “everything changed” for James when the Sixers acquired Brown, turning Philly into a much more attractive destination. He also pointed to James’ relationships with executive vice president Jameer Nelson, who was an early NBA contemporary, and president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, against whom he played in high school in Ohio. And Paul discussed how James would fit with some of the current Sixers, including fellow Klutch Sports client Tyrese Maxey.

    “He loves Maxey, so we don’t even have to talk about that,” he said. “I think VJ [Edgecombe], he helps VJ understand really how to play the game. Obviously, Jaylen Brown. Embiid, his health and habits, the health and habits of Embiid are there. [James] enhances everything there. He unlocks everything there.”

    If the Sixers don’t land LeBron James, who should fill their final roster spot? Here are a few options.

    Sixers still among LeBron’s top teams

    Does that all mean there’s actually a chance? Or is it still a leverage play? After their offseason signings, the Sixers only have the space to sign James to a veteran minimum. That shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for James, who reportedly is more interested in his legacy than money, but it could indicate that the Sixers don’t have much confidence.

    ESPN NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania believe the team has a real shot. And, according to Charania, Philly is among his top three teams.

    “When the Sixers got Jaylen Brown, I did some research, and [LeBron] is taking their pitch very seriously,” Charania said Tuesday. “When I talk to teams now I have a hierarchy of Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, and then some teams on the peripheral.”

    The Sixers are in the hunt for LeBron James and Philly is losing its collective mind

    Meanwhile, Windhorst reported that while there’s a lean toward Cleveland, the Sixers don’t feel like they’re out of it.

    “While there is a ‘vibe’ pointing toward the Cavs, coming off their best non-LeBron season in more than 30 years and signing Donovan Mitchell to a four-year maximum contract extension, other teams are not counting themselves out,” Windhorst wrote. “The Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers each believe they have a compelling case, per sources.“

    It’s not clear when James expects to make a decision, and the speculation could continue deeper into the summer. But it does appear James is at least considering the Sixers. Then again, he said that last time.

  • Devan Kaney lands a new gig in Chicago as WIP still has an Eagles opening

    Devan Kaney lands a new gig in Chicago as WIP still has an Eagles opening

    Devan Kaney is headed to Chicago.

    The former 94.1 WIP sideline reporter and Fox 29 sports anchor is leaving Philadelphia to cover the Chicago Bears for Fox 32, she announced on social media.

    Kaney is taking over the role vacated by Cassie Carlson, who was promoted as the station’s lead sports anchor. Kaney will also do some sports anchoring work for the station, much like her role at Fox 29, which she left last month.

    “I’m so grateful for the support all of my colleagues at Fox 29 have given me during my time there, but especially in the last few months,” Kaney told The Inquirer.

    Those last few months included being laid off at WIP as part of company-wide cutbacks by parent company Audacy.

    The move was a surprise considering Kaney was coming off her first full season as the station’s sideline reporter during Eagles broadcasts after replacing Howard Eskin, who abruptly left the station in January 2025 following an incident with a female staffer. Kaney jumped in and served as the station’s sideline reporter during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.

    Devan Kaney (right) with 94.1 WIP’s morning show: (from left) Rhea Hughes, Jon Ritchie, Jason Kelce, and Joe DeCamara.

    She also served as an on-air host, worked with the station’s popular morning crew, and hosted shows alongside Phillies announcer and former general manager Rubén Amaro Jr.

    WIP hasn’t announced who will replace her, and the clock’s ticking. The Eagles’ first preseason game is five weeks away, with the Birds taking on the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 15.

    “It’s a tough job,” WIP program director Rod Lakin told The Inquirer in 2025. “You have to be someone that’s a really good communicator. You also need to be able to change quickly — circumstances change all the time in the NFL, and you’ve got to deliver that information quickly and in a collaborative way, because the game doesn’t stop.”

    Over at Fox 29, Kaney’s role was partly taken over by former 6abc sportscaster Jamie Apody, who among other things is anchoring the station’s 10 p.m. newscast.

    While Kaney is leaving the city, she’ll continue to host Werth Talking About, a PHLY podcast she’s co-hosting with former All-Star Jayson Werth. And Eagles fans might get a glimpse of her Sept. 28, when the Birds travel to Soldier Field to take on the Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 3.

    Phillies fans will see a familiar face on TV covering the MLB draft
  • Vanessa Bryant gives social media a preview of new Kobe shoes on the horizon — including an Eagles colorway

    Vanessa Bryant gives social media a preview of new Kobe shoes on the horizon — including an Eagles colorway

    A few months after Nike paid homage to Kobe Bryant’s Lower Merion roots with a full collection for the 30th anniversary of his state championship run, it appears more locally inspired shoes are on the way next year.

    Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, gave fans a sneak preview of new Kobe releases on the horizon, and among them are Eagles-inspired Kobe 5s in Protro form.

    The shoes — which appear to have a green suede base color — have a black Nike check, a white color lining the midsole and tongue, which features the signature green Mamba logo. According to multiple sneaker outlets, the shoe will drop next January and will retail for $200.

    Bryce Harper pays tribute to SEPTA with debut of new line of Under Armour cleats

    The “Eagles” Nike Kobe 5 is one of seven styles of shoes that Vanessa Bryant posted on her Instagram stories on Tuesday evening. The six other shoes coming in the next year are: the Nike Kobe 6 “Polka Dot White,” Nike Kobe 6 “Polka Dot Red,” Nike Kobe 6 “Bellisima,” Nike Kobe 9 Elite High “Ironman,” Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low “Dusty Pink,” and Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low “CA Mountain Snake.”

    Kobe Bryant’s fandom of the Eagles was well-documented, from watching them win Super Bowl LII to visiting with the team in 2017 while they were in California.

    One of the last images taken of Bryant before his death, with his daughter Gigi, featured him wearing an Eagles beanie and WNBA sweatshirt.

    Kahleah Copper is ‘just a kid from Norf Philly.’ Now, it’s immortalized on her shoes.

    Now, it appears Bryant’s love for the Eagles will be displayed through a sneaker as another display of the late superstar’s connection to the city.

  • Bryce Harper pays tribute to SEPTA with debut of new line of Under Armour cleats

    Bryce Harper pays tribute to SEPTA with debut of new line of Under Armour cleats

    Bryce Harper is not shy about showing love to the Philadelphia area, and his latest cleats are no exception.

    On Tuesday, Under Amour released the UA Harper 11, the Phillies star’s 11th signature cleat with the company. And the first colorway, named “All Lines Lead Home,” is inspired by SEPTA and its colorful map, symbolizing the “many paths players, fans, and visitors take to reach the city,” the brand wrote in a release.

    The low-top cleats feature a knit sock collar and a metallic silver base with streaks of color across it to symbolize SEPTA’s different routes. The colors include orange (for the Broad Street Line), blue (Market/Frankford Line), red (PATCO), light green (trolleys), and purple (Norristown High Speed Line). There also is a replica of the SEPTA map on the cleat’s tongue. The bottom of the cleat spikes are half red and half blue, similar to the SEPTA logo, and the tongue pull loop has Philly’s “215″ area code on it.

    Meet the All-Stars: What to know about baseball’s best coming to Philly

    “Inspired by the Philly lines that bring fans together on game day and the player at the center of it all — the UA Harper 11 brings crazy new traction and signature Bryce attitude,” Under Armour wrote under the listing of Harper’s cleat on its website.

    Harper’s “All Lines Lead Home” cleats also will be part of a Yard Icon collection at Under Armour and release in the five colorways representing Philly’s transit lines.

    In addition to new cleats for Harper (right), Under Armour also released new “All Lines” colorways for its UA Yard Icon cleats, featuring fellow big-league stars (from left) Konnor Griffin, Juan Soto, Gunnar Henderson, Freddie Freeman, and Bobby Witt Jr.

    The “All Lines Lead Home” cleats — which can be preordered for $140 (shipping is expected later this month, according to the website) — are the latest cleat collaboration from Harper that pays tribute to the region. Earlier this year, Harper released the “Mad House” colorway of his Under Armour Harper 10s, which referenced the Jersey Shore. In the past, he’s also paid homage to Wawa with his “Gottahava Harper” PE cleats, which were released during HoagieFest two years ago. And, of course, he’s continued his love affair with the Phillie Phanatic, rocking fuzzy Harper 3s inspired by the mascot’s colors last year.

    Harper and Under Armour reached a contract extension in January, and the arrival of a new signature cleat shows the company’s commitment to keeping him as the face of its baseball endeavors. The Phillies’ first baseman has been with Under Amour since 2011.

    The release of Harper’s new footwear also coincides with next week’s MLB All-Star Game, in which the former MVP will participate for the ninth time in his career, and third time as a Phillie. The brand also announced it “will bring Harper’s cleats to life” through a fan experience at 1190 Market St. during All-Star week, which starts Saturday.

    So as the baseball world prepares to descend on Philly for the midsummer classic, it appears Harper’s new cleats are correct: all routes do indeed lead to the Bank.

    Phillies fans will see a familiar face on TV covering the MLB draft
  • Q&A: Draft picks Maksim Sokolovskii and Brek Liske share their impressions of Philly, Flyers memories, and more

    Q&A: Draft picks Maksim Sokolovskii and Brek Liske share their impressions of Philly, Flyers memories, and more

    It’s called the Giant Heart, but for Flyers’ first-round draft pick Maksim Sokolovskii, even that’s not big enough.

    The 6-foot-7 defenseman ducked as he made his way into the popular exhibit at the Franklin Institute, navigating narrow stairways and the twists and turns of the heart’s anatomy. Leading the way was Flyers’ second-round draft pick Brek Liske.

    Less than a minute later, the two players appeared at the top of the heart, waving to those watching from floor as they capped a very Philly adventure for two of the city’s newest athletes.

    It was a busy first week, which included attending Flyers development camp. And as part of the camp, all six of the team’s draft picks, alongside current players like Porter Martone and Denver Barkey, attended an autograph session at the Franklin Institute, where they met fans and took in new sights along the way.

    We caught up with Liske and Sokolovskii to discuss their time in Philly, their game-day soundtracks, and more:

    Q. What did you know about Philly before you were drafted to the Flyers?

    Sokolovskii: I just know all the Russian guys [who] played here.

    Liske: I’ve been here a few times when I was younger. Been to the practice facility. I know it’s a pretty cool city with passionate fans. That’s about it. It’s cool seeing behind the scenes.

    Q. And what’s the city been like for you so far?

    Liske: It’s been pretty cool. Even just driving through, there’s lots to take in, right? Lots of Flyers stuff everywhere. It’s awesome to see.

    Sokolovskii: Yeah, good downtown, good big city. All of the fans.

    Maksim Sokolovskii ‘mauls’ teammates, a former Flyer’s son impresses, and more from development camp
    Q. And have you tried a cheesesteak yet?

    Liske: I did when I was younger. I’ll have to have it again. It was a good experience. Yeah, I’ll absolutely have to try.

    Sokolovskii: I’ve never had [one].

    Liske: Oh, we did [on Tuesday]. The slider thing. The roll. The cheesesteak roll.

    Sokolovskii: Oh yeah. … not bad.

    Flyers prospects Maksim Sokolovskii and Brek Liske stand in front of the Giant Heart at the Franklin Institute.
    Q. Brek, what was it like for you growing up as a Flyers fan in Winnipeg?

    Liske: Lots of people chirping at me, I guess. [There are] a lot of Jets fans in Winnipeg, so [I’m] happy to be actually a part of [the Flyers] now and they can’t say much anymore.

    Q. And your dad is a die-hard Flyers fan. What’s his favorite piece of Flyers memorabilia that he owns?

    Liske: I don’t know. His favorite player was [Claude] Giroux, for sure. He loved [Rod] Brind’Amour and [Rick] Tocchet as well. So, not memorabilia, but those are his favorite guys.

    Draft pick Brek Liske grew up a Flyers fan thanks to his dad: ‘I think he’s a little bit more in awe than I am right now.’
    Q. Do you have a favorite Flyers memory from your past visits?

    Liske: Probably just getting the Shayne Gostisbehere signed stick. That’s pretty cool. Still have it in my room. … It’s mounted, so that’s the best thing.

    Q. And, Maksim, English isn’t your first language. What’s been a way that you’ve been trying to learn the language?

    Sokolovskii: Just talking, trying talking with everyone, and watching movies.

    Liske: He’s been good. He’s been really good.

    Maksim Sokolovskii is 6-foot-7, making the Giant Heart look just a little smaller than usual.
    Q. What’s your go-to music to listen to ahead of game day?

    Sokolovskii: Drake, I listen to Drake.

    Liske: Yeah, me too. A bit of everything. Whatever I’m feeling like, but, good answer.

    Sokolovskii: I listen to Russian.

    Q. What’s been the biggest challenge for you playing hockey as such a taller guy?

    Sokolovskii: Nothing.

    Liske: I like that.

    Q. Brek, I know you’re already a Philly sports fan. But Maksim, what have you heard about Philly sports fans?

    Sokolovskii: They’re crazy, crazy fans. I like it.

    The Flyers believe they have a ‘unicorn’ in Maksim Sokolovskii: ‘He’s 6-foot-8, and he skates like he’s 5-foot-8′
  • Did Philly just leak some of MLB’s All-Stars? Not necessarily.

    Did Philly just leak some of MLB’s All-Stars? Not necessarily.

    Did Philadelphia just get a spoiler on the MLB All-Star selections?

    On Friday, banners boasting some of baseball’s biggest stars were spotted by The Inquirer around town. The banners, first noted by user @gerawaycar on X, appear to be in place for the MLB All-Star Game, which is July 14 at Citizens Bank Park. Many banners are clustered near Market Street, leading up to City Hall.

    The Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton is getting a banner, too.

    The only issue? The MLB has not yet announced the game’s rosters.

    The league is scheduled to name starters and reserves on Saturday (7:30 p.m., Fox29). If the banners do correspond with the league’s selections, Philadelphians got a sneak peak. The Inquirer has reached out to the city of Philadelphia for comment.

    Bryce Harper wants compromise (and no salary cap) to keep sport thriving

    The banners also could just be promotional material. In 2019, Phillies star Bryce Harper was featured prominently on multiple banners Cleveland, which was hosting that year, despite not being selected to participate.

    Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts signs ahead of the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland. Harper was not named to that year’s National League roster.

    In 2021, when the game was in Colorado, a sign was spotted featuring Harper alongside Chicago White Sox catcher Yermin Mercedes and Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon.

    Players that are featured on Philadelphia’s banners include the Washington Nationals’ James Wood, New York Yankees’ Cam Schlittler, Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale, the Athletics’ Shea Langeliers, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes, and Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton.

    Other banners also have been spotted on social media. Players that were spotted include the Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez and Kyle Schwarber, Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski, Atlanta Braves’ Matt Olson, Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, Mets’ Juan Soto, Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, St. Louis Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, Cleveland Guardians’ Cade Smith, Toronto Blue Jays’ Louis Varland, Houston Astros’ Yordan Alvarez, San Diego Padres’ Mason Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll, Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr., and Athletics’ Nick Kurtz.

    A banner depicting the Washington Nationals’ James Wood is seen near 15th Street and JFK Boulevard.