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mikesielski.bsky.social

@mikesielski.bsky.social
112 followers 44 following 28 posts

Husband, dad, author, sports columnist for the Philly Inquirer, co-host on Sports Radio WIP, persona non grata at your local Wawa.

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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This was a difficult but necessary column to write, especially since the subject hits so close to home and involves some good people in my local community. Hope you'll give it a read and maybe pass it along. Thanks. www.inquirer.com/sports/centr...
inquirer.com
The deaths of two young athletes must start a difficult conversation | Mike Sielski
At Central Bucks East, a community is still reeling from a pair of suicides less than four months apart. At a soccer game Tuesday, perhaps the healing began.
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Mike Vorkunov @mikevorkunov.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
"Bomb threats, since online gambling has become a thing, have just skyrocketed.” Sobering story by @mikesielski.bsky.social about a losing bet that led to a bomb threat at the US Open, and yet another window into the toxic impact of sports gambling www.inquirer.com/sports/a/us-...
inquirer.com
A man from Amish country bet on the U.S. Open, then sent the USTA a bomb threat. Things will only get worse.
He wanted to keep his money, and the only way to do it, he thought, was to disrupt the tennis match. From his Lancaster County home, he had thumb-typed and sent the threat to the USTA.
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The Sunday Long Read @thesundaylongread.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Some excellent pieces this week by @evrat.bsky.social, @helenlewis.bsky.social, @mikesielski.bsky.social, @jenniferwilson.bsky.social, @annettemcgivney.bsky.social & more mailchi.mp/sundaylongre...
mailchi.mp
☀️ The Sunday Long Read: Mother Tongue, 9/11, Mustard
The week's best journalism. Every Sunday.
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Richard Deitsch @richarddeitsch.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
This is a really excellent piece on a man from Amish country who bet on the U.S. Open, then sent the U.S. Tennis Association a bomb threat. (Subscription required here.) www.inquirer.com/sports/a/us-...
inquirer.com
A man from Amish country bet on the U.S. Open, then sent the USTA a bomb threat. Things will only get worse.
He wanted to keep his money, and the only way to do it, he thought, was to disrupt the tennis match. From his Lancaster County home, he had thumb-typed and sent the threat to the USTA.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Read more ⤵️
inquirer.com
The Cheltenham High hazing incident is another failure of adult leadership. When does this stop? | Mike Sielski
It’s obvious now that Cheltenham's former football coach and assistants weren’t capable of doing the one thing any adult working in a school should put first: Keeping students safe.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
It’s obvious now that Cheltenham's former football coach and assistants weren’t capable of doing the one thing any adult working in a school should put first: Keeping students safe, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social.
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Abraham Gutman @abgutman.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
I love this @mikesielski.bsky.social column so much. What is so special about it, and Mike's writing so often, is the recognition that following sports is not *only* about... well... the sport. It's not only about the athleticism. It's bigger than that. It's about culture, stories, our city, and us.
inquirer.com
LeBron to the Sixers would be bigger than we seem to understand
James, one of the game’s all-time greats, would immediately become the city’s biggest sports star ever. But it wouldn’t guarantee a championship.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Controversy has long dogged Philly’s Rocky statues. But now, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social, the Rocky Exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum is a sign that the city has finally fully embraced the statue’s popular power and meaning. The big question is: Do you agree?
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Full story ⤵️
inquirer.com
The USMNT lived down to Donald Trump’s expectations | Mike Sielski
It was an embarrassing end to the World Cup for a home country that found out sports can resist even an autocrat’s attempts to stack the deck.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The loss to Belgium was an embarrassing end to the World Cup for a home country that found out sports can resist even an autocrat’s attempts to stack the deck, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Matt Freese watching Belgium celebrate a goal with a headline in black text over a white background below that says "The USMNT lived down to Donald Trump's expectations | Mike Sielski."
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Wrote about the #USMNT ‘s humiliating loss and the president whose dishonor set the stage for it: www.inquirer.com/soccer/world...
inquirer.com
The USMNT lived down to Donald Trump’s expectations | Mike Sielski
It was an embarrassing end to the World Cup for a home country that found out sports can resist even an autocrat’s attempts to stack the deck.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Jameer Nelson was quick to point out that he's from Chester but was "adopted" by Philadelphia. That matters, and that's why his voice is so important in the Sixers' decision-making process, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Jameer Nelson with a headline black text over a white background below that says "The Sixers need to reconnect with the region. Jameer Nelson is their best hope. | Mike Sielski."
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The Flyers are on the rise. The Sixers have gotten stale. It feels like a fresh new moment in Philadelphia, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social It’s actually a return to some of the most thrilling times in the city’s sports history. The big question is: Do you agree?
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DFAntastic @phillytradesman.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
@mikesielski.bsky.social & Rob Ellis on WIP interviewed Paul Farber, guest curator at the Art Museum about “Rising Up” exhibit. It was a really wonderful discussion about the intersection of art & sports, & how that is woven into the culture of Philadelphia. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com
Mike And Rob Live From The Art Museum, Rising Up: Rocky And The Making Of Monuments
Podcast Episode · Mike Sielski and Rob Ellis · May 30 · 2h 11m
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
You might've heard I have a new book coming out in November. Started a free newsletter about it on Substack. Will post fresh & fascinating stuff about the writing/research process, the movie, etc. Hope you'll check it out & spread the word. Thanks. substack.com/@mikesielski...
substack.com
I wrote a book about ROCKY. I wanna tell you about it.
So I have a new book coming out: Going the Distance: Stallone, Philly, and the Story of ROCKY. Official pub day is Tuesday, Nov. 10. We timed it that way, because Dec. 6 will mark the 50th anniversary...
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Mike Vaccaro @mikevacc.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
My thanks to my pal @mikesielski.bsky.social and to @robellis.bsky.social for chatting up #BossesOfTheBromx, starting at the 1:49:00 mark. open.spotify.com/episode/5BKs...
open.spotify.com
Full Show: Phillies season has arrived! Jeff Stoutland and Cam Jurgens, Tom McCarthy and Mike Vaccaro join the show!
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
So you can preorder my book GOING THE DISTANCE, about the making of ROCKY, at @barnesandnoble.com 2day & 2moro & get 25% off. Code is PREORDER25. Gotta be a B&N member, but it’s free to join. Book comes out on Nov. 10, & preorders count big-time toward bestseller lists & help me feed my kids. 😀Thx!
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The Eagles must face what will be their biggest challenge on offense. They have to negotiate the difference between the player Jalen Hurts believes himself to be and the player he has been, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Jalen Hurts with a headline in black text over a white background that says "Jalen Hurts' next steps in new offense will hold the key for the Eagles | Mike Sielski"
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
So you can preorder my book GOING THE DISTANCE, about the making of ROCKY, at @barnesandnoble.com 2day & 2moro & get 25% off. Code is PREORDER25. Gotta be a B&N member, but it’s free to join. Book comes out on Nov. 10, & preorders count big-time toward bestseller lists & help me feed my kids. 😀Thx!
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
On the latest unCovering the Birds, @jeff-mclane.bsky.social and @mikesielski.bsky.social read the tea leaves from Howie Roseman’s offseason moves and examine how A.J. Brown’s status could ultimately factor into the Eagles’ plans. 🎥 @kywnewsradio.bsky.social
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
What happened to Big 5 basketball? The Big 5 was a glorious thing that folks knew about beyond Philly. Now it isn’t much of anything anymore. The reasons are many. @mikesielski.bsky.social breaks them down.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
A column on Fran McCaffery, TJ Power, and the @upenn.edu Quakers, the coolest story in Philadelphia basketball in a long time. www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
inquirer.com
Fran McCaffery, TJ Power, and the Penn Quakers are now the coolest story in Philly hoops
In his first year at the helm, McCaffery is heading back to the NCAA Tournament for the 13th time with his fifth program. However, this time is different — this was a small Cinderella moment.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
The key thing to remember about the #Eagles' upcoming moves in free agency is that my book GOING THE DISTANCE, about the making of ROCKY, is already available for preorder and will be published on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The longest-tenured #Villanova men's basketball player has been there less than two years & has been compared to one of the most important players on an NBA title contender. A column on Tyler Perkins, Josh Hart, & the way things have changed: www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
inquirer.com
Is Tyler Perkins Villanova’s new Josh Hart? He might be close enough. | Mike Sielski
In Tuesday's win over Marquette, Perkins' team-high 22 points pretty much saved the Wildcats, now 19-5 and on track for their first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
So you can officially pre-order GOING THE DISTANCE through @barnesandnoble.com & anywhere else you get your books. I'm not saying you definitely should pre-order it. But I am saying that if you don't, I'll be very disappointed & might never speak to you again. www.barnesandnoble.com/w/going-the-...
barnesandnoble.com
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
"The reaction to Tocchet’s comments suggested that people were afraid Michkov would be so offended that he would catch the first flight to Little Diomede & hike the Bering Strait back to Putinland." #Flyers (1 of 2)
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
The NFL's passing game isn't necessarily what it used to be. But that doesn't mean it can't evolve with the right strategy, and in the Eagles case: the right coordinator, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts with a headline in black text over a white background below that says "The Eagles' new coordinator had better be ready for the new NFL | Mike Sielski."
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Nick Sirianni and Kevin Patullo won a few games in 2025 by exercising caution. It was not a strategy that could win when it mattered, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Nick Sirianni with a headline in black text over a white background below that says "The 2025 Eagles played not to lose. In the end, that's why they did. | Mike Sielski"
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Susie Banikarim @banikarim.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
also you should read this moving meditation on the enduring mystery of suicide and mental health from @mikesielski.bsky.social at the @inquirer.com (gift link) www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
inquirer.com
Drexel’s Terrence Butler died two years ago. The reasons for his passing still elude everyone who loved him.
His basketball career beset by knee injuries, Butler was found dead in his room at Drexel in August 2023. Reaching a definitive conclusion about why he took his life is akin to grasping at vapor.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Do the Eagles have a harder road back to the Super Bowl now? Maybe, but not necessarily. They got some rest and eliminated any risk that they’d be short-handed to a significant degree next Sunday," writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Nick Sirianni with a headline in black text over a white background that says "Eagles must show Nick Sirianni was right to rest their starters."
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
After Terrence Butler, a Drexel University basketball player, shot himself in August 2023, I spent 18 months trying to understand why. Suicide is a mystery, a terrifying one. Hope you'll give this a read. Thanks. @richarddeitsch.bsky.social @jaketapper.bsky.social www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
inquirer.com
Drexel’s Terrence Butler died two years ago. The reasons for his passing still elude everyone who loved him.
His basketball career beset by knee injuries, Butler was found dead in his room at Drexel in August 2023. Reaching a definitive conclusion about why he took his life is akin to grasping at vapor.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
If you’re waiting for Nick Sirianni and Kevin Patullo to suddenly start dazzling everyone with their wide-open style of offense, you’re missing the key to understanding the 2025 Eagles, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Jalen Hurts (left) and Kevin Patullo (right) with a headline in black text over a white background below that says "Get used to the 2025 Eagles being conservative on offense | Mike Sielski"
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Luke Reasoner @lukereasoner.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
“The reasons that Terrence (Butler) had died … would remain shrouded in grief and incomprehension, in blindness born of love and admiration and disbelief that he was capable of such an act — in an innocent unwillingness or inability to see.” call or text 988 if you or someone you know needs help
inquirer.com
Drexel’s Terrence Butler died two years ago. The reasons for his passing still elude everyone who loved him.
His basketball career beset by knee injuries, Butler was found dead in his room at Drexel in August 2023. Reaching a definitive conclusion about why he took his life is akin to grasping at vapor.
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John Semley @johnsemley3000.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
The case for Philly-Buffalo-Niagara solidarity. I have never seen a piece of writing reflect my exact politics. via @mikesielski.bsky.social in the @inquirer.com. www.inquirer.com/sports/eagle...
inquirer.com
Eagles fans should be able to relate to long-suffering Bills followers | Mike Sielski
The Eagles have quelled much of the anger and anxiety that once characterized Philadelphia sports fandom. For Buffalo, though, there has been no great expulsion of joy and relief.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
The Eagles have quelled much of the anger and anxiety that once characterized Philadelphia sports fandom. For Buffalo, though, there has been no great expulsion of joy and relief, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Bills fans with a headline in black text over a white background that says "Eagles fans should be able to relate to long-suffering Bills followers | Mike Sielski."
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
After Terrence Butler, a Drexel University basketball player, shot himself in August 2023, I spent 18 months trying to understand why. Suicide is a mystery, a terrifying one. Hope you'll give this a read. Thanks. @richarddeitsch.bsky.social @jaketapper.bsky.social www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
inquirer.com
Drexel’s Terrence Butler died two years ago. The reasons for his passing still elude everyone who loved him.
His basketball career beset by knee injuries, Butler was found dead in his room at Drexel in August 2023. Reaching a definitive conclusion about why he took his life is akin to grasping at vapor.
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Patrick Sauer @pjsauer.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Holy Crap Thunder @mikesielski.bsky.social That’s a thing of beauty. NYC Squawkin launch dibs. Congrats. You did it. We can all do it. (Read it anyway).
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Even when the Eagles win, many of their fans still express their frustration with them. It could be much, much worse here, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of Nick Sirianni with a headline in black text over a white background below that says "Eagles fans don't know how good they have it right now | Mike Sielski"
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
There are two kinds of teams that would trade a player like A.J. Brown: bad teams and dumb teams, argues @mikesielski.bsky.social.
A photo of A.J. Brown with a headline in black text over a white background below that says "The Eagles were never going to trade A.J. Brown | Mike Sielski"
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
It's unfair, and it's reductive, and I understand all the counterarguments. And yet ... if I were the #Sixers, I wouldn't draft Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey. Why? Because #Rutgers stunk. Column: www.inquirer.com/sports/sixer...
inquirer.com
Here's why the Sixers should pass on Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey in the draft | Mike Sielski
The two former Scarlet Knights are expected to be taken near the top of the NBA draft. They played for a losing team, though. Why do the names Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz come to mind?
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
"MAGIC IN THE AIR is a can’t-miss title this summer ... Tells the tale of how the dunk revolutionized basketball with dozens of interviews from players, coaches & experts. Fans of Julius & Jordan will find plenty to love in this exciting book." www.miningjournal.net/features/202...
miningjournal.net
Sports-themed books make inspiring reading
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy reading, whether under a tree, by the lakeshore or on a sunny balcony. Books bring adventure, inspiration and endless possibilities to the season. It’s also the sea...
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Affairs, Confusion, and Delaware.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Thanks to the Sunday Long Read for including this one in today's newsletter. It's part-true crime, part-hidden Hollywood history. Boxing manager Howie Steindler showed Burgess Meredith how to play Mickey in ROCKY. His murder, in 1977, remains a mystery. www.inquirer.com/sports/a/syl...
inquirer.com
He was Burgess Meredith’s model for Mickey in ‘Rocky.’ His murder remains unsolved.
Howie Steindler was a respected manager in the Los Angeles boxing scene. He worked closely with Meredith and Sylvester Stallone on the film. His death is still a troubling mystery after 48 years.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
My parents moved out of their house last week. So I wrote about a great place to grow up, a great place to be a kid, and a great place to learn how to talk and write about Philly sports. #Eagles #Phillies www.inquirer.com/sports/colum...
inquirer.com
Farewell to a home where a love of Philly sports took root | Mike Sielski
This is a story about a couple, the home they lived in for 42 years, and a kid who learned so much there.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Found this story while researching my ROCKY book. Had to tell it. The boxing trainer who showed Burgess Meredith how to play "Mickey" was murdered less than a year after the movie came out. Nearly a half-century later, the case remains unsolved. @richarddeitsch.bsky.social share.inquirer.com/zyesmk
share.inquirer.com
He was Burgess Meredith’s model for Mickey in ‘Rocky.’ His murder remains unsolved.
Howie Steindler was a respected manager in the Los Angeles boxing scene. He worked closely with Meredith and Sylvester Stallone on the film. His death is still a troubling mystery after 48 years.
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mikesielski.bsky.social @mikesielski.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Wrote about Bob. #Flyers www.inquirer.com/flyers/serge...
inquirer.com
Flyers should learn from their mistake with Sergei Bobrovsky | Mike Sielski
Back in 2012, they gave up too soon on a promising young goalie. They have two more in their system now. They can't repeat that mistake.
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Join @mikesielski.bsky.social and basketball analyst Marc Jackson at the Fitler Club for a subscriber-only evening exploring the power and poetry of basketball. Mike and Marc will dive into the myth, meaning, and enduring legacy of Philly hoops 🏀 RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening...
A blue and red graphic that features a white box in the top left corner that says "Inquirer Live x Fitler Club Speaker Series." In the top right is white text over a black background that says "Slam Dunk." Underneath that is a photo of Marc Jackson. In the bottom left is a photo of Mike Sielski. To the right of Sielski is red text over a white background that says "Magic in the air." Below that is black text that says "RSVP: The story of the slam dunk, live at the Fitler Club." Below Sielski is white text that says "May 28 at 6 p.m."
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
The Flyers might reach into their past to hire Rick Tocchet. Fear not, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social. 🔗 www.inquirer.com/flyers/flyer...
A photo of Rick Tocchet with a label in white text near the bottom over a black background that says "The Flyers might reach into their past and hire Rick Tocchet as head coach." The subhead says "Hiring the former Flyer, however, wouldn't define the franchise's future, argues columnist Mike Sielski."A photo of Rick Tocchet with Mike Sielski's quote above it in white text over a black background that says "Rick Tocchet might be the right coach for them. He might not be. But as important as that decision will be, it won't define the franchise's future. The decision that will already has been made. The decision that the Flyers so long to make."
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Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
The Eagles have a chance to draft a couple of young, promising offensive linemen, and they should, writes @mikesielski.bsky.social.
inquirer.com
It would pay for the Eagles to use some draft picks on offensive linemen | Mike Sielski
The Eagles have a chance to draft a couple of young, promising offensive linemen, and they should.
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Patrick Sauer @pjsauer.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Dunks are forever cool, so is the history. Here’s me and @mikesielski.bsky.social chopping it up for the OC, baby. www.ocregister.com/2025/03/24/w...
ocregister.com
Why sportswriter Mike Sielski’s basketball book ‘Magic in the Air’ is a slam dunk
Philadelphia Inquirer sportswriter Mike Sielski dissects basketball’s greatest slam dunks in his latest book.
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