Phillies Playoff Hopes, College Sports Reform, and the Price of Fandom

This week on The Heart of Sports, we examine whether the Phillies’ trade-deadline moves truly make them a World Series contender—or leave too many questions in the rotation, bullpen, lineup, and defense. We also break down the latest congressional effort to reshape college sports, including revenue sharing, transfer restrictions, conference expansion, and the continuing complications of NIL.

Plus, the changing value of NFL running backs, football’s concussion crisis, the Yankees’ prediction-market partnership, the welcome return of Ted Lasso, and one fan’s surprisingly difficult quest to buy a Chase Utley jersey. The show closes with a celebration of Phillies Alumni Weekend and a heartfelt case for honoring Bill Giles.