Phillies Open Season On The Road while 76ers prepare for Playoffs

The Philadelphia Phillies officially heard “Play Ball” when they opened the 2023 season in Arlington, Texas against the Rangers.  Thursday’s opener started off great thanks in part to Alec Bohm, JT Realmuto, and Nick Castellanos fueling the Phillies fast start offensively but Aaron Nola and the bullpen couldn’t stop the Rangers offense which went on to outscore the Phils by a final score of 11-7.  The last time the Phillies allowed 11 runs on opening day of a season was in 2008, an 11-6 loss versus the Washington Nationals; But no Phillies fan will forget how that season ended so hope STILL spings for the Phillies who have Friday off and will resume play Saturday in Arlington at 4pm.

The Sixers ened their three-game skid on Wednesday Night with a come from behind victory over the Dallas Mavericks.  Now their schedule gets to focus on the Eastern Conference with three of their next four games against some of the best teams in the NBA.  We will learn more what their chances are to go deep in the NBA Playoffs this year.  On the ice, the Flyers played an inspired and feisty game against Ottawa Thursday night and even thought that overtime loss ended their 4-game winning streak, their young nucleus looked good and John Tortorella has the team playing hard.  Also the Eagles continue their preparations for the 2023 NFL draft as all sports media outlets offer plenty of mock drafts to consume.

We will cover it all this weekend in The Locker Room with Billy Schweim!

On Saturday’s show, Mike Carlin is back in the studio with me as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has whittled itself down to the Final Four (which you can hear on 973 ESPN Saturday Night).  Who will play on Monday night in the Championship Game?  The Sports Book Consigliere Dave Sharapan checks in from Las Vegas and we will ask "The Book" will divide his focus on Major League Baseball and the Final Four.  In Hour Two, we will hear from a former Plymouth Whitmarsh native who played collegiate basketball at the University of Miami, John Salmons.  Salmons was selected in the first round, number 26 overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft by San Antonio. He was traded on Draft Night to the Sixers where he played from 2002 to 2006.  John will talk about his basketball career playing for Coach Carlin at Plymouth Whitemarsh, "The U" and his 14 years in the NBA. 

On Sunday’s Show, the youth movement is back. Producer Danny Ryan and "The Intern" Andrew Leeds share the studio with me.  Every Sunday we go “On The Mound with Tommy Greene” brought to you by the John R. Elliott Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers.  Tommy will recap the Phillies opening day and preview Sunday Night's series finale.  We will talk about the Sixers recent play and react to the Final Four results from Saturday Night.  In Hour Two, we will hear from a South Jersey High School basketball rising star from Paul VI Hight School, Hannah Hidalgo. Hannah is a three-time All-South Jersey selection, scoring 26 points on her way to be named Co-Most Valuable Player Award at the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game in Houston, Texas.

All That and more this weekend in The Locker Room with Billy Schweim, heard every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to Noon on 97.3 ESPN Radio.