An All-Star lineup of guests has joined The Inquirer's baseball podcast since it launched in February. Because it's the holiday season and the last "Phillies Extra" episode of the year, we've put together a "Best of 2025" show to revisit some of our favorite conversations, from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper to Mike Schmidt and John Middleton, and many others.
For two decades, Scott Franzke's voice has been the soundtrack of the summer for Phillies fans. And his radio calls of some of the best moments in franchise history are legendary -- from Jimmy Rollins' walkoff double in the 2009 NLCS to Bryce Harper's "Bedlam at the Bank" homer in 2022. The longtime play-by-play announcer joined "Phillies Extra" to talk about the team's offseason and much more.
Cole Hamels is among the greatest pitchers in Phillies history. He's also on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time this year. It's the perfect time, then, for him to join us again on "Phillies Extra," The Inquirer's baseball podcast, to discuss the honor of being on the ballot, the Phillies' offseason so far, his work with Phillies pitchers, and much more.
What's it like to be an executive at baseball's winter meetings? Jim Duquette, a former general manager with the Mets and Orioles and now the host of a show on MLB Network Radio, puts us in the rooms where everything happens. He also discusses the Phillies' offseason, including the chances that Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto return in free agency. It's all on "Phillies Extra," the baseball podcast from The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Luke Murton just completed his first season as the Phillies’ minor league director. He joins Phillies Extra to discuss the state of the farm system, including the 2026 expectations for Justin Crawford, Andrew Painter, and Aidan Miller, as well as less heralded players to monitor.
Joe Maddon is a three-time former Manager of the Year, manager of the hex-breaking 2016 Chicago Cubs, and one of the sharpest minds in baseball. He’s also a native Pennsylvanian. And he joined "Phillies Extra" to discuss the state of the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber's evolution into a complete hitter, how to pitch Bryce Harper, and much more.
As the offseason begins and the Phillies sort through their roster, they will focus on trying to improve an offense that went cold again in the postseason. Hitting coach Kevin Long sat down with Phillies Extra to assess Bryce Harper's season and discuss his future, handicap Kyle Schwarber's chances of re-signing, the progress made by Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh, and more.
Dusty Wathan just completed his 20th season in the Phillies' organization, the last seven as the third base coach and catching instructor on the major league coaching staff. Wathan joined Phillies Extra to discuss the controversial bunt play in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, J.T. Realmuto's remarkable longevity behind the plate and upcoming free agency, and more.
It's always a good time to sit down with former Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski. But it's particularly timely this week, as the team marks the 45th anniversary of its first World Series championship. The Bull discusses his starring role in the 1980 NL Championship Series, his career with the Phillies, the current team's struggle to get over the postseason hump, the power of Kyle Schwarber, and more.
The Phillies' season is over. Larry Andersen is the perfect guest to help us make sense of what happened in the divisional round against the Dodgers because he has seen it all in 17 years as a major-league pitcher and 28 as a Phillies broadcaster. Andersen sits down with The Inquirer's Scott Lauber on the latest episode of "Phillies Extra" to discuss how the Phillies lost and what comes next.
As the Phillies prepare to open the postseason, there's no better time to sit down with the greatest player in franchise history. Mike Schmidt joins "Phillies Extra" to share his thoughts on the team's quest to win the World Series, Kyle Schwarber's big season, Pete Rose's Hall of Fame chances, and more.
Adam Wainwright won 200 games over 18 seasons as a pitching mainstay with the St. Louis Cardinals and had some memorable duels with Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and other Phillies players. Wainwright joins "Phillies Extra" to share his thoughts on the Phillies' chances for a long playoff run, his experience as Harrison Bader's teammate in St. Louis, charity work with Aaron Nola, and more.
The Phillies planned for Andrew Painter to make his major league debut this season. Instead, he posted a 5.40 ERA in triple-A. But after missing two seasons because of an elbow injury that required surgery, the 22-year-old top prospect stayed healthy for 26 starts and 118 innings, more than doubling his career total in the minors. Painter sat down with Phillies Extra this week in Allentown for a candid conversation about his season.
Nobody will forget Brad Lidge’s last pitch in the 2008 World Series. Seventeen years later, the Phillies have a closer with championship-clinching stuff. Lidge joined The Inquirer’s Scott Lauber to discuss Jhoan Duran, what it takes to close out playoff games, the remade Phillies bullpen, and more.
It's September, the stretch run is upon us, and the Phillies are making some final touches to the roster as they try to sew up a playoff spot and repeat as NL East champs. General manager Preston Mattingly joins The Inquirer's Scott Lauber to discuss the recent additions of pitchers Tim Mayza and Walker Buehler, a challenging season in triple A for top prospect Andrew Painter, the state of the outfield rotation, and more.
In 1996, David Cone was diagnosed with an aneurysm in his right arm — a condition that threatened more than just his baseball career. So when news broke that Zack Wheeler had a blood clot removed and is now set to undergo surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, Cone could relate. Ahead of his call of the Phillies-Braves on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, Cone joins The Inquirer’s Scott Lauber to discuss Wheeler and the state of the Phillies’ rotation with a month left in the regular season. Watch here.
A first-round pick by the Phillies in 2024, Dante Nori is ranked as the No. 6 prospect in their system by MLB.com. He also happens to be an avid collector of his own baseball cards. The single-A outfielder joins The Inquirer’s Scott Lauber to talk about his development over his first full minor league season, his NBA coach father, the pursuit of his own cards, and more. Plus, an update on Zack Wheeler's health situation.
Since 2022, Matt Strahm has been one of baseball’s most reliable relievers — and a key anchor in the Phillies’ bullpen. Off the field, he’s a passionate baseball card collector. Strahm joins The Inquirer’s Scott Lauber to discuss the bullpen’s outlook with new closer Jhoan Duran, helping Bryce Harper build his own card collection, and more.
The baseball world is mourning the loss of Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg. Former Phillies outfielder Gary Matthews became close with Sandberg while playing alongside him on one of the most beloved teams in Cubs history in 1984. Matthews joins The Inquirer’s Scott Lauber to share stories and memories of a baseball icon.
Mike Lieberthal spent 13 seasons with the Phillies and holds the franchise record for most games caught. Lieberthal joins The Inquirer's Scott Lauber on the Phillies' alumni weekend to discuss the induction of his former teammate, Jimmy Rollins, and former GM Ed Wade into the team's Wall of Fame. Plus, a full recap of the Phillies at the trade deadline.