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Back on Aug. 28, Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber slammed four home runs in a 19–4 win over the Braves. He became the fourth Philadelphia player ever to do so, joining a trio of Hall of Famers.

One—third baseman Mike Schmidt—played within living memory of a probable majority of Phillies fans. Though his career ended during World War II, it's not inconceivable that some elderly Philadelphia backers remember outfielder Chuck Klein.

And then there's Ed Delahanty. Delahanty, who hit four home runs in a game against the Chicago Colts (today's Cubs) in 1896, played for the Phillies and two other teams from 1888 to 1903. Today, he is known primarily for the bizarre, sad circumstances of his death—you'll see his story pop up on social media from time to time, the deep-historical fodder of YouTube rabbit holes.

What happened to Delahanty, and how good was he? As Schwarber and Philadelphia eye history this postseason, let's go back in time and examine one of baseball's most fascinating players.

Who was Ed Delahanty?

In the 1880s, as in our own time, Major League Baseball was filled with first- and second-generation immigrants looking to make a name for themselves in the United States. That was the case for Delahanty and his brothers, born to Irish parents in Cleveland in 1867. In total, five Delahantys would play in MLB: Ed, Frank (six years for four teams, primarily the Yankees), Jim (13 years for eight teams, primarily the Tigers), Joe (three years, all with the Cardinals), and Tom (three years for four teams, primarily the Cleveland Spiders).

Per John Saccoman's indispensable SABR bio, Ed played for two teams in the then-anarchic minor leagues: Mansfield in the Ohio State League in 1887 and the Wheeling National Citys in the Tri-State League in '88. From these Midwestern leagues the Phillies plucked Ed in '88; it took awhile for the avid drinker to marshal his considerable talents, but once he did, Philadelphia had a star on its hands.

How good was Ed Delahanty?

In , a famous baseball book written around the turn of this century, James cites a comparison made in the 1930s between Ed and Yankees center fielder Joe DiMaggio. That's how good he's reputed to have been—a consummate five-tool player in an era filled with them. Over the course of his career, Ed led his league in batting average twice, home runs twice, RBIs three times, steals once, on-base percentage twice, slugging percentage five times, and bWAR three times.

His best offensive season was probably 1899, when he led the National League in bWAR with 8.0. That year, he slashed .410/.464/.582 with nine home runs, 137 RBIs, and 55 doubles. However, one could plausibly argue he was better in '96 (when he had a career-best 190 OPS+), or 1893 (when he clubbed an outrageous 19 home runs and drove in 146 runs), or 1895 (when he got on base half the time; his on-base percentage was .500 on the dot), or even 1902 (when he led the then-new American League in every slash category).

How did Ed Delahanty die?

In 1903, Ed was in his second season with the Washington Senators, to whom he had jumped in the early years of the American League. He was in atrocious financial straits, having ostensibly signed a $4,500 contract with the Senators for the '03 season while also staring down the consequences of making an under-the-table agreement with the Giants (he was legally obligated to pay back a $4,000 advance). By late June, his mental health had deteriorated so significantly that he insured his life and began giving away his valuables; by the time he broke with Washington his teammates were regularly monitoring his welfare.

A family intervention in Detroit went nowhere, and in early July he boarded an overnight train from Michigan to New York. Quickly becoming inebriated, Ed was ejected from the train by an irate conductor near the border between Ontario and New York. Whether he jumped or fell from the International Railway Bridge into the Niagara River is unknown, but the 35-year-old's body was found on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls a week later.

What is Ed Delahanty's legacy?

"Big Ed," as he was nicknamed, can still be found all over the Phillies' and MLB's record book. Only Schmidt, Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton and Chase Utley accumulated more WAR. His .348 batting average for the team trails only teammate Billy Hamilton (and his .346 lifetime clip ranks eighth). He's second in franchise history in runs, fourth in hits, second in doubles, and third in triples. You don't have to look far; in May, Philadelphia acknowledged as such by retiring his "number."

More than numbers, however, he stands as a symbol in several respects. He was one of Philadelphia's first sports stars, helping begin the city's love affairs with big personalities unafraid to color outside the lines. His humble origins, outsized life, and tragic death made him an avatar of the early Irish American crop of athletes as they coped with a xenophobic society. Most of all, perhaps, Ed represents the enduring allure in the Information Age of the early days of baseball—a brutish, mysterious era whose impact on our own is easy to see but difficult to truly grasp.

Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment in recent years has left something to be desired, and though this is a squad of heroes who conquered the Europa League before the summer, domestic form has been cemented at a lower-than-expected level for a while now, and that needs to change.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with £55m summer recruit Mohammed Kudus among the most exciting players in Thomas Frank’s Lilywhites outfit.

The Ghanaian winger hasn’t been perfect, but he’s certainly underlined his credentials as a difference-maker under Frank’s wing, with his five assists in the Premier League this season a joint-divisional best.

That statistic juxtaposes with Tottenham’s creative struggles this season, and it adds substance to the emerging rumours that Tottenham plan to sign an even more exciting winger to help elevate Frank’s project down N17.

Spurs leading race for new winger

Tottenham are anticipated to be busy over the coming transfer windows, with improvements needed across a range of areas. However, there’s no denying Frank’s frontline have been blunter than expected, and that must be a priority.

Kudus has been a terrific addition, but wingers like Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons are flattering to deceive. Perhaps this is why ENIC Group are aiming for the stars.

Indeed, according to Spanish sources, Tottenham are leading the race for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, and that’s despite growing interest from the Premier League’s heavyweights.

Rodrygo, 24, is also attracting interest from Liverpool, and though Real are open to selling the Brazilian talent, they would expect to bank something in the ballpark of £70m.

Why Rodrygo would succeed at Spurs

Rodrygo is currently embroiled in a crisis of confidence. He has gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal, and has been pushed out to the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

But let’s not forget that this is a truly special player, praised for his “world-class” quality by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric, and the depth of his technical quality goes far beyond that of Kudus, who is devastating on the ball but lacks clarity and output.

Though Kudus has enjoyed a fine start to his career in north London, he doesn’t match Rodrygo’s breadth of skill. The Madrid man is one of the best forwards in the world, after all, and his recent drop-off does not negate that fact.

Crisper on the ball, more progressive with his passing and more active in dribbling forward himself, Rodrygo might not have Kudus’ same snappy speed, but that’s not to say that he isn’t a dynamic physical force in his own right.

Moreover, he has so often been shunted out onto the right flank in Madrid over the past several years, lower down the pecking order than the likes of Vincius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The right-footed Rodrygo is at his best, his most prolific, when playing off the left.

Now, he has been reduced to a truly bit-part role, only afforded three league starts under Alonso’s management this term.

It feels like Rodrygo’s departure from the Santiago Bernabeu is a matter of when, not if, and while there are a multitude of high-profile suitors looking to excavate him from the hole he has fallen into, Tottenham have put in the hard yards for some time now, and Frank’s project would promise him a leading role.

Then it would be up to Rodrygo to prove that he is the real deal. On the basis of the evidence already, he is at that, and this would see him take on a more influential role than someone like Kudus down N17.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 5, 2025

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a bizarre mix-up at the 2026 World Cup draw forced the reigning world champion coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. The incident caused confusion and frustration, prompting FIFA to stage a corrective ceremony the next day to make amends publicly.

• Scaloni told to wear gloves before holding World Cup trophy

  The confusion unfolded during Friday’s draw for the 2026 World Cup, where organisers unexpectedly asked Lionel Scaloni to put on white gloves before handling the World Cup trophy. The requirement, normally reserved for non-champions or those without authorised access, appeared to stem from officials not recognising the manager who guided Argentina to the 2022 title. Scaloni looked visibly surprised and later admitted he believed staff had mistaken him for someone else.

  The moment quickly circulated across social media, with many fans and pundits questioning how FIFA personnel failed to recognise the reigning world champion coach. Argentina’s delegation reportedly felt the incident was disrespectful, especially given Scaloni’s central role in the Albiceleste’s most recent triumph. The awkwardness overshadowed the draw itself, in which Argentina were placed into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

  To address the situation, FIFA arranged a separate ceremony the following day as part of the tournament schedule presentation. This time, Scaloni was invited onto the stage without gloves and handed the trophy in a more fitting manner. Infantino used the occasion to deliver a public apology and defuse the controversy.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  FIFA president Infantino apologizes to the World Cup winner…

  Speaking at the FIFA World Cup scheduling ceremony, Infantino said: “I apologise on behalf of FIFA. I didn’t know.”

  Calling Scaloni back on stage with the trophy in hand, he added: “Of course, the world champions can touch the cup. I apologise, I didn’t know. What an outrage! It’s just that when you’re a world champion, you look younger every day.”

  Scaloni responded in good humour, saying: “I think they mistook me for someone else and wouldn’t let me touch it yesterday.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Incident took place in highly-controversial World Cup draw

  The incident took place during a high-profile event in Washington, where FIFA unveiled the group-stage draw for the expanded 2026 tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Scaloni’s unexpected treatment sparked immediate reaction across Argentina, a nation deeply protective of its icons following the emotional World Cup triumph in Qatar. Many fans considered the moment emblematic of FIFA’s organisational missteps, while others took a more humorous view given Scaloni’s calm response.

  Infantino’s apology was designed not only to correct the error but also to reinforce FIFA’s respect for champions at a time when public perception of the organisation often comes under scrutiny. By bringing Scaloni onto the stage and allowing him to lift the trophy bare-handed, the president attempted to close the narrative before it generated further controversy. The moment also created a symbolic snapshot ahead of Argentina’s attempt to defend their title on North American soil.

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  Argentina prepare for for World Cup title defence

  Argentina will now prepare to open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on 16 June, before facing Austria and Jordan in what is viewed as a manageable yet unpredictable group. The defending champions aim to maintain continuity and avoid distractions, and Scaloni’s composed handling of the incident ensured it did not escalate into a prolonged story. With expectations sky-high once again, the team will look to build early momentum as they begin their road toward back-to-back titles.

The Blue Jays took care of business in Game 1 of the World Series against the Dodgers with a thrilling 11-4 win at home while also making some history in the process.

Blue Jays' Addison Barger broke the game wide open at the bottom of the sixth inning with his pinch-hit grand slam, and Toronto went on to score a whopping nine runs—good for third-most ever in a World Series inning–to give themselves a very comfortable lead over the defending champs.

The Blue Jays' offense was humming so well that fans at Rogers Centre collectively decided they were finally over Shohei Ohtani years after the Toronto organization's infamous failed attempts to recruit him in free agency.

In the top of the ninth during Ohtani's final at-bat of Game 1, Blue Jays fans launched into the perfect four-word chant: "We don't need you."

Listen to that hilariously petty moment below:

And here's the clearest audio of the chant, just for good measure:

Those fans had better hope and pray that their Ohtani chant ages well for the rest of the series.

Ohtani recorded his first career World Series home run to give the Dodgers some life after Toronto's offensive onslaught, joining Hideki Matsui as the only Japanese-born players to homer in the Fall Classic, but he and the Dodgers ultimately came up short in Game 1.

The Blue Jays will look to bring the same offensive firepower Saturday night to extend their series lead over the Dodgers—and prove once again they don't need the three-time MVP–in Game 2 at Rogers Centre.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank finally opened up on Yves Bissouma's laughing gas allegations after Spurs launched an internal investigation into the midfielder’s conduct. Bissouma is facing fresh disciplinary action from the north London club after footage emerged of the midfielder inhaling laughing gas for the second time in just over a year.

• Bissouma in trouble again for inhaling laughing gas

  It was reported on Sunday that Tottenham have launched an internal investigation after out-of-favour star Bissouma was filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon during the early hours of November 3, with the footage reportedly recorded at a party in London. The video, which he is said to have sent to a woman invited to join him, has raised immediate disciplinary concerns given his previous suspension for the same behaviour. Similar footage appeared last year, where the midfielder was apparently inhaling gas. Upon being found guilty, the north London club handed their player a one-match suspension.

  After the latest incident, Spurs have confirmed that the matter is being handled internally after the footage was published, intensifying scrutiny on the player. The incident is particularly serious because possession of nitrous oxide – a class C drug – for recreational use has been illegal in the UK since 2023, carrying potential criminal penalties, maximum up to a two-year imprisonment. Bissouma apologised for a similar offence last year and served a club suspension as a result, but this second episode has sparked renewed questions over his professionalism at a time when he has not played a single minute this campaign.

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  Frank reacts to Bissouma's incident

  Reacting to the fresh controversy, Spurs boss Frank told reporters: "It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment, and when we have dealt with that, then I will have a comment on it."

  After his suspension last year, former Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou had shared his thoughts on Bissouma's conduct, as he said: "He has made a really poor decision. You want to understand that and try to help him through that, and as a club (see) what we can do to make sure he doesn’t make those kinds of choices and decisions in the future. He has a responsibility to his team-mates, to our supporters and to everyone associated with the club – and he failed in those duties."

• Bissouma's crisis continues at Spurs

  The latest controversy adds to the Mail international's crisis in the Premier League, with his future at Tottenham uncertain ever since he was dropped from the squad for persistent lateness at the start of the season. Frank has left the midfielder out of both his Premier League and Champions League squads, noting at one point that there was still a way back but emphasising standards that must be met. 

  The landscape only worsened for the midfielder following an ankle injury sustained on international duty, keeping him sidelined during a period when he needed to rebuild trust. Off the pitch, Bissouma has endured further turmoil with revelations in November that he had been the victim of a major fraud, losing £800,000 from a Coutts bank account. Although the club maintain an option to extend his contract beyond June, his position is fragile, with Spurs considering triggering the clause primarily to protect his transfer value ahead of a possible January sale. The latest footage contributes to a pattern of off-field issues that could accelerate an exit, especially with earlier interest from Turkish clubs failing to materialise in the summer.

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  Spurs finally bounced

  After going winless in four back-to-back games across all competitions where they conceded 13 goals, Frank's men bounced back this weekend as Richarlison and Xavi Simons' goals helped Spurs comfortably beat Brentford 2-0. 

  With renewed confidence, the Premier League club are all set to host Slavia Praha in the Champions League on Tuesday. The game will be extra special for the club, as their iconic forward Son Heung-min is all set to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since leaving for LAFC in the summer. 

  The club's official statement read: "Sonny will take to the pitch before the team walk-outs ahead of the 20:00 kick-off against the Czech champions. He will then have the opportunity to personally address the supporters that took him into their hearts following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and treasured him for the next 10 years – it is sure to be an emotional occasion in N17."

The visiting spinners took six wickets between them in the fourth T20I on the Gold Coast

Andrew McGlashan06-Nov-2025

Glenn Maxwell was bowled by Varun Chakravarthy•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Australia’s defeat to India on the Gold Coast made it the first time they have lost consecutive T20Is since their exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, when the same opposition ended their tournament in St Lucia following a Super Eights loss to Afghanistan.That tells you Australia have been going nicely in the format: since that World Cup they have won 17 of their 21 completed T20Is. But the manner of the loss on Thursday did provide a glimpse at one area of their game that continues to hold a few questions – combating high-class spin on slower pitches offering some assistance. Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar took 6 for 49 in 9.2 overs combined at the Carrara Oval.”I don’t think we did much wrong tonight,” Nathan Ellis said after the game. “I think we played some really good cricket and there were some big moments that we potentially came out on the wrong side of and that’s what happens in T20 cricket.”We’ll get different surfaces wherever we go. I’m sure the Gabba in a couple of nights will be completely different again. Win, lose or draw, you’ve got to take what you can out of it and that’ll be no different tonight.”Related

• Short outlines clear pathway to next T20 World Cup

• Axar, Dube, Washington power India to 2-1 series lead

• Axar's deceptive simplicity dismantles Australia's threat

Since this lengthy run of T20Is began in the West Indies in late July, Australia have been all-in on all-out attack. Their aggressive approach, particularly in the powerplay and allied to Tim David’s elevation from his previous finishing role, has made this the most potent T20 batting line-up Australia has put together. Amid a couple of wobbles against West Indies in Jamaica and South Africa in Mackay, they largely just kept going.In the Caribbean, the West Indian spinners conceded 9.66 an over and took just seven wickets in five matches, though Akeal Hosein caused a few uneasy moments. Against South Africa’s spinners, Australia scored at 8.93 an over and lost only five wickets in three innings. In New Zealand, where it was almost still winter, the hosts bowled six wicketless overs of spin in three matches for 60 runs.However, this series against India, unsurprisingly, is proving a different beast. They have a formidable collection of T20 spinners. Such is their depth of resources that they were able to release left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav mid-series and still have three to call on (two of whom are also top-order batters).After a wet start in Canberra, they have certainly left a mark. In three matches, the spinners have 12 wickets with an economy rate of 7.71. Even in defeat at the MCG, world No. 1 Chakravarthy proved a handful, winning a mind-games battle with David. In Hobart, on a ground with enticing boundaries, Chakravarthy again showed his class, particularly when he ripped one through Mitch Owen first ball.Then, on the Gold Coast, a trio came together. This time Axar applied the initial pressure and claimed key wickets, then Chakravarthy all but sealed the game by befuddling Glenn Maxwell, leaving Sundar to run through the tail.”It almost felt like an Indian wicket in a way,” Ellis said. “To credit their bowlers, they bowled brilliantly tonight. I think Shubman [Gill] as well probably played in innings that you wouldn’t associate with T20 cricket in this day and age, but he soaked up a lot of balls and gave them a platform to go at the back end.”No one yet knows quite what role spinners will have across India and Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup next February. On Thursday, the ICC shortlisted Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai as tournament venues along with Kandy and Colombo but, with three months to go, the fixture list is yet to be confirmed. It would be a surprise, however, if at some point over a month-long tournament there wasn’t a pitch that provided a set of conditions that will challenge Australia’s gameplans and technique.