Alex Coffey
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byalexcoffey.bsky.social
Alex Coffey
@byalexcoffey.bsky.social
Sports features for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Second-generation sportswriter. Proud sister of an Olympic gold medalist. ✉️: [email protected]
Pinned
In 1991, Ginny Burbage, a courier at FedEx, saw a package with Charles Barkley's address on it.

Her brother, Tommy Murphy, had terminal cancer. He was a big Sixers fan.

So, she sent him a letter.

Days later, Barkley came to their house. He stayed for two hours:
www.inquirer.com/sixers/charl...
Tommy Murphy was a lifelong Sixers fan, fighting cancer in 1991. Weeks before he died, Charles Barkley gave him an unexpected visit.
The items Barkley signed and gave to his fan are everyday reminders to his family of the former Sixers star's unexpected visit.
www.inquirer.com
Reposted by Alex Coffey
In 1978, the Falcons were heavy underdogs but pulled off an improbable win over the Pioneers at Veterans Stadium.

While the school closed in 2010, the Norphans have kept the legacy of that game alive.
November 25, 2025 at 4:59 PM
When North Catholic closed in 2010, it ended the NC-Frankford Thanksgiving game.

In 1978, the game was played at the Vet. It was the last time the NC seniors would play together.

They won (and are still celebrating).

"We’ll toast until the last of us is standing” www.inquirer.com/high-school-...
November 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
For decades, North Catholic & Frankford played a Thanksgiving game.

In 1978, the 50th, they moved it to the Vet. NC pulled off an unlikely win, in front of 25,000 fans.

The school closed in 2010. But memories of that game are still vivid.

"This was our Super Bowl" www.inquirer.com/high-school-...
North Catholic beat Frankford on Thanksgiving in 1978. It’s a victory the Norphans haven’t forgotten.
In 1978, the Falcons were heavy underdogs but pulled off an improbable win over the Pioneers at Veterans Stadium. While the school closed in 2010, the Norphans have kept the legacy of that game alive.
www.inquirer.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Olivia did a great job with this:
Jalyx Hunt was a zero-star recruit out of HS who DoorDashed and took up other jobs to pay for training as he eyed his NFL dream.

"If I have to do this, is it really that feasible?"

How the former Ivy League safety became an ascending Eagles edge rusher:
www.inquirer.com/eagles/jalyx...
How Jalyx Hunt went from an Ivy League safety to a pass rusher on the league’s best defense
Hunt's collegiate career started with the Ivy League's least relevant program. His NFL career could produce the pass rusher's second Super Bowl ring in as many seasons.
www.inquirer.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
“Terrible [dance moves]."

“It’s like seeing your grandpa dancing. OK, grandpa! OK!’”

“I think he’s got to start stretching before he does them."

First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves: www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves
Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone. For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
www.inquirer.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:27 PM
“He’s so easy to talk to,” Simon said. “And that’s important as a player. Not being nervous all the time. Because I’ve experienced that, where there’s tension, [and you’re] afraid to mess up. But he’s super easygoing.”

On K.C. Keeler, Temple's fun "Uncle" www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves
Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone. For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
www.inquirer.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
K.C. Keeler is the first Temple HC to build a house in the area since Bruce Arians in the 80s.

(This is notable at a school that has cycled through head coaches).

A look at Keeler's culture, which stems from his commitment to his team —and his "grandpa" dance moves www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves
Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone. For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
www.inquirer.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
K.C. Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone.

For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 PM
“Terrible [dance moves]."

“It’s like seeing your grandpa dancing. OK, grandpa! OK!’”

“I think he’s got to start stretching before he does them."

First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves: www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves
Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone. For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
www.inquirer.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:27 PM
K.C. Keeler is the first Temple HC to build a house in the area since Bruce Arians in the 80s.

(This is notable at a school that has cycled through head coaches).

A look at Keeler's culture, which stems from his commitment to his team —and his "grandpa" dance moves www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves
Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone. For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
www.inquirer.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Proud of our girl, always 🤍
November 16, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
These locals once restored Pierre Robert’s van, Minerva.

Now, they want it to serve as a tribute to the late DJ, by adding a portrait of Robert to the VW.

“He truly was the voice of Philadelphia. And how do you not paint something for that voice?” www.inquirer.com/entertainmen...
These locals once restored Pierre Robert’s VW van, Minerva. Now, they want it to serve as a tribute to the late DJ.
In 2013, a local, family-owned company, with auto-body repair shops, and an artist partnered together to help rebuild Robert’s beloved Minerva. The van replicates who the longtime WMMR host was.
www.inquirer.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
From 1990-2000, Jack Hibbard was Phillies chaplain.

He was the son of a pastor, who'd never preached full-time before.

The job was full of colorful characters (esp. Macho Row).

“Some guys wanted to learn about Jesus. Some wanted to go 4-for-4 that day" www.inquirer.com/phillies/phi...
He’d never preached before. But in 1990, Jack Hibbard became the Phillies chaplain.
Jack Hibbard, a Burlington County native, was the club’s chaplain from 1990 to 2000. It was a dream job — one full of colorful moments, especially in 1993.
www.inquirer.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
“I didn’t know if Dykstra was going to yell at me, cuss at me."

“There may have been five of us during the season, and maybe 20 went to chapel during the World Series."

From 1990-2000, Jack Hibbard was the Phillies chaplain, working with Macho Row and more: www.inquirer.com/phillies/phi...
He’d never preached before. But in 1990, Jack Hibbard became the Phillies chaplain.
Jack Hibbard, a Burlington County native, was the club’s chaplain from 1990 to 2000. It was a dream job full of colorful moments, especially in 1993.
www.inquirer.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
“It was like Minerva was part of his life that had been missing. And I believe it restored a spirit in him that dated back to years ago.”

These locals fixed Pierre Robert's van, Minerva, in 2013.

Now, they'd like to turn it into a tribute to the late DJ: www.inquirer.com/entertainmen...
November 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
“It was like Minerva was part of his life that had been missing. And I believe it restored a spirit in him that dated back to years ago.”

These locals fixed Pierre Robert's van, Minerva, in 2013.

Now, they'd like to turn it into a tribute to the late DJ: www.inquirer.com/entertainmen...
November 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
“I didn’t know if Dykstra was going to yell at me, cuss at me."

“There may have been five of us during the season, and maybe 20 went to chapel during the World Series."

From 1990-2000, Jack Hibbard was the Phillies chaplain, working with Macho Row and more: www.inquirer.com/phillies/phi...
He’d never preached before. But in 1990, Jack Hibbard became the Phillies chaplain.
Jack Hibbard, a Burlington County native, was the club’s chaplain from 1990 to 2000. It was a dream job full of colorful moments, especially in 1993.
www.inquirer.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:29 PM
From 1990-2000, Jack Hibbard was Phillies chaplain.

He was the son of a pastor, who'd never preached full-time before.

The job was full of colorful characters (esp. Macho Row).

“Some guys wanted to learn about Jesus. Some wanted to go 4-for-4 that day" www.inquirer.com/phillies/phi...
He’d never preached before. But in 1990, Jack Hibbard became the Phillies chaplain.
Jack Hibbard, a Burlington County native, was the club’s chaplain from 1990 to 2000. It was a dream job — one full of colorful moments, especially in 1993.
www.inquirer.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Reposted by Alex Coffey
In 2013, a local auto body shop and a local artist fixed Pierre Robert's van, Minerva, for free.

It was in bad shape and at risk of being impounded.

Now, they want to add a portrait of Robert to Minerva, to honor Philly's finest citizen.

"He is the city"

www.inquirer.com/entertainmen...
November 6, 2025 at 4:48 PM
These locals once restored Pierre Robert’s van, Minerva.

Now, they want it to serve as a tribute to the late DJ, by adding a portrait of Robert to the VW.

“He truly was the voice of Philadelphia. And how do you not paint something for that voice?” www.inquirer.com/entertainmen...
These locals once restored Pierre Robert’s VW van, Minerva. Now, they want it to serve as a tribute to the late DJ.
In 2013, a local, family-owned company, with auto-body repair shops, and an artist partnered together to help rebuild Robert’s beloved Minerva. The van replicates who the longtime WMMR host was.
www.inquirer.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:47 PM
In 2013, a local auto body shop and a local artist fixed Pierre Robert's van, Minerva, for free.

It was in bad shape and at risk of being impounded.

Now, they want to add a portrait of Robert to Minerva, to honor Philly's finest citizen.

"He is the city"

www.inquirer.com/entertainmen...
November 6, 2025 at 4:48 PM
No one has said it better:
November 2, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Bump
During the WS, Dave Hollins texted Gary Varsho.

"Varshy, I love it when I hear Daulton’s name. It makes my heart feel good."

"Daulton" in this case is Daulton Varsho, CF for Toronto.

He's named after Darren Daulton. Now, he's honoring him on the biggest stage: www.inquirer.com/phillies/dau...
Darren Daulton’s legacy lives on in the World Series with the Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho
Gary Varsho met Daulton 30 years ago with the Phillies. “Dutch” made such an impact that he named his son after him. Now, the catcher’s namesake is playing on the game’s biggest stage.
www.inquirer.com
November 2, 2025 at 1:20 AM
In June, after Jordan Davis shouted her out, Ally Love started hearing from Philly-area Peloton riders.

“You’re a coach now."

“If the Eagles win, Ally gets a ring."

“They were like, ‘She’s the unofficial person that’s moving the season,'" Love said: www.inquirer.com/eagles/jorda...
Ally Love helped Jordan Davis lose weight on the Peloton. Now, she’s his biggest fan.
Love, an instructor with Peloton, is known to give her riders words of encouragement. Davis gravitated toward her approach, and it's helped lead to the best season of his career.
www.inquirer.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:27 PM