The MLB All-Star Game is coming to Philadelphia in 2026—what will its legacy be for North Philadelphia? 

Join us for Dialogue on the Diamond: A Continuing Conversation with the Phillies, MLB and North Philadelphia, a public conversation hosted by Temple University’s Claire Smith Center for Sports Media and Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Phillies. The event brings together Phillies leadership, city officials and Temple experts to discuss how the 2026 MLB All-Star Legacy initiative can support youth baseball, community development and safer neighborhoods. 

This conversation builds on the reporting and research of Temple students and faculty, who have investigated the urgent need for investment in youth recreation programs across North Philadelphia. Now, that work is being brought directly to leaders with the power to make change. 

Come hear from:

• Dave Dombrowski, Phillies president of Baseball Operations
• Doug Glanville, former MLB player and ESPN analyst
• Claire Smith, founding executive director of the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media, pioneering sports journalist
• Del Matthews, senior vice president, baseball development, MLB
• Susan Slawson, commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
• Moderator: Linn Washington, journalist and moderator

Additional speakers may be added to the lineup as we round the bases toward August 20.

Why Attend: 

• Hear firsthand about the state of youth recreation in North Philly 
• Learn how MLB initiatives can support local neighborhoods 
• See how student reporting is shaping real-world conversations 

Space is limited—reserve your spot today.