The Latest Breaking News from John Middleton

SAN DIEGO — Four years ago, John Middleton gassed up his private jet — the white Bombardier Challenger with a Phillies “P” on the tail — and flew to Las Vegas twice to meet with Bryce Harper and help close the largest deal in franchise history.

The biggest question was when. You can’t often say that about $300 million contracts. But Trea Turner’s was one of them. That’s how much sense he made for the Phillies. And if the Phillies were willing to pay him $27.5 million a year through his 40th birthday, well, they certainly…

PHILADELPHIA — Years ago, before John Middleton became the face of the Phillies’ ownership group, Jimmy Rollins equated him with George Steinbrenner. It’s a comparison that Middleton never minded. Because the late Yankees owner was notoriously obsessed with winning, a trait that is admirable to a former college wrestler-turned-billionaire baseball…

The Phillies have extended the contract of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski for three years, the team announced Tuesday. Dombrowski, who signed a four-year deal with the Phillies in 2020, is now under contract through the 2027 season.

PHILADELPHIA — The offseason was less than an hour old when the annual lobbying campaign began. Somebody asked Bryce Harper if he wanted to send a message to the fans about the Phillies’ determination to repeat as National League champs. Instead, he responded with a message that seemed intended for…

HOUSTON — Once it was over, Kyle Schwarber did what he almost always does after a game, win or lose. He sat down at his locker, cracked a beer, and decompressed with half a dozen teammates.

Emmerdale has just celebrated its 50th anniversary

HOUSTON — An hour before Game 6, John Middleton stood in the tunnel that led to the field at Minute Maid Park. He was told to enjoy the evening.

All along, the Phillies liked their chances in any postseason series, against any team, provided they were able to start Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the first two games. It’s what makes them dangerous. It’s probably the biggest reason they won the pennant.

It's the fourth World Series for the Houston Astros since 2017. They're tangling with the Philadelphia Phillies who made an unlikely playoff run to reach their first Series since 2009.

To hear John Middleton tell it, the entire conversation lasted three minutes, maybe four.