Ray Didinger | Look What the Kid Wrote Today
Ray Didinger presents *Look What the Kid Wrote Today*, a reflective account of his more than five decades in sports media. The book’s title comes from his grandfather, who proudly taped Ray’s newspaper articles to the mirror of his Southwest Philadelphia bar and showed them to customers. Didinger will discuss the book in conversation with Philadelphia sports broadcaster Michael Barkann.
Didinger revisits memorable encounters with figures including Jack Nicklaus, Mean Joe Greene, John du Pont, Mark Wahlberg, and Chuck Bednarik, including his role in helping mend the relationship between Bednarik and the Philadelphia Eagles. He also recalls his work as an Emmy-winning NFL Films producer, where he wrote scripts for Tom Selleck, Gary Busey, and James Coburn, and discusses the 2025 premiere of his critically acclaimed play *Spinner*.
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.
Venue: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189.
Tickets: $5.00. Tickets are non-refundable.
Lineup: Ray Didinger in conversation with Michael Barkann.
About Ray Didinger: Didinger is a former Philadelphia Bulletin and Philadelphia Daily News sports columnist who was named Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year five times. He earned six Emmy Awards as a writer and producer with NFL Films, has written or co-written 12 books, and was the first print journalist inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He has also hosted shows on 94WIP Sports Radio, served as a football analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia, received the 1995 Bill Nunn Award, and was added to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Writers Honor Roll.
About Michael Barkann: Barkann has covered Philadelphia sports and major sporting events for more than 30 years. An original NBC Sports Philadelphia contributor, he hosts the network’s Eagles and Phillies pregame and postgame coverage. His national and international work for USA Networks and CBS Sports includes three Winter Olympic Games, two NCAA Final Fours, and nearly 20 years of U.S. Open tennis coverage. He is a six-time Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award winner and has been named Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year seven times.
Ages: Adult.
Books: Copies of *Look What the Kid Wrote Today* will be available for purchase at the library on the evening of the event.
Accessibility: ADA-accessible seating is available. Guests who need wheelchair seating or other accommodations should contact authorevents@freelibrary.org in advance.
Donation: Attendees are encouraged to make a donation when registering to help support the Author Events series.