Ray Didinger's Unstoppable Work Ethic Leads to New Play

A New Chapter in a Long Career

Ray Didinger had plans to retire. He was ready to step back from the daily grind of covering Philadelphia sports, which he had done for over 50 years. His days were filled with writing about the Eagles, Phillies, and other local teams, but he felt it was time to be home, watching his granddaughter play field hockey. However, life had other plans.

“I fully intended to retire,” Didinger said, “but my phone kept ringing.” The Phillies were heading to the World Series, and the Eagles were making their way to the Super Bowl. Radio shows needed his voice, and he found himself appearing on TV again. There were books to update, articles to write, and shows to attend. His retirement turned into a sabbatical, allowing him to take on projects that interested him without the usual constraints.

People often told him, “I thought you retired.” In a sense, he did. He wasn’t locked into any specific schedule or commitments. He could choose how busy he wanted to be. When asked to do a podcast or write an article, he always said yes. “I probably should have said no more often,” he admitted.

This flexibility gave Didinger the chance to revisit a story that had been with him for decades. In 1971, as a young reporter at the Philadelphia Bulletin, he came across a news wire story about Brian Spencer, a player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. That night, Spencer’s father was killed by police, and the game wasn’t being aired as planned. The father went to the TV station with a gun, leading to a shootout. The next morning, Spencer learned what had happened.

Didinger saw the story as much more than just a hockey event. He reached out to the sports editor, who initially dismissed it as a local hockey story. But Didinger persisted, calling the Maple Leafs and leaving a message for Spencer. To his surprise, Spencer called back. They spoke for an hour, and the story eventually won Didinger his first writing award, marking the beginning of a long and successful career.

Spencer’s life was complex. He played in the NHL for 10 seasons, faced personal challenges after retiring, and was later involved in a tragic incident. Didinger felt a deep connection to the story, one that never left him. He always wanted to tell it again, but didn’t know when or how.

Retirement gave him the time and space to revisit the story. He started writing a play titled Spinner, inspired by his previous work Tommy and Me. It took him eight months to complete the first draft, rewriting it multiple times. He felt a strong responsibility to tell the story correctly, especially since it had such a profound impact on his life.

The Delaware Theater Company agreed to produce Spinner, and Didinger watched the dress rehearsal with anticipation. The play is different from Tommy and Me—it's darker and more complex. While some may expect a feel-good story, Didinger believes it’s a powerful family drama about the cost of dreams.

Didinger has always had a love for theater. As a child, he was captivated by a performance of Golden Boy at the Academy of Music. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for the arts. Even as a sportswriter, he never lost that interest. His play Tommy and Me was inspired by his relationship with Tommy McDonald, an Eagles legend. It has become a staple in Philly theater, returning for its 10th year.

Now, with Spinner, Didinger is exploring new territory. He views both plays as stories about relationships rather than just sports. Tommy and Me is about a boy and his hero, while Spinner focuses on a father and son pursuing a dream. Both highlight the emotional depth behind the athletes we follow.

Retirement also allowed Didinger to be present for his granddaughter’s final season of field hockey. He hosted his last radio show at WIP-FM, was celebrated by NBC Sports Philadelphia, and signed off. He wanted to be there for every game, even if he didn’t fully understand the sport. “You can’t look back and say, ‘Jeez. I wish I would’ve seen Haley play,’” he said.

Despite his retirement, Didinger remains active. He’s a regular guest on WIP-FM’s morning show, updates his Eagles Encyclopedia, and stays connected to the city he loves. He feels like he has the best of all worlds—balancing family time with his passion for sports.

“I’m as Philadelphia as anyone could ever possibly be,” Didinger said. “I grew up in a real sports culture with a family that just loved it, lived it, and breathed it. Here I am. I’m going to be 79 this week. I feel so fortunate that I’ve been able to do exactly what I always wanted to do in the city where I grew up.”