And it appears a former Philadelphia sports executive is a fan of the selection. Sam Hinkie, the former general manager of the Sixers, tweeted a GIF of Flyers' mascot, Gritty, following the selection.

See MY UNCLE SAM at Cannonball Festival, part of Philly Fringe, from 9/24-9/26 at Maas Building Studio. The play follows a Russian Jewish immigrant's rise to vaudeville stardom in the early 1900s.

A couple from the Philadelphia area say they are shocked and hurt by accusations of mistreatment by an adopted son who left and went back to Russia.