The Phillies... Is this really going to happen?

[anton]

As a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, I always try to stay realistic during post season play. Mainly because there have been far too many let downs in my lifetime. Now, with the Phillies holding a 3-1 series lead and their ace pitcher on the mound in their home park, I'm starting to finally letting my guard down and letting myself believe that this is actually going to happen.

If you are not a Philadelphia fan, it is hard to understand exactly what we have been through, at least what my generation has been through.

While many teams, have long droughts, like the Cubs, the home city usually has a few teams that get it done. I can't really feel bad for Chicago fans who had the Bulls of the 90's, the 85 Bears and the White Sox from 2 years ago.

In comparison, here is the championship info on the 4 Philadelphia teams

76ers - The last tean to win a championship in 1983, previously won in 1967 and 1955. Made it to the finals in 2001, but lost to the Lakers

Phillies - won the World Series in 1980. Went to the world series, but lost in 1993 and 1983.

Flyers - Won back to back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, but since then have lost in the finals 5 times.

Eagles - Never won a Super Bowl. Lost in 1980 and 2004

So basically, since the last win we have endured 10 championship loses

[RKC07-cr]

Originally Posted by Anton

As a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, I always try to stay realistic during post season play. Mainly because there have been far too many let downs in my lifetime. Now, with the Phillies holding a 3-1 series lead and their ace pitcher on the mound in their home park, I'm starting to finally letting my guard down and letting myself believe that this is actually going to happen.

If you are not a Philadelphia fan, it is hard to understand exactly what we have been through, at least what my generation has been through.

While many teams, have long droughts, like the Cubs, the home city usually has a few teams that get it done. I can't really feel bad for Chicago fans who had the Bulls of the 90's, the 85 Bears and the White Sox from 2 years ago.

In comparison, here is the championship info on the 4 Philadelphia teams

76ers - The last tean to win a championship in 1983, previously won in 1967 and 1955. Made it to the finals in 2001, but lost to the Lakers

Phillies - won the World Series in 1980. Went to the world series, but lost in 1993 and 1983.

Flyers - Won back to back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, but since then have lost in the finals 5 times.

Eagles - Never won a Super Bowl. Lost in 1980 and 2004

So basically, since the last win we have endured 10 championship loses

Ok, ok. I said their good but, stop with the diarrhea of the mouth.

[anton]

WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[randomhero1090]

I am in such an agreement with everything you said Anton. I actually find it hard to even watch the games anymore. PSU for example, I didn't start watching the Michigan or OSU game until the 2nd half. I get so disgusted so fast.

I just posted about how great of a weekend it was for Philly sports. I have NEVER seen this in my lifetime. Being born during the World Series in '80, I really didn't a chance to see it I was 3 during the '83 76ers run. I did watch the '93 series and I attended Final/Championship games for the Flyers, 76ers and Eagles during their runs in the past 15 years.

But I have never seen a win. Even sitting here I feel just like you Anton. Is this really possible? I may not be the biggest Baseball fan in the world, but my god, my heart is really into it. I think this is a great team of guys with some amazing stories.... Stairs, Moyer, Hammels, Rollins, Howard, Utley, Victorino, Myers, Blanton.....

We have seen some amazing things in the post-season run. Things that only happen every 34 years (in the case of Blanton's HR). We have seen some real vets do things for the 1st time (45 year old Moyer's 1st trip the series, where he handled the batters, in which the oldest batter is 27. Stairs hit is 1st post-season HR of his career). We have seen some young guns explode onto the scene (Hammels, Victorino). We have seen great performances that have cemented players in their positions as the best in baseball (Utley, Howard).

It's awesome. It's really awesome. As a fan, I have longed for this. PSU, Eagles, Flyers, Sixers..... Finally, after years of frustration, I think I can finally say it.....................

























Nah. Can't. Just can't do it. That's a true Philadelphia fan for ya. It ain't over til Kate Smith sings

[anton]

I was 7 when the Phils won in 80, so I kinda remember it. Still not the same as being an adult and understanding the game more.

[randomhero1090]

Originally Posted by Anton

I was 7 when the Phils won in 80, so I kinda remember it. Still not the same as being an adult and understanding the game more.

Hard to be a true fan under the age of 10. You really don't "get it" until you get involved in a competitive sport yourself. Most fans played some sort of sport as a kid.

[markk96-cr]

I understand what you are going through Anton, being a Cardinals fan and them finally winning it again a couple of years ago, it was awesome.

I am pulling for you, I hope they do it.

[randomhero1090]

Getting anxious already. I wish they would let me smoke at my desk.

[CRider]

Originally Posted by randomhero1090

Getting anxious already. I wish they would let me smoke at my desk.

Funny you mention that...Drew & I are trying to convince our boss to let us wall-in our cube (we're in the corner of the building), put in separate ventilation and let us smoke at our desks I don't think it's gonna happen, but it's worth a shot!

[anton]

The Rays were in DE the last 2 nights. They were scheduled for check-out after the game and the hotels in Philly were all booked so they had to come down to Wilmington and stay at the Hotel DuPont. Very nice joint.

[RKC07-cr]

Originally Posted by Anton

The Rays were in DE the last 2 nights. They were scheduled for check-out after the game and the hotels in Philly were all booked so they had to come down to Wilmington and stay at the Hotel DuPont. Very nice joint.

Maybe, just maybe tonight you will send them back to Fla. with their dic% between their legs.

Again, how is the weather. Raining over here. Bummer.

[anton]

weather is good enough to play. Cold but no rain.

Interesting stats on how each team handles temperatures 50 degrees or less

Rays
Temp. Date Site Result
50 April 4 NYY W, 13-4
46 April 6 NYY L, 0-2
48 April 7 NYY L, 1-6
49 May 2 BOS L, 3-7
46 May 3 BOS L, 4-12
49 May 4 BOS L, 3-7
TOTALS
1-5

Phillies
Temp. Date Site Result
49 April 2 PHI (vs. WAS) L, 0-1
49 April 3 PHI (vs. WAS) W, 8-7
46 April 4 CIN W, 8-4
50 April 8 NYM W, 5-2
49 April 21 COL W, 9-5
TOTALS
4-1

[randomhero1090]

NO QUESTION Philly has an advantage in this weather. Most of the team lives in the area. They are more acclimated to the cold.

Philly has a TON of advantages going into this 1/2 game tonight. I don't care how they get it done, don't care what advantages come into play......


[size=7]JUST WIN IT![/size]

[randomhero1090]

[size=7]3 OUT TO GO![/size]

[randomhero1090]

[size=7]WORLD CHAMPIONS! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH BABY YEAH!!!!!!![/size]