Commentary: The Fire Rumbles
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, October 16, 2008 10:02 AM | Comments: 94
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I had a dream last night.
No, no, it wasn’t a dream about winning the World Series. Actually, I dreamed I was at a bonfire, and Charlie Manuel was there. I thanked him for the wonderful managing job he did in 2008, and he accepted it wholeheartedly. Then he taught me hitting — in an office, no less — by tossing cough drops at me as I waited with a bat.
I didn’t initially know what it all meant, and I still don’t know if it really means anything. But I wanted to share that with you all.
***
The Phillies are in the World Series. How cool is that? Not as cool as “The Phillies are World Series champions.” We’ll get to that later.
Last night seemed celebratory, as I expected. I told those close to me the Phils would get a couple early runs off Chad Billingsley, Cole would pitch very well, they’d win 4-1 or 5-2 or something. I was close. And that shows how predictable this team has become — at this point, we know these guys will do their work, play their game, finish the job. It made each drink seem more savory, each out seem more complete. Sure there were tense moments, but did you doubt? Did you?
***
I had a World Series experience. Game three. October 19, 1993. My ninth birthday. Mom and dad surprised me with five tickets that night. Before that surprise, my classroom got camera time on Action News. My aunt helped bake some ridiculous cake that was on display at Veterans Stadium. The whole city was nuts.
That game three ended with a whimper. The Phils lost bad to the Blue Jays. Rain hampered the whole evening. But all I remember is looking out from my left-centerfield seat and seeing the endless array of bunting. Yes, bunting, the universal symbol of the World Series, of something big. The outfield fence held manicured flowers arranged into logos. Uniforms were crisper and cleaner. The crowd’s buzz was electric.
That’s the stuff I remember — the atmosphere. As a starry-eyed newly minted 9-year-old, those were the things that said “World Series.” Now, at 23, “World Series” means even more.
***
So here we are, 2008, and four wins to go. At the most, there are just seven games remaining. We’ve watched this team give us joy, and we’ve watched them give us pain. We’ve gone crazy for late comebacks against the Mets, and we’ve cursed out loud Jimmy Rollins’ mouth. But all of it has become this force, greater than us all.
This is a different team than those past. The 1993 team was a team that hit all the right notes for one year. A bunch of guys who had career seasons and stayed healthy. They rode the train until it stopped at a way-too talented Toronto team. The 2007 team sparked late, fueled by crazy comebacks and an overload of character. They were destined to fall.
But this team has the make, look and swagger of a champion. How many times can we write “businesslike”? How many games can we point to and say “they did their job”? It’s a team full of guys in their primes, sprinkled in with a couple veterans and younger guys. It’s built to raise the trophy.
And like a few others have written, this team is different than previous teams because you can believe in them. You don’t have the sinking feeling of choke. You don’t have the letdown feeling. They’re too good for that. The pitching is gold. The hitting is clutch. They always find a way.
***
So I woke up this morning, head hurting but pride strong. And I recalled the dream last night. The obscurity of Charlie Manuel at a bonfire. And then of us in an office, taking batting practice. And then, it did make sense.
Writing here, being a fan, it’s like sitting at a bonfire, sharing stories, opinions and information. And the fire is this team, what we all huddle around, what we all stand by to keep us involved, to keep our hearts warm and strong.
And the office? Shall I bring up the word “businesslike” again?
Sure, it’s a dream, and sure, most are unreadable, but the clarity I have for this team is impenetrable. I’ve never felt so good as a baseball fan, and I’ve never been so proud to be a Philadelphia Phillies fan. To huddle around the bonfire, to observe hittin’ season in the office, to celebrate a World Series berth.
Posts: 0 Brian Michael
It’s business time.
Posted: 10:06 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
Tim, you have made incredible posts all year long, and I really feel that is your best yet. You should really be a sports writer. That was a great dream man. I think you’re right. This is the team to win it. I just realized a few minutes ago that the Rays aren’t as good as they seem right now. They’re smashing the Sox, yes…but they did that all year long. I think the youngins’ will collapse in the World Series.
Posted: 10:12 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
Flight of the Conchords style!
Posted: 10:12 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 BrewTownPhilsPhan
Great story about ’93. My dad got tickets to NLCS game 3 in ’83 against the Dodgers – we got stuck in a traffic jam on the Schulkill after a truck flipped over, and got off to take side streets to the game. There were empty seats because of the accident, and the game was actually delayed half an hour because of it (that would never happen today!).
Charles (not Charlie!) Hudson pitched brilliantly, Gary Matthew’s had a home run, and Mike Schmitt had a great catch several rows deep.
I was thirteen and will never forget that game. It’s hard to surpass the experiences you have like that when you’re a kid. This year feels pretty special, though.
Posted: 10:15 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Theresa
That’s the one thing I have liked about this team throughout the playoffs…the attitude. They win the east, then the LCS, and you get the feeling that they are happy, but know the job’s not done yet. They are definitey in it to win it at the end. Go Phils!!
Posted: 10:23 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
Did anyone see Moyer’s post game interview? He was talking about how proud he was of Cole like he was his father. It was pretty awesome.
Posted: 10:31 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chase Mutley
Michael Jack has to throw out the first pitch in Game 3, right? I mean, it’s sort of a given.
Posted: 10:47 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
Either him or Carlton, I’d imagine.
Posted: 10:48 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Griffin
I’m excited, but ready for the World Series. Let’s do this.
Posted: 10:51 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 ED8070
Guys, this site has gotten me through the ups and downs of the season. Thank you for providing a place where die-hards like me can go and just be a Phillies Phan. I dont know what I would do everyday without this site. This site has made me become an even bigger Phillies Phan if that is possible. I remember watching Game Six of the ’93 world series when I was 10. I’ve always been a fan, but watching this team this year is awesome! This season is just magical and its definitely not over yet! LETS GO PHILS!!!
Posted: 10:51 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 dan
tim I love the dream but you didn’t explain one thing- the cough drops!
Posted: 10:58 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
Phil, Moyer was totally classy. I feel good for him after he pitched so poorly.
And, Tim, great post. I really enjoyed that. I had a dream with Charlie in it as well…..the night after they lost to Milwaukee in game 3…..He was real upset and dejected about the loss. I told him that all would be ok, that his boys would win and move on. Charlie’s the best.
When I was in Clearwater in March I was lucky enough to talk to him for a minute and have him sign my ball. I told him “Thanks. You’re a good man.” His reply was “So I’m a good man just because I sign?” I said “No, Charlie. You’re just a really good man and I appreciate your approach, your style. His response to that was (and I think I’m pretty close to verbatim here) “Well, I hope I do somethin’ good this year.” Typical Charlie. He SO deserves this.
So Tim, I think your dream DOES mean something. I think there is something bigger at play here. Call it a higher power or whatever you want. Stuff like dreams and encounters just don’t happen for no reason. We all have to believe.
Posted: 10:58 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 philliesphanatic
Although I have been a Philly Sports Fan since birth, ’71, I have only recently found this website. What a great blog, i found it yesterday and couldnt stop reading . Great Blog Thank You!
Posted: 11:00 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 dan
I hope, regardless of the outcome, that someone makes a movie about our phils. We need a good phillies movie. I’m going to start video taping all the rallies and tailgates and games, hope it turns out well
Posted: 11:03 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Jamie
The bizzare thing for me last night was that I was at total ease. I was never worried about us losing, never worried that Hamels would give up big hits or runs, and never worried that Lidge or Madson would falter. It was weird, considering the nailbiters we’ve have over the year. It’s like I just knew. I think we all did.
Posted: 11:05 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
haha Dan Uggla just called Ryan Madson Derek Madson. What a tool.
Posted: 11:09 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
Jamie, good point. I’m pretty superstitious and after the Phils lost to the Brewers in game 3 I couldn’t sit in the same chair, which I always sit in for whatever I’m watching on TV. Last night, I sort of forgot and sat in the chair and by the time they were up 3-0 I realized it. I thought about moving but figured I would just stay there and if something real bad was happening I would move. When Cole was in trouble in the 7th I told myself I would move if he didn’t get Kent out. Needless to say, I just remained in the chair til it was over. Guess I just knew too.
Posted: 11:12 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 phlorida
Tim Malcom deserves the Nobel for Literature. I am so jealous of the guys/gals that were in Philly last night to celebrate. The raw emotion of a street celebration after victory is something that is hard to duplicate. Ive been through a few down here in Gainesville the past few years so I know yall had a great time last night. Look for me at game one, Ill be the loud one
GOOOOO PHILLIES!!!
Posted: 11:20 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 JimC
Tim, Great post. Like everyone else here we appreciate what you do giving us a place to just talk baseball through the ups and downs. Theirs nothing better then talking baseball. And your only 23 Tim you have a bright future as a writer if that’s what you wish to do.
Posted: 11:22 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 timb
Awesome site, Tim. So, what does that idiot TJ Simers have to say about us now? If anyone could post his comments I’d appreciate it. Apparently my IT dept blocks crappy sports journalists here at work.
Posted: 11:34 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Geiff
I was doubtful in June during IL play, I was sure theyd get to the WS when the playoffs began. I was not sure about winning the WS but it is DEFINITELY beginning to look more and more like its their time now.
This is NOT the same Red Sox team that we saw in June, theyre not nearly as good as that team. Theyre injured, they dont have Manny even though Bay is a good replacement, Becketts not the same guy to the point that Dice-K is their ace now. I dont think theyre going to advance anyway, so…
The Rays. I dont know how media types can dread this series. I know the marketing attributes demographically arent as big for these cities, but still. In terms of pure baseball, this is going to be a GREAT series. But I kind of have that feeling that theyre going to win this time. That the wait is over. They just have that look about them this time that you can tell theyre not done. This time its the Rays who should be worried about having their luck run out, not us. The cycle is complete, it has come back around and now its time for the Phillies to win again. Its all lined up for them, and this time it does jusdt feel right, Tim was right about that. A swtich was turned on when they got to the playoffs and they havent stopped since. The man who turned that switch up was Charlie Manuel, and now hes going to keep them focused and hell have them ready to win the World Series.
Posted: 11:34 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 TwoTonsOfIrony
Hey, just found this today, apparently Victorino has been writing a blog for the entire postseason (they couldn’t have picked a better guy) it’s pretty well done and fun to read. I made my name the link so just click on that if you want to go to the site. Otherwise its just shanevictorino.mlblogs.com. Can’t wait for this series. Being down in DC I envied the stories of running around the streets of Philly for the party that was.
Watching Madson this series has been pretty awesome, I don’t know if he is just in the zone, but it looks like he may be a pretty dominant guy, maybe even closer, in the future, 97!!!! love it.
Posted: 11:37 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
Timb,
Here’s what TJ Simers had to say:
“SEVERAL DODGERS fans e-mailed complaining about the fan experience in the stadium for Game 4.
‘I am not sure I will take my son to another Dodger game any time soon,’ wrote Ken Gowey. ‘It makes me absolutely ashamed to be a Dodger fan.’
I was afraid of this, knowing some folks born in Philly have probably moved here and become Dodgers fans over the years.
The thing is, you just can’t take the Angryville out of them, which obviously explains all the problems in Dodger Stadium.’
Posted: 11:47 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 true met fan
congrats to the phils. as much as i hate it, they’re the best team in NL.
Posted: 11:51 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
What’s with the Mets fans? I couldn’t fall asleep last night and was listening to the radio and guys were calling into WFAN in New York saying that the Phillies were the best team. Unbelievable turn of events!!! Guess two choke years in a row are enough to make Met fans come to their knees.
Posted: 11:56 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 phloridaphilsphan
Man, this is gonna make me cry! I love it! Like you, Tim, I was not alive the last (and only) time the Phightin’ Phils made it. I also agree with the Geiff, who cares that FOX isn’t happy about the Phils/Rays match-up? This is probably going to be one of the best Series in a long time, in terms of the two teams involved.
GO PHILS! WE LOVE YOU BOYS!
Posted: 11:58 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 true met fan
any real baseball fan can appreciate a good team. regardless of the rivalry. two choke years are brutal. hopefully they learn something and bring in guys with the right attitude. rays-phils should be a classic series.
Posted: 11:59 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
you’re dreaming, true met fan. Bad attitude is too widespread to overcome anytime soon.
Posted: 12:17 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 T Marty
Tim that blog was awesome, always are… i love this site. The Phillies are our fire, baby. Next time i have an odd dream i’ll have you analyze it. This is so much phun. GO Phils!
Posted: 12:18 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
True Met Fan,
You have always shown class here and show you appreciate good baseball.
But as for the rest of the Mets fans, they seem really…..bitter.
http://www.metsblog.com/2008/10/16/note-phillies-are-still-mocking-the-mets/#comments
Posted: 12:24 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 TomC
Anyone taking out a 2nd mortgage on your rowhome to watch the Phils lose in Tampa like the Eagles did in the Super Bowl?
Posted: 12:25 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Gabriel
first off, Tim Malcom, you are essentially a blog god, todays post is incredible, i originally started posting here to wax intellectual w/other informed phils phans, now i come on here to read your masterpieces, as well as the waxing part too, but wow Tim, wow… i’m floored at today’s piece, this is one of the best times to be a phillies phan and you 100% personified all of our emotions with a few paragraphs – you’re a genius… i’m 25 and even if i had half of the writing capability you have, i’d be a beat writer for the daily journal, good luck to you and your future, it’s bright – i assure you.
Posted: 12:25 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
I’m reading Shane’s blog. I liked the comment he made about Hamels wanting to paint the town from green to red. I think Hamels painted the town red last night!
Posted: 12:35 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
Tim,
I am 50 yrs old and blogging is fairly new to me. I’m pretty old school in my approach to communication, but you have totally got me with this site. This is so much fun!!! Thanks for this. (I really have to get something done at work now….this is WAY too addictive!!!)
Posted: 12:37 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
Phil, this town, this whole area is red right now.
Posted: 12:39 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Thanks, everybody, for the kind words. I do what I do because I am like you.
Posted: 12:40 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 christopher
well said, tim, well said. i am so happy for this team, so happy that after falling out of love with baseball, this young nucleus brought me back in two seasons ago. i was there when they clinched the pennant in ’93, ten years old, and it might have been the best feeling of my life up until that point. but this team is doing its best to top all of those childhood memories.
go phillies!!!
Posted: 12:56 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 true met fan
SJ,
Not all Met fans are low class. But All Met fans should be bitter. They’re one hit away from the W.S. in 06 then blow it two years in a row. The Mets are like the Phils of the Abreu days, all the talent but the lack of guts and heart. And now they might trade reyes or wright.
The W.S. should be a 7 game classic.
Posted: 01:08 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
Oh, I know, TMF.
Just pointing out that post that I saw.
Baseball fans should be excited to see this World Series matchup because it is different teams then the norm (Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals) and would be such a toss up and a well fought out series.
Posted: 01:13 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Richie Allen
I remember the 80 world series final game because someone spilled a beer on my head…and I didnt mind at all…
Heres hoping for that beer shower in 08..
Go Phils.
And by the way ,thanks Tim for this blog..fine job ..
Posted: 01:15 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
You can’t really compare the Mets to the Abreu Phillies teams. The recent Mets teams were way more talented and had no reason choking the way they did. I guess that’s why Mets fans should be bitter.
Posted: 01:19 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 true met fan
Probably so. The recent Mets teams were talented. but simply gutless. and closed out our stadium by losing to the marlins. The only one with confidence is Reyes but doesn’t get any support from his teammates. Reyes is like a young J-Roll. Hopefully he can carry them the same way rollins did.
Whoever does the scouting/recruiting for the phils is brilliant because of the amount of homegrown talent they developed. All we have to show is reyes,wright,pelfrey.
Posted: 01:38 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 christopher
haha guys i have to share this, i don’t want to talk about that low life TJ simmers anymore at this point, but i got too much of a kick out of this.
after his first ridiculous article i sent him a short e-mail telling him off, which i posted here. then as the series went on i sent him two e-mails with links to stories showing how pathetic his dodgers fans were. and this morning i sent him an e-mail just generally putting him in his place- i won’t repost the entire thing, but here’s how it ened: “TJ Simmers’ moment in the sun set with a whimper, not a bang. He woke up today realizing that he is a small, tired, middle aged man, with a sad excuse for a life, and a sad excuse for a profession. And he wished, deep down inside, that if only somehow, someway… he was a beat writer for a real team… the Philadelphia Phillies.”
well i guess my e-mails got under TJ’s skin, because he actually wrote back to me afterwards, and told me that I’M pathetic. the fact that i bothered the mighty TJ simmers to the point he wrote back to me in frustration was a small victory for me. obviously though, the big victory is still the phillies going to the world series :)
Posted: 01:39 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Gabriel
TMF – you are doing a great thing here, turning phils phans opionions of muts fans from negative to not negative (wont say positive)… one fan at a time… good job TMF… way to not be a jackass – you have my blessing to troll this blog from now on, careful tho or you’ll be wearing a hamels jersey to your new stadium next year hah
Posted: 01:41 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Gabriel
TJ Simers is a complete baggadouche… it’s actually saddening to know that a human being is that unintelligent… well, saddening or laughable, nobody takes this idiot seriously… nobody ever will again either after his horrendous remarks – i hope this guy gets fired and ends up serving cheesesteaks in philly
Posted: 01:45 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 T
Tim, great way to sum up a true fan’s feelings. This site should serve as an example of how great Philly fans really are.
Posted: 01:47 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 true met fan
no chance dude. If I didn’t convert to a yankee fan in the past 10 years then I’ll never leave the mets. I’m just a diehard baseball fan and I’m sick of seeing both NY teams bring in over the hill free agents, spending stupid amount of money and not developing talent. I’ve been watching baseball my whole life, so i’m not some kid, flaming the other teams blog. i just wish our team would get it. I hope our F’ing GM wakes up and gets it. the thing is, this phils team is similar to the mets teams of the 80′s. like our 86 championship team. tough,gritty,confident.
We’ll be back ! 2009 collapse proof, I hope :)
Posted: 01:49 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
TMF, you’re ok. The rest of you loser Met fans…..like Gab says…..one at a time. Gab, you put a smile on my face with your comments. By the way, I disagree with you TMF about your assessment of Reyes. A young J-Roll? I’ll have to think about that one. He has the talent but has little class. Maybe he’ll mature with age. For your sake TMF, I hope so cause you’re right….they have little else besides Wright and Pelfrey.
Posted: 01:50 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Gavin
Any of ya’ll notice how pissed off McCarver was that Loney flew out on a 2-0 pitch. He couldnt have been more biased if he was wearing a Dodgers tie that flashed, I’m a Dodger Dog on it. I loved it!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 01:55 PM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
Christopher, please post back TJ Simers full response. Please!
And TMF, you along with others like Grumpy Miner, RivLez, and there’s a few others where names are escaping me, have helped create a more positive spin on Mets fans.
I’m sure it is the same thing for you. Phillies fans have this aura and myth about them that makes them see like they are a bunch of horrible people, but I’ve said time and time again that there is no fanbase that lives without sin. Unfortunately the vocal minority will always get more coverage and attention because that’s what they strive for.
Posted: 01:57 PM on October 16, 2008