PHILLIES BEAT DODGERS, WIN NATIONAL LEAGUE
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, October 16, 2008 12:04 AM | Comments: 148
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PHILLIES WIN THE PENNANT!
The Phillies advanced to their sixth World Series in franchise history with a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cole Hamels — the National League Championship Series most valuable player — pitched a sterling seven innings of one-run baseball. The run came off a Manny Ramirez home run. The Hall of Famer knocked out a high pitch — more power to him. But who cares!
The Phils scored early, often, and secured their victory. Jimmy Rollins — just like in game four of the NLDS — hit a leadoff home run to give the Phils a 1-0 lead. Then the boys piled it on. Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell had huge two-out hits to give the good guys a 3-0 lead. Dodger errors contributed to what became a 5-0 lead. That was more than enough for Hamels and the Phils.
Big props to Ryan Madson, who continues to be the shut-down setup man this team has desired. He defused a lite eighth-inning rally by the Dodgers, getting Ramirez to ground out in that frame. Brad Lidge secured the ninth, getting the Nomar Garciaparra pop-out to Carlos Ruiz to end the NLCS.
Go crazy, Philadelphia, go crazy. The Phillies are National League champions!
Associated Press photo
Posts: 0 Phil
I just got back from Broad St. I’m drunk as shit. This had to have been the best night of my adult life. The Phillies are going to the World Series. It was so awesome to be screaming on Broad Street with thousands of Phillies fans who were high fiving, honking, and cheering on their team. I watched videos on youtube of what was going on in 93 when they clinched, and I was saying to myself that I hope the city goes that crazy tonight when we clinch, and it exceeded all of my expectations. It was crazy, and the World Series victory will be that much crazier. I love this team. I can’t wait to go to the World Series game 3. It will be the best moment of my life. I said Cole or Lidge will win the NLCS MVP. Cole is the man. He is an ace. I hope we sign him and have him for years to come. I want him to retire in a Phillies Jersey. He’s a future HOFer. I’m done ranting. GO PHILS!!!!!!!!! PHILS IN 5!!!!!!!!! BRING ON THE F*CKING RAYS!!!!!!!!
Posted: 02:53 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Craig
Sweet.
Enjoy it guys.
Posted: 04:04 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 bmfc1
Mets fan stopping by to say “congratulations!” It’s well deserved. The best team will be representing the NL in the Series. Go get ‘em!
Posted: 05:21 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 ashley
Go Phils!!!! This party is gonna be CRAZYYY!!!
Posted: 05:22 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 RK
Wowwww, I was in 10th grade in ’93 and still remember the excitement but this is unreal. Watching the crowd at Frankford and Cottman was unreal. I live in the Burbs and I went outside and could hear the crickets chirping, it must have been crazy to be in the city last night. What a night….4 more wins
Posted: 06:49 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Sean
hey where is red sox fan?
Posted: 06:53 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Grrrumpy Miner
First of all,Ryan the stock market is already &@+%#* now that out of the way……Phils did the job in the NL in 2008 and deserve the pennant congrats.HOWEVER most likely Tampa Bay (unless the BoSox do what they did in 04) will be your next team to kill.Now not trying t be a downer,the Devil Rays are a young,hungry,scrappy team that will give you fits.Don’t count them out by any stretch.I still remember 86 fondly and long for the day my Amazins win again.So after the Phils beat the Devil Rays,back to hoping in 2009 the Mets retool and figure out how to win a ballgame and beat those stinkin,rotten Anchovies from Miami.119 more days til pitchers and catchers.
Posted: 07:00 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 LH
Tim, your picture is worth a fortune. Move over Area 51, we have living proof that men are from outer space exist. Notice the ones in the picture who are actually floating in the air!
Posted: 07:01 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 JimC
No one I would rather celebrate with then Phillies Nation. Time 2 win the series babbbyyy
Posted: 07:31 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 rootin tootin
this is just great and wait till the phabulous phightins win it all my partying then we had in 1980 six packs and cases wiil cost more but what the phuck GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 DO OUR BOYS HAVE A PHIGHT SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!! if not lets write one………how about it phans
Posted: 07:33 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 pete
yesssssssssssssssssssssss
Posted: 07:41 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Scott
This is the year….it feels different from the Eagles in 2004, Sixers in 2001, Flyers in 1997, etc etc etc. We were happy to be playing for the titles in those years. But not this team – they have their eyes on the prize. THIS IS THE YEAR!! THIS IS THE YEAR!! LET’S DO IT!!!
Posted: 07:45 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 RK
any idea of plans for a rally this weekend.
Posted: 07:48 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 rootin tootin
tim do you know of any fighting men, our troops. who might enjoy this blog of the Phillies victory and their quest,lets send it to them. my family has “adopted a service man from each branch of the armed forces and send them all types of info and packages, it would be a great gesture to send our own phightins a blog of this win …. just to let them know that we are here for them thanks
Posted: 07:55 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 erik
Spent all night spraying my 15 year old brother with champagne, then passed out on the hardwood floor. I have one hell of a headache, my back is killing me, but damn I could not be any happier. One hell of a wednesday night. LETS GO PHIGHTINS
Posted: 08:08 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Mark T
This is really surreal. I was 8 years old in ’93, and my homework assignments back then were to track the Phillies progress through the playoffs. I know I couldn’t appreciate as much then as I can now, but I still get brought near tears when I think about Joe Carter. More than anything, I just don’t want this ride to end. Baseball has by far always been my favorite sport, and there is no greater satisfaction for me than to see the Philadelphia Phillies on the doorstep of a championship. I think it would be more than just right for the city’s oldest team to win it’s first championship in 25 years. Even my dad, who has obviously lived through all those tough years (and the one great one in 80) is excited again. He’s told me every season since I was very young, “You should watch the Phillies and enjoy them as entertainment, but try not to get emotionally invested because they will break your heart every time.” But last night I got a phone call saying “How cool is this? We’re playing in the World Series.” Unbelievable. All we need is 4 more…GO PHILS!
Posted: 08:12 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Dave
’80, now ’08…it’s destiny!! GO PHILS!!!
Posted: 08:31 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Rob Cowie
My head is pounding but its so worth it.
Posted: 08:36 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Elizabeth
Four more wins!!! What a ride, and it’s not over yet.
Go Phillies!!!!!
Thanks Phillies Nation.
Posted: 08:39 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Brian
4 more to go!!!! Told the boss this morning don’t expect me for the day of the parade!!! This is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
How many others cried last night?
Posted: 08:40 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Gary B
It was rockin in Charlotte, NC last night…wait a minute. I was rockin in Charlotte last night, and I made sure everybody heard me.
I can still feel the effects of the bottle of Champagne I drank last night but I am lovin it!
Posted: 08:42 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Bill
Great article from Gregg Doyel on sportsline.com. Talks about the Phil’s toughness compared to LA’s “Southern California Cool.”
“The Dodgers are front-runners, is what I’m saying.
The Phillies are sonsofbitches.
No wonder the Phillies are going to the World Series. No wonder the Dodgers aren’t. ”
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/11037700
Posted: 08:48 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Aaron Proctor
Best blog ever..and now that I’ve moved back to Philadelphia from L.A., this is even sweeter. GO FIGHTIN’S!
Posted: 08:48 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
For me, last night was almost anticlimactic (that sounds funny) after Monday’s game with the Stairs shot. But what a feeling!! We’re goin to the Series!!!
Posted: 08:49 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Aaron Proctor
1993 – I was in 6th grade. This is great!
Posted: 08:50 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Aaron Proctor
RK: I’m in the burbs too and I did hear faint cheering from the bar down the road..but that was about it. Philly looked SO amazing on TV last night.
I’m sure there will be people partying throughout the weekend!
Posted: 08:53 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Greg F.
HOORAY Phillies!
Thanks to philliesnation and mlbtv for helping me phollow the phitin’s all year long from a distance. This is truly special. My late dad took me to my first Phils game in 1964 at Connie Mack. I sat in the 400 level of the Vet with my brother for game six of 1980 on that great night. This year is truly special and I’m sharing it with my son, part of the next generation of Phils Phans. The ’08 Phils have the heart of a champion.
FOUR MORE!!
Posted: 09:00 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
We all need to get a grip here. Let’s not celebrate TOO much just yet. Still work to do. Still four more wins to get. Let’s have fun with this but put it into perspective. I, for one, think that Tampa or Boston could be our toughest opponent yet. Tampa because they are just young enough to not fully understand the whole show and go out and steal this thing from us (plus….they are a VERY good team). And Boston because if they win this…..and it is a stretch at this point down 3-1……they could be riding such momentum that they are unbeatable going into the Series. And with home-field at Fenway with that kind of juice in their systems……….I hate to think about what could happen. Not trying to be negative here (I feel good about the boys), just realistic and cautious.
Posted: 09:10 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
I am so f*cking hungover right now, and I can honestly say that this is the best hangover of my life. I enjoy this hangover. This is the hangover of a celebration. It is all finally sinking in right now. Being on broad street last night screaming like a moron was incredible, and now that I’m lying in my bed with a pounding headache and on the verge of puking, while reading all of your responses to the passion of this team it’s just amazing. My eyes are tearing up with joy for finally seeing this team do it. It is all sinking in now. They are a team of destiny. They have such a great team of amazing talent that are just beginning to reach their prime. I can’t wait to see them dismantle the Rays in the World Series. I bet you none of those kids were even alive when Jamie Moyer started playing. I will be at game 3! 4 MORE WINS!
Posted: 09:12 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Rob Cowie
We may just take a personal day today… who knows.
Posted: 09:13 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 PhilliesLifer
This season started with us down in clearwater. Although we always dreamed of this happening, it was always such a reach that we tried to suppress it as not to be dissapointed, yet again. Well here we are, on the doorstep of the World Series. I am 53 years old and have been rooting for the Fightin’s since ’64, my first encounter with failure. (My 86 year old father inroduced me to baseball and still bleeds red pinstripes). I remember ’80 like it was yesterday. For those of you who don’t remember it, because you are too young or were living on Pluto, you are in for a ride and a half. The pressure seems lessened in the WS compared to the NLCS. If the Phils just play they’re game, they have the talent to win it all. Enjoy this everybody, it doesn’t happen too often. GO PHILLLIES
Posted: 09:14 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
Oh I have a question for 2 bloggers. 1st to Mike T. Are the Phillies still not a good team? You said it so many times this season that they just aren’t a good team. Still feel that way? When I said it early on in the season that we were the best team in the NL you said no the Cubs are. And Scot is Hamels still not a big game pitcher? He let up a home run to Manny…he must really suck, right?
Posted: 09:17 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chase Mutley
It’s 6:30am here in LA. I’m hung over as shit. Best. Day. Ever. Phillies fans were everywhere and they gave tons of love on the field to the team. Seriously, there were just as many people there to celebrate with the Phils as there was after they clinched the division. Tommy Lasorda gave some cheerleader speech to the Dodgers fans after the game about them being the greatest fans in the world — only the only people left were wearing red. I sat next to Orel Hershiser at the bar in my hotel after the game. Totally random. He was having a candid conversation about his radio career with his friends. Richard Simmons was on my flight here and he helped collect all of the snack trash with the stewardesses. Needless to say, LA sucks, and I can’t wait to celebrate the next one in Philly!
(Pictures of all of this — including Orel Hershiser and Richard Simmons — coming soon)
Lets Go Phillies!
Posted: 09:25 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 RK
Aaron:
You are right the celebrating will go on all weekend everywhere. I know I will be at the bar tomorrow night. I meant the official rally with the team.
4 more fellas (and Georgie), this is not over yet but this victory is sweet. I am glad I found this blog around Spring Training so I can read (and sometimes discuss) the Phils with fans as passionate as myself.
Thanks Tim
Posted: 09:30 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 dan
I whipped myself in the eye with my rally towel last night and barely keep it open. Just missed my 8 AM class. Who the hell cares?!? Go phils!!!!
Posted: 09:40 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
PhilliesLifer, You sort of echo my point earlier……the WS has less pressure than the NLCS…..The Phillies CAN’T let down and take this for granted. I don’t think they will…..BUT…..whoever they face will be tough. As with you, this all started for us in Clearwater, too and I feel so good about this season. And you are right…..a lot of these fans are too young (I’m 50) to remember all the heartbreak and chokes (1980 aside). We should enjoy this ride….because it really doesn’t come that often.
Posted: 09:49 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 RK
Rally Towel:
I was pacing around my sports room with a Yuengling in one hand and whipping my rally towel in the other. I should have taken a video of myself…..must have looked hillarious
Posted: 09:49 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
I whipped myself with my rally towel too Dan, and I just kept trudging down Broad street anyway.
Posted: 09:50 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Geiff
Also, if youve looked at Ryan Madsons face in the playoffs…the man is just possessed right now. He was throwing 97 last night. Total lockdown setup man, which is what theyve missed since Tom Gordon got injured.
Ed Wade does indeed deserve some credit for assembling the core of this team as Gillick credited him for. Gillick is really good at all these little moves that dont look like much and piss us off at first glance or on paper. However unlike when the Eagles do moves like that, these moves work out. Brad Lidge is the one blockbuster move that really paid dividends. Adam Eaton, Rod Barajas, Jenkins, and Garcia were bad moves, but look at Scott Eyre, Matt Stairs, Joe Blanton, Greg Dobbs, Jayson Werth, etc. All these guys were ho hum moves at the time but theyve really fit in and paid off. Jayson Werth has become a reliable everyday player and these other guys have filled a role nicely.
Thats the difference between Gillick and Wade. Wade did not know how to put the final touches on a team that can get to the WS and Gillick does. Gotta give them credit here.
The most credit goes to Charlie Manuel. This team was terrible for big parts of the season, and even going into the last month of the season. He basically got them focused and got them playing good baseball again for this run. Hes one of the main reasons why theyre even there. Its time for people to get off his back.
Posted: 09:50 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
tough break, dan. In the Series, keep your arm a bit more extended.
Posted: 09:51 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
Good post Geiff. I agree with all of it. And, yeah….Madson is totally strapped in.
Posted: 09:54 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Dennis
WHOOP! There it is! I still can’t believe this!!!
Posted: 09:56 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
haha how 93 of you Dennis.
Posted: 09:56 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Mike
So beautiful guys!
And here’s some fun nugget of information from TJ Simers’ latest article.
All the problems that happened at Dodgers Stadium weren’t Dodgers fans, and here is his theory why.
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: 09:57 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Chuck
I guess Californians aren’t just all laid back and stuff after all.
Posted: 10:02 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Eb
I am at work right now running on no sleep….At the bar til last call celebrating, then just lied in bed with Tears in my eyes.
these Phils deserve this win and it is great to see Cole get the MVP and Cholly getting a break to go home and be with his family.
Posted: 10:02 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 NEPA
SJ – He must be joking, just trying to get a rise out of Philly fans. No logical human could believe that nonsense.
Posted: 10:02 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Eb
Tim it goes with out saying, your work and dedicaiton to this site is unbelievable.
I have tickets to Game three and five. WE NEED TO HAVE A PARTY
Posted: 10:07 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 Eb
Tim it goes with out saying, your work and dedicaiton to this site is unbelievable.
I have tickets to Game three and five. WE NEED TO HAVE A PARTY.
even if you dont have a ticket and place for us all to hang out have some beers. Someone can bring a TV to watch the game from the lot.
Guys as Victorino said the journey is not over. LET GET THOSE RINGS
Posted: 10:08 AM on October 16, 2008
Posts: 0 STLCardsfan
Congrats Phillies!!!
Posted: 10:23 AM on October 16, 2008