Farewell, And Thank You
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, June 26, 2009 07:00 AM | Comments: 102
Blog, Posts
Hello Nation,
As some of you may have seen, I’ve been away from the site for a week. And during the week absence I came to some conclusions about my future; in prioritizing my life, I have realized writing at Phillies Nation can no longer be a priority.
So this is my farewell.
My very first post at Phillies Nation came Dec. 17, 2007. In the post, I wrote about how the Phillies needed to take charge in the 2008 season:
The Phils are rumored to be close to signing Geoff Jenkins. That’s a start. There are still pitching holes to solve. They must grab another starter and a back-end reliever. If it takes Carlos Carrasco and Josh Outman, so be it. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are in their absolute primes. Cole Hamels is a stud. Brett Myers will likely put up good numbers. There’s enough of a supporting cast to carry these guys to 85 wins again, but they need the three pieces left to get them to 95.
Ownership frugality aside, there’s potential for the Phillies to run away with the city’s heart. Now is the time. Front office — you’re the best team in the city. You won. Now go for the jugular.
Who knew my fist-out proclamation would show true less than a year later? I had written at a previous blog that the 2008 Phillies had the opportunity to accomplish special goals, but did I really believe it then? Did any of us really believe that team’s capabilities? Heck, I didn’t completely believe it in September 2008. Deep inside, we’re all skeptics.
After that initial post I struggled to find a voice. I bashed the team’s signing of So Taguchi (in retrospect, kudos to me) and wrote a horrible breakdown of the Durbin signing. It took some time, but I found a groove that I rode for quite a while. I visited Clearwater for the first time, really immersing myself in my love of the Phillies.
Then tragedy struck.
I’ll never forget the outpouring of well wishes and thoughts I received after losing my home to an apartment fire in April 2008. During that trying time, the Phillies were my crutch, and you all were my eyes and ears. That’s when I learned the true value of Phillies Nation — that no matter what, people were behind you, looking out for you. That feeling rose as the Phillies made their annual late-season run, accentuated by our bus trip during Labor Day 2008. The Nation was growing, both literally and figuratively. And in a whirl, the Phils were division champions, then league champions. Then world champions.
Often I scroll back at the posts I wrote during that cherished run of October 2008. I poured a lot into my writing then, trying desperately to summarize my feelings — and the feelings of the Nation — in small swatches of text. I’d like to believe I had some success bridging words to emotions, and I hope you readers felt what I was attempting to convey.
I remember my nerves during the two parts of game five: Telling everyone “This is the night” on Oct. 29, 2008 was difficult — even when the Phillies were 3.5 innings from a championship, I struggled to be certain. As always, I felt skeptical. But I knew, for the Nation, I had to put on my game face. There were many times I put on my game face, just for the Nation.
I remember the victory itself, leaping and shrieking, calling my father and crying loudly. There was no feeling quite like that in my life. And I bet that if I didn’t follow the team urgently throughout the 2008 season, I wouldn’t have felt that incredible. Sure I would’ve leaped and shrieked, but I wouldn’t have felt a part of something bigger, of a cause that meant more than just sheer fandom.
I remember the parade — the culmination of our work as fans. I most remember the perfectly beautiful weather — 73 degrees, sunshine without a cloud in the sky. People as far as the eye could see clad in red. Smiles on everyone’s faces. Bells, applause, whistles, screams. I trekked on foot from 30th Street Station to the sports complex, absorbing every smiling face and wide eye. Some of these people had been fans for five minutes. Some had been fans for 50 years. And I felt like a part of each one — truly, it was a Phillies Nation.
Since that parade we’ve gone through the same annual emotions: Hope, determination, pride, anger, resentment, disappointment. We question a team that has already proven its mettle, merely because we can, merely because we are fans. As long as they make millions, we can say whatever we will. And that’s the freedom of the fan; it’s what makes Philadelphians a cut aside the rest. We’re brash, we’re direct, we’re furiously passionate.
Since Dec. 17, 2007 I’ve played the role of passionate fan very seriously. In a way, I’ve represented the fan. That came to fruition with a television appearance on a Mets pregame show. But since that moment, my thoughts have led me to this script.
Is there a future in sports blogging? Sure, and hundreds of scribes have cashed their independent blogging efforts into full glory. But that’s not my future. And I have come to grips with that reality.
But I will always be a Phillies fan. I will always root loudly for the team that has gripped my hand since I was a very small child. I will attend games and opine about the state of the team, and I will lurk and possibly comment once in a while. I will always be a Phillies fan.
So thank you. Thank you for giving — your eyes, your time and your fandom to my words. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. Keep reading Phillies Nation, keep rooting for the Phils and keep being the best fans in baseball.
Best,
Tim Malcolm
Posts: 0 FrankW
Tim, thanks for the passion, the dedication, and the insights. Your posts will be sorely missed. Best of everything to you in the future sir.
Posted: 07:13 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 philsphan
Tim Malcolm, you are the Man!
You’ll be missed. Thanks for everything
Posted: 07:30 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Jim
Thanks Tim, best of luck and Go Phils!
Posted: 07:33 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 baseballfan
Well peace out Tim. Hope everything works out. I also hope that my comments about your metsblog appearence didn’t bring up these thoughts.
Posted: 07:42 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Kevin
Thanks for your wonderful insights and terrific content. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Posted: 08:06 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed 2
Timothy JACK Malcolm…thanks
Posted: 08:12 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Steve-o
Wow. Tim philliesnation’s loss is someone’s gain out there. If writing is what you run with in the future, there is no doubt in my mind that you will succeed.
Posted: 08:14 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 ED8070
Tim, Thanks for putting into words all the emotions not just me, but phillies fans everywher have felt with this team. You are truly a talented writer, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do in the future.
Posted: 08:15 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Sean
thewebgem.blogspot.com
Your inspiration, brought me to this…
Posted: 08:19 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Craig
Sorry to see you go Tim.
Your contributions have been very much appreciated.
Posted: 08:27 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Thomas J. Jones
Thank You!
Phillies Nation has become a unifying force that has spread across the nation itself.
We need someone to fill Tim’s post.
Does Tim have any ideas? Obviously Phillies Nation blog is his creation. Does he have intentions of passing it on to someone or is it up for grabs? We understand he has propriotary rights.
Tom
Posted: 08:31 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Tom G
Tim,
If I ever See you in Clearwater again…Me and my Daugther “have a bone to pick with you…”
Hey, have really ejoyed your opining, it was really insightful and enjoyable to view your passions
T
Posted: 08:33 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Cadiallac Time!
Best of luck Tim. You definately have a future as a writer, sports or otherwise! I hope that your replacement(s)bring the same passion!
Posted: 08:37 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Marisa
Tim
I have enjoyed reading everything you wrote. It helped to see someone so passionate during the losing times. I wish you nothing but the best
Posted: 08:38 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Gary B
Give Tim the Ashburn award today, for everything he’s done. He deserves it! Bes of luck in the future.
Posted: 08:38 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 OZ
Tim,
Won’t be the same, but you’ve touched lives – more important than fame, fortune, beauty, fast cars, etc. etc. etc.
Godspeed buddy.
OZ
Posted: 08:41 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Steve
Tim, I joined on in spring training 08, the ride with you though the championship last year was tremendous. You have put into words what we all feel. Not only that but you’ve done great reporting. This is where I come for my Phillies news. Good luck in your future endeavors, from what we’ve all seen your, you’ll surely succeed.
Posted: 08:46 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Willie The Pimp
Thomas,
The site is owned by Brian Michael, not Tim. And there’s a bunch of new writers.
Posted: 08:47 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Greg V.
Well said Tim. I often spoke out against your opinions but we both shared a common goal of wanting this team to succeed. I wish you the best sir.
Posted: 08:48 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 The Checkered Demon
Tim,
You are an excellent writer and analyst. I hope these talents serve you well in the future. You will be missed. Best wishes and carry on , my friend .
Posted: 08:50 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 just saying
did anyone notice how tim’s lack of posts seemed to coincide with the decline of the phillies? And now he’s gone for good?!?!?! Yikes.
Posted: 08:53 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 just saying
seriously check it out, that series at the mets when tim gave his interview ended June 11th. Since then the Phils have gone 2-10. You can’t make this stuff up
Posted: 09:01 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Andrew Vazzano
As a Mets fan, I thoroughly enjoy your writing. I think that says something.
You will be missed. Good luck in any and all future endeavors.
Posted: 09:04 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Jennifer
Tim,
You will be missed. Thanks for all of your great Phillies coverage. Good luck with everything.
Posted: 09:18 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Stuart
Found this site last August and it made the Playoff run and World Series Victory truly special. I live in upstate NY so to be able to read what other Phillies fans are thinking and being able to talk with them was great. thanks for everything, and much luck to you.
Posted: 09:23 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Tom
Wow. Tim was the reason this was my most visited site. Your incredible talent and unique ability of explaining what we were all feeling made this my favorite daily read. Aside from simply reporting the news, Tim put his heart into his writing. You helped me understand the Phillies as a baseball team, and as much more than that. They are a social construct that bought millions of people together last year. You taught me that. Thank you for all your well articulated thoughts and the Nation will certainly miss you.
Posted: 09:23 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 gabriel
Tim,
You are an excellent writer, please come back on here with a ‘celebrity shot’ post updating all of us with your future success story, i have no doubt you will succeed as a writer… and if I (we) can support you outside of PN, then I will happily do so.
But come on man! first thriller, now you!?!??! j/k
good luck to you Mr. Malcolm although i truly think you will not need luck to get where you are going. I can’t wait to look back in 5 years when you are anchoring sportscenter and tell my friends, “I’ve known about Malcs since the world series year son!”
Best regards –
Gabriel
Posted: 09:23 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Eb
Tim,
Thanks for everything you have done. Reading your posts were one of the bright points of my day. Best of Luck in your future endevors and drop on back and post a suprise post, I know we all would all appreciate it.
Thanks again
Eb
Posted: 09:29 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Steve
Tim,
As a Phillies fan in Washington DC, I only had the chance to watch a handful of games on television during the 2008 season. I stumbled upon this site at some point early in the year and I visited on a daily basis. Even though I only got to see a select few games on TV, checking out all of the pregame stuff, postgame stuff, and everything in between on this site made me feel just as connected to the team as I did back when I lived in Philly and got to watch them on a more regular basis. I wouldn’t have enjoyed the World Series win half as much without the feeling that I was part of this community. Good luck with your future ventures, and Lets Go Phils!
Posted: 09:34 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
Noooo! This sucks
Thanks Tim for everything you’ve done. You’ll be missed here.
Posted: 09:42 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 LH
Tim,
I’ve enjoyed you baseball analysis in Phillies Nation. You provided a plethora of words that made we wonder at times how you could possibly review, write and type so many daily articles and still hold a day time job. I’ll miss your provoking points which kept me up-to-date on the state of baseball. Your fans are many and like them, I’ll miss reading your daily baseball thoughts. Good luck in your new endeavors!
Larry
Posted: 09:46 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 jgsince73
just started following the site about 3-4 months ago and it’s great. your contributions were always informative and interesting. thanks for everything and good luck.
Posted: 09:49 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Mark B
Tim, you’ll be sorely missed here. Thanks so much for everything – your knowledge, your passion, your enthusiasm, your writing, etc. All the best to you in your future endeavors.
Posted: 09:51 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Nick S
YOU’LL BE MISSED! THANKS AGAIN
Posted: 09:55 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 kyle
This certainly is a blow. I must admit, I now turn to the good phight for my phillies news. That change coincided with Tims vacation. The passion and speed with which he posted made this site the number one phillies site. His departure leaves a gaping hole. I mean within 10 minutes of the final out, he would have a game recap that was informative, passionate and made one feel part of a club. Sort of like the good phight did last night with its game recap, aptly titled: embarrassing: rays 10, phillies 4.
Posted: 09:57 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Georgie
I shed nary a tear for Michael Jackson or Farrah Fawcett, but I am crying now. Tim, you are a very gifted writer, I wish you well in whatever you choose to do, but I will miss you more than I can say. You and PN have helped me through some tough times this past year, thank you for sharing your passion for the Phillies with all of us, your writing made the WFC even more special. Peace.
Posted: 10:14 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Jamie
Good luck with everything, Tim. Of course you’ll be missed, but after you take yourself a break (which you sorely deserve), I have a feeling we’ll see you around closer to October.
Take care!
Posted: 10:26 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 GWFightinsFan
Say it ain’t so, Tim! I do wish you the very best in whatever you choose to do, and know that your writing was read and appreciated by countless Phillies fans! Godspeed!
Posted: 10:28 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Don M
Tim,
Weird, but it’s tough to find the right words to say… Best of Luck in all that you do!
This is clearly my favorite site out there, and my favorite Phillies-related ANYTHING. It was more important to me (and a lot of us) to hear what YOU thought about a given situation, instead of “Post-Game Live”, or reading the reviews and opinions in the Daily News and Inquirer… I always checked Phillies Nation first to see what a real fan had to say.
This website was-and-is so successful because it’s truly the voice of the fans… something that could only be so accomplished and so passionate, because it is a “blog.” A sportswriter needs to be objective, a Sports-Radio host needs to stir up controversy, and enrage the listeners/callers. … there is nothing like Phillies Nation!
I can’t imagine what last year’s late-season run would have been like without Phillies Nation… it definitely wouldn’t have been so sweet. 2008 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!
Thank you for your thoughtful posts… and for allowing the rest of us to share our views and opinions along with, and against, your viewpoints.
Best of Luck in all that you do!
Don M
Posted: 10:34 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 cxl72
Good for you Tim. IMO you’re too young to get caught up in any one thing. Go out there and live life to the fullest. I hope you will post from time to time in the future. Best of luck in all you do.
Posted: 10:35 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 cxl72
Don M. I’m jinxed as you stole my line. Talk to you later…..
Posted: 10:36 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 kevin
Tim,
Thanks for all the writings. Phillies Nation has become a part of my daily Philadelphia readings. You’ll be missed. Best of success in all your endeavors.
God bless,
Posted: 10:46 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 SOFTFOAMEARPLUGS.COM
Tim – I found this site last summer and come to it just about every day to keep up with my favorite baseball team. Your post have been invaluable in keeping connected from my Chicago suburb. It’s been the best resource I’ve had to do so in the almost 33 yrs since leaving the Philly area. Thanks for allowing me to feel the local passion from 800 miles away! My God bless all your future endeavors.
Posted: 11:00 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Richie
Tim,
Thanks for a great run, one quite like the Phils themself have had. You truly show that fire of the Phils fan in your posts. You will be very sadly missed, but I know that someday your excellent writing skills will translate to a much bigger opportunity and you deserve that!
Amanda you have done a decent job picking up the pieces, but to be just slightly hypocritical, add a little fire into the content a little. Good content, but it just lacks that extra passion. Overall you are fine, I just want to be honest that’s all.
Posted: 11:01 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 JPK
Tim,
Good luck on your new path. Thanks for all the great work. It was nice to meet your briefly in Clearwater this past spring.
JPK
Posted: 11:04 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Andy
Come on, Tim…only 18 months here? Wish you could have stayed longer, reading the posts on this site are a daily ritual.
But now, you’re OUTTAHERE!
Thanks for the great posts.
Posted: 11:08 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Greg B
Yes, Thanks for everything Tim. I used to hit ESPN and SI for my Phils news, but now I get it here first. Your contribution to this site has been immeasurable. If you go on continuing to write, you should post up a link on this site, I think a lot of us enjoyed your honest and well-thought approach to writing.
Posted: 11:13 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Dennis
Thanks Tim! Good Luck!
Posted: 11:21 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 christopher
tim, just because you’re scared of your jamie moyer predictions coming back to haunt you the rest of your blogging career is no reason to go and retire!
in all seriousness, that one piece you wrote last year about the dream you had around the fire with charlie was truly a great piece of writing. it is something that will always stick with me when i think about last season.
thanks for your efforts here at phillies nation and best of luck with whatever you’re moving on to.
Posted: 11:22 AM on June 26, 2009
Posts: 0 Estebomb
I’m sad to see you go Tim. You’ve always written excellent posts here and made this one of my favorite sites to visit. You’re part of the reason that this is the best Phillies site on the internet. I hope you pursue sports writing because you are excellent at it and constantly outdo the professionals paid to write about the Phils. Best of luck to you in the future!
Posted: 11:29 AM on June 26, 2009