Cherish the Moments
Posted by Pat Gallen, Mon, October 19, 2009 11:06 AM | Comments: 27
Posts
Honestly, I hate to sound like a Hallmark commercial or a Kay Jewelers ad, but consider me euphoric. After last nights 11-0 drubbing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, my fandom skyrocketed into a stratosphere that had previously been unreachable.
Last season, they breezed through Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Tampa Bay to a World Series title, and all the while my negativity led me there. With but a speck of hope in 2008, I constantly assumed the worst would happen – didn’t we all? How could I not think this way? It had been years since the Phillies concocted such a winning formula, and it was blossoming before our very eyes. Yet, I couldn’t let my guard down due to Philadelphia’s penchant for the worst.
This year has different feel to it. Just knowing that a World Series banner is whipping wildly in the breeze along Ashburn Alley, my focus has centered on the good in this team. I no longer plunge into the depths of fandom, cautiously anticipating another breakdown. Now, I’m along for the ride and it feels good.
After Game 2, one that the Phillies certainly should have closed out, the usual panic that ensues was absent. The Phaitful understand that this cast of characters cares not about yesterday, but is focused on today. They proved that point in the NLDS against the Rockies after losing home field advantage in Game 2. They traveled to Denver for games three and four, braved the wintry conditions, and ended the series in pulse-pumping fashion.
After Game 2 of the NLCS on Friday, all hope could have been lost; if this were any other year, the masses surely would have been digging a colossal Phillies-sized grave. “They blew it,” “How could we lose to Padilla,” and “The Dodgers have all the momentum now” are quotes taken from years prior. However, there was a positive 48-hour window leading up to Game 3, proving that what we have here is special.
I’m glad we no longer have to worry about the response time of this team. It pains me to see Pedro Feliz ground into double-plays, and for Jimmy Rollins to swing at the first or second pitch, or even for Cole Hamels to publicly display his frustrations. But it’s nice to know that someone on this team is there for the pick-me-up. They have short-term memory loss, which serves them well at this stage.
It’s also exciting to see Phillies fans out in droves for all games. And even if you’re not celebrating with hundreds of people at the local watering hole, it’s still just as enjoyable to sit comfortably in front of the big screen at home.
The Phillies are in the drivers seat right now, and although we do not yet know what Game 4 holds, we can sleep well at night. No more tossing and turning, wondering what if, because this club won’t let that happen. They are constantly prepared for whatever lies ahead. Enjoy this while it lasts, because, win or lose, we are witnessing something magical.
Posts: 0 Jeff
Great post, Pat. You are absolutely on target. There is something special about this team — their resilience, clutch play, and historical successes in September & October provide a reassuring confidence that Philadelphia professional sports teams have, in their entire histories, never provided. No matter how things go on from here, we have the unique opportunity to witness, and feel like a part of, something special. I am so glad for the city of Philadelphia and our outstanding fans.
Posted: 11:53 AM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Philly Geoff
Charlie said it best… they love to play baseball. And I love this team.
Great post.
Posted: 12:41 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Chris.I
Yankees…..Were coming for you! Were going to whip the pinstripes off your backs. In all honesty we have all the right formula to be the best team in baseball for years to come. The Chemistry, the Heart, the Talent, and of course the Power of this ballclub is what is going to make the Phillies a household name. Everytime you turn on ESPN, or MLB network you wont hear about The Yankees or Redsox name without mentioning the Phils. Go Phillies! 2 more to go, than the rest is in the history books baby!
Posted: 12:41 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Craig
‘Enjoy this while it lasts, because, win or lose, we are witnessing something magical.’
How very true.
Posted: 12:57 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Scotty
Refreshing perspective, Pat. I’ve got something similar going on. I think this Phillies team are convinced––without need to broadcast it in even the smallest of ways––that they’re the best team in baseball. They think it when they win, and the know it when they lose.
Something came unlocked last year. And while they still need a kick in the pants now and again to get going (letting game 2 get away, for example), they know a history is there for the taking.
Posted: 01:35 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Handsome Jack
This team has me on an emotional roller coaster and I am enjoying the ride, although I was really down after our loss in LA after Pedro’s gem. I would like us to take a big bite out of Randy Wolf tonight. Woner if the Wolf Pack will be present?
Posted: 01:52 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Adam G
Also, this team’s quiet confidence is refreshing.
In an age where public sports figures have to celebrate every first down in a dramatic demonstration of bravado, it is special to see professionals perform and perform and to stay so level-headed.
This is because of Charlie. Most baseball fans and Philly fans don’t realize it, but this man is truly a great manager, in the realm of a Phil Jackson.
He is a master of managing the teams psyche.
Posted: 02:10 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Richie Allen
Hey Pat …Very nice article .
But for me I wont be happy until we see Jeter and company in the opposite dugout.
That for me will be the ultimate blast of my sports lifetime.(and I’ve been around for a very long time).
Posted: 02:29 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
So true!
Posted: 02:36 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Scott
Reverse the outcome of *half*, not all, of Lidge’s and Madson’s blown saves, and you’ve got a regular-season record as good as the Yanks. The Phils’ starting rotation matches up well; offenses are equally as potent. The only vulnerability, obviously, is bullpen depth.
But Pat is right. Stop thinking ahead or behind. Take a step back and enjoy the fact that the ’09 Phillies are a great baseball team.
Posted: 03:17 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Brooks
I’m not sure if you are almost saying that this is part “blind faith” in this team. These guys earned it and we saw it grow to this point thanks to the front office and some great home grown talent. We are privy to a great team here, enjoy the ride.
Posted: 03:27 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Mike
I got a little drunk the other night and it led to a whole lot of ranting. But possibly the most sentimental drunken rambling one could imagine. I just kept telling people that this is it. Suck it in. Just appreciate. I haven’t seen the excitement/anxiety that was witnessed last year. This year is the year that everything clicks, we are here because we are supposed to be. We are the elite of the league. Suck it all in people. Great article.
Posted: 03:57 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Shag beta sigma delta
I really like this post, better writen than my post saying similar things. This team has defended it’s title well, and will be good for a long time.
This team has heart and I think actually like each other and will give each other sh*t behind closed doors to prove they are truly like family.
Even going back to last years WS when JRoll ask Pat Burrell where #5 has been and it is time for #5 to show up anPat the bat responds with a hit.
And as long as Charlie does not try to think too much he will out manage Joe 3 trips to the mound and inning Torre.
Will be at the Bank again tonght and hope the offense shows up again like last night when I was there, then it is back to Vermont hoping for one more trip down here in the next round.
GO PHILLIES
BEAT LA BEAT LA
Posted: 03:58 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Georgie
Believe me, I was cherishing every second of that game last night!
“Cherish is the word…”
Posted: 04:29 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Chris.I
How could we all forget to mention Ryan Howards name in any of this? His record breaking consecutive RBI streak in playoff history? That statement alone tells a lot about this team. Just think of all the Biggest names in baseball Playoff history who he surpassed to stand on that throne.
Posted: 04:30 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
This team is special… been saying that for a while. They’re cut from a different fabric than most. Last year’s run was just what we needed to turn the page… our stars didn’t play well and yet we still managed to win on the biggest stage. Howard, Utley, Rollins… none of them played their best baseball and somehow we won. Suddenly, the fog was lifted and we were no longer the posterchild of futility. I have a feeling that those guys weren’t sure that they belonged on that stage in ’08… but that feeling is certainly gone now. Those feelings of uncertaintly have been replaced with a common belief that this TEAM is DESTINED for greatness. Every one of those guys believes that they can etch this team into history. They’re not wasting at bats, they’re unwilling to be the guy that lets his team down and they’re not waiting for Cole Hamels to bail them out in 2009… champions don’t make excuses. Champions ask great things of themselves and own the result… this year, it’s about this team (not Cole Hamels).
Posted: 04:31 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 mycruzincooler.com
Well put Chuck.
Posted: 04:37 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
It was nice to R E L A X watching the game last night. Something tells me that tonight won’t be as easy. I think Wolf will be better than expected and Blanton will be Blanton. The bullpens and benches will be factors by the 5th or 6th inning. I see a 6-4 or 5-3 Phillies win with Lidge getting the save in a tense 9th.
Posted: 04:45 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Whizwithout
Good article. I definitely know we got something special here and I have so much confidence in this team. however, being born a philly fan for every philly sport, i feel like there is some belief that I dont wanna get ahead of myself here because im afraid of the worst having experience it in every final round for all philly teams in my life. im taking it one game at a time like the phillies, and supporting them each game knowing we have the potential and something i believe is more special than any other club in baseball right now. like u said, win or lose, witnessing this team being so successful is something I will be talking about and cherishing forever. GO PHILLIES!! BEAT LA!!!
Posted: 04:48 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Bob Kahn
Nice article.
I will tell you what is really different.
We don’t “boo” the Phillies. Not that I ever did. Over the years the fans would get on our own team for obvious and real shortcomings. However something started to change when Thome joined the team. He could strike out and not get booed.
Then the “losers’ were generally sent packing.
Sure JRoll got a little when he was at his worst but I have never heard a boo for Victorino, Utley, Howard, Ibanez. Even now when Feliz is scuffling- no boos. Howard strikes out – no boo. Ibanez struggles for months – no boos. Utley has a horrible game – no boo.
Our closer is a disaster? Cheers when he comes out of the bullpen.
Boos are now reserved for the other team.
Don’t tell me things haven’t changed!
Not only do we love this team, we give them some slack, which in Philly says a whole lot.
Posted: 04:55 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Brooks
Bob, sorry to disagree – we have tons of boo birds around. I had some premium seats in 05 when Thome, who was hurt most of the year, struck out with men in scoring position, something he did frequently that year. The people near to where I was sitting chirped and booed one of the greatest and nicest players to grace our ball park and the man looked dejected.
This town does have a different outlook on the Phils now, for once we are expecting to win, not just hoping.
Posted: 05:11 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 eric
This truly is an amazing team! I didn’t think these playoffs would be able to touch the way last year’s made me feel. I was wrong! I’m right there taking in every pitch. I cannot wait for tonight’s game!
Posted: 05:14 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 ian
loved this article. we truly are the best and i hope harry is watching down and enjoying it as much as the rest of us.
Posted: 06:19 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 GWFightinsFan
It goes without saying, but tonight’s game is huuuuuge. Gotta get to Wolf early and often!! Go for the Jugular!!!
Posted: 06:24 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 A Train
I’ve been telling my kids the same thing. Enjoy this team now b/c it may be the best you see in your entire lifetime.
Here’s something else…they are REALLY easy to root for. I’ve been a fan since ’68. I remember when Harry was the new guy. Lots of fun in the 70′s and early 80′s. Not so much into the 90′s with the exception of a couple of years around the WS team. I’ve always pulled for the Phils and have never booed any of them. However, that team with Leiberthal, Abreau, Lieber, Bell, etc. was not easy to root for. They seemed to play for the paycheck. This team is special in a lot of ways. They are good, they love to play the game, they play it the right way, they have each other’s backs, and they just have fun.
As mentioned b/4…Enjoy the ride.
Posted: 06:35 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Much better being up 3-1 instead of tied.
Posted: 06:40 PM on October 19, 2009
Posts: 0 mikeB
A Train; who could forget David Bell. Was another acquisition from San Francisco lauded as a power hitting third baseman. Was the son of Buddy Bell. The guy just never got it going offensively in Philly.
Posted: 06:43 PM on October 19, 2009