I must take the time for a bit of self-congratulation for what was the second quality season here at Phillies Nation (which is more than I can say for the Phillies – yuk yuk). Although most posts have a little “Posted by Brian Michael” byline at the bottom, there are many more people who contribute to the success of this site and, in our own little way, the Phillies in general. I would be remiss if I did not take the time to thank those who work behind the scenes. So a big ‘thank you’ goes out to the following people:
Jim Amato, Senior Staff Reporter
Jim is one of the few contributors who shares the spotlight on Phillies Nation and scours the Philly sports media for Phillies nuggets as his main beat. We have all come to love both his drunk ramblings and sober coherency just the same. A native of northeast Philly, Jim shares his 57″ HDTV equally between the Phils and Eagles and during the summer helps to improve my golf game.
Jason Lyons, Chief Technology Officer
An expert in HTML and Javascript among other languages, Jason is responsible for both the construction and maintenance of Phillies Nation. Despite growing up in Harrisonburg, VA and being a Washington, DC sports fan in general, he has come to appreciate the dramatics that are the Philadelphia Phillies. Nonetheless, he also owes me $50 since he unwisely bet the Nationals would finish ahead of the Phillies.
Julie Michael, Staff Reporter
The real JMike is the insider of the Phillies Nation team. As a dedicated Phillies employee, she offers a unique perspective on the team and its inner workings. Although the lifelong fan now fills her time pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, she will often be found at Phillies away games. Credit for the Los Angeles pictures and report goes to her.
Jon Reiling, Creative Director
As the muse of Phillies Nation, Jon provides creative direction and design work. Though repulsed by the overall design of Phillies Nation, his invaluable Photoshop and Flash skills helps the site to maintain a hint of creative respectability. Jon is a native of Maine and hence does not care much for baseball.
Heather McKay, Designer and Consultant
About halfway through the season, Heather took time out of her busy day of DC technology consulting to help us design the Phillies Nation logo. With a strong background in design and HTML, she provides invaluable advice on site maintenance as well as outreach and advertising. Heather is a California native who spends her summers in Laguna Beach, but as a DC resident the Nationals are her team.
Andy Weishaar, Designer
As an unyielding yet consistently disappointed Cubs fan, Andy is in the unique position to share our appreciation for the perennial loser as well as for Doug Glanville and Mickey Morandini. He is responsible for both the idea and design of The Steve Jeltz Award as well as other less compelling projects. Look for an interactive Doug Glanville Genie in the vein of a Magic 8-ball as one of his future creative byproducts.
Of course I want to also thank the numerous commenters whom have expressed their opinions, rumors, and funny comments throughout the season. As we look forward to next season, I envision plenty more to discuss as the weight of even greater expectations now fall upon the 2006 club. As for now, we will continue to reflect on the 2005 season. So thanks again to everyone mentioned above and coming soon will be assessments of individual player performances on the year.