Why I Love the Phillies – Laura
The story of the Phillies and my fandom is called Phifty Shades of Red. I’m 44, and have been following the Phillies since I could talk.
I recall many summers with my radio listenening to games from the West Coast when staying with my grandfather into the wee hours. This was in the 70s, and I kept a log of all the games with highlights, and computed my own statistics long before the Internet came along. I was a prodigy to my grandfather’s buddies, as we would discuss Lefty, Michael Jack, and my all-time favorite player, the fiery Larry Bowa, who I had the fortune to meet several times, notably when he broke his thumb and we spotted him at the old King of Prussia Mall.
Why do I love them? I love baseball, the smell of the old Vet, the majesty of Citizens Bank Park, and the Phillies because they have a swagger and personality no other team has. I am a Philly girl at heart,even though I grew up in the suburbs. There are times they make me crazy, like early this year, but fifty shades of red…they are turning it around.
They have fire, spunk, and a real love of the game that transcends the teams built just for profit. My husband often threatens to pull the cable plug….but he knows from April to October, I rule the television. He is amazed that I DVR afternoon games.
In the end, like all great relationships, love is the answer!
– Laura
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