BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID. Because I'm beginning to believe that this Phillies team is going to win it all. And that's usually the first step in having my heart seared flat inside a waffle iron. I have believed before. And except for that one time in 1980 believing has always hurt.
But look at this team. Name a Phillies team that matched this crew. Find the gaps. Excuse me, name the infield better suited to succeed Tinkers to Evers to Chance than Rollins to Utley to Howard. When was the last time the Phillies had a closer with a perfect save record. We've got the real deal here, my friends. This may be our time.
But then I get afraid all over again because I remember when thought it was our time, back when it wasn't our time. And I suffered. And I felt that same way many times before. And sometimes I wonder what makes me care so much. And then I salute myself for reminding me of the obvious. How else could I feel about the city I love so much without being actually gay or a mummer?
You want to see a parade? Those of us who danced down Broad Street will check your license if you claim to have been there that glorious October day in 1980 when the Phillies won it all for the first time. Ever. My favorite story about the Phillies only championship always begins with Tug McGraw at the victory rally telling New York to "STICK IT!" when in fact the Phillies had defeated Kansas City.
I had anticipated the words "stick it" to be used earlier in the speeches when Mike Schmidt told Philadelphia fans what they could do with their victory. Even during that MVP championship season Schmitty had been worked over pretty good by fans and the media who always seemed dissatisfied with the all-star third baseman. But instead Schmidt said "Savor this" without irony, sounding more in memory like Capt. Miller telling Private Ryan to "Earn this." Little did we imagine that we would be savoring that lone World Series triumph for upwards of three decades. We had a taste in 1983 and in 1993, but all that did was remind us of how satisfying and elusive was that feeling of winning it all.
So here we are. Twenty-eight years later. Anybody got any ideas? I say we stick it. Stick it good.
.
Leave a comment