HIGH HOPES!!!
This is by far the greatest day of my life. Having the Phillies make their first playoff appearance since 1993 is awesome. But being at the stadium, 6 rows from the dugout, made me the happiest guy alive. I’m going to try and go through this entire day so that years from now, I can remember that this team once made me happy.
Me and my father got to the stadium around 12:00. I started getting chills just walking through the parking lot to the stadium. And I have to admit, that once I got inside the stadium, I really didn’t feel anything special. But while eating my hotdogs, waiting for the game to start, Jamie Moyer leaves the dugout and heads out to the bullpen. And the crowd went nuts. This is a perfect example of how Philadelphia fans get a bad rap. We don’t like to boo, we just like to win. Moyer hasn’t been having a great year, but the loyal Philadelphia fans but that behind them and cheered for him as if he had already won the game.
The loudest the stadium ever got (except of course for the final out) was whenever the Mets/Florida game was updated. My dad was the most popular guy in the section as he had brought his head set to listen to the New York game. So we were spreading the word of Glavine’s meltdown. And when the numbers were put up on the scoreboard, the noise was absolutely deafening. Part of my hatred of the Mets is obviously because they are our rivals. But it’s also because I sincerely HATE the players and fans. I wish I could see the face of Lo Duca when they were ELIMINATED. He’ll think twice before flipping his bat after hitting a homerun against the Phillies. And maybe now all the Mets fans can go home and shower now, dirt bags. And hopefully they’ll learn to shut their huge mouths and enjoy watching not their team play.
I’m not gonna lie. That final out brought tears to my eyes. Even before the game stared, during the National Anthem, I tried imagining this team winning. And I started tearing up just at the thought of it. But I knew that is was going to be a long day and I had to wait. But with that last strikeout, it was 14 years of weight off my shoulders. I absolutely loved how Burrell was the first to hug Myers on the mound. I was waiting for the traditional catcher hugging the pitcher, but that speedster Burrell beat him to it.
I have two favorite parts of the after-game celebration. My first one was when Shane Victorino got the infield hose and just started spraying everyone. The players, fans, media. It was the exact type of random/funny thing that Victorino would do. And of course, the classic scene of Harry the K singing “High Hopes.”
I guess I should talk a little bit about the game itself too. But I’m sure if you’re reading a Phillies blog, I would like to think that you saw the game. JIMMY ROLLINS is the National League MVP. That’s all their is to say on that topic. Whether you want to give him the title because of his offensive numbers, his speed, his defensive abilities, his 700+ at bats or his ability to back up his early season claim, this guy is certainly deserving.
Last year Howard always seemed to come up in the clutch. But this year he seemed to always be pressing, trying to do too much. But he did just enough Sunday driving in 3 runs, including a bomb out to the right-field stands.
Moyer did exactly what was required of him. I guess he’s our #3 guy for playoff games. It’s clearly Hamels, Kendrick, ______. Unless you want to put good ol’ Eaton out there. Or the reliable “Real Deal.” He got exactly what he needed from Phil Cuzzi, the homeplate ump. Though he was at time inconsistent, he was calling the low strike. Had he not had that specific strike zone, we all might be singing quite a different tune right now.
The bullpen once again performed above and beyond. And by bullpen, I mean Gordon, Romero, and Myers. 2.2 innings of 0 run/1 hit ball is about as good as it gets. I just pray that this will continue ino October. And God help me if any of them complain about an arm injury. They have all winter to rest themselves.
Well, this was fun. But I am certainly not yet ready to be satisfied with a NL East Championship. This team has got about as much momentum as any team could get. Once the Phillies find out who they’ll be playing, I’ll be sure to write about how the Phillies are going to wipe the floor with the Padres/Rockies.
Last words . . . I just want to thank my dad for everything he’s taught me about the Phillies. Maybe finally, we can be proud of our team.
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Posted on September 30, 2007 by Soss | Filed Under Phillies, Philadelphia, Professional Sports, Philly Sports, Baseball
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