What the Phillies Are Doing For Philadelphia - More Than Meets The Eye
A little commercial here for Charlie Manuel. The man has been under attack since he arrived in our great community. But look at what he and this roaring, energized and mostly fun team to watch has brought to everyone in this region. No, I am not one of those long-suffering fans who can’t seem to stand it that we have not won a championship in 24 years. So what? We made it to a SuperBowl and a World Series in that time.
Having said that, it is true that the Phillies last won a World Series on my 38th birthday, October 21, 1980. Now that you know how old I am, consider this: the current Phillies may be the comeback (come from behind ) team of this century. There have been more thrills on this team that any sports moments I can remember. Plus, considering that the sports press waits for any small losing streak to condemn the team to a living hell, and you get the picture. You should clip some of the articles and see what frontrunners some of the local writers are, with a few exceptions, notably Phil Sheridan, whose writing creativityis growing as fast as Jimmy Rollin’s talent,
I lectured, in print, to Donovan McNabb that he hasn’t learned that yet that, in this town, you are only as good as your last show. That’s why he is loved this week compared to the first two weeks.
What the Phillies players have learned is that when you work hard and go all out to win, the fans of this town are there for you. It’s easy for Madden and Aiken and all those Philly-haters to put us down, but they don’t know the people here.
I do. And all they care about is hard work and doing your best.
This Phillies team has helped us have some cheer and thrills in a tough news year, where crime blots the daily pages of our papers, where corruption is still a blot on the image, and where people hope for better leadership with a new Mayor.
They have also given us a rare “shared experience,” something we can enjoy together. Whatever happens by late Sunday afternoon, this has been a team to enjoy, a thrill ride for the ages, and a community that is laughing and screaming all the way.
Thank you Charlie. You have prevailed. You should be as proud as the fans who have come to finally appreciate what you can do.
Hi, Larry!
Good piece! Even here in Iraq, the Phightin’ Phils have been a thrill to follow. I grew up in suburban Philly and have been a die-hard Phils Phan since I was a kid. I was even a fan when Lefty Carlton won nearly half of the Phils’ games by himself one season. THIS is what true baseball is about - a group of guys - a TEAM - pulling together against all of the adversity to WIN. You are right, regardless of what happens on Sunday, the 2007 Phillies and Charlie Manuel are a great team. If Charlie Manuel doesn’t get the nod for Manager of the Year, I would be surprised - he has really made the most of his squad! Lots of records, and LOTS of fun - especially the way that the Phils handled the Metropolitans in the last t wo series. Go, Phillies, Go!!
Always fantastic to hear from you.
Be safe and be well.