I am still waiting for my heartrate to return to normal…the Phils really are Champions of the World!
I grew up breathing in sports…I was and am still a sports addict. I still remember, albeit vaguely, the Flyers winning the Stanley Cup….twice. The Phils won multiple division titles in the late 70′s. Then they won the series in 80. I can still clearly see Rose catching Boone’s bobbled pop foul. The image of Tug is ingrained in my memory. Then the Sixers. I had penants in my room from each of these. The championship pennants listing down the names of the players on the roster that year….I still know most of them. In the first 18 years of my life the 4 major Philly sports teams won 23 division titles, 13 trips to their respective chamionships of which they emerged with 4 titles. It is probably the greatest 18 years put together in the history of Philadelphia professional sports. However, the following 18 years made up for it as those numbers were reduced to just 10 division titles, 4 finals and no titles. I learned throughout my adult life what I was privilidged to not have to learn as a child. The heartbreak associated with being a Philadalphia fan. Now in the 7th month of my next 18 years, we have started off with a resurging Flyers team, and now a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP by the Phillies.
I was lucky enough to be inside the Vet for the 9th inning in 93 when the Phillies won the pennant. I got to a World Series game that year. I’ve never been to a parade. I was too young in 80 and 83, and now I am too broke and too far away. I will, be there in spirit (and maybe through phone lines if one of my friends is nice enough to call while they are there), but know this……
FLYERS GOT NEXT!
…and if I have to hitchhike from Nashville to Philadelphia…I will be attending that parade!