Welcome to Red October.
Again.
Something almost beyond belief has happened in Philadelphia. It struck me as I was listening to Reds Manager Dusty Baker talk about his team’s upcoming NLDS matchup with the Phillies.
We’re not the city of losers anymore.
Not even close.
In fact, if you listen to Baker, we have now entered a completely different realm.
The man who once tortured Phils’ fans as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers referred to the Phillies as “the Yankees of the National League.”
How does that sound?
The franchise that set the mark for most losses by any team in sports history has not only reversed its fortune, it also has turned a city and region’s view of itself upside down.
This is going to take some getting used to. Front-runner is not something Philly fans are familiar with.
But it’s starting to get cozy. The Phils are looking to make their third straight World Series appearance. The whole idea of Red October stems from the way this collection of guys has seized control of the National League – and the hearts and minds of Philly sports fans.
That no doubt grates on the nerves of the folks who toil across the street at Lincoln Financial Field, and the Eagles brass at the Nova Care Center. They have for years considered themselves “the gold standard,” while more often delivering tin on the field.
Still, the Eagles always dominated sports talk in this town.
Sunday night, they will even share the stage with the Phils. At least in their minds.
The truth is the Phils have supplanted the Birds as the kings of Philly sports.
Of course, that perch on the throne comes with a dangerous sense of entitlement. Just ask the Eagles.
The Phillies now have to earn their (pin)stripes.
The truth is almost everyone expects the Phils to win. There is a certain unease that comes with such expectations. There also is a sense of wonder at just how far this team – and the city – has come.
We now no longer simply expect the Phils to make the post-season, we expect them to win.
They should do that against the Reds.
There is no such thing as lead-pipe cinch, despite what you hear on sports talk radio. But the Phils’ three aces gives them a decided edge in pitching. And in post-season baseball, the team with the best pitching usually wins.
Make in Phils in four.
And rack up another one for the City of Champions.
Again.
Something almost beyond belief has happened in Philadelphia. It struck me as I was listening to Reds Manager Dusty Baker talk about his team’s upcoming NLDS matchup with the Phillies.
We’re not the city of losers anymore.
Not even close.
In fact, if you listen to Baker, we have now entered a completely different realm.
The man who once tortured Phils’ fans as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers referred to the Phillies as “the Yankees of the National League.”
How does that sound?
The franchise that set the mark for most losses by any team in sports history has not only reversed its fortune, it also has turned a city and region’s view of itself upside down.
This is going to take some getting used to. Front-runner is not something Philly fans are familiar with.
But it’s starting to get cozy. The Phils are looking to make their third straight World Series appearance. The whole idea of Red October stems from the way this collection of guys has seized control of the National League – and the hearts and minds of Philly sports fans.
That no doubt grates on the nerves of the folks who toil across the street at Lincoln Financial Field, and the Eagles brass at the Nova Care Center. They have for years considered themselves “the gold standard,” while more often delivering tin on the field.
Still, the Eagles always dominated sports talk in this town.
Sunday night, they will even share the stage with the Phils. At least in their minds.
The truth is the Phils have supplanted the Birds as the kings of Philly sports.
Of course, that perch on the throne comes with a dangerous sense of entitlement. Just ask the Eagles.
The Phillies now have to earn their (pin)stripes.
The truth is almost everyone expects the Phils to win. There is a certain unease that comes with such expectations. There also is a sense of wonder at just how far this team – and the city – has come.
We now no longer simply expect the Phils to make the post-season, we expect them to win.
They should do that against the Reds.
There is no such thing as lead-pipe cinch, despite what you hear on sports talk radio. But the Phils’ three aces gives them a decided edge in pitching. And in post-season baseball, the team with the best pitching usually wins.
Make in Phils in four.
And rack up another one for the City of Champions.
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