And then there was one.
'Chooch' is no longer a Phillie. The team dealt popular catcher Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers Thursday, granting Ruiz's request to go to a contender and take one last swing at a playoff run.
That leaves Ryan Howard as the last remaining Phillie still on the squad that won a World Series crown in 2008.
Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels? All gone.
Now the familiar chant of "Chooooooch" will also fall silent at Citizens Bank Park.
It's easy to overlook Ruiz's contribution to those great Phils' teams, but he was at the heart of all of them.
He caught four no-hitters, including Roy Halladay's perfect game and playoff no-hitter.
And, of course, there will always be the image of Ruiz embracing Brad Lidge, who had dropped to his knees after sealing the final out vs. the Tampa Bay Rays, delivering the Phils their first World Series crown in more than 25 years.
Ruiz was hitting .261 in 48 games with the Phils this season, relegated largely to a backup role. He will likely perform the same duties with the Dodgers, where he will be reunited with his World Series buddy Utley. He had three home runs and drove in 12. Over his 11 major league seasons, Ruiz sported a .266 batting average with 68 home runs.
I have a simple philospophy when it comes to these 2008 Phillies. I will never boo them. That includes Howard, who has become the target for some boo birds as his contribution declined.
I don't care if they left town and now wear another team's jersey. You won't hear me raise my voice against them.
Why? The reason is simple.
They gave us that rarest of Philadelphia celebrations.
They gave us a parade.
Take care, Chooch. Here's hoping you and Chase captured another title in L.A.
We'll be cheering for you back home.
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