Phils in Phive

The World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees begins Wednesday. Meanwhile, the trash talking between the fans in each city started the moment the Yankees clinched the American East title Sunday night.

In typical New York Post fashion, the tabloid placed an image on its front page that combined stupidity, childishness and homophobia. It Photoshopped, poorly, Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino in a dress and called the team “Frillies.” I guess it was an attack on the manliness of the team that led the National League in home runs. New Yorkers in general are already talking like the victory has already been decided as if its legacy makes it a foregone conclusion.


Here's a picture of Victorino holding something that the Yankees haven't been near for years.

Of course the game will be played on the field and it has the potential to be an epic battle. While watching some of the series between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (a team that can’t seem to decide where it resides) I did not see great baseball, particularly by the Angels. I saw teams that the Phillies should be able to beat rather handily.

Apparently, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins agrees. He told Jay Leno Tuesday night that the Phillies will win in five games. Rollins has made a number of predictions about the Phillies during the past three years that all came true, including winning the World Series last year. I’m certainly not going to argue with him. The only thing that may dampen what should be a true "fall classic" is the damp weather predicted for much of the week.

A Class Organization

Class is a word that gets thrown around far too often in sports terminology. But if any organization personifies the word in its true form, it would have to be the Philadelphia Phillies. The defending World Series Champions beat the Houston Astros 10-3 Wednesday (Sept. 30) to earn its third consecutive National League East Title.

They were lots of ways the “Phightin’ Phils” showed its class last night. It included paying its respects publicly to Harry Kalas, the longtime voice of the Phillies who died suddenly early this season; and by its pitchers, a close-knit group by all accounts, taking a moment to return to the bullpen to salute one another. But the way its class was best expressed was by Phillies manager Charlie Manuel’s decision to have Brad Lidge throw the last out. The fans went wild, along with the players in the dugout and the bullpen.

In 2008, Lidge, the designated closer for the Phillies, had a perfect 45 saves, including throwing the last pitch in the World Series to beat Tampa Bay Rays. This year, the story has been far different. Lidge blew 11 saves, a Major League Baseball record and his earn run average is 7.34, among the highest in the majors. After many chances, he finally lost his position as the team’s closer.

Players after the game in interviews described the move as a respectful gesture toward someone who has meant so much to the organization. Some observers also saw a show of confidence by Manuel and the organization. During the playoff run, the team will need Lidge at some point if they are going to repeat as champions.

Last night’s display wasn’t just a one-time occurrence. It’s the hallmark of an organization from the top down. Dave Montgomery, its president is committed the Phillies to be a fan friendly organization. For example, when the Phillies built its new ballpark (Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004), it made it a true democratic venue to watch a ballgame. Fans, no matter where their seats are located, have access to the entire park, which is rare in modern ballparks. Those with standing room tickets can watch the game in most areas of the ballpark. Behind the lower section there are long metals tables for these fans to buy a hot dog and beer and stand and have a high-priced view of the game.

Whatever happens in the playoffs, through its play and through its involvement with fans and the greater Philadelphia community, the Phillies have already earned a place in the hearts and minds of residents.