Before the League Championship Series' got underway, I posed a simple question: "Who do you like?" which I ultimately changed to "Who do you hate less?"
By process of elimination, the Philadelphia Phillies were an easy pick, at least for me. But the more I watch them, the more I actually like them. And no, I won't be abandoning my A's anytime soon. Not now, not ever.
But there are some likeable things about the Phillies, and it starts with a list of reasons to not dislike them. In no particular order:
Now let's look at a few of the things they do have:
That last point is remarkable because, really, who could possibly see this coming? AN sure didn't. In fact, Philadelphia was the Phorgotten Ones in a poll put out last season. Now here they are on the cusp of another title.
Last night's back-from-the-dead victory is the stuff from which champions are made, or in this case, re-made. The word "resiliency" has often been tossed around in discussions about Charlie Manuel's squad, but it's not just hype. Ever since their unlikely run to the 2007 NL East title (and subsequent playoff sweep to Colorado) the Phillies have become October's darlings, having yet to lose consecutive playoff games in five series' and counting.
Yet the last team to win back-to-back championships in such obscurity may have been the 1992-93 Toronto Blue Jays who, incidentally, beat the Phillies in the '93 Series to make it two in a row. Other teams since 1970 to capture the crown in consecutive years are the 1998-2000 Yankees, 1977-78 Yankees, 1975-76 Reds, and the 1972-74 A's. With every one of those teams except Oakland, no eyebrows were raised at their accomplishments. In fact the A's are often overlooked when pitted against the other mini-dynasties of the 70's.
Here's hoping history will be kinder to Philadelphia should they manage to win five more games this season. Why? Well, because the Phillies are a likable bunch, that's why.
If only because they've given me no reason to hate them.
Yet.
0 recs | 31 comments
I get the feeling that almost all of AN will agree with you.
Based simply on the virtue that they’re not everything that’s wrong with baseball (Yankees), everything that’s wrong with humanity (Angels), or a team that once drove a stake through Dennis Eckersley.
By the way, another reason: Chase Utley. Crazy-awesome player, seems quite likable, fantastic offense, unbelievable defense, and…wait for it…has never won a Gold Glove.
danmerqury - October 20, 2009
Only reason to root against the Phillies
Is the obnoxious Philly fanbase. They are more into football and hockey, but back-to-back WS could spark some serious Red-Sox-Nation insanity in them.
Manstein - October 20, 2009
Yeah.
It’s the one thing I haven’t really noticed, simply because their fans don’t invade Oakland on a yearly basis. But I will say I was surprised how well-behaved Eagles’ fans were last Sunday, even after an ugly loss.
67MARQUEZ - October 20, 2009
While being an die-hard A's fan...
I am a diehard (Philadelphia) Flyers/Sixers fan too. I don’t mind my fellow Flyers/Sixers fans being obnoxious. I’m not into the Eagles in the slightest, and don’t care for their fans by and large (I’m a Carolina Panthers fan). The Phils I had never given much thought until last postseason. They are fun to watch and easy to like. But the A’s will always be my main MLB team.
chillicothe20 - October 21, 2009
Carolina Panthers?
Wow, I can’t wait to hear the story behind that one…
PaulThomas - October 21, 2009
I'm from Ohio
and growing up (i’m so to be 22) I took more interest in being fans of players, and over time that developed into being fans of teams. my Flyers fandom was based in Eric Lindros, my Sixers in Allen Iverson, my A’s in Giambi and McGwire. The Panthers started in 95 and since I didn’t have a team and always like the idea of the Carolinas, I took interest in them. Needlessly to say, 14 years later, I continue to be a diverse and odd fan. And that’s just with the four major sports (see my profile for my other teams).
chillicothe20 - October 21, 2009
I agree with this post 100%.
I think the overriding reason for me is what you highlighted with Ryan Howard…the “low key” factor.
Living in LA, I can’t stand the media circus that circulates around Manny and the Dodgers in general…the whole Manny rollercoaster just makes me sad that the Dodger fanbase has devolved into a mess of unthinking sheep that are watching the games for entertainment and not for love of the sport. And while Lackey and Napoli are still on the Angels, I find them obnoxious as well (although, I will say that it’s admirable how well that team has come together in the wake of the Nick Adenhart tragedy.)
There is a bit of me that likes how Swisher and Sabathia and Burnett seem to have removed some of the uptight/corporate nature of the Yankees…however, while A-Rod continues to generate more publicity as some random starlet’s boy toy rather than a baseball player, I will remain as anti-NY as possible…
So ya, Philly it is!
Taj Adib - October 20, 2009
^ Ya, what he said. ^
ElQuesoCapitan - October 20, 2009
The Adenhart tragedy
sort of makes me want them to win…but not enough to want them to win the world series. I do want them to beat that overpaid new york team.
VV A's fan - October 20, 2009
world f***ing champions!
I loved the look on Selig’s face when Utley shouted that last year.
OaklandSi - October 20, 2009
Well they are the only team left in this race that you can't slap an
“Evil Empire” title on.
ElQuesoCapitan - October 20, 2009
you forgot long-time Kurt Suzuki confidant, Shane Victorino,
The Flyin’ Hawaiian.
Leopold Bloom - October 20, 2009
Well Victorino is one of the few reasons to not root for Philly.
He’s a bit of a duckbag.
ElQuesoCapitan - October 20, 2009
um.
Leopold Bloom - October 20, 2009
Jeez, Chase Utley can't even get any respect from a "respect the Phillies" post
He’s been like the second best player in baseball for the last 4 or 5 years. It’s just shocking how underrated he is.
The fringe level of Hall of Fame status is about 45 WAR. Chase Utley has amassed almost 40 in less than six years’ worth of playing time. The Phillies are frankly kind of a mediocre team without him.
I can already visualize the deeply annoying Hall-of-Fame debates which will be hashed out over his candidacy 20 years from now.
PaulThomas - October 20, 2009
You think so?
I’m an optimist who thinks HoF voters will be much smarter bunch in 15-20 years. I imagine Utley would be hurt with the current crop of voters because he never won MVP or Gold Glove (not yet, at least). However, he’s probably the best all-round second baseman since Joe Morgan and his career path looks first-ballot worthy to me so far.
Manstein - October 20, 2009
That's what I have hope for, at least.
I’m hoping that the BBWAA will be more receptive to advanced statistical studies, and that the old gritty, clutchy breed of baseball writer will slowly get phased out.
danmerqury - October 20, 2009
I was having trouble rooting for any of the teams left in the playoffs
Now I guess all I have to say is go Phillies?
VV A's fan - October 20, 2009
football and 2010.
fuck the teams remaining. I had a soft spot in my heart for the Dodgers, but the ESPN ramming down my throat that limping porn-stache wannabe last night made me rediscover my Dodger hatred. Fuck the Dodgers.
So, football and 2010.
Leopold Bloom - October 20, 2009
Speaking of football.
This was posted as a fanshot at NinersNation:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/10/some-think-tampering-case-fueled-crabtree-deal/
So there’s an east coast bias in football, too? SF signed Crabtree, so those pesky tampering charges against the Jets can just go away?
mikev - October 20, 2009
I agree I liked 2010 better than 2001
also for this week at least I like the NFL we’ll see what happens after this Sunday. As far as f*** the D***gers I’m a***ys f*r t**t.
sirbed - October 20, 2009
If it were Angels v. Phils
Who would Fox or Buck/McCarver root for? Guessing they would still pan to Jeter or A-Rod though…
oaklandfan89 - October 20, 2009
Who knows
But it might be sponsored by Big Red chewing gum. Or hot tamales candy.
cuppingmaster - October 20, 2009 via mobile
They won't even broadcast the game.
It will be a 3 hour commercial break about Derek Jeter’s Driven narrated by Joe Buck.
ElQuesoCapitan - October 20, 2009
Hey, on what channel is the game being shown tonight?
According to my tv, both TBS and Derek Jeter’s Fox have regularly scheduled programming
bobnothing - October 20, 2009
Phils v. Yanks
it’s gonna be a HR fest – fun!
my_cat_max - October 20, 2009
PHI/NYY
would be one of the most watchable Series in a while. Biases aside, they are both very talented.
chillicothe20 - October 21, 2009
I've always rather liked the Phillies
Mostly because a good friend of mine is a huge Phillies fan so I pay a bit more attention to them then I do most other NL teams. I certainly hope they repeat, and would love it if they knocked the Dodgers out 4-1.
JLeverenz - October 20, 2009
Surprised that no one mentioned that Philadelphia is the A's former hometown.
The Phillies are kind of like our cousin’s who were never able to make it out of the dreariness of the East Coast.
Toffer Peak - October 21, 2009
And yet somehow have hugely more money now
PaulThomas - October 21, 2009
Reason enough to hate the Phillies
James Kannengieser - October 21, 2009
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