Another Delco Guy In South Jersey

Phillies Phever at Fleetwood Elementary

Well we are about 5.5 hours from the first pitch of the 2009 World Series where my beloved Phils will be taking on baseball's most bloated payroll in the Bronx tonight.

To get things started on the right foot this morning, my son John's teacher Carrie Siwiec, organized a pep rally at Fleetwood Elementary School around the corner from our house.  Bill Henley from "The 10 Show" was there and broadcast a few minutes of the fun live.

Check the clip below starting at about the 1 minute mark for a very happy kid on the right named John who has his dream World Series matchup.

Go Phils!

So Maybe I Was Wrong

I recently said in this space that I thought that "There has been a subtle chilling effect on personal conduct that I attribute largely to the prevalence of cell phone cameras and social media sites."

Given last night's celebrations of the Phillies winning the National League Championship Series and the subsequent displays of public stupidity, i am forced to reflect that people are basically capable of anything when you add enough alcohol to the mix.

Hat tip to meech.one at The Fightins for the clip.

There is quite a collage of images up at MyFoxPhilly.com.

Let's Get It On!

Wild-Caught Shrimp - Check

Fresh Snow Crab Legs - Check

Hand-Squeezed 1800 Margaritas - Check

Fresh Guacamole - Check

Phils SPank the Dodgers - On Deck

Let's Go Phils!!!

Friday Fantastic Four

I took this photo a few days ago on one of my nightly trips to some home improvement mega warehouse outlet. It covers one of my points for today very nicely.

What four things don't you get?

1. Why the October magazines come in September. Similarly, why are Christmas decorations up and all the fall decorations gone in the stores while leaves are still green on the trees?
2. Why President Obama got a Nobel Peace Prize when seemingly nothing has been done to secure worldwide peace.
3. Why the F$@+ the Phils used 3 starters in yesterday's game.  I mean why are the bullpen guys on the roster if Charlie doesn't trust them???
4. Why I can't get Java on my Blackberry.  The Tour is a nice peice of technology, but this is pure silliness!

Have a great weekend!
 

Tragedy at CBP

A 22 year old man lost his life last night in an altercation outside Citizens Bank Park while the Phillies were defeating St. Louis.  The altercation allegedly started inside McFadden's at the Ballpark and moved down Pattison Avenue around the 7th inning. It's a terrible thing and one that does little but magnify Philadelphia's reputation as the rowdiest sports town in America. 

A while back I lamented that The Bank had basically become a 43,000 seat bar.  Security has certainly tightened since then, but it should be noted that this incident apparently started with a bachelor party at McFadden's.  I'm reasonably certain that a scan of St. Louis or Miami or Detroit or Dallas papers this morning will find at least one other death outside a bar.  However the talking heads will be all over our reputation as the worst fans in sports.

On a side note, it's shocking to me that you've literally got to search Philly.com for information on this terrible incident and what you get is this pathetic entry.  I can't believe this is the only content you have on the site about this horrible incident. I know this story happened in the evening, apparently after the Sunday paper deadline, but you're not a Sunday paper anymore gang. To not have a story up on the front page shows a shocking lack of focus on breaking news.

My thoughts got out to the young man who lost his life and to his family.

Harry Kalas Leaves The Field

I grew up listening to baseball with my grandfathers.  First with my dad's dad, on the back porch of 3447 Mount Vernon Avenue, watching the tomatoes grow as he sipped a Genny Cream Ale and I drank Frank's orange soda from the can.  Then later, on summer vacations in Maine, my mom's dad was never far from the AM radio, listening for the Phils' game from back in Delco.

Those moments, thick with humidity and mosquitoes and languorous in their easiness, are among my most cherished memories.

Today the man who was voice of those memories passed away, silencing the old AM radio in my mind.  It seems to be a fitting end to my grandfathers' generation.

Harry Kalas was 73. 

He died doing what he loved, preparing for the Phils to take on the Washington Nationals on the Nats' home opener this afternoon.  The game will go on, but there will be long moments of awkward silence today and for days to come as we all struggle to fill in the blanks that Harry has filled for so many years.

My brother put it well today, noting that he feels as though he's lost a close relative.  I concur. 

I am very happy that last fall I turned off the TV sound and that my son and I listened to Harry call the 9th inning of the Phillies 2008 World Championship.  I told my son of Harry's death a few minutes ago and he took it in stride as only an 8 year old can.  He's outside playing ball now. 

I wish John could have heard Harry call the 1980 Mike Schmidt 11th inning home run in Montreal that clinched the trip to the post-season for the Phillies of my childhood. "Swing and a long drive to DEEEEPPPPP left-center field.  Outta here. Michael Jack Schmidt has done it!"  I was under the covers in my bed listening to the game, an ecstatic 10 year old.

This will have to do:

Thanks for the great memories Harry.  You will be missed, but always remembered.

Oh Shit

Philly.com, SR 950 and others are reporting that Chase Utley will undergo hip surgery and could be out until June.

This would explain the August through October slide for the Phils' second baseman who looked like a shoo-in for MVP at the All-Star Break.  It also explains the late pickup for Tadihito Iguchi.  I guess the Phils knew all along this was a problem and decided that they didn't want anyone else to know about it.

I wasn't thinking a trip back to the World Series was a given, but I was hoping the title defense would go better than this is staring out.

Wow!

Yesterday was quite a day.  I ran hither and yon, picking John up in the Pine Barrens, both of us driving into Center City in what was really a very normal commute given that 2 million other folks were headed to town.  We had some fun with the UArts folks and hung out on the steps of Hamilton Hall basking in the sunlight of the best fall day in memory.

The crowd was raucous but well behaved save one small incident that Philadelphia Police handled perfectly.  The brawlers were identified, cuffed and taken away in paddy wagons as the crowd chanted "ASSHOLES."  The arresting officers were warmly cheered by throngs along the 300 block of South Broad Street.

Fans climbed trees, lampposts and fences, vamped, ran nearly naked on Broad Street, drank champagne, wore crowns and silly hats and generally enjoyed themselves as they packed the sidewalks 8 deep.  As the parade wound toward us, the excitement level ramped up and chants of "Let's Go Phils!" drowned out the band playing on Pine Street.

After what seemd to be an interminable procession of helicopters, tow trucks, the media, motorcycle cops, segways, horses and police cars, The Budweiser Clydesdales pulled Pat Burrell, his hot wife and Elvis thought the ecstatic screaming throng who at that moment whould have personally paid him $15 million per year for 4 years.  It ain't happening and this would mark his brightest moment as a Phil, but it was nice to see the fans acknowledge his years with us.

We saw Harry the K, Bill Giles,   the Phanatic, J-Roll, Lidge and Howard, the Mayor with the trophy and random people we didn't know.  And then they were gone and we were left to hug and high-five each other and smile for the camera and wonder what do we do next.  Many folks joined the throngs behind the parade and walked the 3.5 miles down to the stadiums. 

John and I had a cheesesteak and talked about how great this day was.

We cheered our heroes and took our pictures and held each other, trying to imprint the moment in our memories forever.  And we held open our hopes for more parades.  In January and April and next October.

What a Day!

I'll post more on this later, but today was an incredible experience. The parade was wonderful, the players were gracious, the fans were exuberant.

John and I had a great day watching the Parade of Champions.



Congratulations to the Phils!

At The Parade

The Phillies are World Champions and we're having a parade!!!  Things are starting to get nuts here in Center City Philadelphia. 

We had no trouble getting into town coming over the Ben Franklin and we're here two hours early with several hundred thousand of our friends.

John and I are going to be at Broad and Pine most of the day enjoying the festivities.  Drop by and say Hi if you're in town!!!

A Great Day

I've had some very good days in my life.  Meeting a president.  Making out with a girl the first time.  Winning a scholarship to college.  The day my son John was born.  The day my daughter Emma came home from the NICU.  The day I got married.  The day my divorce was finalized.  Cutting down the nets in the old Sacred Heat Gym at Cabrini.  Playing Torrey Pines.  Driving the Green River Valley.  Sitting in the rain at Fenway.

But none of those days compared to yesterday.  The anticipation built all day.  Coming back into Philadelphia from Toronto, I drove past the stadiums and knew in that instant daydreamed of a parade Friday.  My son babbled for an hour as we drove home and his innocent certainty was infectious.  The Phils were going to win. 

I've been racking my brain all day.  Trying to think of a moment in my life that meant more to me than listening to Harry Kalas on the call as John and I held each other and jumped up and down in rapture.

And the truth is that nothing compares. 

I don't ever want this feeling to go away.

Championship Call

It was great listening to Harry on the call last night. Wheels looks like he has been riding on the short bus his whole life.

World Champions!

We listened to Harry make the call on the radio.  Finally. 

Champions!

It's Time

It's been 28 years since the Phillies won the only World Series Championship in their history.

Tonight they will make it 2.

The Phils will overcome Major League Baseball's mismanagement of the first 5 1/2 innings of Game 5 on Monday night and last night's postponement of the resumption of the game to finish the Rays off tonight.  I can Pheel it.

We're gonna have a parade on Broad Street on Friday.

A Great Way To Be Welcomed Home

On the monitors at Philadelphia International Airport:

Well That Sucked

I can't believe that Major League Baseball let that game go on last night.  Yeah I know they didn't want to call it and have the Phils win a tainted World Series title, but to let it go on in a complete monsoon was ridiculous and dangerous.

I know that fans are angry, and so are the players, but I am in the odd position of being happy.  since I am out of town, MLB's moronic decision making process last night will give me the chance to perhaps be in town when the rains let up on Wednesday.  Regardless, I'll be home for the parade.

There is a god and he wants me to see the Phils win the world series in person.

Game Three ... Or Not

We've just finished a great meal of roast beef, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, dinner rolls and green beans courtesy of the GF. The kids are bathed and we are gathered in the living room.  Except for Emma who has decided bed is preferable to listening.

We're awaiting the first pitch of Game Three of the World Series at 8:35.

Except that it is POURING rain here in South Jersey.  Apparently things aren't much better in South Philly.

Hmmm...

Phils Win Game 1

While they stranded 9, the Phils won a pitching duel in St. Pete tonight 3-2, securing the crucial first game of the World Series.

Chase Utley homered in the first and Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge shut down the Rays offense.

The down side was Howard and Rollins.  They look lost at the plate and Howard butchered an important play at first.  The Phils won in spite of 2 of their biggest stars.  They'll need more production to get 3 more wins.

Brett Myers takes the hill in the dome tomorrow night.  Which Brett shows up will be the question.

For those who were wondering, John voluntarily turned in after the top of the 5th.

GO PHILS!!!

World Series Pregame

I'm sitting on the couch with my 8 year old son and I feel both the pure joy of this moment and the dread of history.

This is a good team that is loved by this town.  I am confident that the names Rollins, Utley, Howard and Hamels will be inscribed forever next to Schmidt, Bowa, Carlton and Maddox.

This is our year - finally!

I'm Ready

I've been to the Center City Pep Rally for the Phillies.  I have my Phils NL Champs cap on.  I bought a World Series program, a Daily news and an Inquirer today.  I've read the local sports blogs.  I gotta agree about the friggin cowbells.

I think I am ready.

But the game does not start for another 5 1/2 hours.

One question for the folks out there.  John is 8 and has school tomorrow.  The first pitch is at 8:37 which is after his bedtime.  Now there's no doubt that he is watching some of the game.  My question is just how much I should let him watch.  Any thoughts?

Phillies Phever = Insane Ticket Prices

I know it's been 15 years since a World series in this town.  I also know from  economics class that pent up demand for a product or service results in increased prices.

That being said, these Phillies World Series ticket prices are INSANE!  $525 each for standing room?  Actual butt in seat prices starting at $558?  It's no better over on Craigslist, where pairs are going for $1300 each.

I've already resigned myself that the best I will be able to do for the home games is a seat at McFadden's.  Maybe.  My son seems to understand that the ticket prices are outrageous and there won't be a repeat of the good luck we had for the clincher.

If the Rays make the Series, not certain after the Mets impersonation their bullpen did last night, it's going to be cheaper to book a Southwest flight and score a pair of face value tickets to the tomb filled with cowbell ringers in St. Pete.  I mean these guys trap off half the upper deck and call it a sellout when they get 34,000 into a dome that holds 45,000.

The Phils have a place that holds 44,000 and stuff in 46,000 or 47,000 by selling the SRO tickets.  In Boston, things aren't even as crazy as they are here in terms of ticket prices.  There you can buy a World Series ticket to notoriously tight Fenway Park for a mere $495. 

What a bargain!

Go Phils

2008 National League Champion Phillies

We all knew it was coming.  Up 3-1 on a team that didn't seem to have the heart, we KNEW it was going to happen.  But dawn today still seems a little bit surreal as I watch the celebrations in Mayfair and on Broad Street last night.

My friends over at The700Level have great coverage this morning and I encourage you to take a look.  John and I are enjoying the coverage on ESPN and Fox 29.

This team still has a lot to do as it readies for the Devil Rays or BoSox.  Charlie's mom and Shane's grandmother must be laid to rest.  We need to figure out who the third starter it.  We need to think about a right-handed DH.

But right now we can celebrate the Phils and their first trip to the World Series since my brother Matt was 14.  Today's his birthday and this is a fitting present.

Happy Birthday Brother!

I Will Be There

I'd like to thank my good friend and former roommate Carlo "The Chief" Iacono for calling me tonight when he got the email from the Phillies inviting him to buy two standing room only tickets to Thursday night's opener of the National League Championship Series. I will be in the house when the Phils go up 1-0 on the Dodgers at The Bank.

Live From Citizens Bank Park

Mr. Greengenes is rocking, Turkey Hill is giving away Graham Slam ice cream and enforcement of the open container law has been suspended. All is right with the world. Go Phils!

Post-Season Fun

An October Baseball
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

I'm outta work today at 3 so I can head down and tailgate with the700level guys and watch Mr. Greengenes rock Citizens Bank Way.

One tiny little issue is that I don't have ticket, but I'm going to enjoy the pre-game and then head into McFaddens to watch the game in HD.

I'll see you at the park!

2008 NL East Champs!

2008 NL East Champs!
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

We were amidst the mayhem last night as the Phils brought home their second straight NL East Division Crown and then unfurled the banner on the field for the 45,122 Phans who got to watch it live. My brother Matt has a nice wrap up over at The700level.com, but I am going to give you the inside story.

My son John and I got a pair of $20 tickets in the 400 level by simply calling the Phils at 10 am. The seats were great. In the third row and on the aisle. We bummed around for a bit, watching college football and then decided we couldn't wait anymore. We packed some rain gear and the camera into the bag we always take to games (Fenway, Camden Yards, Yankee Stadium, CBP, some minor league parks) and headed over the bridge.

Tomorrow Doesn't Matter

The Phils are NL East Champs!

Heading to The Bank

John and I are headed down to Citizen's Bank Park for the Phils vs. Nats today.  I was there back in March when the season got under way, and John and I will be there tonight as the Phils pop the Champagne and have some VO.

More posts later.  Enjoy the game.

Brett Myers Sucks

With the bases loaded and no outs in the third and two runs already across, Charlie came to the mound.  And when Charlie goes to the mound he's always got the hook with him.

The real question isn't whether Condrey is any better (as I type this he's giving up a Grand Salami) but rather if this is Myers' last appearance in the starting rotation.  If it is, as I suspect, the real question is where the Phils will use him.  My guess is that with Tom Gordon making noises about having a dead arm Myers is headed to the setup role.

I just hope that he's able to more effective in the 8th than he has been in the 1st.

Coste homer to even things up here.  Looks like a long night for the pitchers.

Brett Myers On the Hill

You can tell by the way the balls are flying around.  Frigging lovely.

WOW!

Coming off another 0 fer night, bringing the hitless streak to 0-23, Chase Utley will ride the pine tonight in the second game of the Phils' series against the Anaheim California LA Angels.  Chutley has looked positively clueless at the plate recently, so a night off against tough lefty Joe Saunders is probably a good thing.

Let's hope the Phils decide that it's time to shake off the recent doldrums and take one tonight against the Angels.  Whereever they're from.

Phils Losing

It's 7-4 in the top of the 8th and the Phils just squandered their best shot at getting back in the game, as Shane, Utley and Howard all went down with 2 men on.

Romero is on the mound against his old team. Could get interesting.

Hello from Section 302!

Another Delco Guy is here in South Philly at Citizens Bank Park. There are a lot of Red Sox fans here at the park, but we're looking for a recovery from last night's loss. Kyle Kendrick toes the slab today for the Phils.

One note early is that the field looks like hell after last weekend's invasion of Jimmy Buffett and Parrothead Nation. The stands are filling up and we're ready for baseball!!

Break Out The Brooms!

The Phils completed the sweep of the Colorado Rockies tonight, posting a 6-1 win tonight at The Bank.  Chutley went yard, Adam Eaton earned his first win since 1998 this year, and all is right with the world going into a series with improbable National League East leaders, the Florida Marlins.

I'll take 2 wins over the Fish this weekend.  It's been a great last 4 games, with the offense putting up 48 runs and the pitching getting the job done, with notably impressive outings from the starting staff.  I said before the homestand started that they needed 7 of 10 to take the division lead, and the Fightins' are on the way to the top!

Hello From Section 302!!!

In case you were wondering what the fridgid reaches of Citizens Bank Park look like, here is a picture from the next to the last section in the stadium.

Despite the cold front moving in and the rather brisk winds, we're happy as the Phils lead the Giants 4-1 in the top of the 7th.  Among the highlights of the game so far are a Chase Utley first inning reound-tripper and the nice ovation that Aaron Rowand got in his first at back at CBP.

Friday Filler

Here's Another Delco Guy Lunch Time Update:

One of my photos is featured today on the Verizon Newsroom website today.  It's a crop of my most popular Flickr shot and provides art for a Paul Hagen story about Philly Phans.  Thanks Pat!

A bit later today, the GF, me and my camera are headed down to Drunken Educators Carousing Teacher Appreciation Night at CBP.  Should be a fun night. 

After that, we'll be headed down to Annapolis for the weekend courtesy of Starwoods points! 

Have a good one.

Phils Go Green

I tuned into the Phils-Padres game tonight and thought the Phils looked a bit odd in their green hats. 

WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREEN HATS??????

So I did some poking around and found this:

Very cool! A green energy baseball team!

One Down!

The Phils took care of their end of the Philly sport double-header today, downing the Astros 10-2 behind great work on the mound by Brett Myers.  Things are crazy down here in the stadium area with Flyers fans pouring in and Phils Phans celebrating.

Let's hope the Flyers can hold up their end of the deal tonight and go up 3-1 on the Caps tonight.

Took the Afternoon Off

One of the major benefits of working in Center City is access to day baseball. Enjoy watching on your monitors gang.  I am in section 121!

Ch-Chh-Cha-Changes

  The New Valanni 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

After a particularly intense meeting dragged on too late to let me get to John's baseball pictures yesterday, I decided I may as well stay put in the city and headed to the Grand Opening Party at the all-new Valanni.

The party was a lot of fun, with lost of small food to nosh on, flowing wine and free drinks from the kind folks at Jose Cuervo and Jason at PINK Vodka.  Everyone was there from regulars like me to Kinky Jen, DJ Jon Gill and a million people I have never seen in the place.  It was wild.  The GF and I enjoyed the evening.  Free booze is NEVER a bad thing.

Regular readers will know that Valanni is the spot I hang out at in the city when I don't have kids to care for or games to attend.  It's always been a fun spot with excellent food.  Last Fall, owner George Anni leased the space next to the 40 seat restaurant and began renovations to double the size of the restaurant and bar.

The renovations are complete, the new beer taps are flowing and the menu has been re-done.  There's a party room in the back and 2 more bathrooms and you can't turn around without running into a new staff member.  The matte black, faux-gator flooring is chic, the brushed aluminum chairs are beautiful (but rough on the back), and the decor is Stephen Starr like.

Change is rough on regulars of bars and restaurants.  We come there because we lie the place the way it is, we're not looking for anything new.  But Valanni had gotten a little shabby and it was time for renovations.  The size was a problem too, with the bar crammed at happy hour and no place to host a group gathering.  Anni saw that he had to adapt or die and like most restaurant owners, he saw bigger as better.

I love with the physical changes.  I am sure Chef  will make the new menu zing.  The new staff will take a bit of getting used to.  Long-time bartender Laurentiu Muras has moved on to open his own place over near Rittenhouse.  Alex is headed back behind the bar.  Staff turnover always happens as spring turns to summer. 

All in all, it's still a great place for a meal, but we'll have to see how comfortable the bar is after the newness wears off.

Opening Day Photos Up

  Opening Day Pre-Game 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

While the day ended badly for Phils fans as Tom "gasoline" Gordon blew up, surrendering 5 runs and losing the opener for the Phightins, it was still a fun day.

All the photos are up here.

Matty and I had a great time in the parking lot for the pre-game, hanging with some of Philly's pre-eminent sports bloggers, Enrico and Meech plus Coaches Rowe and Mack and a bunch of others.  We enjoyed the festivities, stayed dry during the game, and headed to McFadden's for a post game of Jody Mac and Mr. Greengenes.

It was my third straight Phils Opening Day and I still have not seen a win.  One of these days...

Post-Game With Jody Mac

So the Phils sucked in the opener, dropping an 11-6 decision to the first-place Nationals. Matty and I are post game at McFadden's enjoying the last Jody Mac PM show on 950. It's better than losing.

Phils Lead

The Phils are up 1-0 in the middle of the second.  Brett Myers has the fastball singing and JRoll led off with a double.

The weather is way bwtter and we're having a great time at the ballpark!

Headed to the Opener!

  Phillies Pennants 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

Another Delco Guy is headed to Wawa to get some ice and then down to South Philly for the Phils' Opener.  They should have a better than usual chance to pick up a win today, as Myers is on the mound against a Nationals team that opened their new park last night on ESPN.

Let's hope the bats are tired.  I'm meeting my brother Matt, his buddy Enrico, my buddies Carlo, Bill and Bobby and we're looking to have a great day.  We'll be in the Jetro lot pregame, then going to catch some MRGG and finally the game!

Look for lots of photos later tonight or more likely tomorrow!

Not Good News

As you can see the jetway is pulling away and I am not on the plane. In the terminology of the airline, "this aircraft is broken."

Wonderful.

They're Here!

My brother MattyP and I are headed to Opening Day on March 31! The tickets are in my hot little hands and my bank account is $100 lighter per seat, but we'll be in the house when the Phils hoist the first National League East pennant around here in quite some time.

In other Phils news, they get the Grapefruit League season under way today at 1:05 this afternoon in Clearwater against the Reds.

Thanks Guys!

It's hard to believe that the sweet feeling the Phils brought us last Sunday is now tinged with the bitter edge of the sweep.

Back in April, Jody Mac warned me that the best I could hope for was a pennant race that went down to the wire.  Jody was dead on.  This team scrapped and slugged and even at times, pitched its way into the Division lead with only hours to spare.

It was a wild, wonderful ride.

At the end of 162 games, I was darn near spent and I just watched the games.  From all appearances over the last week, the Phils were spent too.   I went down to the games in South Philly and watched last night as Jamie Moyer, who personifies the phrase "Crafty Lefty," gave them just one more chance.  I had High Hopes.

But it wasn't too be.  These Phils were too young, had spent too much energy, and just did not have enough against a team that  matches up against them very well.  So they will stack the bats, fold the uniforms and break out the golf clubs for another winter.

At least the off-season was a week shorter this year.

PHUCK!!!!!!!!!

Rough one yesterday for the Phightins, but all will be better down at The Bank today.

Photos from yesterday's madness are up at my Flickr site.  i'm on the run and will have more for ya later!

See ya all down at the park!

It's On

Fourteen years ago this month, Bryen O'Boyle and I watched Curt Schilling and the Phils shut down the Toronto Blow Jays 2-0 at Veterans' Stadium in South Philadelphia.  It was to be the high water mark of the Phillies franchise for the 27 years since the magical month of October 1980. 

Today, I will be back in South Philly as Bryen and Mr. Greengenes get the crowd pumped up prior to the biggest game in a LONG LONG time here in Philly.  Then I'll be back in the office watching the game online with the rest of the Phils Phaithphul.

I'm hoping Hamels has a Schillingesque day and the Phils take the lead in the series.

I'll have photos and a wrap later today!

LETS GO PHILS!!!!!

2007 NL East Champs!

  2007 NL East Champs! 
  Originally uploaded by The700Level

As a father, yesterday was pretty tough for me. 

My son is a Yankees fan in a major way.  Last spring, we had decided that there was a good chance yesterday would be an important game and that we should be in Baltimore to watch the Yankees clinch the AL East.

It never entered my mind that the Phillies would be back home in Philly clinching the NL East while I watched the scoreboard at Oriole Park.

I wore full Phillies regalia including a bight red shirt and cap.  I got a good number of friendly "Go Phils!" comments and even saw 2 other guys in "P" hats.  The scoreboard operator kept us updated, and between the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings showed video highlights of the Phils scoring. 

In the 8th, they showed the video of the Phils rushing the field and put "Philadelphia Phillies 2007 NL East Champions" up on the big board. 

While I was overjoyed, the major feeling was RELIEF!  We had finally made it.  The long up and down ride of the season was over and we are ready to take care of business.

We clapped and cheered and high-fived and accepted the congratulations of the Yankee fans.  While I wasn't in South Philly, I was happy yo be in a ballpark among the baseball faithful.  I'm meeting some Hummer driving real estate sales man Yankee fan from Westchester county in the Bronx for the World Series in three weeks.  I don't know his name, but we sat in Section 27- yesterday.  I'm sure he'll remember the crazy Phillies fan.  At least I think he will.  He drank a few beers.

I'll see you in Center City at Noon for Mr. Greengenes and the Phils for a rally at City Hall!!!!