10.24.2010

Philly Love

Dear Phillies Fans,

To all of those placing blame on one player whether it is Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, etc. Stop. The fact is this is a game made for teams. It's made for people to get on base, and others to bat them in. I'm well aware of Ryan Howard's K-rate, and I'm well aware that he had 0 RBI's. However this is a team game where nobody showed up for their opportunities. I'm not going to spew numbers in this post, or analyze anything. Instead I'm here to remind the complete idiots why they should be proud of this season.

For starters, well, look at the starters. Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. It's a phenomenal lineup that can pretty much guarantee another dominant run for the Phillies next year and after. It was a special day in Philly when this team proved themselves as one of the best by making the best want to come here and play. These past 4 years are a huge bounce-back from where they were 5 years ago, let alone 10 years ago. Do not forget that.

It's one thing to have great players, but it's even more to make history. There are plenty achievements this year that represent more than a ring. I would have never thought I'd see a perfect game thrown in the midst of another postseason run, let alone another no-hitter by the same pitcher in his first postseason appearance in the same year. All in his first season on this team nonetheless. We may not see that in our lifetime ever again.

Another thing often overlooked now is the fact this is the first time the Phillies have ever, yes ever, finished with the best record in baseball. It should be even more commendable given the list of injuries that plagued the team this year. Honestly, that's a downright terrifying thought. Every team in baseball needs to be scared next year if they go a whole potent season.

So instead of replaying a called strike three to remember your season, remember the struggles this team overcame and where they still ended up. There was a time in this 2010 season that they were counted out, but prime examples of leadership and teamwork pushed the team to win for each other. Cole Hamels' second coming. Roy Oswalt's domination on the mound, and in left-field, at Citizens Bank Park. Numerous platooned positions filled by the talents of castaways Mike Sweeney, Juan Castro, and Wilson Valdez. Ryan Madson and Jose Contreras representing ridiculous outings out of the pen. Brad Lidge's perseverance to keep his closer role. And Charlie Manuel putting all the pieces together for a masterpiece of a season.

Just remember one thing, and one thing only:

"We did it together." - Roy Halladay

Cheers to a great run, and better hopes for next year.

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