Phillies Mets

Phillies Mets

Phillies Mets

Why You Should Root for the Philadelphia Phillies

I have been a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies for as long as I can remember. From the heartbreaking 1993 World Series defeat, to the rough years in the late 1990’s, to last year’s remarkable run ending with the championship. It’s been a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There have been so many great memories made by this organization over the years, and there will certainly be more to come as the Phillies try to capture another title in 2009.

First off, how could you not love the Philly Phanatic? He is one of the most beloved mascots in all of sports, and people from one to one hundred and one can enjoy his antics. His interactions with fans and even players and umpires keep everyone laughing and entertained.

Citizens Bank Field, where the Phillies call home, is absolutely gorgeous. It was opened in 2004 and is a great place to take a family. There is plenty of room to walk around, eat cheese steaks, and even a Phanatic jungle gym for the tiniest of Phillies supporters.

Another very likeable asset to the Phillies organization is their manager Charlie Manuel. He is so beloved by the Philly Phaithful that they refer to him as Uncle Charlie. Manuel had to overcome his mother’s death in last year’s playoffs and handled it with as much grace as anyone could in that situation.

Next, the Phillies don’t just have outstanding ball players; they are outstanding people as well. In what is being called the Steroid Era in baseball, the Phills don’t have a single admitted steroid user on the team. Other successful baseball teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers, have all had their share of rule breakers. Big name players and former MVP’s Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are not only fan favorites because of their tremendous talent, but also their love for the game and appreciation for every fan.

Obviously, when you have players like Rollins, Howard, and other All Stars on your team, you’re going to be a lot of fun to watch. This year the Phillies had the second most home runs in baseball, and led the national league in runs, RBI’s, and total bases. They have the ability to come back in almost any situation.

With all that talent, there is sure to be a hefty payroll incurred. The Phillies have the seventh highest payroll out of the thirty teams in Major League Baseball. Their total salaries are fairly close too league average and are still plenty lower than other teams like the Yankees and Mets from New York and the Chicago Cubs. I feel like it’s harder to root for a team like the Yankees who spend over $50 million dollars than the next highest paid team. With as much money as the Yankee’s organization shells out to their players, they are expected to be great every year. America is all about underdogs and it would be nice to see a team like the Phillies take down the Goliath’s to their north.

“This one’s for Harry.” That is the motto this 2009 Phillies team has embraced as they strive to repeat as champions again. Harry is Harry Kalas, their old television play-by-play broadcaster who passed away earlier this season. He had been the “voice of the Phillies” since 1971, and is truly missed by all that knew him. This year the Phightin Phills, as Harry called them, wear a patch with his initials to pay tribute to one of the greatest master of ceremonies to have graced a microphone. They also play a video of Harry singing one of his favorite songs, “High Hopes” after each Phillies victory.

The Philadelphia fans were hungry before last year’s championship, and they might be even hungrier now. All of Philadelphia is now buzzing with excitement as the Phillies enter the World Series, attempting to repeat as World Champions like they did in 2008. Last year it was the Rays from Tampa Bay. This year it is the traditional powerhouse New York Yankees. The Phillies hope to end their hunt for Red October singing “High Hopes” after another successful year. Will you join them?

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