The Philadelphia Phillies Bring It Back Home

After 28 years and eight days, the Philadelphia Phillies are World Champions once again.

Having been at Game Six in 1980 as a 12 year old, the feeling is a lot different almost three decades later. As a child, it seems as though this will happen every year, and when the Phillies reached the series again in 1983, it seemed to be a possibility.

10 years later, in 1993, Philadelphia's hopes were shattered when Joe Carter and the Toronto Blue Jays drove a dagger into the hearts of the Phightin' Phaithful. Since then, it's been a series of close calls, almost there, and wait 'till next years. Next year is now.

It didn't sink in to me how loud it must have been at Citizens Bank Park last night until I saw the Rays first base coach, George Hendrick, coaching with ear plugs in his ears, literally shouting to Carl Crawford at first base, less than a yard away from him.

The sea of red and waving white was a sight to behold.

After a perfect final strike out, reminiscent of Tug McGraw in 1980, and the dog pile on the mound, it starts to set in.

Grown men as happy as they have ever been in their lives, celebrating. From about 800 miles away, I was celebrating, too, and wishing I was back there. 

My phone was ringing, and I was listening to the partying going on "back home." Watching live via web cam was great, but it wasn't the same. As I was reading live reports of fans overtaking a firetruck and driving it down Walnut Street, I could picture the sight.

It's time to sit back and enjoy this moment. If I had known back in 1980 that I would have to wait 28 years to feel this again, I may have savored it more, but then again, I may not have, being only a child. This time, I realize that I may never see this again in my lifetime. To the Phillies phans that were not born yet in 1980, ENJOY. Let's hope that our heroes can bring it on home again in 2009.

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