Brad Lidge Stepping Up In Post-Season; Bandwagon Getting Full.

You may recall – though more than likely not – Philadelphia fans that they should embrace Brad Lidge despite having eight blown saves at the time.">that on August 16^th of this year I stated that in order to change the perception of Philadelphia fans that they should embrace Brad Lidge despite having eight blown saves at the time. While I didn’t write any articles over that span you can bet I remained with this conviction after three more blown save opportunities in the regular season.

As I attended Fan Appreciation Day on October 4^th I happened to catch a glance at Brad Lidge. I shouted out to him “Hey Brad! I still believe in you no matter what!” He didn’t acknowledge me but somehow I know that those words did not fall on def ears.

I mean, as I stated before this is a man who practically sold his soul for the residents of Philadelphia last season and because of a couple of blown saves he was suddenly the subject of much scrutiny from Philadelphia “faithful” who showed their true colors.

Sure it is alright to be upset after a blown save or two or eleven. Heck, it’s even alright to be angry at your team every now and then. However, it is not okay to completely forget that no longer than a year ago this same man was instrumental in winning your team a championship that had eluded it for 20+ years. A championship that the Philadelphia fans – Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and Sixers - were crying, if not dying for.

I believe that my exact sentiments in the aforementioned article were that Lidge’s blown saves had not cost the Phillies a chance at a repeat and so far I remain correct. I mean any sane baseball fan would take eight to 11 blown regular season saves in exchange for a World Series title which Lidge delivered last year and could help deliver again.

As I write this the Phillies are one game away from returning to the World Series and Lidge has been instrumental in this post-season run with three saves in as many opportunities with two of the games being crucial. In addition he has recorded a win.

As one would expect suddenly Lidge has become embraced again. The friends mentioned in the other article have status updates praising Lidge. I’ve seen his jersey being worn again in Center City. While I don’t know the people wearing these jerseys I can guarantee that they weren’t early in the season. That is – for lack of wanting to use the term – frontrunning or bandwagoning at it’s finest.

As a sports fan it is ridiculous to think how easily people’s opinions waver. I mean there’s no problem with a momentary lapse in faith every now and then because even the most die-hard sports fan has those. However to completely abandon a guy who did so much for your team is crazy, ridiculous and quite frankly… stinks.

Now I’m sure I am not talking to/about all Phillies fans. Hell I’m probably not even referring to most Phillies fans here on bleacher report. However, I have to get this off of my chest to those of my facebook friends nice enough to read my bleacher report. Stick to your guns!