An Open Letter To Phillies "Fans"

Dear Phillies fans,

I attended last night's game between the Phillies and the Braves. Seeing as how your team was at the time only leading their division by 1.5 games over their bitter and local rival with only a week to go, I thought I would get an electric, pennant race-atmosphere. I mean I know that's asking a lot, but you guys are supposedly loyal and all that because your from Philly.

What I saw was disappointing. And you should be disappointed in yourselves.

Believe me, I'm not a Phillies or Mets fan. I could care less about your silly slapfest for the right to lose in the first round. But as a baseball connoisseur who's team has suffered through an 11-year wilderness, I figured it would be good to remember how a home crowd felt when their team mattered. Instead, I felt like I was at a mid-week noon game in May vs. the Pirates.

Practically 2/3 of the upper deck was empty. Inexcusable. How does this game not sell-out, or come close to selling out? The announced crowd of 30,000+ was generous, if there were more than 28,000 people there, I'd be shocked. But it would be enough if these were 28,000 Philly diehards. Smart, loyal fans who stood and cheered at the right times and willed the team to victory.

Yeah...you guys sucked on that too. It wasn't until Jimmy Rollins crossed home plate in the 8th that you guys finally got loud. I remarked to the man sitting next to me, "Welcome to the game Phillies fans! It only took you eight innings!"

You guys didn't stand and cheer for two strikes or the other runs or anything else. It was embarrassing, almost crypt-like. The Flyers crowd for the pre-season game across the street was probably more electric.

I don't know if you guys left your passion at home because of Sunday's Eagles game or what, but there are more sports out there than football. And go ahead and leave me your excuses: "I was there and it was packed!" "We'll be there in October!" "You don't know Phillies fans!" "Orioles fans suck!" I've heard 'em all and worse.

I'm not writing this letter as an angry, Philly-hating jerk. I'm writing it as a baseball diehard who appreciates good, knowledgeable fans. You guys have a great team. They deserve great support. Good luck in October!