A Generation Of Suffering: Thoughts Of a Philly Fan

As we sit on the cusp of the first World Championship of our beleaguer generation feel it would be remiss if we didn’t look back to all of our near-misses and heartbreaks throughout the years. This is not a “JINX” on tonight or this year but simply a memorial which crystallizes our collective anticipation of something we have never truly experienced.

     1987—Philadelphia Flyers vs. Edmonton Oilers—After coming back from a 3-1 series deficit the Flyers drop game seven 3-1. No tasty cakes for you!

     1988—Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears (the FOG BOWL)—A team that was built on defense and passing runs into an enemy that couldn’t be beaten … Chicago fog!

     1991—Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay (Cunningham injured)—The year we were suppose to win it all Cunningham breaks his leg in the first game of the season. We won the game but we knew it was over.

     1993—Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays—Joe Carter crushes all of our dreams

     1997—Philadelphia Flyers vs. Detroit Red Wings—The sweep.

     2000—Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils – After taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series the great Eric Lindros made his comeback and preceded to lead the Flyers to three straight losses not to mention taking one of the most violent hits I have ever seen by Scott Stevens—Devils go on to win the CUP.

     2002—Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Last game at the Vet… you know the rest…this one might be the worst of all.

Not many fans could take heart-break after heart-break like this and continue to have the fire burn inside and show resolve as we have. Without sacrifice you can never truly appreciate success and both what I have listed above and the passion we have shown through these many years is what makes Philadelphia fans the greatest in the world.

So as you watch the game with friends, at a bar or even with your own little Philly fan remember the anguish and pain leading up to this point and enjoy every minute. You never know if this will happen again in our generation.