How about those Fightin’ Phils?

Can you feel it?  That shiver running down your spine and that tingle in your fingertips?  That is because of the Phillies are tied for first place, a position they haven’t been in since the first time they heard an umpire cry out “Play ball” this year.  Now, with just 3 games to go, the Phillies are tied with those helpless, self-destructing Mets.  It’s awesome!

Kim and I are going to the game tomorrow.  Since we met, she has grown to enjoy baseball.  But she’s never experienced anything like this.  The noise will be deafening.  The energy will be buzzing.  Citizen’s Bank Park is going to be rocking!  I can’t wait!

The last several years, the Phillies has been the ultimate teases.  They get so close, everyone gets excited and then, Poof.  They vanish and disappear, so close yet so very, very far away.  Fans’ stomachs drop and their heart stop.  But this is different.  There is a confidence, a belief that they are going to come through.  I can’t remember the last time I watched the Phillies expecting them to win instead awaiting the inevitable freefall.  Here it is.  3 games.  Could the Phillies be playing October baseball for the first time since I was a sophomore in high school and only the 5th time in my lifetime, of which the first 3 were before my 5th birthday?  I can’t believe I’m writing this, but, I think so.  I think so.