Negadelphia In Full Effect

Gary Cobb dubbed our city 'Negadelphia' years ago. He said Philadelphia sports fans always seemed to dwell on the negative. I never really bought it until recently. Water cooler talk at my place of employment always turns to the local sports teams. I have noticed when the Phillies are brought up the subject quickly changes. Here are some recent examples. "How about the Phillies getting to 42 games above .500?” response, "The Phillies are doing good but I'm worried about the Eagles offensive line." I also heard, "It seems like the Phils haven't lost a game since they got Hunter Pence.", response, "The Phillies are gonna win the division but who is the Eagles back up Quarterback?” Does the conversation turn to the Eagles because people like football more? I don't think so; I think something else is going on.

Almost all sports conversations center around one thing, how can we make our team better? It's usually, 'Why did they do that in that situation?’ Like, 'why did Charlie bring David Herndon in to the game last night?’ The way the Fightin' Phils have rolled recently you can't second guess. Maybe Charlie was listening to WIP's wall to wall Eagles coverage and wanted to give us something to talk about. Think about it, how many conversations about any sports teams are positive? I'm the biggest Phillies fan I know but I would rather post about how Chris Wheeler shouldn't be able to call a Little League game than tell the world Ryan Howard will soon become only the 7th player ever to accumulate 800 RBI's over a 6 year period. Thanks for bringing that stat to my attention cdubsallstar12, Howard joins players like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. That may be too positive so please don't tune out. I'm getting to my point.

This is the best Phillies team ever. Let's enjoy them. We will have plenty of teams in the future we can complain about, you know they will get us back in our comfort zone soon enough. This Phillies team does not need to be fixed. We can get back to complaining about the Eagles special teams in early November, after we get over our post parade hangovers.

Keep It Classy Philly!

DB29

This Aggression Will Not Stand, MAN!

As we are coming off a 2 day break from our beloved 78-41 Phils, I thought I would take a moment to address something that has been irking my nerve.

Recently, a friend of mine got into an argument with their cousin on FB (what a surprise) about their Phillies fandom. My friend “K” had posted about the great game that just ended and “K’s” cousin replied with the following:

I’ve done my research, u r a new school Phils fan. Grandpop may have been a true Phils fan and u may have even watched games wit him, but what does that prove- that Grandpop was a Phils fan and u watched games with him.

While this may not seem significant to you, it was to me. Why? Well if “K” was a guy, I doubt he would have received this type of response from his cousin. However, “K” is my long time friend Kim, and I can assure you this girl knows her baseball. And she’s been a fan long before 2008.

As the lone chick of this blog, I can freely admit that at times I felt that I wouldn’t be taken seriously with my weekly articles. I tend to shy away from statistics (I HATE numbers) and my pieces aren’t typically a poetic ode to America’s past time. This doesn’t mean I know any less about baseball than any of the other writers on this blog. It just means that I have a different way of expressing my thoughts about the team and sport.

I was introduced to the Wriz, DB29 and CJ Hood through my good friend Kornhole this spring. These guys didn’t know me from any other “chick” sports fan. And while this was NOT my first gig at sports writing (I interned for the Flyers, where one of many responsibilities was to write the nightly trivia questions) I still felt that I had to “prove” myself. This may be a futile effort, that maybe they will never see me as equal as they in their knowledge of sports. I feel that I have gained a few new friends based on our mutual love for Phillies baseball and that’s what is really important in my opinion (cue the corny music, LOL).

I think the comment above really got to me because it’s so relevant to my own love of the game. My grandfather was a huge part in my understanding and passion for the game too. To be honest, I think that is what makes baseball fans so unique – that it has been passed down among the generations. Today, that means daughters and granddaughters are lining the stands in their Utley, Victorino and Howard jerseys with their dads, grandfathers, brothers… even Moms and older sisters.

I’m no feminist, trust me. I understand that men and women experience things in different ways. I’m not saying there isn’t a slightly higher percentage of girl fans who don’t understand diddily squat yet claim to be “Phillies biggest fan”. And sure, I will admit I get a little salty when I see bimbo-like chicks with their “Marry Me Chase” signs (get in line, skank) but who am I to say that she doesn’t know how to throw harder than any guy I know? Sit back and enjoy guys and girls. Everybody could use a little happiness in our lives - so why not over a great game of baseball and a beer?

Speaking of throwing… I think its time Uncle Cholly gives the Aces a break, no? Hamels went for a precautionary MRI. Initial thoughts are that he is suffering from a ‘Dead Arm’.  With the lead we have in the division right now, its time to prepare for going the distance in the postseason.

Halladay vs. Collmenter tonight… Lets go Phillies!

Have a great week!

-xo

DiamondGirl215

Philly Ringers

Back in 2005, Johnny Knoxville starred in a filmed called The Ringer. Sunday, Albert Pujols, the biggest name in baseball broke his wrist and will be out a minimum for 4 weeks but it now seems like it will be closer to 7 to 8 weeks.

What does this have to do with a Phillies blog and why do I bring up these seemingly unconnected incidents? It’s not because Pujols does an abundance of charity work for those with Down Syndrome because his daughter has the condition. Nor does it have anything to do with the recent death of Knoxville’s Jackass co-star, Ryan Dunn.

I bring it up because it seems like so many Phillies fans seem like they would have been a better fit to play Knoxville’s character Steve Barker, an able body man who cheats at the Special Olympics.

 So many times I have heard Philadelphia fans complain that they get a bad rap, a statement I would certainly agree with. We are still get flack over the booing of Santa and anytime something goes awry at CBP, its gets splashed all over the national media. And we are constantly reminded of Pukeyman, the kid who got tazed, and all the other nonsense. Ed Rendell even went as so far to write a letter to GQ magazine defending Philly fans. Incidents happen in every city but how many of you know who Brian Stow or Tom Gamboa are? They don’t have trendy nicknames bandied about on the sports headlines, nor do their attackers. Stow was beaten into coma for showing up at Dodger Stadium and showing support for his San Francisco Giants. Gamboa was a coach for the Royals who was attacked on the field in Chicago during a White Sox game. (A similar incident happened to ML umpire, Laz Diaz also during a White Sox game in Chicago, but I purposely omitted it because he probably deserved it. I kid, relax.)

I am a competitive person. Momma Wriz would tell you that’s an understatement. When I was younger, I couldn’t play my brother in checkers without a fight breaking out.  In my defense, if I couldn’t win at checkers I was going to win something. Ok, so my actual point, I thought the whole reason to even play sports or compete at anything is to prove that you are the best. I don’t see how taking the easy road accomplishes that.

If I didn’t before, certainly the Phillies 2010 and 2011 seasons have taught me that injuries are part of the game. But the way Phillies fans get a hard on because opposing players are hurt and the Phillies won’t have to face them astonishes me. I’m not going to bring up Michael Irvin. It’s football and old news. Instead, I will take you back, all the way back to last August. I was able to get a pair of tickets to see Steven Strasburg’s first game in Philadelphia. He couldn’t REALLY be as good as advertised, right? Peter Gammons said he’d be a top 10 ML pitcher the FIRST time he put on a Nationals uniform. I couldn’t wait to erupt when the Phillies chased him early. It never happened. He pitched as advertised: six strikeouts and only allowed 2 hits before he blew out his elbow in the 5th inning. The crowd went nuts. The Phillies were down 5-1 and the kid’s career in jeopardy. I was never more ashamed to be a Phillies fan. Not watching Sil Campusano patrol centerfield. Not sitting in the stands the night the Phillies became the first pro franchise to 10,000 losses.

2008 was a magical season, one that I’ll never forget, but one thing that has always bothered me was the fact other teams fans would say that the Phillies ONLY beat Tampa Bay. As time has passed, the Rays have proven that their 2008 was no fluke. I want to beat the best. No excuses. A famous great competitor would always say, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man!”  Then, he’d say,”WOOOOOOO!!!!!!”

See ya at the ballpark! (and Stay Classy?)

Jay Wrizight

jaywrizight@yahoo.com

"Let's Beat the Traffic"...Losers

Happy Father's Day Bunters! As an early Father's Day present, my wonderful wife gave me tickets for last Wednesday's game. To refresh your memory, it was the second game of the day/night doubleheader vs the Marlins. Halladay was on the mound, but more importantly my new guy, SW29, would be attending his first Phillies game. The wifey, who is also a pretty big Phils fan, had not been to a game since lil SW29's arrival. She was also pumped to come off the BDL (Baby Delivery List). This is not a 'I took my baby to his first game' story. Just to touch on that briefly, he did great. Mommy whipped out the milk fun bags for an inning, otherwise he was just chillin'. My question of the week is, why do people leave games early?
 



SB29 getting escorted out!



TMac hits us over the head with it every broadcast. The Phillies are the hottest ticket in town. If so, then why do 20% of those in attendance still leave before the game is over? The 'Let's Beat the Traffic' crowd. A large chunk of people left Wednesday night after the 8th inning when the score was 4-2. It was only 9:15. They were down 2 runs. What is better then seeing you team tie or walk off in the bottom of the 9th? I guess these knuckleheads will never know. Do these same people leave movies early? Does the conversation with the person their with go something like this? "This movie is now 2 hours long. Michael just agreed to be Connie's baby's Godfather. Look they are walking into the church. Nothing else is gonna happen. Let's beat the traffic." The great 'Wriz' brought up a good point. He said "What if the people who left had attended both games Wednesday?" Good point Wriz, but it was too many for it to be 'Doubleheader' fatigue.

There are always reasons to leave a game early. Acceptable reasons are.

- You are attending a night game and you need to be up for work at 4am. You have a responsibility to get that quality Pepperidge Farms bread on the shelves.

- You are attending a day game and it's 105 in the shade, only problem is you are in the sun. That and you have easy access to a pool.

- You are attending a game with small children and they are keeping everyone around them from enjoying the game. By all means go.

I have been lucky enough to have a partial plan since Citizens Bank Park opened. I can count on one hand the times I have left early. I don't understand why you would pay hard earned money not to see how the game turned out. I can't attend every game, so give me a hard luck story why I should lay some tickets on you Bunters. You know, your kid hasn't been to a game. You can't afford tickets right now because your out of work. I will give you tickets I can't use on one condition. You can't leave early. I don't care if its so late Valdez is pitching, Oswalt's playing left field, Charlie is pinch hitting and Rich Dubee is selling Bunts tees in the stands. Be a gamer, see how the game ends.

Keep It Classy Philliy!

DB29

View from the Left Coast by a Lefty: Part Deux - The Mid Life Crisis years

The following is the second in a multipart explanation of what it's like to be a Philly fan living on the West Coast. If you missed the first part, you can read it here.

Once the glory of the World Series wore off, it was quickly into Eagles time, another amazing high. Again I was 3000 miles away but beating Dallas anywhere, anytime, anyhow and any way is a plus. But then, those fucking Raiders showed up and the Birds didn't (for the first half) and another big hole in my heart opened. Only good thing about that season is this picture of my son that always makes me smile.

1983! Wowza! It started with a bang. The only NBA season worth mentioning in the 80's ran into baseball season but nobody seemed to mind. Moses, Doc, et all and they dispatched those fucking Lakers four straight. Broom City Baby! After only 4 years at that time I was already sick to death of Magic Johnson crying "I never fouled nobody ref" and we shoved it right up their asses. Ecstasy again and rolling right into baseball season. Yes *ANOTHER* World Series year and I'm 3000 miles away with no hope of scoring tix or seeing a WS game in person. Personal problems aside, the high once again was invigorating and the anticipation was suffocating. Twasn't to be though and the Phils went down 4 games to 1. All games were close except the finale. No matter, the pain practically tore me in half. And Rick Dempsey was the MVP of The Series.... I mean, seriously, WTF is wrong with that picture? That in itself was worse than either the Von Hayes or Eric Lindros 5-for-1 debacles Philly fans had to endure. I thought my life couldn't get any worse until...

1984. A personal down year, author of my first divorce. Ugh. 3000 miles from home, 3 kids under age 6, and no hope on the sports horizon. Who here understands? Can I get an AMEN? I stick it out in Cali, even after my ex leaves for Scottsdale with the kids in June of 85. I did love Santa Barbara but was not destined to be as I couldn’t stay much longer. During my Cali years, I managed to get to Dodger Stadium twice, naturally to see the Phils. But 4 games in 8 years does not make for a happy Phillie fan, I don't care who you are. I hated going to L.A. but sacrificed for them.

Then we get to 1986, after being badgered by my ex-wife with 3AM phone calls, I transfer to the Phoenix area which  I now call home. Some sanity right?  BONG... WRONG. So I no longer drive 500 miles to see my kids every 6 weeks. Instead I get them every weekend. Most would be happy right? Well after being raped for child support, I could only afford a studio apt lol. But we huddled together and made it work and had a ton of fun. Managed to take my son to a couple Suns games, he was happy. Life moves on and a few years later, I got married again. Now with step children we have a house full, and I couldn't manage to make any of them a Philly fan. Take my word for it, frustrating as hell. I added my 3rd daughter in 1991, complete cutie pie, but no sports freak. Am I doomed?

1993! Praise be to Big G, another World Series year! And this time I am only 2500 miles away and drowning in little kids lmao. No matter, they all knew not to bother me during *ANY* Philly game unless someone was bleeding. Don't fucking laugh, it happened more times than I care to admit. Anyways I was ecstatic and full of hope. Once again... DESPAIR. The entire Series was hosed. Phils should have won that 6 games to none, but Wild Thing proceeded to blow 4 straight saves. That has to be a record. Don't get me wrong, I love Mitch just like the entire city of Philadelphia still does now. Nobody felt worse than he did. Christ, he had 44 saves that year. But apparently it wasn't meant to be. So I'll end this piece by saying fuck Joe Carter, may you never enter the Hall until after Pete does. Fuck the AL, the DH, and all Canadian pro sports teams that play in "American" pro leagues, hockey notwithstanding. That World Series pretty much parallels my life and luck, but I digress. I think this part should end here, because the next one has a heavy dose of Dallas in it, and that dose deserves it's very own ripping of a new asshole. So I say goodnight Gracie to Part Deux.

                                                To Be Continued… 

Bill Scardefield, AKA netfather

A View from the Left Coast by a Lefty: Part One

Yo, this is the first part of a two or three parter, trying to explain what it's like to be a Phils fan from 2500 miles away. It can really be summed up in one sentence if need be: it sucks. But the underlying crap plays out in a bunch of different ways that most won't understand unless they go through it. With the internet and ESPN1,2,3,360 etc there is coverage up the ass, granted. You can get highlights on freaking youtube and a ton of other sites but that is only visual. I even have use of my buddy's online Inquirer account, but most of the Philly writers aren't any better than any other source. Being this far away you miss the *FEEL* of the crowd at The Bank and in any given sports bar back there during a game.  You also miss the smell of Ashburn Alley, but that's for later on.

As a kid, I was born outside of NYC in North Jersey a gazillion years ago. I, naturally, was a NY fan, same as my dad and grandpa, who worked high rise steel in Manhattan. One summer night when I was 6, I ran in the kitchen door at dinner time after being called like normal. What was out of place was my grandpa standing in the kitchen during the middle of the week. I asked him what he was doing there and he said "Billy, your dad and I are going to Yankee Stadium." As any kid would, I asked him "Grandpa, can I go too?" His answer floored me.... he said "Billy, it's too dangerous." This was the mid 1950's mind you. From that instant, I hated any team from NY that my dad and his dad rooted for. To this day, I have never wavered. They went to the game, and the next day when I woke up there was a souvenir 8" Louisville Slugger tiny little bat that said Yankees on it, on my dresser. I looked at it and walked into the kitchen and tossed it in the trash.

Two years later, my dad was transferred to Philly (a big time promotion) and we moved to South Jersey. Our driveway was 15 to 20 minutes from the Vet (which didn't exist for another 13 years.) I finally got to see a MLB game at Connie Mack, and I had my own team. My first game Wes Covington hit one off the top of the scoreboard in right center, and Willie McCovey hit one off the top of the light tower in right. I also got to see an Eagle game, and I was set. It took me 5 years and several failed attempts to put a Tenna Rotor on our roof to get NY TV signals to convert my Dad. But there we were: Philly fans.

In 1964, I was the closest to ever seeing a World Series game in my life. What a season, Richie Allen almost Rookie of the Year (Jim Ray Hart didn't deserve it lol), Jim Bunning perfect game, awesome. Then came September, the black hole. Gene Mauch personally managed the Phils out of the World Series. To this day I wish that man dead, if he isn't already. He went on to ruin the Angels after leaving Philly. He should have died before he got that opportunity.

For the next 10+ years, my Phils went through hell, low-lighted by the 1972 season where they went 59-103. However, one bright spot... Steve Carlton was 27-10 and won the Cy Young. He could have been 33-4 if the team didn't suck.  Easily, that was the most dominating season for a pitcher all time. Fuck Mickey Lolich in 1968, ditto Bob Gibson same year. Eventually, Danny Ozark began to mold a team that would soon enough become a powerhouse. In 1978, I moved to California, just when playoffs became an every year thing. Of course, they took it all in 1980, with me being 3000 miles away, once again not able to see a WS game. ‘Twas enough to make a grown man cry and I did. I can still see Tugger jumping up and down throwing his arms in the air while being rushed and piled on. Ecstasy.

….To be continued…….

Bill Scardefield, AKA netfather