The Phillies won the world series last night.
I was there!
In a city that went 25 years without a major sports championship, the Phillies ended the drought last night — ironically after rain delay suspended the game for two days — beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to become World Series champions.
I was there, section 119, row 24, seat 10.
I hugged strangers. Cheered myself hoarse. Circled the ballpark — first inside, and then out — high-fiving the happy, savoring the ubiquitous cigar smoke (why didn’t I think to bring one???!!!), watching and enjoying the delerium, thinking about my family and friends who are Phillies fans, and reliving in my mind the great plays that brought us here. What I enjoyed most about this team and this title run was how everyone contributed up and down the lineup. It was fitting last night that Pat Burrell doubled, and nearly homered, to set up the winning run. Howard, Rollins, Utley, Hamels, Lidge and company carried the team all year, but Ruiz, Feliz, Jenkins and so many others _ Werth, Dobbs and even Matt Stairs! _ made their critical contributions, too. Baseball’s commissioner and greed — playing the games so late at night, in the rain — nearly corrupted this series to the point of comedy and tragedy, but fortunately a wonderful and fine baseball team prevailed with some marvelous baseball. I was happy for Charlie Manuel, who came into philly regarded by many as a buffoon, but now is regarded warmly and with deep affection and respect. He led this team and this town to glory. I am a shameless fan, and it is fun to root for a team. I look forward to the parade. Go Phillies!
One final comment. I was only at the suspended game — the last three innings — because my good friend, poker pal, and former Inquirer colleague, Craig Stock, surrendered his ticket. He and I and others share a season ticket. Craig had the tickets to this game five, and he had been to the first part of the game before it was suspended in the 6th because of a monsoon. But he is getting married Saturday, and was leaving this morning to begin his wedding pregame in Eagles Mere, PA, and he and his beloved bride-to-be, Cathy Wise, had to get ready. I’m sure Craig watched on television. I called him from the madness of the ballpark after the game, and promised — should I have any more children (I am 51 and have had the big V.) — that I’ll name them all Craig!