This Really Just Happened

WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!!!!!!!, originally uploaded by philliefan99

Good morning, Philadelphia. It's roughly 5:00 A.M. in the morning and I just got out of a taxi at my parents house in Media. I'm half drunk, half in disbelief, and half dreaming. But I did get home early/late enough to get a copy of Thursday's Daily News and Inquirer at WaWa as we snatched up some late night Shorties. They are most glorious covers.

The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series tonight. Yes, the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series. Okay, one more time, the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series and they did it tonight at Citizens Bank Park in South Philly.

We went from CBP to witness history to Septa to witness revalry to Center City to witness debauchery.

I was there in section 109 as the Rays took the field to start the bottom of the sixth. In all honesty, the first inning was far and away the loudest I've ever seen a baseball game. From Jenkins blast to Werth's bloop, that place was fucking insane. I was proud to be a Philly sports fan.

For real.

It was all a bit surreal. The Phillies won the World Series tonight and they did it by playing three innings of baseball.

You could tell the South Philly crowd in attendance was expecting it and brought their 'A' game early.

I wasn't kidding about the half drunk and just got home thing. We stayed for about an hour post game and got to see Chase address the crowd and ask for one last boo. I was there to see Harry lead the crowd in the most perfect rendition of "High Hopes." I mean, shit. I don't even know what the hell a rubber tree plant is but I love that man.

We saw Cole hoist his MVP and Myers tell us how crazy he is. We saw So Taguchi give away his season long stockpile of batting gloves and Dan Baker revel in the introduction of every Phillie willing to take the microphone and flatter the Philly faithful remaining by telling us how frickin' awesome we are. Because, you know, we're frickin' awesome.

It was a most glorious occasion. I'm getting emotional just typing about it.

I'm not going to lie. This was the post I've thought about ever since I started this blog four or five or however many years ago it was. What in the world would I write when a Philadelphia team ever wins a championship? Shit. I thought I may never have to.

But here it is, completely unscripted and unrehearsed.

Some highlights:

When the Phillie Phanatic found himself all alone in centerfield about 10 minutes before first pitch, I honestly don't think you could have asked for or found a better way to get that CBP crowd fired up. It was an epic moment in the legendary career of everyone's favorite green man. God, I love that fury bastard.

The Septa ride from Broad and Pattison to Center City was absolutely perfect. I may even have video of it at some point. Seriously, I've never seen so many happy people in my entire life. A Septa car -- SEPTA! -- full to the brim with people high on the euphoria of winning the World Series all joined in and sang Queen's epic "We Are the Champions" and sung it proudly.

Center City was ridiculous. When we got out of the subway at Walnut/Locust the first thing you saw was people standing on the roof of the metro stop. Once you came out into the open, all you could see was people for blocks, literally. There was a sea of people on Broad Street from City Hall to at least well past South Street. It. Was. Insane.

We were a little dry liquor-wise and finding a beverage proved quite dificult. You know where the easiest drink was found? Gay bars. True story. You could walk into any of the gay bars west of Broad and get a few cold ones and some shots without waiting in line. Hey, cold beer is cold beer.

The crowd was fucking jubilant and we only witnesses a few acts of complete idiocy. (people were literally going through a dumpster to find shit to throw. GOOD WORK! fucking retards)

I must have high-fived a thousand people tonight and it was amazing.

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Thanks to all the people who visit this site, especially those who leave comments on a regular basis. We don't exactly do this because those Google Ads make us rich and famous. We do it because it's fun. Knowing that you people enjoy it and interact back with us makes it all worthwhile. We all do it because we love Philadelphia sports.

Extra props must go out to Dan, Kulp, Clare, Chamo, Meech, AJ, and everybody else who love Philly sports. And especially Matt. Nice work, my man.

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I think the sun is about to come up. Which mean the parade is about 30 hours away. Here's my thought: send Matt and I an email with every awesome Phillies/Philadelphia/parade/celebration link you can find. Photos, videos, stories, everything. Send them all along. And if we don't post it, send it along again. I'm serious. We need to forever archive this monumental occasion in one place.

Hopefully this all doesn't sound completely stupid tomorrow when I wake up sober around noon.

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Dear Philadelphia and its fans, I love you.

Sincerely,

Enrico

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UPDATE: And I just saw Charlie's post game words on the 5:30 a.m. morning news. Holy shit, Uncle Cholly won us a championship. Thanks, Charlie. You're the fucking man.

Comments

[theKrisheim]

just got back to NYC after spending the night in Philly watching the game and combing the streets celebrating

gonna be a rough day at work tomorrow, but who the fuck cares

unreal

[JohnnyNas]

Enrico I love you too man (in that manly way) great job Philly....Great site fellas..keep up the good work, see you at the parade

[Jared]

This is amazing! I was born in Philly in 1980 and have been waiting for this moment (since I couldn't really remember the first time) ever since. I watched every game of the 1993 series hoping to see history repeat itself, listened to countless Kalas called games, and even though I've lived in L.A. for the last 8 years, I've worn my Phillies hat proud all that time waiting for this moment.

Thanks for documenting it!

[Matt]

Im 29 Ive waited for this my whole life, Unfortunately I had to watch it at work and could only celebrate so much.

One more thing I wish that Pats double off the wall would have been a home run, it would've been a nice send off in his last at bat as a Phillie.

[Hextall454]

God, I love that fury bastard.

That's right, Tampa. The Phanatic is 2 Fast, 2 Furious.

[Kevin]

They see us rollin'......paradin'.....

[Brandon]

I can die a happy man

[Meredith]

Right with you Jared. Being born in Philly in 1980 makes it slightly difficult remember the first championship. I remember my mom making me a Phanatic birthday cake, with bases and all, for my 8th birthday or so. In 1993, I followed those guys with a passion. Only later did I realize what a tradition it was-on both sides of the family-to love this team and take it all to heart. This is for my grandpop, who we buried with a Phillies hat just over 2 ago (btw, there's nothing like the guy at the store asking you "what size" for that occasion). I've been living in the midwest since 2002 so this blog and reading everyone's comments really makes me feel at home, so thanks guys. This championship unites us all, no matter where we are. I've never been prouder of the Philly. Now after a week I can finally take my Utley jersey off :)

[Ricky - Sixers4guidos]

Congratulations from Italy, enjoy the parade, let's hope Sixers will follow in few years !!!

[chris]

next year is finally this year! love the city, love the site, love the fact that i got zero sleep last night! parade on friday!!!!!

[chris]

First championship in my lifetime. Awesome

[Civil Negligence]

I will finally come back home tomorrow morning to a city of champions.

[TJB]

I woke up this morning, turned on the TV, and confirmed that it was not all just a dream!!!

I concur. I can die happy now.

[river327]

you know what else makes this whole championship thing even sweeter? the fact that joe buck is probably pissed off about it. fuck you joe buck. god, i'm still shaking from the excitement.

[Rich]

I was 10 years old in 1980. I had school the next day and couldn't stay up to watch the end of the final game, to see Michael Jack jump into Tug's arms. I watched every glorious second last night. This ranks right up there with the day I got married and the birth of my children. We're world champions. God Bless Cholly and these Philadelphia Phillies!!

[Thomas Dzomba]

I was 15 when Schmitty jumped into Tug's arms and remember every second of it. This has been a long time coming, and I hope this team will get the respect it deserves now.

Party on Philadelphia. I only wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

[Scott B]

how could you not shed tears of joy. this is what we always heard a championship felt like and now I've experienced it.

Pure. bliss!!!!

[Lehigh Chris]

I'm dying at work right now and I love it.

Best. Night. Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GreggyD]

There will be no classes today for me.

There will be no doing ANYTHING today for me...all in preparation for what is going to be an AMAZING parade tomorrow. I'll be making the trip from Millersville and winding up on Pattison with the masses tomorrow and could not be more excited. I'm only 21, but I've sworn since I was a little kid that I would be at the first victory parade I had the chance to go to. The time is now. There is no more "next year." Let's celebrate this thing for days, weeks, and months!!!!!

GO PHILS!!!!!!

[HLH]

Just got my WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS hat and shirt!!! We did it!!! I'm so happy I don't know what to do with myself lol...PHILLIES!!!...PHILLIES!!!

[Steve]

Best Hangover Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Saul]

I'm stuck up here at school in new Hampshire with few Phillies fans. There were somewhere between ten and 20 people watching last night in the student center, and a number of them were without rooting interest (I do have to point out that even at a school that prides itself on having people from everywhere, I didn't meet a single Rays fan or see a single piece of Rays gear).

But when Lidge threw that perfect pitch... we went crazy. There were other students watching soccer and basketball in the same room... but we went insane. Jumping and screaming and going crazy. I went to the public computer in the student center and pulled up Philly.com and just left it there.

This place is devoid of most Philly spirit. I'm insanely jealous of the thousands who were in my hometown last night celebrating. I do have things I have to do today, but you can bet they won't be done with anything resembling efficiency.

My God I love this city.

[timm]

just got my plane ticket to fly in from chicago. so fucking pumped for the parade. i wish i was there last night

[Ryan]

happiest moment of my friggin life... i love this team, i love this city. we did it.

[Phinally]

Coming home from NYC for the parade. Thanks for these amazing posts and great pictures. Our small group felt kinda lonely last night, celebrating with drinks in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, but I've waited forever for this moment, and I'm going to be completely useless at work today for a great reason. GO PHILS!!!!!!!

[Eric Cortes]

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for EVERYONE in Philadelphia. Never have I seen a moment like this...a moment where African-American, Latinos, Caucasians, Asians, etc come together and celebrate. In the words of my frat brother, "This was Martin Luther King's dream."

Congrats Philly!!

P.S. the700level rocks!

[R.S.]

11 hours later and I still have no words. But I do have a hangover.

Champions . . .

[Rosey]

This team became immortal last night. To the entire organization, thank you for bringing happiness to millions of fans around the city, Delaware Valley and the rest of the world.

We will absolutely never forget this for the rest of our lives.

[George]

I was watching the post game celebration on TV from MD and told my brother in Philly that I didn't think I'd watched one of these celebrations in years. Then they interviewed Maddon and I realized that I'd seen several and interviewing the loser was the part I usually paid attention to. This time WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! It's AWESOME to be the the WORLD CHAMPIONS! Now I can wash that Phillies shirt, those pants, and, oh yeah, the underwear too...

[Phinally]

Coming home from NYC for the parade. Thanks for these amazing posts and great pictures. Our small group felt kinda lonely last night, celebrating with drinks in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, but I've waited forever for this moment, and I'm going to be completely useless at work today for a great reason. GO PHILS!!!!!!!

[Dave]

YOU GUYS ROCK!
THE PHILLIES ROCK!
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ryan]

Hey guys. Never commented before, but that was the best synopsis I've read today. I am as hungover as you get and best of all I'm at a desk in New York so no one knows/cares why. I've gotten the "are you sick" 12 times today. This hangover is different. And that's hard to explain. Because this one feels a little bit good. Keep up the great work on this site. From a minor league blogger to the pros.

[Liam]

I have a midterm tomorrow in the one class that I have so I am stuck in Boston instead of being on Broad Street like I dreamed I would be. Thank god for this site as its the only thing which keeps me in touch with this town. Last year when the Red Sox won it all I went with a friend to the parade just to see what happened, and remember thinking to myself how much I wished Philly could experience this. Take lots of pictures and videos if you go for all of us poor bastards stuck outside of the city of Brotherly Love

[johndewar]

No work is getting done today. None. Zilch. Zippo.

[PhillyPSU]

WE DID IT!!
thanks guys, i no longer live in philly but this site helped me stay connected.
coming back for the parade!!!

[al]

i just experienced one of the best nights in my lifetime and everything i witnessed last night is playing over and over in my head - i'm just sitting here at work staring into my monitor and just smiling ear to ear about it!!!! we are the fucking champions!!! see you on broad st!!

[Stock]

I was born in 1980 as well. We did it. I love you guys. First thing I do everyday at work is check the 700level.com and this has been the best. I have no voice right now, this is the best hangover I ever had. I will see you all at the parade tomorrow. WE DID IT!!!!!!

[will]

had a cigar. a flag. shared champagne with strangers. shared jack daniels with strangers. shared the best night of our lives with strangers. you guys did it. we did it. the walk up broad was the best way to top off the most infamous 3.5 innings in philadelphia history. Wednesday October 29th, 9:59pm we were champions. that fellas, lasts forever.

[Roopchick]

OPENING DAY 2009 cannot get here quick enough!!!!!!!!!!!

[Canadian]

Congrats Philly!

I've yet to feel the pure joy and debauchery of a major Championship of a team I truly love. As a die hard Eagles fan who's never been to Philly, this just adds to my incessant need to get down to Philly someday and truly feel the love.

Congrats to everyone in and around Philly and if I were you, I dont think I'd be sober or coherent for at least a week...

[Eamonn]

I was born in Wilmington in 1980 and I'm active duty Navy, currently stationed in Rhode Island. Of the many unbearable things I (and all of us) have had to do as Philly fans, probably the worst was when the Bucs beat the Eagles for the NFC Championship in 2003. I was on deployment in the eastern Mediterranean Sea at the time and had to get up around 3 or 4 to watch the game. Watching that loss, seeing how stunned everyone at home was while I was on the other side of the planet, and being stuck on my ship dwelling on the loss was one of the worst things I've ever had to go through. This win is a true vindication of everything we've endured as fans through the years. For the first time in my life I now know what its like to be the last fan standing and cheering when all is said and done. Thank you so much Phillies, and to all our teams let’s keep the championships coming!
BTW, what's Howard Eskin going to do with himself now that there's no more Negadelphia to feed off?

[Loqiel]

It was madness at the Fieldhouse, just madness. I went home drenched in champagne and beer, riding the R3 with jubilant passengers, smelling like victory. It couldn't have been scripted any better.

[Pop Pop Glasses]

This emotional high can come close to but not equal the birth of my gradnson only 8years ago but with his inferno for the love of his Phillies and through that love he rekindled my love for them too. It had dwindled down to a small campfire but with his "fanning of the flames" I now once again bask in the warmth of that bonfire and OH GOD!!! it feels sooooo good!!! Thank you Phillies for changing the wind direction so that an 8yr. old could have a little help in letting his PopPop feel just how warm it is inside the "Love Of The Game" challet'.

[Michelle]

My daughter was born 4 months ago in July 2008. Even though she woke up in time to see the end of the game last night, I'm sure she won't remember it. I hope she doesn't have to wait 28 years for another one, but just in case, I'm printing out this post for her baby book so she can understand what the city of Philadelphia experienced last night. She is a true Phillies baby - she traveled to spring training with us (in the belly) in March, and she went to a couple of regular season games as well as an NLDS game this year. Oh, and do the math... she was born July 1. (Nine months after the Phillies clinched the division in 2007...)

[Jeff]

There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. Congratulations to Phillies Fans Everywhere and I cannot wait until tommorow to be amongst the GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD! Now I as I well need to do some laundry in my hungover state but you can bet that the sweet smell of champagne will never be removed from my 2008 WORLD SERIES HAT! CHAMPIONS BABY!

[steve]

There's nothing better than this moment right now, I just woke up and realized, again, this is our championship. The first in my lifetime, the first in 25 years and it feels incredible. I'll be going to my first big parade tomorrow and my room mates don't understand what that means to me. It's unbelievable. WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!

[Tir Eoghain]

My daughter was born September 27, 2008, hours before the Phillies clinched the NL East. She's now a month old, and it is AMAZING to me that the Fightin's have been champions all her life. This is so sweet.

[frankie]

I was at the game in 80 when we won it. We have all been waiting a long time for this. It is so roght that next year is this year. I love the philly teams. Win or Lose we fill those stadiums. Some of my greatest memories was at the vet and in the 700 level $3.25 seats. Or watching the Eagles beat the Cowboys or the Flyers beating the Devils. Say what you want about the philly fans. But we are a loyal group.

[Joe]

I was born in 1987, when everything really started going downhill. I barely knew what is was like to rout for a good team, let alone a champion. It still hasn't sunk in, but I'm thrilled. Things will never be the same. I hope my Dad and Grandfathers are just as happy as I am about this momentous occasion. They've been waiting longer than me. GO PHILS!!!

[Jon]

How do you upload videos? I have a great video of people busting into Robinson on Broad Street.

[Soop]

Probably the best night of my life so far. I can't stop smiling. This is unbefuckinlievable!!! There were so many amazing moments this year and it all came down to this, the phils being the number 1 best team in baseball. I always thought it would be the eagles or sixers to win a championship for this city...NEVER SAW THIS COMING.

I LOVE THIS TEAM! I don't know another team with so much personality and characters. They deserve every bit of it. Its parade time!

[Soop]

Probably the best night of my life so far. I can't stop smiling. This is unbefuckinlievable!!! There were so many amazing moments this year and it all came down to this, the phils being the number 1 best team in baseball. I always thought it would be the eagles or sixers to win a championship for this city...NEVER SAW THIS COMING.

I LOVE THIS TEAM! I don't know another team with so much personality and characters. They deserve every bit of it. Its parade time!

[Oz]

WOOOOOO! Let's go taunt the shit out of some Cubs fans!!

[FelixM]

I live in Santa Barbara, CA and I went to my regular pub fully prepared to be the only Philly guy (in the Utley shirt) to be celebrating (and annoying everybody else) ... in walks a couple wearing Phillies hats (and their friends), their names are Monty and Katie and they also live in Santa Barbara ... but it turns out that Monty in Charlie Manuel's nephew (for real, like in really related). What a night, even though I couldn't be in Philly.

[FelixM]

I live in Santa Barbara, CA and I went to my regular pub fully prepared to be the only Philly guy (in the Utley shirt) to be celebrating (and annoying everybody else) ... in walks a couple wearing Phillies hats (and their friends), their names are Monty and Katie and they also live in Santa Barbara ... but it turns out that Monty in Charlie Manuel's nephew (for real, like in really related). What a night, even though I couldn't be in Philly.

[Erik]

THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was 6 days old when the Sixers won their title. From a little boy I rooted on these teams with all my heart... Shared so many moments with my dad cheering and saying wait till next year. I think my Dad wanted this tonite more for me than he did for himself or the phillies or the city (he's seen the flyers, sixers, and phils win titles). I live in atlanta now, and have for 13 years. This is a piece of shit sports town! I WISH I COULD BE IN PHILLY CELEBRATING WITH EVERYONE THERE!!! I DONT THINK ILL TAKE MY PHILLIES HAT OFF, EVER!
WE HAVE THE BEST FANS AND SPORTS CITY IN THE COUNTRY!!! GOOOOO PHILLIES!!!!!!

[Pop Pop Glasses]

If you know the classic movie "WEST SIDE STORY", there is a song titled "America" and if you know the medley of that song, hows this......"I follow a team in Philadelphia." "Number 1 team in Philadelphia." Can you name me that team in Philadelphia?" "It's the PHILLIES, you see, in Philadelphia."!!! Rogers and Hammerstein can rest assured that this is only my way of channeling some of this excitement. Once again.........THANK YOU PHILLIES!!!!!

[Leah]

Going to school in Gainesville, Florida, I've had to deal with these bandwagon Rays fans for the past 2 months or so. For the last week, I've been wearing my Phillies gear proudly, and I've gotten so many nasty comments. Today? Not a single Rays hat, shirt, sweatshirt, pin, sticker, anything was to be seen. It felt SO good!

Anyway, nice job Phils .... I wish I could be up there celebrating with you all!!

[caroline]

i like your love letter to the city

[caroline]

i like your love letter to the city

[TribeFan]

Enrico-first off, congratulations on the championship. It was a good Series and the Phillies and Philadelphia certainly deserve it. I'm not a Phillies fan, I'm originally from Ohio and root for the Cleveland Indians. There are a lot of similarities between Cleveland and Philadelphia, especially with our respective fan bases. I'm happy for the fans and city of Philadelphia because I feel I can relate to it based on my experiences with Cleveland teams. Now that Philly has theirs, hopefully we can get ours.

[Mike P]

Definitely the greatest day ever. I lived abroad at the time, so I had to wake up at 3:30 AM to watch the games. By 6 AM or so, it was over, and I started on the champagne that I bought when the playoffs started. I finished drinking the bottle and watching postgame stuff by 8:30ish, took a 2-hour nap, skipped work, and went to the an American-style diner for the only decent burger in the country. On the way home, I bought a shitload of beer, and spent the day maintaining my buzz and absorbing all of the video and news available online. In order to recover (after spending a month as a late-night baseball zombie), I slept for about 12 hours that night. I don't think I stopped smiling until sometime in May. Best. Day. Ever.

I imagine that the Phils winning the 1980 WS must have been a bigger deal. That team hadn't won anything in 97 years of existence, spending the majority of that time in the toilet. If you watch the video of people in the Vet that day, you see this bizarre look of shock and disbelief on their faces. Still, I never expected the Phils to win a WS, and I would have laughed if you told me that they would have been the ones to break the Curse of William Penn. It was simply amazing.

[ron]

my buddy, don shot some video of the beginning of our celebration...
http://www.uwishunu.com/2008/10/phillies-fans-go-wild-after-world-series-victory/
greatest week of my life!!!