Video: Shane Victorino and Matt Stairs
That may have been the most excited I've ever been watching a single swing of a baseball bat.
If this Phillies team beats the Dodgers one more time and goes on to play for World Series glory, there's no question Shane Victorino could sit alongside the all time Philadelphia sports legends. But tonight, tonight belonged to Matt Stairs. His sixth hit as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies will surely earn him a free beer anytime he steps into a Philadelphia drinking establishment -- not to mention immortality. Stairs heroics are perfectly in line with the MO of this team: on any given night, any single player sitting in that dugout can become the hero.
(Except maybe So Taguchi. Even when he comes close to ripping a bloop single, the other team catches it.)
As Matt said in his post game press conference, "I try to hit home runs and that's it. It's worked." He added, "When you get that nice celebration coming into the dugout, when you're getting your ass hammered by guys, there's no better feeling than having that done."
Yes, there's still plenty of work to be done, but tonight's win is the kind you can enjoy a whole lot -- especially with an off day tomorrow.
The Phillies are one victory away from a trip the the World Series.
image via Yahoo! Also see the greatest photo ever.
That is the best turn on a pitch I have ever seen. That was the perfect 3-1 count homerun ball to hit. Matt Stairs, you ARE the man!
Posted by: dScan | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 02:47 AM
Up close and personal with the new worst fans in baseball, Dodger fans.
Posted by: Mike H. | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 03:21 AM
Just to complete your prospective on doyger fans, click on my name at the bottom of the post and read my recap from Game 3 too...it was pretty ridiculous.
That being said, Game 4 made up for all of that. 640 comments on a game post has to be some sort of record too, right?
Posted by: David | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 05:08 AM
Shit, first peanut thrown at me and there would've been Dodger fan bodies everywhere...
Posted by: Chris | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 06:10 AM
"....when you're getting your ass hammered by guys, there's no better feeling than having that done."
LOL.....despite the quote, I'm still naming my child Matt Stairs. Male or female.
Posted by: Kevin | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 06:59 AM
MATT FUCKIN' STAIRS
Posted by: 700 | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 07:31 AM
And now TJ Simers questions Joe Torre. Hilarious
Maybe lets have your team win before you talk shit about the other city and fans
One more win!
Posted by: Brett | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Hell of a game last night to say the least. Don't forget Chooch getting on base to allow Matt to get up. Loved Burrell in the dugout too after the homer, the Fox 'announcers' could use 1% of his enthusiasm, instead of calling the homer a "disaster".
Posted by: Mr. Bryan | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I'll admit, last night had me frustrated, but the boys pulled it out and Matt Stairs gave us a great moment. This is the type of performance you need in the playoffs, it seemed like everyone contribted something (except Chad Durbin) and the Phils got it done. I have tickets to game 6, but have a feeling the Phillies are going to come out firing on all cylinders on Wednesday and unleash a drubbing, I'm thinking double digit runs. You can't discount the confidence that bomb gave Stairs, seems like this team has multiple guys that can pick up the club. LET'S GO PHILLIES!
Posted by: John | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 08:40 AM
@Mike H even as bad as philly fans can treat opposign fans I don't think we have ever said f anybody chants during the god bless america or the national anthem in any sport. that being said I would love to see ten of those fans come into our ball park and see if they experience the same thing. My guess is they don't. Not with how well security deals with goons. Now if it were the vet I am pretty sure it would be a different story involving alot more blood.
Posted by: themajor | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Franzke's calls were sweet...
We haven't done anything yet. Remember Hextall.
Let's crush their trachea on Wednesday.
Posted by: UncleHorns | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 08:44 AM
i can't see the video. i need the video. its pretty much porn for me.
Posted by: millertime | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 08:48 AM
you know what the best part of the game was?
The LA fans that went to the game last night, didn't know that the Dodgers lost until they watched the news this morning
Posted by: Tie Manna | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Anthony Gargano was saying on 610 this morning that there were number of reported incidents of people having knives pulled on them in the stands by gang members and that the Phillies players were afraid to talk to anyone when leaving the stadium.
Posted by: Gaze | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 09:25 AM
@Kevin, Matt definitely won't want that one taken out of context.
Posted by: Pete D | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 09:59 AM
The Fox guys are so blatanty biased towards the Dodgers, Even Kruk (who picked the Dodgers) looked like someone pooped in his ice cream when on the post game.
Posted by: largepep | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 09:59 AM
largepep,
Like that would stop him from eating it?
(Just kiddin' Krukker, you one-balled bastard!)
Posted by: Chamomiles Davis | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Watch the look in Shane's eyes at the 1:15 point.... this is why I love this dude. Fierce. Sick.
Posted by: Carl P | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 01:54 PM
wow i love the excitement in Joe Buck's and Tim McCarver's voice
Posted by: JF | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Matt Stairs HAD to feel pretty good after that one. Anyone else think he looks like a coach when he's sitting on the bench?
Posted by: JBizzle | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 11:20 PM