Nothing But Pride Today: Thank You, 2009 Phillies

The World Series may have gone the other way, with the Yankees heading out on top, but no Phillies fanshould be feeling too disappointed or upset today. 

Sure, celebrating another title, doing what so few teams have done in the modern era in going back to back, would have been amazing. Another walk down Broad Street on a 53º November day while folks in every other baseball town sat at work or school? Nothing better. It didn't happen though, not this season. But there's still plenty to celebrate. For the second year in a row, our town's squad was one of the best in baseball, and all indications are that the same will be true in the coming seasons. 

The Phillies have completely changed their identity in this sport—no longer a laughingstock, big market team with a small market mindset. The organization has new life. PHL is something other clubs don't want to see on their calendars. The fans have pride we haven't known in my lifetime. And, importantly, at least to us, the players on this team are truly men worth cheering for. Even in defeat, this team showed tremendous character, and for a long regular season and great playoff run, they gave us that one thing we want most from watching baseball—FUN. 

Phanatic, originally uploaded by Mark ~ JerseyStyle Photography.

This team is simply a lot of fun. Even through one of the most difficult losses we've ever endured—and I'm not talking about last night—the Phillies found a way to make this season into a winning run that helped continue to build its legacy. 

We'll be following up with some memories of this outstanding season, mostly positives, but also some moments that were maybe not as great. For now though, just a reminder that there's nothing to be angry or jaded about today. Right, Harry? I know you have to be proud. 

originally uploaded by lefty516.

There are those who will take this opportunity to pour on blame for players, coaches, execs, concession stand employees, janitors, whomever else... But you won't find that hater noise here. We're one thing today, and that is proud. 

We'd be remiss not to congratulate the Yankees. They may not be our kind of team, but they just played one hell of a series after what had to have been an amazing season for their fans. We probably talked a lot of shit at various times, be it about money, PEDs, whatever else, but in the end, they were part of a very entertaining series that had to have been good for the sport. Some may say it's detrimental for the richest team to win it by buying players, but the Yankees did a whole lot more than simply write checks this year. They've been overpaying for talent to no avail for as long as I can remember, and it wasn't successful (at least not in the ultimate sense) over the past decade. 

At least once in a while, a series between two towering giants is just what the sport needs. Then next year the Phils can face off against some upstart from a smaller, but still great, baseball town. Woulda been nice to beat the Bombers... Maybe a rematch next year, because they sure aren't going to just fade away. 

Really though, don't lose sight of how great this run has been, starting a few seasons back, hitting the first major high note in 2008, staying up there through 2009, and nothing but signs that 2010 will be amazing too. The core is still intact, thanks to some wise moves by the front office. Ruben Amaro Jr has some work to do in the off-season to get us back to #1, but we have tremendous confidence in him after the moves he made to keep the Phils in contention, just two games short of winning it all again. 

We can't lose sight of how rare that is, not after what we've seen in our lifetimes. 

We couldn't be more thankful to the Phils players right now. It's been so much fun to watch you at the Park, from home, listen to the radio broadcasts with a beer in the back yard, talk about games at the bar, at work, at school, while traveling and seeing those red hats everywhere. 

Even after a loss last night and in the Series, it still feels absolutely amazing to be a Phillies fan. 

Thanks also go out to the Phillies fans who read and support this site. Our whole goal here is to interact with our fellow fans and learn more about the teams, players, and sports through that constant interaction. So, thanks, and keep the comments and emails coming. 

Comments

[SmokyJoe]

I believe the Phillies probably maximized the possible revenues this year. There is no reason they shouldn't be able to increase payroll again next year (but probably not nearly as much as this past year's increase). Let the Hot Stove season begin!

[teddy]

Wow - I literally have nothing else that could possibly be added to that. Thanks for a fantastic post, and thanks for 2009, Phillies.

[philsphan]

God I love this team. We've still got the whole team intact for another run next year. You'd have to be crazy to think this team isn't going to make another deep playoff run over the next couple of years.

Helluva season boys. It sure was a lot of fun.

[In case of emergency]

I just broke down in tears reading this. I love this team so much. There's few things in life that I invest everything I have into, but the Phillies are one of them and my heart was ripped out last night seeing these guys go home empty-handed. We all know they deserve more than that for how this team plays the game.

Helluva season boys. It sure was a lot of fun. Going to be a long time until April comes around.

[Jewbacca]

Well said. But...can't I hate the Yankees a little?

[trevor]

Love the Phillies. Real Yankees fans have been nothing but gracious in victory. Cant wait for the Rematch next year.

ps. As long as stairs is on that bench, we will have a chance.

[al]

I am very happy with the advancement of the phils in the past 3 years and it's hopefully here to stay with our core players for the years to come! 97 days till spring training.. go fightins!

[ryan]

Brilliantly stated Matt. This team gave us a whole lot of fun this year, and that's what it's all about. We'll continue to be a force for years to come.

[G-Reg]

my only complaint is my hangover.

[Art]

Great post Matt, but it hurts that we were so close. If only Montgomery put some more money into free agents instead of pocketing a few more tens of millions...but then we'd be just like the Yankees.

[wiggs]

Great, great, great post - FUN is definitely a word I associate with this team, can't wait to get it started again next year!

[Solomon]

Wonderfully written. Can't put it any better. This season was fun, and brought me joy to many times to count.

[theKrisheim]

happy today, not sad

happy to support this team of players & organization

happy to be a "good" philadelphia fan

[Bobbi]

You guys said it best. Thanks to the Phillies for a great season. Thanks to this site for always expressing Philadelphia's feelings perfectly!. You guys are great. Can't wait to start reading updates about how next season is shaping up. Go Phils 2010!

[will.H]

i'll always whistle that song upon entering citizens bank park.

we live in classic times, despite the most recent world series.. we'll be back. charlie said so

[JoeB]

Gotta give credit to this blog. As a NY sports fan...all the sports blogs around here are written by hipsters from the East Village or others who sound like they have never played and barely watched a sport in their life. I look forward to the Giants, Yankees, Knicks, or Rangers playing Philly teams so I get your blogs insight. Phllly has great fans and That being said, the 2 best teams played for the World Series, which is rare, hopefully see ya again next year in the same place.

[dan]

Helluva ride this season as always. We'll be back in the fall classic next year, no doubt about it.

Also...it's about damn time the yanks were able to produce a winner. Ever since they went out and got A-Rod I felt like it was their championship to lose.

But the phillies, they have a team. A bunch of guys out there playing a sport they love for a city that loves them. At any chance, one of them will be a hero, whether it be ryho, chutely, or batting in the 8th spot, chooch ruiz. We had a great season and I'm already looking forward to the ride next year.

[K in South Jersey]

Proud to be a Phillies Phan

Thanks for the great season, can't wait 'til next year...

[andrew]

well put sir. looking to next season as far as needs- 5th starter, i imagine they bring back big game joe but pedros a huge ?? also besides dobbs(maybe) stairs(for sure) and fransisco they need a whole new bench[such a wonderful problem to have] and either another 8th inning guy to share the load with madson or a 7th inning guy so the other 8th can be the CHOPPER!!!(chan ho park) other than those few things, that without we should still see some october baseball, this teams set for another great season.

[Michelle C.]

Great post, thanks for putting everything into perspective. I really enjoyed this season and look forward to seeing the Phightins again in the spring!

[SmokyJoe]

Just wondering, if the Eagles make it to the Super Bowl and lose, will there be as much love to go around? I know, I know, the Phillies have earned more latitude with the WFC and seemingly more likable players.

[Mickie]

Thank YOU! I read you and The Fightins' daily for my Phillies' lovefest fixes. This team is the best and we, and they, certainly have a lot to celebrate right now.

[Pete D]

Excellent post Matt. Really detailed what we should be feeling and I'm right in line w/that for the most part. I'm proud to be a partial season ticket holder and got to see 3 playoff victories in person this year- 1 in each series- and that was an incredible experience. Many positives to remember and its just a shame they weren't able to finish it off- a few key moments going their way in games 3 and 4 and its a whole different series. THAT is what hurts right now.

Victorino's at bat last night in the 9th was a microcosm of the spirit of this team. 2 outs, 2 strikes, down by 4 with the world championship on the line- still fouling pitches off. Not willing to give in. Thats why we like these guys.

[Lehigh Chris]

Immediately begin working on a CLIFF LEE contract extension and by immediately I mean yesterday

[Rob H]

Cheers to the article. I think some of us are still jaded because the Yankees buy the top 2 or 3 free agents every year, but the Phils still had a damn fine season.

Regarding the Yanks, I have this sickening feeling that they are going to end up with both Roy Halladay AND John Lackey before Spring Training to assemble the true Death Star rotation. *shiver*

[Poster Nutbag]

pete d, you took the words right out of my mouth. even though we were down 4 runs, i still thought we had a chance. if we can just get one guy on, i kept saying...just get this hit and we are there. they never gave up.

the yankees were the better team in the series. there is no shame in losing to the best. sure, the phils didn't have the best series in the world, but they never quit and never gave up and still, somehow, managed to make it an interesting and compelling series.

i am looking forward to next year already and a rematch with the yanks (that is if they can get to back-to-back world series').

they tried their best for harry. he would be proud.

[ThinkRed]

I have nothing to be upset about with regards to the Phillies, but the thing that irritates me is that perennial losers like A-Rod, Teixiera, and Burnett now have rings, largely based on the contributions of playoff-seasoned, deserving guys like Damon, Jeter, and Rivera.

[ces12]

wasnt it fun to watch this team this year, knowing that anything was possible?

Every other year before 2008, I always had a sickening feeling that the Phillies would lose. Not the same in 2009. Even down 6 in Game 6, I still felt it was possible with this team.

Love the Phightins!

[Joe in Haddonfield]

Nice work all season. Know that you were one of the first go-to sites for Phillies news/chatter, long before anything on philly.com.

[DP]

+1 Great Post. Amen.

[dan.k]

Great post Matt. We really ought to consider ouselves lucky. We're fans of one of the oldest franchises still alive today, and we're truly witnessing their glory days. I feel nothing but pride today. Can't wait for the 2010 season

[Benjamin]

You made me cry with that Harry picture...I still miss him. He, in fact, was the man.

[zfg]

The only thing that disappoints me is that the guys one the team might miss out on some of the historical recognition I think they deserve. That and it bothers me that A-rod and Texiera winning a WS. Still can't stand those guys...

[Scott B]

Bucket List of playing the Yanks in the WS is complete. Now just need to check off beating them. Great year and here's to a normal schedule, more than 4 hours of sleep a night and less work hangovers

[Hans Gruber]

Hells yeah, Matt P! God bless the Phillies.

Plus, at the end of the day, at least we're not the Mets.

[Nick M]

Great wrap up Matt. It was a tough loss, but I know they'll be back next year. GO PHILS!

[jd]

great post. everything i wanted to say is above.

we'll see the boys next spring. until then, i thank God Im a phillies fan.

[marc]

great post

[Jespn]

Our team is not made up of total douchebags and other teams all-stars, and that is something to celebrate!

[Mark]

Well, well written. Nice job, Matty.

[agam22]

Heads up boys

[Benny]

great post, sent this to my dad and a bunch of his friends today and they all agreed and said what a well written article it was. great season boys.

[wolf]

Great post for a great season.

REQUEST:
Does anyone have an mp3 version of high hopes?

[Loqiel]

Look for it on iTunes under Frank Sinatra.

[Loqiel]

I haven't been able to find one of Harry singing it though.

[Kevin]

I wrote something very similar in my blog today. I love this team, they are the greatest group of Phillies ever. Looking back it was a great season. Sure I'm disappointed, but not unhappy. So we only won the pennant this year. That's a success to me. Two things from 2009 to keep around, Harry the K's calls on all home runs, the HK sign in left field, and as always High Hopes. High Hopes for 2010. Go Phillies.

[VP]

No regrets. I'd rather be a Phillies fan than a yankee fan any day.

The Phils will be back even stronger in 2010

[The Polish Punch]

The part I'm most proud about is the fact that this team did make baseball fun to watch. They weren't a bunch of prima-donnas, but they represented everything Philadelphia is; hard working, loyal, determined, and gritty. I've never been so proud to wear my Phillies hat around, even if it is in upstate NY and I catch flack from all the Yanks fans up here. Don't ever forget what that P stands for...pride.

[Craig]

Being up in Boston, I had a lot of people questioning how I could be wearing the same Phillies hat today that I wear every day. I've been a fan my whole life, I'm not about to stop now, no matter what happened last night. I regret nothing about spending almost every night this summer watching the Phillies games with my dad and grandfather. I don't know if there's a more fun team to watch out there. Here's to starting it up again in the spring!

[moll]

I could not be more proud to be a Phillies fan. I love my team and my city. I will wear my Phillies hat proud! Love you guys, thanks for an amazing season!

[HK]

Great Post ... and today when i woke up i was more upset that we have to wait 97 days until spring training than losing the world series...and that lidge vs damon at bat in game 4 is going to be really hard to swallow because it is the ultimate what if, one strike away from a 1-2-3 inning with our momentum, no doubt we win that game and who knows what happens from there .... but awesome season and its gonna be the longest 97 days of my life

[Jason R.]

Great post, glad you pointed out the point of your blog; it was a hell of a run and I'm glad I got to be part of it all the way out here in Sandy Eggo with all of you.

[Bobby Valentine]

The Mets will dominate the NL in 2010 with yours truly at the helm.

[Hans Gruber]

Hey Bobby V,
Phils 2007, 2008, 2009 NL East Champs.
Catch us if you can son! J-Roll does the talking around these parts, not Japan's greatest manager of all time!

[Kim]

Great post!!!!
At first , I was a tad torqued because they lost to NY, not because we lost, but we lost to THEM.

That doesn't matter though, this team is gonna be there next year, and who among us wouldn't want to see a rematch?

I also miss Harry...damn, I grew up with the guy.wow...Hearing his voice instantly will bring me to attention.....

As someone said, Spring Training in 97 days? Plus, the Iggles are playing Dallas, Flyers looking promising.......