As I change into my uniform of red shirt, red cap, pink Olympic backback and a big broad smile, I almost gallup to the subway, on the way stopping for my ritual sandwich at 7-11. The smile is tempered by a touch of sweet sadness in recognition that I am on my way to the last homegame. It is like the last day of the swim club season, which comes as fall is just announcing itself by shortened days and slightly cooler evenings. I look for my 'tribe' as the subways fill up with Phillies phans, tonight being even more special because it is Drexel student night.
At the ballpark, I walk around the whole park taking in the noise and the smells and the anticipation.
Before the game, The Drexel acapella group sings the National anthem,and the Drexel mascot struts his stuff. A nice addition to this beautiful night, sitting in the 315 section between home plate and 1st. Once again our neighbors are regulars, our view is terrific, the sky clear.
Peter and I each went to about 8 games this year, 4 of them together. As disappointing as the whole season was for the Phillies record, I have some lovely memories that helped me through a difficult summer.
Watching Ryan Howard and Chase Utley returned to the team to lead a new group of young players to several key victories has been one of the main highlights. Each game throughout August we saw players brought up from the minors for a shot at glory. Some gave their all and then returned for more seasoning. Others proved more valuable and continued in the lineup through September. Pitcher after pitcher stood on the rubber, hoping to become part of the legendary crew alongside Hamels,Halladay Lee, Papelbon. I particularly liked Michael Stutes (injured) and Jake Diekman (great to watch his long legged pitching stance).
Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz were also standouts this summer for their leadership strength and speed. I saw more stolen bases this year than previous years, which are thrilling for their electric surprise.
And then there are the Nationals, tonight's competitors, the best team in baseball who were not to be outdone. For each Nats player who came to the plate Peter whispered "He's a really good hitter". Harper, Morse, Zimmerman, Desmond, Larouche. I now know these players since I've seen them three times. And yes, they are really good hitters. Harper 19, homerun.Morse 2 homeruns. . And the fielder made some elegant catches that we couldn't help but clap for as well.
Unfortunately for us the Final score 7-3. But it puts the Nats one step closer to clinching the division. Funny that the SF Giants have already done that-go brother Eric, and the Orioles are battling it out with the Yankees for their title-go cousin Zaslows.
I love the Phils, but heck, am this year also loving the hunt.
