Just three more games... I mean 1 more Game and then there were PHILLIES WORLD CHAMPS!!!!

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Posted By: James Gallo

and my Phillies win the series. It was a squeaker tonight but we took game 1.

If Howard ever learns to either hit or lay off the breaking ball, well things would be very different.

Go Phils!!!!

James G

Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

James, I take it you've never heard of Oliver's Weauxfing Theorem?

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Posted By: richie

Phillies vs Rays
I would rather watch paint dry then watch them. Not enough excitement

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Posted By: Frank Wakefield

I can join you in cheering the Phillies along.

I'm hoping Joseph Blanton can get into a game some way or another. His senior year of high school was here in my home town of Franklin, I went out to see him pitch one day, he was one of the best high school pitchers in the state that year. He "moved" here from a smaller school so that he'd have greater exposure to scouts. And I think part of it was to get to our coach, who was pretty good, and our team which had a shot at going to the State Tournement, which they did with Blanton.

Blanton pitched for the University of Kentucky, after high school at Franklin-Simpson.

Blanton was a first round draft for the Oakland A's in 2002. The A's had 2 picks that first round, they chose Blanton with their second pick, the 24th selection of the first round.

Go Phillies!!!!

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Posted By: James Gallo

Dan- that is funny because the Rays are the favorites... Thanks for the suport.

Richie- Everyone has been saying this could be the best series in years. Assuming the Phils down take them out quick it has great pitching, fielding and home runs. What else do you need in a baseball game.

Frank- Blanton has been good and this team wins for him, so I think there is a good chance he will get a win.


I guess since there is no LA NY or Boston team in the series it's not worth watching... Bah I would rather see a team like the rays try and win then the Bo Sox that are old, broken down and tired. At least the Rays are young and exciting. Not enough this year tho.

Go Phils.

James G

Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

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Posted By: James Feagin

I think the problem is that MLB/Seling have run the appeal of MLB into the ground. Here I am, a baseball historian who chose to watch a re-run of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" last night rather than the World Series. Modern baseball just isn't doing it for me anymore.

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

I will watch a deciding game, but I have no plans to watch any of the series up to that point. I hate the Rays...as do I'm sure most Red Sox fans...and it's not just because they beat us in the ALCS this year...there's some bad blood that goes back a few years.

And James, trust me you don't have to be the favorite to be a victim of OWT.

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Posted By: J Levine

Anybody who knows my collecting habits knows I live and breathe the Phillies. Yes, once again we find ourselves an underdog and people lament that the Cubs or Red Sox or Yankees are not in the Series...I say blah! to that.

Cubs...who cares if you have not won a World Series in 100 years...at least you won two!!

Yankees...good to see them lose for once. Just because of greed you replace your stadium and you are upset you did not go out with a Championship...go polish the dozen or so you already have. Hush!

Red Sox...curse...what curse? Call me when you have 10,000 losses.

Heck, the Marlins and Blue Jays have won more W.S. titles than the Phillies!

Go Phillies!

Joshua

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Posted By: S Gross

Funny, growing up outside of Trenton, NJ, I was never a Phil's fan, not a hater, just not a fan. I have always been an American Lg. guy. Probably based on watching Balt. games with my grandfather in Easton, MD.

Anyway, this is only the third time in my life (48) that I have ever rooted for a NL team.
The other 2:

1980 -- Phil. vs. KC
1993 -- Phil. vs. Tor.

Although, I still feel I have never rooted against an AL team: KC as an American Association team; Toronto of the Interenational League; and Tampa Bay from ......... well ........... before the Rays they could hardly support a Florida Rookie Lg team ......

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Posted By: Scott L

Frank

Blanton is pitching game 4. I will be at Citizens Bank Park Sunday night cheering him on.

How's this for a weekend:

I'm in Columbus, OH right now and will be heading to the Penn State/Ohio State game Saturday night.

Fly home Sunday morning and head right to the Eagles game vs. the Falcons.

Stay down there and after the Eagles game head across the street to see the Fightin's.

Work will be hell Monday morning but so worth it.

Best,

Scott

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Posted By: Michael Steele

James G,

Good luck to the Phils. I understand your passion and Philly is due. I would like to respond to your quote in reference to your "Bo Sox" comment.


"I guess since there is no LA NY or Boston team in the series it's not worth watching... Bah I would rather see a team like the rays try and win then the Bo Sox that are old, broken down and tired."

Let's look at old, broken down and tired.

Old:
I don't think so. Yes, Tek is a little "long in the tooth" and I do not count non-factor Timlin. Wakefield? Well those knuckle guys are not considered old until they reach 50 or so. Compare this Red Sox team to the 2004 unit and that squad had very little young homegrown talent. This one has Youk, Jed, Dustin, Lester, Masterson, MDC and of course Paps. Management made an effort after 04 to grow the farm and the future is bright. Thank you Theo.

broken down:
I will give you Mike Lowell and to a lesser extent, Beckett. But I do not think as a whole, that they were broke down.

Tired:
This one I give you. From the 2007 post season run to the Florida to Japan to California to Canada tour before setting foot in Fenway at the start had to wear them down. Throw in the inane Manny saga in the middle of the season and this point is valid.

I only root for an exciting series and am very neutral if the Sox are out. Opps, except for the Yankees.

IMO, Philly and Boston have the most passionate fan bases which can be good or bad. I think it has been since the early 80's since a world title in Philly. Without looking it up, Sixers in 83 or so? So 25 years. Hell, Tampa as had two champs this decade (Bucs and Lightning). So good luck and like I said above, your due.

Michael

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Posted By: Mark Evans

I couldn't care less who wins but will watch every game. Tradition, great athletes, drama -- a no-brainer for me. Mark

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Posted By: Bruce Dorskind

Brilliant pitching tonight from Shields

The young Rays are something very special.

They are fearless with speed, guts and determination.

We predict the Rays in six


Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List

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Posted By: Dan P.

I had to get out my charlie manual voodoo doll tonight. GO RAYS

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Posted By: Rob L

Jeez. I'm glad to at least see some serious Phillies fans here. I'm always bummed to hear people aren't interested in the WS because a particular team isn't playing. Where are the true baseball fans out there? My team (Angels) blew chuncks again this year (big surprise) so I luckily am not emotionally invested in any of the teams that continued in the playoffs. But I can't stop watching. The Rays vs. Phillies may not be Fox's hopes but it's a great series that any true fan of baseball will enjoy. Awesome games so far. So that being said:

Rays in 6! Rays rule, Phillies drool!

Rob L

http://www.freewebs.com/loefflerrd/

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Posted By: Scott M

Hey Scott L,

I'm sure you are probably already aware of this but they are predicting a pretty good rain (possible thunder) storm for the area on Saturday night.

If they cancel Saturdays game then everything gets pushed back a day and you'll be going to game 4 on Monday while I'll be attending game 5 on Tuesday (hopefully Cole Hamels start unless he gets bumped up).

Just wanted to make sure you were aware of that possibility.

Regards,

Scott M.

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Posted By: boxingcardman

I find their coverage to be excruciating. Before I would subject myself to their crappy announcers, up-their-noses camera work, and atrocious direction (unless it's well endowed women I really do not want to see incessant shots of what's happening in the stands) for hours at a time, at least one team better be one I want to watch.

Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc

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Posted By: Bob

I agree with Bruce. The American League is and has been for quite some time, the superior league. Even with the A's having fire sales and letting all their top pitchers leave for the Cubs, Phillies, Braves and Giants and some stars like Manny and Santana going to the NL, the AL rules. Rays in 6.
The only thing I don't like about the Rays is their dome. Thank God the Twins are about to implode the Metrodome and play outside like He intended in 2010

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Posted By: Pennsylvania Ted

Well....the Phillies have played in the World Series only 5 times in their 125 year franchise (as
the Phillies).
I missed the 1915 Phillies in the WS....but, I recall well the 1950 "Whiz Kids"....the 1980 World
Champions (thanks Tug McGraw)....the 1993 "almost Champs" (Mitch, why did you pitch Carter
that low one).

As a Yankees fan in 1950, if the Phillies were World Champions, I would've been just as happy.
And, they very nearly were....as the Yankees barely won the first 3 games by only 1 Run. The
Whiz Kids were a great team with Ashburn, Ennis, Hamner, "Puddin Head" Jones, "Swish" Nichol-
son, Eddie (the Natural) Waitkus, Robin Roberts, Simmons, Konstanty (1950 NL MVP).

I say the Phillies will win in 7 games. My wife, Charlotte, is an avid Phillies fan, so I better say
this.

T-Rex TED

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Posted By: robert a

Bob,

The Athletics sending their pitchers to the National league is why the National league is worse!

Zito's done. Blanton was never good. Hudson hurt. Mulder done. Harden always hurt. Harang looking worse each year.

They did have Lilly at one time which has worked out ok, but that's because they sent him to Toronto first.

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Posted By: James Gallo

Blanton done, I think not. Pitched a great game and hits a HR!!! Phils win tomorrow in 5. This games rocked and Hamels will finish it tomorrow.

James G

Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

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Posted By: Michael Steele

For all of you "Rays in Six" people. Looks like it's gonna have to be "Rays in Seven" if at all......

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Posted By: Scott L

Just back from the game.....what a weekend!

Penn State WIN
Eagles WIN
Fightin's WIN

Blanton was great tonight and hit a homer to boot.

I'm tired.

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Posted By: Frank Wakefield

Hey Scott! You got to see the Phillies pound the ball, and may well have seen the game of his career for Joe Blanton. Congratulations. A WS game seen in person is always a bit better when 'your' team wins. You're the man!

FW

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Posted By: Pennsylvania Ted

You picked a "Winner"......you predicted that...."Joe the Pitcher"....Blanton would win one for the Phillies.
He did it in grand style, as he averaged 1.2 - K's per inning, not bad....in fact, just great.

But, you didn't say that he would also be...."Joe the Hitter"....that was an added touch.

TED Z

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Posted By: Scott M.

Classic line from the back page of todays Philadelphia Daily News. A picture of Blanton just as the ball is leaving his bat and the caption "Joe, the Lumber"...

When I purchased tickets for game 5 before the series started I did so mainly because I knew it lined up to be a chance to see Cole Hamels pitch a World Series game at home. I have to admit that I also let my imagination run wild a little bit and thought how cool it would be if it was also a chance to see a series clinching win.

I still can't believe that I might get a chance tonight to witness in person something that has happened only once in 125 years for this franchise.

I skipped school and hopped public transportation with a couple of buddies as a 15 year old to make the parade in 1980. I think I might be a little too old for a parade this time around but I can definitely feel a sick day coming on tomorrow if they seal the deal this evening!

Scott

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Posted By: Bob

I don't think anyone would argue that the American League has been much better than the National the past 10 years. Look at the All-Star game records, World Series titles, inter-league play, etc., but in predicting the Rays would win I forgot to factor in the "Tiger factor" that a young team which has been horrible finally makes it to the Series and is so excited just to be there that they quit playing to win and just blask in the moment. The mediocre Cardinals won a Series that way and now it looks like the Phillies will also.
Sour grapes from an AL fan.
Tampa Bay has looked more like the 2007 version in the Series. The Phillies are hot at the right time and I give them kudos.
I will never agree with the Bruces again (who predicted the Rays to win).

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Posted By: Steve

I feel for the PA fans, but hope the Rays win. Actually, I couldn't care less, but St Pete will be our future base to watch the Sox play in those fixed income years around the corner. A WSC would help boost sales, may help fund a new "greener" park and hopefully, discourage relocation.

Crazy figures, The Rays buy 62,000kWh/game to keep the Dome cool (76*). It was 99*F in St Pete in mid September.

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Posted By: Frank Wakefield

Hey Ted,

Back in his senior year of high school, Blanton was a power pitcher. He could hit a bit. But that was mainly singles and doubles. He could hit the long ball in high school, but other kids on the team were better at it than he.

On TV they said he's from Nashville. I think he was born there, and that is it. My kids were born there... and other than a few nights in the hospital as an infant, that is it.

Joe's a Kentucky kid. And he pitched the game of his life last night. A World Series start, a win, more strike outs than innings, and one sweet shot to left!

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Posted By: James Gallo

The Phillies are the Champs for 2008!!!

It's going to be a fun weekend.

Dan, Bruce, guess you guys were just plain WRONG!!!


Go Philly!!!


James G

Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

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Posted By: Steve

Congrats to the Keystoners!

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Posted By: Rob D.

Who doesn't love a classy winner?

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Posted By: DMcD

James G.-Your guys had a lot of fans out here in West West Philly, i.e., Hawaii, on account of Local Boy Shane Victorino. You can bet that he'll have his picture all over tomorrow morning's Advertiser . Congratulations, Phillies fans! Great feeling, ain't it? (Been a while for me since my Giants whupped Cleveland back in '54; I was four).

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Posted By: Frank Wakefield

Congratulations, Phillies fans!

They made a bunch of folks happy, fans who've only celebrated one other baseball Championship. Kinda good to see that shared around a bit.

And with it over in 5 games, I don't suffer through 2 more games of inept umpiring.

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Posted By: Scott L

Game 2 of the Division Championship: Shane Victorino hits a grand slam off CC Sabathia. The most crazy I've ever been at a sporting event.
Game 1 of the League Championship: Utley and Burrell hit HR's to lead the Fightin's to a 1-0 series lead.
Game 4 of the World Series: Joe Blanton deals and hits a HR, Ryan Howard hits 2 HR's and drives in 5 runs.

I've waited what seems like a lifetime for this. An INCREDIBLE feeling that I finally know!

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Posted By: Rob L

Dang. Foiled again. I guess I will have to change my statement to

Phillies Rule, Rays drool.

Congrats to the Phillies and the Phanatics. A well deserved victory.

Rob L

http://www.freewebs.com/loefflerrd/

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Posted By: Vincent

All those letters. Many conversations. And numerous great purchases for me.

Your beloved Phillies finally did it again.

RIP JGM.

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Posted By: barrysloate

Congratulations to the Phillies, a long suffering franchise.

And the best part is the game ended at 9:58 PM on the east coast. Now why couldn't they do that every night?

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Posted By: Steve

For those still damp, freshly baptized Rays fans strutting down the ramps of the Trop last month laughing and chanting, "Boston Sux!, Boston Sux!". 'Don't get too cocky kids', we thought. We've chowed down too many slices of our trademark cream pie to be phased.

You've got so much to learn little sister, this is just the beginning. Ya see, like your dessert, the playoffs can be sweet and sour, for decades at a time.

One final word, you're paper's arrived.

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Posted By: Dan Koteles

the delay made it relatively boring for me. It was like , "oh not this again. But hoorah for the Philly fans but just watch out for my record setting Tigers next year!

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Posted By: peter ullman

congrats to the Phils...they definitely earned it and deserve it...but what a boring series!

A disgruntled yankees fan

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Posted By: Scott M.

It doesn't get much better for a sports fan than getting to be able to sing "We are the Champions" with 46,000 other screaming lunatics while your team is parading the 2008 flag around the stadium!!!

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Posted By: Pennsylvania Ted

Great day for us Phillies fans.

To me, Chase Utley's "heads-up" play to throw home and pick off the runner trying to score (instead of throwing to 1st base)
was the winning play of the nite. Derek Jeter would have been proud of Chase.

TED Z

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Posted By: Jim Rivera

right on Ted! that was the play of the game-the second part of the game!