28 Years Later

Triumphant

Precision

South Philly

Self-portrait

Phanatical

"We are the champions my friends...and we'll keep on fighting to the end...we are the champions, we are the champions, no time for losers, 'cause we are the champions...of the WORLD!"

Freddie Mercury - We Are the Champions

Philadelphia was once known for their champions and championship mettle. From the 1967 and 1983 76ers, 74-75 Flyers, and the 1980 Phillies. However that was either before my time or I was way too young to remember. Nevertheless, what was once old, is now new again, as the Fightin' Phils, like they did in '80 have emerged victorious.

The Hunt for Red October

The Phillies are the 2008 World Series Champions, hence they are the most recent of the once dying breed of winners in the City of Brotherly Love. Prior to Game 5 the Philadelphia Soul of the AFL were the quasi toast of the town. However as far as this city is concerned, it has been a combined 98 seasons (all the major teams together) since the Sixers gave Philly a ticker-tape parade down Broad Street.

I don't recall '83, as I was just a child, and while Dr. J, Mo Cheeks, and Moses Malone were handed the keys to the city, my family welcomed a new addition, as my sister was born that summer after the fact. Ten years later the Phillies were again vying for supremacy in the '93 World Series, before falling short to the Toronto Blue Jays in 6 games. Now I do remember that, but I wasn't a baseball fan at the time...and while I wasn't apathetic, I wasn't head over heels in love either.

Baseball was always the forgotten sport, as I didn't play it growing up, and I wouldn't watch it on TV, because I thought it was boring. Besides, my father, nor my uncles passed the game down to me, so I followed my brother into futbol, basketball, and football.

Then one day in 1995, everything as I knew it changed when I was officially introduced to the New York Yankees via my friend CJ. He's from Staten Island, and not only did he enjoy baseball, but he also is a Yankees fan, because his mother and father are from the Bronx, so it was in his blood to learn and appreciate the game. Consequently, his fervor had an affect on me, and to this day I remain a loyal fan of the Yankees. As I learned the game, and grew to love it, I started watching my hometown team the Philadelphia Phillies.

Yesterday, I was able to come full circle with Philadelphia, the Phillies, and my affinity for journalism in one memorable trip south down Broad Street.

To make this long story short, I was on the double-decker bus, designated for the members of the working media to cover the celebration. Not only did I ride on the top level, but I enjoyed the love and affection for the Phillies, as my bus drove ahead of the floats the team and management were on.

In a word it was unbelievable. Never have I seen this city united as one. I was waving to total strangers, and I was accepted as a hero. I lead a few cheers of LET'S GO PHIL-LIES, and WE'RE NUMBER 1. I got off the bus and walked for a stretch, shook hands, and kissed babies, all the while, people were calling and texting, to inform me that they see me on the bus, or that I was on television on the bus. When my sister and grandmother saw me on WPVI-ABC 6, that meant a lot. It was the most surreal trip through South Philadelphia that I have experienced in my life.