It has been a long time in Philadelphia since the professional sports environment was this exciting. With the Philadelphia Phillies recent National League East Division title, their second in as many years, baseball fans are cheering a winner once again from a sport that was nearly dead only a half decade ago. The Philadelphia Flyers created much excitement with last year's “Vengeance” tour where they resurrected themselves from the worst team ending 2007 to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008. They are following up this year as the year of “Hungry for More”. The Philadelphia 76ers surprised the basketball fans with a late surge in 2008 with exciting play from their youngsters. With the signing of superstar Elton Brand, this year promises to be even better. Lastly, the Philadelphia Eagles look to ride a finally healthy Donovan McNabb back to elite status in the NFL.
As a youngster following Philadelphia sports in the late 70's and early 80's, many would say I was spoiled with victory by our local heroes. It was a time when each of the four professional teams were not only competitive, but poised to take championship runs. Each of the teams made finals appearances in 1980 with the Phillies winning a World Series that year.
As I look at the current state of each team, it is not inconceivable that a moment like 1980 could be a close horizon for the beleaguered Philadelphia fan.
Philadelphia Phillies - Winning the National League East Division last year gave the Phillies their first taste of October baseball in 13 years. A disappointing three game sweep in the first round, however, left a somber feeling for the Phillies fans. The Phillies returned to 2008 with anticipation of regaining the faithful fans and responded with a second division title. With MVP caliber players like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, the offense has the firepower to catapult them into a World Series. But perhaps the biggest difference this year has been the play of their bull pen. With a league leading ERA combined with Brad Lidge, the best closer in baseball, the Phillies are going to be hard to beat.
Philadelphia Eagles - 2007 was a year of bewilderment for the Eagles. Donovan McNabb began the season still nursing an injury. Special teams blunders, mostly caused by personnel mishaps by Andy Reid, sank the Eagles into an early hole from which they never recovered. With off-season moves and a rehabilitated quarterback, the Eagles once again look like an NFL powerhouse. In their first three games of the season, the offense proved they can put the ball in the end zone, even from inside the red zone. The redesigned defense has allowed a touchdown in only one of those three games. Although the NFC East division looks to be the toughest in the NFL, the Eagles should still be able to wrap up a playoff spot and make a run to play through January.
Philadelphia Flyers - “Hungry for More” is not just the slogan for this year's Flyers team, but the feeling of the Flyers fans. No Philadelphia fan has been more loyal or more rewarded with success than Flyers fans. Although only two Stanley Cup championships sit in their trophy case, The Flyers have been an elite team in the NHL for many of their 41 years in the league. Every so often, though, a season like the 2006-2007 season plagues them. With off-season moves by new GM Paul Holmgren, the Flyers rebirth was quick and painful (for the other teams around the league, that is.) With rising young stars like new captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, this team seems to have finally learned that toughness must be matched by team speed to be successful in today's NHL. A healthy Simone Gagne also returns for the Flyers, who should give them a goal scoring punch that should make the Flyers one of the best scoring teams in the league. Another trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, and hopefully beyond, is certainly within their reach.
Philadelphia 76ers - It was a difficult decision to trade one of the most exciting players in Sixers history; speaking of Allen Iverson. Although a tremendous athlete with great skill and offensive ability, the trade of Iverson brought team unity and a chance to showcase some new talent. It resulted in a second half season that gave the fans something to cheer about. As they rose in the standings, they also gained considerable respect for a team that can defend as well as run the floor in transition offense. The off-season acquisition of superstar Elton Brand should give the Sixers the necessary veteran power forward who can make a difference on the court that will translate into wins in the standings. With a weak Eastern Conference, the Sixers have positioned themselves to be an elite team with potential to go deep into the playoffs.
As we play out these seasons, our Philadelphia sports heroes can once again make the Philadelphia fans feel proud to be in the best sports city in the US. And perhaps - just maybe - the fans will get to show their appreciation by lining Broad Street for one of the biggest parades in Professional sports history, regardless of which team gives them that long awaited championship. Do you remember “The City of Champions” Philadelphia?
I add how sorry I think it was of Eagles fans to throw him under the bus. I just hope Pat's fans dont do the same to Brady. Allow these players the time they need to heel and then support them as they return!