11:56PM

J.C. Romero comes on in the 9^th (Charlie is saving Lidge for Monday night) and after he gets over his nerves and commits a throwing error, he saws through the Tampa Bay bats. This sucker is soooo over, and the Phils need ONE MORE WIN!!!

I doze off watching the Comcast crew giddily working through the postgame. They McNabb all in red, doing the hang. Charlie and Joe face the press. Unlikely heroes, given their recent and long-term history with the pundits. Joe Blanton, World Series hero…that sounds good to me. To his credit, Howard just kinda shrugs and talks about his teammates. Jimmy shrugs and talks about Ryan. The press shrugs…I don’t think they that all of this is unfolding this way either.

Hey the top of the order was killer tonight, (Howard has 3 homers in 2 nights) and slots 1-4 go 8 for 16 with 3 homers tonight!!! Sweeeeet!!!

Five amazing wins for Philly sports fans (2 WS wins in one day, Penn State, the Birds and the Flyers!) What an amazing weekend, but this could be the most fun had in this town on a Monday night in far too long.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…………………..

11:24PM

Back and forth for innings and nothing is happening. It’s OK, we’re sitting on a 4 run lead, and the bullpen rolls through in the 7^th, holding Tampa Bay down. Maddog Madson keeps them down, retiring the side in the 8^th, after coming on to close out the 7^th. Is this really happening? Manuel is making all the right moves, and the bullpen, freshly rested is just making the Rays look stupid up there. In the bottom of the 8^th, Jayson Werth knocks a 2-run dinger to extend the lead…I am light-headed, my brain cannot process the reality of this fast enough, and emotions start to overflow. OUR PHILLIES ARE UP 6 IN GAME 4 OF THE FRIGGIN; WORLD SERIES!!!!

A couple batters and a relief pitcher later, Ryan Howard strokes a monster shot and the lead is 8….8, can you believe this? High-fives, fist bumps and hugs accompany spilled cocktails – it’s almost time for the lights to go out!!!

10:50PM

Sonnanstine is out and Joe Blanton helps himself by taking the reliever yard. This Blanton Blast is his first ever, and the first HR by a pitcher in the Series since 1974. Talk about your mojo! The faithful howl with delight as Joe The Pitcher rounds the bases. Whatta night for Joe!

10:30PM

Ryan Howard looks good slashing a single in his second at bat. Feliz brings in Utley with a single and our side goes up 2-0. Carl Crawford gets a solo shot in the 4^th, 2-1 Phils. By now, I am making rum and coke after rum and coke. My nerves chill as Rollins and Werth get aboard in the Phils 4^th then Ryan Howard smacks a 3-run homer to the opposite field, and the tension in the air begins to lighten up. I am so happy for Ryan - he takes way too much crap. Hey, we’re up by 4!!!

Eric Hinske hits a solo pinch hit job in the 5^th to tighten up the game.

9:15PM

Jroll gets things going with a double, then this kid Sonnanstine gets himself in a jam and walks in the first run. I’ll take it, but you know we want the top of the order to get this thing crankin’. 1-0 after one, and the crowd starts to feel the momentum. Then starter Joe Blanton and their guy exchange good innings.

8:05PM

Just can’t wait for this pre-game crap to be over and the game to begin. Robin Roberts is throwing out the first pitch!

It has been a while since Philly has been in the Fall Classic, I know, but do the national announcers ALWAYS deliver such boring crap, and stale predictions. I know they don’t watch our boys every day, but pay attention.

This should be a solid outing for Joe Blanton, who has been way better than most people think. He doesn’t have a ton of wins, since joining the team, but the Phils win even when he gets a no decision.

Tuna is marinated and ready for near-raw consumption. Already back on the rum and coke attack.

5:36PM

Just got back from The Linc, which was unusually red today. Pete and I met up with Terry White and Mike McNally for the game. Stopped at Cav’s Tailgate for Yuenglings and the best pre-game grub in the lots on game day.

The Eagles looked like they were up til 2AM watching the Phils for the first quarter and a half. Realizing how it could f*ck up the mojo for the whole weekend, Andy started calling good play sequences, and the defense started pressurizing Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan.

Late in the game, Dan Baker reminded those among us who were not staying for the Series game to leave the parking lots promptly (as if that were easy to do), and a “Let’s Go Phillies!” chant took over the Linc for a few minutes.

Brian Westbrook was insane on Sunday and just went off for over 200 combined yards. Some tense moments for those people looking for the Birds to cover the spread, but Brian Westbrook capped an incredible day by putting another 6 on the board, and everyone headed out happy, and anticipating Sunday night’s Game 4.

Seems like my pal Pete just left (it was 1:30 when he went home), and he will be here any minute to head to Cav's Tailgate at the Birds game. This is the part of the program that makes Philly sports fans come alive, gives us strength and stamina in the clinch. THIS IS WHAT WE LIVE FOR!!!

A late drinking night with our Phightins, a little sleep and then off to the Linc for a battle of the birds, ours and Atlanta's. OK, gotta get it going...coffee...need more coffee...GO BIRDS, GO PHILS - GAME 4 TONIGHT!!!!

OCTOBER 25 - GAME 3 OF THE WORLD SERIES

1:30AM (10/24)

After what felt like one of the longest raindelays ever, the first Series game in 15 years gets under way...JRoll gets off the schneid, Utley and Howard go yard back to back, and Jamie Moyer (who shows his Gene Simmons-like tongue) turns in a performance for the ages, but the little guy, Carlos Ruiz is the hero with a homer, and the game-winning doinker - with the bases full - down the 3rd base line in the bottom of the 9th.

There are so many memorable late-night affairs in my memory of Phils history, but only a slice of the fans make it to the end of each one. Last night, no one left early (from the ball park, the bars or parties) so almost everyone will have a clear memory of the bouncer that looks like it will trickle foul as Eric Bruntlett launches himself towards home. Evan Longoria's feeble attempt to pick and toss sails high and wide as Matt Stairs jumps for joy, EB slides in, and Ruiz is mobbed by the team.

Normally, everyone hangs out after such an exhillirating win, but tonight, we're wet, cold, tired, drunk and maybe even a little hungry. The joy spills out into the South Philly air, and it feels good!!!

3:42PM

Back from my appearance in Drexel Hill, phone conversations to and from – as well as most talk at the PNC Bank’s kidfest revolved around the Phils and Game 3 tonight. So many families there, and almost all of the kids and most of the parents wearing their Phils garb.

Consensus: Jamie Moyer will be THE MAN tonight. A long career (22 years and counting), being a kid from Sellersville, and making his first World Series start tonight should combine for one if his all-time best showings. Mich has been made of Jamie’s experience and guile getting the best of these youngsters from Tampa Bay. I think more likely, they will hit him a bit, but will more often be stymied by his ability to twist them into a pretzel at the plate.

And everyone also seems to agree that not only does the leadoff man need to get going, but that he will. When Jimmy Rollins has a bad game or two, opposing pitchers next on the Philly schedule usually feel the pain of his return to form. Neil Young sang, “Tonight’s The Night,” and, JRoll, he is rarely wrong. Ryan Howard got back into form, and in scoring position in Game Two. Someone needs to pick him up and bring him home tonight.

My main observation though is that the Rays have been loose and spry with each other before and during the game, but the Phils look tight, too serious. Someone give Rich Dubee a hot foot, and let’s get loose and get win #2…it’s a best of five, and we have homefield advantage, baby!!!

OCTOBER 24, 11:42AM

Well, Game Two sure sucked, huh? Once again the Phils got players in scoring position and failed to get clutch hits from ANYONE!!!

And anyone who has ever umped a game, and I have, would tell you that Dantley made that strike call on Rocco Baldelli, and while I didn't get it at first (being at the Tower for Experience Hendrix with no sound), watching the tape of the game today, clearly he blew the call in a situation where that out leads to a quick ending to the inning, and keeps 1-2 runs off the board...the difference in the game. When will pro officials (are you listening, NFL?) realize they are NOT to be the ones who determine the outcome of games, but are only in charge of application of the rules. Frankly, Charlie should have been all over that guy, but only put up a mild objection.

To be fair, Brett Myers pitched well enough to win, but you have to score the guy some runs. Inning after inning, runners got on, and were stranded by impotent bats in key spots.

All eyes are on the reigning MVP, JRoll, who is O for the Series, and has been, inexplicably, a non- factor on offense. His defensive contributions have kept the Phils in these 2 games, but his O is what makes them GO!

The final score said 4-2, but it wasn't really that close.

Guess I am OK with a split down there, seeing as the Phils are 1-for-28 with runners in scoring position, and their fielding has been iffy. So, bring it on home, boys, sleep in your own bed, eat some homecooking, and RE-EFFIN-LAX (that means you, #6!) --- oddly, our side seemed tight in Game 2, and the Rays were loose in their dugout. That is supposed to be our team goofing and dancing and keeping each other from getting uptight.

OK, gonna have some more coffee and go find some piratey gear for tonight's Masquerade Bash! 

OCTOBER 23 - GAME 2 OF THE WORLD SERIES

 4:30PM

Off to the Tower...LET'S GO PHILS!!!

1:25PM

With Eric home, we start watching "Forrest Gump," which he has never seen all the way through before. It's fun and for the first time in days, my mind is off the Series, the Phils, the Rays and everything that goes with it. I hurt for Forrest (both of them) when Jenny dies.

Then the hum resumes...that low, deep vibration in your gut that tells you it is just hours until Game 2. Now, tonight I have a unique challenge; to cover the Experience Hendrix concert and keep up with the game somehow. Thank God for cell phones and texting.

11:05AM

Fell asleep watching the replay of PostGame Live, but saw enough to see that the team is feeling even-keeled after their first Series win. Good indicator. My first thought, after "Why is the phone ringing at 9AM?" (it was school saying that they are dismissing kids with asthma, like my Eric, due to the forrest fire down their way) is a dreamy, "Wow, did the Phils really do that last night?" I get up, watch SportsRise as coffee brews, and sure enough they are up 1-0 in the Series.

OK, why do I feel like I am moving through setting concrete? Then I remember the same feeling, from 15 years ago. I think I need to drink more, and start earlier. It's still a long way to first pitch at 8:30PM, but first, coffee and food.

Debbi sends me an email saying that DeBella has settled on being Super Mario for friday night's bash. well he won't need to buy a mustache for that one, eh? I gotta go find some piratey stuff for my costume. I know, a pirate, how cliche'?

OCTOBER 22 - GAME 1 OF THE WORLD SERIES

11:50

It’s lights out time, as Brad Lidge nails the heart of Tampa Bay’s order 1-2-3, and an amazing feeling hits as I realize, we’re not just going to the World Series, our side has won Game One. Stick those cowbells where that Florida sun don’t shine.

Give Joe Buck and Tim McCarver a cowbell to stick, too. I have long had respect for these guys, but the way they sucked up, and basically rooted for Carl Crawford to get on in the 9^th, so “he can steal second and give Willy Aybar a chance to tie up this game” was blatantly pro-Rays. You two are supposed to be neutral, dogs. You lose points with me for tonight’s performance.

Throughout the game, you could hear the Tampadelphians, locals who have moved down there, rooting for our side. Made me smile that did. OK, time to head home, watch the postgame show and head to bed. (Funny part: Cole sneaking up on Leslie Gudel to do their postgame interview!)

There’s another big game tomorrow night! Is the idea of a sweep really that far-fetched?

11:45

I sign off the air with the game still on the line. Grant Balfour brings some cheese of his own, but Jayson Werth catches up to it, and nails a double, his second. The rest of the Phils half is a blur, including Ryan Howard looking at strike 3 with men on 1^st and 2^nd. I love the guy, but this is painful for me. Maybe it’s painful because I love this big kid. Two more runners left in scoring position, Howard and Burrell leave them there. That’s an O for 13 with RISP. You can’t win consistently, let alone in the World Series, with that kind of crap. They are lucky tonight, it’s the bottom of the 9^th, and El Perfecto, Brad Lidge is warming up.

11:30

There’s a lot of good pitching going on, but not much hitting as the game heads towards the 9^th inning. In the 8^th, Ryan “Maddog” Madson brings that heater of his to the mound. It seems – to almost everyone – that Ryan has found an extra gear in the postseason. Throwing just 18 pitches he mows down the Rays, melting down the radar gun with 96, 97 MPH fastballs 3-4 times in there. And it’s on to the 9^th inning up by a run.

The Fox announcers are noting that the Phillies are 0-11 with runners in scoring position. Is it THAT bad? I check, it is.

10:10

Hamels hangs one to Iwamura who doubles and knocks in a run, 3-2. Not getting worried, but I wish it wasn’t this close. Turns out this hit is one of the last Cole will give up. He sails through the end of his night, logging 7 innings. Man, the Phils are leaving a lot of men on base.

9:30

Hamels is amazing, generating double play balls, including a crucial bases loaded situation with B.J. Upton. As some point out later, he does not have his very best stuff, but damn, he is good tonight, and so much fun to watch.

Phils get one when Ruiz grounds out deep to short. It turns out to be the game winner, but I can’t help thinking they should have had more there. This has been an issue all season.

Hamels makes ONE mistake and Carl Crawford pounds it into the right field bleachers, 3-1 in the 4^th.

8:40PM

Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir unleashes a barrage of cheese throwing fastball after fastball. Utley shows him what a fastball is for, Phils up 2-0 after 1 inning! The homer, which would normally set me off, creates no voluminous reaction, I have my back to the game, doing a break, when it happens. I miss it, but that is what replay is for – way to start ‘em off, Chase!

8:25PM

My head feels like it is going to explode. Thank God I found some Heinekens in the fridge in the station kitchen! The great Mike Schmidt does the Phils lineup intros on Fox. Joe Buck says he thinks it’ll be rough for Philly to shake off the rust of a 6 day layoff. He may be right, but could he be any more pro-Tampa?

8:13PM

Phils director of fun and games John Brazer checks in from the left field bleachers. He doesn’t sound anywhere near drunk enough.

7:54PM:

Just got off the phone with my pal Mud (a Mets fan) who lives in Nashville, and from my buddy Dan who grew up a Red Sox fan and lives in North Carolina. They both called to wish us luck. Not sure how to take that, or maybe it is true, everybody (even a Mets fan) loves an underdog.

The drinking has begun in earnest gauging by my listener calls. Here it comes - just half an hour away.

5:12PM:

Thank you, Charlie! The lineup is out with Jayson Werth in the 2 slot, Victorino in the 6, the well-rested Chris Coste as DH batting 8th, and catcher Carlos Ruiz hitting last. The atmosphere is electric, as almost everyone you talk with exchanges of predictions, and "Where you watching tonight?"

Watched Comcast's repeat of the 1980 Phils' amazing run to the big trophy with all of the pennants on it! My kids are starting to "get it." They see the excitement of that golden victory, the sheer joy as grown men flat out lose it, and a city dances along with them.

I connect the dots between the man in the red sweater in the parade and the man with silver hair that she met in Clearwater all those months ago. Yes, THAT Michael Jack Schmidt!!!

The drive into work brings on a mix of emotions and thought, as the lineup is announced and the lights start to focus on the event itself. Philly born scribe Jayson Stark is picking the home team in six. He;s a tough guy to argue with.

There they are, our boys, just down the beach from where this whole wild ride started, embarking on the next leg of their amazing journey. Two nights in Tampa...just 3 hours til game time...let's get it rollin', guys...