For my inaugural post, I feel that it is very important to discuss a topic that has an innate ability to consume my attention every summer. No matter what the stage in my life, this phenomenon has always, and will continue, to get me all fired up. As a kid, it was all about quality time with my family and sharing the experience with my dad as he told me stories of the first time his dad took him there. As an early teenager, none of the pundits gave the overweight underdogs a chance. In college, it was imperative to ditch class, kill beers and get into heated debates with my friends from out of town about the potential of the summer. And now, as I approach 30, it's more valued than ever before. No, it's not the summer at the beach that has me as sun burnt red as a Nascar fan that has been sitting out in midfield of the Talladega 300 watching so-called professional drivers turn left all day. Every summer I bleed Phillies red. This summer, more than ever.
Consider the alternatives available right now. The Sixers are drowning in the Answer-less abyss, but they're probably just good enough to not get a chance to obtain the matchup nightmare Kevin Durant. This phenom never ceases to impress as he dazzles bigger opponents off of the dribble and can post up smaller defenders. As for Greg Oden, I don't even want him. Does anyone notice the fact that he lacks the necessary offensive skills to succeed as an NBA big man. Additionally, he has not developed as a player due to the fact that he has always relied on his size to beat opponents who dwarf in his shadow. To top it off, how can I put my faith in Billy King to rebuild this team. After all, he's competing with Isiah Thomas for the title of "worst GM in the league."
The Flyers continue to fail to adapt to the new NHL. After the past few years have been laden with poor personnel decisions, somehow Bobby Clarke manages to get fired from his GM role only to end up in some fabricated cushy special advisory role with the team. Let's be honest here, I haven't cared about the Flyers since they traded Brind'Amour for the concussion prone Primeau. Everyone said that we got the better end of the deal, I have to disagree. He was the heart and soul of our team for years, was dominant in NHL '93 for the Sega Genesis, and he led the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup.
As for the Birds, their woes warrant their own post.
Therefore, until April 2, 2007 at 1:05 PM, I am eagerly awaiting the beginning of what could be a World Series Championship run for the red and white pinstripes. I'm so excited that I paid three times face value for my opening day tickets located squarely behind where Patricia Burrell roams the outfield stands looking for his nightly dish. Oh wait, he's "engaged" now. I'll gladly fork over another $15 for a greasy cheesesteak and 16 oz. Miller Lite combo.
If the Phightin's don't live up to their potential, which is highly likely given that they have the most lost losses in the history of baseball, at least I'll have my Xbox 360 version of MLB2K7 where I can control the Phillies' destiny and pretend to bring this desperate city the winner we so badly crave. But if my first game was any indication of what my virtual season has in store for me, I lost 4-0 and had only 2 hits as I have yet to grasp the "swing stick," I will find solace in the fact that I am going to share the opening day experience with my dad, father in-law and brother in-law. It is these cherished times enjoyed with the people that I am privileged to share them with, that I truly look forward to every year. For that, I can't wait.
