The Phillies dominated the weekend. Actually the whole city of Philadelphia dominated the weekend: Saturday: The Flyers (hockey) won 3-2. Sunday: Philadelphia Eagles (football) won 27-14. And the Phillies had back-to-back series wins, technically on the same day since Game 3 had a rain delay causing the game to finish at 1:47 a.m. I’m not really sure anyone in Philly actually slept or saw their houses all weekend! I thought Tampa Bay was taking over the world, but apparently I was mistaken!

After the rain delay on Saturday, the Phillies jumped out to an early lead with runs by Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley but the Rays rallied and they went into the 9th inning tied.

The two key things about the game:

The second oldest active player in World Series history: Phillies’ pitcher Jamie Moyer. He stole the show. Most guys give up…retire…in their late 30s. But not Moyer. He is 45-almost 46-years old, and going on about 22! Actually he really is since he has been playing pro ball for 22 years! And he is still on fire. It was like one of those supercute baseball movies with the old guy that has one last chance for a comeback or an amazing last inning win! Ok, so he has been steady his whole career so you can’t call it a comeback and he didn’t pitch the last inning, but he made it to the 7th inning! It was his first World Series appearance, something he’s been waiting his whole career to achieve. And it was with the team he grew up rooting for. It was a Lifetime Movie moment–or at least Hallmark!

The weirdest defensive move in Wold Series baseball history: Bottom of the ninth. Score tied. Phillies need one run to win the game. Phillies have a runner at third. And then, the Rays went a little insane. They intentionally walked Shane Victorino and pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs to, get this, intentionally have the bases loaded. It gets weirder. Remember how we said there are 3 outfielders and 4 infielders? Well, the Rays decided to bring out of the outfielders, well, in. Leaving part of the open field exposed. All I can say is it was really late and they were probably sleepy and not thinking so good. It’s rare to see that in a regular season game and almost unheard of in the post-season. And funnily enough, even though they brought more people in, they were unable to anticipate the bunt by Carlos Ruiz that skirted up the third base line. Evan Longoria was unable to connect the throw with the catcher and the Phillies went on to score and win.

The win was a walk-off win meaning that once that run was scored, everyone walked off the field and stopped playing even though there were still runners on and another out to give. Since it was the bottom of the ninth, the Rays wouldn’t have another at-bat and the Phillies won with that homerun, no need to keep hammering the point into the broken spirtits of the Rays. It’s an nice thing to do!

Skipping ahead 18 hours…

I’d love to say the Rays came back but Sunday was actually worse for them. At least they fought hard on Saturday. On Sunday, the Phillies bitch smacked them all the way through the game. There was just no chance for Tampa Bay in Philadelphia Sunday night with a city high on itself from all the wins!

The key to the game:

Phillies Pitcher Joe Blanton: It might not be as baseball-moive worthy as Jamie Moyer’s game the night before but Blanton was definitely the MVP of this game. He pitched 6 amazing innings, but even better, he cranked out a homerun in the fifth inning! Pitchers are notoriously poor hitters (which is why the American League has the DH-designated hitter-to sub in for theirs). This was Blanton’s first home run EVER! And what a time to do it. He is the first pitcher to hit an HR in the World Series since 1974! Okay so maybe it is movie worthy.

The Rays were already struggling up to that point and after that, it’s like they totally gave up. The pitching by the Rays was iffy at best all night and the Phillies took full advantage all game, especially with 3 runs scored in the 4th and 4 runs scored in the 8th, securing their win. The top-of-the-order did exactly what they get paid the big bucks to do: score. Jimmy Rollins had 3 runs and the next three in the linup, Jason Werth, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard each had 2 runs. The Rays lost, embarassingly, 10-2.

Check back tomorrow. They Rays have one last chance to rally. If they win tonight they bring the series back to St. Pete (yay!) or else, the Phillies will win the World Series.

Phillies advance to the World Series. Red is my favorite color. -thesportsflow.blogspot.com

If the Tampa Bay Rays get to be Cinderella, then I dub the Philadelphia Phillies…the Evil Queen. But I’m biased.

Ok, fine, they get to be a princess too. Let’s try, Snow White.

The thing about Snow White is she was poisoned with an apple and went to sleep for like 100 years. Well, the Phillies are kinda the same way.

Once Upon a Time…

“In [South] Philadelphia, born and raised….” Oh wait, wrong fairy tale. Princess Snow White, not Fresh Prince.

wikipedia.com

The Philadelphia Phillies began in 1883. Their longer name “the Philadelphias” was officially shortened in 1890. Their first shining season was in 1915 when they won their first pennant (division title). Then did not have another winning season for like 30 years.

But unlike Snow White who shook off her apple poison and went on with her life, the poison given to the Phillies seems to linger in their system. Or they keep eating the apples, who knows?

What we do know is that they were pretty much at the bottom of the division, and often the league, until 1976 with only a few shining moments in that 60 year span. And one of those “shining moments” that is still heavily talked about today is the “Phold of ’64,” which is actually a huge negative. It’s when they had this great season that totally fell apart making it one of the worst season collapses in sports history. That’s something you want to be known for!

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to work we go

Tug McGraw celebrates the Phillies

There was a bust of energy from ’76-’79 and then they won their one and only World Series in 1980! They stayed good until ’83 and then, I guess ate another apple because they fell back asleep for 10 years.

When they woke up, Snow White became Cinderella and made quite a comeback. After a horrible season in ’92 when they finished at the bottom, they came out swinging (pun wasn’t intentional but I definitely giggled) in ’93 and became the National League Champs and headed to the World Series. (Sound familar? Yeah, see the Tampa Bay Cinderella story I just posted!) They didn’t win the series and then they didn’t have another winning series again until 2001! Seriously guys, if a creepy witch lady tries to give you an apple: stop accepting them!

The 2007 and 2008 seasons marked quite a turnaround for the Phillies. They won back-to-back National League Division East titles, and in ’08, they beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 in the NLCS to head to the World Series.

However, none of this changes the fact that they are the biggest losers in baseball. I’m not saying this because I’m for Tampa Bay, it is a True Fact. Even though they had a great season in 2007, they also lost their 10,000th game, something no other team has achieved, making them the Biggest Losers in Baseball. Sports Illustrated just put out an article entitled “Historically We Suck.” That can’t be good to have SI put you down while you are in the World Series!

Snow White On Living in Cinderella’s Shadow

I feel bad for the Phillies, I really do. See, in any other World Series, they would probably be the Cinderella team. They would be the underdogs, the ones we want to go to to the ball and get the crown. But unfortunately, there is a new princess in town and they are younger, hotter and seem a bit more magical. It’s like someone showed up at the ball you are hosting wearing the same dress as you. I don’t know about you, but I would be pissed if I was the Phillies. After 10,000 losses, it eally should be them in the spotlight. I have a feeling they are going to fight with a venegance to win this Series because instead of being Cinderella, it really is like they are the Evil Queen.

The Seven, or rather Nine, Dwarfs.

I have to be honest here and say I don’t recognize any of the players on the team. I’m usually pretty good with this kind of trivia but not on this team. I can’t give you any personal feelings on them. Sorry.

I may not have known Chase Utley before but I am very interested in learning about him after this pic! -Philly.com

Ryan Howard: First Baseman. Lead the league in homeruns this season with 48 and 146 RBIs

Chase Utley: 3-time All-Star, Second Base. Second highest on team with HRs, 33 and RBIs, 104.

Shane Victorino: Center field. He’s from Hawaii! And the Phillies had a “Shane Victorino Day” in 2007 complete with hula girls and grass skirts, so they must like him!

Jimmy Rollins: 3-time All-Star, League MVP, Shortstop. Likes to steal. Known for his 38 game hitting streak a few years back.

The Cottage and Other Really Dope-y facts:

-The Phillies play at the Citizens Bank Park in South Philly, PA. They used to be at the Veterans Stadium

-Phillies Phans have a habit of changing the letter “f” in words to “ph” like Phan, Phanatic. It makes them cooler somehow.

-The mascot is the Phillie Phanatic. He defies all description as to what it could possibly be. He is a green furry creature and known as the best mascot in baseball. He has also been sued more times than any other mascot in baseball. His favorite movie is Rocky and favorite song is Motownphilly by Boyz to Men.

The unidentifiable green monster, The Phanatic, attacking George W. This is why the phanatic is my favorite mascot!

-at bat next: The Tampa Bay Rays: A Cinderella Story

or return to Suriving the World Series of Boredom

or There’s only One October: A Quick Guide to the MLB Playoffs

There is nothing hotter than a pile-up of guys! Rays go to the World Series! -Sports Illustrated.com

I was so excited when my boyfriend told me Cinderella was going to the 2008 World Series and that the game will be like a fairy tale. I love the Disney Princesses!

OK….so maybe he didn’t really say Cinderella herself. I think he actually said that the Tampa Bay Rays’ story was like a Cinderella story. And I did read on one blog that it is like fairy tale! In sports, a Cinderella may not get to wear the sparkly dress and glass slippers but they do get a happily-ever-after. And I’m a sucker for happily-ever-afters.

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

“A Cinderella” is most commonly talked about in college basketball during the March Madness tournament because it happens more frequently. But it basically means a team with that doesn’t have the best track record the previous seasons (or a really shady past/the underdog/team used to scrubbing the floors of the other teams, etc.) that comes out of nowhere and kicks some serious butt and gives the other big, bad, well-known teams (the ugly stepsisters in this analogy) a run for their money. The longer they stay in the tournament, the closer they get to the ultimate fairy tale: getting their Prince Charming! Oh sorry, wrong fairy tale. I mean, winning the championship and getting a shiny trophy and usually, really bling-bling rings to taunt the other teams with.

The Tampa Bay Rays are certainly this year’s Cinderella team of baseball. They might not have Derek Jeter as Prince Charming but don’t worry, there are some definite hotties! Their story actually is exciting and a bit magical, and I’m not saying that because I live in the area and I’m trying to get you to support them. I swear!

Once upon a Time….

In a little town of St. Petersburg, Florida (right outside of Tampa for those out-of-staters), the Tampa Bay Rays were created. Born The Devil Rays in 1998, they grew up struggling. Almost every year, they finished the season in the very bottom of their Division. But through it all, they maintained their hope and youthful optimism, because they believed that one day, their dreams would come true. And on October 19, 2008, when they beat the Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, they did: The 11-yr old Rays were going to the World Series!

The magic began back on March 31, 1998 when the Devil Rays played their first game. And on the very first pitch of that very first game ever, the Devil Rays Wade Boggs hit a home run! But there wasn’t enough magic in the pixie dust. They lost the game and proceeded to lose 99 games that season (reference point: there are 162 games/season. Losing 99 is not good!). In 2000 they prematurely nicknamed their line-up “The Hit Show” thinking they finally got some key players. But, yeah, they were a bunch of old guys past their peak and once again the season failed miserably. They tried everything over the first 8 years: Four different managers (aka coaches). New owners. An official change of team colors. They tried trading all their vetern players mid-season in 2006 (who does that?). They even poured $10 million into revamping their stadium, Tropicana Field. But nothing worked long-term and in 2007, they finished last in the American League East for the 9th time in 10 years.

Have faith in your dreams, and one day…

The record books reflect a losing season in 2007 but if you actually read the story, you see there is a lot of potential growing! That mid-season trade-off of all the old veterans was aboutto pay off. The Rays’ 2007′s line-up was the youngest in the MLB in over 20 years but those young stars like Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Akinori Iwamura, Carlos Pena and pitcher Scott Kazmir were growing up fast. They were posting personal and team record numbers all season. Even though they finished last, they kept on belieiving and developing. And, as Cinderella said, “if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish, will come true.”

A little bibbidy, bobbidy Boo

The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Champioship Series

Enter the fairy godmother. In this case it’s team owner Stuart Sternberg who transformed the team, from a new name to a new wardrobe.

Before the 2008 season, the Tampa Bay team was changed from the “Devil Rays” to just “The Rays,” as in the rays of sunshine of Florida (Yeah I know. Sunshine rays hardly strike fear into the hearts of the opposing teams like a devil ray does but they had this crazy notion that having “devil” in their title was causing them to be cursed. And instead of opting for sting ray, the other name for a devil ray, they decided they wanted to be “the beacon that radiates throughout Tampa Bay and across the entire state of Florida.” Did you snort out loud too? They really said that! At least they aren’t called the Rainbows like the teams in Hawaii are!)

With the name change came a change of team colors, uniforms and team insignia. The colors are now Columbia blue, navy blue (there are about 100 different divisions of blue for baseball teams. Remember the scene in the The Devil Wears Prada where Meryl Streep tells Anne Hathaway “It’s not blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis. It’s actually Cerulean …”) and a “splash of gold.” You know, to represent those great rays of sunshine shining down on the whole state….

But once again, that magical ole’ fairy godmother was working her (or in this case, his) magic. The changes worked. The 2008 season was the best season in Rays–and Devil Rays–history. From spring training on, the team was on fire. By Memorial Day (which is the marker for being 1/3 of the way through the season), they were already breaking records. They had the record in THE LEAGUE. Not just their division, the whole league! And, they were the first team in MLB history to be the leader at Memorial Day after having the worst record in the league the year before.

The magic stayed with them all summer long and two days after my birthday—oh, I mean, on August 29—they won their 82 game of the season, making it their first winning season in franchise history! And they finished the regular season in second place in the whole league with a 97-65 record. Last year their record was 66-96. Talk about a turnaround!

They won their division title by posting the best record in the American League East Division. They beat the Chicago White Sox 3 games to 1 in the American League Division Series. They won the American League Championship Series 4-3 against the Boston Red Sox.

And now they are taking on the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.

Prince Charming, Gus-Gus & Jaq, Bruno the Bloodhound and the rest of the cast

Gotta love hot guys standing in a row! The Rays line up for the National Antham to kick off Game 1 of the ALCS against the Red Sox.

The Rays aren’t like a lot of teams out there with the superstars carrying the team to victory. This is a total team effort, despite the players approaching big name status rapidly. Just like Cinderella, they wouldn’t have made it to the championship ball (I know…it brings up images of big gowns and sparkles, which are suspiciously missing in such an event) without the support of everyone.

Players to Know:

Evan Longoria: Who knew scruffy could be this yummy? Flickr.com

Evan Longoria. EvaN not EvA. I used to think he was her brother but sadly, no, there is no relation. He is the rookie that almost didn’t make the team.

Baby Face but a man's body! 24-yr-old Scott Kazmir is my fave pitcher to watch--or at least look at!

But thankfully he did because this little 23-year-old cute was definetly hot, hot, hot this season and not just in his looks! Plus, he is definitely a fan favorite. The third-baseman even made it to the All-Star Game this year, beating out big-name Jason Giambi in a fan vote!

Scott Kazmir: He’s the team’s two-time All-Star pitcher! He was also 2007′s American League Strikeout Champion. And he’s only 24. Did I mention he makes over $3 mil? What a catch! I mean, pitch!

Carl Crawford: He’s also a two-time All-Star and an AL Stolen Base Champ! The left fielder is also the eigth player in MLB history to have 1000 hits and 250 stolen bases befoer he turned 27 (The MLB has millions of these weird little facts. I have no idea where they come up this stuff. So random).

B.J. Upton: He is definitely a name to know for the post season. Against Chicago: Scored 3 runs and drove in 4. Against Boston: Scored 4 runs and drove in 11. Looking forward to seeing what this center-fielder is going to do in the final series!

B.J. Upton is emerging as quite a shining beacon of light for the Rays. In other words, a star

Cinderella’s Castle and the Ugly Step-Sisters

Some Facts to know about the Rays, their home and their rivals!

-The Rays “castle” is Tropicana Field.

-Tropicana Field had major renovations in 2006 and now includes a 10,000 gallon sting-ray tank. You can actually go and touch them!

-Raymond the seadog Is the team’s mascot.

-Rays’ fans are known to bring their own cowbells to ring to taunt the other team. More cowbell anyone?

-The Rays hate the Red Sox and vice versa. They are step-sister #1.

-They also hate the Yankees, step-sister #2.

-The rivalries are mostly sparked because the Rays are located in Florida, aka the transplant/winter home to many Northeasterns.

-There was also this little incident in 2000 with the Red Sox where, well, let’s just call it a catfight.

-The Yankees spring training camp is also in Tampa.

At bat Next: The Philadelphia Phillies, Snow White’s Tale

Return to: Tips to Surviving the World Series of Boredom

or: There is Only One October: A quick Guide to the MLB Playoffs

This year I am definitely more into the series than I ever have been, probably because I can’t escape it: Not only is boyfriend is totally obsessed with it and forces me to watch it in my own house, but the whole town is also obsessed. I live in the Tampa Bay area and the hometown team is going to the World Series for the first time ever! It’s actually kind of exciting!

But I figure the only way I’m going to make it through all of these games I am going to be forced to watch is to arm myself with a lot of useless fun trivia facts. At least they make me feel smarter. And totally freaked my boyfriend out when I told him about the “Bay Bridge/Earthquake Series” of 1989!

Just the Facts:

Total Number of World Series Played: 103

Biggest Winner: New York Yankees with 26

Biggest Loser: Technically, it’s the Yankees also since they have lost 13. But we will give it to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Fransisco Giants for each losing 12 times.

Random Fact: They do not sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the 7th inning stretch. When the playoffs begin, they kick it up a notch and do “God Bless America.”

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Top 5 World Series Winners:

Yankees winning their 26th World Series in 2000!

The New York Yankees

Trips: 39

Wins: 26

Most Recent Win: 2000, against New York Mets, 4-1

Stats & Fun Trivia:

-The 2000 World Series was known as the “Subway Series” because the AL and NL champs were both from NY. The city was practically humming with excitement.

-The 2000 win was the third in a row–or, the much coveted “three-peat–” for the Yanks.

-The Yanks have also achieved a four-peat: 1936, 37, 38, 39 AND a the highly elusive five-peat: 1949, 50, 51, 52, 53

All-Stars: Oh, geez. Just pick one. It would be completely impossible to give you a quick list of the top Yankees of all time. There are just too many. You really can’t go wrong by mentioning Babe Rube. Or Derek Jeter!

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The St. Louis Cardinals:

The sea of red at Bush Stadium when the Cardinals went to the World Series in 2006.

Trips: 17

Wins: 10

Most Recent Win: 2006, against Detroit Tigers, 5-2

Stats:

All-Stars:

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Oakland Athletics:

Oakland vs. San Fransisco in '89 was known as the Battle of the Bay due to the close proximity of the teams. -Wikipedia

Trips: 14

Wins: 9

Most Recent Win: 1989, against San Fransisco Giants, 4-0

Stats & Facts:

-Their first 5 wins came when they were the Philadelphia Athletics before they moved to the west coast (FYI: Oakland is 5.5 hrs from 90210 and 6.5 hrs from the O.C. and Laguna Beach)

-The ’89 series is known as the “Bay Bridge Series” because the teams are in such close proximity in Cali.

-It is also referred to as the “Earthquake Series” due to the Loma Prieta earthquake that interrupted Game 3 and caused a 10-day delay.

I am going to give a bit more on this because I was a bit fascinated by this story. Thanks to Wikipedia for the further info!

“The earthquake had been “predicted” in the morning edition of The San Jose Mercury News in a column by Kevin Cowherd (of The Baltimore Sun). He was discussing the fact that the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants were playing each other in the 1989 World Series at Candlestick Park that day. The quote from his column read: “… these are two teams from California and God only knows if they’ll even get all the games in. An earthquake could rip through the Bay Area before they sing the anthem for Game 3,”— which was precisely when the quake occurred.”

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Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox ended their draught in 2004, and won again in 2007! Boston.com

Trips: 11

Wins: 7

Most Recent: 2007, Colorado Rockies, 4-0.

Stats: The Red Sox won the first World Series in 1903.

-Their win in 2004 ended their legendary 86 year slump. They beat the Cardinals 4-0 in the 100th World Series.

Boston had waited 86 years for this moment!

-The 86-yr draught is possibly the most famous in history. It is often referred to as “the Curse of the Bambino” (we’ll talk more about this when we get to know the Red Sox later on!)

-To the great joy of both my parents (and horror to Yankee fans) they won again in 2007. They made it to 2008 Championship game but fell in Game 7 to Tampa Bay.

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Los Angeles Dodgers

One of the greatest sports highlights of all time: Kirk Gibson's Game Winning home run against the A's in 1988. His injuries were so bad he had to limp, not run, across the bases. -SportsIllustrated.com

Trips: 18

Wins: 6. Yeah, they don’t really have the best winning percentage now do they?

Most Recent: 1988, Oakland Athletics, 4-1.

Stats & Facts:

-Debbie Gibson song the national anthem in Game 1.

-Dodger’s outfielder Kirk Gibson (sadly, no, there is no relation) memorable homerun has been classified as one the Greatest Sports Moments of All-Time. He had injured both knees and could barely walk, plus had a stomach virus. The Dodger’s were down 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs and one runner on base. On the final pitch of the game (because there were 2 outs and the count was 3-2), Gibson hit a homerun. Unable to run, he hobbled around the bases. Really, it’s very movie-inspiring, like Rudy! I’m thinking Mark Walhberg in those tight baseball pants….

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Other Notable Facts:

The Chicago Cubs have the longest draught in all of sports history. They won a World Series in 1908. 101 years later, they are still waiting to win again.

Look how happy they get when they win the World Series!

How many times have you heard your man, sometimes with his friends, reenact that scene around the house?

As the commercial says, “there is only one October.” Meaning there is only one month for the baseball playoffs! Even my boyfriend and my father admitted that baseball can be a little, well, tedious to watch on t.v. during the regular season. But not during the post-season. Good luck prying them away from a game 7 League Championship battle. Especially if their team, or their team’s arch rival is in the battle. So chances are, come October 1st, you are stuck with at least a little baseball action, and not the good kind. So here’s what you need to know to make it through the one and only October.

How to follow The Post-Season, aka The Playoffs.

First off: you will hear the term “pennant race.” Do not be confused like I was. This simply refers to two teams vying for the top spot in their league, also known as the League Championship. This game decides who is going on to the World Series.

The Boston Red Sox winning their pennant in 2007, taking them back to the World Series.

-The post-season begins in October (see above reference that there is “only one October.”) They begin the Wednesday after the regular season ends. The regular season usually ends on a Sunday, so if you want to have a nice romantic date in October, plan it for the first Monday of the month. However, some times there are tie-breaker games between teams to determine who the top teams are that get to go to the playoffs!

-Four teams from each League (so a total of 8 teams) make it to the playoffs. They are:

-The 3 teams with the best record in each division (East, West, Central) get to go.

-Wildcard team: the next best team in the league. For example, this year the three best records in the American League were: The Angels (West), The Devil Rays (East), and the White Sox (Central). In the National the top three were: the Dodgers (West), the Phillies (East) and the Cubs (Central). Those 6 teams automatically got to go to the playoffs. The Red Sox (American) and Brewers (National) got to go because they had the next top records in their Leagues, aka the wild cards. Make sense?

-There are three rounds to the playoffs and each round consists of a “best of” series, meaning, the teams play each other multiple times, not just once. The team that wins the most times in the series wins.

Round 1: Division Series. The four teams from each league play each other. It is a best-of-5, so first team to 3 wins, well, wins!

Examples: 2008

Angels played the Red Sox. Winner: Red Sox. They won 3 games, the Angels, 1.

Devil Rays played the White Sox. Winner: Rays, 3 games to 1

Dodgers played the Cubs. Winner: Dodgers, 3 games to 0.

Phillies played the Brewers. Winner: Phillies, 3 games to 1.

Round 2: League Championship Series, (American League: ALCS National League: NLCS): The two winners from each division series battle out here to be the champions of their league. It is a best of 7 series. Winner takes home the pennant (don’t worry about what it is, just say that line and shock everyone that you know it!)

The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Champioship Series

Rays played the Red Sox. Winner: Rays, 4 games to 3.

Phillies played the Dodgers. Winner: Phillies, 4 games to 1.

Round 3: The World Series. The ALCS and NLCS champions meet here for a best of 7 showdown.

Devil Rays will play the Phillies. Winner: To be determined