Party Like It's 1993

In "preparation" for my next podcast, I've been diligently watching the Phillies as they make all those experts who didn't think it was possible eat their words -- Philadelphia is now poised to win the NLCS and return to the World Series for the first time since 1993. And if (ahem, when) they do achieve that magical feat, the lore of Matt Stairs will grow even deeper. Stairs, a late season addition to the Phillies roster, is double the age of the Dodgers' hot-shot reliever Clayton Kershaw. And yet despite his age (or perhaps because of his experience), he cranked a monstrous game-winning home run last night, which elicited a silent scream from me -- silent only because I'm a dad who had a sleeping baby in the house. My friends and I ferociously text messaged back and forth during the entire game, but it was my oldest friend (also named Matt) who had the best message of the night.

"Take the elevator? No thanks, I'm taking the Stairs!!!"

The man's name was made for headlines. "Stairway to Heaven" anyone?

After the game, I tossed and turned in bed, finding it hard to calm down after all the hoopla. It was then that I made the connection between Stairs and another legendary post-season slugger, Pete Incaviglia, or Inky as he was called by Phillies fans. Like Stairs, that guy was built for one thing -- hitting homers. Also like Stairs, he too blasted a timely homerun during the NLCS. The two even look vaguely related with that scruffy, mountain man style. Though if I have to judge them on burly looks, Inky wins out with his Conan The Barbarian locks.

There are a lot of people comparing this year's team to the 1993 Phils, and for good reason. They were both not only great teams, but a great bunch of guys. Both teams have a sincere comradery in the clubhouse and a real devotion to winning. Not to mention, fun nicknames: '93 had The Dude, Dutch, and Wild Thing. This year's team has J-Roll, The Flyin' Hawaiian, and Lights Out. Stairs, not to be left out, is nicknamed La Bomba.

It's this positive spirit that reminds me of why I love watching sports. It's because at their best, great teams transcend the fact that they're merely a group of well-paid athletes who happen to play for an adopted city. Win or lose, this year's Phillies have achieved greatness not only because they play hard, but because they truly care about the game, each other, and yes, the fans who have been starving for a championship for way too long.

So I just want to say thanks to Matt Stairs, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, and the whole crew. Keep the homers coming and I'll keep mouthing the words "Go Phils!" from my living room. Maybe with the next win I'll wake up my little one so she too can share in the magic.

2:00 PM ET | 10-14-2008 | permalink

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