The Year of the Phillie

by E. James Beale

	print	email	reply	rss feed

Published: Dec 30, 2008

As 2008 draws to a close, it does so with the 76ers underperforming expectations, the promising Flyers becoming more famous for their exploits off the ice than their inspired play on it, the Eagles squeaking into the playoffs following a schizophrenic season, and the World Champion Phillies treading water while hated division rival the Mets load up on talent. A hothouse analysis of the right-now in Philly sports would not look good. As 2009 embarks, let's look back at what 2008 meant to the Flyers, Sixers, Eagles and Phils, and why it matters going forward.

► Flyers

What happened: In the spring, led by Mike Richards, Joffrey Lupul and Scottie Hartnell, the coming-of-age Flyers overcame a so-so start of the season and tore through the Eastern Conference playoffs, falling eventually to Sidney Crosby and the Penguins in the conference finals. The Flyboys appear to be back on the same path this year — as of press time their 45 points is good for second in the Atlantic division.

Why it matters: The Flyers' playoff run was important because it showed that a young, talented core is capable of stepping up during the playoffs. Sadly, the biggest event of the Flyers' new season was their hitting up a Temple frat formal for free booze and sloppy seconds. If you do pay attention you'll notice that they're resilient (they overcame a four-goal, third-period deficit to beat the Hurricanes), talented and prolific (center Jeff Carter leads the NHL in goals).

► 76ers

What happened: After a late-season push got the Sixers into the playoffs, the team inked Elton Brand, the consensus best player on the free agent market, and signed Andre Iguodala, their own emerging star, to a long-term deal. However, the new-look Sixers have been unable to put it all together. Head coach Maurice Cheeks was canned in favor of Tony "I Coached in West Germany 20 Years Ago" DiLeo. The Sixers continue to look for last-season's spark.

Why it mattered: The Sixers went from "promising young core" to "mediocre and capped-out" quick. If the team becomes a contender they'll have to do it with the players they have. On the bright side their most charismatic, athletic player — second year forward Thaddeus Young — has legitimate star upside. Naturally he's stuck behind both Brand and Iguodala.

► Eagles

What happened: The Eagles followed up a decidedly mediocre 2007 season with a slightly better 2008. Their first-round playoff matchup against Minnesota this Sunday can only be described as unlikely.

What it means: The Birds scraped their way into the playoffs on the back of a dominating win over the Cowboys and a whole lot of luck. They remain good enough to win 10 and flawed enough to lose as many — a classic low ceiling/high floor team.

► Phillies

What happened: After parading down Broad Street and being serenaded by millions of adoring fans, Chase Utley stood in front of a microphone and uttered those three little words: "World. Fucking. Champions."

What it means: The 2008 World Championship means that the three entries preceding this don't really matter. That the Phillies came through has exponentially improved our self perceptions.

Even now, ask a fan about the World Series parade or championship night debauchery. Watch as they explain the chip. They'll square their shoulders and talk loudly. Their smiles will be followed by blinks. Go back a year or 20 — that type of interaction rarely, if ever, happened. Maybe Philadelphia fans weren't overtly passionate about losing, but we were at least willing to accept inevitable failure as a part of our identity. Now? While I'm sure someone will still complain if our fair city hasn't won a championship for one whole season, even the fiercest of Philadelphians will have a hard time doing that without cracking a smile.

Maybe 2008 will be the start of a championship era, or a blip on the radar. Maybe a hundred seasons from now we'll be thinking back sadly again — but for now the Year of the Phillie is important not only because of what it is, but also because what it's not — yet another year of the fallen Eagle.

Constant, obsessive coverage of Philly sports at citypaper.net/sportscomplex.

The Year-End Quiz
Meet the Cast
The Bell Curve