Philadelphia Phillies' Win Arguably Most Improbable National League Pennant

Baseball is a great game filled with emotional memories. This sport is played in backyards, on city streets, and in ballfields across the world. 

As someone who has followed the Philadelphia Phillies since the 1970's, this season's improbable turnaround, through a tough September, is particularly special. 

The Phillies have enjoyed four club house celebrations since Monday, October 3. Their trip to the 2022 World Series is stunning, with the triumphs over the St. Louis Cardinals, reigning World Champion Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres all being impressive. 

What comes next is also unpredictable, with a strong Houston Astros team likely primed to secure its fourth American League pennant (2018, 2021) since also winning its first-ever World Series championship in 2017. 

The then five-game maximum Phillies-Astros 1980 National League Championship Series (when Houston was still in the NL) ranks with or is the greatest championship series of all-time. The last four games all went extra innings, with the Phillies emerging victorious and then defeating a good Kansas City Royals team in six games to earn Philadelphia's first-ever title. 

While the Phillies have gone to the World Series in 1915, 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993, 2008, and 2009, the franchise has only ever been awarded one other trophy. The 2008 championship team was part of a run (2007-2011) of five consecutive playoff appearances. The 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1983 playoff teams represent the only other great era in team history.

The 1993 run to the World Series (verses the Toronto Blue Jays) has since been seen as the most improbable playoff run in franchise history. The 2022 season arguably tops it. 

 

MLB and MLBPA Discussing 2020 Season - Baseball Cards Timeless Importance

Major League Baseball's current discussions with the Major League Baseball Players Association about the proposed start of the 2020 season are beginning. My old baseball cards are once again in mind as a result...

St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols has hit over 400 home runs, but has never hit more than 49 in one season. Alex Rodriguez, who is in sixth place on the all-time home run list, was traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees in 2004. In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

All of the information shown above is easy to access through any baseball website, could be shown on a number of cable television sports programs, or heard on a variety of sports talk shows. But, back in the day, baseball fans learned that type of information through newspaper box scores, magazines and on the backs of baseball cards.

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970's. During that pre-internet, pre-video game era, those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, it was so much more fun to buy packs at local convenience stores. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Local card shows, which were similar to farmer's markets, offered another collection building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for that Tom Seaver who was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing and we had no summer trade deadlines. Duplicates of a Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive that was needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy finally was willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was, or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like fine wine, all cards needed to be properly stored. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through the use of accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog along with my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available today in larger chain stores, in specialty hobby shops and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, or through Facebook. 

Spring Training 2020 - Classic Post: When Baseball Cards Were King

Here's a classic post that I wrote about a favorite childhood hobby. It's fitting to re-read as the first games of spring training 2020 get set to begin...

St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols has hit over 400 home runs, but has never hit more than 49 in one season. Alex Rodriguez, who is in sixth place on the all-time home run list, was traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees in 2004. In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

All of the information shown above is easy to access through any baseball website, could be shown on a number of cable television sports programs, or heard on a variety of sports talk shows. But, back in the day, baseball fans learned that type of information through newspaper box scores, magazines and on the backs of baseball cards.

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970's. During that pre-internet, pre-video game era, those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, it was so much more fun to buy packs at local convenience stores. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Local card shows, which were similar to farmer's markets, offered another collection building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for that Tom Seaver who was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing and we had no summer trade deadlines. Duplicates of a Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive that was needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy finally was willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was, or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like fine wine, all cards needed to be properly stored. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through the use of accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog along with my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available today in larger chain stores, in specialty hobby shops and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, or through Facebook. 

When Baseball Cards Were King

St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols has hit over 400 home runs, but has never hit more than 49 in one season. Alex Rodriguez, who is in sixth place on the all-time home run list, was traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees in 2004. In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

All of the information shown above is easy to access through any baseball website, could be shown on a number of cable television sports programs, or heard on a variety of sports talk shows. But, back in the day, baseball fans learned that type of information through newspaper box scores, magazines and on the backs of baseball cards.

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970s. During that pre-internet, pre-video game era, those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, it was so much more fun to buy packs at local convenience stores. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Local card shows, which were similar to farmer's markets, offered another collection building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for that Tom Seaver who was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing and we had no summer trade deadlines. Duplicates of a Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive that was needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy finally was willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was, or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like fine wine, all cards needed to be properly stored. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through the use of accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog along with my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available today in larger chain stores, in specialty hobby shops and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

Phillies' point + Philadelphia Eagles note

TY to over ---3.4 Million Readers--- of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html


Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

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Phillies

It's been a long time since September was used as a testing ground for next season. Heck, August is being used like that right now.

There are some encouraging performances that are being given right now. But, there are a number of new faces that will be seen by the time next season beings.

It would be just as difficult to fully claim that the Phillies will return to playoff contention next season, as it would be to think that they won't. Much work is yet to be done before any accurate assessment can be made in this regard.

Eagles

I don't really care how this season plays out. Andy Reid has earned something from me that he never had before - full respect.

The manner in which he has handled his son's death has said more to me about who that man is than any football games ever have.

I respect him deeply and wish him the best all around. God Bless him and his family.


Sixers

The 76ers new ownership group is incredible. Now that this trade has apparently been made, the team has been transformed from last season's playoff group.

This has become a far more balanced squad through all of the offseason moves. Most importantly, they will be led by Mr. Doug Collins. That great coach is ready to take Philadelphia's basketball team to new heights.


Flyers

The injury that Andrej Meszaros suffered last week (torn right Achilles tendon) was repaired by surgery today. Obviously Philly fans connected this dire dot to that of Ryan Howard's same injury (left Achilles tendon) that happened at the end of last season.

Losing Meszaros is very troubling for this Flyers team. I'm not sure how Holmgren can compensate. Basically he and Peter Laviolette need two of their young defensemen to step up and play well all season long.


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

Model Management Agency - MMA Has Another Rising Star in Megan Irminger

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

Behind the scenes of the modeling world: An interview with Ellen Wasser-Hrin - MMA/Model Management Agency

An Actor's life: An interview with Mary Frick

An Artist's life: An interview with Adrienne Trafford

The always fashionable Biana DeMarco

Rising star Erin Como reveals her model for success

Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below:

Five traits old school Flyers fans possess

Five traits of hardcore Phillies fans

Tim Tebow and the Great American Divide

My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent

Unique sports talk show goes global

Five incredible Phillies pitching performances

These six NHL legends would start on any all-time team

Phillies' point + Philadelphia 76ers' Trade + Flyers' Notes

TY to over ---3.4 Million Readers--- of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html


Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB



Phillies

Cliff Lee inexplicably can't get guys out with men on base this season. This issue has been part of his past career efforts. A review of his career resume indicates both up and down years.

He challenges hitters far too often when ahead in the count and might be doing something mechanically different when working from the stretch.

Obviously he can bounce back next year. But, he must address this issue somehow to make that happen.



Sixers

The 76ers new ownership group is incredible. Now that this trade has apparently been made, the team has been transformed from last season's playoff group.

This has become a far more balanced squad through all of the offseason moves. Most importantly, they will be led by Mr. Doug Collins. That great coach is ready to take Philadelphia's basketball team to new heights.


Flyers

The injury that Andrej Meszaros suffered last week (torn right Achilles tendon) was repaired by surgery today. Obviously Philly fans connected this dire dot to that of Ryan Howard's same injury (left Achilles tendon) that happened at the end of last season.

Losing Meszaros is very troubling for this Flyers team. I'm not sure how Holmgren can compensate. Basically he and Peter Laviolette need two of their young defensemen to step up and play well all season long.


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

Model Management Agency - MMA Has Another Rising Star in Megan Irminger

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

Behind the scenes of the modeling world: An interview with Ellen Wasser-Hrin - MMA/Model Management Agency

An Actor's life: An interview with Mary Frick

An Artist's life: An interview with Adrienne Trafford

The always fashionable Biana DeMarco

Rising star Erin Como reveals her model for success

Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below:

Five traits old school Flyers fans possess

Five traits of hardcore Phillies fans

Tim Tebow and the Great American Divide

My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent

Unique sports talk show goes global

Five incredible Phillies pitching performances

These six NHL legends would start on any all-time team

Philadelphia 76ers' Trade + Phillies and Flyers Notes

TY to over ---3.4 Million Readers--- of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html


Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB


Sixers

The 76ers new ownership group is incredible. Now that this trade has apparently been made, the team has been transformed from last season's playoff group.

This has become a far more balanced squad through all of the offseason moves. Most importantly, they will be led by Mr. Doug Collins. That great coach is ready to take Philadelphia's basketball team to new heights.


Phillies

Halladay looked like his old self against the Cardinals last night. The Phillies really need him to become their ace again next season. If he does, an extension to his contract might fall into place - along with another playoff berth.


Flyers

The injury that Andrej Meszaros suffered last week (torn right Achilles tendon) was repaired by surgery today. Obviously Philly fans connected this dire dot to that of Ryan Howard's same injury (left Achilles tendon) that happened at the end of last season.

Losing Meszaros is very troubling for this Flyers team. I'm not sure how Holmgren can compensate. Basically he and Peter Laviolette need two of their young defensemen to step up and play well all season long.


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

Model Management Agency - MMA Has Another Rising Star in Megan Irminger

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

Behind the scenes of the modeling world: An interview with Ellen Wasser-Hrin - MMA/Model Management Agency

An Actor's life: An interview with Mary Frick

An Artist's life: An interview with Adrienne Trafford

The always fashionable Biana DeMarco

Rising star Erin Como reveals her model for success

Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below:

Five traits old school Flyers fans possess

Five traits of hardcore Phillies fans

Tim Tebow and the Great American Divide

My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent

Unique sports talk show goes global

Five incredible Phillies pitching performances

These six NHL legends would start on any all-time team

Sixers - Celtics Playoffs Game 7 - Phillies Battle each other in the dugout

Over 2.7 Million hits since my first Yahoo story was published on 2/1/11.  The power of the internet and of Social Media Friends made that happen.

All Yahoo Sports/News/Voices page can be found here:
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html

Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB


76ers 

Game 7. For all who believed, keep believing.

As to whether Doug Collins' guys can knock off the Celtics...who knows. But, what a story it will be if they can actually do it tonight.


Phillies

So, Cliff Lee and Shane Victorino got into in the dugout last night. While they didn't come to blows, their mutual moxie revealed a turbulent undercurrent that exists in this year's team.

Lee signed a long-term deal expecting to have a shot at multiple World Series titles. Victorino is in the last year of his deal and might not last the season, depending upon how the schedule plays out.

Both men still have the on-field fight in them and that's what matters most.



Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below: 

Tim Tebow and the Great American Divide

The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed

When Baseball Cards were King

My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent

Unique sports talk show goes global

Five incredible Phillies pitching performances

These six NHL legends would start on any all-time team

Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

An Actor's life: An interview with Mary Frick

An Artist's life: An interview with Adrienne Trafford

The always fashionable Biana DeMarco

Rising star Erin Como reveals her model for success

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

Sixers - Celtics Playoffs Game 7 - Phillies' Utley in the Outfield?

Over 2.6 Million hits since my first Yahoo story was published on 2/1/11.  The power of the internet and of Social Media Friends made that happen.

All Yahoo Sports/News/Voices page can be found here:
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html

Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB


76ers 

Game 7. For all who believed, keep believing.

As to whether Doug Collins' guys can knock off the Celtics...who knows. But, what a story that would be if they do.


Phillies

Can Chase Utley play in the infield for any stretch of time this season after he returns?

Some of the Philly sports writers have wondered if he might be better in left field - with thoughts about Chipper Jones outfield venture with the Atlanta Braves.

It might not happen, but it's an interesting thought.


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below: 

Tim Tebow and the Great American Divide

The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed

When Baseball Cards were King

My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent

Unique sports talk show goes global

Five incredible Phillies pitching performances

These six NHL legends would start on any all-time team

Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

An Actor's life: An interview with Mary Frick

An Artist's life: An interview with Adrienne Trafford

The always fashionable Biana DeMarco

Rising star Erin Como reveals her model for success

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

Sixers - Celtics Playoffs Onto Game 7 and Phillies notes

Over 2.6 Million hits since my first Yahoo story was published on 2/1/11. 
The power of the internet and of Social Media Friends made that happen.

All Yahoo Sports/News/Voices page can be found here:
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html

Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB


76ers Game 7. For all who believed, keep believing.

As to whether Doug Collins' guys can knock off the Celtics...who knows. But, what a story that would be if they do.

Phillies

How about that 'Chooch' in the cleanup spot. Who would have 'thunk' it all those years ago.

Well, Carlos Ruiz believes in himself and that's how everything great happens. One person using their talent and free will to succeed.

No matter where this season takes Ruiz, he is as much a part of this great era as anyone.


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.



Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below: 

Tim Tebow and the Great American Divide

The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed

When Baseball Cards were King

My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent

Unique sports talk show goes global

Five incredible Phillies pitching performances

These six NHL legends would start on any all-time team

Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

An Actor's life: An interview with Mary Frick

An Artist's life: An interview with Adrienne Trafford

The always fashionable Biana DeMarco

Rising star Erin Como reveals her model for success

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert