PHILADELPHIA – It had probably been a minute since a businessman worth $4.1 billion dropped an F-bomb on live television. How many, though, had as good a reason as Phillies owner John Middleton to teeter on the profane after clinching the NL East championship?
Manager Rob Thomson finished a brief clubhouse pep talk to his Phillies team dressed in red “We Own the EAST” T-shirts, goggles strapped to their heads, a bottle of bubbly in each hand, when he welcomed Middleton to the floor.
With that, Middleton blurted, “I want my (expletive) trophy back.”
Middleton, Thomson, and the rest of the Phillies would spend the night pickled in a broth of beer and booze and reeking from the smoky aroma from cigars puffed throughout the clubhouse.
The Phillies had reason to cut loose after reaching the playoffs two straight seasons as a wild card. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Aaron Nola and the rest finally broke through to clinch a division title for the first time in 13 years.
It’s a start.
That trophy Middleton wants back in Philly?
Well, the Commissioner’s Trophy awarded each season to the World Series champion hasn’t called Philly home since 2008. The championship drought has stretched so long, 2008 stars Ryan Howard, Joe Blanton, Jamie Moyer, and Shane Victorino have since all found a new team — the Savannah Bananas.
Barring a scenario of improbable results over the final five games, the Phillies are poised to open Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Oct. 5 at Citizens Bank Park.
Zack Wheeler, a leading Cy Young Award contender, is sure to get the start. But for Game 2? The Phillies could turn to the winning pitcher in Monday’s clincher, Nola. Or even Cristopher Sánchez. One reason to give the nod for a home start to Sánchez is this, he has a 2.05 ERA in Philly this season, compared to a whopping 5.02 ERA on the road.
The postseason party is underway. There’s still plenty at stake this week, both in the final two games of a home set against the Chicago Cubs before the Phillies end the season with three games in Washington.
How’s Bryce?
…
And maybe walk back in at the end of October with the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy, whether it starts with an F or not.
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