Well, 10,000 finally came, after all these years. Despite a very abbreviated stay of execution following the 9,999th loss, the Phillies couldn't hold off the inevitable anymore; losing badly in the process. St. Louis unleashed 6 HRs in a 10-2 thrashing to salvage one game of the three game set. I noticed one thing in this game, aside from constant reassurance that this team is in serious need of pitching help. And that is that the fans of Philadelphia has come to embrace this whole story of 10,000 losses.
Both sides of the story have been pretty fairly represented in the days and weeks leading up to this moment. While it is a symbol of futility, it has also been shown how it is a symbol of longevity as well. But it's one to accept the milestone as the diachotomy that it is, and it's something entirely different to embrace it as something to cheer and celebrate; which is what I saw Sunday night.
Citizens Bank Park was packed with fans; many of them holding signs for ESPN. And just as many, if not more, were holding signs referring to the infamous loss that was upon them. These people, while hoping to see a win and a sweep of the defending World Series champs, were hoping to see history. I don't know how many people will admit it, but Phillies fans were hoping to see the 10,000th loss. This became clear as glass in the ninth inning with two outs. The crowd rose to their feet and applauded, anticipating a final out; much like you would normally see - that is if the Phillies were on the road. The fans there wanted to be a part of history.
And it is not just the history of the team. Over the past few weeks, when all the lows that went into this all-time low were added up and discussed, I think the city and its fans began to take ownership in this milestone; along with the team. While it is mostly a negative for the team, it is a testament to the loyalty the fans have shown through the years. And if there is one thing Philly fans like more than seeing their team win (aside from New York teams losing), its being considered the best fans in sports.
It is not just the Phillies fans who have remained loyal though so many low points. All of the Philadelphia sports teams have done their fair share of disapointing fans. Whether it is three consecutive NFC championship losses, getting swept in the Stanley Cups Finals, being the worst team in the league, losing in the NBA finals, or consistently not making the playoffs, Philly fans don't just discuss these memories; they seem to, in a bizarre way, reminisce about them. I don't know when it happened, but we have become so accustomed to coming up short (or not coming up at all) that we take pride in the agony our teams go through. It's gotten to the point where I honestly don't know what we would do when one of our teams finally does break through and win it all. I won't go so far as to say we don't want it to happen, but think about for a second. If we have embraced being great fans of great losers, what will we be when they are no longer losers. I don't know, but I am willing to risk my identity as a Philly sports fan to figure it out.
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Hey Brian, very interesting. I do have to say as a lifelong Braves fan (even when they sucked), it does test your merits as a fan when your team doesn't do well. I did like the fact that the fans were standing as Ryan Howard made the last out. You have me re-thinking my post. Perhaps because of my love for the Cowboys, it clouded my mind about the Phillies. Good post, Brian.
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