Top Ten Things that Went Through Cole Hamels' Mind After Winning the World Series

Cole Hamels from the Phillies, read the Top 10 list on the David Letterman Show

10. Maybe I’ll get to be on “Dancing With The Stars.”
9. Can I wear my cup in the off-season?
8. The Rays collapsed faster than my 401(k).
7. How cool a name is Cole Hamels?
6. This must be how the Yankees used to feel.
5. Is the Phillie Phanatic hitting on my wife?
4. Seriously, how cool a name is Cole Hamels?
3. How can I celebrate when the nation’s economic output is the weakest it’s been since the third quarter of 2001?
2. I hope John McCain will start calling me “Cole the Pitcher.”
1. Now maybe I’ll get to appear on Leno?

photo/list courtesy CBS

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 2008

The Phillies did it, last night in an historical game and in a true nail biter fashion, but in the end they prevailed over the Tampa Bay Ray 4-3 winning their second World Series in the teams 126 year history, and the first time 28 years. It also a Philadelphia championship drought of over 25 years, after coming close many times, the supposed curse of Billy Penn has been broken.

I am very lucky that I was able to remember the last world series win, I was 12 at the time, the same age as my oldest, and in turn we let both of our kids stay up and watch the continuation of the suspended game from Monday night, that started off with the Phillies batting in the bottom of the sixth.

Pinch hitter Geoff Jenkins got the party started with his lead off double, coming around to score, after being moved over to third on a Jimmy Rollins bunt then coming into to score on a bloop single by Jayson Werth, though the slim 3-2 lead was only short live when Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli quickly tied the game with a solo shot to left in the top of seventh.

Not to be outdone, outfielder Pat Burrell hit a long double, his only hit of the world series, was replaced by pinch runner Eric Bruntlett, who came around to score on a Pedro Feliz single.

Then the Phillies Bullpen took over and shut the Rays down, with Brad Lidge getting his seventh save of the post season, and remaining perfect in save opportunities for the season.

It's a great time to be a Philadelphia sports fan. This is a great thing for the city and its loyal fans who have seen so many teams come so close only to walk away.

I am also happy that I could share the moment with my own family. It's a memory that will never be forgotten. I know I won't

picture courtesy of mlb.com

--gfo

BOOOOO

The game sucked last night, letting the game go on as long as it did is a disgrace. Bud Selig is such an asshole.

They league should have moved the start time of the game to 600. Sure it would have screwed up the prime time ratings, but at least they would have gotten the game in.

We have waited 25 years for a championship in this city, another day or two shouldn't be that bad.

And the umpiring sucked once again. The inconsistency of the strike zone for both teams has been abysmal. These guys are supposed to be the best. May be an eye test should be part of the screening process.

*RANT OVER*

--gfo

Three Down One To Go!

Well the bats really came to life last night in South Philly as the Phillies pounded the Rays, 10-2, winning game four of the world series, and taking a 3-1 lead. Heck even Joe Blanton the Phillies starting pitcher went yard...the first home run in his career.

After three games that were nail biters, especially Saturday nights. it was nice to see the Phillies put some runs on the board, and play long ball.

The first championship Philadelphia has seen in over 25 years could happed tonight. I am sure the town will be rocking all day.

Oh and the Eagles had a nice W yesterday. Brian Westbrook looked no worse for the wear after missing a couple of games with injuries. He scored twice, rushing for a 167 yards (which almost his total yardage cumulative for the season), and catching six balls for 42 yards. Donovan McNabb threw for 253 yards, but was only 19/34, with a lot of his misses being thrown way over his receivers heads, which is uncharacteristic for McNabb since most of his misses generally are at his receivers feet. One nice thing to see was McNabb running the ball. Even though he only had 25 yards on six carries, one of them being a touchdown, he showed how much of a threat he can be with his legs.

So it was a good day to be a sports fan here in the Philly area. Let's hope Cole Hamels can pitch another gem tonight, and the Phillies bring home a championship to the city.

It's been long enough

--gfo

Hit The Damn Ball

Especially with runners in scoring position. 1 run in 28 bats with RISP, will not win games, nor bring a parade down Broad Street.

The Phillies need to wake their bats up, the long ball has all but disappeared and the hits they do get aren't picked up by the other players.

Not panicking yet, but the lack of offense from the Phillies is a bit scary. Hopefully a day off, and home field advantage will bring the bats to life.

I'd love to see the Phillies win the next three here.

Disappointing loss last night, but that is why there are seven games.

One Down Three To Go

Despite leaving a boat load of men on base, J-Roll and Ryan Howard, not being factors the Phillies squeaked out a W last in the opening game of the fall classic, 3-2. Cole Hamel, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge pitched near perfect baseball last night, even though the run support wasn't there.

Game two tonight, let's hope the momentum from last night carries the Phil's to a win, but most importantly, let's hope the bat's come to life.

--gfo

Congratulations To The Glenolden Gonzo's

For winning the Prospect Park 9-10 year soccer tournament. They had to play four games in a five hour time frame with only one 45 minute break, and that was between game two and three. They won by scores of 4-0, 2-0, 3-1, 2-1 respectively, the latter being the winning game.

The championship game was a nail biter with the winning goal, coming with about one minute left to play. The kids (and parents) were all very proud of their young athletes, who played like and acted like true champions and most importantly were gracious winners and good sports throughout the day.

Our son Michael, plays mostly defense, but today he had a chance to play on the offensive side of the ball, and while he didn't score any goal or have any assists he played very well. He even filled in at goalie in the late stages of game one, after a player from the other team kicked the goalie in the hand while the goalie had possession of the ball. The goalie is one of the best players on the team, he returned to the net in game 2 and finished out the tournament with no apparent problems.

Michael is very excited to be a part of a team that won something, and I give a lot of credit to the coaches for their efforts in coaching the team, they are a credit to the youth club, and do an excellent job with the kids, assuring that each one them plays equal amounts of time.

The pictures above were taken after the tournament win and show the team and coaches with their trophy. All the kids got medals displaying their first place win in the tournament, and they were all ecstatic to be given them

It was a long day for the kids, parents, and coaches, it was in the upper 40's at the first tipoff, and everyone was a little bit on the cold side, but it warmed to more comfortable temperatures as the day progressed.

One funny note that I should add, is that after the final game, the kids dumped a jug of Gatorade on one of the assistant coaches, who was gracious enough to be a part of the celebration, despite the cool weather was a good sport, and the kids had a good laugh about it

Congratulation again to the team, they played their hearts out today, and they should be proud, I know all of the parents are

--gfo

World Series Here We Come

After a 15 years absence the Philadelphia Phillies will be returning to the big dance, with an opponent yet to be determined. It was an exciting game and series, and its exciting to the city of Philadelphia for another chance at a championship. The city is in a 25 year championship drop.

Good luck guy, and let's bring one home to the city of brotherly love

picture courtesy of mlb.com

--gfo

NLCS Here We Come

Congratulations to 2008 Philadelphia Phillies on advancing to the NLCS for the first time since 1993...Heck I was on the verge of getting married at the time. The Phillies behind a fine pitching performance from Joe Blanton, dispatched the Brewers 6-2 at Miller Park in Milwaukee. Phillies Left Field Pat Burrell led the charge for the Phillies belting two home runs, one a three run shot in the third inning which turned out to be all the Phillies needed. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins got the game started with a lead off home run, and from that moment on, the momentum never seemed to shift to the Brewers.

Next up are the Dodgers who come to town Thursday night, in what is expected to be an interesting series, as the teams split their season match up four games apiece.

Enjoy your days off, and rest up guys. Look forward to an interesting series with the Dodgers.

--gfo