A new beginning

I should be a weatherman.

On Monday, I told some of my co-workers that if the Phillies won Game 5, the following morning would be the most beautiful, sunniest day they've ever seen. Of course, it rained its tail off for two days straight, so my theory didn't quite work out. Last night, as you might have guessed, the Phils finally won the World Series. And sure enough, today is easily one of the prettiest Thursdays you ever wanted to see. Not a cloud in the sky, except for the smoldering bonfires set last night on S. Broad St. I never could figure out why people feel the need to destroy property following a championship win, as some Philly fans did last night. Maybe it's the 25 years of pent-up frustration coming out, or the six or seven beers diluting common sense, but it did get a bit out of hand. It's not like we're the only city to celebrate like this (see: Detroit, LA, heck, even Montreal after winning a first round series).

For years, we Philadelphia fans have been known for being overly bitter, angry people who aren't exactly the best hosts when guests come calling. Most of that is attributed to a lack of championship teams (we've had great teams in this town, just not a lot of trophies), and the ingrained inferiority complex that comes from living in between New York and Washington. Now, that's changed. This is the first time that I can remember waking up knowing that my team, and my city, are on top. Champs. No more "Wait 'til next year". No more grousing about how the Phils don't spend any money, or why the Flyers can't solve their goaltending issues, or why the Eagles can't seem to win after New Year's. No more. That sting of losing is finally gone, hopefully forever. And to be honest, I wonder what will become of us as a fanbase and a city. Will we stop being so negative and hostile? Probably not. Will we become arrogant and even more obnoxious like Boston fans after 2004? Will we start to get some national (and international) respect and praise? Can we FINALLY stop talking about Santa Claus, batteries at J.D. Drew, the '64 collapse, and Joe Carter's HR? Who knows. All I know is that after 25 years of being looked down at and ridiculed, we're finally champions. And I gotta tell you, it is absolutely gorgeous outside.

Parade's tomorrow starting at 12:00. It'll go from 20th and Market, head down Broad St. and end up at the Sports Complex. Hopefully I'll be in a good enough spot to get some photos.