Philly Sport Phan-actic

Piggyback Update below.

In 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series and I remember enjoying “the moment. John Centanni, my boss at the time did not let me take a day off to enjoy the parade.

In 1983, The Philadelphia 76ers won the Championship and there I was. I was living in Dave’s house in Florida. Mo Cheeks ran in to score the last lay up and the house was dark. Philadelphia was going crazy and I was in a house… a dark house. Everyone was sleeping. I remember high fiving myself and celebrating in silence……

So here we are in 2008, My Phillies are on the verge of the 3rd Philadelphia Championship of my lifetime. And I find myself in Florida AGAIN!! On Monday night, Eric and I were ready to do our own celebration, our own little parade. But no….no… mother nature has other plans. Mother Nature has rained on my Parade. But true to form, I will be in front of my TV. I will be wearing my Phillies colors. When the final out is called and there is absolute craziness in Philly, Lansdale, North Wales….. There will be craziness in a small Florida town called Clermont.

Once I got cut and the blood that came out was “GREEN” and then it turned “RED”. There is Philly blood running through these veins. People don’t understand the blood and passion of the Philly fan... There is no other team. Whether we win 90games in baseball or win 2 games in football, Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, and Flyers are ALWAYS be our TEAM. The Tampa Ray Fans of today are the same people that were cheering for the Red Sox and Patriots last couple of years. (Just ask them to tell you the starting line up of last years Rays team, not this year) “BAND WAGON JUMPERS”.

My EAGLES last won a Championship in January 1960. In April of that same year, there was a child born. There was a declaration across the land that cried as long as that child lives, the EAGLES are doomed without a Championship. And now that child is left wondering the sports world waiting for his Philadelphia Eagles to win a championship. So if one day, when I am with the Lord the Philadelphia Eagles win their championship, I ask all friends and family to visit my grave site and parade around me. For you will know that I will be “SOARING like an EAGLE” !

But for now, I will savor my championship with my PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!!!!!
Can I get a whoop whoop?

Eric “Chick” Cardona
April 5, 1960

Piggy Back Update:
I usually don't do this but it was too long for a comment.

I also remember the 1993 World Series. It was the sixth game in the series. I too was watching it alone, in the dark, in Florida. We were down 3 games to 2. In the seventh inning, Philadelphia fought back with five runs to take a 6-5 lead.

Lenny Dykstra hit a three-run home run and I almost hit the ceiling with joy. It was short lived. Mitch Williams came on to pitch the bottom of the ninth. OH NO! Not Mitch Williams! I held my breath. Joe Carter came up and, with the count 2-2, he broke my heart. He hit a three-run home run to win the game and the World Series crown.

It was the closest I've ever come to crying from a sport team disappointment.

Ulyses Jr.