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Thursday, October 30, 2008
World Champions!
Brad Lidge celebrated the first World Series championship since 1980!

Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske with an 0-2 slider at 9:58 p.m. last night at Citizens Bank Park to capture the Phillies' first World Series championship in 28 years and second in 126 years.

The 25-year major sports championship drought in Philadelphia is over.

Enjoy it.

Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 12:49 AM  Permalink | 42 comments
42
Comments   
Posted 12:55 AM, 10/30/2008
PhillyPride86
CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!! YA GOTTA BELIEVE TUG WAS WITH US!
Posted 12:56 AM, 10/30/2008
eagles11
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Posted 12:59 AM, 10/30/2008
timm2
This is absolutely awesome. Zo, thanks for all the great work you did with the zone this year and the Zozone in the past. This was and still is a great Phils blog. I hope you take a moment to enjoy it too since you got to cover the 2008 WORLD CHAMPS!!!!
Posted 01:27 AM, 10/30/2008
Norma
The image of Brad Lidge, on his knees with his arms raised on the mound, has now replaced Tugger, LEAPING off the mound with his arms raised. I love Tugger, but I have to say....FINALLY!!! Congrats to our WORLD CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!!!!
Posted 01:30 AM, 10/30/2008
jeff gross
What a ....LONG.....game. Great plays by Utley and gang. How fitting that teh heros of game 5 1/2 are Jenkins, Feliz, Brunlett and Werth. this team is so well rounded. Got to love the CHAMPS!!!!
Posted 01:55 AM, 10/30/2008
hayes9
For you all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNwMyKUJBjk
Posted 02:04 AM, 10/30/2008
Jeg7777
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 02:29 AM, 10/30/2008
Josh M
Thanks for keeping us informed all season! This was phantastic! See you at the parade.
Posted 02:39 AM, 10/30/2008
mdhnyc
I just don't know how to act. It still hasn't hit me. This is unbelievable. I wish I lived in Philly.
Posted 02:56 AM, 10/30/2008
Todd Zolecki
Just make sure you savor the moment. You know better than anybody this doesn't happen often.
Posted 03:01 AM, 10/30/2008
PhlunkPhilly
Congratulations Philadelphia!!! One for the right ring-finger!!!! Go Rays, see you in Clearwater!
Comment removed.
Posted 03:36 AM, 10/30/2008
psumet51
Absolutely incredible! After 28 long torturous years,its over. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!! Sounds great don"t it!!! Can't wait for the parade Friday!!
Posted 06:59 AM, 10/30/2008
philly_ies
The greatest 3 innings of my life! US DID IT!
Posted 07:28 AM, 10/30/2008
NJLouis66
Congratulations to Charlie Manuel. So many good moves. Using Ruiz for the whole series, opting for defense and using Feliz so much, picking Jenkins to lead off yesterday, pulling Madson for Romero and then leaving Romero in to face Upton. Charlie Baseball.
Posted 07:34 AM, 10/30/2008
NJLouis66
Two more things... How great is Chase Utley? I thought the double play he turned himself the other night was great... How about the presence of mind not to throw that off-balance backhand to first, but in a moment bring it home and keep the game tied? Best second baseman in baseball. But of course we knew that already. And last... Who knew the Phils could play small ball and move runners like that?! The Rollins bunt, the Victorino grounder... huge plays that win games (and championships in this case). Can't wait for the parade!
Posted 07:36 AM, 10/30/2008
bobby
Absolutely incredible. Woke this morning and had to turn on the radio to make sure I didn't dream it all. My daughter (freshman at Temple) called me with 2 outs in the 9th. She was with her friends out on Broad St. They had been down at the stadium, but it was too cold, so they headed back uptown. I did my best Harry Kalas and called the final pitches for her and her friends over the phone. The beest part of it all... sharing the moment with her and us both simply lsoing it on the final strike. Of course, I was thinking of my Dad at that moment as well, and I'll admit to cryin' like a baby as I write this. Thanks, Phillies!! Out for now. Peace.
Posted 07:57 AM, 10/30/2008
Sully
I saw the Phils play 2 games against the Rays in Spring Training. I told a few then that they would surprise a few people. Little did I know that they would be our opponent in the F'n World Series. And that we would CLOBBER them!! This is one of the greatest moments of my life. To say Broad St was electric doesn't do it justice. Yes, there were a few acts of vandalism, but 99% of the people there were just in pure ecstasy. Honestly, I didn't know what to do, I was only 8 months old when Tugger struck out Mookie. Just walking up and down Broad St, High-5ing everyone you see was fantastic. I'm speechless...bring on the parade!!!!!
Posted 07:57 AM, 10/30/2008
jmuerd
Thanks Phillies! My second daughter was born on Oct 4, during the 1980 run. This year she gave me a granddaughter on Oct 23. From that point on, I knew we would do it!
Posted 08:23 AM, 10/30/2008
Bryan
Thanks Phils, and thanks Todd for your great work all year.
Posted 08:50 AM, 10/30/2008
bski
I am so happy for so many guys on this team. It was a great ride following them every step of the way. The way they brought it all together was very special. I didn't see this coming in September. After a great last 17 games again this year and winning the division, I thought we might have a shot to make a run at it. After beating the Brewers, I thought we had a very good chance to get to the world series. After we beat the Dodgers, I was sure we were going to win it all. It was great to feel more confident after taking care of each opponent along the way. We can finally stop living in the past and enjoy the current winning era (last year, this year, and beyond) in Philies baseball. Thanks to all of you for being here all season, for engaging in thoughtful discussions, and for strengthening my bond (which was pretty strong already) with the Phils. Having this blog kind of makes me feel more connected. Thanks to you as well, Todd. Talk to you all later.
Posted 08:55 AM, 10/30/2008
Deb in Dixie
What a season. So many thoughts right now. Coming on here and reading the blog every day, no matter if it was a win or a loss. Being so frustrated with our offense at times. Being so proud of our pitching, both starting and the bullpen. Watching Cole go a whole season off the DL, seeing Myers be a man and going down to the minors and getting his game back and not complaining (unlike what happened in Atlanta with Frenchy). Being so frustrated with Howard in April and May, but once again being blown away by him in August and Sept. So many things. That game where we came back against the Mets from like 7 runs down. And that is the cherry on the sundae for me. Not only did we win it all, but we got to watch the Mets choke at the same time. I loved getting to know the regulars on here. And how we could always agree on one thing...that Truth can be anything but! But right now we are all one, all fans of a championship team. What began years ago when they signed Thome finally came to be last night. And how sweet it is!
Posted 08:59 AM, 10/30/2008
timm2
Just booked my flight from chicago for tomorrow morning. cant wait for the parade. i predict zero work getting done today.
Posted 09:15 AM, 10/30/2008
phillywebcast
Awesome photo of Lidge, awesome season, the Phillies are World Champions. Like Pat Gillick said, "Let's Do It Again".
Posted 09:32 AM, 10/30/2008
RollinsWasRight
I am dumbfounded. I don't know what to think, or how to feel. To have been there, next to my, when Eric Hinske swung over the top of an 0-2 slider from Brad Lidge... I think I may have fallen to my knees faster than Lidge did. Thank you so much, Ed Wade! Not for the core of the team, as Gillick said two weeks ago, because that was not you, that was all Mike Arbuckle... Thank you, Ed Wade, for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett in exchange for a bag of donuts!!! World Champions! I am so proud to be one of the lemmings who continued to fill the "Money Pit" all year, including the final game, WHEN THEY WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!! And so much congratulations to Pat Burrell. If last night was indeed his last game in a Phillies' uniform, then he mast his last AB here one we all will remember for the rest of our lives. And to Charlie Manuel, who once again out-managed an opposing manager who was supposedly so much his tactical superior. Maddon made so many gross errors last night it was ridiculous, not the least of which was allowing Howell to face Burrell, and leaving Price in the pen too long, and not starting off with Shields, and not walking Feliz to set up a double play with his best ground ball pitcher on the mound and a guy who hits into a ton of double plays on deck... the list goes on and on... WORLD CHAMPIONS BABY!!!
Posted 09:34 AM, 10/30/2008
RollinsWasRight
Oops... omitted an important word: "To have been there, next to my DAD,..."
Posted 09:38 AM, 10/30/2008
RollinsWasRight
Best lines of the night - Brett Myers, "These people work so hard for their money to come out here every night and support us that I felt I owed it to them to go down to the minors and work things out..." and Cole Hamels, "This is the best game ever! You just show up, try to stay warm and support your teammates, and you get a trophy and a car!"
Posted 09:41 AM, 10/30/2008
MrPhillie
Awesome! The Phils have never done things the easy way, but bottom line is they DID it! Thank you Phillies for making us all proud to be Phillies fans. This team truly had contributions from the entire tam. Thanks Todd for a great forum. Enjoy this moment, have a great offseason, and "let's do it again!"
Posted 09:43 AM, 10/30/2008
mick314
Thanks ZO.......best column ever !!!
Posted 09:57 AM, 10/30/2008
Gary Varsho
High Fives and Hugs all around!! That was the greatest moment of my life thus far. I was 4 in 1980, so I don't remember it. And being there last night was unbelievable! The crowd was amazing from the time we entered the park right until the end. It was great to see Pat get a huge hit, he really deserves it. And it was even great that Jenkins got a huge hit, so just about everybody (sans Taguchi) contributed to this Championship!! Go Phils!!
Posted 10:06 AM, 10/30/2008
RollinsWasRight
Varsho: how awesome was that crowd last night?! I swear, when Baldelli hit that home run, I was more worried about it sucking the life out of the crowd than the team, and it did, for like 12 and a half seconds! As soon as Madson got back on the rubber, they were all right there with him again, aware that it was still a tie game, that we still had a great opportunity to win. I was so thrilled! That place was crazy. Did anyone sit down at all, at any point? I know I didn't. Never felt the seat that I paid for.
Posted 10:11 AM, 10/30/2008
RollinsWasRight
Oh, and one more thing: 7-0 at home this postseaston, 4-3 on the road. After experiencing the crowds against the Brewers, Dodgers and Rays, and looking at those numbers, it is clear to me. Fans DO have an impact on what happens on the field.
Posted 10:16 AM, 10/30/2008
KarenA
I actually got a bit teary-eyed watching the players celebrate and when they re-showed the final out and Chooch running to Lidge for an embrace. An incredible World Series....so much drama from Mother Nature to 1:47am finish time (and not being in extra innings) to Joe Blanton's HR. It has been such fun being a part of the Zoners...to all the regulars: Norma, Deb, Bobby, Jeff G, Bski, Gary V, RWR and even Truth! (plus numerous others I've forgotten) Thanks! I'm already can't wait for next season. ENJOY THIS SPECIAL time! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!
Posted 10:18 AM, 10/30/2008
Gary Varsho
RWR - no, never sat in my seat. In fact, all of the seats looked dusty.. It was just one big party from start to finish... I agree with your thoughts when Baldelli hit the HR, but it didn't seem to matter. It was like we knew we were getting it done.
Posted 10:19 AM, 10/30/2008
former philly gal
Congratulations. Born, raised and educated in Philly, I certainly miss Philly and all the action. In town last weekend for a Sisters' reunion and Wow, the town was hopping. Took home some Philly shirts and am a proud philly gal. St. Louis, MO certainly does not have any good Philly cheesestead sandwiches, even though they try. Again, wish I could attend the parade. Again, congratulations Phillies for a job well done and proud of you!
Posted 10:26 AM, 10/30/2008
bobby
I was definitely struck at how virtually everyone contributed last night: Jenkins (lead-off double to set up the first run), Rollins (a bunt, yes, a BUNT, to move the runner over, and fantastic DP to keep Upton off the bases), Werth (bloop single to put Jenkins on 3rd), Utley (what can you say? play of the series, nailing Bartlett at home, and completing the Upton DP), Howard (nothing offensively, but flawless play at first base), Burrell (poetic justice as Pat gets the near-homer double to set up the winning run; we love ya, Pat!), Victorino (ground ball to move thr runner to 3rd after Burrell's double), Bruntlett (scored his 2nd game-winning run of the series pinch-running for Burrell), Feliz (game-winning RBI single!), Ruiz (called a great game and made the crucial play at the plate to stop the Rays from tying the game), Madson (pitched well despite the homer), Romero (great job to get the win), Lidge (lights out... nuff said). Truly a team effort and a great way to win a championship! Thanks phellas!!!!
Posted 10:30 AM, 10/30/2008
jeff gross
I still acn't believe those thre innings. They might have been the best 3 innings baseball has ever seen. The game was played as it should be: Double, bunt, single in run. Homer, Double, move him over, single home. Threaten in last at bat. I was on the edge of my couch and wide awake even though it was 2:30-4:00 in the morning. Thanks to all of you for helping me stay in tuned with not only the Phillies but the city this summer.Thank you Pat the Bat (I hope you're back) Cole and Lidge, Feliz and Brunlett for last night. And thank you very much to Jenkins, who I promise never to call Junkins again. What a win what a team!! Think of me at the parade tomorrow
Posted 10:31 AM, 10/30/2008
jeff gross
It' snow time to start talking serriously about next season--right?
Posted 10:34 AM, 10/30/2008
jeff gross
Of course a very special thank you to Zo for taking the time to keep this blog up to date, especially over the last few weeks with multiple postings each day. Notice teh other blog still says Madson Starting? Zo--You are the MAN!! and thanks for always responding to e-mails, no matter how late.
Posted 10:53 AM, 10/30/2008
EL Zorro
I’m lucky enough to witness the two world championship. But this one felt different. I just became a fan in 1979 and in the blink of an eye we were champions in 1980. I celebrated with the rest of the city. Went to the streets and came home with the sun. Yesterday, I just stayed home, watching the celebration on the Streets and the interviews on Comcast Sporstnet, how Michael Barkann and Mitch Williams interviewed almost every member of the club one by one, including Charlie Manuel. And I celebrated with them. But I knew it was different when I noticed I had tears in my eyes. THIS TIME I FELT MORE LIKE A CHAMPION! Congratulations to the Phillies, the city and to all of us in this blog who never quit being fans.
Posted 11:20 AM, 10/30/2008
James TL
What a great game! It just wouldn't have been right for the Phillies to win it easily. It was great that Pedro Feliz, our defensive 3B was the one that got the big hit. It was great to see Geoff Jenkins contribute in his first WS. It was great to see Pat Burrell get that big double in what very well may be his last AB with the Phils(although it should have been a triple---it looked like his legs were going to fall off!). Lights-out Lidge, Chase Utley's smart play, Jimmy and Vic's unselfish hitting and Carlos Ruiz playing like a rock! WHOOOOOOOOOOO!! 28 years and the wait is over! THE PHILLIES ARE 2008 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 12:10 PM, 10/30/2008
NJLouis66
Phils were 11-3 in the post season. They beat Sabathia when no one could. They beat Torre and Manny when the mighty Cubs could not. They beat the team-of-destiny Rays when the mighty Red Sox could not. They NEVER trailed a series in the post season. And in all three clinching situations - Game 4 vs. Milwaukee, Game 5 vs. LA, and Game 5-1/2 vs. TB, with all sorts of pressure on and people saying they would lose momentum if they lost, they led off with huge hits - two Rollins homeruns and the Jenkins double. History should record this as one of the really dominant post-season romps.
About Andy Martino
Andy Martino is in his first season on the Phillies beat. A former New York City public school teacher and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he previously wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered baseball and worked with the award-winning investigative sports "I-team."
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