So close. So close. The Phillies came so close to giving their season a storybook finish with a return to the World Series. But they didn’t, failing to bring home the hits in Game 7 and turning over the NLCS to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The dashed hopes leave a familiar feeling lingering in the air.
Yes, this is what it feels like to be a Philly sports fan.
It’s happened a lot lately. In just the past year, the Eagles blew a halftime lead in the Super Bowl. The Sixers coughed up a 3-2 advantage to lose the Eastern Conference Finals.
“You feel that pain in your heart from the Phillies loss? You’re officially a Philly sports fan! Welcome to the club!” Albert Lee, aka @urphillypal, posted on Threads.
“I thought my seasonal depression was suppose to kick in on Thursday with the Sixers, came early this time around,” replied Threads user @chansetyler.
Having victory tantalizingly near grasp is not a new thing for Philadelphia. It’s almost lore. It fits with the chip on the city’s collective shoulder, and is embedded in its underdog mentality. We’ll live and die with our home teams, and root for greatness — but never quite think it’s assured.
This is not just a local view. It’s acknowledged throughout the world of sports.
Still, that doesn’t make it easier.
And as one fan told 6ABC, we still pull for the city we call home.
“I have to work tomorrow,” he said to a reporter. “But I literally sacrificed some time so that these Phillies could take it and take it home. What did they do? They disappointed me. But know you what? I love my Philadelphia!”
