Growing up in central Jersey means we are in the divided part of the state when it comes to sports. The area is split between New York and Philly fandom and it makes sense geographically. My dad grew up in South Jersey (Medford Lakes and Marlton specifically) which is all Philly and so my diehard allegiance to all teams Philadelphia started early.
Philly is a very blue collar city that loves the hard working players on their teams. Philly fans have an edge and a chip on their shoulder. The attitude and appreciation of hard work is something I identify with and is just one of many reasons I love being a Philly sports fan.
I will tell you that being a Philly sports fan is not easy. There is a lot of disappointment. There have been a lot of bad seasons. There has been a lot of losing. But despite all that us Philly fans are diehard and passionate and will always support our teams no matter how bad some seasons are. Philly fans are not fair weather fans who only show up when their teams are winning, but are still showing up during the tough losing seasons.
Philly teams have not won many championships which makes the winning that much sweeter. I feel so lucky to have seen two championships: the Phillies win the World Series in 2008 and the Eagles win the first ever Super Bowl in their history in 2018. While the losing is frustrating, it makes us appreciate the winning that much more.
Philly sports fans are passionate and knowledgeable. If you don’t perform or make an effort you will probably get booed. But it’s because us Philly fans care so much and want our teams to do well so badly that it is frustrating to see one of our players not giving their best. It’s why we love the athletes that hustle and always give their all. It’s why we love the scrappy athlete who gives it 100% every time they put on a uniform.
This is what made this week so magical and special. We are not used to winning in Philly and to see all our teams doing so well is awesome. I love sports because I can get totally lost in them. I may yell (and curse) at the TV when I watch because I get so fired up and engrossed in a game. I often lose track of time and all around me as I follow a game. It takes me away from my reality and into a magical ride that this week has been victorious and incredible.
This was a tough week for me as I had yet another surgery so to be able to lose myself in Philly sports especially the Phillies magical run has improved my mood so much. After ending up with hives and some kind of allergic reaction on my back, I spent Sat afternoon and Sunday in and out of sleep due to Benadryl I took instead of out at Hamilton’s Octoberfest or at the Pink walk we wanted to do at Point Pleasant. I was bummed because it was a beautiful day out but knew it would be smart for me to take it easy and focus on trying to get these hives cleared up which is more important right now.
That’s why I am so grateful I had Philly sports this weekend. I could watch the Phillies celebration and listen to Dancing on My Own over and over. I still can’t get enough of Rhys Hoskins’ bat flip after his 3 run home run on Friday! That’s why I loved watched the Eagles beat our biggest rival the Cowboys Sunday. That’s why I’m so excited for the Sixers to start their season Tuesday night with high expectations. That’s why I can’t wait to see the Union in the playoffs as I’m loving soccer more and more now that my oldest boys play. That’s why it was awesome to see the Flyers, who literally had no expectations and were predicted to be terrible, win their first two games, including a great 3-2 comeback win on Saturday.
Sports helps take me out of the moment and into something magical. I know the losses will come and this amazing ride won’t last but I’m going to enjoy every minute right now. Thank you for an amazing week Philly sports teams.
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