Opening Day
March 31, 2008.
The defending National League Eastern Division Champion Philadelphia Phillies opened their 2008 season at home on Monday versus the team they beat to secure the title, the Washington Nationals. The opening ceremonies were electrifying, as P.A. announcer Dan Baker announced the entire team. For the starting lineup he introduced the players from 9 to 1, leaving 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins for the end.
The ovations for Chase Utley and 2006 NL MVP Ryan Howard were nice, but the ovation for Rollins was unforgettable.
The game began, with the Phillies grabbing an early lead, but Brett Myers couldn't find a groove Monday. The Phils fell 11-6, after Tom Gordon allowed five, ninth inning runs.
Aside from the pre-game ceremonies, the game itself was one to be forgotten. The Phillies haven't won a season opener since 2005.
The atmosphere at the ballpark was electric until the Nationals took a 6-2 lead in the middle innings. Rollins tied the game at 6 with a two-run home run in the middle innings, rousing the crowd one final time.
If this team can find pitching like it did last season it will compete all season long with the Mets for the East crown. If not, this team will sink quickly. Let's hope for the first scenario.
The Phillies can be successful for a second straight season and should hope to be if they wish to have the city on their backs again. When that stadium starts rockin' it is one of the most incredible feelings a sports fan can experience.
-Jim
The defending National League Eastern Division Champion Philadelphia Phillies opened their 2008 season at home on Monday versus the team they beat to secure the title, the Washington Nationals. The opening ceremonies were electrifying, as P.A. announcer Dan Baker announced the entire team. For the starting lineup he introduced the players from 9 to 1, leaving 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins for the end.
The ovations for Chase Utley and 2006 NL MVP Ryan Howard were nice, but the ovation for Rollins was unforgettable.
The game began, with the Phillies grabbing an early lead, but Brett Myers couldn't find a groove Monday. The Phils fell 11-6, after Tom Gordon allowed five, ninth inning runs.
Aside from the pre-game ceremonies, the game itself was one to be forgotten. The Phillies haven't won a season opener since 2005.
The atmosphere at the ballpark was electric until the Nationals took a 6-2 lead in the middle innings. Rollins tied the game at 6 with a two-run home run in the middle innings, rousing the crowd one final time.
If this team can find pitching like it did last season it will compete all season long with the Mets for the East crown. If not, this team will sink quickly. Let's hope for the first scenario.
The Phillies can be successful for a second straight season and should hope to be if they wish to have the city on their backs again. When that stadium starts rockin' it is one of the most incredible feelings a sports fan can experience.
-Jim
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