Did Philadelphia Phillies Celebrate Season Too Soon?
The Philadelphia Phillies had every right to be in a celebratory mood after clinching their second consecutive playoff berth.
After a rough stretch from 2012-21, the Phillies came within two wins of a World Series title last season.
Now they’re heading back again.
The ultimate goal is a parade down Broad Street which hasn’t happened since 2008.
It seems fair to ask these fundamental questions: Did the Phillies party too much for earning a Wild Card berth? Should they celebrate after every round? Isn’t the biggest celebration reserved for a World Series victory?
Garrett Stubbs was dancing like crazy and drinking beer and champagne in overalls. Brandon Marsh rode a mechanical bull. The rest of the team donned goggles, sang “Dancin’ On My Own!” and likely celebrated into the wee hours of the morning.
Too much? Perhaps.
If Philadelphia gets bounced in the Wild Card round, the party will be short-lived. The goal should be winning a championship, not advancing to the playoffs. It’s a step-by-step process which is very difficult to achieve.
In the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, it’s a 16-win marathon on the way to a championship. There aren’t celebrations after every round.
Major League Baseball is different.
That also doesn’t make it wrong.
This is my opinion but I’m not in favor of clubhouse celebrations after every round. I’m also not in favor of celebrating a National League pennant with ring celebrations.
Maybe that’s harsh.
The ’08 team will always be remembered more fondly than ’09 or ’22. The Phillies won it all in ’08 and came up two wins short during the other two years. Special seasons indeed.
But the parade in ’08 will always be etched in everyone’s minds throughout the Delaware Valley.
If Philadelphia keeps winning and continues to advance, the parties will keep going.
But there’s one huge party that truly deserves celebrating – winning a championship.
