NLCS Trophy Should Not be The Goal For Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies chairman John Middleton recently made some strong comments about his main goal for the franchise.

Just win, baby.

That’s a championship.

Not a second place trophy.

The Phillies came within two wins short of their first World Series title since 2008. The Houston Astros were just a little bit better.

The object is to win a championship and celebrate with another parade down Broad Street. Middleton has made that perfectly clear.

But in Clearwater, Fla., fans have been showing up along the right-field concourse at BayCare Ballpark to view the 2022 National League Championship Series trophy.

Not to be negative but isn’t that celebrating second place?

The Phillies took their passionate fan base on a stirring run through the postseason. It almost culminated with a championship. It was a special unexpected run.

The only trophies that should be shared are the ones that signify coming in first place. These are professional athletes not U12 players. They understand what’s at stake.

It’s perfectly fine to retain fond memories from the playoff run.

In ’08, they came through and the parade was memorable.

The Phillies were among the most active franchises in Major League Baseball in terms of improving their club in the offseason.

They spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the likes of Trea Turner, Taijuan Walker, Matt Strahm, Craig Kimbrel and retained the likes of Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado.