Hi Neighbor,
The Phillies are in the World Series! Red October! “I keep dancing on my own…”
What an exciting time for Philadelphia sports fans! Havertown (and everywhere else) is abuzz with Phillies love. There are red t-shirts galore. Pop up tents on the corners selling gear. People chatting in excitement over food, drinks and shopping carts in the grocery aisle. My social media accounts are full of Phillies-related posts and love.
Then, there’s me. I’m not NOT a Phillies fan, I’m just not a sports fan. I know, I knowwwww. I should probably wear a scarlet “thumbs down” on my chest. How can I live in the Philadelphia area and NOT be a fan? We’re known for our fanfare and all of the good (and bad) (and intensity) that come with it!
Well, I didn’t grow up in a “sporting” household. Sure, my stepdad had big games on sometimes. And golf. And we did watch the Superbowl (I say watch loosely – I’ve always been about the halftime show and snacks). My dad loves Nascar and the Dallas Cowboys (because he loves ticking people off). But, there were no jerseys or football Sundays or game goings. I didn’t go to my first Phillies game until after I graduated college!
I don’t understand the rules or plays, so “watching” with my sports-devoted friends is really about joining the comradery and spirit (and the food). I do love the energy. I do love the joy. I don’t love the anger. I do get goosebumps when the giant flag waves across the field, and the national anthem is beautifully performed and when stadiums ERUPT in celebration after a win.
Two weekends ago, my little brother got married. My sister-in-law had red high heels on. When I complimented her, she said “It’s Red October!” Another wedding guest had Phillies “P” adorned socks on with his dress shoes. During dinner, everyone had their cell phones propped up against the center pieces, anxiously watching the game unfold. And then, they were going to the World Series. The wedding celebration paused briefly while everyone jumped, screamed, cheered and celebrated. The DJ abruptly changed songs and the sounds of “I keep dancing on my own…” filled the air. My other sister-in-law couldn’t believe I wasn’t excited and my older brother rolled his eyes and laughed. I just shrugged my shoulders and said “I don’t know what to tell you!”
So, as this week unfolds, non-fan me will be rooting for red because I love to see my friends, loved ones and community so happy and united. Will I watch the games? No, but my son will, so they’ll be on in the background. Will I celebrate every good play or run? Nope. But am I hoping that they win? I sure am, for all of you “crazy Philadelphia fans.” Go Phils!
Kim