November 2022: Red October

I can’t claim to be a true Phillies fan. I was all in on the Phils during their golden years from 2007-2011, but admit that I haven’t paid much attention to Baseball since their last playoff run. So I appreciate the Philly Sports faithful for welcoming me back on the bandwagon. Because the ride through Red October was one I’ll never forget!

I’ll remember watching the 6-run rally against the Cardinals in the 9th with Jordo, Rustad, and the Moutons on Barnaby’s patio.

I’ll remember my friends, Kyle and Ryan, briefing me on the Phillies’ lineup at Andrea’s house so I didn’t seem like such a fair weather fan going forward.

I’ll remember watching the Rhys Hoskins bat slam with our friends at the Fame Fire House Food Truck Fundraiser.

I’ll remember how JT Realmuto’s inside-the-park home run against the Braves lifted the spirits of the Spinelli house just minutes after Michigan trounced Penn State.

I’ll remember watching the Phils come back from a 4-0 deficit to beat the Padres while enjoying a few too many on the Mouton’s brand new back porch.

I’ll remember snuggling with my sick kids on a rainy day as Bryce Harper created one of the greatest moments in Philly Sport’s history. How could I ever forget Jack cheering, “Daddy, we goin doo duh wuhld seedees!”

I’ll remember Game 1 against Houston, when I somehow managed to stay awake for Castellanos’ sliding catch and JT’s game winning home run. Can we start the games at 7 pm next time?

I’ll remember watching Game 2 with the Mastronardo family in my “Phillies official Bandwagon” shirt. I’m still convinced if Meliss kept the good luck rally towel on top of her head, the Schwar-Bomb would’ve been a fair ball and Game 2 would’ve had a different outcome.

I’ll remember the good luck that my niece, Natalie Francis Altano, brought the day she was born. On Natalie’s birthday, November 1st, 2022 – the Phils hit 5 home runs at Citizens Bank Park and an earthquake was detected in the city of Philadelphia.

I’ll remember Charlie’s birthday, where I watched a 2 year old boy, a 4 year old girl, and their 89 year old great grandmother getting equally excited about the Phils game. For an entire family that didn’t watch more than 10 total games from August 2012 – August 2022, we were on the edge of our seat for every pitch.

I’ll remember watching Game 6 with the Bonders at a party in Haddon Township as we washed down the pain of elimination with cold beers, homemade pizza, and karaoke.

And more than any of the games, I’ll remember blasting “Dancing on my Own” on the rides to daycare. I’ll remember the back and forth in the group texts and the hype in the neighborhood, grocery store, office, and everywhere else we went. I’ll remember all of the bonus quality time with friends and family created by the unexpected World Series run.

That’s the beauty of sports. Red October unexpectedly transformed social calendars and infused positive energy throughout the community. It brought die hard and Bandwagon fans together, and created moments that none of us could have expected. And while the Phillies didn’t walk away with a World Series, we walk away with so many shared memories that we’ll inevitably reminisce during their next playoff run.

At the same time, just across the Walt Whitman Bridge in Camden County, another type of Red October was in motion. Led by Coach Jimmy Bonder, the Nick Saban/John Wooden/Phil Jackson of High School Soccer, The Haddon Township Hawks were in the midst of another State Championship Run.

And during that run, some will remember the Penalty Kick Shoot out to beat Shawnee in the Coaches Cup, the header to win the South Jersey final against Glassboro, or the flying volley to win the State championship against Waldwick.

But I’ll remember watching Charlie, Jack, and Cole storming the field to jump into Jimmy’s arms after his team won. I’ll remember Pop’s long, joyful, emoji laden texts recapping all the soccer games in our family group chat. I’ll remember belting out “We are the Champions” with Coach Bonder at a party with his friends.

Again, that’s the beauty of sports. And a few weeks ago, sports were at their most beautiful. I hope we feel the same magic when USA makes a run at the World Cup, the Eagles march towards the Super Bowl, Penn State wins a New Years 6 Bowl, or when the Sixers somehow find the conference finals, but until then…this Thanksgiving I am grateful for the bandwagon ride through Red October.