Phinally… a World Series

Neither rain, nor snow, nor a 46-hour “sixth inning stretch” could prevent the Phillies from delivering a World Series title to the city of Philadelphia.

The Phillies defeated the Rays, 4–3, in Game 5 to clinch their first World Series win since 1980 and effectively end the curse of William Penn, giving the city of Philadelphia its first championship of any kind since Dr. J and Moses Malone cut down the nets following the 1983 NBA Finals.

“I always thought we could win the World Series,” said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

“I will admit it. And this, this is for Philadelphia! Who’s the world champion?!”

Game 5 began on Monday night before a rain delay suspended play prior to the start of the bottom of the sixth inning with the game tied 2–2. Then, after no action on Tuesday, the potential championship-clinching game resumed on Wednesday night.

As has been the case all season long, Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge threw nasty sliders under pressure to finish what the Phillies started. Lidge closed the door on a one-run Game 5 to cap off the 2008 season with a perfect 48-of-48 mark in save opportunities, including seven saves in the postseason.

But it was Philly lefty ace Cole Hamels who was named MVP of the World Series. After allowing two runs over six innings to start Game 5 on Monday night, Hamels ended the postseason with a 1.97 ERA and 4–0 record — including Game 1 wins in the NLDS, NLCS and World Series.

“Most of all, I’d like to thank the fans. Because without you, it’s a lot harder to pitch — especially in the rain,” joked Hamels, whose second earned run of Game 5 came in the rain-soaked sixth inning. “All I had to do was throw the ball as well as I know how to. My teammates backed me up.”

On the other end of the spectrum, the young Tampa Bay Rays’ underdog story has come to an end. But with emerging stars such as center fielder B.J. Upton, third baseman Evan Longoria and left-handed pitcher David Price, this won’t be the last time the Rays shine in October.

“I can remember the first day of spring training, coming up with the 9 = 8 slogan, everybody thought I was nuts,” said Rays manager Joe Maddon, referring to the motto of nine players working together as a team equals one of the eight spots in the playoffs.

“I can’t say how proud I am of this group. It’s just the beginning, the beginning of a great era of Rays baseball."

The Phillies finished the playoffs with a perfect 7–0 record in the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park, becoming the first team since the 1999 Yankees to go undefeated at home en route to a World Series title.

It is only fitting, however, for a team with a perfect closer, unbeaten ace, two former National League MVPs — in shortstop Jimmie Rollins and first baseman Ryan Howard — and a city that has gone 28 years since its last World Series celebration.

But if this group of Phillies has anything to do with it, the Phanatics in the City of Brotherly Love won’t have to wait that long to raise their next Commissioner’s Trophy.

“Baseball here is coming back,” declared Hamels. “We love these fans!”