The team deserved this, the city deserved this, and most of all the fans deserved this.  The Philadelphia Philles are the 2008 World Series Champions. How many of you had that at the beginning of the season? Definitely not me. For me the Phillies were a team that would maybe make it to the NLCS but certainly not make a serious run at a World Series title. They proved me wrong; they proved most people wrong. The Rays run to the World Series was a great story, but the Phillies story just might end up being the better of the two. In a few years, everyone outside of Tampa Bay may not remember the Rays magical run; rarely does the loser of a World Series get remembered.

These Philadelphia Philles were not the best team in Major League Baseball this year and weren't even the top two favorites in their own league to make it to the World Series going into the NL Playoffs (My Cubs were and next were the L.A. Dodgers). The Phillies didn't scare anyone with their starting rotation. They had a blossoming star in Cole Hamels (who made everyone around the country take notice in the playoffs that he had arrived), Brett Myers (who was at one point this season in the minor leagues), Jamie Moyer (a 45 year old who shouldn't be this effective at his age), and Joe Blanton (who is a good pitcher but doesn't really strike fear into any batter). Their starting lineup was always viewed as dangerous, but had struggled heading into the playoffs.  The one constant the Phillies had all season was closer Brad Lidge, he held the back of the bullpen down and did not blow a save all year including the playoffs. 

Even though the World Series did not last as long as I had hoped, I feel it brought a breath of fresh air into the baseball world. It featured two teams that most baseball fans around the country don't see too often, and I felt it was good for baseball (even though the ratings aren't too good). I would like to congratulate the Philles fans, even though some people view you all as jerks and poor sports. Which fan hasn't been a jerk or a poor sport before? Phillies fans you deserved this World Series title and I hope you all enjoy it. I would also like to congratulate the Rays and their fans for a magical and inspiring season. Again, congratulations to the Philadelphia Philles for winning the 2008 World Series. (Go, Cubs, Go, in '09)