As I walk through Center City these days, awash in the glow of Red October, I'm often asked, "Do you miss it?" The reference is clear enough. Do I miss being on the front lines of the Phillies and Eagles madness. After all, that's where I spent a half-century working in the city's sports media.
Sometimes people will say, "I'll bet you're sorry you retired," referencing my decision last year to walk away from my full-time duties on 94WIP sports radio and NBC Sports Philadelphia. In other words, look at all the fun you're missing.
The truth is I'm not missing it. I'm just experiencing it differently. And it's OK. Really, it is.
I'm sitting back and taking it all in, marveling at what the Phillies are doing, hitting long ball after long ball into the raucous masses at Citizens Bank Park. I'm enjoying it thoroughly and, like you, I'm excited about the prospect of the Eagles making another run at the Super Bowl.
All the good stuff you're feeling, I'm feeling it, too. The goosebumps on your arms? I've got 'em, too. I'm just not talking about it on radio or TV.
I no longer have to live by the code of "No Cheering in the Press Box." Now when Bryce Harper lashes one deep into the night I can celebrate and not have to worry about someone reporting me to the Baseball Writers of America. As a Philly kid, I grew up in Connie Mack Stadium and Franklin Field so I was a fan long before I carried a press credential.
So don't think I'm missing out; I'm not. Actually, my new life has certain advantages. Last month, my wife and I took a two week vacation to Italy and it was wonderful. It was the first time I ever took a vacation in September because for most of my life, I was covering football. We had a great time and thanks to the internet, I was able to see the highlights of the Eagles win in Tampa Bay.
Pasta and truffles with a side of A.J. Brown. It was a lovely combination.
Being a fan again has allowed me to watch the Phillies in a totally different way. I don't have to analyze and scrutinize and pick apart every at bat and every decision by Rob Thomson. If I was still working weekends with Glen Macnow on WIP, I might have questioned the logic of having a leadoff hitter who is batting under .200. Now I just put my feet up and wait for the next Schwarbomb. It is liberating, actually.
Freed from the stats and the second guessing, no longer concerning myself with being objective about what's unfolding with the Phillies, I can just enjoy what is truly a magical ride. I love the fact that the national media, which for years characterized the Philadelphia fans as the worst in all of sports, now write about the towel waving throngs at Citizens Bank Park as the biggest home field advantage in baseball.
I've long argued the Philadelphia fans are the best and now with their support of Trea Turner and how their cheers turned around his season -- and galvanized the entire team -- we're seeing the old narrative being rewritten. We may still hear the occasional reference to snowballs at Santa Claus, but now it will pale in comparison to Harper's heartfelt "I absolutely love this place" soliloquy in this post-season run.
Indeed, these Phillies are the most likable Philadelphia team in my memory. All the years I was writing about and talking about the various teams I didn't view them in terms of likability. I was so caught up in the reporting and analyzing I didn't have the luxury of "liking" them the way fans do. Now in retirement, I can and this Phillies team brought me back to the days when I was rooting for Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts.
What they have accomplished on the field is part of it, certainly. But what really won me over was what they did at the Little League World Series when they sat in the stands at Williamsport rooting on the team from Media. The sight of Harper, Turner and Kyle Schwarber cheering for those kids and then Harper meeting with them afterwards and telling them the loss was "just a stepping stone to being great and that's what you guys are all going to be is great."
It was a moment the Media kids will carry with them forever. How many modern superstars would have done what the Phillies did that day? It spoke volumes about who they are and if they win the World Series, the trip to Williamsport will be part of the story along with the standing ovation for Trea Turner, the clubhouse dances and all the rest.
So don't worry about me. I'm not missing anything. I'm right there with you.