PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Sports is more than just the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers and Union. It's a community of fans with undying support for them.
To 36-year-old Zach Devlin of Willow Grove, it’s like being in a therapy session.
The husband, father of three, teacher and church worship leader loves the camaraderie and conversation with fellow fans. He said he could talk to a younger fan about Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas and at the same time, chat it up with an older fan about Mike Schmidt.
“There’s always that community,” Zach said.
Zach’s brother Luke described him as someone who’s passionate about everything and “goes the extra mile to talk about it and to be involved in Philly.”
Growing up in Olney, Zach started loving sports as a kid in the 90s listening to Harry Kalas on the radio, including late at night with his brother.
Whether playing in their North Philadelphia neighborhood as a kid, going to The Vet back in the day, heading down to the Sports Complex today, or knowing a stat that few might remember, Zach embraces everything about Philly sports. And according to Luke, when watching games, Zach can’t sit still – standing up 50% of the time.
The family bonding and connecting over Philadelphia sports has carried over to present day, with the Devlins sharing that fandom with their children.
Zach and his wife Serlin are parents to seven-year-old Ava, five-year-old Judah and baby Mia, born Aug. 4, 2023, the night Phillies fans gave Trea Turner the big ovation that turned his season around.
“It was right before, so I was cheering on Trea Turner trying not to drop my newborn at Main Line Health,” he said.
Zach proudly says Mia helped put Turner’s season in the right direction.
To hear more about Zach, listen to the latest episode of KYW’s Philadelphia Sports Fan of the Week: