As fans waited for pitcher Brett Myers to throw the third strike on Sept. 30 against the Washington Nationals, they became part of a historical moment that will be replayed forever.
When Myers threw the last pitch, the Phillies celebrated reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1993.
Before the season, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said the Phillies were “the team to beat.” He backed up his statement and added an MVP-type performance to the up and down season.
Injuries plagued the Phillies season, causing reigning MVP Ryan Howard to miss some games. With fan favorite Chase Utley also having to watch games from the bench due to injury, no one knew how a team that depended on their offense was going to win.
At one point all the infielders were on the bench instead of the diamond, with the exception of Rollins, due to injury. Rollins stayed injury-free and was the rock of the Phillies.
It took the Phillies 162 games until they earned a playoff spot. The meltdown of the New York Mets made it possible for the Phillies to even have a chance.
When the final out was recorded, Citizens Bank Park went nuts as players dashed on the field to join in the celebration. The champagne spilled everywhere and got on everyone.
After the big game, Phillies fans were in shock that their baseball team was in the playoffs. Players on the team even stated they couldn’t sleep because of the excitement. With the playoff spot clinched, destiny was finally in their hands.
Eastern students stopped at nothing to watch the Phillies make history. With playoff games scheduled for weekday afternoons, there was a conflict for some students with classes. However, as soon as classes were over, students hurried to the nearest lounge or listened to the game on their computers. The games were also broadcasted on the televisions in the Dining Commons.
The third and last game of the series took place late at night on Oct. 6. The Phillies put up a fight but ultimately lost in a game that went down to the last inning.
Fans were disappointed the series only lasted three games, but are still proud of the Phillies.
“I am happy and proud of how far they made it, but disappointed to see it end so quickly,” sophomore Ezekiel Sprague said.
There is always next year.