That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Philadelphia Phillies: A look back at a decade of honeymoons, nostalgia and reconstruction

By Matthew Landmesser

Game One of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 28, 2009 (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Game One of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 28, 2009 (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA – AUGUST 2: (L-R) Ryne Sandberg #23 and manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies sit in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 2, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves won 6-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA – AUGUST 2: (L-R) Ryne Sandberg #23 and manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies sit in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 2, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves won 6-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

A retrospective look at the past decade for the Phillies, and all of the fan-fare and turbulence that it provided.

As we look ahead to one of the most anticipated seasons in recent Phillies’ history, we can reflect on the decade that was the 2010s and all the tumult that came with it.

The past ten years saw arguably the greatest run in franchise history come to an end, with five straight division championships and two World series appearances from 2007-2011.

The following eight seasons would see an average of 72 wins per season, and an average finish of fourth place in the NL East, with three different managers over the final six seasons.

The beginning of the decade was the highlight of every Phillies fans’ dreams: two straight WS appearances, the acquisition of former Cy Young winners Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee to pair with their World Series MVP Cole Hamels, and their homegrown core of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard at the peak of their primes.

Yet, after the 2011 season, the franchise crashed hard, settling for mediocrity for several season before selling the farm and embracing the rebuild.

While this decade was not the most fruitful in terms of wins and championships, it paid tribute to the players who helped establish Philadelphia as a baseball haven again, and helped fans fall back in love with the team that had broken their hearts in 1993.

With the first half of the 2010s celebrating the careers of the winningest manager in franchise history, a Cy Young winner, two MVPs, and “The Man,” the Phillies end the decade with an improved outlook towards the future, featuring their own former MVP, bonafide ace, and World Series-winning manager.

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