Philadelphia Phillies fans have been called many things over the years. One thing that has grown more prominent in recent memory is their loyalty. Their ability to show up night in and night out is truly admirable. This weekend’s away series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards was no different.
In a series where the stakes felt truly higher, this was to be a litmus test for a team coming into an opposing ballpark and proving they can compete against the highest level competition. The series was possibly even a 2024 World Series preview. As the Phillies team filled the opposing dugout, the fans, considering themselves part of a package deal, filled the seats.
Crowd reaction to the final out. Is this Baltimore? Philly? London?#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/BV6FCFn0rl
— John Foley (@2008Philz) June 15, 2024
Entering Sunday, The Phillies held the second best record in baseball while the Baltimore Orioles held the third best record. The way the games played out, you would never think this series was happening in mid-June. Game 1 was electric with a back and forth 11-inning battle won by the Phillies. Game 2 featured the Orioles silencing the opposition and evening the series at one a piece.
Phillies fans turn Camden Yards into The Bank
As MLB.com's Paul Casella reported after Friday’s game, Phillies manager Rob Thomson couldn't wait to talk about the loyal Phillies fans showing up in Baltimore and creating the feel of a mid-season playoff series filled with spikes of adrenaline and rain delays.
"So first of all, I just want to say we got the greatest fans in the world. Those people stayed till the end, that was pretty, that was really cool. Our guys really appreciated it," Thomson said, per Casella. "Well I think that's probably the most exciting game that we've had this year. You know, it's like a playoff game and the guys responded so that's good to see."
Keep showing up, Phillies fans! 😤 pic.twitter.com/jDScwDrvXW
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 15, 2024
The crowd of Phillies fans flooding the stands and making themselves known with every pitch was truly the chef's kiss. Drowning out the Baltimore faithful was a sight to see. If the game started to tip the Phillies way, an ignition of fans could be heard chanting "Let’s go Phillies," giving the feel of another home game at The Bank.