The Philadelphia Phillies had to wait an excruciatingly long 13 years before capturing another division title. The team even made an appearance in the World Series before accomplishing it. That wait came to rest on Monday with a 6-2 win and got them one step closer to their ultimate goal of a world title.
Wednesday concluded with the Phillies finishing off a series win against the Cubs with a 9-6 win. With the Brewers falling 2-1 to the Pirates, the Phillies also secured a first-round bye. The bye comes as a breath of fresh air with the recent adversity the Phillies went through earlier in the summer and a break for a team that needs a few days off to reset and prepare for one of the winners of the Wild Card round.
One thing that shouldn't go unnoticed is how the team handled themselves after securing a playoff berth in New York. Manager Rob Thomson led a champagne toast in the visiting clubhouse with the intent of still finishing off the division and bypassing the Wild Card round.
Phillies owner reminds us he's already a legend after NL East clinch
The Phillies did exactly that and had a true celebration after clinching the NL East. As they piled into the clubhouse in division-winning t-shirts, Thomson again addressed the team, stating his pride in the success of his club. Thomson also ushered in Phillies owner John Middleton and reminded the team what Middleton had said in spring training about getting his trophy back.
Middleton immediately followed up with, "I want my f***ing trophy back!"
Champagne showers ensued immediately and the party officially kicked off.
Still got some work to do... pic.twitter.com/OseXd5hSXi
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 24, 2024
As baseball fans, we get caught up in the moment of the joy and expectation of how the clubhouse should react and with good reason. The joy that radiates from this team is nothing that most fans have ever seen. Middleton is accountable and truly understands how the Phillies team is built into the fabric of the city of Philadelphia, per Zolecki.
John Middleton has been the catalyst for the culture of this team and should be given immense credit on how he's handled it. He goes on the field, greets the fans, and understands the nature of a championship-starved fanbase. He feels it the same as every one of us, which is everything we could ask for. His legend is growing in the city of Philadelphia and a Broad Street parade would look even better with the World Series being closer than ever before.
Winning is hard in Major League Baseball, but what makes it easier is having the head of the organization acting just like one of us, a fan of the game.